Terminal velocity

The arrival of the first Airbus A380 in New Zealand in early October generated plenty of interest with the aircraft's capacity to carry up to 800 passengers it also heralded a new era in air transportation.

The plane's arrival marked a significant milestone for Auckland Airport the completion of the new $50 million pier building at the international terminal, which was built to meet increasing traveller numbers and to accommodate the new generation of wide-bodied aircraft, such as the Airbus 380.

Auckland Airport chief executive officer Simon Moutter says the completion of the pier ends a major construction phase at the international terminal. In April 2008 the new arrivals area opened, facilitating procedures for arriving travellers, followed by the expanded border agency screening hall in July.

"These new facilities greatly improve our service," Moutter says. "They give us the ability to handle more aircraft at peak times, and offer further world-class facilities for travellers to Auckland."

Moutter says the new pier is also setting a trend in environmental design as it prepares to become one of the first buildings in the country to be recognised with a US LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating for sustainable construction.

Sustainable design initiatives include energy-saving metering and monitoring sensors, solar heating for hot water, and rainwater harvesting. An estimated 4000m³ of recycled rainwater per year is expected to be stored for use in the building's air conditioning towers.

For more details, contact Auckland Airport, phone (09) 275 0789. Website: www.aucklandairport.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas