14 | Expansion to increase freight capacity The expanded freight apron, will cover the area of six football fields, adding an additional 30,000sqm of apron and 15,000sqm of taxiway. Christchurch International Airport T T Bernadette Cooney REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A major infrastructure project is well underway at Christchurch International Airport, doubling its air freight handling capacity, and reinforcing its role as a significant global logistics hub for the South Island. The $40 million freight apron expansion is being undertaken by Fulton Hogan as the lead contractor. On track for completion towards the end of this year, the expanded freight aircraft parking area, or apron, will cover the area of six football fields, adding an additional 30,000sqm of apron and 15,000sqm of taxiway. It can accommodate up to eight narrow-body 737-sized aircraft, or four 757 aircraft, a sharp increase from the current three-aircraft capacity. “This upgrade is a cornerstone of the airport’s 2040 Master Plan, which plans for future-proofed operations that are key to boosting the region’s global trade capabilities and connections,” says general manager of property at CIAL, John O’Dea. “It’s about enabling growth across the freight ecosystem. Supporting exporters, driving jobs, and keeping up with increasing demand for global e-commerce. Most cargo moves at night, so having the airport with the ability to fly 24/7 is a real advantage for us. E-commerce can be delivered faster, and perishable exports get to market fresher. “Demand for air freight has grown significantly alongside growth of online retail, as has time-sensitive air freight exports like fresh produce,” John says. “This will also improve our capacity for agricultural exports, which is beneficial for the regional and wider South Island economies.” The airport currently hosts eight daily freighter flights, double the pre-Covid number, and maintains strong freight links with Auckland, Palmerston North, and Australia, the US, Dubai, Singapore, and China. Christchurch has the South Island’s runway for wide-body aircraft, and the handling capacity required for freighter flights. Qantas Freight has recently increased its freighter flights operating from Sydney to Christchurch via Auckland, from four to five times a week and added a new weekly Melbourne connection. The nature of the freight apron requires very specific design requirements that can handle the volume of aircraft and methodology that align with the airport’s sustainability goals. “Fulton Hogan are using low-emission asphalt and recycled construction material on this project, and we’ve included some infrastructure which will support emerging technologies in aviation, so we’re thinking long term,” says John. The freight apron expansion includes landside facilities, with an additional 12 hectares of land being opened for freight operations, providing new opportunities for logistics companies at neighbouring Dakota Park, the airport’s dedicated freight precinct. “The proximity of Dakota Park to the freight apron is by design, and a huge advantage, shortening transfer times and lowering costs for freight forwarders,” says John. Dakota Park tenants are excited for the investment because it makes their operations more efficient and scalable. Global names like DHL, DB Schenker, NZ Post, and FedEx already operate out of the park, with DHL constructing a new 7000sqm logistics centre, and New Zealand Couriers investing in a 15,000sqm expansion of its current facility. PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT Find us at: (03) 323 7085 www.taggart.net.nz • Structural Engineering • Architectural Design • Civil Engineering • Industrial and Commercial BuildingDesign Specialists www.engenium.co.nz | +64 3 366 0434 Proud to support Christchurch International Airport
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