Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AAS) is now claiming it has the highest level of direct connectivity of all European airports – including London – according to the latest ACI Connectivity Report 2017.

 

Airport management says the growth in its traffic network defies geopolitics, revenue headwinds and intensifying competition, as its connectivity now surpasses that of London ‘thanks to having increased the frequency of flights and number of destinations.’

 

Royal Schiphol Group President and CEO Jos Nijhuis commented: “With over 320 destinations served by 111 airlines, the network is gigantic – certainly for a country the size of the Netherlands with a smaller home market, than, for instance, Paris from Geneva to Buenos Aires and from London to Mumbai.

 

MAJOR BOOST FOR DUTCH ECONOMY

“This is good for passengers, since the extensive network with frequent flights to the destinations means that foreign countries are accessible to everyone in the Netherlands and vice versa. But it is also good for the competitiveness and thus for Dutch economic growth.”

 

The airport adds that transfer passengers flying with KLM and its Skyteam partners via the airport to their final destinations are obviously very important for Schiphol’s network.

 

The airport’s hub quality and its high-capacity runway system and single-terminal are also said to be ‘crucial to this’. Management says this obviously helps passengers and airlines make connections with shorter transfer times than might otherwise be possible.

 

A NEW PIER AND A NEW TERMINAL…

Meanwhile, the airport also has more ‘sustainable development plans’ and accessibility at Mainport Schiphol. In a statement, it said: “Early next year, ground will be broken for the actual construction process of the new pier, shortly followed by the new terminal.

 

“Schiphol will also be investing in innovations such as biometric border control, smart assets and mobility services.

 

“By effectively utilising digital contact moments, the airport will connect with and stay connected to passengers and be able to provide them even better service.”