AUSTRALIA. Retail revenues rose +16% to A$123 million (US$93.6 million) for Melbourne Airport and Launceston airport operator Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC) for the year ended 30 June.
Overall revenue was up +13% to A$323 million (US$245.6 million). Retail revenue was driven broadly by increased traffic. The Nuance Group is Melbourne’s duty free retailer, operating on a passenger-linked concession model.
The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by more than +13% to A$230 million (US$175 million). APAC posted a post-tax profit of A$73 million (US$55.5 million) for the period.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Barlow said the airport had seen record numbers for both international and domestic traffic this year. “Melbourne Airport welcomed more than 20 million passengers in a single year for the first time ever,” he commented. “Overall passenger numbers increased by 1.6 million people”¦ compared to the previous financial year.” International passenger numbers increased by +14%.
Over the past eight years Melbourne has had the fastest-growing international passenger traffic of any airport in Australia. The airport plans to deliver a five-year development programme worth over half a billion dollars to expand and upgrade the airport, said Barlow; this will include new cafes and food areas, more international gates, and other facilities.
Melbourne Airport is investing in infrastructure development to ensure it is meets passenger demand as Victorian aviation and tourism continue to grow.
MORE STORIES ON MELBOURNE AIRPORT
Fast-growing Melbourne Airport sees +16% rise in 2005 retail revenue – 23/08/05
International passengers drive growth at Melbourne Airport – 22/04/05
Angus & Coote confirms Melbourne Airport pull-out; still reviewing Sydney options – 23/03/05