Improved passenger processing and higher service standards will be the
result of the upgraded and expanded facilities being developed by
Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL). AIAL chief executive Don Huse said the airport’s comprehensive growth
investment programme was focusing on enhancing the overall passenger
experience.

“We processed a record 153,453 arriving and departing international
passengers (excluding transits and transfers) for the week ending 24
December 2006. The passenger numbers over this period were handled
smoothly and without fuss. The entire airport community worked hard
together to ensure seamless processing during what turned out to be the
busiest week in the international airport’s history,” said Mr Huse.

“Our strategic investment programme is designed to ensure that, as the
country’s main international gateway, we can continue to promote the
anticipated strong growth in tourism. It will enable us to deliver high
quality facilities and services for travellers and our airline
customers. We also intend to be well prepared to welcome the tens of
thousands of people who will visit our country for the Rugby World Cup
in 2011”.

AIAL is mid-way through the penultimate year of a four-year, $500
million capital expenditure programme and is also progressing a number
of sustainability initiatives, including a travel plan for staff.

Projects such as the new upper level on the international terminal ($47
million), new hold stow baggage screening ($28 million) and
rehabilitation/widening of the main runway ($37 million over four years)
have already been successfully completed.

Several other major projects are currently under way. These include
terminal upgrades and expansion and initial engineering work for the
first stage of the new northern runway. The new runway, which is
scheduled to be operational in 2010 or 2011, will free up capacity on
the main southern runway and apron space around the domestic terminal.

AIAL is also undertaking a substantial upgrade to the domestic terminal
precinct. A key component of this project is the renovation of the Air
New Zealand domestic terminal, which is being completed in conjunction
with the national airline.

“The strong increase in domestic passenger volumes in recent years
required greater processing capacity and significantly enhanced service
standards and amenities in the domestic precinct”, said Mr Huse.

“Once fully completed, the standard of the upgraded domestic terminal
will be significantly improved.”

Mr Huse said that, despite a tight, live construction site, architects,
engineers and builders are doing their utmost to minimise the impact on
travellers and other airport users and customers. The renovation of the
Air New Zealand terminal is expected to be completed in December this
year.

In the first stage of the domestic terminal “extreme makeover”, new
facilities for regional airline customers including check-in, a separate
baggage claim area, a lounge and new caf?ere completed shortly before
Christmas 2006.

The upgrading of the domestic facilities has also included:

- New forecourts and road layout; - An 850-space multi-level car park
with covered walkway access into the domestic terminal precinct; and - A
2,200 square metre retail, food and beverage precinct.

Work on an expanded arrivals area ($100 million over two years) in the
international terminal is also under way. It is due for completion by
mid-2008. This will provide significantly more space for border
screening. It will also increase flexibility and reduce peak time
delays. The project will also allow AIAL to develop an enhanced arrivals
duty-free retail facility.

The company is also developing a new pier (Pier B) at the international
terminal ($50 million). This will connect to the new expanded arrivals
development and provide two more contact gates (each with two
airbridges), reducing the need to provide buses to and from aircraft and
also providing A380 capable dual-airbridges.

Mr Huse said that the major growth investment programme was based on the
airport’s masterplan, published in March 2006. This most important plan
was developed following consultation with airline customers and other
airport stakeholders. It is consistent with the Manukau District Plan
and provides a clear growth path to achieve the most efficient and
effective development of the airport.

In another development, New Zealand’s first airport marae was blessed at
Auckland last November. Protocol (kawa) is Tainui and the marae is
available for use by people from all ethnic groups and the wider tourism
community.

The company’s sustainability initiatives include a travel plan for
staff. The plan, called lift, includes a tool whereby airport workers
can match up with potential car pool partners on a website. Aircraft
noise, energy use, waste disposal and water management all continue to
be closely monitored and proactively managed. New terminal building
developments include a range of energy saving measures such as the use
of efficient lighting that responds to demand.

AIAL will also be expanding its sustainability reporting within its 2007
annual report

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