Simple Flying - Michael Doran
Last month Auckland Airport reaffirmed it was going ahead with its new terminal, but on the same day, the body representing New Zealand Airlines warned the project's high cost would result in fewer people traveling.
The project to replace the terminal is forecast to cost around NZ$2.2 billion ($1.37 billion) and is part of the much larger airport construction program costing around NZ$3.9 billion ($2.44 billion). While there appears to be widespread agreement that the redevelopment is needed, it is the size and cost of the project that has got the airline body in a tizz.
In announcing that the project will proceed, the airport said it has been consulting with its major airline customers since May 2011 on replacing the aging domestic terminal and its plans to build an integrated terminal.
The confirmation gave the green light for the redevelopment to move into the final design stages and start moving toward a projected opening between 2028 and 2029.
