Christchurch Int'l Wins Airport of the Year

Continuing their winning streak, Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has won the Airport of the Year award at the annual New Zealand Airports Association conference last night. This award is for any outstanding airport initiative, and the CIAL submission was based on their route development and tourism marketing strategy. The other finalist was Auckland International Airport.

"This has been a year of awards for Christchurch Airport," said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. "I'm proud of our staff and their sterling efforts, as these awards reflect the hard work the whole company puts in. We work hard at our partnerships with airlines and tourism organisations, and I'm delighted this work has been recognised, both nationally and internationally."

Earlier this year CIAL won the Oceania, Asia-Pacific and Global awards for route marketing at the prestigious international Routes Airport Marketing Awards, which are voted on by airlines all around the world.

Jim Boult says he believes there are a number of factors which contributed to their win last night, including successful travel industry partnership, tourism campaigns, airline relationships and operational excellence.

"We're also fortunate in having a very collaborative approach in Christchurch, where different organisations work together to attract visitors to our region. We thank all our industry partners for the great work we've done together to grow tourism."

Further Information:

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 http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

© Scoop Media