Marco Pernetta, Managing Director, Innsbruck Airport: “This is a fascinating, challenging industry, which is changing every day. Particularly in a small regional airport, you are in close contact with all aspects of the business, so each day is different.”
Prior to joining the airport, Pernetta spent several years with the German Airports Association (ADV), where he was responsible for bilateral negotiations and gained invaluable experience of the workings of the European institutions.
He has taken the helm at a time of growth – the latest available figures show a 2.4% increase in passenger numbers during August, and throughput is expected to reach one million this year.
Pernetta’s initial priorities have centred on the airport’s infrastructure plans. “We’re investing €12 million in two major projects,” he explained. “One is the new car park, which will double the capacity of the existing facility. Meanwhile, in the terminal area we are rebuilding the baggage sorting area behind check-in, and introducing two additional security lanes. Our 11th boarding gate opens this winter, and our 12th will open next year.”
Innsbruck Airport is also continuing its emphasis on environmental sustainability, and next January will introduce a new noise insulation scheme for those neighbouring properties affected.
“This is a fascinating, challenging industry, which is changing every day. Particularly in a small regional airport, you are in close contact with all aspects of the business, so each day is different,” Pernetta concluded.
