New Zealand’s Christchurch Airport has inked a deal with Fulton Hogan to expand its freight aircraft parking area to meet rising demand for cargo operations.
The deal is part of the airport’s 2040 Master Plan and will support the South Island economy by boosting trade connections, particularly in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector. In line with the airport’s sustainability goals, Fulton Hogan will use recycled materials and low emission asphalt in the construction work, which is expected to be complete by Q4 2025.
The section of the apron where the freight aircraft park is set to increase to a size equivalent to six football pitches, providing space for up to eight smaller 737-sized aircraft or four larger 757 widebody aircraft – a substantial leap from the current capacity of just three.
Christchurch’s ability to operate 24/7 plays a key role in the airport’s success as a cargo hub, according to the airport’s CEO, Justin Watson. “Parcels arrive sooner and Kiwi goods are exported fresher,” he said.
Adding that the increase in online shopping and export of high-quality, perishable goods and other local produce is also helping to drive the increased demand in air freight services, Watson said the apron expansion will allow the airport to keep supporting the region’s growth. “It enables us to meet the rising demand for air freight, boosting economic development and reinforcing our position as a crucial link in the global trade network.”
The expanded area is strategically located close to a number of logistics providers in the airport’s freight hub – Dakota Park. International logistics companies including DB Schenker, Freightways, CourierPost, NZ Post, Agility, Fedex and Hellmann Logistics are already tenants, with others expected to join and an additional fourty hectares of land available for future development.
CEO of Business Canterbury, Leeann Watson added: “This investment sends a strong message that Christchurch and our airport are ready to grow and evolve with the changing needs of businesses across the South Island. It positions our airport at the forefront of New Zealand’s global trade infrastructure,” she added.
Image source: Christchurch Airport
