Chch Airport chief executive resigns suddenly

Christchurch Airport/ Photo Christchurch Star

Christchurch International Airport is looking for a new chief executive after the sudden resignation of Rene Bakx .

Bakx took on the role three years ago but the airport company said yesterday that he is stepping down. The announcement comes just a day after the airport blamed Air New Zealand for delaying the $208 million airport terminal redevelopment. The redevelopment is now subject to a judicial review and the work may now not be ready in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

The airport is also at loggerheads with developers and local politicians north of Christchurch over noise contour boundaries.

No reason has been supplied for Bakx resignation. He will step down at the end of this year's first quarter.

Critics have claimed the airport management deals poorly with customers and often fails to consult them about plans.

- NEWSTALK ZB