Getting through Auckland Airport sped up during the summer peak but the company warns of looming temporary disruption for international travellers
The improvements followed arrivals area expansion, new security screening technology, and the new express pathway for eligible travellers, AKL chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui says in six-month results out today. .
Over the summer peak period AKL median international departure processing times were 21% faster, at 6.5 minutes, compared to the same period last year, while international arrivals were 10% faster at 18 minutes. Domestic departures also showed strong improvements, with departing passengers processed 21% faster year-on-year, at a median time of less than four minutes during the peak, running 08 Dec to 18 Jan.
. . . Terminal Update
A key AKL construction project, the integrated domestic jet terminal remains on track for completion in 2029, says the airport company.
Construction activity at the international terminal over the next 18 months means AKL is opening a temporary check-in facility and there are changes to the passenger access routes in the coming weeks. And as such it warns that travellers can expect some temporary disruption as this complex work gets underway, particularly in international departures. “We will be asking international travellers to plan ahead and allow extra time,’’ says Hurihanganui.
Clear signage and more staff will be on hand to support customers at the international terminal, she adds.
. . . Fares Fall
The total number of passengers increased 2% to 9.64 million for the period under review.
Air New Zealand seat capacity to Australia was up 8.4%, and capacity to the Pacific Islands up 7.3% on the previous corresponding period. Jetstar and Qantas lifted seat capacity from AKL to Australia by 4% and 7.3%, respectively, during the half year.
Overall, there was a 5% increase in domestic jet seat capacity, or 181,000 seats, helping to make flying more affordable on key routes with average jet airfare costs falling by 6% during the period.
AKL’s underlying net profit after tax was up 6% to $157.1m while profit after tax, including revaluations, was down 5% to $177m. Of the $519m in total revenue, parking income increased 14% to $41.1m as travellers moved to high-quality, closer parking and longer duration stays.
