Queenstown Airport announced that a NZ$23 million airfield safety project has commenced on its main runway.

Engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) beds will be installed at both ends of the main runway over the next few months.

Queenstown Airport is the first in Australia or New Zealand to use this innovative technology, which utilises cellular cement blocks that crush under the weight of an aircraft. 

These are designed to slow a plane to a safe stop with little damage, should one overshoot the runway.

Airport CEO Glen Sowry says there’s never been such an incident at Queenstown, but the airport wants to minimise the risk if an overrun did occur.

He said: “EMAS technology has proven its worth in the northern hemisphere, and we are proud to be leading its introduction in this part of the world. It’s the gold standard and will substantially increase the margin of safety for those landing here.”

Queenstown Airport operates with a runway end safety area (RESA) of 90 metres, and the EMAS will provide the same protection as a 240m RESA.

A sod-turning ceremony was held to mark the start of the project, with representatives of the airport company and the head contractor, Downer, wielding the spades. 

More substantial earthworks are now under way at the Shotover end of the runway to prepare for the construction of new pavement, on which the EMAS bed will be laid.

Work is being done at night, starting after the last scheduled flight has landed. No work is planned for Friday or Saturday nights.

There will be no disruption to flight schedules and no change to the types of aircraft that may land at Queenstown Airport once the EMAS is installed.