Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO Hamburg Airport: “The variety in our route network is one of Hamburg Airport’s strengths. Passengers have a wide range of airlines, and therefore of price and service levels, to choose from.”
Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO Hamburg Airport, interviewed by Marta Dimitrova.
Hamburg’s strong economy is what makes the market in the region so exciting for airlines, both in terms of business and leisure travellers. And this is only one of the many reasons behind Hamburg Airport’s success. More routes, more comfort, and a further increase in service quality are also contributing to its continued development.
The figures are testament to this success – the airport handled a record 15.61 million passengers last year, which represents 5.8% growth. “Our employees made a very important contribution to this success,” explains Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO Hamburg Airport. “They have achieved a great deal, and I am proud of the team spirit of the workforce.”
Stable demand is expected in 2016, consolidating the strong growth experienced in recent years. Eggenschwiler predicts a traffic increase of 1-2% this year.
“Innovative, environmentally-conscious, exemplary” – three words that perfectly outline the principles of Hamburg Airport, and this, Eggenschwiler says, is precisely reflected in the airport’s investment activities. It will this year install new, common use bag drop kiosks, while last year it introduced a digital shopping service – FillMyFridge.de – which enables passengers to order groceries for collection on arrival. Hamburg will also soon launch a jointly-developed smartphone app with Munich, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart airports, providing travellers with services and added-value at all four airports.
Hamburg Airport prides itself on having a great balance between full-service and low-cost carriers. “Our route network is characterised by its connectivity,” Eggenschwiler comments. “Our focus is on the German and European markets. Individual long-haul routes are important and round out the network. Especially in view of the establishment of new aircraft types such as the Airbus A350 and A321neo, I see potential for further long haul connections here.”
The airport supports new routes with an incentive programme and marketing support. “This has enabled us to offer a stable route network with more than 120 destinations in recent years. And with just one transfer, passengers can reach some 900 destinations around the world,” Eggenschwiler adds.
€120 million investment in main apron
Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO Hamburg Airport: “Our focus is on the German and European markets. Individual long-haul routes are important and round out the network. Especially in view of the establishment of new aircraft types such as the Airbus A350 and A321neo, I see potential for further long haul connections here.”
A challenging project is seeing €120 million invested in infrastructure modernisation in the period to 2020. Refurbishment of the main apron will be carried out in 10 staggered phases to minimise the impact on flight operations. The first construction phase will encompass around 59,000sqm on the southern apron and terminal area, and is scheduled to be complete in July. The second phase, encompassing the area adjacent to the southern passenger pier, will be complete by the end of 2016. Eggenschwiler explains that the apron will be fitted with a modern “Follow the Greens” guidance system, where rows of green lights inserted into the surface guide pilots to take-off or to allocated parking positions.
Meanwhile, Hamburg Airport is also investing in passenger comfort by remodelling the waiting areas in the passenger pier with comfortable seating and numerous power and USB connections. “Our waiting areas should meet a wide range of passenger needs. Technologically-equipped business zones are alternated with lounge areas for holidaymakers,” Eggenschwiler says.
These developments are coupled with a firm commitment to environmental sustainability. Hamburg Airport is accredited at Level 3 Optimisation of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation. The Mobility Concept 2020, for example, involves switching at least 50% of the entire airport vehicle fleet to alternative energy sources by 2020. “We have already reached 35%,” Eggenschwiler enthuses. “And we support environmentally friendly vehicles for passengers, too – electrically powered vehicles can park directly in front of the terminals free of charge. I personally have a hydrogen-powered car.”
Hamburg Airport serves as an important driving force for the economy and a major employer for Hamburg and the region. The airport will further expand its service to passengers with a view to the changing needs of the digital world. “Whether you are a business traveller or a holidaymaker, we will soon be offering more options and better network connectivity if you want to go online at the airport – free of charge, without restrictions,” Eggenschwiler concludes.
