19% Growth in Domestic Passenger Movements

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.

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