Queenstown lands 'world's most scenic' airport

[Dave Homewood]

Queenstown lands 'world's most scenic' airport

Last updated 08:45, May 13 2015


Supplied
Queenstown Airport looking towards the Kawarau gorge.

Flying into Queenstown has been voted the world's most scenic airport approach - especially if you're in a private jet.

Economy passengers who have enjoyed flying to Queenstown on a clear, blue day will no doubt agree with an annual poll conducted by booking and jet charter service PrivateFly.

The company's website gives a price range between $22,700 and $53,000 for four people to book a private aircraft from Sydney to Queenstown during ski season in August.



GQ deputy editor and a member of the judging panel Bill Prince said Queenstown Airport was a worthy winner as a world class approach to a world class destination.

PrivateFly chief executive Adam Twidell, a pilot, said the airport was a perfect introduction to the South Island.

"New Zealand's South Island has some of the most jawdropping natural scenery available anywhere in the world."

"Queenstown Airport's landing offers the perfect airside introduction."

The airport in Frankton, 8 kilometres from Queenstown central business district, is often hailed as the fastest-growing aerodrome in Australasia.

Queenstown Airport chief executive Scott Paterson said he was thrilled with the accolade.

"We've been in the top 10 for the past few years, so it's very exciting to take out the number one spot – especially given the beauty of the other airport approaches worldwide.

"The approach to Queenstown is truly spectacular and we're delighted that so many travellers around the world think so too."





www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/68489945/queenstown-lands-worlds-most-scenic-airport

[kiwithrottlejockey]

Ah, yes....private jets....the reason for the local aero club being booted from Queenstown Airport.

Personally, I consider the approach into Mount Cook Airport to be considerably more spectacular, particularly back in the Mount Cook Airlines days (before they became an Air NZ Link operation) when they approached down the Tasman Glacier with huge mountains towering above the airliner on both sides. I flew into there twice with Mount Cook Airlines back during the good-old days. The flights were full too, and the cabin attendant was busy selling skiplane flights to the Japanese tourists. A lot of them got off the 748 and straight into the skiplanes without even leaving the tarmac. It's a pity one cannot fly into Mount Cook in an airliner these days.

[woody99]

Any update on the aero club? Have they reached an agreement in any form with the airport / car parking company?