Executive Summary
OCS began working at Queenstown Airport in May 2024. Colleagues clean public and operational areas from 5am to midnight and manage waste across the site. Their work takes place around passengers, airline activity and airport security requirements. Daily waste sorting and sensor data help the team plan services and contribute to the airport’s sustainability goals.
-
18000m²
Site serviced
-
2.6 million
Passengers in 2025
-
14
Colleagues
-
12% reduction
in waste to landfill against the 2019 baseline
The brief
Queenstown Airport was preparing for continued passenger growth. It needed cleaning services that could expand with the airport, meet aviation security and biosecurity requirements, and maintain presentation standards throughout the day. The airport also wanted its facilities partner to contribute to its waste, composting and emissions goals.
OCS was engaged to:
- Clean public areas, offices, lounges, boarding bridges and other operational spaces.
- Provide window cleaning, high dusting, carpet and upholstery care.
- Manage waste and recycling and support on-site composting.
- Respond quickly to spills, floods, incidents and changes in demand.
The work had to be completed around passengers and airport operations, with clear communication when priorities changed.
The outcome
Weekly walk-throughs and monthly meetings keep the Queenstown Airport and OCS teams in close contact. OCS has met its agreed performance targets every month since May 2024. The airport has also added tasks to the contract, reducing pressure on its operations team.
Key actions and results included:
“OCS operates as a true extension of our team, delivering consistent standards through open communication, accountability and a shared commitment to sustainability, without compromising the passenger experience.”
Sean Whittaker
Facilities Manager, Queenstown Airport