Faro Airport
In 2013, VINCI Airports acquired ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, which held a 50-year concession contract for 10 airports in Portugal. The operation marked a key stage in VINCI Airports’ expansion outside France.
One of the 10 airports acquired was Faro, which opened in Portugal’s Algarve region in 1965. Sustained growth saw passenger numbers exceed 9 million in 2019 after the airport recorded.
To support this surge in traffic, VINCI Airports put in place an investment and extension programme worth €32.8 million. In early September 2022, VINCI Airports inaugurated Portugal's first airport solar power plant at Faro airport, with a capacity of 3MWp.
The renovation and extension of the airport – which represents the most substantial project conducted by VINCI Airports in Portugal – clearly demonstrates its commitment to developing sustainable transport infrastructure in the country.
In 2022, Faro Airport received the "Voice of Customer" award from ACI for listening to passengers.
In 2023, Faro Airport obtained ACA 4+ certification, the highest in the ACI’s environmental assessment programme. VINCI Airports received this environmental certification for all airports in Portugal, becoming the first country in the European Union to have its entire airport system (10 airports) certified ACA 4+. This certification recognises that airports have fully accounted and reported direct and indirect CO2 emissions related to their activities and operations, have significantly reduced their direct emissions, offset their residual direct emissions and started to reduce their indirect emissions.
Opening up new opportunities opportunités
Welcoming greater numbers of passengers
After having prioritised renovating the runways, VINCI Airports extended the terminal to boost capacity at the airport. The terminal, which previously spanned 81,200 m2, was extended to 93,120 m2 in order to reach the current processing capacity of 3,000 passengers per hour. The duty-free shopping area was also enlarged. Both expansions were achieved without any material increase in cost as VINCI Airports was able to exploit previously unoccupied areas.
Developing a sustainable airport
Faro airport was looking for a solution to move towards carbon neutrality. SunMind, a subsidiary of VINCI Airports, financed, developed, built, and now operates the first solar power plant in Portugal. Its 3 MWp capacity allows VINCI Airports to produce 30% of the airport's electricity needs, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 1500 tons per year.
Enhancing the airport while maintaining the environmental equilibrium
A simpler, enriched passenger experience
Passengers are now able to enjoy a redesigned and improved journey through the airport. The new organisation has reduced the time people spend at check-in desks and increased the efficiency of security checkpoints. Passengers save precious time and can now take advantage of the new retail area, which boasts more restaurants and shops, a patio area outside and a summer zone offering customised services for travellers.
Challenge Met
Adapating to irregular passenger flows
Airport traffic in Faro varies greatly according to the season. VINCI Concessions has therefore developed a modular approach to managing the airport. Capacity now adapts to traffic, depending on the time of year. If necessary, the airport can handle up to 3,000 passengers per hour.
Lisbon airport
When VINCI Airports acquired ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal in 2013, it became concession holder of 10 of the ...
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