Vienna building on record traffic with expansion and modernisation

Julian Jäger and Günther Ofner, Members of the Management Board, Vienna Airport, interviewed by Marta Dimitrova.

Julian Jäger and Günther Ofner, Members of the Management Board, Vienna Airport

Julian Jäger and Günther Ofner, Members of the Management Board, Vienna Airport, are building on record traffic figures with modernised facilities to accommodate continued growth in both the long-haul and low-cost segments.

Vienna Airport set three traffic records in 2016: its busiest day (16 September) and best month ever (July), as well as surpassing 23 million annual passengers for the first time in its history.

“Despite the geopolitical crisis situations, such as in Turkey and Russia, higher passenger volumes, especially with low-cost carriers such as Eurowings and easyJet and good development in long-haul services, led to a record year at Vienna Airport,” explains Julian Jäger, Member of the Management Board, Vienna Airport.

He is optimistic about the outlook for 2017, forecasting an increase in passenger traffic of up to 2%. Initial growth impetus is expected to be provided by new Austrian Airlines services to Los Angeles, Mahé, Burgas, and Gothenburg; 19 destinations offered by Eurowings; and expanded frequencies and new routes from Volotea, Flybe/Stobart Air, Germania, S7 Airlines, and SunExpress. Meanwhile, in January, China Airlines became the first carrier to offer scheduled A350 services to Vienna. “We keep focusing on expanding new long-haul routes, as well as the low-cost segment,” Jäger adds.

Terminal expansion and modernisation is underway to accommodate continued growth. “We are following a quality-oriented strategy for increasing passenger comfort, creating a central security area spanning different terminals and expanding the shopping and food & beverage offering,” Jäger comments.

The airport will be redeveloping the oldest building sections – Pier East and Terminal 2 – to encompass new functions, including a central security area for the B, C and D gates. In addition, a new building will be constructed at the southern side of Terminal 3. This will create up to 10,000sqm of additional space for retail and F&B.

Ensuring a high-level of customer orientation is a top priority. The involvement of relief organisations, and family and senior citizen associations, is designed to ensure that the concerns of people with special needs are taken into account.

Digital engagement is also at the heart of Vienna Airport’s approach to enhancing the experience of today’s connected travellers. Free WiFi is central to the offer, while the airport’s website features a responsive design and is compatible with all devices, and its mobile app contains all relevant airport information for passengers. Vienna Airport is also proactive on social media channels, including Facebook (75,000 likes), Twitter, and YouTube.

Sustainability and reduced energy consumption

This year, the airport is investing €16 million to expand its air cargo centre by 15,000sqm – a project including one of Austria’s largest rooftop photovoltaic facilities. Indeed, Günther Ofner, Member of the Management Board, Vienna Airport, explains that “sustainability and reducing energy consumption are key corporate objectives.”

Vienna Airport is accredited at Level 2 Reduction of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation and is working towards Level 3 Optimisation.

The new rooftop photovoltaic plant is designed to double existing capacity. Last year, two photovoltaic systems were installed on the roof of a hangar and the roof of an equipment hall.

“The expansion is part of the sustainability strategy of Vienna Airport,” says Ofner. “The construction of this additional photovoltaic facility is an integral part of the sustainability strategy of Vienna Airport and will involve investment of about €1 million.”

Looking ahead, the airport expects continued traffic growth in both the long-haul and low-cost segments, and the priority is to accommodate this with modernised facilities. “Moreover, we will take further steps to enhance the attractiveness of the Airport City and the entire airport region by implementing new office spaces, and will also keep on taking care of environmental management,” Ofner concludes.


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