Air NZ And AIAL Agree Long-term Airfield Charges Package

Air New Zealand and Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) have concluded an agreement on landing charges to apply until August 2007.

The agreement signed yesterday specifies a 7.5% increase for the year ended 31 August 2001, reduced from 8.5%. A 5% increase for the year commencing 1 September 2001 will also apply but the 5% increase proposed from 1 September 2002 will not proceed.

There will be no increases in landing charges for the four years following that, through to the end of August 2007.

The High Court action initiated by Air NZ against AIAL in 2000 over the consultation process has been discontinued and all outstanding payments have been made to reflect the new pricing rates up to date.

"The international aviation market is currently under significant pressure and it is pleasing that at least one element of uncertainty has been removed," Air NZ Executive Director Roger France said.

We look forward to working closely with AIAL over the coming years on charging issues, including any impact the second runway development may have on landing charges."

The full details of the agreement will remain confidential but Air New Zealand is aware that AIAL will be making the same package available to all airlines serving Auckland.