AIAL to Seek Foreign Exchange, Finance Proposals

AIAL to Seek Proposals for Foreign Exchange and Financial Services

Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) announced today that it intends to seek proposals for the provision of foreign exchange and financial services at the airport.

The current term of AIAL’s contract with the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), which has held the airport’s foreign exchange and financial services concession since 1989, will expire in one year. The airport plans to issue a Request for Proposals by December 2006 for a contract due to start in October 2007.

AIAL retail general manager, Nick Forbes, said the successful financial institution or institutions would supply foreign exchange and financial services for the more than 11 million passengers who currently pass through the airport each year. With over 70 per cent of international visitors to the country arriving at, and departing from Auckland Airport, strong growth in the number of passengers is expected.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Auckland Airport and for the successful financial services organisation to extend the range of foreign exchange and financial services available to passengers,” Mr Forbes said.

“BNZ has indicated that it will participate in the process. The airport company has enjoyed a strong business partnership with the BNZ. The bank has been an excellent operator and AIAL welcomes its proposal along with proposals from other interested organisations.”

Foreign exchange is a key component of the retail offer and passenger services at Auckland Airport which, in Australasia, is second only to Sydney Airport in terms of the number of international passengers.

“In addition to providing enhanced foreign exchange and financial services, the service provider also plays a wider role as they are often the first point of contact for overseas tourists, and positive first impressions of New Zealand really count,” Mr Forbes said.

Future developments supporting the growth of foreign exchange and financial services include the expansion of retail shopping in each of the arrivals and departures areas of the international terminal.

ENDS

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