Liege Airport reports growth and expects good results in 2015:
After a mixed year in 2013 due to the difficult global economic situation, freight transport saw a return to growth in 2014.
A summary of 2014
Liege Airport has confirmed its position as the number one cargo airport in Belgium with 590,579 tonnes of cargo passing through the airport in 2014, against 560,949 tons in 2013, representing an increase of 5.3%.
All those companies with a presence at Liege Airport have played a part in this growth (TNT Airways, Ethiopian Cargo and CAL are improving). The decision of Ana Airline Management to base its cargo fleet in Liege Airport from late May has also contributed to this result.
The number of aircraft movements increased by 2.66% from 41,047 movements in 2013 to 42,140 movements in 2014.
Meanwhile, passenger traffic showed a slight decrease (-3.95%) with 302,847 passengers transported in 2014 against 315,293 in 2013. The closure during the year of the regular airline serving Tel Aviv and a decrease in the seating made available by tour operators are the two main reasons for this slight decrease. However, the airlines on offer have all been very successful, as have the three new destinations available since summer 2014 (Casablanca by Jetair Fly, Ajaccio and Bastia by Air Corsica).
With regard to real estate, Liege Airport is also successfully pursuing its diversification strategy through its subsidiary Liege Airport Business Park. 668 sq. m. of new office space has been built in the passenger terminal hall and are already fully leased. At the end of December 2014, Liege Airport Business Park had an exceptional 95% occupancy rate of offices and warehouses.
Outlook for 2015
The outlook for 2015 as regards passenger traffic is encouraging. Air Corsica has decided to develop and improve its services to Corsica and nearly 20 destinations are already available for booking for this summer to Spain, Corsica, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. Other deals will soon be expanding the range of destinations on offer.
Reflecting Liege Airport’s expertise in transporting medicines and animals, the current pharma centre will be enlarged in 2015 and a reception centre for horses will be built. This equestrian center will optimise the infrastructure and the various welfare-related services for horses. Liege Airport is the European leader for horse transportation by air and over 3,000 horses passed
through the airport in 2014. Liege Airport thus remains committed to its ambition and role as a major economic player at the service of the entire region.
Source / Author: Liege Airport