Frankfurt Airport owner Fraport passed the 60m passenger threshold for the first time last month (22.12.15), while introducing ‘a major digitalization initiative’ for mobile digital devices, an online shopping platform and a new loyalty rewards scheme for both passengers and visitors to the German airport.

 

Frankfurt’s aforementioned 60m passenger record followed on from the 56.9m passenger volume (+2.5%) achieved between January and November of last year, with the 60 millionth passenger – 13-year old Antonia Hein – presented with a €1,000 ($1,080) holiday voucher from Condor, the airline flying her family to South Africa.

 

NEW ONLINE SHOPPING PLATFORM

Airport management says the new ‘digital initiative’ is aimed at delivering an enhanced and unique travel experience, with one of the main innovations the new online shopping platform.

 

This is in addition to the new Chinese language website being developed by duty free and travel retail operator Gebr. Heinemann that is expected to launch in 2016. [Click here: http://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/europe/heinemann-to-launch-chinese-website-next-year/97457].

 

The new platform now allows passengers to digitally browse he entire product range held by all of its participating retailers online and reserve their products.

 

 

Fraport also plans to introduce an online payment system and delivery of purchases – including mixed baskets from several different shops – directly to the airport’s departure gates and even to the purchaser’s home where appropriate.

 

Participating partners on the online platform include Gebr. Heinemann, Caviar House & Prunier and PAX Airport Shopping, with electronics goods offered at its Fotec and Photair stores. Fraport says more retail outlets will join the new platform in the months ahead.

 

Shoppers also receive a ‘bonus point’ for every euro they spend in the shops or online and these can be exchanged for coupon benefits or rewards against further purchases.

 

 

The shopping platform and rewards programme can also be found on Frankfurt Airport’s relatively new website at: http://www.frankfurt-airport.com. An indoor navigation feature has also been designed to assist users through the terminals.

 

Numbers using the airport’s terminals have also been growing fast, with Frankfurt recording its busiest day on 2 August last year, when 217,500 passengers passed through the airport. During 2015, there were also 63 days when more than 200,000 passengers were processed each day at Frankfurt.