18 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Christchurch Airport: DHL Group T T Kim Newth Facility to provide ultimate efficiency The ongoing expansion of the freight apron ensures the airport is keeping pace with rising demand. DHL Express is counting down to the opening of its new $42 million gateway facility in 2026 at Christchurch Airport’s freight and logistics precinct, Dakota Park, which highlights the airport’s growing strength as a key driver of economic growth in the South Island. As Canterbury’s leading freight hub, Christchurch Airport plays a critical role for South Island businesses seeking to grow their capabilities, sales and connections. Dakota Park handles billions of dollars in goods each year. For businesses based there, it offers all the convenience of direct air and land connections, and easy access to State Highway 1 and the city. Spitfire Square is also nearby, offering a range of services including pharmacy and supermarket. “Dakota Park has developed incredibly well over the past decade and is now home to some large multinational businesses,” says John O’Dea, chief property and infrastructure officer, Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL). “Having a freight precinct with direct access to the apron is a unique point of difference that supports the South Island’s competitiveness and connectivity in the global economy.” The ongoing expansion of the freight apron ensures the airport is keeping pace with rising demand, as South Island producers continue to grow their markets. DHL’s new 8500sqm facility reinforces that theme: it is bringing together their service point and gateway functions at a single airside location with fast parcel-processing capabilities. The new gateway will have a state-of-the art line sorter conveyor system to efficiently process parcel shipments, both inbound and outbound, along with highspeed X-ray screening capabilities. “This exciting new building is now complete on-site and has been handed over for the fitout,” says John. “It is as efficient as you could make it: with the expansion of the freight apron, they will soon be able to park their dedicated freight aircraft right outside and unload freight directly for fast processing.” John says the advanced parcel-sorting system for DHL in Christchurch will boost both capacity and efficiency, and the new facility will save time and handling, once operational. “For DHL, having advanced sorting capability in both the North and South islands is also a win for resilience. For customers in Christchurch and the South Island, it will mean faster access to international markets, as well as faster access to imported goods.” As well as investing in its freight precinct, Christchurch Airport is stepping up as a leader on sustainability and clean energy, with its Kōwhai Park renewable-energy precinct embodying this vision. DHL Express also has aspirational goals on sustainability. The new Dakota Park gateway will be DHL’s first 100% carbon-neutral facility in the country – using renewable energy, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions and incorporating sustainable building materials. This latest investment by DHL follows the expansion of its Auckland airport gateway in 2016, along with expansion of DHL air network connections. DHL has consistently supported strong growth in Christchurch and the South Island with a daily Boeing 767 operation connecting businesses here to the world. The new DHL gateway at Dakota Park is a further vote of confidence for the South Island that will be welcomed by exporters and importers alike, who are seeking prompt and efficient access to international markets. Meanwhile, in another recent significant boost for Christchurch, the Pratt & Whitney multi-million-dollar expansion of the Christchurch Engine Centre is also currently in full swing, cementing the centre’s reputation as a global leader in aircraft engine servicing. • 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 Proudly supporting The Christchurch Airport www.efaflex.com
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