Hawke's Bay Airport is seeking to expand outdated noise boundaries as part of the growth strategy to meet needs over the next 2-3 decades.
The proposal is about to be put to the Napier City Council, with changes mainly north and south of the current zone, which had been based on forecast airport noise out to 2010. and contained in the Airport Noise Boundary in the City of Napier District Plan.
It sets maximum noise levels for the outer boundaries.
Hawke's Bay Airport chairman Tony Porter said record passenger numbers generated by increased flights by Air New Zealand and the introduction of new carriers Jetstar and Sounds Air has the airport company undertaking important strategic measures to ensure it continues to meet ongoing demand.
A recently released economic assessment report estimated that the total effects of airport facilitated activities at between $3.2 billion and $5.5b by 2040.
"The airport has a responsibility to the region to ensure that it is prepared for the future growth that is anticipated," Mr Porter said.
"A failure to address the airport's contours could ultimately result in a situation where it was unable to accept additional services in and out of Hawke's Bay. If we want to avoid this we have little option but to address this issue now."
With the "modelling period" now passed, and the airport operating within the existing boundary, the recent growth experienced had accelerated the need to update the model, to futureproof the airport's ability to respond to the region's growing demand for air travel.
The airport recently completed consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including nearby residents in relation to its proposed submission to expand its noise contours.
Consultation sessions have also been held with iwi, the Department of Conservation, the Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society and the airport neighbour.
The airport company recently announced a record profit of $1.7 million on a turnover of $6.1m in the year to June 30. Aircraft movements increased by 11 per cent on the previous year to a total of 14,256 with 652,426 passengers for the full year, a 15 per cent increase (85,995 passengers).
Mr Porter said passenger numbers had grown by 37 per cent in two years and although the company doesn't anticipate that type of growth ongoing, it is projecting average year-on-year growth of about 4.5 per cent.
Already this year the airport has announced a multimillion-dollar investment in a major terminal expansion, constructed additional carparking and partnered with the New Zealand Transport Agency for a new entranceway and roundabout at Watchman Rd.