Direct private flights to Australia explored

Travel & Tourism

30 Oct

The Taupō Airport Authority Committee, from left: Councillor Duncan Campbell, Chairman Chris Johnston, General Manager Airport Wayne Wootton, Councillorr Yvonne Westerman, operations manager Kim Gard, independent committee member Chris Grace and Taupō District Council General Manager Strategy and Environment Warrick Zander.

Taupō Airport is becoming a busy destination for private aircraft, with the possibility of direct flights from Australia.

The airport recently picked up NZ Airports’ Infrastructure Project of the Year Award 2025 for Small Airports, in recognition of the recent and extensive apron redevelopment.

It won a similar award in 2023 for the new terminal project.

Local businessman Chris Johnston has chaired the Taupō Airport Authority (TAA) for the past nine years and been on the committee since 2009.

He says the award caps off a busy few years that has seen the airport go from strength to strength despite very difficult business conditions.

“The new terminal and carpark have made for a much better user experience – for locals and visitors alike – and the apron upgrade means we have capacity to accommodate the increasing number of charter flights we are seeing.”

He says tourism is an important part of the district’s economy, and they were in a good position to serve that now and well into the future.

They have recently welcomed the arrival of local company – Escape Aviation – which has started a new venture as a Fixed Based Operator, offering transport and logistics for private aircraft charters.

“In addition to attracting more business from within New Zealand, they are also investigating the possibility of managing direct flights from Australia – which is pretty exciting as it would be a welcome shot in the arm for the airport and our local economy.”

Chris says they have taken a good look at how the airport operates as a business.

Landing charges had not been reviewed for more than 10 years, so they were brought up to date.

Leases around the airport precinct have been reviewed and they have also diversified to include commercial agreements as well as just aviation.

The airport owns significant land around the airstrip and they have “enhanced” the current cropping contract with more land added and a “masterplan” developed to get a better return.

The additional revenue streams means the airport is not totally reliant on aviation to cover costs.

“All this means the airport is reducing the financial support it requires from Taupō District Council in its day-to-day operation – and that means the ratepayer – and this is great news when many regional airports of a similar size to Taupō still need Council funding.”

Chris acknowledges the work of general manager Wayne Wootton, and operations manager Kim Gard.

“Wayne and Kim have explored and implemented cost savings on expenses whilst increasing income, all resulting in a better bottom line.”

He also acknowledged the close relationship outgoing mayor David Trewavas had with Air New Zealand.

“He constantly championed Taupō and the importance of air connectivity to the region.”

“All in all, I really believe the sustainable future of Taupō Airport is in a good space, which is great news given the current climate facing regional airports.”

Taupo AirportBusinessAirlineTourism

Kim Manunui

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