Despite the new ownership of Kalamata airport being delayed in parliament, representatives of Fraport presented their plans for next year to local government and tourism organizations in Kalamata. But don’t get too excited as according to their plans, you won’t see changes for at least 2 years.

Work on the new 9,300 m2 terminal will not begin the autumn of next year, assuming redevelopment permits are issued without any hitches and will take 2 years to complete. However, one noticeable and much needed change will be an increase in the number of staff working at the site will increase from just 6 to 26 in March, when Fraport expect to take ownership. Other plans to improve the airport include the old terminal being modernized, including a VIP station . The aircraft parking is also being expanded from 2 to 3 and in the coming years to 5 aircraft positions and one for VIP. Of course, the plans also include a new large vehicle parking lot with the operation of an integrated controlled parking system.

Within 3 years, Fraport forecast that the number of annual passengers passing through the gateway will increase from 370,000 t0 800,000.

Fraport’s General Manager of Development, George Vilos, outlined the company’s entire plan that has been implemented at the remaining 14 Fraport Airports, emphasizing that 1.8 billion euros have been invested in infrastructure over the years, and 50 million euros each year in the Airports, while he analysed the business plan based on which the company operates, which is investments in logistical infrastructure, financial incentives (discounts) to airlines for attraction, partnership with local bodies through a Tourism Partnership Strategy, a unified plan and line, a common strategy of municipalities and bodies where Airports are located that contributes to better visitor results in the regions. In fact, this common strategy has been implemented at Chania Airport (2018) with remarkable results, as well as in Kavala (Thassos), Kefalonia, Lesvos, Thessaloniki and from this year it will also be implemented in Corfu . Fraport has had a positive sign since 2016-2017, while its markets are mainly visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Poland and Scandinavian countries. Passengers come from a total of 164 countries , while an extensive research program is implemented at the Airports with the aim of new connections, passenger satisfaction, etc.

Source: Messinia Live