After a challenging year in 2010, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport shows good results for the summer of 2011.
The forecast figures for the coming winter as well as the improvements were unveiled this morning by the managers.
The weather (volcanic eruptions) and strikes had weakened traffic in 2010. Attendance picked up well this summer with a 9.2% increase by the end of August compared to 2010. Five records were even set (see box below).
International traffic retains the largest share with 60% and a growth of 10.2%. The results show an increase in traffic everywhere except in North America with stabilization and a decline in North Africa due to political conflicts.
These figures suggest that the 10 million passenger mark could be reached in 2011.
Upcoming Winter
64 destinations will be available compared to 67 the previous year. 2 new destinations: Eindhoven and Liverpool. 39 regular airlines will be present this winter, one more than in 2010. However, the frequency of weekly flights is up with 881, a 6.8% increase.
Most notably, the seating capacity on departures from Nice has increased by 6.2% due to the size of the new aircraft. These figures herald growth and a good year in 2012.
Major Projects
A double walkway was put into service yesterday. Located at position 54 of Terminal 2, it has the ability to accommodate large carriers like the A380. A real added value for the airport.
An increase in parking capacity for business aircraft and an improvement began at the end of 2010. The work will be completed in 2014. The business aviation area will increase from 51 to 72 parking spaces for an amount of €15.5 million.
The North runway will be completely redone: rolling layer and marking. The renovation will begin in October 2011 and will take 4 years at a cost of €8.7 million.
The seawall will be replaced and reinforced. The work has already begun and should be completed in 2013 for €10 million.
A new oil depot will be installed starting in 2013. It will be put into service in 2016 and will allow storage of 5,000m³ instead of the current 1,500. Pipeline systems will be used for supply. This arrangement will allow better adaptation to airport needs.
Tram line 2 will serve the airport by 2016. There will be a stop at Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the Saint-Augustin multimodal hub. This part of the line should be free for everyone. The studies regarding the development of the line are practically finished and the public inquiry will start in October 2011.
The shopping area is being revamped, now called “the Nice Airport Shopping promenade” with 40 shops over 3,500m².
Actions for Sustainable Development
The airport has adopted the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. It has enabled the measurement of greenhouse gases and their reduction.
Likewise, the Veolia transport network handling internal shuttles has replaced these vehicles which emit far less greenhouse gases. Particle filters will be installed on the shuttles linking the terminals.
The motorized self-propelled airport equipment of MAP handling is now almost all electric. Emissions thus drop from 230g per vehicle to 23g. These measures have been implemented to obtain a good image but also in view of future regulations.
