KEY POINTS:
Auckland Airport has confirmed it will go ahead with the $180 million next expansion stage of international terminal arrivals processing facilities.
The project had been brought forward by 18 months and would be finished by mid-2011 in time for the Rugby World Cup, the airport said today.
Referred to as Stage 3B, the project would bring the baggage hall, Customs/MAF Biosecurity New Zealand secondary screening area and the arrivals concourse up to a newly developed first floor.
It would provide new roading, expanded car parking and create opportunities for improved retail and commercial services, the airport said.
It would be at the centre of the international terminal and extend across the current forecourt roads.
Stage 3A, including capacity improvements to the arrivals and border agency processing area of the international terminal was under way and due for completion in June, next year.
The extension to the international terminal was part of the airport's 20-year masterplan, which included a new pier -- Pier B -- the first stage of which was now being built.
Auckland Airport said it was continuing to consult airlines to determine an appropriate recovery for the aeronautical costs associated with the investment.
It considered it crucial that finalising pricing did not prevent completion of the project before the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Auckland Airport shares were down 1c to $3.10 at noon today, having ranged between $3.50 and $2 in the past year.
- NZPA
