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The added space in Pier C aims to improve service for international passengers |
DENMARK. Copenhagen Airport has completed a DKK255 million (US$45 million) investment in its Pier C as it aims to improve consumer services for international passengers, notably those from China, Russia, the United States and other non-EU member states.
The result is 5,100sq m of additional space in Arrivals, which includes new security and immigration facilities plus new lounges.
“The first impression of Denmark is very important. We have therefore added an additional 1,900sq m with an extra track for security screening and more passport control booths in Pier C. This has increased capacity by almost +50% and will reduce waiting time,” said Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Copenhagen Airports A/S.
All passengers to and from non-EU and non-Schengen countries must go through Pier C. In addition to the extra space for security screening and passport control, a number of new lounges, staircase towers and an additional arrivals floor of 2,200sq m have been built.
With a growth rate of more than +10% in the number of intercontinental passengers in the first nine months of 2012, it had become necessary to expand Pier C in order to sustain growth and support the airport’s World Class Hub strategy, the airport company noted.
Danish Minister for Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr said: “Copenhagen Airport’s role as a northern European transport hub is important to growth and employment in Denmark. An attractive airport with good connections is the gateway to growth. Both exports and incoming investment depend on customers and investors having good transport connections to Denmark. I therefore hope that the expansion of Pier C will lead to more airlines choosing to operate to and from Copenhagen,” the Minister said.
Thomas Woldbye added that plans are already being made for additional expansion of Pier C. “We have expanded Pier C in such a way that it will be relatively uncomplicated to add an additional 3-4 gates and aircraft stands when the need arises.”
A number of airlines will soon expand their services at Pier C: Emirates will deploy larger aircraft (Boeing B777-300ERs) seating 428 passengers from February 2013. SAS will open a new service to San Francisco in March. Singapore Airlines will move from three to five weekly frequencies. Air Canada will use larger aircraft (Airbus A330s) on its service to Toronto in the summer of 2013. Royal Air Maroc will launch a service to Casablanca on 31 March.
