LCC Terminal to boost Copenhagen Airport’s fortunes
Copenhagen Airports (CPH) held the topping-out ceremony for CPH Swift, the new low-cost pier, on 25-Mar-2010. Scheduled to commence operation in six months, the new low-cost concept will "help to attract more passengers to Copenhagen, for the benefit of tourism, business and employment in the city and in the entire region", according to the airport company.
President and CEO of Copenhagen Airports, Brian Petersen, stated, "the airline industry is changing and passengers are changing their travel habits. The European low-cost market has expanded strongly in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue. If we want our share of growth, we must satisfy market expectations and offer the products demanded by our customers. That's why with CPH Swift, we're building a simple and efficient concept that meets low-cost carriers' requirements and demands".
MAP Group CEO, Kerrie Mather, told CAPA last month that "one of the interesting developments to come out of the global financial crisis is that LCC market share has continued to increase. The industry forecast of an LCC share of European short haul markets of 50% by 2015, from the previous forecast of around 2020 - so it's an important opportunity at both Copenhagen and Brussels". See related report: MAp Group back in growth mode. Q&A with CEO, Kerrie Mather
Capacity for 6 million LCC passengers
CPH is investing more than DKK200 million (USD36.2 million) in CPH Swift, making it one of the largest developments at Copenhagen Airport since Terminal 3 was built in the late 1990s. The new building will have six new gates and cover an area of 6,700 sqm and will be connected to the existing Pier D through a 2,400 sqm. walkway. This means that six existing stands currently served by bus will now be connected to the existing terminals.
Initially, CPH Swift will have an annual capacity of 6 million passengers, and Copenhagen Airport will be able to almost double the capacity by making use of an additional five stands. All airlines meeting the user requirements such as a maximum turnaround time of 30 minutes will be able to use the new low-cost pier.
CPH SWIFT was designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, the company that also designed Copenhagen Airport's Terminals 2 and 3 as well as the first terminal constructed in 1939. The turnkey contractor on the project is Brødrene A&B Andersen A/S.
Copenhagen Airports' shares surged 7.4% yesterday. MAp Group gained 2%.
Selected airports daily share price movements (% change): 29-Mar-2010
