Exclusive: Top Tips to Capitalize On Shifting Global Travel Markets from Simon Robertson, Acting Chief Executive, Auckland Airport

In this exclusive interview Simon Robertson, Acting Chief Executive of the highly acclaimed Auckland Airport, talks with Airports World Conference Manager Dylan King about key shifts in global travels markets, creating successful partnerships and how Auckland Airport as emerged from turbulent times in the late 2000s as the leading airport in the Australia Pacific Region.

What is the most exciting change happening in the industry today?

I think it’s all about the massive shift in global travel markets from west to east and the rise of a new generation of wealth and interest in travel from the growth markets in Asia, Australasia and the Americas. While this is certainly a challenge, there are also some huge opportunities that it offers to tourism and aviation, particularly in our part of the world, which is right on the door-step of those markets.

The success of aviation and tourism go hand-in-hand. What is Auckland Airport doing to increase tourist traffic to NZ?

We have long recognised that passenger numbers and the visitor economy is the lifeblood of the tourism and aviation industry, and indeed much of the wider economy. One thing we know already is that air-links are a key enabler – they drive tourism and trade much more than brand advertising or trade missions ever can. This is why we have invested significantly over the last few years in air-service and market development, with a number of successes in developing new or expanding existing routes, particularly to Asia. It’s not just about providing a compelling case to airlines, it’s about working with government to clear any barriers, it’s about working with the tourism industry to get ready for the new visitors, and it’s about helping to stimulate market demand to fill those extra seats.

Congratulations on winning the Skytrax award for best Australia Pacific airport for the fourth year running. What allows Auckland to stay ahead of the pack?

That’s something we’re very proud of. I think it’s a combination of many factors. It’s about expanding product choices, providing customer service improvements, and generating and implementing innovations and efficiencies in the business. Most importantly it’s about the total passenger experience. I think that the focus of everyone across the entire airport on making journeys better continues to benefit the end consumer and helps us shine in the eyes of passengers. Making journeys better is the sum of many different parts, from cleaners to Customs, from airlines to Aviation Security, from border agencies to baggage-handlers – everyone plays a part. And of course, kiwi hospitality plays a big part!

What will you be speaking about at the Airports World conference at the Australia Pacific Aviation Outlook Summit 2012?

I’ll be outlining the strategic journey that Auckland Airport has been on, how we approached the GFC, the shift in emphasis that we started in 2008, our ambitions for growth, and where we see that journey taking us.

Get to know the speaker

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

I’ve found the job incredibly rewarding in a number of ways. As the biggest airport in the country, with over 70% of all international traffic and 90% of air-freight, we really do feel that we are making a substantial contribution to the country. And being part of a growth story is certainly more enjoyable than not!

What’s the biggest challenge in your job?

It’s a very dynamic environment in a business where many decisions can set a path for decades.

What business or career advice would you give a 21-year-old version of yourself?

Always keep the big strategic goals in mind, because that will guide all the smaller decisions.

For more information on Simon and the Airports World conference at Australia Pacific Aviation Outlook 2012 click here to view the website.