A4ANZ: Auckland airport setting prices that are not in the interests of consumers

30 May, 2018

Airlines for Australia & New Zealand (A4ANZ), in a submission to New Zealand's Commerce Commission's Review of Auckland International Airport's pricing decisions and expected performance (July 2017 - June 2022), stated (30-May-2018) the airport has "set prices that are not in the long-term interest of consumers, and more must be done to protect airport users from the market power exerted by monopoly airports". A4ANZ chairman professor Graeme Samuel said the airport is "targeting excessive profits" and it has been estimated that over the past 19 years the value of excess returns to Auckland airport owners may be upwards of NZD3.6 billion (USD2.5 billion). A4ANZ's submission also outlined airline concerns regarding Auckland Airport's proposed Runway Land Charge and forecast operating expenditure and efficient investment. It also encouraged the Commerce Commission to take a broader view of certain requirements to consider quality, efficiency and innovation. [more - original PR]