BRU infrastructure: future

[luchtzak]

news article in Dutch:

http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=HJ37KR5U

main topics:
- no low-cost terminal
- emphasis on *A
- new connecting building ('Connector') between check-in and Pier A (faster transfer, brighter, security, shops,...) --> tunnel won't be used anymore
- expansion of Pier A to the west --> number of extra gates yet unknown

[SpottairBRU]

Hello everybody!

Just saw it in the Frenchspeaking newspaper today: Futures project at BRU.

For those not reading French, the facts in a nutshell:

- ambitious development plan spread on next 5 years (2011-2016)
- goal: improve PAX comfort by shortening the walking distances and accelerate the passage through security
- Pier A would be extended through the West (size not precised, but plans to have it finished by 2015)
- This extension would allow transferring PAX to avoid long walks
- The luggage claim systems built under Pier A in 2001 would become operational in 2012
- The other project would be a windows bridge would be built between Pier B and Pier A to replace the 660m long existing tunnel (scheduled in 2014).
- Security would be placed there, as well as a new commercial zone
- For LCC, apparently no dedicated terminal (opposed to what was said one year ago). However, LCC remains a part of the strategy of BRU airport.
- New buildings are planned for BruCargo
- Certification for B-748 has been received, and they are working on B777F
- Also, an Office zone would also be built, using the old administrative building of the 1958 terminal, to which a new windowed atrium would be added (in 2014).
- Overall (estimated) cost: 460 Mio EUR.

I'm just reporting what is written in the article, so if info are not correct, don't shoot the messenger

Moderators: if in the meanwhile a thread has been opened on this subject, feel free to take appropriate action!

[sn26567]

And an important decision: NO low cost terminal in BRU as mentioned in the first post of this thread. Too much opposition in political parties (notwithstanding the support of Minister Schouppe), neighbours of the airport and mainstream airlines.

Full press release with all details: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=44516

[BrightCedars]

I think this meets the plans that we had been expecting.

I wonder if we'll see a project to put all of Star Alliance operations under one roof - with dedicated sections for Schengen and other operations - at terminal A. I'm kind of expecting 9W's scissor hub to move to another airport in the coming 5 years and thus leave room for other operations at terminal B.

Glad to see a low cost terminal will not be build after all, they may need the space for a real full blown C terminal one day...

[Acid-drop]

NO low cost terminal in BRU => that's better. BRU is big enough (too big in fact, too much walking). You just need to use the space in a different way.

Regarding the cargo, you can imagine what I'm gonna say
BRU is now the challenger, no more the leader in Belgium and is facing a lot of problem that the other one don't have. Leave that to Liège.

[tolipanebas]

Bye bye low cost terminal at BRU! We won't miss you, nor the reduced fees BRU planned on giving to LCCs there!

[SN_fan]

And the loss of the taxiway between A en terminal ?? Won't that increase taxi times ?

[sn26567]

With careful planning, the "Connector" could be used for additional gates without spending much more.

[Atlantis]

See this topic. Was known for a long time

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=41279&start=20

[luchtzak]

Why will they build a window bridge when there is a tunnel available ?

[BrightCedars]

I think they want to use the tunnel for other purposes.
What I wonder is whether we're talking about a bridge where planes could pass under (ultimate cool thing!) or something that's going to force planes to taxi around the piers, which I do not think is as problematic as some suggest, it's a design in place at many large modern airports.

[azingrew]

Is the "C" terminal ( The satellite one ) still used ?

[BrightCedars]

Is the "C" terminal ( The satellite one ) still used ?

The satellite has been transformed into an office space if I'm not mistaken.
I fear it is protected as a 'remarkable landmark' which I hope is not the case because it could prove to be a blocking issue to the eventual future (long term) project of a full-blown C terminal in that area.

[OO-VEX]

Here are the plans for the business center http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=2117

OO-VEX

[Boavida]

So no new terminal (T2) ?

[RoMax]

So no new terminal (T2) ?

These plans are all to be done by 2016. As far as I know T2 is still on the planning but after this. I don't think they'll need this T2 already by 2016 (especially because JAF, FQ,... are placed in the renovated part of the old terminal wich makes more free space in the current terminal). Could be wrong tough.

[Tompompier]

Why will they build a window bridge when there is a tunnel available ?

One of the reasons is to reduce vertical movements for pax ( elevators, escalators etc...)

Tompompier

[sean1982]

In a time were big airports are embracing LCC operations (MAD,BCN,PMI,TFS,MAN,AMS,LGW,DUB,EDI,GLA,etc...) I find this probably the most stupid move in EBBR's history

[tolipanebas]

In a time were big airports are embracing LCC operations (MAD,BCN,PMI,TFS,MAN,AMS,LGW,DUB,EDI,GLA,etc...) I find this probably the most stupid move in EBBR's history

No it isn't! It actually makes sense!

BRU is a premium market (NATO, EU, tons of multinationals and supranational governmental institutes) AND they now have a home carrierwhich has the ambition to turn the airport into a key STAR alliance hub: that's premium market growth and it should take priority over low yielding LCC growth: the airport would be nuts to waste its time, money and space on dedicated infrastructure for LCCs when it can make far more money from the same time, space and investement by concentrating on the premium customers first, something which is urgent indeed.

LCC are welcome at BRU, just not at discounted prices... It's a business decision that makes a lot of sense and it all comes down to getting your priorities right!

[sean1982]

There is an ambition to make BRU a KEY star alliance HUB?

Don't you think it's a bit overly optimistic, considering the fact the BRU.Air on a european level is a pretty small airline. Especially when you have 2 skyteam hubs, one star alliance hub and one oneworld hub all within a 1 hour flying distance

Do you think Lufthansa will allow for Bru.Air to take customers away from FRA? Maybe just on the african routes where they still count on the "sabena" name.