Strategic Planning for Airport Capacity: Safeguarding Operations at New Zealand’s Major Airports

Abstract

International airports provide a wealth of benefits to surrounding areas and serve as connection points between countries. Demand for air travel and transport has increased rapidly since international civil aviation came into being and has continued to grow freely as developments within the aviation industry have made flight even more accessible. This unchecked growth has resulted in increased pressure on airport operations and infrastructure, especially at airports where physical and environmental constraints make capacity expansion difficult or nearly impossible. Planning plays a large part in determining how an airport utilises its existing infrastructure and the ways in which it can safeguard and protect future capacity. Corporatisation has brought about a more commercial focus at airports, which is being reflected in the incorporation of strategic planning into traditional models. This research focuses on airport planning processes and the ways in which strategic initiatives may help to alleviate or avoid capacity constraints at New Zealand‘s three major airports. Data was collected through key informant interviews and supported by a literature review and document analysis. Results were categorised and analysed qualitatively and used to evaluate current airport planning processes, capacity problems, and the methods available for resolving them. The findings revealed that a number of potential capacity constraints exist at New Zealand airports. These are being dealt with proactively using a combination of infrastructure expansion and operational efficiency solutions. The airports have begun to incorporate strategy into planning processes; transforming the way that airport master planning is undertaken in New Zealand to create a more integrated process. Engagement with airlines and other stakeholders is helping the airport companies to discern exact requirements prior to undertaking planning exercises, aligning planning more closely with corporate visions and commercial strategies. A strong focus on operational efficiency is being successfully implemented at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Airports, with the aim of making best use of existing assets and pushing development projects out until absolutely necessary. The airports recognise that capacity is an issue at all points along the air transport service chain and are taking proactive measures to avoid problems, though options for instigating changes around transport links and surface access need adequate consideration.