24 Oct 2014

Auckland Airport backs Queensland

2:12 pm on 24 October 2014

Auckland Airport remains confident North Queensland Airports' performance will improve in the long-term, despite a lacklustre performance over the past year or so.

Adrian Littlewood.

Auckland Airport CEO Adrian Littlewood Photo: AUCKLAND AIRPORT

In addition to Auckland Airport, the company owns 24.55 percent of two North Queensland Airports, and Queenstown Airport.

The chief executive, Adrian Littlewood, told the annual meeting of shareholders yesterday that Queenstown experienced outstanding international passenger growth of near 28 percent, over the last financial year, while North Queensland's direct international passenger numbers fell 8.8 percent.

However, he said North Queensland had phenomenal potential for growth, after being affected by a softer Australian economy over the past financial year.

Mr Littlewood said its North Queensland operation has been a fantastic investment and one the company remains committed to.

He said Cairns Airport was only about five hours' flying time from China, which means the opportunities for the region are phenomenal.

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