Auckland Airport goes Wi-Fi

By NZPA

Monday 1st August 2005

Auckland International Airport is going hi-tech, launching one of the country's biggest wireless platforms.

Initially the "Wi-Fi" programme - a technology used by laptops for high-speed, wireless connections to the Internet - will be used for operational tasks, but in a few months passengers in international airline lounges will be able to surf the net.

Tony Wickstead, the airport's head of IT, says Wi-Fi is an exciting new move.

In the first stage of the rollout, airport staff will use the technology to trace luggage throughout the airport.

"The next step will be to offer other tenants on the airport mobile access to information wherever they are, without the hindrance of wires."

The project, in partnership with Telecom, will also be gradually introduced to parts of the domestic terminal.

"The long-term aim is to have the entire airport precinct wireless enabled, making it the largest wi-fi campus in New Zealand," Wickstead said.

The technology has been around for a number of years, but the airport needed to make sure its system was robust, easily expandable and secure, he said.

"Unlike many other facilities, the wireless network at Auckland Airport can be used for everything from aircraft operational requirements, wireless telecommunications, remote access to information airport-wide and also the retail side, with passengers eventually being able to use specific Wi-Fi `hotspots' to surf the Internet and check email."

In the next few months, international airline lounges, including Air New Zealand, Qantas and Emirates will begin to offer passengers Wi-Fi access. Over the next year, hotspots will pop up in cafes and other parts of the terminal.

The airline is considering using wireless flight information screens and electronic signage that can be moved around in the terminal.

Other uses include remote printing, security, cargo handling, check-in equipment, and access to aircraft maintenance manuals.

Shares in Auckland Airport, which went ex-dividend today at 12 cents per share, last traded down 10c at $2.24.

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