Airspresso Café takes off at Queenstown Airport

Joint media release from Airspresso and Queenstown Airport Corporation

18 July 2014

Airspresso Café takes off at Queenstown Airport

Queenstown Airport’s new Airspresso Café opened for business today and initial feedback suggests that it’s already a roaring success with visitors and airport staff.

Located beside the Domestic Arrivals entrance, the café features a four-sided open kitchen offering everything from freshly prepared counter food and specialist roasted coffee to an à la carte café menu and fully licensed bar.

The stylish décor, featuring wood panelling, bench seats made from skis, leather booths and aviation-themed glass-topped tables, is already receiving high praise from customers.

“It’s so funky!” said Debra Clarke, Qantas Duty Manager. “I haven’t seen anything like it around New Zealand. It’s got real personality and obviously a lot of thought has gone into the theming to ensure it reflects the feel of our airport and the region.”

Australian traveller Stewart Taylor said “I like the way there’s so many styles of seating from long captain’s tables, café-style tables and counter stools to bar leaners and more private booths. And you can’t beat the views over the runway to the mountains. Stunning!”

Business partners Jim Hickey and Craig Macfarlane were on hand to greet the first customers - a mother and son from Finland - and said it was a great feeling to see their vision come to fruition.

“It’s even better than what we imagined,” said Mr Hickey. “We’re really proud of what our team has achieved and we’d like to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to get us to this day - from the designers and builders to our new team of staff. We’re looking forward to cracking our first drink with them and the rest of the airport community tonight.”

The winning Hickey-Macfarlane formula has gone from strength to strength after their success with Airspresso at New Plymouth Airport. Business partners Karyn Grant, Blair Clement, and Justin Bird and B Svendheim have joined the “blended family” and now also co-own and manage the iconic Joe’s Garage café in Queenstown.

Justin and B are well known locally as the managers of Joe’s Café and will be responsible for running Airspresso’s day-to-day operations.

Queenstown Airport Corporation CEO Scott Paterson was delighted to see the finished product and paid tribute to the Airspresso team.

“They’ve created something that all locals can be proud of. The café is absolutely befitting of a gateway to a world-class destination.”

A formal opening function is planned for a few weeks’ time once the team is settled in.

ENDS

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