Christchurch Airport in New Zealand has today (October 25) unveiled its new vision for the airport in 2040, including an expanded terminal and simplified wayfinding. A series of minor runway extensions would also cater for larger and more frequent aircraft, without creating more noise for local residents.
The latest masterplan aims to provide a framework that delivers future growth while making the most of innovations in technology and sustainable management. The improvements will enable the airport to cope with a 65% increase in aircraft movements by 2040, with passenger numbers expected to reach 12 million annually by this date.
The development will also introduce the latest technologies including online shopping, digital wayfinding, biometric screening, artificial intelligence (AI) assistance, virtual reality (VR) entertainment, and autonomous electric vehicles for the plaza and parking areas. The surrounding roadway, Memorial Avenue, will also be extended to reach the main plaza and terminal, creating a new Grand Avenue.
Malcolm Johns, chief executive, Christchurch Airport, said, “The airport is the South Island’s gateway for visitors, airfreight and business, and by 2040 is projected to have 20,000 people working there.
“It is a leader in future thinking, as demonstrated through our partnership in the country’s first autonomous vehicle trial and the world-first partnership with Alibaba. We are conscious that the airport currently underpins the generation of NZ$2.1bn (US$1.4bn) in regional GDP and creates more than 60,000 jobs.”
To learn more and watch a video of the proposed 2040 masterplan, click here.