A
Commerce Commission report has endorsed Christchurch International
Airport's overall approach to setting its prices.
The
just released final report indicates the Commission is comfortable
with Christchurch Airport's current prices and the way the company
is targeting stable long-term prices.
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Malcolm Johns says CIAL
supports the Information Disclosure regime and believes the final
report demonstrates it is working well. He says the Commission's
process, the first under this new structure, has provided important
clarifications and insights into how Christchurch Airport will
consider future aeronautical price resets and
disclosures.
"We're pleased our overall pricing approach has been endorsed
by the Commission. It has recognised our current pricing is
appropriate and reaffirmed we are performing well in areas such as
investments, operating efficiency, quality and innovation," says Mr
Johns.
"We
have always had a commitment to re-consult on our pricing in 2017
and we're glad this cornerstone of our long-term price setting
regime has been recognised in the Commission's final
report."
Mr
Johns says Christchurch Airport is a significant contributor to the
Canterbury and South Island economies.
"Christchurch Airport plays an important role in promoting
and sustaining New Zealand's brand with overseas travellers and
tourists. We will continue to balance airlines' interests with the
need to develop international quality facilities and provide fair
returns on investment to our Christchurch ratepayer and New Zealand
taxpayer shareholders.
"This approach was part of our commitment to our airline
customers during consultation and contributed to how we have set
our prices. When re-consultation begins, we will take into account
at that time the Commission's position, as well as market
conditions.
"As
a publicly owned and internationally-acclaimed facility, we are
acutely aware of our responsibilities and fully committed to
deliver on them," says Mr Johns.
The
Commerce Commission released a draft report on Christchurch
Airport's price setting regime in September 2013. Christchurch
Airport responded to the draft report within the specified
timeframe.
