Assets

Overview

NT Airports owns and operates Darwin International, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek airports. Darwin International Airport is an important hub for low-cost carriers, as well as being the key entry point into the Northern Territory and providing access for the growing resources sector. Alice Springs Airport similarly forms an essential gateway to Central Australia for both domestic and international travellers. NT Airports also has a substantial land holding, for which development opportunities continue to be pursued.

Performance

As at 30 June 2012, NT Airports represented 6.3 percent of the AIX portfolio by value.

Total revenue and EBITDA for the financial year were $80.7 million and $54.6 million respectively, which represented an increase of 7.9 percent and 15.6 percent compared to the prior corresponding period. The improved earnings were driven by strong aeronautical revenue following revised aeronautical pricing arrangements, which delivered an increase in aeronautical revenue of 4.7 percent on the prior year.

For the year ended 30 June 2012, NT Airports serviced a total of 2.8 million passengers (including transfer and transits). The international terminal at Darwin performed strongly, with passengers increasing 14.3 percent on the prior year, driven by the popularity of low-cost services to South East Asian destinations, particularly Bali. Passenger numbers at the domestic terminal were largely consistent with the prior year. While Darwin has a stable government and business clientele, particularly with the growing resource sector, it is also exposed to the tourism market, which continues to be affected by the strong Australian dollar and soft economic conditions in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

Passenger numbers through Alice Springs Airport declined 9.5 percent compared to the prior year. With Alice Springs largely being a tourism destination, it has been affected by the strong Australian dollar and poor economic conditions globally.

Stronger aeronautical revenues were supported by growth in car parking and car rental revenues, with trading revenues increasing 3.7 percent above the prior year. Property income also increased 27.0 percent on the prior year, following completion of the Australian Federal Police building and the Lodge accommodation.

Outlook

Management continue to focus on the design and construction of the terminal expansion at Darwin following the successful aeronautical pricing agreement negotiations and refinancing of debt facilities in October 2011.

Darwin International Airport anticipates continued passenger number growth in the medium to long term, through both its domestic and international terminals. Over this period, patronage is expected to be positively affected by the recent deployment of US troops to Darwin, as well as the commencement of the INPEX gas project. Furthermore, Darwin continues to increase in popularity as an end destination, supported by both the tourism and resources industries.

Airport development group (NT Airports)
Financial and operational performance

* CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

For a copy of the 2011 Annual Report please click the following link: NT Airports 2011 Annual Report.

For a copy of the 2011 Annual Financial Report please click the following link: NT Airports 2011 Financial Report.

For further information please visit the NT Airports Website.

For historical Annual Reports please click here NT Airports Annual Reports.