Doppelmayr misses out on Queenstown Airport/CBD gondola project

Southern Infrastructure is the company headed by Ross Copland and linked to a Regional Deal plan to construct a gondola between Frankton and Queenstown. The surprise announcement today indicates that Doppelmayr has lost that aspect of the project and will be involved instead in a proposed gondola from Frankton to Ladies Mile. The other gondola company in discussions with Southern Infrastructure is Italy based Leitner. Another competitor, Whoosh, is also in the running via a direct relationship with local developer Alastair Porter and a bid to work with QLDC. The Whoosh proposal is a more modular and flexible approach with a lower price point, and is New Zealand owned - but is a new concept compared to the more proven Doppelmayr and Leitner concepts. **** Update: The preferred suppliers were announced by Southern Infrastructure late on Friday afternoon.

Statement from Doppelmayr NZ CEO Garreth Hayman:

"We’re pleased to have been appointed as the preferred supplier to lead detailed design development for the Frankton Bus Hub to Ladies Mile line. This is a critical growth corridor for Queenstown, and we look forward to working closely with Southern Infrastructure and the community to help deliver a safe, efficient and low-emission transport solution.

Having been involved from early concept stages, including initial thinking around an airport-to-town cable car, we are proud to have helped advance the wider conversation.

While we’re naturally disappointed not to have been selected for the Airport to Town Centre route, we fully respect the outcome of a highly competitive process.

Ultimately, the real winner here is Queenstown. Each step forward brings the town closer to the modern transport infrastructure it needs to support growth, reduce congestion and improve quality of life.

Doppelmayr has been operating in New Zealand for 50 years, delivering some of the country’s most trusted ropeway systems. We remain committed to supporting Queenstown’s transport future and wish all parties involved in both projects every success as we embark on the next stage of the design and engineering process.”