Auckland
about New Zealand, want to come for a holiday, but haven’t to date for a variety of reasons.”
Besides, says Findlay, Continental “knows what it is doing”.
The US is the third largest source of tourist arrivals to New Zealand, and a signifi cant trading partner for the Kiwi economy. “Access to an interior point in the US, which is also a member of the Star Alliance and will work with Air New Zealand, ticks all the boxes. It broadens our connectivity to states and cities east of the Rockies, that in the past have seemed too remote for many Americans.”
Two-year process
The Continental deal was a result of two years’ work, and Findlay is understandably chuffed with the result. “To have the B787 announced fi rst for Auckland was ‘best in class’,
www.routesonline.com
world fi rst stuff,” he says. The outcome was even sweeter considering that discussions took place during an economic slowdown from 2008, when trading conditions were tough. “We worked very hard on this, with almost two years of constant discussions, regular visits, and engagement with a huge number of people at different levels in both business and community groups, and local and state government agencies,” says Findlay. “I even attended Rotary meetings in Houston to push the message on one occasion. I’d hate to admit how many times we visited Continental Airlines, but each time we learnt more. They came to trust us, and, I hope, they chose us to make the announcement because we’re easy to deal with. They could have decided to fl y that plane anywhere in the world, and they chose us.” However, frustrating delays in delivery of the aircraft to many airlines have pushed back the start date of this service several times – the current estimate is 2012. Despite the wait, Findlay says that at Auckland Airport “the aprons are ready, we have the capacity, and can’t wait for it to arrive”.
Encouraging airline growth Exciting as it is, that’s not the only route development making news in Auckland. Facing the economic downturn, with profi ts and passenger numbers fl at, and the airport’s share price feeling the pinch, management’s focus has been on carriers with growth aspirations and/or the ability to grow.
Findlay explains: “Encouraging an existing carrier to grow frequencies is just as important to us as a new market entrant, particularly from a new
destination or source market, such as Guangzhou in China. We’re proactive in working with and talking to airlines, and diversifying our markets is also a good way to protect against one market that may suffer in any given event – from, say, unfavourable weather, economic downturn or political unrest – and provides exposure to other strong markets.”
As a result of these endeavours, Auckland has welcomed a number of new or expanded routes. In January 2011, Taiwanese carrier China Airlines restarted its services to New Zealand after a 10-year absence. Auckland Airport’s chief executive, Simon Moutter, says Taiwan is a market of high growth potential for New Zealand, having recently loosened its visa policy to make outbound travel easier. “With a large migrant community in New Zealand, we believe a new service to Taiwan will be a great success and will help open up more of Asia to New Zealand.” In April 2011, China Southern Airlines will launch direct air links from Guangzhou to Auckland, rather than routing via Melbourne, Australia, as was originally announced.
Moutter says this was in line with the
airport’s strategic focus. “Auckland Airport is totally committed to growing the number of direct air links with China as quickly as possible to help ensure New Zealand gets its fair share of the fastest growing tourism market in the world. Having one of the biggest airlines in the world going direct sooner than planned is a fantastic result that will drive more visitors here and offer them more time to see what our country has to offer.”
Thai Airways marked its 50th anniversary in December 2010 by announcing a return to daily services to
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