BULGARIA. Fraport Twin Star Airport Management has officially inaugurated its new passenger terminal at Varna Airport, with operations scheduled to start on 27 August.
The new terminal has 20,000sq m of space for passenger services and is approximately three times the size of facility it is replacing.
The airport is a prime gateway to the Black Sea tourist region, and last year welcomed 1.2 million passengers. Fraport Twin Star is majority-owned by Fraport Group, and also manages Burgas Airport further south on the Black Sea coast.
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The new terminal is significantly bigger than the old facility |
Fraport Chief Financial Officer Dr Matthias Zieschang said: “Enhancing Bulgaria’s competitiveness in the global tourism market is essential. We are very committed to being a part of the Bulgarian tourism master plan and are already contributing to this with excellent services and infrastructure at competitive prices to serve the beginning and end-points of the travel chain.”
The Nuance Group captured a contract covering duty free and duty paid retail shops in the new terminals at Varna and Burgas airports earlier this year, in a joint venture with Bulgarian Airways, as reported.
It is expecting the concession to deliver €180 million in sales over the five-year term across the eight stores and over 1,300sq m in the two airports. The concession covers fragrances & cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, confectionery, local food & liquor, toys, sunglasses, leathergoods & bags and watches & jewellery.
Among other features in the new terminal at Varna Airport are the latest systems for baggage handling, baggage claim, and passenger control channels, as well as a large external courtyard.
Its design aims to incorporate characteristic elements of Bulgarian architecture and nature, such as the sunflower, which is grown in fields in the Varna region. It has also been built with easy and flexible expansion in mind.
In addition to the new terminal and related infrastructure, Fraport Twin Star has implemented water and power supply systems, as well as rainwater collection and other facilities at Varna Airport. The project included new apron lighting and expansion of the apron area. Last year, a major renovation of the runway was also completed.
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Nuance’s contract at the Black Sea airports of Varna and Burgas is expected to generate €180 million in sales over five years |
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The retailer will install some of its well-known concepts at Varna and Burgas |
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