03 September 2019
Airports of the Lower South to collaborate for the benefit of region
Queenstown Airport Corporation, Dunedin Airport and Invercargill Airport Limited have entered into a cooperative
arrangement through the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The multi-lateral airport arrangement is the first of
its kind in New Zealand.
The purpose of the arrangement is to foster a collaborative working relationship across the airports of the Lower South
and to make a positive contribution to the region. To that end, the airport companies will work together to identify and
explore opportunities and undertake joint initiatives.
QAC Chief Executive, Colin Keel said: "Over the past two years the airport leaders have been discussing opportunities to
work together in a number of areas including health and safety, environmental sustainability, operational excellence and
supporting strategic regional tourism initiatives. Entering into this cooperative arrangement formalises our shared
commitment to work collaboratively.”
Dunedin Airport Chief Executive, Richard Roberts said: “Relationships are a large part of what we do and Better Together
is one of our strong company values. We have so much to gain by working together, to the advantage of each airport and
our unique region of the Lower South.”
Invercargill Airport General Manager, Nigel Finnerty said: “Working collaboratively with the airports of the Lower South
will help open up more of our place to more people. The opportunity to work with the other southern airports on health
and safety, operational excellence and environmental sustainability will support connectivity and growth across the
entire region.”
The airports combined facilitate approximately four million passenger arrivals and departures on scheduled flights and
over 100,000 general aviation movements each year. They also provide almost $10 million in dividends annually to their
collective shareholders, mainly local district councils and their communities.
The companies are prioritising collaboration on environmental sustainability, health and safety and regional tourism
initiatives. To support achieving their shared goals, the airport leaders will meet on a quarterly basis and members of
the respective leadership teams will come together for an annual summit.
ENDS