Air New Zealand and Hamilton International Airport settle landing charge dispute

(CAPA) Air New Zealand and Hamilton International Airport have reached agreement over new landing and terminal charges.

As part of the settlement, the airline has agreed to discontinue legal action over the airport’s NZ5 development levy on passengers departing on domestic services. However, as previously decided by the airport board, the levy will be reviewed no later than five year’s from its introduction in January.

While details of the new charges will remain confidential, both parties are pleased with the outcome.

Mr Rickman said the agreed charges would cover the period to Jun-10 or earlier subject to consultation with major airport users.

Airport CEO, Chris Doak, said he was “delighted that all outstanding issues had now been resolved.”

“As the airport’s most significant client, it’s reassuring that our relationship is back on track so that we can move forward to take advantage of the business opportunities that are ahead of us,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is business as usual at the airport with Air New Zealand’s low cost carrier, Freedom Airlines, continuing scheduled services from Hamilton to Australia until Mar-08. After that scheduled Australian services will be taken over and operated under the Air New Zealand brand.

Mr Rickman said this move was likely to expand the trans-Tasman market for the airport because the Air New Zealand brand offered full cabin service, Koru lounge access, in-flight entertainment and the ability for travellers to earn air points.