SkyCourt inaugurated at Budapest Airport
SkyCourt, the new building at Budapest Airport’s Terminal 2, was officially inaugurated last week in the presence of more than a thousand guests.
SkyCourt significantly increases the capacity of Terminal 2, from approximately 5 million to 8.5 million passengers per year. Further developments are proposed, which will ultimately mean passenger traffic at the airport will be capable of reaching up to 20 million passengers per year. The new five-storey, 24,000 square meter terminal building has doubled the commercial area linking terminals 2a and 2b with innovative architectural solutions, fast and comfortable passenger services, a wide range of retail outlets, international brands and greatly improved dining options for travellers.
The SkyCourt building was designed by Ybl Prize-winning architect Zoltán Tima and a team of engineers from Hungarian architectural design company KÖZTI. Even before it was completed, the building won the Tierney Clark award from the British-Hungarian Chamber of Civil Engineers. Construction began in spring 2009, with Szeged-based construction company KÉSZ plc as the main contractor and was completed within the planned budget of approximately 88 million euros and before the 15 February 2011 deadline. 39 new catering and retail outlets now offer their services over 4300 square meters, including the largest unit, a 1400 square meter walk-through duty free shop operated by the German company Heinemann.
“The vast majority of visitors who arrive in Hungary by aircraft obtain their first impressions of us and our country here at this airport,” emphasized dr. Pál Völner, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Development, in his speech given at the opening ceremony. “The new, spacious terminal projects a more friendly, more welcoming image of Hungary.”
“You need powerful shareholders to develop a large airport like Budapest. I think we have the best group of shareholders possible,” said Reiner Schränkler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Budapest Airport. “I would like to thank the team at Budapest Airport for making SkyCourt a reality, on budget and on time.”
Passengers can now move through the new terminal building much faster than before. Security screening will become speedier and more comfortable with the installation of six new security lanes on each side of SkyCourt, these are on schedule for completion in April. The basement of the SkyCourt building houses a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled, automatic baggage sorting system, comprising five baggage belts.
The public had the opportunity to see SkyCourt after the opening ceremony during the open weekend organised by the airport operator. The first passengers will travel through the new central hall at Terminal 2 from 27 March.
About Budapest Airport
During 2010 Budapest Airport handled almost 8.2 million passengers through scheduled, charter and general aviation services. Budapest Airport Zrt. owns and operates Ferihegy Airport. This is a public private partnership with the Hungarian State holding 25% and the remaining 75 percent owned by German company HOCHTIEF AirPort, one of the world’s biggest independent airport managers, together with a further four financial investors: Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Montreal; GIC Special Investments, Singapore; and KfW IPEX-Bank, Frankfurt. In July 2008, Aero Investment S.á.r.l. became a new shareholder.
Through its BUD Future project Budapest Airport aims to be the aviation hub of the CEE region. Leading projects include:
SkyCourt - a new centrally located building linking the existing terminals 2a and 2b. SkyCourt has doubled the commercial area of the terminals and provides a wide range of retail outlets, international brands and an improved food and beverage offering. The contemporary glass structure also offers an impressive view of the apron providing passengers with a unique travel experience.
Cargo City – New on-airport cargo facilities will feature 140.000sqm of cargo and logistics terminals designed for airlines, handlers and integrators.
Budapest Airport incorporates two terminals. Terminal 1 is a dedicated low cost carrier terminal and Terminal 2 services the traditional carriers. The airport is also the base for Malev, Hungary’s national airline and part of the One World alliance and is home to a further 32 airlines, serving over 92 destinations which represents 40 countries worldwide.