Wellington airport welcomes Commerce Commission final report

Tuesday, 30 June 2015, 11:37 am
Press Release: Wellington Airport Limited

30 June 2015

Wellington airport welcomes Commerce Commission final report.

Today the Commerce Commission released its final report on Wellington Airport's aeronautical charges confirming they are within an acceptable range. The Commission has also reported that the information disclosure regulation is working well and the approach used for aeronautical pricing was consistent with the Commission’s recommendations.

Wellington Airport undertook consultation with airlines in 2014 for using the airport’s terminal and runway services from June 2014 to March 2019. Over the next five years the airport will hold the average price per passenger.

“We welcome the Commission’s findings and comments that the airport’s re-pricing is within the acceptable range,” said Steve Sanderson, Wellington Airport Chief Executive.

"The collaborative consultation with airlines and feedback from the Commission last year has delivered positive outcomes and will see the airport invest $110M over the next 5 years in the Main Terminal expansion and apron development and a further $140M on commercial developments including a Hotel, Multi-Level Carpark and Retail Park,” said Sanderson.

The Commission previously reviewed the airport's level of innovation, quality and pricing efficiency and found they were at appropriate levels.

“Wellington Airport is committed to improving travel and tourism infrastructure and is consistently rated among the best in Australasia for service quality,” said Steve Sanderson.

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The 6000sqm extension of the Main Terminal is well progressed after years of planning and will significantly enhance travellers' experience through Wellington. It will double the width of both southern piers and remove the large air handling units that currently take up a significant foot-print in the main terminal.

“In addition to the major extension, we are also going to improve the domestic lounges at the northern end of the terminal, along with introducing washroom facilities at the gates.”

The Commerce Commission’s previous reviews of Wellington Airport’s performance noted its current returns were within the acceptable range, but did have concerns about potential returns in the future.

The airports targeted return for the coming five year period would remain within the acceptable regulatory benchmark. It is always important that the regime continues to provide incentives to invest and grow tourism and travel infrastructure over the long term.

ENDS

Wellington Airport

Wild at Heart

Wellington Airport provides a world class airport for visitors, the Wellington region and New Zealand. It's international terminal, The Rock, is ranked 4th best in the World. Being very close to the CBD saves 5.4 million travellers plenty of time and makes Wellington a more attractive place to visit. The Airport won the Wellington Gold Awards for Safety and is a major supporter of local events, attractions and community groups.