FIRST CUT: Auckland Airport lifts first-half profit as booming tourism drives passenger numbers

FIRST CUT: Auckland Airport lifts first-half profit as booming tourism drives passenger numbers
Paul McBeth
By Fiona Rotherham Feb. 19 (BusinessDesk) - Auckland International Airport, the country’s largest airport, has reported a 25 percent lift in first-half profit due to increasing passenger numbers from a rise in tourism, as it plans to spend up to $260 million this financial year to expand its facilities. Net profit rose to $115.8 million in the six months ended Dec. 31, from $92.8 million a year earlier the Auckland-based company said in a statement. Revenue for the national gateway rose 12 percent to $280.6 million. The results come as...