2 Jun 2010

Wellington airport profit up

5:55 pm on 2 June 2010

Wellington International Airport Ltd has lifted its full-year profit, despite handling fewer passengers.

The airport, 66% of which is owned by Infratil and 34% by Wellington City Council, made $7.3 million in the year to March - up from $7 million the previous year.

Chairman David Newman says it is a good result given the trying conditions.

He expects air traffic to grow in the medium term, but says the pickup is likely to be lumpy.

Passenger numbers fell by almost 3% to just over five million, but income rose $1.3 million to $54.5 million because of a change in passenger mix and a small increase in aircraft charges.