Wellington runway extension must take off
Wellington needs to lift the hand break on its much needed growth through better international connectivity.
The proposed extension to Wellington Airport’s runway will unlock the growth potential of central New Zealand through
greater air connectivity and foot traffic in and out of the capital. More than 700 people per day, each way, flying
long-haul from Wellington’s market catchment make the business case for the extension compelling and difficult to
ignore.
There are four times the number of people to fill direct flights to Asia out of Wellington and that number is expected
to grow. Wellington City Council deputy mayor Justin Lester says the numbers are sound and should be left to do the
talking.
“Our analysis has been undertaken by EY and Intervistas, a leading management consulting company with expertise in
aviation, transportation and tourism, and independently peer reviewed by PWC and Airbiz. The numbers are very sound."
Mr Lester says the council has been in dialogue with airlines who have expressed interest in operating direct flights
out of Wellington. “They recognise Wellington is a lucrative and profitable market, given the level of Government,
corporate and diplomatic corps activity in the city. All mayors of our nine regional councils have agreed to support in
principle, a proposal that they contribute to the estimated $300 million that will cost to build it."
He says it is predictable that groups such as the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand Inc (BARNZ) say they have
not heard of plans of any international airliners operating out of Wellington.
“Of course they haven’t heard about plans. These plans are commercially sensitive information and affect competitiveness
in the industry, no one is going to announce it this early on into debate."
Property Council Wellington Branch President Mike Cole says the branch strongly supports Wellington City Council’s
efforts to see the runway extended.
“We need international connectivity which is a key character of every international city. It is greatly pleasing to note
Wellington City Council commit $90 million in its draft 10-year project plan to the $150 million coming from councils.
That is 60% of the total share, and demonstrates the council’s willingness to help our city prosper."
Wellington Airport CEO Steve Sanderson says studies prove the project’s benefits. “There have been a number of
independent market studies which all verify a significant positive impact for the Wellington region of an expanded
airport, demand for increased international services, and profitable routes for international airlines to add Wellington
to their global networks.
“On this basis the airport and city council have decided to continue to move forward at scoping an expansion of the
current runway and seeking consent for it."
A resource consent application will be lodged with the Environmental Protection Agency this year, with a decision
expected in 2016; which would offer the certainty required that the extension project is reasonable and practical.
ENDS