Over 5 million passengers served and nearly 80 million PLN in profit – Chopin Airport in Warsaw and the Polish Airports state enterprise managing it are breaking further historical records.
In the first half of this year, 5 million 173 thousand passengers were served at Chopin Airport. This represents an increase of 7.4 percent compared to the same period in 2014 and a historical record for the airport.
– Low-cost airlines played a significant role in this record result, carrying nearly a million passengers this year – which is over 44 percent more than in the first half of last year. This clearly demonstrates the growing importance and attractiveness of Chopin Airport for the low-cost carrier sector – comments Michał Kaczmarzyk, director of the Warsaw airport.
Revenues of Polish Airports in the first half of 2015 increased by 0.2 percent and totaled 340.7 million PLN. Costs fell by over 14 percent to 238.4 million PLN, which allowed the company to achieve a net profit of 79.5 million PLN – over 27 percent more than in the entire year of 2011, and 36 percent more than in 2012.
– The results achieved by Polish Airports are better than those assumed in the annual plan for 2015 and in long-term projects. This is possible primarily thanks to the effective restructuring of the company, consisting mainly of reducing employment in administrative areas and optimizing purchasing policy. The effects of the restructuring activities carried out last year are visible this year in the form of reduced operating costs and a clear improvement in financial results – explains director Michał Kaczmarzyk.
It is also worth recalling that several important investment projects were completed at the airport in the first half of the year. First and foremost, a new part of Terminal A was opened to passengers, along with a new commercial zone and an increased number of check-in and security screening stations. The construction of a new de-icing and parking apron for aircraft, PPS7, was also completed. Furthermore, Polish Airports selected a new general contractor for the construction of the five-star Renaissance hotel, which allowed work on this investment to resume (planned completion – autumn 2016). The tender procedure for selecting a contractor for the construction of the Railway Unloading Front for aviation fuel suppliers is also nearing completion.
– Slimmed down by 30 percent, Polish Airports is now a dynamic and efficient enterprise that is improving the standard of aircraft and passenger handling at Chopin Airport in Warsaw with new energy. Traffic statistics and financial results confirm beyond doubt that the chosen direction of change is correct and is bringing the intended effects even faster than we expected – concludes Michał Kaczmarzyk.
Source: Chopin Airport in Warsaw