Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, freight operators, exporters and industry leaders to celebrate the completion of the project.

The new apron expands the airport's freight handling capacity and flexibility, helping meet growing demand from freight operators while creating room for future growth. Covering an area larger than six rugby pitches, the apron includes more than 11 kilometres of underground services and has been constructed using lower-emission asphalt and recycled construction materials.

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson said the project was about much more than infrastructure.

"This isn't just a new piece of concrete. It's an investment in the future of Christchurch and the South Island.

"The way businesses move products around the world is changing rapidly. Exporters need fast, reliable connections to global markets, and this apron gives us the capacity and flexibility to support that growth for decades to come.

"We've deliberately built ahead of demand because our job is to prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow, not just respond to the needs of today."

Speaking at the event Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said

“Infrastructure like this at Christchurch airport is absolutely incredible, it’s now the gateway to the world. This is mission critical infrastructure and it is truly world class.

What’s happening here at Christchurch airport is absolutely amazing.”

The freight apron is part of a broader period of growth and investment across the airport campus, helping drive the development of DHL's new international gateway facility and a major expansion of the neighbouring Freightways operation.

At today's event, it was also confirmed that FedEx will develop a new facility on the airport campus, securing a prime development site adjacent to the new freight apron.

James Edgeworth, National Sales Manager for FedEx Express New Zealand & Fiji, said:

"We're seeing strong and sustained demand from exporters and importers for fast, reliable access to global markets. Christchurch Airport’s investment in freight infrastructure will strengthen connectivity and improve access to international markets over time.

Exporter Brent Falvey Head of Logistics at ANZCO Foods said the new freight apron would help support South Island businesses competing internationally.

"For exporters, speed and reliability matter. Being able to get our products to market quickly helps us maintain quality, meet customer expectations and compete globally.

"Investments like this strengthen the connections that businesses across the South Island rely on every day."

The apron is part of significant growth and investment across the airport campus, home to more than 7,000 people working across 250 businesses and organisations.

That growth includes the expansion of the Pratt & Whitney engine centre, future freight and logistics developments and advanced manufacturing businesses that support trade, tourism, innovation and economic growth across the South Island.