Last week Zagreb International Airport (MZLZ) marked a construction milestone of a new passenger terminal – which represents a total investment of €331m – after months of extensive preparatory work.

 

The joint venture between Republic of Croatia and consortium ZAIC will oversee the construction of a 65,000sq m airport terminal to replace the current one (now at saturation point) as well as, operating the entire airport until 2042. TAV and ADPM will provide technical assistance for the operational life of the project.

 

Once completed, the new terminal – scheduled to be delivered at the end of 2016 – will be capable of handling up to 8m passengers annually; an increase of 6m on the airport’s current capacity of 2m.

 

High state officials visited the site of the new passenger terminal, along with representatives of the consortium ZAIC and other stakeholders in the project, last week during a special event.

 

As previously reported, the Turkish airport operator, TAV Airports Holding (TAVHL, “TAV”), reported a net profit of €133m in 2013, up by 3% compared to the previous year, where passenger traffic increased by 17% to 84m YOY.

 

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

The milestone was marked by placing a message in a tube, signed by Prime Minister Zoran Milanović, which indicates that this is a joint project between Republic of Croatia and consortium ZAIC.

 

All VIP guests were welcomed by Bruno Mazurkiewicz, President of the Board of MZLZ: “It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you in behalf of Zagreb International Airport. I am happy to see you at the construction site of new passengers’ terminal on this historical day, which is a symbol of marking the partnership between Republic of Croatia and consortium ZAIC. I am looking forward to the success we will achieve together in the next 30 years.”

 

Dr Sani Sener, President and CEO of TAV Airports Holding emphasised the importance of this project: “Today marks an important milestone in Zagreb’s bid to fully exploit its potential as a centre of attraction in Europe.

 

“The new terminal building will stand out in the region with its contemporary design and state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. Integrating design, construction and operations in the terminal is crucial to ensuring passenger satisfaction.

 

ADPM TO BOOST TRAFFIC

“As one of the leading names in airport construction and operations, TAV is proud to be part of this highly qualified international consortium. We are looking forward to begin operations in the new terminal in order to contribute to Croatia’s development, creating value for all our stakeholders.”

 

Jacques Follain, CEO of ADPM speaks on the task that ADPM, as the concessionaire, has in developing the airport infrastructure: “Zagreb International Airport will have significant role in the region, due to the total investment and professional engagement of all partners in consortium ZAIC. In the next three years, we will be dedicated to attracting new airlines and increasing passengers’ numbers and air traffic figures.”

 

Joško Mikulić, CEO of Viadukt expressed his satisfaction from the position of Croatian company that is partner in the project: “We are very proud to be a part of this significant investment and provide domestic knowledge, best practice and experience to this international project.”

 

TRAINING ON CHINA

In addition to celebrating the construction milestone TAV has started providing training for China, through its Aviation Minds training and consultancy company. The first training programme was held in Jingdezhen with the participation of managers from 25 airports.

 

TAV Aviation Minds realised its first project at Madinah Airport, Saudi Arabia (right).

 

The training programme entitled “Airport Marketing and Route Development” was launched by Li Xiaomei, China Civil Airports Association General Secretary (CCAA), and saw the participation of managers from 25 airports, including Beijing and Shanghai, who are specialised in marketing and route development.

 

TAV Aviation Minds General Manager Barış Müstecaplıoğlu stated, “We began our operations in the Chinese market after an intense period of preparation. Negotiations are ongoing with civil aviation authorities in Mongolia, Uganda and Nepal, with the goal of holding similar programs in a number of regions. We will continue to support the development of the airports in our target markets.”

 

Founded in 2013, TAV Aviation Minds realised its first project at Madinah Airport, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1,368 hours of training was provided in Medina on 16 different topics over four months and 258 people participated as part of the training and development programme.