Mr Sanderson clearly states that "the constraint for Wellington is the runway" and despite previously being rejected by authorities due to runway end safety area regulations, the airport is intent on the project going through.
As the airport seeks to gain support for the project, the Wellington City Council has outlined a number of supposed benefits of expansion. Aiming for completion of works by 2020, the Council expects a bolstered runway would support the ambition to handle Boeing 787 aircraft and allow a direct flight to an Asian economic hub, such as Singapore Changi Airport.
See previously related report: Wellington Airport prepares for long haul operations
Wellington Airport is becoming increasingly geared to developing international operations, in order to support its already strong domestic presence. Watch our full interview with Mr Sanderson below: