As the gateway for Christchurch and New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) has developed as a key hub and one of the busiest and most strategic air connections from the country to the world's trade and tourism markets. The airport occupies a unique position both physically and economically, and is currently ranked New Zealand's second largest airport, handling 5,551,600 passengers in the 2012 calendar year.

In our exclusive The HUB interview, from this year’s Routes Asia in Mumbai, India, the airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Jim Boult highlighted the latest developments at the facility and the key markets for future growth.

One market that Christchurch International Airport is particularly keen to develop air links with is India and the airport brought a special VIP guest to Routes Asia to help promote its brand and educate locals to New Zealand’s South Island. Former international test cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee, born and bred in Christchurch, is one of the airport’s ambassadors and spoke exclusively to The HUB on his role and life in Christchurch, as well as sharing his views on how the travel and aviation sectors have changed since he retired from sport.

Sir Richard, voted in December 2002 by the cricket bible Wisden as the second greatest test bowler of all time, will be in attendance at Routes Asia again today and is happy to meet, pose for photographs and provide autographs to delegates. In partnership with Christchurch International Airport he is also providing some goodies in a business card draw today so make sure you visit the Christchurch International Airport stand S12.

We are pleased to report that Tanvir Moulvi, Senior Manager – Slot Management at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Mohd Zulkarnain Mohd Yudin, Senior Manager – Business Development at MASkargo were selected as winners of a mini-bat and framed picture in yesterday’s draw.