Creative Airport Terminal upgrade

Christchurch Airport’s unveiled plans for a revamp of its terminal offering with the new facilities expected to be ready for a busy summer of international visitors.

The project will deliver 12 new eateries, new retail spaces, upgraded bathrooms, a new parent’s room, a remodelled food court, and a large children’s play area. Airport chief executive Justin Watson says it’s the first major upgrade since the terminal opened in 2013, and the result will have a distinctly Kiwi flavour, along with much-needed entertainment.

Christchurch businesspeople Shawn Kim and Yong Song, who already own Sushi Platter in the terminal will deliver three new outlets in the food court. “Hikari will serve ramen and donburi and Mama’s Kitchen will offer mouthwatering Korean street food. A new version of the Sushi Platter will sit right next to them,” says Shawn.

Two of the new eateries, Fush and Tātou, will be operated by Ōtautahi entrepreneurs Anton and Jess Matthews and Māia Gooday who are known for their work in the community and championing te reo – along with exceptional hospitality experiences.

David Cooper, Christchurch Airport’s GM of Customer and Commercial says the airport’s formed a strong partnership with global company SSP which will see both parties collectively contribute to a modern, refreshed area.

SSP will operate seven outlets, including Portal Bar and Restaurant at the top of the escalator where Number 8 café is now, a new café Fern and Co beside the entry to aviation security, and a new café Urban Pantry in the regional departure lounge which includes a range of ‘grab and go’ options. They’ll also have an all-day café called Discovered in international arrivals.

Digitisation will feature in the project with more self-service kiosks and interactive screens to help future proof the airport and further improve efficiency for all visitors to the terminal. The upgrade should be completed by December with predictions that visitor numbers will be even higher than last summer. Qantas, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways and United Airlines have already confirmed they will all be back flying summer services to the city and they’re growing their capacity. For example, Qantas will have an extra 175,000 seats and China Southern is boosting its capacity by 20,000 seats.

“Last summer season (from November to March) we had 2.7 million passenger movements at Christchurch Airport. We’re on track to top that next summer season and it’s awesome to know the terminal will be refreshed and ready to welcome our visitors with some of our best manaakitanga and offerings yet,” says Justin Watson.