MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30 2009
Jet Capable Runway step closer for Hawke’s Bay Airport
A jet capable runway for Hawke’s Bay is under active consideration with the airport company today announcing it wants to tender the first stage of the extension project.
Hawke’s Bay Airport chairman John Palairet said the board had recommended to shareholders that it wished to proceed to tender for an extension that would initially accommodate medium sized jet aircraft for domestic and charter activities.
The proposed $6 million project would see the existing commercial runway, which is one of the shortest in the country, extended from 1310 metres to 1750 metres, reconfiguration of the terminal for domestic screening and a full scale security fence
Planning would also commence for the first stage development of a commercial business park beside the airport.
Mr Palairet said the airport company had accumulated cash reserves and established a strong operating platform to contribute this first building block to the development of the airport.
“We are creating jet capability within the bounds of our resources and operating earnings and establishing a long-term regional asset,“ Mr Palairet said.
The company’s shareholders, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and the Crown, had been fully briefed on the development plans and have supported proceeding to the design of the lengthened runway.
Once the design and likely costs have been determined, the Board would then finalise a business case for consultation with its shareholders.
Mr Palairet said the success of a proposed fully serviced business park, mainly accommodating commercial and light industrial businesses with connections to airside activities was closely linked to the provision of a jet capable runway.
“Businesses are far more likely to invest in sections at a business park if they know that Hawke’s Bay will have a jet capable runway.”
Mr Palairet said that while this first stage investment in the runway extension had no obvious initial payback to the airport company – it was the first step in attracting commercial jet aircraft.
He called on Hawke’s Bay’s key stakeholders and agencies to drive the utilisation of the extended facility.
“As a region we must get behind and drive developments like the airport which will increase passenger traffic, investment and economic growth in Hawke’s Bay.
“It is crucial that a coordinated programme by a lead agency promoting Hawke’s Bay maximises this opportunity.
“If a satisfactory price is negotiated and shareholders continue to support the proposal the extension will proceed in May next year with completion scheduled for May 2011.”
Click here to view the outline plan of the runway extension and initial work for the business park.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Hawke’s Bay Airport
Chairman John Palairet - Mobile +64 021 422 903
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