The modest rise in international passengers passing through Auckland airport gives weight to the company's claim that it will find solid growth out of the country.The latest traffic update from the airport shows a modest rise in international passenger vo
The modest rise in international passengers passing through Auckland airport gives weight to the company's claim that it will find solid growth out of the country.
The latest traffic update from the airport shows a modest rise in international passenger volumes and a stronger surge in the number of domestic passengers.
With the international numbers looking reasonably subdued, the airport has looked across the Tasman for growth opportunities.
It has purchased a 24.55% stake in two North Queensland airports, with a $126.4 million capital raising now underway to fund the purchase.
The number of international passenger volumes – excluding transit and transfers – during December was up 1.6%, although total numbers including transfers were flat with just 0.3% growth.
There was more traffic on the home front, with an 8.8% increase, the biggest jump in six months.
A 12.8% surge in the number of visitors from the United States helped keep overall numbers in positive territory.
That increase in the number of Americans fleeing the Northern winter is the largest jump in a year, although it does follow on the heels of a 5.5% slump in November.
Lower fares, increased competition and a renewed interest in shorthaul holidays also kept the number of Australians arriving in Auckland on the rise, with a 8.9% December jump following an 11% surge in November.
Arrivals from Japan are also on the rise. That market saw its first positive rise in a year in November and December saw another 11.6% jump, while the number of German visitors was also up.
There were still some big drops in numbers from other countries. with the number of Chinese passing through the airport down 16.5% in December
Fiji passenger numbers were also down 16.3%, although the historically low numbers arriving from that island nation can see wild fluctuations in numbers.
