Auckland Airport Expands

Auckland International Airports has acquired Westpac’s 24.55 per cent stake in North Queensland Airports (NQA) for AU$132.8 million as part of a strategy to grow beyond its New Zealand business. It sees Cairns as a good fit because of its focus on Asian tourism, with Mackay’s exposure to the North Queensland resources sector an added bonus. NQA operates the nation’s seventh-busiest airport at Cairns, with 3.7 million passengers in 2008—09, as well as the smaller Mackay airport. Both Auckland, which attracted 13 million passengers in 2008—09, and Cairns are end-point destinations keen to attract more flights. Auckland airport chairman Tony Frankman said yesterday the deal opened up new opportunities to use Cairns as a stepping stone between New Zealand and Asia. “While our primary focus remains direct Asian connections with Auckland, an important stepping stone is to strengthen our connection with other strategically located airports,” Frankman said.