Christchurch Airport’s terminal is undergoing a revamp, with new facilities including 12 food and beverage concessions, as well as new retail spaces, upgraded bathrooms and a large children’s play area expected to be ready for a busy summer season.
With the airport serving as a gateway to the South Island, the project is the New Zealand hub’s first major upgrade since the terminal opened in 2013, with Airport CEO Justin Watson saying: “This major project will take a great terminal and make it even greater. It’ll modernise our food and beverage offering with a distinctly Kiwi flavour and provide much needed entertainment.”
Underlining the importance of reflecting a “sense of place”, two of the new eateries, Fush and Tatou, will be operated by Otautahi entrepreneurs, Anton and Jess Matthews and Maia Gooday, who are known for their work in the community. They are currently recruiting an additional 30 staff to work at the airport.
Meanwhile, Shawn King and Yong Song, who already own Sushi Platter in the terminal, will deliver three new outlets in the food court.
They said: “We’re privileged that Christchurch Airport has given us this opportunity to share our cuisine and culture with travellers. We’re incredibly grateful to grow our presence in the airport community.”
David Cooper, Christchurch Airport’s GM of Custoemr and Commercial, explained that the airport has partnered with global company SSP on its terminal revamp, with the food and beverage operator managing seven outlets, including bar and restaurant Portal at the top of the escalator. A refurbished Urban Pantry café will open in the regional departure lounge, while visitors in international arrivals can enjoy the all-day café Discovered.
“SSP specialise in airport food and beverage offerings and operate in 37 countries,” he said. “Their goal is to be the best bit of any customer’s journey – we’re lucky to be their first entry into the New Zealand market. We’re grateful for their support which enables us to deliver the first major refresh of the terminal in over ten years.”
Digitisation will be key to the revamped food and beverage offerings, with more self-service kiosks and interactive screens to help future-proof the airport and further improve efficiency for all visitors to the terminal.
Describing the airport as an important economic engine for the region, Business Canterbury CEO Leann Watson said: “This investment is a win for the region’s businesses. It will bring additional visitors to our region and position the region and the South Island well for future growth. We’ve always thought Christchurch Airport is the best airport in the country – this will ensure it stays that way.”
