At this turning point as the new face of Bordeaux airport takes shape, 2019 saw a total of 7.7 million passengers, of whom 60% on international flights. Growth reached 13.3% for a controlled increase in aircraft movements of 6%.
2019 was a decisive year for the airport, with the approval of a huge €169 million investment scheme. Some projects have already been launched, such as the building of a new international pier with the HQE (High Environmental Quality standard) label and car park renovation as the first step towards improving airport accessibility. The new strategic plan for 2023 gives priority to environmentally responsible development initiatives reconciling the airport growth that is essential to socio-economic development in the New Aquitaine Region with sustainable development and respect for both the environment and people. In light of these goals, the airport has developed an ever-wider network of airlines (113 destinations) with an international focus.
International routes account for 90% of the 113 destinations available in peak season and 39 new ones in 2019, i.e. an increase of 20.4%. The intercontinental hubs account for over a third of international traffic.
“Yet again, our low-cost airline development policy has paid off this year, since these companies generated 90% of new routes. Bordeaux welcomed a Ryanair base in 2019, following the introduction of air bases for Volotea and then easyJet. These bases are of course a great asset for our region, from the viewpoint of the airline offer available, and its flexibility. They have also driven local job creation and contributed to the economy. Bordeaux airport’s go-getting spirit further attracted network airlines such as Air Canada and Ural Airlines in 2019. Another point to be emphasised is Air France’s good results, consolidating its 16 daily flights to Paris. We are projecting more modest growth in 2020, mainly via the network developed over the past ten years.” explained Pascal Personne, Chair of the SA Aéroport de Bordeaux-Mérignac Management Board.
Accessibility and parking facilities > Usage facilitated by new, practical services, greater capacity and energy-saving systems. Improving airport parking facilities was one of the first building projects for the 2023 programme, launched in 2019. With a view to facilitating parking, car parks P1 and P2 regained maximum capacity in May, further to modernisation and refitting operations. Significant roadworks have been launched to prepare the airport environs for the tram due to arrive in 2022, demonstrating the importance of sustainable mobility and accessibility for Bordeaux airport. Lastly, the new Technobus, Corol 39 started running in early November. It provides connections between Tram lines A and B, and the Bordeaux-Arcachon railway line via Pessac-Alouette.
The new billi check-in hall> With the extension of the Departures building, housing autonomous check-in terminals and a new automatic luggage handling system for luggage to be placed in the hold, the billi terminal is being revamped and increasing its capacity, still fully in keeping with its tried-and-tested business model.
Construction of the new international satellite is now under way > Hall A is developing runway capacity to ensure the comfort of passengers on international flights. The new infrastructure is to include two new aircraft aprons, with existing boarding areas also to be refurbished. This new area comprises a new 3,500-sq.m building currently under construction in line with the HQE (High Environmental Quality standard) label, which will house four new departure lounges, as well as a retail and catering area.
Due to open in summer 2020.
Refitting work will be continuing in 2020: the international pier will be finished, building for the car parks opposite the terminals will continue, as will work on access to the airport and the tram station. The project to modernise and enlarge the terminal providing streamlined billi services will be launched. While the passenger circuit will still be impacted, airport staff will be striving to attenuate impact on passengers to the best of their ability.
