A blessing was held at Hamilton Airport today to thank contractors and border agencies and welcome new staff involved in the airport’s refurbished international terminal.

The cultural ceremony reflects the importance of whakapapa of the land and acknowledges the renewal of the terminal building to welcome overseas visitors.

The terminal will officially open for business on Monday, June 16 when the first Jetstar flight from Sydney touches down in Hamilton, before boarding passengers and flying back across the Tasman that afternoon.

From then on, Jetstar will operate three return flights per week between Hamilton and the Gold Coast and four between Hamilton and Sydney. The June 16 flight will be the first time there has been scheduled trans-Tasman flights in and out of Hamilton in 13 years.

Waikato Regional Airport Ltd chief executive Mark Morgan said this morning’s blessing acknowledged the hundreds of people who had contributed to a major regional project.

“The lead contractor was Livingstone Building Ltd but several Waikato-based sub-contractors were involved. Today is about recognising everyone who has played a part in delivering an international terminal that Hamilton and the Waikato can be really proud of,” Morgan said.

“It’s been a  huge job delivered within a tight timeframe. Not finishing it on time was simply not an option.”

The refurnished terminal includes provision for full border controls provided by government agencies including aviation security, customs, MPI and immigration along with support from police and health services. Travellers will have access to a new duty-free story and café.

It also includes a new domestic jet service lounge, which when required, can be entirely separated from international facilities.

A further 300 additional car parks have been developed, including for use by 60 new airport-based staff.

The terminal upgrade is part of a $7 million investment needed to ready the airport for international services and allow for the ongoing growth in passenger numbers.  The refurbishment was delivered with no disruption to passengers and no extension of the existing building. The terminal will be used by around 120,000 international passengers arriving and departing each year who will pour $45 million per year into the regional economy.

From June, Jetstar will become the fourth carrier to operate from Hamilton Airport, joining Air New Zealand, Sunair and Originair. The airport already handles around 360,000 passengers annually with more growth forecast.

Just last week, Air New Zealand announced domestic jet flights between Hamilton and Christchurch will resume in September, marking the return of a domestic jet service after 25 years. This will improve connectivity to the South Island and further grow passenger numbers.

PIC CAPTION:  ( Left to right) Joshua Wikiriwhi-Heta from Ngaati Hauaa and Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan at the blessing this morning.

NOTE TO EDITORS: WRAL (Waikato Regional Airport Ltd)  is a council-controlled organisation owned by Hamilton City, Otorohanga, Waipā, Waikato and Matamata-Piako District Councils and is the umbrella for subsidiary companies Hamilton Airport, Jet Park Hotel Hamilton Airport, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism (HWT) and Titanium Park Limited.