Good, but demanding year for Oslo Airport
A new passenger record was set at Oslo Airport in 2014 amid extensive development and construction. It was also the year when Øyvind Hasaas took over as managing director after Nic. Nilsen.
“We have put a good, but challenging year behind us. Simultaneous operation and development is challenging, but we have succeeded thanks to our skilled employees and partners,” says Managing Director Øyvind Hasaas.
He can look back on a year in which, among other yardsticks, passenger growth increased considerably in flights to destinations outside Europe.
Traffic to the US increased the most
In all, the number of passengers rose by 1.1 million compared with 2013, ending at 24,269,287. The highest growth was noted in traffic to the United States, which grew by nearly 190,000 passengers. Traffic to and from countries outside Europe soared by 28 per cent in 2014, passing one million passengers for the first time.
“By the end of 2014, we had 11 intercontinental destinations, of which the most recently added route was Emirates’ service to Dubai,” says Hasaas, confirming that the company wants to offer more intercontinental destinations to the Norwegian market in the future.
“Intercontinental traffic is an important part of our long-term strategy. In February, we appointed Jasper Spruit as the new traffic director. He will have the main responsibility for Avinor in general and Oslo Airport’s commitment in particular. He has extensive experience from international aviation and comes from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam,” says Hasaas.
Safety has the highest priority
Construction of the expanded passenger terminal alongside full operation of the existing terminal has proven challenging, but was carried out with no major unforeseen consequences for passengers and airlines.
“Our highest priority is safety and well-regulated working conditions, including in our development project. We will continue to work hard to maintain our excellent standards in 2015,” says Hasaas, adding:
“Meanwhile, I would like to thank passengers for having been patient with us during a challenging phase of our development!”
Higher turnover
In 2014, Oslo Airport posted a turnover of NOK 4,946 million, an increase of NOK 287 million compared with 2013. The company's operating profit was NOK 1,594 million, NOK 106 million higher than in 2013. The improvement in earnings is attributed to the increased number of passengers.
Profit after tax was NOK 1,027 million.