The next major domino in Auckland Airport’s NZ 2.2 billion upgrade—its first for 50 years—has fallen into place, with Hawkins – one of Nee Zealand’s largest construction companies – signing off on a NZ 800 million contract to build the terminal building.
“We’re pleased to announce that we have partnered with Hawkins on the delivery of the domestic jet terminal building – the most significant element in Auckland Airport’s ongoing upgrade,” said Carrie Hurihanganui, the Airport CEO, who said the terminal will take five years to construct, include a new headhouse and 240-metre long gate pier.
The massive build will see Hawkins install over 600 steel pikes 35 metres into the ground, strong enough to support more than 6,000 tonnes of steel, concrete and timber, which will be used in the terminal subfloor.
“Building in a live operating airport environment is no small task, and while we’re focused on minimising the impact on travellers as much as possible, we know change is disruptive, and we thank travellers for their patience as the build progresses,” according to Ms Hurihanganui, who said the new terminal will “deliver a functional design that is simple and cost-efficient and focused on doing the basics well for customers.”
Inside Auckland Airport’s new terminal
In May, Auckland Airport revealed the first detailed look at the planned interiors for the terminal, revealing that it has taken design cues from the Manukau Harbour and the surrounding landscape – a simple, cost-efficient design that focuses on doing the basics well:
“Easy to get around, efficient processing, somewhere to charge your phone and a comfortable place to sit while you wait for your flight – that’s what we’re going deliver for our customers,” according to Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, Scott Tasker.
“It will be an end to the blind corners, the scramble for available seating and the standing in the corridors,” he said, adding that the terminal will deliver a significant uplift in customer processing, with a 44% increase in processing capacity.
Designed with a simple and robust exterior structure made of tray-profile steel, Auckland Airport has concentrated its efforts on the interior of the new terminal, delivering a functional design with sustainability elements, such as all-electric heating and cooling and low-carbon materials.
With a single aircraft pier, the interior design employs a river-like circulation path for travellers – inspired by the tidal harbour, volcanic stone fields, and manga surrounding the airport. Timber accents and a cost-effective mix of durable carpeted and rubber flooring create a relaxed feel for travellers:
Choosing wood for the sub-floor instead of concrete reflects a preference for low-carbon materials and supporting sustainable aviation.
A highlight for travellers will be a short five-minute indoor walk between domestic jet and international travel, meaning an end to walking the current infamous outdoor “green line” walk between terminals or taking the inter-terminal transfer bus service.
Behind the scenes, checked luggage will be tracked in real time in a modern individual carrier system (ICS) for baggage handling. For travellers starting their journey in Auckland, check-in kiosks, automatic bag drops, and all-day check-in will mean the end of waiting in line at check-in counters.
“All our check-ins for both domestic jet and international passengers will be in the same place, making it much easier for travellers.”
When the domestic jet terminal opens, an estimated 20,000 travellers will pass through it daily. Hence, it needs to conveniently and dignifiedly cater to a variety of people with different needs.
Airport Fast Facts
- $2.2 billion for new domestic terminal overall
- The new terminal will service jet aircraft – the larger aircraft that fly between Auckland and other main centres.
- 12 jet aircraft gates create 26% more seat capacity, with a further 10% seat capacity available with dedicated domestic bus lounges
- Transfer between domestic jet and international flights within the terminal
- Check-in kiosks and automatic bag drop, which can be upgraded to biometric technology in the future, speed up the check-in process.
- In line with IATA best practice: queue wait times of 4 minutes or less for self-check-in and dropping a bag, less than 7.5 minutes for security, adequate seating at boarding gates, timely baggage arrival with <15 minutes from first bag to last bag on belt
- Device charging points in 50% of seats in pre-departure dwell
- Two baggage reclaims with 180m of belt space – a 70% increase on the current domestic terminal
- Dedicated faith spaces plus a low sensory room are provided for travellers
- The integrated terminal is to be completed in 2028/2029.
