Auckland International Airport, the nation's
largest gateway, has experienced record international travel demand for
the week ended January 8.
There were over 170,000 international
arrivals or departures during the week, which is more than any other
recorded week, even the peak periods experienced during the final stages
of the Rugby World Cup 2011, said Judy Nicholl, general manager
aeronautical operation in a statement.
"This result indicates that
despite some challenging economic conditions, more people than ever are
willing and able to travel internationally to and from New Zealand."
New
direct services to Asia were introduced at Auckland late last year by
offshore airlines, although the national carrier, Air New Zealand,
reported a downturn of 5 per cent in international travellers in
December.
The airport company told analysts and investors in
November it's aiming for a $110 million profit improvement by 2015 from
long-haul flights, which have been under-performing for the airport.
NZN