Forum Archive Index - January 2004

[robin benson <rob@hammerheadmedia.co.uk>]

Very interesting. I have been keeping an eye on developments in this 
area.

What has happened here in the UK (it's been happening for a while) is 
that as the main airports get busier and busier, demanding higher usage 
costs of the carriers that use them, other airports have opened up/been 
renovated and now enjoy significant freight and passenger traffic. This 
has also made the market more competitive, and seen the emergence of 
what are now powerful budget airlines [1]. Where have you heard the 
words "budget airline" before?

Many will note Infratil's investment in Glasgow Prestwick airport. Old 
and tired, the low-cost carrier use of this airport has supplemented 
freight throughput to the point where this and the irresistable NZD/UKP 
cross rate led Infratil to buy the other shareholders out. Never mind 
that Prestwick is not really near Glasgow.

No surprise, therefore, that Infratil have their eyes on Whenuapai as 
well [2].

Other examples of smaller airports near larger cities offering an 
alternative to cheaper carriers: London Stanstead, which is nowhere 
near London [3] yet carries an insane volume of passenger traffic to 
destinations all over Europe for a number of carriers. Significant 
volume, yes indeed, but that's not necessarily a prerequisite. 
Stockholm Vasteras, quite some way from Stockholm [4] (see a pattern 
here) works equally well but on a different scale. As does Beauvais for 
Paris, and Pescara for Rome (lovely train ride over the mountains in 
between). And so the list goes on.

One possibility is that Whenuapai, as a new commercial airport, would 
be renamed "Auckland Whatever" and offer a more competitive service to 
the existing main airport. Of course there are implications, in both 
directions, for property values in the area affected.

Robin

disc. no Infratil.

[1] Ryanair and Easyjet (having recently swallowed Go) being the largest
[2] http://www.infratil.co.nz/1/4079.htm
[3] However, note the excellent transport links to London
[4] With, of course, cheap and frequent links to Stockholm

On 20 Jan 2004, at 20:11, nickk@quicksilver.net.nz wrote:

> Fotopress/Dean Purcell
> Hundreds Give Views On Whenuapai's Future
> 21/01/2004 06:35 AM
> NewstalkZB
> The Defence Force has received at least 1,500 submissions on the 
> future of the Whenuapai air base.
> The Air Force is quitting the Auckland headquarters in favour of 
> Ohakea, which will make available prime real estate in west Auckland.
> The Waitakere City Council wants to use the land for a commercial 
> airport, but those living under the flight path object to that idea, 
> and the Defence Force will make recommendations to cabinet over future 
> development.
> Waitakere council spokesman Bryan Mogridge says it defies logic to 
> wreck an airport based in the fastest growing area of New Zealand. He 
> believes a new airport would also have a positive effect on roading 
> around Auckland, re-balancing traffic.
> Mr Mogridge believes there are not a huge number of people against the 
> use of Whenuapai as an airport.
> But Auckland International Airport says there are several viable 
> options that would provide significant economic benefits for Auckland, 
> and the operation of a commercial airport is one of the least likely 
> to do so.
> It says other uses for the site would be superior in economic, 
> community and environmental terms, providing better job returns and 
> job creation opportunities for the local economy. It believes a second 
> airport at Whenuapai would unnecessarily duplicate existing airport 
> infrastructure in Auckland, including Government bio-security and 
> security screening systems, and facilities for the disposal of 
> bio-security items.
> The airport company claims the environmental consequences of a second 
> new commercial airport would be adverse for residents in Waitakere 
> City and on the North Shore, with noise a particular problem.
>
>
>
> Interesting developments here.  I am interested to hear from anyone 
> who lives in Greenhithe or related area who might be affected by the 
> airport.  Of course AIA has a vested interest to protect their 
> monopoly.  But I do think a second airport for Auckland is unnecessary 
> and agree with the AIA submission.
> Any thoughts.
> Gooner


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