Vienna Airport has carried out design upgrades of Pier West and C-Gates, and introduced a new F&B concept by DO & CO – an Austrian catering company – as part of an infrastructure modernisation project.

 

Shopping opportunities at the gates themselves have also been expanded with the enlargement of Manner Store and the introduction of the new Flavors of Austria Shop.

 

Well-known fashion brands are featured in the 126sq m, Welcome Fashion Shop such as Flug zeug, Capo, Codello, Vilebrequin, Jockey International, lolaandgrace, LU.ST and OLYMP.

 

As well as the new Eleonto Electronics pop-up shop Vienna Airport offers products for children with an extensive portfolio of Simba Toys and LEGO.

 

 

RETAIL REVENUE FLAT

As reported in August, Flughafen Wien Group saw revenue in its Retail & Properties division grow modestly by +1.1%, less than half the traffic growth rate of +2.9% in the first half of 2014.

 

Vienna Airport (VIE) processed 10.54m passengers in the period generating retail and properties revenue of €61.3m ($81.2m). Total revenue in H1 was flat at €304.7m ($407m).

 

VIE says that while shopping and F&B revenue was slightly above H1 2013 at +2.0%, there were negative effects of renovation work on gastro areas “and massive currency devaluations”.

 

This year, renovation work was carried out over 9,500sq m of terminal space where, walls, ceiling, lighting and furnishings were newly designed. Partition walls were removed creating a more open, continuous waiting area for passengers.

 

The new Demel restaurant at Vienna Airport.

 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Seats equipped with power outlets and USB connections enabling mobile phones or laptops to be charged were introduced ensuring greater comfort along with unlimited cost-free WLAN.

 

As previously mentioned, DO & CO opened a new food and beverage area, around 800sq m in size. F&B outlets now include Demel, Henry, the American diner Big Daddy and a separate children’s adventure area.

 

“Guests can enjoy an extensive offering ranging from traditional Viennese coffee house culture with original Viennese schnitzel made of veal, pastries as well as a large choice of cakes, fresh salads and high quality burgers to cold and hot sandwiches,” says the airport where Heinemann is the core duty free retailer.

 

“The new DO & CO Bar is a real eye-catcher. Centrally located, it offers an extravagantly designed bar with a large offering of exquisite wines, beer and cocktails for a relaxed stay until departure.  “

 

Vienna Airport.

 

BENCHMARK FOR FUTURE MODERNISATION PROJECTS

The terminal area was officially opened on Friday November 14, 2014 by Flughafen Wien Management Board Members Julian Jäger and Günther Ofner together with Attila Dogudan, CEO DO & CO, and Christian Lesjak, Managing Director of NIKI.

 

“The modernisation of Pier West was one of the most important projects within the context of our quality strategy, and the results are what we wanted,” says Julian Jäger, Member of the Management Board of Flughafen Wien AG.

 

“Effective immediately passengers will experience a continuous, spacious gate area, a high quality culinary offering and a brighter, more pleasant overall atmosphere in the terminal.

 

“This project will serve as a benchmark for future modernisation projects focusing on the terminal infrastructure of the airport hub.

 

TRANSFER HUB

Fellow Board member Günther Ofner adds: “The project was implemented within the planned timeframe and budget, something we are very proud of. In particular, this is due to the good cooperation of all the participating organisations, the employees of Flughafen Wien AG, and the planning and contracting companies to our business partners and public authorities.”

 

According to Christian Lesjak, Managing Director of NIKI – the second largest airline group at Vienna Airport – the renovated Pier West now enables passengers to experience a product on the ground which sets new standards, whether for culinary entertainment or shopping possibilities.

 

“The time spent at Vienna Airport is already part of the travel experience, which has no need to fear any international comparison,” says Lesjak. “As a result, NIKI and Vienna Airport will become an even more convincing transfer hub of the airberlin Group.”