NEW ZEALAND. Auckland Airport has announced that it has committed to the next stage of expansion of the Arrivals processing facilities in the international terminal.
The project, referred to as Stage 3B, will bring the baggage hall, Customs/MAF Bio Security NZ secondary screening area and the Arrivals concourse for meeters and greeters up to a newly developed first floor.
Located between Piers A and B, the building will be at the centre of the international terminal and will extend across the current forecourt roads. A combination of lifts, sloping travelators and escalators will move passengers and their meeters and greeters between the first and ground floors where parking and public transportation facilities will be located.
The development will substantially increase the landside Arrivals concourse and improve terminal forecourt roads, traffic management and car parking facilities. Inbound baggage reclaim/carousel capacity will also increase.
A wider range of food & beverage offerings, foreign exchange outlets, speciality retail, visitor information services and rental car outlets will also be included in the development. Visitors and travellers will enjoy enhanced way-finding and much more spacious areas with a distinctive New Zealand flavour.
Departing and arriving travellers using the new Pier B will not only have stunning views across the Manukau Harbour but will also pass through areas showcasing iconic New Zealand images, art and design as well as native flora, fauna, landscape and textures.
Capacity improvements to the Arrivals and border agency processing area of the international terminal are currently under way with completion planned for June 2008 (Stage 3A). This expansion involves a greatly enlarged and improved Arrivals duty free retail offer, with space doubling to 1,600sq m.
Stage 3A is scheduled to be completed on time and on budget and will deliver much-improved baggage and passenger processing until Stage 3B becomes operational.
Auckland Airport CEO Don Huse (pictured) said: “Once complete, international visitors and returning New Zealanders will enjoy great improvements when arriving at Auckland Airport. Peak queue times will be greatly reduced and our essential border protection services will offer a more welcoming experience in a much more spacious environment.
“Importantly, bringing the project ahead by 18 months means it will be completed mid 2011 and in time for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
“Auckland Airport’s vision is to represent our country. We want it to be an experience that is outstanding, uniquely Kiwi and welcoming. The airport’s strategy is to greatly improve the passenger experience as part of its commitment to New Zealand tourism. This development is essential to enhancing Auckland Airport’s performance during the next few years.”
The location of the new extension is an integral part of the international terminal’s future development as contained in the Airport’s 20-year Masterplan. This includes the new pier (Pier B), Stage 1 of which is currently being built further to the west.
Stage 3B is expected to cost about NZ$180 million. It covers core terminal development and provides new roading, expanded car parking and creates extensive opportunities for much enhanced retail and commercial services. A 4/5 star hotel is also planned for the international terminal precinct.
FROM THE PUBLISHER: Auckland Airport is profiled – and Don Huse interviewed – in the latest issue of The Moodie Report Digital Print Edition. Click here to download.
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