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Auckland International Airport appoints new representative to Queenstown Airport board
The Auckland International Airport announced the appointment of a new director to the Queenstown Airport board effective 1 January 2025. Incumbent director Mark Thomson confirmed his intention to resign from the board effective on the first day of the new year, and Auckland Airport chief planning and strategy officer Mary-Liz Tuck is slated to take his place. In her current position, Tuck holds leadership responsibility for master planning, strategic capital planning, strategy, regulation, and sustainability. She is also a trustee for the airport marae Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa. Tuck said of the appointment: “Queenstown Airport plays a vital role in the community, connecting Kiwis and overseas visitors to and from the region, and supporting the local economy. I’m delighted to be joining the board at an exciting time for the airport as it looks to progress delivery of its Master Plan and lean into the challenge of decarbonising aviation.” A warm welcome, a fond farewell Queenstown Airport chair Simon Flood welcomed Tuck’s appointment even as he acknowledged Thomson’s service to the board. Flood said: “Mark has made a valuable contribution to the QAC board over several years. We’ve greatly appreciated Mark’s airport-specific knowledge, as well as the breadth of his property and retail experience. I look forward to welcoming Mary-Liz to the board table as the Auckland Airport shareholder representative in the new year. At Queenstown Airport, we are embarking on a significant infrastructure delivery programme and Mary-Liz’s airport master planning and sustainability expertise will be welcome.” Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers added: “On behalf of the community and QLDC, as Queenstown Airport Corporation’s majority shareholder, I extend a warm welcome to Mary-Liz. The airport continues to perform strongly in a highly competitive market and earlier this year delivered a record dividend to the Council of $14.7 million. Mary-Liz’s proven track record at Auckland Airport will add fresh insight and governance skills to the board to help it build on this success. I’d also like to thank Mark for his huge contribution as AIAL’s representative on the board since 2017, especially as it navigated some unprecedented global challenges.”
Emirates transports the Americas Cup trophy from Auckland to Barcelona
As the Global Partner and Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup - Emirates rolled out the red carpet to welcome onboard the oldest trophy in international sport – the America’s Cup, carrying it from Auckland to Barcelona via Dubai. The Americas Cup trophy touched down in the coastal city of Barcelona on 6 October, as fans flood in time to kick-start the exciting match race finals starting on 12 October. Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, said: “We’re thrilled to be back on the water for Emirates Team New Zealand’s defence of the America’s Cup, and we’re also proud to again be the Global Partner and Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. This event is sailing’s pinnacle contest, pushing the boundaries of innovation, technology and talent, and Emirates will be at the heart of all the action in Barcelona. August 22, 2024. Race Day 1 of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta. EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND We look forward to connecting with long-time sailing fans and new audiences passionately cheering on their teams setting on their quest to win the coveted America’s Cup.” Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Emirates is the Global Partner and Official Airline of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. The airline is also a proud sponsor of the series of preliminary regattas leading up to the Louis Vuitton Cup. Through its sponsorship, Emirates will be highly visible across the Race Villages, with prominent branding on the sails and hull of Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC75 America’s Cup class yacht ‘Taihoro’, as well as the official stage and award ceremony areas. Emirates will also be activating its sponsorship rights throughout the races with “fly better” moments as the airline’s friendly cabin crew hand out bespoke luggage tags, merchandise, and other exciting gifts to race goers. Emirates Team New Zealand sail their AC75 ‘Taihoro’ in Barcelona, Spain ‘Sailing better’ since 2004 Emirates has been a long-standing supporter of sailing, with its first foray into the sport in 2004 as the naming sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand. The 20-year partnership has been very successful for both parties, including memorable victories in the 35th America’s Cup as well as its cup defence in front of a home Auckland crowd in the 36th America’s Cup event. The airline renewed its longstanding partnership with the reigning America’s Cup champions last year, remaining the Lead Sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand, with naming rights for the team, as well as the designation of Official Airline and Carrier of Emirates Team New Zealand. With Barcelona as the perfect setting to sailing’s most important races, fans can connect to the city on one of Emirates’ 14 weekly flights, including 7 weekly flights from Dubai to Mexico City via Barcelona. The airline also flies to Madrid with 14 weekly services utilising its iconic Emirates A380 and wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft.
Auckland Airport releases 2024 financial report
New Zealand’s Auckland Airport released its annual report covering its financials for the fiscal year to 30 June 2024. Airport chairman Patrick Strange remarked on how the FY24 financial year was characterised by the strong return of international airline capacity, as well as the introduction of new carriers and routes. This brough seat availability to international destinations to around 91 percent of 2019 levels. Strange explained: “The lift in capacity, particularly on North American routes with a 48 percent increase in available seats, has not only benefited Kiwis but led to a 40 percent growth in North American visitors. [This is] an important economic driver for New Zealand’s tourism industry.” He added that the return of Sichuan Airlines in April of this year has improved connectivity with China. At present, six airlines now connect Auckland Airport with seven destinations in the Chinese Mainland. This increased seat capacity has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels by around two percent. A total of 27 airlines flew non-stop between Auckland and 42 international destinations in FY24, up from 25 airlines and 40 destinations in FY23. Dealing with high fares and competition Over the past fiscal year, the Auckland Airport team worked hard to bring airlines back to Auckland, supporting them to grow and relaunch services. This, in turn, delivered choice and competitive fares for customers. Strange said of this: “Where there is less capacity and competition on routes, airfares remain stubbornly high, most noticeably across the Tasman. When you couple the higher cost of flying with increased competition from other tourism destinations and the economic climate globally, we’ve seen flow-on impacts for key inbound visitor markets. This is especially true for Australia, with fewer Australians choosing New Zealand as their destination.” He added that the current global backlog of replacement aircraft orders drives airlines to deploy available aircraft on shorter but higher-yielding routes whilst holding back on a full return to long-haul destinations. In which case, returning to full pre-pandemic capacity could take a while longer. On the side of caution Meanwhile, Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said that airport management will still take a careful approach to managing costs due to the current economic environment despite recent improvements. Hurihanganui said: “Auckland Airport relies on customers coming and going through our doors so in this environment, where people are being more careful with household spending, we are taking a prudent and careful approach to spending.” This conscientious approach to cost control also covers the airport’s infrastructure programme, putting an emphasis focus on functional, fit-for-purpose facilities delivered in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Nevertheless, Hurihanganui added: “We’re making positive progress in this regard and this past year has seen the visible changes underway across the airport precinct: he first stage of the Transport Hub opening and the closure of the inner terminal road; work on our airfield expansion; road network upgrades; and importantly, real progress on the new domestic jet terminal.” She expressed confidence that the Auckland Airport team is well on track to deliver the much-needed upgrade and renewal of an airport that serves as the gateway for more than 18 million travellers and $26 billion in annual trade.
AirAsia X Announces The Return Of Gold Coast-Auckland Route
In response to popular demand, AirAsia X announced the resumption of the popular Gold Coast-Auckland service on 3 February 2024. At the same time, the airline will discontinue operations on the Auckland-Sydney route on 31 January 2024 to facilitate the service to and from the Gold Coast. AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “Following a thorough network review, we have decided to suspend our services between Sydney and Auckland in late January next year. However, we remain committed to Auckland as a destination and will transfer our services from Auckland to the Gold Coast starting 3 February 2024. “As our first route commenced just over 16 years ago, the Gold Coast remains a key leisure favourite destination for our Auckland and Asian travellers with its world-renowned white sand beaches and famous theme parks. It’s also a hugely popular destination for visiting friends and family both ways and for students studying. “These decisions are made with thorough review and careful consideration of all relevant information. Our network will continue evolving based on several factors, primarily consumer demand. We understand the inconvenience for affected guests booked on the Sydney – Auckland route next year, so we are doing all we can to minimise any disruption by contacting them as soon as possible and offering a range of provisions, including a refund, credit to fly at another time and free of charge transfer via Gold Coast for those booked from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur. “We will continue to monitor the situation, and if demand returns, we will consider reinstating the Sydney – Auckland service at a later date. However, for now, and as a leisure-focused airline, we are seeing more demand across the Tasman to and from the Gold Coast.” Queensland Airports Limited Chief Commercial Officer Adam Rowe said the reintroduction of AirAsia X’s Gold Coast-Auckland service will provide travellers with more options. “This is a welcomed addition to our network and exciting news for travellers – flights between the Gold Coast and Auckland are our busiest international connection, with more than 220,000 passengers travelling on that route since January,” he said. “Around 60 percent of passengers travelling between the Gold Coast and New Zealand fly to or from Auckland, and the return of this service will add more than 350,000 extra seats on that route annually,” Rowe added. “The addition of AirAsia X’s Auckland service will give our customers more choices to connect with loved ones across the Tasman while also creating more competition and helping to put downward pressure on airfares.” From 3 February, three weekly flights from Auckland to Gold Coast will take off, connecting seamlessly to Kuala Lumpur and adding 6,786 tourist seats weekly through Gold Coast airport. AirAsia X continues witnessing high demand for its services on many routes. It has recently increased the number of flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth to Kuala Lumpur to satisfy this demand. Thai AirAsia X’s sister airline has also reinstated popular Flatbeds on flights between Sydney and Bangkok starting 27 November. Indonesia AirAsia has recently boosted frequency on the Perth-Bali route to four times daily. More flights on popular existing routes and new destinations are being explored. They will be revealed as the airline expands across Asia and the Asia Pacific. AirAsia X connects Australia and New Zealand to the wider AirAsia Group network via its primary hub in Kuala Lumpur to over 130 destinations in Asia, including India, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and more, at the best value prices.
Air New Zealand unveils new look premium check-in at Auckland International Airport
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving customer experiences, Air New Zealand has transformed its premium check-in area at Auckland International Airport, which officially reopened. The space has been fully redesigned to deliver an enhanced premium travel experience for customers from the moment they step through the door. Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says that customer feedback on the former premium check-in highlighted the experience could be more seamless so she’s thrilled to get the new space open. “We’re always listening to customer feedback and looking for ways to improve their experience at every touch point on their journey. After the January floods caused damage to the space, we took the opportunity to completely redesign the footprint creating a better customer flow and installing new and refreshed finishings.” The new design features sweeping timber curves imitating the contour of a bird’s wing in motion to help guide customers through their check-in journey. Folded ceiling battens illustrating a stylised nest pattern help soften the area acoustically and illuminated feather motifs, visible between the carved timber screen slats allow design elements to be discovered over time. A living wall replicating the forest floor of the Waitakere Ranges alongside natural stone, timber finishes and a 12 metre digital wall featuring bespoke art and music add warmth and tactility to the sophisticated space. Concierge-style desks provide customers with a space to sit to speak with customer service agents, while the popular self-service kiosks and updated bag drop technology provide efficiency. “We’ve had great feedback that the space now feels bigger, with an improved transition for customers to move from the check-in kiosks to the bag drop. The new colours and textures also provide a sense of calm which is a lovely way to start a trip overseas,” says Leanne. The refreshed premium check-in is the beginning of a new look and feel for Air New Zealand’s physical spaces, expressing the unique diversity, vibrancy, and personality of Aotearoa. “We want people to experience Aotearoa at every point in their journey with us so design elements from this space will eventually carry through to our other customer touchpoints including lounges, check-in spaces and aircraft,” Leanne says. Premium check-in provides frequent flyers, Koru members, and premium cabin customers with an exclusive space to start their journey, allowing them to check-in and drop their bags with swift service and minimal waiting times.
Wyndham Debuts La Quinta in Auckland with 246 keys
The opening of La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland marks the first La Quinta in Auckland and the brand’s second in New Zealand, while reinforcing its longstanding partnership with New Zealand’s Safari Group. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning more than 95 countries, today unveiled La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland. The opening marks the brand’s first hotel in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, ahead of the upcoming AHICE Aotearoa Conference from 10 – 11 October and joins La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown as the second La Quinta by Wyndham hotel in the South East Asia and Pacific Rim (SEAPR) region. As a testament to Wyndham’s strong partnership and high levels of trust with its existing partners, La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland is the 12th hotel that New Zealand’s Safari Group has developed and launched with Wyndham and the fifth Wyndham property that Safari Hotels, a division of Safari Group, will manage, joining Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central, La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City and TRYP by Wyndham Wellington Tory Street. Expanding on its partnership with Safari Group, the third La Quinta by Wyndham property in SEAPR is already in the works and will be based in Parnell, Auckland, slated for opening in mid-2024. Auckland continues to be a desirable destination for international travellers, particularly as international borders have reopened. According to Statista, the number of international visitors to Auckland rose to approximately 1.7 million arrivals as of June 2023, compared to just 226,000 international arrivals last year. The city also recently emerged first on the list of Expedia’s trending summer destinations among US travellers. Rob Neil, Managing Director, Safari Group said, “The opening of La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland is yet another milestone for our relationship with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Our strong partnership dates back to the development of Ramada Suites by Wyndham Christchurch City, and we have since been leveraging the team’s strong commercial and operational expertise to open and manage high performing hotels across New Zealand. We look forward to more opportunities to come that coincide with the rising inbound tourism demand in the market.” Ben Schumacher, Vice President of Operations South East Asia & Pacific Rim (SEAPR), Wyndham Hotels & Resorts shared, “We are truly excited to launch the La Quinta by Wyndham brand in New Zealand’s largest city. We are witnessing first-hand the ongoing travel recovery and this latest high-quality addition to the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts family will give even more options to our loyal guests to enjoy.” La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland is stylishly designed to reflect the dynamic energy of the City of Sails, promising a memorable stay filled with warmth and high-quality hospitality. The 246-room hotel also comes with a variety of amenities for guests including a well-equipped gym, conference facilities and more. Nestled in the quiet suburb of Greenlane, the hotel offers convenient access to Auckland’s city center near plenty of lively attractions including a variety of dining and shopping options. Nature lovers can also take relaxing strolls in Auckland Domain and Cornwall Park and enjoy the many events and offerings extended throughout the city year-round. With Auckland Showgrounds just an eight-minute drive away, business travellers and conference participants can look to La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland for a convenient, relaxing, and comfortable stay.
Now fly with Qatar Airways, direct Doha to Auckland
Qatar Airways is re-introducing a direct Doha to Auckland flight, which commences on 1 September 2023 and will operate seven times a week/departing daily at 01:50 local time. Qatar Airways will be operating an Airbus A350-1000 on the route with 46 Business Class and 281 Economy Class seats. A key feature of the service is the Qsuite, which is available to Business Class passengers. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “The direct Doha to Auckland service augments a number of new routes announced in recent weeks and enables passengers in key European markets including the UK and Ireland to save time with this direct connection. Business Class passengers on board our Auckland flights can also enjoy the enhanced privacy of Qsuite, which has been awarded the Best Business Class Seat in the World.” Travellers can begin booking flights from today for the resumption on 1 September 2023 and those previously booked for after 1 September travel will be re-accommodated, due to their tickets being via Adelaide to Auckland. With the largest global network in the region and the Best Airport in the Middle East offering seamless and efficient connectivity to destinations across the world, Qatar Airways continues to lead the recovery of international air travel with the airline rebuilding its network to more than 160 destinations worldwide. Daily Flight Schedule: Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) QR920 departs at 01:50 and arrives at 02:45 (+1) local time. Auckland (AKL) to Doha (DOH) QR921 departs at 15:00 and arrives at 23:15 local time. From 24 September, due to daylight saving time changes in Auckland, both QR920 and QR921 will arrive and depart one hour later, respectively.
American Airlines returns to Hollywood with Los Angeles – Auckland Route
Following its official return to New Zealand last year, American Airlines has announced a new seasonal service between Auckland (AKL) and Los Angeles (LAX). Launching on 21 Dec, the new route to Hollywood marks the airline’s second operation to Auckland, following the successful launch of its Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) route in late 2022. The introduction of LAX to its roster marks American’s continued focus on strengthening its Asia-Pacific footprint, ensuring customers are provided with opportunity and means to explore new destinations. Los Angeles also serves as an important gateway to explore the continental U.S., Hawaii and Mexico. “The response we had from the New Zealand public when we returned to shores last year was overwhelmingly positive, so we’re excited to be launching our new seasonal LAX route later this year,” said Kyle Mabry, American’s Vice President of Operations and Commercial, EMEA & APAC. “Working closely again with our partners at Auckland Airport, we aim to provide customers with a sustainable, seamless travel experience that opens them up to new destinations, adventures and memories.” Seasonal daily service between the City of Sails and LAX will operate until Mar. 3 with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering customers a world-class flight experience complete with Flagship® Business and Premium Economy cabins, high-speed Wi-Fi, and hundreds of movies and TV shows on-demand at every seat. American’s inaugural LAX–AKL flight will land at Auckland Airport Dec. 23 and will depart for LAX Dec. 23. American also offers codeshare service between AKL and LAX operated by oneworld® alliance partner, Qantas. AKL- LAX schedule Origin Destination Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft AKL LAX 15:50 6:55 Boeing 787-9 LAX AKL 23:50 10:25 (+2 days) *Flight times subject to change and account for Daylight Savings.
American Airlines returns to Hollywood with Los Angeles – Auckland route
Launching on Dec. 21, the new route to Hollywood marks the airline’s second operation to Auckland, following the successful launch of its Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) route in late 2022. The introduction of LAX to its roster marks American’s continued focus on strengthening its Asia-Pacific footprint, ensuring customers are provided with opportunity and means to explore new destinations. Los Angeles also serves as an important gateway to explore the continental U.S., Hawaii and Mexico. “The response we had from the New Zealand public when we returned to shores last year was overwhelmingly positive, so we’re excited to be launching our new seasonal LAX route later this year,” said Kyle Mabry, American’s Vice President of Operations and Commercial, EMEA & APAC. “Working closely again with our partners at Auckland Airport, we aim to provide customers with a sustainable, seamless travel experience that opens them up to new destinations, adventures and memories.” Seasonal daily service between the City of Sails and LAX will operate until Mar. 3 with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering customers a world-class flight experience complete with Flagship® Business and Premium Economy cabins, high-speed Wi-Fi, and hundreds of movies and TV shows on-demand at every seat. American’s inaugural LAX–AKL flight will land at Auckland Airport Dec. 23 and will depart for LAX Dec. 23. American also offers codeshare service between AKL and LAX operated by oneworld® alliance partner, Qantas. AKL- LAX schedule Origin Destination Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft AKL LAX 15:50 6:55 Boeing 787-9 LAX AKL 23:50 10:25 (+2 days) *Flight times subject to change and account for Daylight Savings.
Auckland Airport To Undergo Major Renovation
A new domestic terminal seamlessly connected to the existing international terminal is among the announced upgrades. The airport said that the new domestic terminal, which will replace the existing one and cost NZ 2.2 billion, will open sometime between 2028 and 2029. The current terminal is 57 years old. The remaining NZ$1.7 billion will be used for other integration-related initiatives, such as anticipated price hikes in building and holding expenses. “This is a big investment for Auckland Airport, one which we have been working for many years,” stated Auckland Airport chair Patrick Strange in a statement dated 17 March 2023. The domestic terminal has been around for about 60 years and needs to be replaced. It’s about to reach its maximum capacity, and it’s been useless for some time. The replacement project “would have been far underway if not for the pandemic,” Strange added. Moreover, Strange stated that the airport had been discussing connecting the domestic and international terminals with major airline clients for over a decade. By an extension added to the building’s eastern end, the terminal integration scheme will, for the first time since 1977, consolidate domestic and international flights under one roof. “It will make travel easier and faster, cutting domestic jet to international transfer times to a five-minute indoor walk. A new check-in experience will provide state-of-the-art facilities for both domestic and international travellers, including the ability to check in and store your bag at any time throughout the day,” said Carrie Hurihanganui, the chief executive of Auckland Airport. “Smart baggage systems will save time and reduce stress at either end of a flight. There will be faster links to public transport via the new Transport Hub we are building on the doorstep of the international terminal. We will also provide new gates and other facilities to help airlines smooth and speed-up turn-around times.” In other words, “renovations just won’t cut it anymore,” as Hurihanganui put it. The more extensive integration programme will involve employing 2,000 people at peak construction, significant upgrades to airfield pavement and underlying utilities, and two floors of floor space to the existing international terminal building for the new combined terminal. Auckland Airport is currently consulting with major airlines and the Board of Airline Representatives (BARNZ) on the future location for regional travel; however, regional turboprop flights, those travelling to smaller town centres, will continue to use the existing domestic terminal for the time being. Before the advent of covid, an annual total of 9.6 million domestic passengers used the domestic terminal, while 11.5 million international passengers (including transits) used the international terminal. The new, integrated terminal will open between 2028 and 2029, initially serving international and domestic flights with larger, more fuel-efficient jet aircraft.
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