Christchurch Airport has secured a major agreement with Fulton Hogan to expand its freight aircraft parking area, effectively doubling the airport’s capacity to handle air freight.

This expansion, part of the airport’s 2040 Master Plan, is designed to bolster the South Island economy by enhancing global trade connections, particularly in the burgeoning e-commerce sector.

The multi-million-dollar project will increase the area known as the freight apron to the size of six football fields, accommodating up to eight smaller 737-sized aircraft or four larger 757 widebody aircraft—a significant boost from the current capacity of three aircraft.

This expanded capacity addresses rising air freight demand, driven by the growth of online shopping and the export of perishable goods and other products from the South Island.

Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson said, “The unique nature of Christchurch Airport and its ability to operate 24/7 is a key reason why the freight sector is such a success story for our airport and our economy; your parcels arrive sooner, and Kiwi goods are exported fresher.”

Watson said, “This expansion allows us to keep supporting our region’s growth. It enables us to meet the rising demand for air freight, boosting economic development and reinforcing our position as a crucial link in the global trade network.”

Aligned with the airport’s sustainability goals, the project will use recycled materials and low-emission asphalt. Fulton Hogan has already begun the pre-construction phase, with Simon Dyne, Chief Operating Officer for Infrastructure Services at Fulton Hogan, expressing a shared commitment to sustainability.

“We share Christchurch Airport’s views on sustainability and will drive innovation and a strong delivery focus on this important project,” said Dyne.

Strategically located near logistics providers at the airport’s freight hub, Dakota Park, the expanded apron will facilitate quick and efficient transfers of goods. This hub already serves leading logistics companies such as DB Schenker, Freightways, CourierPost, NZ Post, Agility, FedEx, and Hellmann Logistics. With an additional forty hectares available for future growth, the hub is poised to meet the increasing trade demands of the South Island.

The expanded apron is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.