Hamilton airport's $20m boost

By ELIZABETH BINNING

A $20 million expansion of Hamilton International Airport is to be announced today, providing the potential for long-haul travel.

The redevelopment, which was discussed at a confidential Hamilton City Council meeting yesterday, includes plans to extend Hamilton's runway so it can cater for larger jets from destinations as far away as Asia.

Such a move would provide opportunities for long-haul flights on Boeing 767s, an option now available only from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

This could open up a new host of destinations for Hamilton Airport, which has about 5000 flights passing through each month, mainly from Australia or within New Zealand.

Airport chief executive Hugh McCarroll said he could not reveal details of the redevelopment before they were officially unveiled at 9am today.

But the Herald understands other plans in the redevelopment include a major revamp of the terminal and the transformation of some surrounding land into an industrial or commercial arena.

The cost is to be underwritten by the airport's five shareholders - Hamilton City Council, which has a 50 per cent stake, and the Waipa, Waikato, Matamata-Piako and Otorohanga District Councils.

The plans will help the airport cater for increasing demands for transtasman and international services.

The expansion would allow Freedom Air, which runs flights to four Australian cities, to operate without the restrictions it works under at present.

And it would bring millions of extra dollars into the region.

Development of the terminal will mean domestic passengers will no longer have to stand outside in the cold while waiting for their luggage.

Pacific Blue airline executive Tony Marks said such redevelopment was welcomed by the trans-tasman airline, which at present flies out of Christchurch and Wellington only.

Mr Marks said he had spoken with Hamilton in the past about its aspirations and the "go-ahead airport" knew what was required to attract more business.

"They are very well aware that a number of modern aircraft require strengthened or longer runways than is currently the case in a lot of New Zealand [airports].

"If you wish to attract those airlines, and we would be one of them, then you have little option but to ensure your facilities can cope with the aircraft type airlines are using."

Mr Marks said although Pacific Blue had not discussed flying out of Hamilton Airport at this stage, the extended runway was of great interest.


Mr McCarroll said acquiring land for the expansion had been talked about for several years and some had been secured.

The airport bought land at the northern end of its runway in September 2001 and again in March 2002.

John Matheson, a director for Hamilton's Calder and Lawson House of Travel, said the redevelopments would create great opportunities for the airport.

Travel had never been cheaper and the airport, with its central location, had great potential for growth.

"I think it's great, absolutely fabulous.

"I know the travel industry here will support it 100 per cent."

Other plans in the redevelopment include increasing the potential for return on existing land, which is not being used for airport purposes.

The airport at present leases out terminal space and land surrounding the airport.

Airport expands

* Five councils will underwrite a $20 million expansion of Hamilton International Airport.

* The key investment involves extending the runway to cater for bigger jets.

* Long haul flights to Asia will be possible from the bigger airport.