This morning I attended the press conference hosted by Brussels Airport, with three items on the agenda:
- Key facts and figures 2015
- Recovery after 22 March
- Priorities for 2016
- Presentation of Arnaud feist, CEO Brussels Airport
CEO Arnaud Feist gave some interesting figures:
On key facts and figures 2015
- Between 2013 and 2015, BRU moved from No. 21 in Europe to No. 16
- In 2015, for the second year in a row, BRU exceeded the record of 21.5 M pax of 2000, the last full year of Sabena operation
- For 2016, despite the attacks, BRU hopes to reach 21-22 M pax.
- In 2015 the pax can be categorised in the golloing segments: 54% short-haul, 14% long-haul, 17% low-cost and 15% leisure (incl. JAF and TCAB)
- From 2000 to 2015 there have been 27% less flight movements
- In parallel the average number of pax per flight has increased from 77 to 114 (with a low of 67 in 2002), both through an increase in the size of planes and a better load factor
- Until 2015 the operating profit of BAC showed a strong growth to 201 M€, withy a 6.9% return on capital
- The investments in BRU have also shown a strong growth year after year, up to 124 M€ in 2015
On recovery after 22 March
The 2016 weekly traffic figures showed an 8% growth over 2015 until the week of 11 March. After that, the traffic fell to zero for 10 days, and then gradually increased to almost completely recovering during the week of 20 May. But still now, passenger traffic is a few percentage points under the 2015 figures. If the transit traffic fell considerably with the departure of Jet Airways to AMS, the transfer traffic in creased considerably through the hub effect, especially thanks to SN.
Cargo traffic on the other hand grew with the return of Ethiopian Cargo, which even increased its presence from 5 flights a week before moving to MST to 12 flights a week now after coming back from MST. Belly cargo decreased due to a better passenger load factor allowing for less belly cargo.
On priorities for 2016
The overarching objective is to restore Brussels Airport's full economic activity as soon as possible, in order to support Belgium's employment, added valu and connectivity. Three ways: traffic development (hope for 21-22 M pax in 2016), infrastructure/operational processes (new technologies for check-in and baggage tracking), medium- and long-term strategic development (2016-2020 strategy unchanged after the attacks, 204 Master Plan).
Q&As
The airport has now reached the same level as before the attacks. the controls are very fluid and allow for a 45 minutes time frame between parking and arrival at the gate.
The parking will be improved (kiss & ride), as well as the arrivals area to allow relatives and friends to fetch arriving passengers.
Somebody asked me the question about a gate for the A380. It remains on the drawing board, although it has been delayed somewhat. But before proceeding further, it needs the interest of airlines (the investment is some 10 M€).
In September, a new Starbucks café will open at the same place as before. But the SN ticketing desk that has been destroyed by one of the explosions will move to the opposite site of the departure hall.
The statue of Strebelle has been dismantled (it was damaged by an explosion) and will be erected again in a different place as a commemorative monument.
The businesses of the arrivals area have lost 70% of their turnover. Discussions with the Federal Police will enable the public to come in the building again.
