The Southland region today marks the opening of the new Invercargill Airport terminal building, replacing the previous terminal that was built in 1963.

Passenger throughput from 1963 until today has grown from 44,000 to approximately 275,000 passengers per annum.Invercargill Airport operated the first commercial flight in 1944, with the first sealed runway constructed in 1956.

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The shinny brand new Invercargill airport terminal was officially opening on Thursday evening by Tourism Minister & Prime minister John Key along with Mayor Tim Shadbolt and other industry guests.

Check out these retro Air New Zealand air hostess outfits. Photo:Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

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Dignatries at opening. Photo: Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

12980706_10204173858585558_483408159_o One of two models gifted to Inv Airport. Photo: Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

12991785_10204173847545282_660806061_o Retro air hostess with Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie & Tourism Minister John Key Photo: Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

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Tourism Minister John Key Photo: Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

Christopher Luxon CEO Air New Zealand Photo: Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

Mayor Tim Photo: Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

Joe O’Connell chair of Invercargill Airport Co Photo: Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

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12970530_10204173863665685_461215725_o Kaumatua Micheal Skerrett blessing the opening plaque. Photo:Malcolm Gayfer What’s On Invers News

13014971_10153351330976577_437446033_n Original terminal building opened in 1963. (Photo: Courtesy of the Southland’s Past Facebook Page)

12992387_10153351331001577_433677908_n Original terminal building opened in 1963. (Photo: Courtesy of the Southland’s Past Facebook Page)

A new purpose built terminal building was then built in 1963, and with the airport land being reclaimed estuary, the airport incurred major flooding in both 1978 and 1984.

1984 flood airport More on the 1984 Flood Series here

1984 airport More on the 1984 Flood Series here

In 2011, it became clear that the recently replaced terminal did not meet the needs of a modern airline, was inflexible in its design and had significant seismic issues, all of which were factors in the decision to proceed with the airport redevelopment.

It was recognised early on that community and stakeholder engagement was important to ensuring the success of the project and that financial support of the shareholder would be required to make the redevelopment a reality. 13020247_10153351314346577_1905958678_n

During the planning and design phase, partnering with architects Warren and Mahoney and project management company Peak Projects International ensured that the building design was not only practically sound, but that it incorporated elements that reflected the distinctive elements of the Southland region.

“The airport is the first welcome point to our region for many. Southland is so diverse; we have such a lot to offer, it is great to have an entry point that is now fitting. The airport is a showcase of Southland, designed to utilise natural light and constructed using natural materials. It is something for the whole region to be proud of”, said Invercargill Mayor, Tim Shadbolt.

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Invercargill Airport Ltd also worked collaboratively with its major stakeholder Air New Zealand, using their experience within airports around the globe to ensure operational cohesion between the aircraft on the apron, the passengers and the terminal building. Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon, and other key staff members will be attending the event.

13022329_10153351313561577_2143759669_n Flexibility and a modular design were key elements to the design, allowing the spaces in the terminal to be reconfigured internally to suit the airport’s future needs as well as the building having the ability to be easily extended in the future should growth require it. In addition, the redesign of the apron layout means that the airport is able to accommodate a wide range of aircraft types.

The terminal was constructed in a two stage process and was managed to ensure the airport remained fully functional and maintained the standard operational efficiencies.

come-n-go

Stage one involved construction of the check in facilities, café, amenities, apron works and temporary concourse. Stage two involved creating the new baggage reclaim area, Air New Zealand lounge, car rental kiosks, meeting rooms and Invercargill Airport offices. The public and rental car parking areas were also redesigned and new roads were constructed leading into the terminal building area. 13020300_10153351314441577_1424786866_n

Joe O’Connell, Chairman of the Invercargill Airport Board said, “The Invercargill Airport is a gateway to the region and is important to tourism, business and our community.

The project was made possible by $13M of equity provided by the shareholders and we are pleased that the project has come in on budget and despite some challenging weather conditions, was completed only 6 weeks later than estimated.”

We are receiving a lot of positive feedback from the travelling public on the terminal redevelopment, with people commenting on a daily basis how they are enjoying the modern, vibrant terminal that reflects the region that is Southland.”

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A huge wall poster with a big INVERS Welcome sets the tone for a airpot terminal we can all be proud off.

New Airport Terminal Opened By Minister Of Tourism

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