19% Growth in Domestic Passenger Movements through Christchurch Airport
Christchurch International Airport has experienced the highest number of domestic passenger movements ever, during the
month of January 2008.
Domestic passenger movements were up 19% on the same month last year, and have been consistently improving for the past
three months. "This substantial growth in domestic passengers is fantastic for the South Island's tourism and economy,
and is a reflection of lower airfares in the market," said Gareth Owen, CIAL's General Manager Marketing and Business
Development. "It is great to see that Qantas, Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand all increased their passenger numbers on
their domestic services and that more people are choosing to travel to the South Island", says Mr Owen.
Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism's chief executive Christine Prince says the growth in domestic passenger movements
reflects the region's growing reputation as a top-class visitor destination. "New Zealanders are really starting to
appreciate how much our region has to offer and word is getting out that it's hard to beat Christchurch and Canterbury
in terms of diversity, richness of experience and the warmth of the welcome.''
The significant increase in domestic passengers is also due to the ongoing support from Christchurch International
Airport Ltd's aggressive joint venture marketing initiatives with airlines, regional tourism operators and Tourism New
Zealand. On Sunday 24 February, Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism is launching a new marketing campaign, supported by Christchurch International Airport Ltd, which
aims to get even more North Islanders to take advantage of increased domestic airfare competition, and their extra
week's holiday to escape south for short breaks.
International passenger movements increased for the ninth consecutive month, with passenger movements in January up 1.3%
on the previous year.
ENDS
Christchurch International Airport – Gateway for the Best of the South Island
Christchurch International Airport welcomed 5.5 million passengers in 2006/2007, 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 excel in the delivery of airport
services as the gateway for the best of the South Island.
CIAL 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.