The 190-metre, 12,240 square metre extension effectively doubles the capacity of Pier B by providing two additional gate lounges and four airbridges enabling it to accommodate four A380 aircraft or eight smaller aircraft at the same time.Auckland Airport general manager airport development and delivery André Lovatt says, “It’s extremely pleasing to have Gates 17 and 18 fully operational to assist with the growing number of passengers and aircraft using Auckland Airport. The Pier B extension is a modern and open space that will leave travellers with a strong final impression of Auckland Airport and New Zealand. Late last year, we opened Gate 17 in time for our summer peak, well in advance of the projected timeline for completion, and Gate 18 has been fully operational since February 2018.”“We have also refurbished Gate 15 and 16 with new carpet and lounge seating that incorporate USB and power outlets for passengers and airline staff,” he says.Striking New Zealand landscape artwork and sculptured godwits created by Weta Workshop welcome guests to this area of the international terminal which has also been fitted out with a new retail store and food and beverage outlet.In [June] 2018, the Pier B extension project was recognised through an Excellence Award in the Tourism and Leisure Property category at this year’s Property Industry Awards.Pier B was initially built in 2008 with four aircraft stands, two gate lounges (Gates 15 and 16) and two airbridges. Subsequently, the airport added a dedicated bus lounge to help facilitate the transfer of passengers between the international terminal and aircraft parked on remote airfield stands. Following the introduction of the new gates 17 and 18, bussing of passengers on international flights has dropped from 10% in April 2017 to 3% in April 2018.Mr Lovatt says other redevelopment work at the airport is continuing to progress well with the international departure area upgrade now 90% complete.“The final stage of the upgrade of the international departure experience is progressing well and will be complete in early 2019. This is centred on the international security and processing zones, new passenger lounge and retail hub featuring a new range of luxury brands stores and food and beverage outlets,” he says.The airport is investing more than $1 million every working day on aeronautical infrastructure and expects to spend around $2 billion in the next five years.Auckland Airport has recently launched an airport of the future interactive map showing the major projects underway and how the airport will evolve over the next 30 years https://corporate.aucklandairport.co.nz/airport-of-the-future/latest-updates/new-interactive-map