Queenstown Airport Corporation Traffic Year End 30th June 2008

July 08

A new milestone for Queenstown Airport saw 700,640 passengers move through its airport for year ending June 2008. Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Steve Sanderson said “It is great to see our growth continue from last year and break through the 700,000 passenger barrier for the year”. International passengers grew to 62,276, a 16% increase year on year supported by lift of 15% in international flights with a load factor of 78%, an improvement of 1.1 percentage points year on year. Sanderson said “The direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne continue to be popular during the winter months, and the new Melbourne flight during the summer months”.

Domestic passengers grew to 638,364, a 6% increase year on year, with a 1% increase in flights. The major change in the domestic scene was the aircraft volume/mix with the B737 increased by 14%. Overall domestic load factors were 74% with an increase of 2.1 percentage points year on year.

The new Required Navigation Procedure (RNP) system which allows aircraft fitted with the appropriate navigational technology to now land and takeoff from Queenstown Airport in weather minima’s that were traditionally diverted was also a contributor to aircraft and passenger increases. Where RNP is used QAC has recorded only 1% of flights being diverted or cancelled, while non- RNP aircraft have a divert/cancel rate of 5%. Sanderson said “He expects the divert / cancel rate to continue to fall as airlines equip their aircraft with the RNP technology”.

Sanderson said “The RNP technology is a new paradigm for its airport which allows aircraft to manoeuvre safely around the surrounding terrain in all weather conditions”. RNP is fundamental to the airport’s plans to install runway lights this year for night landings which will further improve its position as an “end destination” for leisure travellers.