Strong Passenger Growth Spurs Upgrade

The Hawke’s Bay Airport terminal expansion has been given an upgrade, boosted by the latest passenger growth figures and the target of one million passengers by 2025. Last September the airport announced a redevelopment of the airport terminal increasing its size from 2500m2 to 3800m2 to accommodate the growth in passenger movements and visitors to the airport. Recently appointed Hawke’s Bay Airport chief executive Stuart Ainslie said that due to continued passenger growth, potential new revenue opportunities and future security screening requirements, an independent review recommended upscaling the terminal by a further 540m2. “The airport has reported strong passenger growth and we’ve also set a target of reaching one million passengers a year by 2025. At the same time, we reviewed the proposed floorplan and amenities and have made some generous modifications. “It’s important that we create a sense of place and that visitors get a true taste of Hawke’s Bay either by visually promoting the region within the terminal or via retail offerings of Hawke’s Bay products such as food and beverages (wine),” Mr Ainslie said. The airport has experienced strong passenger growth with 652,000 passenger movements recorded in the financial year ending 30 June 2017. The current expansion plan was set to cater for up to 800,000 passengers, which it was initially forecasted to hit in 2024, but has since been revised to 2020. In the last week Air New Zealand has announced an additional 12 one-way flights between Napier and Auckland, while Origin Air is introducing new flights from Napier to New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Nelson. The terminal when complete will be 74 percent larger than the existing footprint and will include new airline check in areas, an automated baggage handling system, a dedicated arrivals gate, a central hospitality and retail area; new bathrooms, airline offices and an expanded Air New Zealand regional lounge. The rental car concierge area will also be relocated within the terminal. The new entranceway to the airport at the intersection of Watchman Road, SH2 and Meeanee Quay is also close to completion and is due to open by the end of September 2018. Posted: 12 August 2018