Christchurch Airport has today (Wednesday July 22) revealed plans to develop a jet-capable airport on 750ha of land at Tarras.

Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns said the current concept is to start with a 2.2-kilometre, jet capable runway.

“Building from scratch would enable us to design and build one of the world’s most sustainable airports. Our plan is to build in modules so we can start small and grow to meet any future need.” 

“We now want to use our experience to ensure the South Island is well-positioned to take advantage of future aviation trends and remain well-connected to the rest of the world.” 

Malcolm said $45M has been spent on the project so far – which includes purchasing the land bordered by State Highway 8 and 8A.

Malcolm said the airport team is pleased to have secured the land so it can begin discussions about its long-term thinking.

“Our top priority is a conversation with the people who live closest to the site – the Tarras community. This is their home and it’s important they are given the opportunity to ask us their questions directly and understand our thinking.”

He said the airport had planned to announce the proposal next week when he and other members of the project team will be in Central Otago, but an announcement was made early following a media query.

Malcolm said the project team will consult with people across the South Island to “hear from those with ideas and feedback as we further investigate the feasibility of the project and shape its design”.

Christchurch Airport has so far invested $45M on the long term project.

He said Christchurch Airport has long seen the potential for a new airport in Central Otago. 

“This site is close to existing infrastructure and is easily accessible for a number of regions. Its topography would enable airlines to use their most sustainable aircraft.

“We’ll take a long-term approach and match our pace to both the growth in aviation and the needs of these communities and regions. We have the experience to ensure any new airport would be economically sound, enable jobs and meet the environmental and connectivity needs of the future.” 

Christchurch Airport started working on the proposal before COVID-19 disrupted air travel globally, Malcolm said.

“The virus doesn’t change too much of this proposal – except for timeframes. We are confident the central and southern South Island will always be a place where people seek to live, visit and work. We can now look beyond the status quo to talk about and plan for that future. 

Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) acting chair Adrienne Young-Cooper said QAC noted the announcement with interest.

“A greenfield airport development, by its very nature, is a long-term proposition,” she said.

She reiterated that QAC has paused its long-term planning while QLDC and central government complete their district spatial plan work including infrastructure planning and impact assessment of airport development..

Bendigo Station owner John Perriam told the Wanaka App the airport would put Tarras on the map.

“It’s the smallest town in NZ so fancy it being picked out for an international airport. It’s unbelievable! We’ve already got a coffee shop, a store and public toilets - that’s a good start for them,” he said.

While John didn’t know how other Tarras locals would react to the news, he said: “It probably makes sense, we’re basically the hub between Christchurch and Mt Cook and across to Wanaka.”

PHOTOS: Supplied