Auckland Airport in New Zealand is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016 and has issued a commemorative booklet and dedicated webpage to mark the occasion. The airport was officially opened on January 29, 1966, at an event attended by more than 100,000 people. Since then, Auckland Airport has grown from serving 700,000 passengers in its first year to more than 16 million in 2015.
“50 years is a long time and an important milestone worthy of celebration,” said Adrian Littlewood, chief executive for Auckland Airport. “The airport’s official opening marked the start of the international jet age for New Zealanders – with new destinations and faster and bigger aircraft. However, the opening was not without its own challenges – it had taken almost 25 years and countless studies, reviews, funding debates and much political discussion before a decision was made to locate New Zealand’s international airport in Mangere.
“In the 50 years following its official opening, Auckland Airport has played a key role in connecting New Zealanders with the rest of the world and as our country and city have grown and changed, so have we.
“We’re no longer just a place for travel, but one of New Zealand’s largest companies playing an active role in helping drive growth in travel, trade and tourism for New Zealand. Auckland Airport itself is now a hub of economic growth, home to hundreds of local and global businesses where 30,000 people come to work every day.”
To view Auckland Airport’s commemorative page click here.