By TONY GEE
KAITAIA - Efforts to substantially upgrade facilities at Kaitaia Airport to attract better air services are to be coordinated by the Far North Promotion Society.
The society aims to raise $300,000 to upgrade the airport and its old, leaking terminal building. The figure includes about $180,000 for installing a runway night lighting system to allow 24-hour, all-weather use by fixed-wing aircraft on passenger, freight, charter and medical emergency flights.
Airport spokesman Russell Wagener said the crown-owned airport, which is leased by the Far North District Council and run by a council-owned company, was too important to be allowed to go backwards any further.
"No airline is going to come to Kaitaia to offer a better service until there are better facilities in place," he said.
The small terminal, built more than 20 years ago, was past its use-by date and basic facilities such as access to drinking water for passengers must be added, said Mr Wagener.
At 1402m, the airport has the longest sealed runway north of Auckland.
The society believes a better-resourced airport would attract more passengers from forestry, tourism and recreational charters, business commuting and courier services, and increasing volumes of air freight from the Far North's growing seafood and marine farming industry.
The district council has already budgeted $60,000 to contribute to the airport's upgrade, and the society is chasing further funds from groups and organisations who would benefit from an improved air service in and out of Kaitaia.
At present, an Air New Zealand Link service using Bandeirante aircraft provides one flight to and from Kaitaia six days a week.
Airport upgrade aims to make Kaitaia a high-flyer
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.