Domestic travel up almost 20% at Christchurch Airport
Christchurch International Airport Ltd has reported domestic passenger growth of almost 20% compared with October last
year. While international volumes have decreased by 3%, in line with national and international trends in the current
economic climate, growth in the domestic market has occurred over and above the recent increase in seat capacity.
CIAL's General Manager Marketing & Business Development, Gareth Owen, says it's pleasing to see that an increase in affordable airfares in the market has
stimulated domestic travel. "Amidst news of economic doom and gloom, it is reassuring to see that New Zealanders are
increasingly travelling domestically and on the Tasman routes, with the increase in domestic competition growing the
market as expected".
The Tasman route has held steady for the month, with no change in passenger numbers compared with last year. Competition
for passengers has increased recently, with Jetstar, for example, increasing services into Brisbane and the Gold Coast
to grow the leisure travel market.
Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan says the airline's trans-Tasman service from Christchurch has been one of
Jetstar's most successful routes over three years of operation. "Our Christchurch operations, which have performed ahead
of expectation, are the catalyst for the Jetstar brand to further grow on the competitive trans-Tasman market," Mr
Buchanan said.
For the month of October, domestic travel increased 19.4% on October 2007. International passenger volumes fell by 3.4%.
Overall for the month of October, passenger volumes through Christchurch Airport increased by 12.4%.
ENDS