31 Aug 2009

Auckland domestic air terminal expansion next on list

8:04 am on 31 August 2009

Expanding Auckland's domestic airport is likely to be the next big capital project Auckland International Airport Ltd undertakes, as it reviews its long term master plan.

At present, the company is cutting spending on capital projects, and focusing on increasing income from its retail, property and car park operations to offset falling passenger numbers.

Chief executive Simon Moutter is not specifying when the domestic terminal would be expanded, saying only that it is now more congested than the international terminal so it is likely investment would be focussed on an expansion in the next few years.

The airport's profit fell in the year to June to $41.7 million, 63% lower than the previous year, due to a decline in passenger numbers, fewer flights and a fall in the value of its property.

The company is forecasting a lower underlying annual profit of between $93 million and $100 million this financial year.