WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012 NEW QUEENSTOWN AIRPORT DEPARTURE FACILITY OPEN FOR BUSINESS
2012-08-09 — /travelprnews.com/ — Queenstown Airport’s new terminal expansion, which will double the international and domestic departure facilities, will be open for business tomorrow.
The increased departure facilities are part of Project 2012, a $4.2 million extension plan undertaken to help meet the demands of increasing passenger numbers at Queenstown Airport. The 570sqm departure facility extension on the northeast end of the existing terminal, has space for extra seating, as well as allocated space for additional security screening and emigration lanes when required.
Queenstown Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Paterson, said the new departure area with its outlook to the Remarkables Mountains has “the best view of any airport in New Zealand. It is a fantastic area with the extra seating and space so departing passengers will have a much more comfortable and relaxed experience.”
On its first day of operation the facility will be busy with international flights to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
“We are also hoping that the duty free offering at the airport will increase with our new duty free tenant, LS Travel Retail, flagging the prospects of redeveloping of the Queenstown store with 30% increase in available space in the new international departure area,” said Scott.
The extra terminal space has been designed to be very flexible. “Due to peakiness of flights at Queenstown Airport we often have several domestic flights leaving within a short period. At these times we will be able to ‘swing lounges’ and use the new international lounge for departing domestic passengers.”
The project has involved several contractors with Trevor Meilke managing the build for head contractor Rilean Constructions.
“Trevor, his team and the many sub contractors have worked very hard to build a large contemporary space in a very short time. They put in some long hours even though that cold snap in June and July. We thank them all for their hard work and commitment,” said Scott.
Already completed, as part of Project 2012 was the installation of new oversize baggage belts, in both the international and domestic reclaim areas and the extension of the existing toilet block in the main concourse. A new toilet complex next to the baggage reclaim area will be completed by October.
Photo Caption: Trevor Meilke of head contractor, Rilean Constructions, at the new Queenstown Airport international departure facility.
ENDS
For more information please contact: Nina Crawford on 03 450 9031 or 021 733 315
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