Friday, 10 September 2010 at 3.40pm

Daily Update: Christchurch Airport praised for swift response

Christchurch Airport has received many messages of support from international airport companies who have praised their swift response to the major earthquake on Saturday 4 September. The airport re-opened seven hours after the quake and has remained open and fully operational ever since (aside from the Domestic Terminal for three hours early on Tuesday morning). Most flights are running on schedule with no delays.

“Our top priority is safety and the airport buildings and runways are assessed several times a day to ensure passenger safety,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “Most tourism operators are back in business, and we want to let people know that they can continue with plans to visit Canterbury.”

Services in Christchurch city have been restored to most homes and schools will re-open next week. The city’s water has been declared safe to drink.

98% of tourism operators in the Christchurch and Canterbury area are open and fully functional with no significant damage.

“It’s been very heartening to see the resilience of people in Christchurch, and also to receive support and help from other airports,” said Jim Boult. “Auckland Airport has sent us four of their tradesmen to help our staff who have been working non-stop since the major quake. The city and the country have all pulled together and it’s been a great example of well New Zealand can handle a major natural disaster.”

…END

For further comment, please contact:

Monique Oomen

Communications Manager

Christchurch International Airport Limited

Mobile: 021 450 202

Email: Monique.Oomen@cial.co.nz

Christchurch International Airport – New Zealand’s Tourism Gateway

Christchurch International Airport welcomed over 6 million passengers in 2009/2010, ranking as New Zealand’s second largest airport. The Airport occupies a unique position economically, as the South Island’s busiest and most strategic air connection to the world’s trade and tourism markets. In addition, the airport plays an important role as the South Island’s major domestic hub servicing all New Zealanders, enabling passengers to connect to a full spectrum of destinations throughout New Zealand. Christchurch International Airport is a major driver of the regional Canterbury economy, generating airport precinct related jobs for nearly 5000 people.

Christchurch International Airport is owned and operated by Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL). CIAL was established as a limited liability company in 1988, and ownership of CIAL is now shared by Christchurch City Holdings Limited with 75% and the New Zealand Government with 25%. The company’s vision is to be recognised as New Zealand’s leading tourist gateway.

Christchurch International Airport is a carbon neutral company and has received carboNZero certification from Landcare Research following a detailed measurement and analysis process. CIAL is the first airport company in the Southern Hemisphere to attain certified carbon neutral status and is the second carbon neutral certified airport company in the world.

Visit christchurchairport.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

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