Hamilton optimistic of attracting new Airport carrier

Attracting another carrier to Hamilton International Airport will be a priority in the coming weeks for Hamilton City Council who will be working on behalf of other shareholders alongside the Airport Board to identify future strategies and operational opportunities.

A meeting took place this morning with Hamilton International Airport shareholders to discuss Virgin Australia’s announcement today to cease its Hamilton-Brisbane flights from October.

Hamilton City Council has a 50% shareholding in the airport, with Waipa, Matamata-Piako and Waikato district councils each having a 15.625% shareholding and Otorohanga District Council a 3.125% shareholding.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker says Hamilton Chief Executive Barry Harris has been asked by the shareholding Mayors to work alongside the Chair and Board of the Airport company to develop a plan and identify new strategic opportunities that will optimise the contribution the Airport makes to the regional economy and ensure financial stability.

“The airport is an important strategic asset for the Waikato region. It is important that the shareholders and the Board work together to maximise that strategic importance.”

Airport Chair John Birch says: “There is no expectation that shareholders will have to contribute any funding following this announcement, with the Airport well positioned financially and operating profitably in spite of this loss of revenue.”

The Hamilton and wider Waikato area performs well for international and domestic tourists. This is shown by today’s figures from Commercial Accommodation Monitor (CAM) which show a 4.4% annual increase in guest accommodation nights regionally, bucking the national decrease of 0.2%.