The future of BRU: the new CEO Van Assche speaks

[Atlantis]

Its the first time, since he is the new CEO of BIAC, that Mr. Van Assche speaks about the future of BRU in public.

The new Masterplan 2007 - 2027 received green light of the whole management and its according to that fact that more is known about the future.

As I already mentioned in a new topic; BIAC will spend 600 million euro in BRU. 400 million of that will be used to build a new complex between the carparkings and the viaduct. There is at this moment a hugh request for conference rooms, hotels, etc. There will be build more if there is a direct question.

200 million will be used for Brucargo. BIAC will build more logistics centers and hire this to its clients. In that way, the clients don't have to invest in new buildings. BIAC will do that for them. The question was asked by Asian cargo airlines and Hainan Airlines to use some logistic buildings for their cargo. Brucargo will double the current 700.000 tons a year.
Also important: there will be build a viaduct over the E19 in the direction of Brucargo and this for the cargo traffic. A railwaystation for cargo will also be build at Brucargo.

Airlines: BIAC is looking and negociation with some airlines for a direct connection with Bangkok, Capetown and Tokio.
Within 5 years the number of long haul has to be increased drastically, specially in the direction of Japan, China and India.
There will be very soon a meeting with all the airlines about the future. Reason: increasing the quality and numbers of traffic. There will be no special efforts to LCC. They have to pay the fares as they at this moment are.

They are also looking for a new logo and name for BRU. The name BIAC will be disappear.

[Zorba]

Sounds very positive, let's hope these plans will be realised.

[744rules]

I don't want to spoil the fun, but I hope everybody keeps his promises with things as the noise abatement procedures, dispersion plan, ..... still pending.

These themes are passed from one government to another as a hot potato.

[sn26567]

Why get rid of the name BIAC? Brussels International Airport Company sounds very nice...

[ElcoB]

Why get rid of the name BIAC? Brussels International Airport Company sounds very nice...

I suppose there is sometimes confusion with another BIAC, wich is the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)

http://www.biac.org/
http://www.oecd.org/home/0,2605,en_2649 ... _1,00.html

[Atlantis]

Why get rid of the name BIAC? Brussels International Airport Company sounds very nice...

Mr Van Assche said that the name BIAC is not known in public. Everyone said Zaventem or Brussels or airport. That's the reason why they are searching for a new strong name and logo for the airport.

[ATC]

744rules Posted: Mon May 01, 2006

I don't want to spoil the fun, but I hope everybody keeps his promises with things as the noise abatement procedures, dispersion plan, ..... still pending.

These themes are passed from one government to another as a hot potato.

Indeed like 744rules said I'm also afraid the problems still are there... despite this there is a positive evolution to last few weeks. I hope the federal government will finally take some real decisions in the near future.

sn26567 Posted: Mon May 01, 2006

Why get rid of the name BIAC? Brussels International Airport Company sounds very nice...

I'm not so keen on this "Brussels International Airport Company".
I like a short word, maybe BRUport (something like FRAport ).

Atlantis Posted: Mon May 01, 2006

Its the first time, since he is the new CEO of BIAC, that Mr. Van Assche speaks about the future of BRU in public.

Every year is THE year for BRU. And every year goes by without any real change. Airlines come and go. But THE BIG explosion is still far away. Lets hope (and I'm rather positive about it) things come true for BRU and they will get there expansion.
Two things...
1) BRU must get a real "hub-airline" with a good european and international network. (An airline that flies with own metal and not an operated BY airlines....)
2) A good aviation environment so the airport can develop itself in a stable atmosphere.

ATC

[airazurxtror]

Its the first time, since he is the new CEO of BIAC, that Mr. Van Assche speaks about the future of BRU in public.

There will be no special efforts to LCC. They have to pay the fares as they at this moment are.

.

Too bad for BRU...

[Boeing747-nurse]

A new coffee corner, "Java" cofee corner, is being build in the arrival hall, just in front of the monitors/screens.

I noticed also a new shop for ( healthy ) sandwiches, salads, drinks...I think it's called "hub" , and it's painted in red and green

Isn't there a potential for a little supermarket, or small "shopping mall"?
Maybe the old part of the airport building, between the satelite and the old check-in?Look at Schiphol, there they have an "Holland Boulevard" or Schiphol Plaza...

I even thought of a buity and wellness center for businessmen and women.

[Atlantis]

That's also the intention. Earns money out of the shops, restaurants, cafe's. At this moment its 35%, they will go to 40%.

I know there was a special room for businesspeople in the time Sabena exist. They get a massage, beauty stuff, etc. I don't think that this exists anymore.

At this moment they have some plans with the satellite, what is not known at moment: shops, terminal for LCC???

[blackhawk]

the full article: http://coppermine.luchtzak.be/albums/us ... PAG_09.pdf

[Vinnie-Winnie]

There will be no special efforts to LCC. They have to pay the fares as they at this moment are.

Simple maths: What is better? 7 planes bringing 10 euros revenues each time they come to BRU, or, 10 planes bringing 8 euros each in revenues to BRU?

Mmmm simple maths bring simple results which show that BIAC's strategy concerning LCC's is absolutely ridiculous!

It's not as if there wasn't plenty of spare capacity! Nor would extra flights bring plenty of additional costs... Airports have huge fixed costs, but the variables are quit minimal!

SN is already dissapointing us, BIAC is doing the same! Whose vested interests are they serving? SN's???

[blackhawk]

The codename of the project is "Transpolis", the same name as the business park in the neighborhood of Schiphol.

http://www.transpolis.nl/eng/index.html

[AFApresident]

There will be no special efforts to LCC. They have to pay the fares as they at this moment are.

Simple maths: What is better? 7 planes bringing 10 euros revenues each time they come to BRU, or, 10 planes bringing 8 euros each in revenues to BRU?

Mmmm simple maths bring simple results which show that BIAC's strategy concerning LCC's is absolutely ridiculous!

It's not as if there wasn't plenty of spare capacity! Nor would extra flights bring plenty of additional costs... Airports have huge fixed costs, but the variables are quit minimal!

Who says those LCC wouldn't ask a price of just 7 or 6 euros before you would have 10 planes. Your simple math only works with one very important and huge assumption .

Remember those new LCC who will fly from Eastern Europe to BRU. They're paying the same expensive price as well.

[airazurxtror]

There will be no special efforts to LCC. They have to pay the fares as they at this moment are.

Simple maths: What is better? 7 planes bringing 10 euros revenues each time they come to BRU, or, 10 planes bringing 8 euros each in revenues to BRU?

Mmmm simple maths bring simple results which show that BIAC's strategy concerning LCC's is absolutely ridiculous!

It's not as if there wasn't plenty of spare capacity! Nor would extra flights bring plenty of additional costs... Airports have huge fixed costs, but the variables are quit minimal!

SN is already dissapointing us, BIAC is doing the same! Whose vested interests are they serving? SN's???

A few major airports have now a less luxurious (and much less expensive) terminal dedicated to LCC flights.

We, LCC customers, don't need majestic buildings with marble and deluxe boutiques, like the new cathedral-like terminal A of BRU.

I don't know well BRU, but I seem to remember the old round satellite, which was not very elaborate and could well be made suitable for a no-frill use.
But, of course, there is not much prestige in managing such an outfit.
One must understand Mr Van Assche...

[sn-remember]

LCC's are very necessary for BRU's development like any other type of air transport activities.
Because each business type is complementary to the other and the development of each in its own logic creates synergies, so will the airport prosper.
I only can hope the BIAC management will reconsider its position regarding LCCs and understand it is vital to the airport activities...
It is the rail link of the air don't forget it ! So welcome if you want to build a coherent international platform here.
And LCCs have still a big potential for growth, specially from Bru which is ideally located...
The idea of "protecting" sn is ludicrous. If they want they can start their own low cost subsidiary but I bet there is no Micheal O'Leary there...too bad for them...and for BRU airport.
However some good investments are decided along with some wishful thinking...
Good flight BIAC !

[744rules]

Why would a LCC generate less income for the airport ??

All costs from the airlines towards the airport remain the same as for all carriers.
These are :
-landing fees (based on MTOW)
- fees for use of airport facilities
- airport taxes (these are paid by the passenger)
-fuel
All other costs or cost-saving measures are the things that make a LCC a LCC, such as service to the pax (both on the ground as in the air), costs for checkin, bags handling, catering, ticketing facilities ,.....

In my opinion, stimulating thses carriers creates a win-win situation for both the airline as the airport.

[Vinnie-Winnie]

I don't know well BRU, but I seem to remember the old round satellite, which was not very elaborate and could well be made suitable for a no-frill use....

Well weren't they talking about reopening that terminal for LCC use? Don't see how they are going to attract new or existing LCC's to that building if they are not aggressive about the fees they charge.

But, of course, there is not much prestige in managing such an outfit.
One must understand Mr Van Assche...

I don't long are the days when aviation was considered as prestigious! About everybody can fly nowadays!

If these independent people on the board of BIAC (IE political appointees) really cared about the airport, Brussels and its development, I reckon they should even try to attract Ryanair! Ryanair although not the best customer definitely does wonders for tourism! Look at Dublin!

[airbuske]

There are some LCC @ Bru : Virgin Express , Vueling .
New LCC's this year : SkyEurope , Smartwings , Condor.

So some LCC seems to be interested in BRU, even with the high fees they have to pay.

[Boeing747-nurse]

They are talking with airlines about opening a route to Bangkok and Capetown ( see article ).

Which airlines could that be?

SAA?
THAY AIRWAYS?
Or another one...?