NEW ZEALAND. Auckland Airport today reported a +7.9% growth in revenues to NZ$172.3 million (US$137.4 million) for the first half of the 2008 financial year. The performance was driven by strong non-aeronautical revenues, particularly in retail, which easily outpaced passenger growth.
Non-aeronautical revenues rose +12.1% to NZ$93.3 million (US$74.4 million), buoyed by the airport’s retail operations, combined with increases in car parking and rental income.
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(Left) ITB first floor redevelopment planning is currently in progress and is expected to boost Auckland Airport’s retail offering; (Right) Car parking income, up +15.5%, benefited in particular from strong trading at the domestic terminal | |
Car parking income, up +15.5%, benefited in particular from strong trading at the domestic terminal. Rental income grew +15.7%, driven strongly by new rental streams from properties completed over the last year.
Retail income grew +10.4% to NZ$51.0 million (US$40.7 million). This was boosted by successful concession tenders and new store openings, as well as improved performance of the HMSC-AIAL joint venture food & beverage operation between the airport and HMSHost.
Some of the major concessions awarded have been for foreign exchange (Travelex), car rental (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Europcar) and duty free (DFS Group exclusively instead of the traditional DFS/Regency duopoly).
Income per international pax rose +8.1% to NZ$13.60.
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Auckland’s commercial revenues was buoyed by a series of successful concession tenders, notably duty free |
PASSENGER TRAFFIC FIGURES
Total passenger volumes rose +4.9% to 6,449,543.
International passenger numbers (excluding transit and transfer passengers) rose +3.2% to 1,664,506. While New Zealand travellers remained the largest single category there was continued strong growth from new markets such as India and China. India accounted for a rise of +13.5% while China recorded a promising +8.6%. Some of the other key markets showed declines, such as the UK (-6.2%) and the US (-8.1%).
Domestic passenger numbers rose +8.7% to 2,759,261, driven in particular by the start of Pacific Blue services in the local market.
For the month of January 2008, international passengers (excluding transits and transfers) rose +1.6% year-on-year. International passengers (including transits and transfers) increased by +1.7%. Domestic passengers increased +15.4%.
AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS
Domestic terminal makeover – Upgrading of the domestic terminal in association with Air New Zealand was completed during the period. In addition, five new counters were provided for Pacific Blue, which commenced domestic services in November 2007. The Qantas check-in area was also upgraded.
International terminal expanded arrivals stage one – Good progress was made on stage one (Project 3A) of the expanded arrivals project at the international terminal. It will be completed by mid-2008. It will feature strong Kiwi images and décor, as well as elevated views across the Manukau Harbour.
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Auckland Airport’s northern runway, which will be 1,200m long and operational in 2011, will create a hub for domestic airlines and free up capacity on the main runway |
A 1600sq m arrivals duty free store will also be developed, and the border processing areas are being expanded and improved.
New international terminal pier – Work continued on Pier B at the international terminal, with completion expected in September 2008. Pier B will connect to the new expanded arrivals area and will provide two contact gates, each with two airbridges for two-door handling of large aircraft.
International terminal expanded arrivals stage two – The next stage of the international terminal expanded arrivals area (Project 3B) is being developed in time for the Rugby World Cup, which is being hosted in 2011 [when New Zealand surely will finally end a 24-year drought and win the trophy – Ed].
This project will bring the baggage hall, arrivals processing, and meeter and greeter areas up to the first floor. A wider range of shops and services will be provided, along with better car parking, and forecourt and traffic management with enhanced personal safety outcomes.
Northern runway – Work has begun on stage one, which will be 1,200m long and operational in 2011. The northern runway will create a hub for domestic airlines, free up capacity for larger aircraft on the main runway and provide for projected passenger and freight growth.
Terminal hotel development – A 4 to 5 star, 250-room hotel adjacent to the international terminal has been proposed as part of the company’s Masterplan: 2025 and Beyond. The architecture and interior design are expected to showcase the rich landscape and multi-cultural nature of New Zealand, Auckland and Manukau City.
NOTE TO AIRPORT COMPANIES: The Moodie Report is the only business intelligence service and industry media to cover all airport consumer services, revenue generating and otherwise. Our coverage embraces all non-aeronautical revenues, including property, car parking, hotels, hospital and other medical facilities, the Internet, advertising and related revenue streams. Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin@TheMoodieReport.com for instant, quality global coverage.
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