Record international passenger movements in May

Christchurch International Airport experienced record international passenger movements in May, with a significant increase of 13.2% on the same month last year.

The trans-Tasman route in particular showed strong growth with Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast up 12%, 13.9% and 15.1% respectively on 2006.

Gareth Owen, Christchurch International Airport Ltd's (CIAL) General Manager, Marketing and Business Development, commented that this strong growth on the Tasman is a reflection of a greater take-up of reduced airfares. "This increase in passenger movements, in what is generally a quieter month for international travel, is reflected across all the airlines. Loadings for both the value based airlines, such as Jetstar, and the full service carriers, for example Emirates, were well up in May compared to the previous year", Mr Owen said.

Christchurch International Airport Ltd also attributes the significant increase in international passengers to aggressive joint marketing initiatives in Australia, such as Tourism New Zealand's "What's On in the South Island" campaign, which is supported by CIAL and South Island tourism operators.

"The growth for passenger movements in May reflected the biggest year-on-year growth since 15% was recorded in November 2006", said Rene Bakx, CIAL's Chief Executive. "With the onset of cold weather in recent weeks, we are hoping this trend continues over the winter months. A strong snow season will really help drive visitor numbers to the South Island."

Domestic passenger movements for May were comparable with the same month last year.

ENDS

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