Wellington Airport has completed the installation of its new runway safety zones, with energy absorbing blocks now in place at each end.
The engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) provides additional safety in the unlikely event of an accidental aircraft overrun.
It also effectively extends the usable runway length by optimising space between the safety zones, with a landing distance increase of 143m and a take-off distance increase of 37m.
WLG ceo Matt Clarke (pictured) says with the new runway dimensions WLG is now capable of handling next generation widebody aircraft non-stop from major hubs in Asia and North America, and will enable full passenger loads on outbound services to new destinations for the airport.
“We’re not announcing new services at this stage, but the Wellington region is the largest market in Australasia without a direct connection to Asia. The turbulence currently felt by the travel industry will settle in time and we can all look forward to celebrating the arrival of long-haul flights to the capital when the time is right.