Wellington Airport has released its Master Plan for 2030 following extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders on its draft, and a thorough public submission process.

“We will invest $450 million in aviation infrastructure to deliver a premier gateway for over 10 million passengers, more than double today’s numbers, ensuring Wellington Airport’s role as a significant driver of the region’s economic growth,” said CEO, Steve Fitzgerald.

Infrastructure development will include improving the efficiency of the runway, twelve additional aircraft parking stands, expanding terminal space by 70 per cent whilst  retaining a user-friendly single terminal for domestic and international travel, a multi-storey car park and public transport interchange adjacent to the terminal, and commercial development including an airport gateway.

By 2030, the airport will be making a direct contribution of $1.6 billion per year to Wellington’s regional economy, with a flow-on impact of $3.1 billion per year. The airport will sustain 21,000 full-time-equivalent jobs, generating around 11,500 new jobs in the region.

Mr Fitzgerald said that travellers will benefit immensely from the airport’s investment, with facilities that will continue to offer them an efficient, friendly and innovative airport experience. “The airport will reflect its “Wild at Heart” personality so that when people arrive, they will know they are in Wellington,” he said.

Growth of public transport usage features in the Plan providing for a public transport hub adjacent to the terminal. The Plan caters for a wide choice of modes of transport to and from the airport including bus, cycle, pedestrian, taxi, private vehicle and shuttle, and has the flexibility to change if the modal mix changes.

“Good airports need good access and we will work with authorities and public transport providers to ensure the airport is well linked with the region.

“We welcome the Government’s recent announcement on the upgrading of SH1 Wellington Northern Corridor (Levin to Wellington Airport) as it recognises the importance of roading links in enabling the region and the airport to grow to their potential,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

The Plan gives careful consideration to the potential impacts on the environment and the airport’s neighbourhood. New airport buildings and infrastructure will incorporate stormwater treatment systems and low-energy design, and the airport will assess and monitor changes to its carbon footprint.

“Providing an environmentally sustainable airport is a fundamental aim. We are committed to reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from the airport as well as making improvements to the efficiency of the airport asset,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

The increase in passengers will be offset by the use of larger and quieter aircraft to maintain aircraft activity near to current levels. “We will also work with our partners, Wellington City Council, the airlines and the Air Noise Management Committee to introduce measures to better protect our neighbours against aircraft noise,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

The 2030 Master Plan can be viewed on and downloaded from the airport website www.wellingtonairport.co.nz

ENDS