The Wanaka Airport main runway will be resealed in October, airport manager Tim Johnston said.

"The Queenstown Lakes District Council has given approval to proceed with the reseal, which will be carried out by contractor Fulton Hogan," Mr Johnston said.

The work would involve:

• Pre reseal repairs.
• Resurfacing of the runway with a grade five cape seal.
• Repainting the markings.

Some preliminary work on the reseal commenced in late June.

"This work to date has not affected the runway availability with any work timed to ensure no interference with airport operations, however once the sealing proper gets underway we are looking at a closure of the main runway for a period of two weeks," Mr Johnston said.

The runway would be closed from 15 October to 29 October 2007, which was considered to be the least disruptive time of the year.

"The adjacent grass will remain available for other airport users but Air NZ services will not operate during the period," Mr Johnston said.
Air NZ and other users had received notice of the closure.

"The use of chip seal with a cape seal overlay, which was slow to lay and harden, meant the results would be sturdier than asphalt, Mr Johnston said.

"We hope that the advance notice of closure will assist in mitigating any adverse impact on air services. The results will pay dividends," Mr Johnston said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Tim Johnston mobile 0274 323 616

By: Tamah