A working group set up to consider the future jet fuel supply to Auckland Airport has concluded that the best site for the new on-airport storage facility (the JUHI) is on the site of the old golf course.

This site is the cheapest option in terms of fuel pipe costs and has similar safety and operational features as other potential sites, so the choice was unanimous. The working group includes Auckland Airport, Air New Zealand, the three oil companies and BARNZ.

Although the preferred site has been identified, this does not mean it has been confirmed. The most important decision to be made is about whether an alternative use can be made of the land – Auckland Airport may prefer to use the golf course land for a different purpose, possibly a commercial development, so will need to decide whether to build the JUHI or something else on the golf course site. Airlines would not be happy about having to pay more for a different site just to accommodate an airport commercial development, so in this scenario we would expect the airport to fund any cost difference.

This process is ongoing and BARNZ will keep you posted.