12 March 2010

Highest February on record for passenger numbers

Christchurch Airport has just experienced the highest February on record for passenger numbers, with 141,922 passengers passing through the airport.  This beats the previous record set in February 2008 of 139,762 passengers by 1.5% or just over 2,000 passengers. 

Taken on a daily average, February 2010 had the highest daily passenger movements on record.  On average there were 18,025 passengers per day, compared to the previous record of March 2008 when there were 17,912 total passengers per day.

 “This is the first time we’ve gone over 18,000 passengers a day,” said Christchurch Airport General Manager Marketing and Business Development, Gareth Owen. “It’s great news for us, our business partners, and the whole tourism industry in the South Island.  Christchurch Airport has maintained a strong marketing presence internationally, which contributes to this pleasing result.”

The latest statistics from Christchurch Airport show that for the third month in a row, the numbers of both domestic and international passengers are up from last year.

For the month of February, domestic passenger numbers were up 5% on last year, and international passenger numbers were up 6.4%.  In January domestic passengers were up 3.7% and international passengers were up 5.2%.  In December, domestic passengers were up 3.5% and international passengers were up 5.3%.

The CEO of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism (CCT), Christine Prince, said, ”Every percentage increase in passenger numbers means thousands more visitors coming to the region, so we are delighted with this upswing.”

CCT and Christchurch Airport are involved in several joint venture marketing campaigns in New Zealand and Australia. “We see Christchurch as New Zealand’s major tourism gateway, and we look forward to further growth this year,” said Owen.