AIA – FY23 Annual Results

Market release | 24 August 2023
Resilience uplift: Auckland Airport announces its
results for FY23 amid historic upgrade of the
airport precinct

Auckland Airport today announced its financial results for the 12 months to 30 June 2023, including
its first dividend and full underlying profit in three years.
Auckland Airport Chair Patrick Strange said: “It’s been a year marked by the strong return of
international travel, with new airlines and routes, getting underway with the most significant upgrade
of Auckland Airport in history, and making progress on sustainability initiatives that will have a
meaningful impact across the aviation precinct.”
Key performance data for the 12 months to 30 June 2023:

• Total number of passengers increased to 15.9 million, up 183%
• Domestic passenger numbers increased 90% to 8.1 million, and international passenger numbers
(including transits) increased 480% to 7.8 million
• Revenue was up 108% to $625.9 million
• Operating EBITDAFI was up 175% to $397.1 million
• Reported profit after tax was down 77% to $43.2 million
• Earnings per share was down 78% to 2.9 cents
• Net underlying profit after tax of $148.1 million
• Net underlying profit per share of 10.1 cents
• 4.0 cents per share dividend will be paid
1

Auckland Airport now has more than 400,000sqm of aeronautical-focused infrastructure in
development across major airfield, transport and terminal projects.
“This major upgrade of infrastructure is essential. Airports play a critical role in our country’s social
and economic wellbeing, developing long-life infrastructure assets that support travel and trade. It’s

1
Reflecting the earnings period of 1 January to 30 June 2023 following the removal of covenant-related
restrictions

vital we continue to invest so we don’t create a drag on the economy and constrain Auckland and
New Zealand’s future growth.
“As New Zealand’s main gateway, our infrastructure programme reflects this responsibility. It is
prudent investment which will deliver critical assets that will have decades of ongoing use and create
the uplift in experience travellers are asking for.
“Airlines have asked us to pause investment. We appreciate their concern about cost, as infrastructure
is a significant investment. We are always open to further feedback about how to reduce costs while
still delivering a resilient, long-term solution.
“However, we remain committed to the current programme of work we have underway to pave the
way for a new domestic terminal. Delaying infrastructure is not in New Zealand’s best interests – we
know where that road leads. For the airport, it would keep domestic capacity constrained, allow the
customer experience to deteriorate, place upward pressure on airfares and reduce the airport’s
resilience to unacceptable levels.
“Travellers have told us they want a better domestic experience, and we must get on with it,” Mr
Strange said.
Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui said: “The thread running through every aspect of Auckland
Airport’s aviation precinct is connection. Whether that’s reuniting family and friends, welcoming
visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand, or connecting businesses and workers to new opportunities,
Auckland Airport plays a key role.
“Travellers and businesses can now choose from 25 airlines to 40 international destinations at
Auckland Airport as airlines have added new routes or grown the frequency of their services. At a
time when demand for travel has outstripped supply, each of these connections has a very real and
tangible impact, providing greater choice for travellers, more competition on popular routes, and better
freight connections for New Zealand businesses.”
Overall, there were 15.9 million domestic and international passengers at Auckland Airport in the 2023
financial year, up 183% on the 2022 financial year. Domestic passenger numbers were up 90% to 8.1
million while international passenger numbers (including transits) rose 480% to 7.8 million.
“Auckland Airport serves to connect travellers and businesses, and I want to acknowledge that the
rapid return of aviation has not always been a smooth experience for customers. We’ve experienced
storm events unlike anything before, causing the closure of the international terminal, and global
aviation staffing shortages have created ongoing issues across the aviation system, including
mishandled bags, longer queues and delays in the arrivals process.
“For Auckland Airport, since the beginning of the year we have been taking a lead role in working to
collectively solve issues as an ecosystem of border agencies, airlines, ground handlers and other

auxiliary services. There will be some quick wins and some aspects that will take longer to solve, but
rest assured we will continue to work on this until we get it right.
“We have appreciated the patience and understanding of travellers and our airport partners, and I am
also thankful to the Auckland Airport team for their incredible effort in supporting the recovery of the
business.”
Alongside the return of travel, Auckland Airport has ramped up its infrastructure development
programme.
“Attracting and retaining airline networks, which support tourism and trade, requires high quality,
resilient and reliable airport infrastructure, with sufficient airfield and terminal capacity,” Ms
Hurihanganui said.
“Auckland Airport needs careful, considered investment to meet these needs, not only today but in
anticipation of the future.
“We have three anchor projects underway across terminals, airfield and transport: enabling works for
a new domestic terminal to be integrated into the international terminal; a 250,000-square-metre
airfield expansion; and the development of a world-class transport centre.
“With our 57-year-old domestic terminal now reaching capacity, development of a new domestic
terminal is essential. Without continued investment, the airport system will degrade and stagnate.
When it opens in 2028/29, the new domestic terminal will deliver significant customer improvements
including integrated self-service check-in, shorter queuing times with 44 per cent more capacity for
passenger processing per hour, and a five-minute indoor walk between domestic and international
flights.
“It will not only transform the experience for travellers; it will also build necessary resilience into our
airfield with a 26 per cent uplift in domestic seat capacity thanks to additional gates catering for larger
jet aircraft.
“The decision to move ahead with the new $2.2 billion integrated terminal was made after extensive
consultation, including producing over 21 concept designs for a new domestic terminal since 2012.
“Airlines are asking to stay longer in the domestic terminal – well beyond 2030 – and for alternative,
additional designs to be considered. After a decade of careful analysis, we are confident our
infrastructure plans are in the best interests of all airport users, but we will always include refinements
proposed by our airline partners where they are viable and make sense,” said Ms Hurihanganui.
Rebuilding connections
Auckland Airport has experienced a stronger than anticipated rebound in domestic and international
aviation markets over the 2023 financial year.

Overall, by year’s end international seat capacity had recovered to 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and
domestic recovered to 89%. The return of passenger flights also restored international freight capacity
to 95% of pre-pandemic level as at 30 June 2023.
“We still have some way to go to achieving full recovery, but it all amounts to a fantastic turnaround
for an industry that was in dire straits two years ago – bringing relief and optimism to those of us who
work in aviation.
“Strength in North American services has been leading the charge. Air New Zealand now flies into
seven North American cities including its flagship New York service, joined by Qantas on the same
route from June 2023, bringing greater choice and more competitive pricing to travellers. Hawaiian
Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines and American Airlines reconnecting into Auckland will also be
joined by newcomer Delta Air Lines over the summer from October this year.
“It will be a busy summer with current projections showing capacity between Auckland and North
America set to exceed 2019 levels, with a forecast 29% increase over November 2023 to March 2024
compared to the same five-month period prior to COVID-19.
There has been a promising recovery in capacity to and from China as well, after a slower return due
to a more protracted COVID-19 response. Five airlines now fly four routes, including daily services to
some of the main centres, with capacity between China and New Zealand recovered to 78% of 2019
levels at 30 June 2023, and forecast to reach 93% of pre-pandemic levels by September.
“There was plenty of activity on the trans-Tasman route, by far our biggest international market, which
is back to 96 per cent of pre-pandemic capacity. Frequent flyers Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar
have been joined by AirAsia X flying between Auckland and Sydney, with Batik Air starting on the
Perth route tomorrow.”
Building a thriving aviation precinct
Beyond the airfield and terminals, Auckland Airport continued to progress a range of key
developments across transport, retail and commercial property during the 2023 financial year.
“Later this year Te Arikinui Pullman Hotel (a joint venture between Auckland Airport and Tainui Group
Holdings) will open, followed by the first stages of the Transport Hub opening up for drop-offs and
pick-ups in the new year. During the 2024 calendar year we’ll be providing new parking options with
the opening of Park & Ride South; and offering a new shopping experience to visitors with the opening
of Mānawa Bay premium outlet shopping destination, expected in late 2024.
“These projects will bring further vibrancy and amenity to our aviation precinct, whether it’s creating
smoother transport connections or great visitor experiences. As workforces grow it also becomes part
of what attracts people to jobs at the airport – whether it’s easy access to local shopping or improved
options for getting to and from work.”

Within the terminal, retail operations are back in full swing and the airport team is fielding strong
interest in future leasing with a total of 115 outlets now operating. After hibernating during the
pandemic, most have now returned to normal business operations with sites fully open.
“This year we’ve made the move to a single duty-free operator, with Lagardère AWPL-owned Aelia
Duty Free agreeing to a short-term extension of its contract until mid-2025. Not only is a single
operator model in line with most overseas airports, it also creates the opportunity for the introduction
of additional retail lines and improved in-store experiences. In what was a seamless transition, around
90 per cent of existing duty-free employees were able to transfer to Aelia Duty Free.”
One of the fastest growing commercial areas is The Landing business park located on the northern
end of Auckland Airport. In 2023, developments for Kerry Logistics and Healthcare Logistics (part of
the EBOS Group) were completed, while the construction of two additional facilities remains on
track for completion in the 2024 financial year. Auckland Airport has also been appointed to develop
new standalone facilities within The Landing for companies which include IKEA, DHL, and Reece
Group, all of which target a 5-star Green sustainability rating and will begin construction during the
2024 financial year.
The airport’s rent roll increased by 15% off the back of sustained customer demand for its high-
quality, well-located real estate products. Auckland Airport’s portfolio ended the year having a total
value of $2.9 billion, and occupancy levels remaining at 99% and a weighted average lease term
(WALT) of 8.6 years – this is one of the highest WALTs relative to the NZ listed property sector.
Sustainability, people and community
As the upgrade of Auckland Airport continues at pace, Ms Hurihanganui said the team remained
focused on its sustainability targets, with investments to progress climate change goals and create a
more sustainable airport.
“We are playing our part, not just in reducing carbon emissions and waste from our own operations
but also assisting the wider aviation system’s sustainability goals. It’s our investment in infrastructure
that will support the deployment of new aircraft technology – whether that’s larger, more efficient
domestic aircraft or future low-carbon aircraft and fuel types. We already have a range of initiatives in
play to reduce fuel burn from non-flying activities, from predictive technology to manage push-back
timing to ground power units available to plug in to at the gate.
“Significant progress has been made in reducing waste and carbon emissions from our own
operations also. We are systematically switching off natural gas in favour of electricity in the terminals,
and new developments such as the Transport Hub and Mānawa Bay will be electric only, with plans
to draw a substantial portion of their power use from giant rooftop solar arrays.”
Alongside initiatives to benefit the environment, Ms Hurihanganui said Auckland Airport is also

focused on bringing improvements to employees, as its workforce scales up to support a once-in-a-
generation upgrade of the airport precinct. In the 2023 financial year, the airport’s team grew 24% to
579 people, with additional growth in expected infrastructure and operations-based roles during the
2024 financial year.
“It’s an exciting time to be working at Auckland Airport and we want to offer people support that makes
a meaningful difference to their lives, which is why we’ve overhauled our parental leave policy,” Ms
Hurihanganui said.
The airport’s new parental leave policy includes primary carer top-up payments on the Government-
funded rate to 100% of salary for 18 weeks; six weeks paid leave for partners (Auckland Airport pays
the two weeks which are statutorily unpaid, plus an additional four weeks); continued employer
KiwiSaver contributions of three per cent to primary carers; and on the return to work, five days of
family leave for primary carers to use for any reason connected with their new child.
In the 2023 financial year, Auckland Airport continued its long-standing support of community
organisations in South Auckland. This included supporting the Ara Education Charitable Trust, which
creates pathways into work for school leavers not going directly into tertiary education or training.
Students are currently renovating houses on site at Auckland Airport to gain valuable construction
work experience, while six students were able to take part in work experience at the Transport Hub
during the financial year, opening them up to new career opportunities.
Pricing
After freezing prices for a year to support airlines to rebuild, Auckland Airport has now reset airline
charges for Price Setting Event Four (PSE4) for the period of 2023 to 2027 financial years, with the
new charges introduced on 1 July 2023.
“We consulted extensively with airlines in setting these new charges, which are the payments airlines
make to operate at the airport and fund necessary infrastructure investment,” said Ms Hurihanganui.
“Our domestic charges, which have risen from a low base of $6.75 per passenger, will increase by
$3.50 to $10.25 over the 2024 financial year. By 2027, they will be at a similar level to current charges
at Wellington and Christchurch airports.”
The new aeronautical charges are now being independently reviewed by New Zealand’s competition
regulator, the Commerce Commission.
“We welcome this scrutiny as it is an important step in ensuring airports work to benefit the traveller
and make long-term decisions that are in the best interests of New Zealand’s economy. We will await
the Commission’s review of our PSE4 pricing decision, which is expected in May 2024, before
commenting further.”

Outlook
As Auckland Airport looks ahead to the 2024 financial year, Ms Hurihanganui said the airport
continued to see positive signs in the market with increased connectivity supporting the ongoing
recovery in aviation.
To reflect this, Auckland Airport is providing guidance of underlying profit after tax (excluding any fair
value changes and other one-off items) of between $260 million and $280 million. In addition, with
the significant investment across the airport precinct, Auckland Airport is also providing guidance on
capital expenditure of between $1 billion and $1.4 billion in the year.
As always, this guidance is subject to any material adverse events, significant one-off expenses, non-
cash fair value changes to property and deterioration as a result of global market conditions, or other
unforeseeable circumstances.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Investors:
Stewart Reynolds
Head of Strategy, Planning and Performance
+64 27 511 9632
stewart.reynolds@aucklandairport.co.nz
Media:
Libby Middlebrook
Head of Communications and External Relations
+64 21 989 908
Libby.middlebrook@aucklandairport.co.nz

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2023 Annual Report
AKL
Building a
Better Future

Working for
New Zealand
We serve as Aotearoa New Zealand’s
gateway, supporting thousands of
businesses and millions of travellers to
connect with each other and the world.
As custodians, our role is to plan ahead,
supporting airlines, travellers, partners,
tenants and the community through
building the services and infrastructure
they need – sustainably.
Investment in New Zealand’s future,
ensuring our national gateway is efficient
and resilient for years to come.
Investment to ensure our connection with
the world, unlocking tourism, trade and our
country’s long-term prosperity.
Investment that reimagines how we think
about and engage with customers,
providing experiences and products and
services that travellers and visitors value
and that Aucklanders and New Zealanders
are proud of.
Annual Report 2023 1

A thriving
aviation precinct
To achieve our aspirations, we are building
a vibrant and diverse aviation precinct –
a place of travel, connection, employment,
having fun and doing business.
A thriving aviation community – where
people want to work and visit, not have
to work and visit. A place that’s far more
than just en route. A destination in itself.
Strong foundations are essential for any
place, guiding and shaping our actions
today and in the years ahead.
The foundations of our place are providing
a resilient and enduring gateway, enabling
thriving enterprise, empowered community
and seamless connectivity.
2 Annual Report 2023

Annual Report 2023 3

4 Annual Report 2023

Welcome to our 2023 Annual
Report – AKL Building a
Better Future.
Since our opening 57 years ago,
Auckland Airport has held a central
place in the life of Auckland and
New Zealand.
We account for 84% of New Zealand’s
air exports by value, handle 90% of
the country’s airfreight, and support
employment for an estimated 20,000
people. We’ve been able to support
strong growth in aviation markets on a
platform of aeronautical infrastructure
built with foresight in years gone by.
The airport is a place of significant
moments, too. Airports carry big
memories and with 75% of all international
travellers landing here, for most people
Auckland Airport is also where
New Zealand shows its face to the
world for the first time.
There is much to be proud about in
the airport’s history. But we also need
to look to the future, ensuring Auckland
Airport remains strong and resilient
for future generations. We are now
firmly underway with an infrastructure
programme to revitalise Auckland Airport.
This report tells a story of Auckland
Airport today and the journey that lies
ahead of us – how we will create value,
our business model, the issues that
matter most to our business, the
community and stakeholders, and the
new strategy that will guide and drive
us forward: Building a Better Future.
We welcome your feedback on this report.
Please send any comments or suggestions
to investors@aucklandairport.co.nz
About this report
Annual Report 2023 5

6 Annual Report 2023

Our Performance
Annual Report 2023 7

2023 Key Numbers
Our performance in the 12 months to 30 June 2023
1. Net capital expenditure additions after $3.8 million of write-offs and impairments.
2. Mixture of cash donations and contributions in kind.
3. Direct reports to the leadership team with substantive roles.
4. Staff members with at least one direct report.
Revenue
$
625.9m
 108%
EBITDAFI
$
3 97.1m
 175%
Reported profit after tax
$
43.2m
77%
Underlying profit
$
14 8 .1m
 1,377%
Net capex additions
1
$
6 47.1m
 156%
Dividend per share
4.0c

Underlying earnings
per share
10 .1c

Five-year average annual
shareholder return
5.4
%


Passengers
Domestic
8 .1m
 90%
International
7. 2 m
 473%
International transits
0.6m
 580%
15.9m
8 Annual Report 2023

Health and safety
623
leader walks completed
11
critical risk workshops
completed
549
near misses reported
Community
$
384k
granted to community projects by the Auckland Airport
Community Trust to support learning, literacy and life skills
in South Auckland
$
400k
2

in support to Ara Education
Charitable Trust
$
20k
donation to Red Cross
Cyclone Appeal
Iwi
Worked alongside local
iwi to share information
and identify opportunities
for iwi involvement across
resource management
processes, future airport
operations and precinct
development, including
the design of key projects
Diversity and inclusion
Proportion of women
50
%

Auckland Airport Board
of Directors
41
%

Overall workforce
50
%
Leadership
team
46
%
Senior leaders
3

10
%
of people leaders
4

self-identify as Māori
or Pasifika
50
ethnicities across our
workforce
268,622m
3

potable water used (29% reduction from 2019 baseline)
2,392t
waste to landfill (3% reduction from
2019 baseline)
4,291t CO
2
e
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions
(27% reduction from 2019 baseline)
Environment
Annual Report 2023 9

In New Zealand and around
the world, travellers are
actively returning to the
skies. Once again people are
travelling for pleasure and
business, scheduling long-
postponed visits to friends
and family, taking both
short-stay and extended
holidays, and generally
making up for lost time over
the period disrupted by the
pandemic.
We are past the initial waves of people
rushing to reconnect with family and
friends, and travel is almost back to
normal – recovering in a way that has
exceeded our own and many of our
airline partners’ growth forecasts.
By our financial year’s end (30 June
2023), total monthly passenger numbers
at Auckland Airport were running at 88%
of the comparative month (June 2019),
prior to the pandemic.
It’s important to acknowledge that the
rapid return of aviation has not always
been a smooth experience for travellers
worldwide and at Auckland Airport it
has been no different.
Global staffing shortages have been
at the centre of this, creating all kinds
of havoc across the aviation system.
Travellers have had to cope with
mishandled bags, longer waiting times
in queues, construction work in the
arrivals hall, airline schedule changes and
generally a system struggling to maintain
smooth passenger flows. These issues
were felt more strongly in the first half
of the year and are now showing signs
of easing.
Alongside the return of travel, we’ve
experienced some of the most
extreme weather New Zealand has
ever seen. This caused the closure of
the international terminal in January
From the
Chair
10 Annual Report 2023

Nau mai & welcome
for 37 hours due to flooding after
Auckland’s record-breaking rainfall
event, when over 200 millimetres of
rain fell in a single day, on top of an
already wet month.
We have greatly appreciated the
ongoing understanding of travellers
and our partners, and we are thankful
to the team at Auckland Airport for
their sustained effort in supporting the
recovery of the business.
Financial results
The 2023 financial year has provided
a much stronger result compared with
the year prior which was still being
impacted by the last of the Auckland
community’s COVID-19 lockdowns and
border restrictions.
Revenues in the year to 30 June 2023
increased by 108% to $625.9 million.
There was also pleasing growth in
earnings before interest, expense,
taxation, depreciation, fair value
adjustments and investments in
associates (EBITDAFI) up 175% to
$397.1 million. Total reported profit after
tax decreased by 77% to $43.2 million
while underlying net profit after tax
was up by $159.7 million to a profit
of $148.1 million. This resulted in an
underlying profit per share of 10.1 cents
for the 2023 financial year.
It has been pleasing to see the strong
return of our aviation business. As
demand for air travel has surged globally,
airlines have continued to see the value of
investing in capacity at Auckland. During
the 2023 financial year we welcomed
back familiar airlines – along with new
routes and carriers – helping to restore
Auckland Airport to the first full year
underlying profit since 2020.
As was the case the year before, our
property investment business continued
to deliver strongly. The industrial property
market has remained positive unlike other
categories of property in a COVID-19-
recovering economy. The investment
property rent roll is now $147 million
(up 15% year-on-year) and the investment
portfolio is currently now valued at
$2.9 billion.
I would like to take this opportunity to
once again thank shareholders for your
continued support through several
testing years. As we gradually return
to ‘business as usual’, we appreciate
your long-term confidence in the value
the airport can create for New Zealand,
our communities and shareholders.
We are pleased to declare a final
dividend – our first since October 2019
– for the 2023 financial year of 4.0 cents
per share, reflecting the earnings period
of 1 January to 30 June 2023 following
the removal of covenant-related
restrictions. At 4.0 cents per share, the
dividend equates to a 73.5% payout
of underlying profit for the second half
of the year and reflects our updated
dividend policy to pay 70% to 90% of
underlying net profit after tax (excluding
unrealised gains and losses arising from
a revaluation of property or treasury
instruments and other one-off items).
Building a Better Future
Growing passenger volumes have
restored a welcome vibrancy to our
airport precinct. They also point to the
timeliness of our business strategy –
Building a Better Future.
This is our comprehensive strategy
to move us back on to the front foot
and guide our long-term investment
decisions.
Our infrastructure is stretched after a
period of sustained growth followed
by the hiatus created by the pandemic.
It’s vital that we invest in Auckland
Airport’s future now. Our national
gateway needs investment to ensure
it remains efficient and resilient for
future generations, and to support our
country’s future economic prosperity.
Building a Better Future (see infographic
pg 24-25) organises our effort and
investment to deliver success in five key
areas: a thriving enterprise, empowered
community, seamless connectivity,
enduring infrastructure and, above all,
future resilience.
It gives context and coordination
to the restart of our infrastructure
development programme, as we deliver
a historic transformation of the airport.
“It’s vital that we invest in
Auckland Airport’s future
now. Our national gateway
needs investment to ensure
it remains efficient and
resilient for future
generations, and to support
our country’s future
economic prosperity.”
Revenue
$
625.9m
 108%
Reported profit after tax
$
43.2m
77%
Annual Report 2023 11

This encompasses everything from a
new domestic terminal to be integrated
into the international terminal, to better
roads, a more resilient airfield, and
utilities such as fuel infrastructure.
Transport infrastructure such as the new
Transport Hub will complete the picture
for smoother, more efficient journeys to
and from the airport.
None of this would be possible without
the dedication of our management team,
passionately led by Chief Executive
Carrie Hurihanganui and supported
by our 579-strong workforce. I thank
the whole team, as well as my fellow
directors, for their energy and effort as
we support the organisation to manage
the challenging developments ahead.
Aeronautical pricing changes
On 8 June this year, following extensive
consultation with our airline partners,
we announced changes to airline
charges for the 2023 to 2027 financial
year period (a process known under
our enabling regulations as Pricing
Setting Event 4 or PSE4). The increased
charges took effect from 1 July 2023,
ending the year-long price freeze we had
in place to help airlines rebuild following
the pandemic.
We did not introduce these changes
lightly, particularly in the current
economic environment.
We need to ensure continued
investment in Auckland Airport’s
infrastructure so it is at an appropriate
standard, delivering sufficient capacity
and resiliency long term and an
improved customer experience. As
New Zealand’s key gateway airport,
we believe the infrastructure investment
choices we have made are in the best
long-term interests of travellers and the
wider New Zealand economy.
The decision to move ahead with the
Terminal Integration Programme was
made after extensive consultation,
analysis and careful consideration,
but ultimately without the support of
airlines. Although Air New Zealand and
the Board of Airline Representatives
(BARNZ) supported the pathway to
terminal integration in August 2021, their
position changed, largely due to the
increased cost of construction and
resulting price changes.
While airlines have asked us to pause
the building programme, they have not
been able to propose any viable long-
run alternatives. Airlines have also asked
us to continue operating jets from the
existing domestic terminal, however this
would result in jet operations remaining
in the terminal well beyond 2030 with
unacceptable impacts on the efficiency
of operations, the resiliency of the
airfield and result in further deterioration
of the customer experience.
We continue to engage with airlines and
remain open to adjusting our approach
to the infrastructure programme if
presented with new and viable options.
In setting our updated prices, the return
on capital targeted for PSE4 was set
consistent with the existing Commerce
Commission’s methodologies, updated
for the most recent input data.
The new aeronautical charges are now
being independently reviewed by the
Commission. We welcome this scrutiny
as it is an important step to ensure
10-year development road map (remains subject to change)
12 Annual Report 2023

“With burgeoning traveller
numbers, expanding
international routes,
accelerating infrastructure
development and a hugely
committed team, there is a
great deal to look forward
to at Auckland Airport.”
not sufficiently reflect the risks that
New Zealand airports face. It includes
ad hoc judgement calls that would make
the regulatory regime unpredictable and
would challenge business cases and
the funding of all New Zealand airports’
essential investment plans, potentially
leading to capacity constraints.
A constrained Auckland Airport
would not serve New Zealand well.
Underinvestment would lead to
constrained flights which would inevitably
drive up air fares steeply – just as we
have witnessed recently because of
airline capacity shortages caused by
COVID-19. Our submission – and others
– strongly encourages the Commission
to retain its existing approach that it
has insisted airports follow for the last
13 years.
Legislative update
Following many years of engagement
and submissions, in April this year
Parliament passed an important piece
of legislation: the new Civil Aviation Act
repeals and replacing the Civil Aviation
Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act
1966 with a single modern law to regulate
the aviation industry. We welcome the
new legislation and the more succinct
legal framework it provides.
Looking ahead
With burgeoning traveller numbers,
expanding international routes,
accelerating infrastructure development
and a hugely committed team, there is a
great deal to look forward to at Auckland
Airport. This includes continuing to
process sustainability initiatives that
will have a meaningful impact across
the aviation precinct as we upgrade
infrastructure. Operating New Zealand’s
largest airport and international gateway
while revitalising it from the ground up
will see new challenges, and our team
is focused on the tasks ahead.

Patrick Strange
Chair of the Board
that airports in New Zealand work to
benefit the traveller and make long-term
decisions that are in the best interests of
New Zealand’s economy. We will await
the Commission’s review of our pricing
decision, which is expected in May
2024, before commenting further on
PSE4 pricing.
We expect prices for the next pricing
period will need to increase further,
reflecting the significant amounts
of capital that will be invested to
complete delivery of the Terminal
Integration Programme. Post-pandemic
construction cost escalation has added
to the challenge, but we know that
our costs of delivery are aligned to
the cost of other recent examples of
terminal infrastructure globally. We know
continuing to invest remains the right
thing for the travelling public, the right
thing for New Zealand.
We have also responded to the
Commission’s initial cost of capital
Input Methodologies Review draft
decision announced in June. The draft
decision included a fundamentally
new approach for airports which does
Annual Report 2023 13

From the
CE
Kia ora koutou
katoa
Connecting New Zealanders
to each other and the world
is something we take
immense pride in.
So we’ve been delighted
to see Auckland Airport
humming again, experiencing
a stronger rebound in the
aviation market both
domestically and internationally
than anyone had expected.
Airports and airlines have
rebuilt their workforces, new
routes are coming on stream,
aircraft load factors are high
and we are looking ahead to
a busy summer peak.
We still have a way to go to full recovery,
but it all amounts to a fantastic
turnaround for an industry that was in
dire straits two years ago – bringing
relief, gratitude, energy and optimism
to those of us who work in aviation.
The return of airlines to the New Zealand
market tells the story.
In the 2023 financial year, we had 25
airlines flying to 40 destinations to and
from Auckland Airport. On both counts,
this is a near doubling from the lows of
12 airlines and 21 destinations during
the toughest days of the pandemic.
In June, international seat capacity
recovered to 90% compared with pre-
pandemic, and domestic recovered to
89%. The return of passenger flights
also restores international freight
capacity to 95% of pre-pandemic level.
Strength in our North American routes
is leading the charge. Air New Zealand
now flies into seven North American
cities including its flagship New York
service, joined by Qantas on the same
route from June 2023, bringing greater
choice and more competitive pricing to
travellers. Hawaiian Airlines, Air Canada,
United Airlines and American Airlines
reconnecting into Auckland will also
be joined by Delta Air Lines from late
October this year.
14 Annual Report 2023

Kia ora koutou katoa
These are all high-quality airlines with
extensive domestic and international
networks. This sees Auckland Airport
now offering more non-stop connections
to the United States and Canada than
any airport in Australia. This is great
news for Kiwi travellers but also for
those travellers from our second largest
visitor market (behind Australia) wanting
to take a holiday in New Zealand.
There has been a promising recovery
in routes to and from China, a key trade
and tourist market for New Zealand,
after a slower return due to a more
protracted COVID-19 response, with
five airlines now operating four routes,
including daily services to some of the
main centres. Overall, capacity between
China and New Zealand had recovered
to 78% of 2019 levels as at 30 June
2023, and is forecast to reach 93% of
pre-pandemic levels by September.
Investing for the future
Alongside the return of airlines,
we are investing in the airport’s long-
term future.
As the international gateway to
New Zealand, we need to upgrade,
modernise and build in greater capacity
and resilience, so we can enable
New Zealand’s economic and social
prosperity rather than constrain it.
We want to make Kiwis proud, offering
sustainable and seamless customer
experiences alongside the best in
the world.
We have a new strategy – Building a
Better Future – and a clear ambition
to build a vibrant and diverse aviation
precinct – a destination that not only
serves as New Zealand’s busiest airport,
but also a place of entertainment,
business and employment.
In line with this, our biggest project
is a new combined domestic and
international terminal. It’s about time
– our 57-year-old domestic terminal is
nearing capacity – and this will be our
largest redevelopment since the airport
opened in 1966. Not only is it incredibly
necessary, it will also transform the
customer experience, making their
journeys easier and faster. Airlines also
have much to gain in terms of capacity
growth, sustainability outcomes and
more resilient infrastructure.
We have been consulting with major
airlines in relation to this for more than
a decade, including producing over 21
concept designs for a new domestic
terminal since 2012. We have been
in formal consultation with airlines
regarding terminal integration and our
capital plan since 2021, carrying out
detailed reviews, working to identify
airline requirements and find savings
where possible. If it weren’t for the
pandemic, the build would already have
been well advanced by now. There have
been calls in recent times from airlines
to delay our investment programme.
However, we think this is the wrong call
for New Zealand and would result in
higher infrastructure costs in the future.
Like airports right around the world,
Auckland Airport needs to invest to
ensure we are resilient and fit for the
future. At the same time, we are very
mindful of cost to our airline partners
and ultimately travellers.
Over the next financial year, domestic
charges will rise less than $4.00 per
passenger, and in 2027 charges will
be $8.70 per passenger higher than
they are now. These are the charges
that airlines pay as users of the airport,
and they will still represent a very
small portion of an airfare. These cost
increases will also bring our charges
to airlines in line with what Wellington
and Christchurch airports already
charge today.
Low-carbon future
As we look ahead to the transformation
of the airport, sustainability is at the
forefront – our planned investments will
help us move towards climate change
goals and create a more sustainable
airport.
Our targets are demanding and real.
We are targeting a 90% reduction in
scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2019
baseline, to achieve Net Zero carbon
emissions by 2030. We are well on the
way to reaching this target, achieving a
27% reduction this financial year against
the 2019 baseline. Every initiative,
big and small, counts, and we are
proud to have a bold programme of
work underway.
Over the coming years, you’ll see us
make greater use of renewable energy
with giant solar arrays being built on
two developments, including the largest
rooftop array in New Zealand.
“As the international
gateway to New Zealand,
we need to upgrade,
modernise and build in
greater capacity and
resilience, so we can enable
New Zealand’s economic
and social prosperity rather
than constrain it. We want
to make Kiwis proud,
offering sustainable and
seamless customer
experiences alongside
the best in the world.”
Annual Report 2023 15

We are phasing out gas from the
terminals and switching out our air
conditioning system to electricity.
Design and construction materials
for the combined terminal will be
selected to reduce the building’s
carbon footprint as much as possible.
This is alongside a focus on waste
minimisation and water efficiency
and we are committed to our target
of a 20% improvement on these
two measures by 2030 against our
2019 baseline.
Aviation is a contributor to global
CO
2
emissions, currently producing
about 2.5% of total greenhouse gases
worldwide. In an interconnected
industry like aviation, we must work
together to collaborate and innovate
to mitigate the impacts of climate
change. We are working closely with
major airlines to understand their
needs and requirements, including the
investment they’re making in larger,
more efficient domestic aircraft, and
their planned future low-carbon aircraft.
We’re pleased to be in the leadership
group Sustainable Aviation Aotearoa,
working with our industry peers and
government agencies to accelerate the
decarbonisation of the aviation industry.
On the ground, action is happening as
well, with ground power units being
installed at each gate to supply power
to aircraft to reduce fuel use and provide
charging for electric ground-handling
equipment and vehicles. These are but
just a few of the initiatives underway to
deliver positive change.
Building activity
Beyond the terminals, construction has
ramped up right across the aviation precinct.
We were pleased to restart our
250,000sqm airfield expansion to
the west of the international terminal,
adding important resilience to aircraft
parking capacity as well as stormwater
infrastructure.
We have a $300 million world-class
transport hub underway – a project
that is all about putting the customer at
the centre of our thinking and will help
to smooth the experience for travellers
arriving and departing from the terminal,
as well as paving the way for any future
mass rapid transit to deliver passengers
direct to the airport terminal precinct.
We have a new baggage system under
construction at the international terminal
and construction of the Mānawa Bay
premium outlet shopping destination
is also well progressed, and is on
track to open at the end of the 2024
calendar year.
We’re very excited to be opening
our new 5-star hotel in December
this year, a joint venture with Tainui
Group Holdings (TGH). Te Arikinui
Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel will
offer accommodation experiences on
a new level for the airport – including
rooftop dining with stunning views of
the Manukau Harbour.
All of these projects will help to complete
the picture for revitalisation of the
airport, making it an exceptional new
travel experience for all Kiwis to enjoy
and be proud of. I hope you enjoy
reading more about these projects in
the pages ahead.
A strong team
I am immensely proud of the way our
extended team has responded to the
challenges posed during the year.
These included extreme weather,
rapid passenger growth, disrupted
flight schedules and baggage handling
issues, and I warmly thank the team
and our partners for going the extra
distance together.
I want to assure our airport users
and community that we, alongside
our airport partners, remain focused
on ironing out remaining operational
issues and thank travellers for their
understanding as we tackle this.
During the year, we added to our
management bench strength with the
appointment of Melanie Dooney as Chief
Corporate Services Officer (November
2022), Chloe Surridge as Chief
Operations Officer (May) and Richard
Wilkinson (Tūhoe) as Chief Digital
Officer (August). We also announced the
appointment of Darren Evans as Chief
Safety and Risk Officer, who will be
joining us in November. Chloe, Melanie,
Richard and Darren bring years of
experience and expertise, and will work
with our very strong existing leadership
team to help us further elevate putting
customers at the forefront of everything
we do. I wish to thank the Auckland
Airport Board for their guidance
and support amid a period of both
challenges and exciting transformation
for our airport.
From left: Chief Sustainability & Master Planning Officer – Mary-Liz Tuck, Chief Corporate Services Officer– Melanie Dooney, Chief Digital Officer – Richard
Wilkinson ( joined August 2023), Chief Customer Officer – Scott Tasker, Chief Executive Officer – Carrie Hurihanganui, Chief Infrastructure Officer – André Lovatt,
Chief Operations Officer – Chloe Surridge, Chief Commercial Officer – Mark Thomson, Chief Financial Officer – Phil Neutze
16 Annual Report 2023

Underlying net profit
after tax
$14 8 .1m
Auckland Airport recognises underlying
profit is a non-GAAP measure and a
reconciliation between reported profit
after tax and underlying profit after tax
is included in the Financial Summary
section of this annual report.
An improvement of
$159.7m
compared with the
$11.6 million loss in 2022
The directors and management of
Auckland Airport understand the
importance of reported profits meeting
accounting standards. Because we
comply with accounting standards,
investors can confidently compare
different companies knowing there is
integrity in our reporting approach.
However, we believe that an underlying
profit measurement can also assist
investors to understand what is
happening in a business like Auckland
Airport, where revaluation changes can
distort financial results or where one-off
transactions, both positive and negative,
can make it difficult to compare profits
between years.
For several years, Auckland Airport has
referred to underlying profit alongside
reported results. We do so when we
report our results, and when we give our
market guidance (where we exclude fair
value changes and other one-off items)
or when we consider dividends and our
policy to pay 70% to 90% of underlying
net profit after tax (excluding unrealised
gains and losses arising from revaluation
of property or treasury instruments and
other one-off items).
In referring to underlying profits, we
acknowledge our obligation to show
investors how we have derived this
result. You can find the reconciliation
between underlying profit and reported
profit for the current reporting period in
the Financial Summary section of this
annual report on page 90.
Looking ahead
We continue to see a positive recovery
of the aviation industry. As a result,
we are providing guidance of underlying
profit after tax to between $260 million
and $280 million for the 2024 financial
year, and capital expenditure of between
$1,000 million and $1,400 million for
the period.
We still expect our total passenger
numbers to recover to pre-pandemic
levels during 2025, in line with the
International Air Travel Association’s
(IATA) outlook for global air travel. For
the full 2024 financial year we anticipate
international passenger numbers will
be around 92% of pre-COVID-19 levels,
with domestic passenger numbers at
around 89%. This would result in overall
passenger numbers of circa 19.1 million
for the 2024 financial year.
We are in the midst of a major re-
investment in the infrastructure at
Auckland Airport to set us up for the
decades ahead. As travellers continue
to return in substantial numbers, we
are reinventing the traveller experience
and focusing on sustainability to
target ambitious reductions in carbon
emissions. Most of all, we are strongly
committed to delivering a new,
connected national gateway that does
justice to our beautiful city of Auckland
and the expectations of our global
visitors when they come to Aotearoa
New Zealand.
E mahi ana mātou mō Aotearoa.
We are working for New Zealand.
Carrie Hurihanganui
Chief Executive
Auckland Airport
Annual Report 2023 17

Piki mai, kake mai, tauti mai
Auckland Airport’s place
on the Manukau Harbour
weaves a story of adventure,
inspiration and connection,
from its earliest days when
Tainui Waka first journeyed
across the waters of the
harbour, to the summer of
1966 when the airport first
roared to life with a grand
air pageant.
About us
Back then, the domestic terminal was
the crown jewel; the 3,535-metre runway
a modern marvel. It was a huge source
of national pride, where people would
make their way past paddocks and
farmland to stand on the edge of the
airfield and witness the wonder of flight.
Almost 60 years on, Auckland Airport
still inspires and connects those
with an adventurous spirit – a unique
1,566-hectare precinct of travel,
enterprise and trade, entertainment,
dining, shopping and hospitality.
We are New Zealand’s busiest
international airport, linking 7.8 million
travellers to a total of 40 destinations in
the financial year. Before the pandemic
struck, 21 million domestic and
international travellers passed through
Auckland Airport annually. This included
more than 75% of all international
passengers to and from New Zealand
(or 92% of international passengers who
arrived into New Zealand off a long-haul
service). Around 48% of the company’s
total revenue was generated by our
aeronautical business.
Beyond the airfield, Auckland Airport is
a diverse and growing community, full
of promise. We play an important role
in supporting the economy, including
job creation.
As a property developer and landlord,
we provide high-quality premises and
services to a host of retail outlets inside
the terminals as well as businesses
within the surrounding precinct. These
range from logistics and international
freight facilities to stylish eateries, to
a heritage-listed function venue to a
bustling shopping centre, to a family
fun park and animal experience.
Our two hotels offer quality
accommodation, and we have a
further two new hotel developments
that are well advanced. We work hard
to make life easier for our customers,
offering a variety of car-parking
facilities, including a valet service, and
our online digital shopping channel
25 airlines
servicing 40 international destinations
and 23 NZ destinations in FY23
(29 airlines servicing 43 international
destinations pre-pandemic in FY19)
144,421
aircraft movements in FY23
(178,886 in FY19)
15.9m
passenger movements in FY23
(21.1 million in FY19)
165,503t
of international cargo in FY23
(190,889 tonnes in FY19)
22km
of public roads
1.4 million
sqm of runway and pavement
170,000
sqm of floor area over two terminals
We own and operate
Auckland Airport
The Mall. Our Collection Point service
means travellers can collect off-airport
and online tax and duty free purchases
when they arrive at our terminals.
Overall, our property team manages in
excess of 550,000 square metres of net
lettable area. The portfolio is now valued
at $2.9 billion, with an annual rent roll of
$147 million. Auckland Airport has 151
hectares of land available for investment
property development.
18 Annual Report 2023

5. Including $8.4m of revenue recognised for
accounting purposes for the spreading of future
fixed rental increases.
6. Landside property portfolio.
24/7
service providing aviation, fire,
medical and marine search
and rescue services
11 5
terminal-based retail tenancies
15 0
business tenants outside the terminal
2 operating
hotels
and two more in development
12 ,3 8 0+
car parks in the car-parking facilities
We provide important
services to travellers, airlines
and our commercial partners
$2.9b
of logistics and distribution
warehouses, office buildings and
shopping centres.
$ 17 0 . 6 m
5

of rental income per annum
99%
6

real estate average occupancy rate
$845m
of assets currently
under development
151ha
available for development
2 hotels
developed in partnership with
Waikato Tainui
We are a property
developer and owner
579
employees with diverse skills
and capabilities
Ara
Auckland Airport Jobs and Skills
Hub, connects South Auckland
people with jobs and training
opportunities
20,000
people typically employed
on precinct
We are a substantial employer
and enabler of employment
Annual Report 2023 19

Our Business
Model
Our business model reflects our key inputs, business
activities and strategy and how they collectively influence
our ability to create value and support our outputs and
outcomes. Without question, Auckland Airport’s success
is linked to how we ensure our aviation, commercial and
community partners are successful.
The risks and opportunities in our
operating environment shape the
way we conduct our business
Recovery of
aviation post
C OV I D -19
Capacity limits of
the infrastructure
sector
Global
aviation
pressures
Our financial capital
• Debt, equity
• Profit
• Credit rating
Our assets
• Airfield and associated
aeronautical buildings
• Commercial property
• Roading, transport and utilities
Our skills and knowledge
• Established governance framework
and operating model
• Project delivery methodology
• Data and business intelligence systems,
involving IT infrastructur
e crisis recovery systems
Our employees
• 579 employees with diverse skills
and capability
• Training for all staff
• Values-based culture
Our community and relationships
• Relationships with broad range
of stakeholders
• Brand and reputation
• Recognition of mana whenua values
Our environment
• Land for current and future growth
• Airspace
• Water, renewable and non-renewable energy utilised
External
environment
O
u
r

v
a
l
u
e
s
—
W
e

C
a
r
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—
C
o
l
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a
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a
t
i
v
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—
E
x
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p
t
i
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n
a
l
—
I
n
t
e
g
r
i
t
y
—
R
e
s
p
e
c
t
Purpose
Kaupapa
Creating value for our
business, shareholders,
partners, customers
and New Zealand
O
u
r

s
u
s
t
a
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y

p
i
l
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a
r
s
Place
Kaitiakitanga
Creating value for
future generations and
protecting the planet
People
Whānau
Creating value
for our employees
Community
Hapori
Creating value
for Auckland
and our local
community
Our business activities Inputs
20 Annual Report 2023

Physical and
transitional climate
change risks
Ongoing
regulatory
oversight
Increasing
stakeholder
expectations
Technological
advancements
Globalisation
Value delivered for shareholders
• Financial performance, return on investment and dividends
Enduring value for New Zealand
• Active engagement in boosting New Zealand travel,
trade and tourism
• Trigger-based infrastructure development plan in place
to ensure sufficient capacity when required
• Attracting airlines servicing a variety of ports
• Keeping our country safe from biosecurity and health risks
• Supporting sustainable airline routes
Win-win relationships with our customers
and stakeholders
• Being our passengers’ favourite airport
• High occupancy and tenure in our property portfolio
• Constructive partnerships with mana whenua
A proud, safe, diverse and motivated workforce
• Zero Harm health, safety and wellbeing culture
• Strong employer proposition including remuneration,
benefits and development
• High-calibre, diverse workforce with a variety
of skills, thoughts and capability
Improving the wellbeing of our local community
• Constructive partnerships focused on education,
employment and the environment
• In-kind and financial support for local community initiatives
• Recognition of mana whenua values
Kaitiakitanga for the environment
• Reduced footprint across waste, water, energy and carbon
• Aircraft noise impact on the local community,
mitigated with noise abatement packages
• No environmental breaches which result in
prosecution under the relevant legislation
Global
economic
pressures
O
u
r

v
a
l
u
e
s
—
W
e

C
a
r
e
—
C
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l
l
a
b
o
r
a
t
i
v
e
—
E
x
c
e
p
t
i
o
n
a
l
—
I
n
t
e
g
r
i
t
y
—
R
e
s
p
e
c
t
Property
Developing and managing
a successful investment
property portfolio
O
u
r

s
u
s
t
a
i
n
a
b
i
l
i
t
y

p
i
l
l
a
r
s
Outputs and outcomes
Aeronautical
New Zealand’s
largest owner and
operator of airports
Consumer
Delivering an
enhanced customer
experience
Annual Report 2023 21

22 Annual Report 2023

Our Strategy
Annual Report 2023 23

Our
Strategy
To be successful in a post-
pandemic world, Auckland
Airport must ensure its
aeronautical operation is
strong and resilient for the
future. We must also look
beyond our traditional areas
of operation to create more
resilience and wider
prosperity from our actions.
24 Annual Report 2023

In the 2023 financial year, Auckland
Airport has developed and launched a
new strategic plan and road map for the
business: Building a Better Future.
We have an important purpose to
revitalise and inspire as we connect
people and place. We are working
for New Zealand to create positive
change in the airport experience, the
community, and the environment and
for our country’s long-term prosperity.
Alongside our critical aviation
infrastructure, terminals and the
runway, we are an aviation precinct
of travel, hospitality, business,
entertainment and trade. A major
employment hub. A city within a city.
Our strong foundations will guide us
and our actions each day as we seek
to achieve our ambitions of delivering:
Seamless Connectivity
Empowered Community
Thriving Enterprise
Future Resilience
Enduring Infrastructure
Annual Report 2023 25

A thriving commercial community lies
at the core of the long-term success
and sustainability of our precinct. It will
encompass a wide range of industries: from
aviation and tourism; to retail and hospitality;
to accommodation and entertainment;
to high value exports and trade – a place
that New Zealanders are proud of, as they
connect with each other and the world via
a thriving aviation network. Together, we will
create a vibrant and dynamic environment
that drives prosperity for our economy.
Thriving
Enterprise
Aviation takes off
It’s everywhere on social media. Photos
of family reunions in far flung corners of
the world, kids splashing in island resort
swimming pools, or couples soaking up
the cultural sights.
“It feels like everyone you talk to has just
been on a trip overseas or is hoping to
take one soon,” says Auckland Airport’s
Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker.
“And it’s really brought the life back to
the airport.”
Since the 1960s, Auckland Airport
has grown into a unique economic
ecosystem, supporting 25 airlines in the
financial year; 40 direct routes across
the globe; and attracting an average of
412 domestic and international flights in
and out per day over the second half of
the 2023 financial year.
Planes don’t load, take off and land by
themselves, and with airline capacity
running 90% of 2019 levels by 30 June
2023 (just ahead of the recovery in
capacity in Singapore and Australia),
thousands of jobs have returned to
the airport, helping to support the
community surrounding the precinct.
“It’s been a tough couple of years for
the aviation industry, so it’s great to
see airlines committing to restart flying
to Auckland Airport and the fresh
energy this has brought back to the
precinct. Alongside those Kiwi travellers
heading abroad, New Zealand is still
high on international traveller bucket
lists. In saying that, airline capacity is
very tight globally and we’ve needed
to put in a good deal of work to keep
ourselves on the radar of the airlines as
a preferred destination.”
A highlight has been the additional
connections and exciting new routes
between Auckland and North America.
American Airlines has begun operating
its long-awaited route to Dallas-Fort
Worth and both Air New Zealand
and Qantas launched direct flights to
New York. On the popular Los Angeles
route Air New Zealand, American
Airlines, United Airlines, and newcomer
Delta Airlines will be operating for the
summer peak.
26 Annual Report 2023

“We’re in for a busy summer with
current projections showing capacity
between Auckland and North America
set to exceed 2019 levels, with a
forecast 29% increase in flight capacity
over November 2023 to March 2024
compared to the same five-month
period prior to COVID-19.”
The other big shift has been the
easing of Chinese international travel
restrictions at the beginning of the
calendar year, which saw the return
of frequent connections to major
Chinese cities.
“China was the final market to unlock.
We were among the first to open to
Chinese tour groups, which was a
great milestone for us, but like the
other market reopenings, the initial
demand came from friends and family
reconnections, quickly followed by
business and leisure travel resuming,”
Scott says.
With Air China returning in May from
Beijing to Auckland, and Hainan Airlines
returning in June on the Shenzhen to
Auckland route, Auckland Airport now
has 27 flights per week operated by five
airlines to four cities in mainland China
(Air China, Air New Zealand, China
Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines
and Hainan Airlines).
Closer to home, the trans-Tasman
connectivity is back to 96% of pre-
pandemic capacity. Joining trans-
Tasman stalwarts Air New Zealand,
Qantas and Jetstar, Air Asia X started
flying between Auckland and Sydney,
with Batik Air starting on the Perth route
in August 2023. We also welcomed
Jetstar starting a new daily service
between Auckland and Brisbane.
The Maintaining International Air
Connectivity (MIAC) Scheme ended
in March, by which point the return
of airlines and increased schedule
frequency provided the necessary
bellyhold capacity for airfreight. In the
2023 financial year, 165,503 tonnes
of international cargo flew through
Auckland Airport, a 9% decrease
from the 2022 financial year, and
accounting for 90% of New Zealand’s
total international air cargo. Auckland’s
international cargo volume managed to
remain consistent during the pandemic,
with an exceptionally good year in the
2022 financial year.
“It’s been a tough couple
of years for the aviation
industry, so it’s great to
see airlines committing to
restart flying to Auckland
Airport and the fresh
energy this has brought
back to the precinct.”
29%
forecast increase in flight capacity
over November 2023 to March 2024
(compared to the same five-month
period prior to COVID-19)
Auckland Airport welcomes back international airlines
Annual Report 2023
27

Growing business community
Airports can be a bit like sliding doors
between the place you’ve just been,
and where you are going.
“Auckland Airport has changed hugely
over the past couple of decades,” says
Mark Thomson, Chief Commercial
Officer. “We’ve attracted some of the
world’s leading global brands in logistics
who have set up their headquarters
here, alongside contemporary hotels,
shops, cafes and restaurants, and
entertainment facilities for families.
“People are often really surprised by
just what is on offer out at the airport
and the diversity of the business
precinct we have here. It’s something
we’re very proud of.”
Today there are over 250 businesses
based at the precinct and over the
2023 financial year, the commercial
community has firmly bounced back,
with enterprises across the precinct
changing gear from surviving to thriving.
Shops and cafes are busy once again,
and trade is in full swing.
One of the fastest growing areas is
The Landing, a business park located
on the northern tip of Auckland Airport
and home to everything from logistics
centres, to manufacturing depots, and
pharmaceutical facilities.
“The team’s been flat out delivering new
projects and it’s been another really
strong year for the investment property
business,” Mark says.
“In 2023, we completed developments
for Kerry Logistics and Healthcare
Logistics (part of the EBOS group),
while the construction of two additional
facilities remains on track for completion
in the 2024 financial year.
“We’ve also been appointed to develop
new pre-committed standalone facilities
within The Landing for companies
which include IKEA, DHL, and Reece
Group, all of which target a 5-Star Green
sustainability rating, and will commence
construction in the 2024 financial year.
“Once completed, these developments
will have a combined value exceeding
$200 million and add a further 50,000
square metres of leased space into
The Landing.
The airport’s rent roll increase by 15%
off the back of sustained customer
demand for our high quality, well located
real estate products. Auckland Airport’s
portfolio ended the year having a total
value of $2.9b and with occupancy
levels remaining at 99% and a weighted
average lease term of 8.64 years – one
of the highest WALTs relative to the
New Zealand listed property sector.
“The financial year has been another
strong year for our investment property
business, in which we have continued
to pursue our strategy to develop high
quality, operationally efficient and
environmentally sustainable assets
leased to high covenant tenants,”
he says.
$
2.9b
total value of Auckland Airport’s
property portfolio
Award winning Healthcare Logistics development
28 Annual Report 2023

Retail
South of The Landing, Auckland Airport’s
retail community is bustling once again.
There are over 115 retailers located inside
the terminals alone, including 20 different
food and beverage operators. After
hibernating during the pandemic, most
have now returned to normal business
operations with sites fully open.
One of the largest is Aelia Duty Free,
which has taken on the role as Auckland
Airport’s duty-free operator, after
winning a short-term extension of their
contract until mid-2025 which saw the
airport move to a single operator model.
Lagardère AWPL co-CEO, Przemek
Lesniak, says the effort put in by
teams on both sides of the Tasman
to reopening the store last October
was inspiring.
“We were very emotional when those
first passengers made their way through
the store.”
Initially scheduled for September this
year, Auckland Airport’s shift to a single
operator was brought forward by three
months with the agreement of all parties
to ensure a seamless transition. As part
of the successful transition to a single
operator model, around 90% of existing
duty-free staff were able to transfer to
Aelia Duty Free. Within the next year,
a tender process is expected to get
underway for a long-term duty-free
contract at Auckland Airport.
“We feel invigorated with a team, both
new and old, on board. We are so proud
of how our team has managed the
challenges brought on by the pandemic,
and thankful to have great partnerships,
including with Auckland Airport, that
have supported us along the way,”
Przemek says.
“After hibernating during
the pandemic, most have
now returned to normal
business operations with
sites fully open.”
Aelia Duty Free
Annual Report 2023
29

Outlet shopping
Retail therapy is set to extend beyond
the terminal with Auckland Airport’s
latest development, Mānawa Bay.
Construction at the $200 million
development has been underway since
November 2022, and will create a
fashion-led retail destination within the
airport precinct, with 24,000sqm of retail
space and 100 stores ranging in size
from 50sqm to 1500sqm.
“We’re delighted with the strong
demand we’ve had from retailers signing
up for stores, including sought-after
brands Kate Spade, Coach, Fila, Ilabb,
Under Armour and Flo & Frankie, to
name a few,” Mark says.
“Leasing momentum remains very
strong with almost 50% of the facility
now pre-committed in Heads of
Agreement or Agreements to Lease. We
are also experiencing strong interest in
leasing the remainder of the facility, and
remain confident of pre-commitment
before opening late in 2024.
“The build’s progressing along really
well too, with 50% of the structure
now in place and substantial progress
being made on the civil works and
roading elements.”
Taking its name from the mangroves
growing in the nearby Pukāki Creek,
Mānawa Bay will make the most of this
water-facing location and embrace large,
light-filled open spaces in the dining
area, with an easy to navigate figure-of-
eight layout for the centre, reflecting the
concept of flight and air.
Led by Savory Construction, the project
will support 500 to 600 jobs during
construction and an estimated 1,100
retail and hospitality jobs once the
centre is open and fully operating.
Targeted to be New Zealand’s first
Five Green Star retail centre, Mānawa
Bay is pursuing sustainability initiatives
throughout the project (see pg 55).
Hotels roll out the welcome mat
At the Novotel, fresh spaces, including
a revamped bar and eatery, have
welcomed guests back since it
reopened to travellers last June.
For the six months to June 2023 the
four-star hotel (a joint venture with
Tainui Group Holdings) averaged 88%
occupancy, compared to an average
70% occupancy for 5-star CBD luxury
hotels and 65% average occupancy
for 4 to 4.5 star city hotels.
Mānawa Bay under development
Pullman Hotel under development
30 Annual Report 2023

it caused us to really focus on the
core essentials and re-look at how
we run things. For example, we
now place much greater emphasis
on extra income streams such as
private animal encounters and we’ve
gained extra efficiencies, for instance
switching to quicker cabinet food,”
he says.
Bright future for AKL
aviation precinct
Among the aviation, retail, hospitality,
accommodation, and freight
businesses that make for a bustling
precinct, is the place two huge salt-
water crocodiles, several meerkats
and a troop of tamarins call home.
Butterfly Creek, which at 22 years
is one of the longest standing
businesses operating at Auckland
Airport, is full speed ahead – this
past year bringing a much-needed
sense of relief for husband and
wife co-owners John Dowsett and
Fiona Turner.
“We’ve had a really good year.
It’s busy. I so love seeing people
back here having a good time.”
When John started the business,
the site was nothing more than a
paddock. Fast forward two decades,
and it’s buzzing with over 200,000
visitors per year.
“In visitation we’re better than we
were before the pandemic. There
were some positives of COVID-19,
“There were some
positives of COVID-19, it
caused us to really focus
on the core essentials
and re-look at how we
run things. For example,
we now place much
greater emphasis on extra
income streams such as
private animal encounters
and we’ve gained extra
efficiencies.”
89
%

averaged occupancy at the Novotel
91
%

occupancy at the ibis hotel
The nearby ibis, a 2.5 star hotel fully
owned by Auckland Airport, is similarly
going well, if not better, with an average
occupancy of 91% during the period
March to June 2023.
In December the doors will open for the
first time at Te Arikinui Auckland Airport
Pullman Hotel, a beautiful 5-star hotel
on the doorstep of the international
terminal, developed in partnership with
Tainui Group Holdings.
“We’re looking forward to opening
the doors at the end of the year to
Te Arikinui,” Mark says. It’s going to be
a premium hotel experience, right next
to the international terminal. Not only
will it provide a beautiful place to stay
but it’s set to become a landmark at the
precinct and a destination in itself.”
The name of the hotel, Te Arikinui, has
been gifted by the Māori King, Kiingi
Tuheitia. Its meaning is ‘Supreme Ariki’
or ‘Supreme Paramount Chief’ and was
the chiefly title carried by his mother the
late Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
‘Te Arikinui’ was chosen to reflect the
hotel’s 5-star premium status.
Inside, the fitout currently underway
includes extensive use of Waikato
iwi inspired cultural designs which
ensure the hotel’s sophisticated and
contemporary interior design is uniquely
Aotearoa New Zealand.
The hotel’s top floor restaurant and
bar, which is named Te Kaahu, offers
stunning views out over the runway and
beyond to the Manukau Heads, and will
feature a menu strongly influenced by
local produce and the unique flavours
of our country. Te Kaahu (hawk) is
symbolic of flight, is included in the
name Te Atairangikaahu, and its feathers
are worn by those of chiefly status.
“We’re looking forward to
opening the doors at the
end of year to Te Arikinui.
Not only will it provide a
beautiful place to stay but
it’s set to become a
landmark at the precinct
and a destination in itself.”
Butterfly Creek’s John Dowsett and Fiona Turner
Annual Report 2023
31

Helping hands
Rain was bucketing down, and Dave
Powell, the man in charge of Auckland
Airport’s escalators, lifts and heating
and cooling systems, was marveling at
the new rivers pouring across paddocks
and the waterfalls cascading in culverts
along his rural drive home.
“At that point I was worried about my
roof, and to be honest, I wasn’t really
thinking about the airport.”
It was the evening of 27 January 2023.
An average January in Auckland sees
around 70 millimetres of rain fall across
the month but that night the same
amount fell in just one hour between
7pm and 8pm at Auckland Airport.
And Dave’s phone began lighting
up with images of the international
terminal’s check-in escalators sitting
deep in water.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,
I honestly thought the photos had
been doctored.”
By midnight Auckland Airport had
received one month’s worth of rain
in a matter of hours. The international
terminal, as well as the forecourt area
had flooded, and the rain was still
coming down. As soon as the roads
were clear and he could travel, Dave
headed into the airport, joining dozens
of other Auckland Airport employees,
airport workers and contractors who
had been working through the night
to pump and mop up water.
Over the coming days, these
people played a critical role in the
crisis response, helping to get
the airport system moving again,
along with sheltering, feeding and
supporting hundreds of stranded
travellers facing overnight stays at
the international terminal.
We value our strong links with the
community and will continue to actively
contribute to the wellbeing and growth of
local people. We will leverage the resources
of the aviation precinct to empower and
create opportunities for people, including
our own incredible team. We foster
collaboration and support to pave the way
for positive progress and shared prosperity.
Empowered
Community


32 Annual Report 2023

“Looking back what stands out for me
is the way the Auckland Airport team
and the wider airport community rallied
together to look after travellers through
the disruption and the huge effort
that went into getting things operating
again," says Dave, who managed to take
a well-earned break after getting the
last of the necessary escalators back
in action.
“We’re so grateful to the people who
had their travel plans upended by
the flooding and the patience they
showed us while we got to work to
get things fixed.”
Melanie Dooney, who joined Auckland
Airport as Chief Corporate Services
Officer in November 2022, says she
is immensely proud of the airport’s
community response to the crisis.
“People from all parts of our
organisation were doing everything they
could to help, from manually moving
Flood support
1,000+
blankets
1,000+
hot meals
5,000+
bottles of water
30
%

of Auckland Airport employees worked
on the immediate flooding response
5,000+
hours invested in the first 10 days after
the event
bags until the baggage handling system
could be reinstated, through to providing
hot meals, blankets, a place to sleep
and a supportive ear to some very tired
and weary travellers. They not only
stepped out of their day-to-day jobs
to comfort others, but they also took
time away from their families at a time
when their homes may also have been
impacted by flooding.
“We were also able to call on our airport
partners and all the other incredible
organisations we work with to support
us to get back up and running again.
It really speaks to the values of Auckland
Airport, particularly around collaboration
and teamwork – kia tapatahi, kia
ngatahi. Our people really take them to
heart,” Mel says.
“It’s not something we save for
emergencies either. It’s part of the
airport DNA and we build this into how
we engage with our community.”
“People from all parts
of our organisation were
doing everything they
could to help, from
manually moving bags
until the baggage
handling system could
be reinstated, through
to providing hot meals,
blankets, a place to sleep
and a supportive ear to
some very tired and
weary travellers.”
Auckland Airport volunteers helping out post flooding at the terminal
Annual Report 2023
33

On the job
Matt Bagshaw, Head of People and
Capability, describes Auckland Airport
as a diverse place to work which reflects
our wider community.
“It’s a really inclusive environment,
which makes for a workforce that
brings together many different views
and perspectives. This will be really
important as we evolve to be an
airport striving to provide the best
customer experience.”
Everybody joining the Auckland Airport
whānau is welcomed with a pōwhiri
at the airport marae, Te Manukanuka
o Hoturoa, as part of the tomokanga
(gateway) ceremony. Māori and Pasifika
leadership has been fostered through
the Manu Ao leadership development
initiative, delivered in partnership with
Indigenous Growth Ltd and Te Puni
Kōkiri. Our ambition is to have 20% of
people leaders from a Māori or Pasifika
background by 2030.
One of the features of Auckland Airport
is that it’s a place of careers not just
jobs, adds Matt.
“It’s genuinely somewhere where no
two days are the same, and that means
lots of interesting work and the odd
challenge thrown in. We have people
who started in entry level roles and have
developed and grown into senior leaders
within the company.”
Providing good roles for great careers
are just part of the picture, Matt says.
“We also need to have workplace
practices and policies to make it easier
for people to do their job and to stay in
their job at every stage of their career.”
From flexible working arrangements
to parental leave provisions that offer
salary top-ups and continued KiwiSaver
contributions, Auckland Airport aims to
provide a working environment where
people can balance their professional
lives comfortably and effectively.
With a newly enhanced parental leave
offering, Auckland Airport is focusing
on attracting and retaining top talent,
as well as taking a stand on gender
equity. The parental leave policy
ultimately enables team members
to manage their role with whānau,
alongside their careers and work life,
in a way that works for them
Becoming a parent and growing a
family is a significant and exciting
period in anyone’s life. However, the
transition between parenthood and work
can be a challenge – whether that’s
navigating an uncomfortable pregnancy,
attending medical or adoption-related
appointments, sorting child-care or even
just catching up on what’s changed
when returning to work.
Auckland Airport is committed to
supporting its people on their journey
as parents by providing them with both
additional financial support – beyond
what is prescribed by the New Zealand
Government – as well as ensuring
the transition into parenthood, and
Our ambition:
20
%

of people leaders from a Māori or
Pasifika background by 2030
Enhanced parental leave offering:
100
%

Salary Top-Up of 18 weeks for a
Primary Carer
6 weeks
paid leave for partners
subsequently back to work, is as easy as
possible. This includes a primary carer
salary top-up of 18 weeks at 100% pay;
continued KiwiSaver contributions during
parental leave; 32 hours (four days)
of special paid leave (prior to parental
leave); partners receive six weeks paid
leave (Auckland Airport pays the two
weeks which are statutorily unpaid, plus
an additional four weeks); and the option
to have a graduated return to work on
full pay plus five days of family leave to
support the transition and the juggle that
all working parents experience.
Pōwhiri to warmly welcome new members of the Auckland Airport team at Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa Marae
34 Annual Report 2023

Job fair
It’s not only about keeping the people
Auckland Airport has but attracting
new people into roles at the airport.
Alongside the tried-and-true methods of
finding staff, Auckland Airport hosted a
job fair in July 2022 to boost recruitment
for roles in our workforce and across
the precinct.
“As border restrictions reduced, demand
for travel roared back and so did
demand for staff,” says Lizette Marais,
Business Partner, People and Capability.
“We were on the hunt for people at all
levels of the organisation – from senior
project management roles through
to people keen to join our guest
experience team.
“But it wasn’t just us: everyone across
the aviation system was in the same
position and to operate successfully
as an airport we all needed to get
our teams up to full strength to meet
the rapidly growing travel demand,”
adds Lizette.
The solution, she says, was to take the
lead on a job fair event that allowed
people looking for a career in aviation
to see the range of what was on offer
across all the airport organisations in
one location.
“It was well worth the four-week sprint
from the first meeting until event day.
Around 500 airport-wide roles were
Auckland Airport Job Fair
Annual Report 2023
35

filled as a direct result of that one
day, and more than 4000 people who
came through the doors were also
exposed to a variety of meaningful work
opportunities in and around Auckland
Airport. That’s recruitment gold
right there.”
Starting out with the
support of Ara
Many of the people working at Auckland
Airport were born and raised in South
Auckland, attending local schools before
entering the workforce.
To keep cementing these links,
Auckland Airport has partnered with the
Ministry of Social Development since
2015 in the on-precinct Ara Jobs and
Skills Hub. Matching local job seekers
with training and work opportunities is
vital as aviation has reawakened from
the pandemic shut down.
Melanie Dooney, Chief Corporate
Services Officer, says the Ara
partnership is about helping to
connect people with opportunities
for meaningful, challenging, and
impactful work.
“The first entry point is directly with
secondary schools. As a teenager it
can sometimes be hard to know the full
range of roles and career paths available
if you don’t have a personal connection
with a workplace or industry. That’s
something we can provide, not just in
Auckland Airport
Community Trust
Supporting communities most
impacted by aircraft noise to grow
and succeed is at the heart of the
Auckland Airport Community Trust,
an independent trust established
by Auckland Airport. Since being
established in 2003, the trust has
distributed millions of dollars in
funding to 30 schools and 250
organisations to enable them to
continue their mahi across South
Auckland.
Auckland Airport trustee
representative Bianca Cresswell says
in the wake of flooding that impacted
many South Auckland homes the
trust is targeting programmes that
focus on addressing the challenges
faced by the community following
destructive weather events.
Students Symond Ahotau, Henry Siu Samu, David Popese with Icon Construction HSE Manager Katie Matatia
Tread Lightly, a beneficiary of the Auckland Airport Community Trust
36 Annual Report 2023

450
participants have completed the
programme to date
12
South Auckland schools involved
6
students took part in Transport Hub
internship
Volunteering support
In the 2023 financial year, Auckland
Airport launched its volunteering
programme, offering one day of
paid leave for all permanent staff for
those who volunteer within the South
Auckland community.
“This year, the first year of our
volunteering programme, we had
12% of our people spend up to a day
stepping up to help organisations,
like the Middlemore Foundation,
Sustainable Coastlines and Ara
Education Charitable Trust,” says
Melanie Dooney, Chief Corporate
Services Officer.
“It’s still early days and we are
focused on working towards
our target of 40% of employees
supporting our community through
volunteering every year by 2025.
“We are proud to be part of the fabric
of South Auckland. And we want
our community to be successful.
There are many ways we can do
this, but lending a hand as a kaitūao
(volunteer) for local organisations is
something anyone who works for
Auckland Airport can do to make
a difference,” says Mel.
“It’s still early days and
we are focused on
working towards our
target of 40% of
employees supporting
our community through
volunteering every year
by 2025.”
our own workspaces but also those of
our airport and construction partners.”
Auckland Airport supports the work
of the Ara Education Charitable Trust,
which creates pathways into work for
school leavers not going directly into
tertiary education or training.
The big change through the pandemic
was to co-locate construction industry
training at Auckland Airport, says
Ara Education’s General Manager
Sarah Redmond.
“On the Nixon Road project site, we can
bring in rangatahi studying trades at
local high schools and give them on-the-
job experience while renovating houses
otherwise destined for landfill.
“The students get to understand what
it is to work on a building site and the
sustainability kaupapa means they learn
to build in a way that reduces waste and
creates a lovely, warm, weathertight
home for another generation.
“Now that construction is gearing back
up around the precinct, we can get
the students out on the bigger building
sites and really open their eyes to the
career potential within the construction
industry,” says Sarah.
“A great example of this is getting six
students out onto the Transport Hub
site once a week during the school term
to experience work life with members
of the Icon Construction project team.
Access to a complex multi-million-
dollar project exposes them to career
paths not only just on the tools but
in other aspects of construction
too. Experiences like this can be life
changing for the students.”
Auckland Airport volunteers
Annual Report 2023
37

Keeping time
It’s the stress you notice.
Debbie Giles, Auckland Airport’s Head
of Customer, says it’s all around you
in the terminals – people feeling the
pressure to be in the right place at the
right time. And one small tweak has
made things a little calmer.
Debbie says the flight information
display system (FIDS) in the international
terminal used to display the departure
gate no earlier than 60 minutes
before the departure time of the flight,
asking people to ‘relax’ ahead of gate
allocation. The trouble was many people
found it anything but relaxing.
“People were on a mission to find out
what gate their flight was departing from
and were unable to truly relax until they
had this information.”
The solution was simple. A tweak to
the system means that departure gates
now show up on the displays two hours
before the flight is due to depart.
Debbie says displaying this information
much earlier means less stress for
travellers and they can relax sooner.
Airport staff have noticed less queries
about gate information and the airlines
have reported customers turning up
more promptly which assists with their
on time departure performance.
As technology becomes ever more
integrated with our day to day lives,
Auckland Airport is always looking
for new ways to innovate to improve
operations, improve customer service
and smooth out customer journeys.
We seek to be a connected aviation
precinct that enhances travellers’ well-
being, streamlines the travel experience
and optimises maintenance and
services. With real-time responsiveness,
we will promptly address events and
traveller management. Customers will
enjoy a seamless travel experience
and enhanced services through our
integrated technology and data-driven
approach. We’re embracing the future
of aviation connectivity.
Seamless
Connectivity
“It’s a small change, but
one we know is making a
difference to our
customers.”
38 Annual Report 2023

One novel use of big data and machine
learning is helping aircraft depart on
time while reducing fuel burn.
CCTV cameras trained on aircraft
parked at the gate gather information
as airbridges attach and service vehicles
arrive to unload, reload, refuel, and
restock the aircraft. All this data is being
collated so it can be analysed with
other flight data to create a predicted
“off blocks time” – when the plane is
expected to push back and taxi out to
the runway.
“Getting the expected off blocks time is
traditionally done by someone entering
the targeted time on a touch screen
at the gate,” says Mike Side, Auckland
Airport’s Manager of Data and Digital
Operations. “Given it is a manual
process it is only undertaken about 60%
of the time and when it done, it is also
only about 60% accurate at predicting
the time the aircraft would be ready to
push back,” Mike says.
“By using data and machine learning,
we can automate a manual task, so
input compliance goes to 100%. The
prediction accuracy is currently about
the same but rapidly improving as we
add more data to the machine learning
model,” Mike explains.
Mike says that knowing more accurately
when a plane is set to depart helps
the Airways tower team to manage
departure order on the runway and
cuts unnecessary taxiway wait times
for aircraft, reducing emissions in
the process.
“By using data and
machine learning, we can
automate a manual task,
so input compliance goes
to 100%.”
Airfield Operation Officers Russell Briscoe, Lisa Eruera, Rashmi Premaratna, Carrie Hurihanganui, Alfonso Castro and Ashvin Mapara
Annual Report 2023
39

Carry on
The baggage handling system is the
engine room of the terminal, making
sure luggage gets where it needs to be,
arriving and departing with passengers.
“The baggage handling system is at the
very core of the operation of the airport.
When baggage handling doesn’t go
well, the airport gets indigestion,” says
Jason Smith, Programme Manager
Baggage Services.
This became clear during the Christmas
holidays when Northern Hemisphere
snowstorms and a global shortage
of experienced aviation staff saw
a higher-than-normal number of
mishandled bags – passengers arriving
into New Zealand without their bags
onboard their aircraft. This caused
considerable frustration for travellers
and was a headache for the airlines.
Then terminal flooding in late January
damaged the electronics of anything
sitting in the water, including the
baggage handling components of the
check-in area.
For Jason and his team, it meant fast
tracking an asset replacement and
resilience project already underway and
bringing forward planned technology
upgrades as the check-in system was
brought back online – all while staying
ahead of rocketing travel demand.
The next steps will see trials start for
automated bag drops in the check-in
area and expanded capacity into a
newly built eastern bag hall.
“Although there are still fewer flights than
pre-COVID-19, the flights are very full
and people seem to be heading away for
longer, with more – and heavier – bags.
“Customers want the
process to be as easy and
contactless as possible,
so we’re designing these
into the front-of-house
system as we also keep
in mind future passenger
growth and the integrated
domestic terminal on
the horizon.”
Proposed design of Individual Carrier System (ICS) representing industry leading
technology for the handling and processing of tomorrow’s customer baggage
Baggage Development Team: Project Manager – James Neilson, Programme Manager –
Jason Smith, Construction Operations Manager – Darrell Muir
40 Annual Report 2023

“Back-of-house this means introducing
more technology such as ‘lift assist’
and “batch loader” devices controlled
with a joystick to help ground handlers
in what is a very physical job. It opens
up the workforce to people who might
not necessarily be as big and muscular
as the traditional ground handler, and
reduces the risk of injury. With the
introduction of these new technologies,
we provide smarter ways to process
bags which fundamentally will provide
a step change in energy efficiency
and support Auckland Airport’s
sustainability objectives.
Domestic Arrivals
Early Bag Store (EBS)
Integrated Check-in
“Customers want the process to be as
easy and contactless as possible, so
we’re designing these into the front-
of-house system as we also keep in
mind future passenger growth and the
integrated domestic terminal on the
horizon,” says Jason.
“The baggage system will involve
24 different construction stages, all
completed while maintaining smooth-
flowing operations,” says James Neilson,
Project Manager Baggage. “But all
that time we’re thinking about how it
will perform in managing passenger
baggage 20 or 30 years into the future.”
Blue area shows the integrated baggage handling system
24

The baggage system will involve 24
different construction stages
Annual Report 2023 41

Model behaviour
Digital models kickstart conversations
and solve problems as Auckland
Airport works to manage potential
disruption and project risk during our
infrastructure build.
Karl Fitzpatrick, BIM Manager, says 4D
tools are the next step along the digital
path Auckland Airport has been on
for several years. Key terminal assets
are already built as digital replicas
– or Building Information Models
(BIM) – available anywhere or anytime
to employees.
“All projects are designed digitally, either
in 3D or increasingly 4D, so it’s a great
way to collaborate particularly within a
complex environment like ours. With 2D
plans it can be hard to understand what
or where it might impact on customers
or how two projects will work together.
“With multiple projects in progress
around the terminals involving different
designers and contractors we can
create a complete picture of what’s
happening and how it will be sequenced
and be able to understand where
the risk areas are – whether that’s
overlapping projects, the operational
impact of temporary works or potential
disruption to customers.”
Karl says it’s great to see project
managers viewing models in meetings
to guide their discussions about
programmes of work, and the models
are even supplied to tenants to help
them fast-track design on fit-outs
and upgrades.
“Not many airports have as much
digital model and GIS (Geographic
Information System) data as we do, so
it’s something we’re now recognised for
globally,” adds Karl.
Staying on the beat
Every orchestra needs a conductor to
stay in tune, with key players cued to
come in at the right time. The conductor
of the Auckland Airport orchestra is the
operations centre.
Housed in the heart of the terminal, it is
the 24/7 hub that maintains the airport’s
smooth tempo – from the airfield right
out into the roading network.
It requires a watchful eye to be alert to
any issues that might cause delays or
inconvenience to travellers, airlines, and
the other organisations working in and
around the precinct.
Auckland Airport’s Chief Operations
Officer, Chloe Surridge, says an upgrade
this year to both the physical space and
the support technology was a step-
change for the operations team.
“We’ve doubled the space and
created a much more modern working
environment, combined with a vastly
improving the briefing room for the
emergency operations centre (EOC),”
Chloe says.
A 21-square-metre video wall
provides a constant feed of data on
flight schedules, key functions and
processes and passenger flows
within the domestic and international
terminals. Upgraded public address,
audio visual and conference systems
make for clearer communications and
are more resilient for the 24/7 nature
of airport operations.
“It’s made an amazing difference to
how we collaborate to keep everything
running smoothly, not just between
our own people, but also among the
other key players in the airport system
particularly when we’re dealing with
issues or emergencies,” says Chloe.
Landside Operations Officer – Cece Tominiko
42 Annual Report 2023

Arrivals project
Around 10,000 people arrive
internationally into Auckland Airport
ever y day.
For most it’s a swift arrival through
border processing, bag collection
and biosecurity clearance, but at
peak times it can take longer.
“We know the experience isn’t
always as smooth as what we’d like
or what our customers expect,” says
Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer
O f f ic e r, Sc ot t Ta s ke r.
“The airport is an ecosystem,
where everyone across the aviation
system plays a part to make sure it
operates as efficiently and effortlessly
as possible. Many factors can
unexpectedly impact passenger
flows, so we wanted to take a close
look at every step of that journey to
see whether we could make it a better
arrivals experience for everyone.”
Auckland Airport convened a
squad of baggage handlers, airline
personnel and representatives from
border agencies working at the
airport, who then identified a number
of potential options to improve flows
through the arrivals process without
compromising border functions.
“One of the benefits from the aviation
system’s COVID-19 experience was
learning to come together to solve
problems quickly and effectively. It was
a very dynamic environment with a lot
less certainty than we were used to, but
as a system we were very focused on
making sure people could safely arrive
and depart New Zealand.
“It’s this way of working and the
relationships we’ve built over the past
couple of years that we can use to
improve some of the sticking points in
our airport processes.
“Together we have worked on testing
the recommended improvements,
checking the data to see if it was making
a real impact, then working to introduce
more permanent changes,” says Scott.
Since July 2023, New Zealand and
Australian passport holders have had
dedicated lanes through biosecurity
checks.
“The customer feedback from the tests
during busy periods of arrivals for trans-
Tasman flights was overwhelmingly
positive. Once we made it a permanent
change, we started seeing those
processing times reducing even during
the fairly hectic school holiday period.”
Data will have a big role to play in
smoothing the arrival and departure of
passengers, planes and cargo.
“We already share data across the
airport system, but we can build on
this to make sure everyone has the
best information to allow them to
proactively manage problems and
have them solved ahead of time –
whether it’s an aircraft arriving late
or a northern hemisphere storm
throwing the international schedule
into disarray. We need to be
leveraging technology to set ourselves
up for success and making the
best decisions ahead of potentially
tricky periods.”
“The airport is an
ecosystem, where
everyone across the
aviation system plays
a part to make sure it
operates as efficiently
and effortlessly as
possible.”
Annual Report 2023 43

Construction activity
tells the story of
Auckland Airport’s future
At Auckland Airport, a cluster of giant
tower cranes rise into the skyline
above the international terminal.
At about 50 metres tall, they move
slowly and precisely, plucking and
shifting vast loads of concrete slab
and steel into position below.
“With this many tower cranes at work,
you know there is serious amount
of construction activity happening
beneath,” says Pete Donovan, an
Auckland Airport Project Director.
“For those of us who love construction,
it’s magnificent to see all the activity.
The work we’re doing right now is
paving the way for a completely new
travel experience at our country’s main
gateway. It’s early days, but it’s hugely
exciting to be part of.”
Like many other hub airports around
the world, Auckland Airport is underway
with its most ambitious building
programme in decades – a revival that
will deliver long-term future resilience
and improve the experience for travellers.
Construction activity has soared over
the 2023 financial year, spurred by
the return of airlines and demand for
travel. More than 400,000 square
metres of airport land is now under
development for aeronautical and
transport infrastructure projects, a
major turnaround from the whiplash
of summer 2020, when projects were
suddenly halted due to the pandemic.
“We’re delighted to see our ambitions
for the future of Auckland Airport
translate into major building projects
which are now advancing at pace
and rising out of the ground,” says
André Lovatt, Auckland Airport’s Chief
Infrastructure Officer.
“It’s exciting and challenging for the
team and supply chain. It really feels like
a once-in-a-career opportunity to be
part of something truly transformational
that’s truly going to make a difference
for the travelling public and our country’s
economy in the long-term.”
As custodians, we think long-term.
Enhancing ground transportation options,
embracing digital, and investing in the
future of the end-to-end travel experience.
Our initiatives will cater to the growing and
evolving needs of customers, partners,
tenants and visitors ensuring our place
remains at the forefront. Together, we’ll
achieve increased efficiencies and a
seamless travel experience – now and
for the future.
Enduring
Infrastructure
44 Annual Report 2023

In flight: Work to improve
resilience and the customer
experience
Beyond travellers and the terminals,
the airport’s infrastructure also needs
to support a vibrant, diverse aviation
precinct – everyone from airport
workers, truck drivers, retail business
owners, to tourism operators and giant
logistics warehouses.
“It’s our job to think for the long term to
make sure we’re investing in the roads,
airfield, terminals, fuel utility systems –
everything that we need to do to meet
the needs of the growing community,
our partners and tenants, along with the
millions of travellers that pass through
here every year,” adds André.
Replacement of the ageing domestic
terminal is the cornerstone of the
airport’s infrastructure development
programme. This facility was built back
in the 1960s when aviation first boomed
in the golden age of travel.
While the domestic terminal has been
renovated over the years, Auckland
Airport is now progressing detailed
design and enabling works for a brand-
new domestic terminal. This will be
fully integrated into the international
terminal – a $3.9 billion programme
of work to transform the domestic
travel experience.
“We know our customers want a better
domestic travel experience, and we’ve
been very grateful for their patience.
We recognise a replacement of our
domestic terminal is overdue, and we
would already be further ahead if it
weren’t for the pandemic,” André says.
Set to open around 2028/2029, the
new $2.2 billion core facility will be built
at the eastern end of the international
terminal, bringing domestic travel and
international travel together under the
same roof for the first time since 1977.
André says it will be a game changer
for travellers, reducing domestic jet to
international transfer times to a five-
minute indoor walk rather than walking
outside between terminals and a new
check-in experience providing state-of-
the-art facilities for both domestic and
international travellers.
“This will be our biggest single step
forward since the airport was built. For
travellers the new integrated terminal will
be an exceptional new travel experience
for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.
“We will also provide new gates
and other facilities to help airlines to
streamline, smooth and speed-up
turn-around times,” André says.
Some of the early bones of the
building are already taking shape.
The new eastern bag hall and the
first two floors of part of the building
are already emerging to the east of
the international terminal, where 80
contractors are at work on site each
day and the new eastern bag hall will
be operational shortly.
“We’re underway with pile testing for
the new domestic terminal structure.
Design is nearly completed, and we
can’t wait to share more details about
the project with travellers soon.”
“This will be our biggest
single step forward since
the airport was built.
For travellers the new
integrated terminal will be
an exceptional new travel
experience for everyone
to enjoy and be proud of.”
The site of the new domestic terminal to be integrated into the international terminal
Artist impression of the future new domestic terminal
Annual Report 2023
45

A Rubik’s cube of airport
upgrades
Auckland Airport is a complex,
interconnected system, ranging from the
runway itself, through to taxiways and
jet stands, baggage systems, terminals,
landside transport, as well as fuel, utility
and waste, and storm-water systems.
This results in an overall construction
programme like an intricate puzzle –
a series of interdependent projects
that must be carefully planned for
and delivered in a live 24/7 operating
environment.
“We can do it, but it’s hugely
challenging,” according to André.
“Across the broader team we have
invested a lot of time in the phasing and
sequencing of each project in the overall
programme to ensure we can deliver for
our customers in a way that keeps travel
moving smoothly and doesn’t disrupt
airport operations.
“Our other core consideration is safety.
With 300 contractors and Auckland
Airport employees already working
on the infrastructure programme, and
thousands of travellers now visiting the
precinct, we need to have extremely
robust systems in place. It’s a huge
priority for us,” says André.
“Across the broader team
we have invested a lot of
time in the phasing and
sequencing of each
project in the overall
programme to ensure
we can deliver for our
customers in a way that
keeps travel moving
smoothly and doesn’t
disrupt airport operations.”
New Transport Hub under development
Artist impression of the new Transport Hub
46 Annual Report 2023

First play: Transport Hub
With a new integrated terminal in its
sights, Auckland Airport is constructing
a new $300 million transport hub at the
front door of the international terminal,
with the third floor of the building
structure now rising out of the ground.
Far more than a carpark, the Transport
Hub will create a seamless arrival and
departure experience for customers,
including an undercover connection to
the international terminal and vehicle
lanes flowing through the ground floor
of the building to create a modern pick
up and drop off zone for commercial
and public transport.
“We saw an opportunity to reduce
the amount of disruption for our
customers by fast-tracking the
Transport Hub, specifically the new
pickup/drop off (PUDO) area. Getting
that finished and open in the new year
means customers will have a great
arrival and departure experience.”
“Meanwhile, we can close the current
PUDO to transport, and the team can
continue to get on with building the
integrated terminal,” explains André.
With the skeleton structure of the
building now in place, the new PUDO
will open in March 2024 with the final
stages of the four-storey building to be
completed between September and
November next year.
2024
the new PUDO will open in March 2024
with the final stages of the four-storey
building to be completed between
September and November next year.
Annual Report 2023 47

Airfield moves: Historic
expansion of the airfield
As the Transport Hub takes shape,
another major project is underway
to boost the resilience of the airfield,
providing an additional parking
solution for planes as well as boosting
stormwater capacity.
To the west of Auckland Airport, an
expanse of land is being converted into
new airfield capable of taking the weight
of A380 aircraft. Spanning 23 rugby
fields in size, this is the largest airfield
expansion in our history. It provides
extra taxiways and seven remote stands
for aircraft that layover for several hours
before departing again, including five
stands with in-ground jet-fuel reticulation
and other services. In time this airfield
expansion will connect to the integrated
terminal to the north of Pier B, along
Getting a bathroom break
Further to the east of the airport at the
domestic terminal, two of the airport’s
busiest bathroom blocks are receiving
a major makeover as part of a wider
refresh of the domestic terminal.
“Everyone appreciates fresh, clean
bathroom facilities, and we wanted
to make sure we’re delivering a good
experience for customers while the
new integrated terminal is being
constructed,” says Auckland Airport’s
Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker.
With the project beginning in August
2023, two bathroom facilities –
one near the regional arrivals and
departures and one opposite the Air
New Zealand bag reclaim area – will
be expanded and upgraded to add
two new parent rooms, improved
accessible toilet facilities, and the
introduction of gender-neutral toilets.
Alongside these works we are
improving signage and other
wayfinding tools to help travellers find
their way around.
“Everyone appreciates
fresh, clean bathroom
facilities, and we wanted
to make sure we’re
delivering a good
experience for customers
while the new integrated
terminal is being
constructed.”
23
rugby fields in size, this is the largest
airfield expansion in our history
with a planned cargo precinct and,
potentially further into the future, a
second runway.
“We had to pause this important project
during the pandemic, so it’s great to see
it progressing again as a critical enabler
of the integrated terminal development
and helping us to minimise disruption to
busy airline operations,” adds André.
Expansion of airfield
Project Director – Dale Anthony and Assistant Project Manager – Jose Lanada
48 Annual Report 2023

23
rugby fields in size, this is the largest
airfield expansion in our history
Strategic play: Resilient and
accessible roading
Auckland Airport’s 22 kilometre
roading network is one of the busiest
in Auckland, with travellers, tourism
businesses, truck drivers, airport
workers and crew cargo all relying
on its efficient and smooth operation.
In the 2023 financial year, we
undertook a trio of transport projects
across the precinct, investing
$90 million in the following
developments: Park & Ride South,
Laurence Stevens Drive upgrades
and the Te Ara Kōrako extension.
André Lovatt, Chief Infrastructure
Officer, says the upgrades will enable
more reliable travel movements, and
cater for future growth.
“These interconnected projects
increase reliability of access to the
terminal and other infrastructure. This
bakes resilience into our transport
and roading network, so travellers
can get to their destinations safely,
and on time and with access to more
public transport options so there’s
less reliance around single vehicle
journeys to the airport” he says.
“These interconnected
projects increase reliability
of access to the terminal
and other infrastructure.”
$90million
invested in the following
developments: Park & Ride South,
Laurence Stevens Drive upgrades
and the Te Ara Kōrako extension.
Annual Report 2023 49

On the journey
It’s one of Auckland’s busiest roading
networks. Around 79,000 trips take
place to and from Auckland Airport
each day, flowing in and out on a tide
of airline schedules, shift changes, and
freight deliveries.
“We’re a very busy aviation precinct and
it’s important people have reliable ways
to catch flights, get to work or move
cargo,” says Chief Sustainability and
Master Planning Officer Mary-Liz Tuck.
“There’s been a lot of work and
investment in making sure our transport
network is getting people from A to B
as easily as possible. But road space,
parking – these are all finite resources so
we need to start planning now to make
sure those who need to drive to and
from the airport can still do that, while
also ensuring some great, reliable, and
convenient options for everyone else.
“More importantly, we need to support
the reduction of carbon emissions
through better use of the roading
network. In transport jargon it’s
modal shift – moving from one form
of transport to another, more efficient,
lower carbon option.”
With airport workers accounting for
many drivers on the road to and from
the airport, Auckland Airport wanted
to find out more about how they were
travelling and why they were choosing
to drive.
So, the airport carried out an extensive
survey of airport workers across the
precinct, asking about how they how
they got to work, where they were
coming from, how many days a week
they were at the airport for work,
when they were typically arriving and
departing, and importantly, what were
the main barriers to considering other
options for those journeys. “We were
really blown away by the response
– getting to work was certainly a
hot topic. More than 2,200 people
answered the survey, and over 80%
were from organisations other than
Auckland Airport.
We’re not just a business – but a multi-
generational endeavour. Applying a
long-term perspective in everything
we do. Working closely with tangata
whenua, prioritising our people, aviation
community, our country’s economy and
the protection of our natural environment.
With our partners, we are driving modal
shifts across transport and applying new
technologies towards decarbonisation.
Together, we’re building a sustainable
legacy that benefits future generations.
Future
Resilience
50 Annual Report 2023

“What we heard was that people were
keen to get out of their cars – the fact
that 67% of respondents might or would
consider carpooling is a pretty good
indicator – but currently the alternatives
aren’t nearly as easy or convenient. So,
we’re currently in a position that nearly
90% of our surveyed staff are coming
to work in a car and even though 12%
were using electric or hybrid vehicles,
which is much higher than the general
population, we need to start planning
for a workforce that is less dependent
on cars for that work journey.”
Storm watch
Underpinning reliable and dependable
infrastructure is a network of hidden
pipes and cables ensuring it can run,
uninterrupted, 24/7.
“It’s this investment in the ground that
is vital to our operation – it’s what
keeps us pumping. We have made a
significant investment in upgrading our
utilities, including stormwater, and if
the incredible deluge we experienced
in January taught us anything, it is that
we need to keep making sure we keep
getting on with these infrastructure
upgrades,” says Mary-Liz.
As Auckland flooded in late January
during record breaking rainfall, so
did parts of the airport, including the
international terminal.
“We’ve been very conscious of
how climate change will impact our
operations in the coming years and
are aware of the need to design future
infrastructure to withstand the effects
of increasingly frequent and intense
storms as well as rising sea levels.”
A climate change study was
commissioned in 2019 to understand
the flooding and inundation risk in
critical areas, such as the runway and
apron. Since then, further studies have
determined the extent of flooding and
“After the January flooding event
we relooked at our stormwater
management calculations. While we
were comfortable with what we were
doing, this is long-term infrastructure.
Once it’s in the ground it’s a very long
time before you consider digging it up
and replacing it, so we made the call to
make sure everything that was put in
place could handle weather extremes.
“Our approach is to take every
opportunity as part of all infrastructure
projects to upgrade the stormwater
systems. The upgrades along George
Bolt Memorial Drive, the new terminal
exit road and the under-construction Te
Ara Kōrako have all got hefty stormwater
management systems. It’s a major and
ongoing programme of work.
“Head out to the new Park & Ride
being built on Puhinui Road and you’ll
see broad strips running between the
car parks. When complete, these will
be swales – bands of vegetation that
work to slow the flow of stormwater
while naturally filtering sediment and
contaminants – covering about 20%
of the facility’s footprint.
“Because that’s the other important
aspect to this work. Auckland Airport
are guardians of this special place, so
we need to make sure the water being
discharged into the Manukau Harbour
is of the highest quality possible.”
inundation under low, moderate, and
high climate change impact scenarios.
“These studies told us that our
infrastructure was sufficient to cope with
climate change events under all scenarios
until 2046. But we wanted to get out
ahead of these risks and got underway
with work immediately. We expect by
2025 we will be well placed to weather
the impacts of a worst-case climate
change scenario.”
A comprehensive stormwater
management strategy guides infrastructure
development around the precinct.
Substantial stormwater network upgrades
are carried out in parallel with our
infrastructure development programme
to improve resilience against flooding and
enable the international terminal to remain
above flood levels for future modelled
climate change scenarios.
Te Ara Kōrako extension
Senior Wildlife Ranger – Dan Wignall charging company electric vehicle
Annual Report 2023
51

Sustainable Aviation
Aotearoa takes off
Decarbonising aviation is a team effort
– no organisation can do it alone.
This year Auckland Airport became
a founding member of Sustainable
Aviation Aotearoa, a group which
brings together government, as well
as the aviation and energy sectors to
work on a strategy to lower emissions
from domestic aviation.
“Being a fairly sparsely populated,
remote island nation with some
challenging topography means air
transport is pivotal for moving people
and freight – both around the country
and out to the world,” says Mary-Liz.
“Making aviation more sustainable is
critical and establishing Sustainable
Aviation Aotearoa recognises that
it’s going to take action on a number
of different fronts to make it happen.
Sustainable Aviation Aotearoa brings
together the key players to share
information on the technology,
regulatory settings and investment
needed to prepare for a greater use
of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and
the electrification of aircraft.”
Auckland Airport is already putting
in place the infrastructure to support
airlines in achieving their sustainability
targets.
“The fuel infrastructure on our airfield
has been upgraded over the past
few years as part of our ongoing
maintenance programme and
preparation for future terminal works,
but is ready for any certified ‘drop in’
fuel types.”
“Auckland Airport is
already putting in place
the infrastructure to
support airlines achieve
their sustainability
targets.”
We continue to work with Airways
and airlines to reduce emissions
from aircraft. Fuel saving flight
paths have been introduced,
aircraft take time is being
minimised and just-in-time
pushback allows aircraft to delay
their engine use.
Ground Power Units
52 Annual Report 2023

Paving the way to recycling
the runway
Old pavement from the runway is
getting a new lease on life to the
west of the international terminal as
part of Auckland Airport’s airfield
expansion.
More than 100,000 tonnes of
concrete that formed the runway
touchdown zones is being crushed
and reused in the new airfield
development to accommodate
future growth.
Andre Lovatt, Chief Infrastructure
Officer, says the expansion work
is a concrete (pun intended)
example of interlocking resiliency
with sustainability to demonstrate
long-term growth.
“Rather than disposing of the old
pavement offsite, we’ve been
setting it aside, creating a huge
mound of 45,000 cubic metres
of concrete to the south of the
airfield. The old pavement then gets
crushed for use in the construction
“While we are constantly talking to
airlines about what they need from
airport infrastructure to support future
low-carbon fuel options, we can’t stand
still on opportunities available today for
a lower aviation carbon footprint.”
Auckland Airport is investing in electric
ground power units at each gate in the
new integrated terminal, allowing aircraft
to run on electricity while waiting on the
aircraft stand rather than burning jet fuel.
“It’s about investing for the here
and now, as well as the future,”
says Mary-Liz.
“As well as reusing the
concrete, we’re also
removing more than
6,000 truck trips off the
roading network.”
of new airfield. As well as reusing
the concrete, we’re also removing
more than 6000 truck trips off the
roading network.”
Cement is estimated to be
responsible for around 8% of all
global carbon emissions, while
construction waste shapes a
significant part of the waste stream.
We have provided two banks of
common-use electric vehicle (EV)
chargers, totalling 24 chargers,
on the airfield to support
groundhandlers in their transition
to electric ground support
equipment (eGSE).
Ground power units (GPUs) and
pre-conditioned air (PCA) are
being supplied at all international
gates so aircraft can connect to
NZ’s low carbon electricity
supply instead of burning jet fuel
while at the gate. GPUs will also
be installed at all gates in our
new domestic jet facility.
Chief Infrastructure Officer – André Lovatt
Annual Report 2023
53

Nature space
Taking its name from the wading birds
that flock to the rich food resources
of its waters, the Manukau is a unique
airport location.
“The development and operation of the
airport has had an impact on this special
and significant place, but it’s something
of which we’re very aware and look
to minimise and mitigate the impact
of what we do and, where possible,
actually improve the current state of the
environment,” says Lucy Hawley, who
leads the wildlife team.
“Auckland Airport is a long-term
business. That long-term thinking is
part of who we are, one which we look
to apply to all areas of our business.”
A dedicated team of wildlife rangers,
with qualifications and expertise in
conservation management, have
worked alongside the Department of
Conservation to create safe nesting
sites for the tūturiwhatu (New Zealand
dotterel) on both the airfield and on
the wider precinct, including on the
construction site for Mānawa Bay.
“It’s really neat to see these balls of
fluff tottering around what many would
consider a pretty inhospitable nesting
site. But it’s through our predator control
“It wasn’t possible to run coastal
clean-ups during the pandemic, so it
was great to be back out clearing our
backyard of unwanted rubbish. We
managed to collect 24 bags of rubbish,
mainly single-use plastic. Given this is
an area that’s in the secure, airside part
of the airport and sees very little human
activity, this is waste that has floated
or blown in. As an organisation it’s our
responsibility not just to clear this waste
but to play our part in making sure it
doesn’t end up there in the first place,
so were very focused on making sure
we are doing what we can, whether it’s
on our building sites or in the terminal,
to reduce the amount of waste being
generated,” says Lucy.
Pivoting from gas to electric
Gas is on the way out at Auckland
Airport, as the team moves towards
switching its air conditioning system
to electricity.
The airport requires the equivalent
of 3,000 household air conditioning
units to cool and heat the 141,000sqm
international terminal, which is a massive
contributor to Auckland Airport’s scope
1 carbon emissions.
Mary-Liz Tuck, Chief Sustainability and
Master Planning Officer, says the move
and careful watch that the tūturiwhatu
can make a success of raising
their chicks.”
When it isn’t possible for native species
to coexist in the busy airport precinct,
care is taken to find them a new home.
“We were really fortunate to be able
to work alongside local iwi Te Akitai
Waiohua to relocate hundreds of eels
from a man-made pond in what was
the airport’s golf course near Mānawa
Bay, to another pond near the Manukau
Memorial Gardens.
“Eels are an important part of the
ecosystem. Not only do they hold
special significance for Māori as a
traditional food source, but they also
indicate a healthy waterway. Changes
to their habitats have really impacted
the eel population so we want to do
what we can to reverse that decline.”
Human impact is also evident out on the
edges of the airport, where the airfield’s
sea wall meets the water. It’s here that
waterbourne rubbish settles among the
rocks and vegetation.
Auckland Airport volunteers worked
alongside Sustainable Coastlines, a
charity focused on removing litter from
beaches, to clean up rubbish from the
edge of the Manukau.
Auckland Airport volunteers working alongside
Sustainable Coastlines on the Coastal Cleanup
54 Annual Report 2023

from gas to electric will shift the dial
in reducing the airport’s footprint.
“Of all the carbon emission contributors
to Auckland Airport, natural gas plays a
substantial role in our carbon footprint.
By transitioning from gas to electric,
we’re taking a giant leap in eliminating
our overall emissions, as well aligning with
our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by
2030,” says Mary-Liz.
The transition will be phased over years,
however, the first and most significant
saving will be when six natural gas
boilers – totalling 6.5 megawatts of
heating – are replaced with electric
air-source heat pumps.
Cooking with (no) gas
Auckland Airport’s new premium
outlet and shopping centre Mānawa
Bay will welcome New Zealand’s
first fully electric food court when it
opens next year.
Currently under construction,
Mānawa Bay will also have a zero
natural or LPG gas policy, which
will erase more than 50% cent of its
kitchens greenhouse gas emissions.
Removing gas onsite is a crucial
step towards unlocking a 5 star
Green Star rating for the shopping
centre, which is in line with Auckland
Airport’s decarbonisation pathway
to achieve net zero direct carbon
emissions by 2030.
With 13 planned food and beverage
operators all cooking and heating
with electricity only, there will be
less wasted energy moving into the
atmosphere. On average, 65% of
energy generated by gas is wasted
into the air, instead of being used to
heat food.
“With 13 planned food
and beverage operators
all cooking and heating
with electricity only, there
will be less wasted
energy moving into the
atmosphere.”
Once the move from gas to electric is
completed it will deliver 1,500 tonnes
of carbon reduction per year.
Solar power is another way of shrinking
carbon emissions, and when completed,
the airport’s new premium outlet store
Mānawa Bay will house the largest
rooftop solar system in Aotearoa (2.3
megawatts), with the panels generating
the equivalent of 80% of the 100-store
centre’s power usage.
The Transport Hub is also being built to
include a solar array of 1.2 megawatts
on its 14,000sqm roof.
“Rooftop solar systems can provide a
resilient supply of renewable energy
as our hard-working airport evolves for
future growth. Any new infrastructure
that’s required in our wider precinct
can result in more carbon emissions,
and we’re constantly looking at how
we can reduce our footprint with
innovation, technology and sustainable
investment” says Mary-Liz.
The combined solar power production
from Mānawa Bay and the Transport
Hub is expected to reproduce enough
energy to power 634 houses per year,
and avoid approximately 588 tonnes of
CO
2
emissions per year.
Artist Impression of Mānawa Bay solar panels
Artist Impression of Mānawa Bay future dining area
Annual Report 2023
55

56 Annual Report 2023

Sustainability
Annual Report 2023 57

Purpose Kaupapa
Creating value for our business, shareholders,
partners, customers and New Zealand
Place Kaitiakitanga
Creating value for future generations and
protecting the planet
People Whānau
Creating value for our employees
Community Hapori
Creating value for Auckland and our
local community
Sustainability at
Auckland Airport
The decisions Auckland
Airport makes today have
a long-term and enduring
impact, not just for our
customers and aviation
partners but also for the
community, the environment
and for the prosperity of
Aotearoa New Zealand.
At Auckland Airport, sustainability
is embedded into everything we do.
Since 2020, our sustainability strategy
has been framed by four key pillars
(see beside).
As a long-term, multi-generational asset,
we are focused on building a better
future and accelerating sustainable
and inclusive growth that creates
prosperity for communities and the
environment. These pillars have guided
our business activities for the past
three years, allowing us to establish
a decarbonisation pathway and
implement initiatives across all facets
of sustainability.
With the recovery from COVID-19 well
underway, we are now entering the next
phase of our sustainability journey, and
as such we will evolve our sustainability
strategy in the next financial year.
Carbon reduction and climate
adaptation will remain priorities, but
we will place more focus on biodiversity
and waste to help us to create a
resilient future.
Sustainability Pillars
58 Annual Report 2023

27%
reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions
from the 2019 baseline
227
native eels translocated to the
Manaukau Memorial Gardens Pond
97t
of organic waste diverted from
landfill from a waste separation
trial in the terminal
FY23 Highlights
500kW
electric heatpump installed to replace
natural gas boilers
108,000t
of concrete from the runway used in
the development of the remote stands
24
EV chargers installed on the
airfield for groundhandlers and
airfield vehicles
Annual Report 2023 59

AKL: Destination
Net Zero
Auckland Airport is a gateway to
Aotearoa New Zealand, essential
for connecting families and enabling
tourism and trade into the country.
Aviation has bounced back strongly
from COVID-19 over the past year,
highlighting the need to keep emissions
reduction a priority for a resilient, low-
carbon future. Our priority is to minimise
the emissions created by our day-to-
day operations while working with our
partners and stakeholders to support
industry-wide decarbonisation.
Auckland Airport has a focus on
carbon reduction, water conservation
and waste minimisation and our 2030
targets include:
What is Net Zero?
Net Zero is a scientific concept
established by the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It is
the state where the amount of global
emissions released into the atmosphere
is equal to the amount of CO
2
removed.
The IPCC recommends limiting global
warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial
levels by 2100 to avoid the worst
impacts of climate change on people
and the environment. The IPCC has
established that Net Zero emissions
must be reached globally by 2050 but
relying on offsets is not enough. Global
emissions must begin reducing today.
Net Zero
scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030
resulting in
90%
reduction in emissions from 2019 levels

(27% reduction in FY23)
20%
reduction in waste to landfill
*
20%
reduction in potable water use
*

Eliminating our direct emissions
Auckland Airport’s priority is to work
towards Net Zero scope 1 and 2
emissions by reducing emissions
created by our day-to-day operations
as much as we can, with any residual
emissions neutralised through
permanent carbon removals.
We are targeting a 90% reduction in
scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from
a 2019 baseline, which is aligned with a
best-practice 1.5°C warming trajectory.
What are scope 1, 2 and 3
emissions?
Scope 1: Emissions from sources
that are owned or controlled by
Auckland Airport
Scope 2: Emissions from the generation
of purchased electricity consumed by
Auckland Airport
Scope 3: Emissions that occur as a
consequence of Auckland Airport’s
activities but from sources not owned
or controlled by Auckland Airport
60 Annual Report 2023

Auckland Airport’s scope 1 and 2 decarbonisation pathway
The decarbonisation pathway aligns with a 1.5°C trajectory and FY23 performance shows a 27% reduction from the baseline year.
Electricity
1
6
0
3
2
7
4
5
FY19FY21FY20FY22FY23FY24FY25FY26FY27FY28FY29FY30
tonn
e
s C
O
²
e (
thou
s
a
nds
)
Diesel & petrol Fire training fuels &
extinguishers
Refrigerants 1.5°C trajectory Natural gas
Forecast emissions
Reducing our direct emissions
In 2020 we set a target to be Net Zero
scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. To
reach Net Zero, we have clearly defined
a decarbonisation pathway which
sees us targeting a 90% reduction in
scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2019
baseline, with the residual emissions
(estimated at 10%) neutralised through
permanent carbon removals. Our
Net Zero target and accompanying
decarbonisation pathway are aligned
with a 1.5°C trajectory.
We have been working on our scope
1 and 2 decarbonisation pathway for
three years now and are pleased to
have implemented further initiatives
and trials over the course of the
financial year to reduce our emissions.
This financial year, our scope 1 and 2
carbon emissions equal 4,291 tonnes
of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO
2
e)
which represents a 27% decrease from
the baseline year (2019) and is tracking
ahead of our decarbonisation pathway.
Reducing our indirect emissions
Scope 1 and 2 emissions make up only
a small proportion of Auckland Airport’s
GHG emissions inventory. In reality, the
vast majority of emissions that occur
as a consequence of the operation
of New Zealand’s largest airport are
outside of our operational control. We
are actively partnering with stakeholders
across all areas of our business to
address these emissions and work
towards Aotearoa New Zealand’s goal
to reach net zero by 2050.
See the 2023 GHG Inventory for further
details on scope 1, 2 and 3 emission
sources and initiatives underway to
reduce these emissions.
“We have been working
on our scope 1 and 2
decarbonisation pathway
for three years now and
are pleased to have
implemented further
initiatives and trials
over the course of the
financial year to reduce
our emissions.”
7. The 2019 baseline and decarbonisation pathway
was updated in the 2023 financial year to remove
electricity line losses as a scope 1 emission source.
It was highlighted through our greenhouse gas
(GHG) verification process that these emissions
sources were being double counted and should
only be included as a scope 3 emission. See the
2023 GHG Inventory for further information.
Annual Report 2023 61