Airport News

3rd July 2013

Airport News
Auckland Airport has opened a new taxiway that is designed to cut aircraft congestion, reduce delays and improve safety in times of low visibility.

Taxiway Lima, which opened today, also doubles the ability of aircraft to access the west side of the international terminal building, said general manager for aeronautical operations, Judy Nicholl.

“It is also the first part of what will eventually be the network of taxiways serving the airport’s northern runway, and its construction greatly increases our ability to cater for future passenger and aircraft growth,” she said.

Built over nine months through a NZ$15.5 million ($12.1 million) investment by Auckland Airport, the taxiway is 650m long, 60m wide and 1.2m thick.

An Air New Zealand plane inaugurated the new taxiway, which was opened by the country’s, Associate Minister of Tourism, Hon Chris Tremain.

Airways New Zealand played a key role in the taxiway’s design and construction, said Pauline Lamb, Airways New Zealand general manager system operator.

"We’re proud of our investment in key infrastructure at Auckland Airport – Airways has built and installed more than 150 LED taxiway lights along Taxiway Lima, and installed paint marking and LED powered taxiway signage,” she said.