New $23 million Queenstown airport safety system launched

Queenstown Airport now has their new safety system in operation to prevent aircraft leaving the runway in the event of an overshoot.

The airport is the first in Australasia to install an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), which is designed to slow an aircraft to a safe stop should one ever overshoot the runway.

“We’re proud to be able to make this investment in raising safety standards, making our community's airport even safer,” Queenstown Airport Chair Simon Flood said.

“With a budget of $23 million, the project is a significant investment in risk mitigation and is testament to the board’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for our community, travellers, and airline customers,” he said.

An EMAS system in operation.

The airport has a minimum runway end safety area (RESA) of 90 metres and the EMAS substantially increases the margin of safety to equal a RESA of 240 metres.

Mr Flood said the project was logistically challenging, having to be carefully staged outside operating hours.

“The contractors were dealing with a first of its kind in New Zealand, and a number of challenges arose in the course of the installation, but the team responded with a combination of thoughtfulness and tenacity that ensured the issues, when encountered, were dealt with efficiently and the project's momentum was able to be maintained to a successful conclusion,” Mr Flood said.

“This was the first large project arising from our Master Plan and it sets us up well as we embark on the largest capital works programme in the airport’s 90-year history.”

Queenstown Airport project manager Lydia Hartshorne oversaw the project and thanked partners Downer and Runway Safe.

“This was truly a collaboration. From the initial earthworks to the installation of the 4,870 EMAS blocks, the project was completed in 22 weeks. In total, more than 100 people worked on the project, clocking up more than 100 night shifts.”

Ms Hartshorne also thanked the airport’s neighbours.

“We’re really grateful for their support and understanding, as we know the work was disruptive at times.”