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With more than 75 years of experience, WSP is an ideal partner to help airports efficiently plan how to replace aging infrastructure and how to best respond to industry change while enhancing competitiveness. Our team blends the skills of our global network with results-oriented business acumen.

In New Zealand, our multidisciplinary aviation advisory team supports airport operators, airlines and government agencies across strategy, planning, business cases, asset management, resilience, sustainability, funding, operational improvement and airport development. We combine local knowledge and national capability with access to WSP’s global aviation expertise to deliver practical, sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of regional airports and major gateways.

Our aviation advisory services include strategy and operations advice, master planning, due diligence, venture optimization, financial modelling and business case development, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) advisory, and transaction services.

We provide global bespoke aviation advisory services for airport authorities, terminal operating companies, governments, shipping lines, logistics operators, and the wider financial community.

By combining financial, technical, and operational expertise, WSP assists with the commercial decision-making process while minimizing investment risk.

Leader in Asset Management Best Practices

Leader in asset management best practices

WSP is a leader in the application of asset management best practices for infrastructure. With our understanding of the infrastructure cycle and with our business transformation leadership, we help airports improve the services they deliver through a more efficient and economic use of the assets and infrastructure they manage.  Doing the right work at the right time at the right cost, WSP achieves this through our own propriety software such as our industry-leading Asset Management Capability Assessment Model that draws upon over 20 years of experience in managing critical infrastructure.

Devising robust safety & security measures to protect passengers and assets

Having worked with private and public sector clients throughout the global aviation industry, our global specialists are familiar with standards set out by major regulatory bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), UK Civil Aviation Industry (CAA), Transport Canada and many other local and regional authorities and international trade bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This international perspective can complement our New Zealand team’s understanding of local regulatory requirements and help clients apply relevant global best practice in a New Zealand context.

WSP’s experts can help airport operators devise a Safety Management System (SMS) that features a proactive approach identifying, assessing, and managing safety risks in airport operations. By implementing an SMS, airport operators can identify potential hazards, assess risks, and take appropriate measures to prevent accidents or incidents.

Devising Robust Safety Security Measures
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Delivering operational readiness, activation and transition (ORAT) programs

We provide the full range of ORAT services playing the role of coordinator, facilitator and leader to bring together diverse groups of stakeholders and lead them all to a common goal.

WSP is an established expert in delivering global ORAT programs and has led the openings of many of the world’s largest airport projects. New Zealand clients can draw on this global experience to support complex transitions and operational readiness for airport development programmes.

We have developed a tried and tested structured ORAT process that is designed to ensure the transition from construction to live operations is seamless and that any new airport facility is fully functional and ready to serve its purpose from day one.

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Global Airport Carbon Accreditation consultancy and verification services

In 2008, ACI Europe’s Annual Assembly adopted a landmark climate resolution, committing member airports to reduce carbon emissions. To turn this commitment into action, ACI Europe launched the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program - now a globally recognised standard for airport carbon management.

WSP supports airports worldwide in advancing their decarbonisation journey through ACA - from Level 1 (carbon measurement and reporting) to Level 5 (Net Zero in Scope 1 and 2). With 15+ years’ experience as ACA Administrator (2009–2024), our global team helps untangle the complexity of ACA requirements, provides application and technical advisory, and delivers third-party verification. We leverage our global ACA knowledge network to share best practices and insights, giving New Zealand clients access to specialist international experience supported by local knowledge.

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Global Airport Carbon Accreditation consultancy

Airport master plans provide a strategic framework for future development, helping airports respond to growth, changing operational requirements and evolving community expectations.

WSP works with airports across the full planning lifecycle, from demand forecasting and needs assessments through to master planning, concept development, business cases and implementation planning. Our multidisciplinary team combines local knowledge with global aviation expertise to align future development with forecast demand, operational requirements, resilience objectives, sustainability goals and commercial priorities.

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Frequently asked questions

What types of aviation advisory services does WSP provide?

WSP offers a comprehensive suite of aviation advisory services including strategic and operational consulting, master planning, due diligence, venture optimization, financial modelling, business case development, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) advisory, and transaction services. Our multidisciplinary team integrates financial, technical, and operational expertise to support robust commercial decision-making and reduce investment risk.

How does WSP help airports plan for aging infrastructure and industry change?

With more than 85 years of aviation experience, WSP helps airports assess their existing assets, plan for infrastructure replacement, and respond effectively to evolving industry demands. Our global network combines engineering expertise with business-oriented advisory skills, enabling clients to optimize resources, strengthen competitiveness, and develop long-term, future-ready investment strategies.

Who can benefit from WSP’s aviation advisory services?

WSP supports a wide range of aviation industry stakeholders, including airport authorities, terminal operators, airlines, governments, shipping and logistics companies, investors, lenders, and financial institutions. Our advisory services are tailored to local conditions while drawing on international best practices.

What makes WSP a leader in aviation asset management?

WSP applies industry-leading asset management best practices built on decades of experience managing critical infrastructure. Through our proprietary Asset Management Capability Assessment Model, we help airports deliver better service at optimal cost by ensuring that the right work is done at the right time. Our programs support business transformation, operational efficiency, lifecycle planning, and long-term asset resilience.

What is WSP’s role in Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) programs?

WSP is globally recognized for delivering complex ORAT programs and ensuring seamless transitions from construction to live airport operations. Acting as coordinator, facilitator, and program leader, we bring together diverse stakeholder groups to prepare facilities for day-one readiness. Our structured, tested ORAT methodology has supported the successful opening of many major airport projects worldwide.

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