As the gateway for Christchurch and the South Island, Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is a major hub and the busiest and most strategic air connection to the world’s trade and tourism markets.

The airport occupies a unique position both physically and economically, and is New Zealand’s second largest airport.

Our Infrastructure

Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL)

Passenger Numbers   

5,905,211 passengers travelled in and out of Christchurch International Airport from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008.  
Over the last year CIAL has experienced consistent, record growth in international passenger volumes, at 4.3% over 2007 levels.  The combined passenger growth resulted in 7.7% growth over 2007. 
Latest passenger numbers are available from www.christchurchairport.co.nz

International Cargo

During the 2008 year (Jan - Dec) there were 24 563 589 tonnes of cargo freighted internationally from Christchurch International Airport, this includes international freight which was flown to Auckland to be sent internationally. 

Aircraft Movements

The 2008 year (Jan - Dec) saw 143 292 aircraft movements at the airpoirt.  This includes both arivals and departures for both domestic and international flights.

Financial Reporting

The company recorded a net profit after tax of $23.4 million; slightly down from $24 million in the previous year (which included higher returns from the revaluation of investment properties and one off favourable tax charges).  View CIAL’s Annual Reports here.

The Community

The figures below show how CIAL supported Christchurch, Canterbury and South Island economy in 2007.

Approx. 5,000 people working on the airport campus.

In 2007, the Canterbury GDP was $21.2 billion, the airport contributed 7.2% of regional GDP.

In 2007, Canterbury employed 239,100 full time equivalent employees (FTE's), the airport accounts for 8.8% of these.

Antarctic operations delivered $80 million in direct benefits to the city annually.

The airport helps to retain technicians and associated professionals within the region and New Zealand.

It is also important to note:

For the year ending March 2007 total tourism expenditure was NZ$20.1 billion, increasing 4.7% from the previous year.
Tourism generated NZ$7.9 billion to gross domestic product (5.1% of New Zealand's total GDP)
The tourism industry directly employed 108,100 full time equivalent employees (5.8% of total employment in New Zealand).
Source: Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Satellite Account 2008

The Environment

In January 2008, CIAL became the first carbon neutral airport company in the Southern Hemisphere.  CIAL have many environmental initiatives, take a look at the Environment section of their website for more information.