KEY POINTS:
New Auckland International Airport chief executive Simon Moutter has finished a revamp of the organisational structure and leadership team that he says will help it focus on "people not planes".
The new structure comprises three divisions of aeronautical, retail and property, supported by a new aeronautical business development unit and a corporate centre.
The airport for the past five years had spent on average $100 million a year but was now spending half this, Moutter said.
"It doesn't imply that we don't care about planes any more but the last five years have really been focused on getting the infrastructure around the airport right for the aircraft. Now we're going to focus entirely on the use of that infrastructure for the people who are passing through every day."
The company was focusing on improved retail, food and beverage and property.
By the middle of next year it hoped to have in place an agreement to develop a high-quality hotel on airport land.
Among new faces at the airport is aeronautical business development general manager Glenn Wedlock, who starts early next year from Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds and Mitre Peak Cruises.
Retail general manager Adrian Littlewood starts in February, moving from Telecom where he was involved in mass-market retail.
Moutter a former Telecom executive said Littlewood would "bring much needed marketing skills to make the uniquely Kiwi experience work for us".
Engineering general manager Steve Reindler left in November and the responsibilities of the former engineering division have been incorporated into other divisions.
The new executive team was about the same size as under the previous regime but Moutter said there would be "some flattening" of staff below that level by April.
"With tougher global economic conditions and volatile fuel prices influencing likely passenger and airfreight demand, it is critical that Auckland Airport puts significantly more focus on business development."
