Christchurch Airport in New Zealand achieved record-breaking growth for the 2016 financial year (FY16), after serving more than 6.3 million passengers, with 7% growth on the trans-Tasman network and 18% growth on long-haul routes.
The increased traffic meant the airport injected an extra NZ$180m (US$134m) into the South Island regions and generated a record NZ$31m (US$23m) in dividends for shareholders.
David Mackenzie, chairman of Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL), the airport operator, said, “Christchurch remains the South Island gateway for international visitors. We’ve seen very pleasing progress this year, with increasing international airline capacity and high airline load factors.
“We have also continued the development of our land to lift revenues, grow shareholder value, increase dividends and balance risk associated with what can be a dynamic aviation industry.”
During FY16, CIAL completed and opened Spitfire Square, its new convenience retail complex, and opened Mustang Park, its new tourism transport hub. It currently has NZ$168m (US$125m) of new investment property development underway, including the South Island Freight Hub, being developed in partnership with logistics firms Freightways and Courier Post; a 240-bed JUCY Snooze pod hostel, due to open in October 2016; and a 200-room Novotel hotel due to open in December 2017.