Air NZ only airline pushing for new airport in South

AIR New Zealand appears to be flying solo on its suggestion for a new domestic and international airport somewhere in the South other than Queenstown.

The Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand, which represents Air New Zealand and 28 other airlines, has not expressed a view on the idea put forward by Air New Zealand chief ground operations officer Carrie Hurihanganui.

In her submission to the Queenstown Airport Corporation over its bid to extend noise boundaries at Queenstown Airport, Ms Hurihanganui said QAC’s plan to extend the boundaries and invest in Wanaka Airport would to be at capacity in the next three to not ‘‘ultimately be sufficient’’, and four years, and that’s the pressing establishing an airport that could issue that we’re focused on.’’ cater for growth should be considered. ‘‘I think Air New Zealand’s looking

That has opened up ideas for airat the longer term; how they’re going ports anywhere from Lauder to Lumsto be able to meet the future growth of den. visitors in the wider region . . .

However, BARNZ has confined because ultimately it’s clear Queensitself to submitting only on the noise town will have capacity limits.’’ boundary issue. In his submission, Mr TigheUmbers

Executive director Justin Tighesupported the QAC’s proposed noise Umbers told the Otago Daily Times boundaries. yesterday his organisation was ‘‘If new flights cannot be accommo‘‘focused on being able to meet growth dated, growth in visitor numbers will in the nearer term’’ while Air New diminish.

Zealand was looking for longterm ‘‘This would be likely to increase solutions to airport capacity issues in the price of air travel to and from the Central OtagoLakes region. Queenstown,’’ he said.

‘‘[QAC] has indicated they’re going