On Tuesday morning, we enjoyed an interesting talk from Moana Kilmartin, Customer Experience Improvement Manager at Auckland Airport. She spoke about the huge project of amalgamating and upgrading the domestic and international terminals. 

For context, the airfield was constructed at the dawn of the jet age, in what was then, rural Māngere, next to the Manukau Harbour.  As both society and technology have evolved greatly since then, major changes were needed so that Auckland Airport catered better to all its stakeholders – local, national and international, and for the present and the future.

Discussions about the integration of the two terminals began in 2011, and the realisation of that vision is only beginning to come to fruition now with a projected completion date in 2026.

The Covid-19 pandemic delayed work, but little else has prevented this impressive project’s progress.

Airport stakeholders are numerous and include 26 airlines, airway service support companies (e.g. commercial kitchens and freight lines), authorities such as the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Police, Auckland Council, Mana Whenua, Wildlife Management and of course, the customers!

This list doesn’t include everyone, but it highlights the complex task for Moana and the corporate Auckland Airport team.  It is a huge challenge to meet the needs of all these groups, while keeping an airport operational, and in the black, throughout disruptive construction and landscaping work.

Changes have occurred in all areas - the precinct has expanded to include a new Park and Ride facility to cater for people from the region’s south-east.  A new outlet mall called Manawa Bay has been opened, which will provide an income stream for the airport.  The Pullman Hotel has sprouted next to the Novotel and the terminal, while, to the north, a new cargo precinct has been created.  This is by no means all that is changing. 

Of particular note is the effort to create a sense of place and uniqueness withing the precinct. Employing a range of design and construction firms to work on different areas, has been challenging and risky, but the outcomes so far are aesthetic, inspiring and meet people’s needs. 

So while we have all struggled at times with the recent changes to the international terminal, we can now understand the bigger picture and will be perhaps more patient with future changes. The exciting amalgamation is happening before our eyes and promises to be a place to be proud of.