Airport reshuffle 'about growth, not cost-cutting'

Auckland International Airport is to restructure its aeronautical units into a single division in a move which it hopes will enhance its working relationship with airlines and enable it to grow services into the airport.

Chief executive Don Huse said the move would enable the airport to "engage with airline customers in a seamless manner on matters of service quality, supply and pricing".

The operations division will merge with the corporate planning and strategy division, which looks after aeronautical pricing and consultation with the airlines.

This was a move driven by the desire to improve customer relationships and ultimately grow revenue, Huse said. It was not done to cut costs.

"The corporate planning and strategy area comprises all of two people, so it's not as if we are consolidating one large group into another," Huse said.

The restructuring has prompted a small management reshuffle.

General manager of operations David Hansen will retire after 16 years with the company but is expected to continue to work closely with the airport in an advisory role.

A new role of general manager (aeronautical) will be filled by Tony Gollin, at present the airport's general manager (corporate planning and strategy). Gollin worked for the airport from 1988 to 1997 before leaving to work in London. He rejoined the company in 2004.

The restructuring leaves the airport with three core divisions - aeronautical, retail and property.

The aeronautical business is the core airport business that looks after all aspects of aeroplane and passenger movement.