Chamber welcomes runway extension impact report
Chamber welcomes runway extension impact report
Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce welcomes the
economic impact report on extending the airport runway which
shows clear benefits for the city, the region and for New
Zealand.
“This report backs up what the Chamber and many others have believed for some time – that there are economic benefits from this initiative,” says Chamber President John Milford.
“The extension has long been at the top of our members’ list of initiatives to help move the city and the region forward.
“The report identifies several reasons for pressing ahead, including the fact that an influx of tourists, business people and international students could inject as much as $1.75 billion into the national economy, and $684m into the local economy by 2060.
“But a surprise is the number of daily flights that would likely turn a profit running the newer wide-bodied jets out of Wellington – flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, or Dubai via Melbourne. Even a return service to Los Angeles and Kuala Lumpur three or four times a week.
“That’s very significant
because that it means more airlines will be attracted to
Wellington and so the whole project suddenly becomes more
feasible. It would mean everyone wins.
“The report also
shows that having such services on our doorstep will mean
big savings in international travel time for those in the
airport's catchment area.
“Saving an estimated one third in travel time and cost is a vital consideration for business.
“This is great progress, it’s very
exciting, and now we wait for the resource consent
application to proceed.
“As far back as 1960 the
Chamber was advocating for an extension for international
jet services, which delivered vital and ever-growing links
with Australia, and today most our members still see direct
long-haul connections as vital to the region.”
ends