On Thursday 15 December, the Supervisory Board (1) of Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport validated its new strategic plan for 2027. The aim of this 2023-2027 roadmap is to create a new model based on sustainability and performance, with respect for the environment and local populations and in line with societal expectations. ‘Resources 27’ is focusing its efforts on ecological and energy transition, the modernisation and service quality of the airport, and the diversification of its business model, for a total investment of over €240 million.
With a view to creating the sustainable airport of the future, Bordeaux Airport wishes to conciliate a reasoned growth in air traffic with a spirit of innovation, and thus open new prospects for the diversification of its activities. Its priority is for ecological transition and operational excellence for its passenger customers, airlines and all the platform’s users. It aims to become a genuine hub for the production of decarbonised energy and multi-mobility. As a core player and driver of development for a whole region, the airport is working to become a reference in air mobility and eco-responsibility.
REBUILD CONNECTIVTY THROUGH REASONED GROWTH
Bordeaux Airport is working towards gradually rebuilding the air route network, with the goal of regaining the 2019 level by 2027. Through a qualitative approach to the diversification of existing airline operators, the airport company aims to strengthen point-to-point traffic to international destinations and develop the network to major European hubs and non-European destinations.
In this latest plan, Bordeaux Airport is placing special focus on neighbouring populations, and undertakes to reduce night flights by encouraging daytime flights via a strengthened tariff modulation, in addition to making an active contribution to the study on the impact of a balanced approach, analysing various measures to reduce noise.
With our new roadmap, ‘RESOURCES 27’, we are committing to an overall transformation of the airport towards a sustainable, ambitious model in tune with the changing world.
BECOME A LEADER IN ECOLOGICAL AND ENERGY TRANSITION
Aware of its impact on the environment and local populations, Bordeaux Airport has decided to boost its transition towards an eco-responsible airport by taking on new engagements which represent more than 25% of its investments.
Among its key aims, Bordeaux Airport is reversing the trend with an annual reduction of 40% in its greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, its focuses on actions to produce 65% green energy at the airport and to reduce its energy use by 20%. All its aviation players are actively involved, thanks to the development of low-carbon energy for aircraft and on-site vehicles, the decarbonisation of airport access routes and the management of waste and natural resources.
Via this new strategic vision, Bordeaux Airport aims to become a genuine hub for energy production, thanks to solar and geothermal power, and pioneer the creation of local aviation fuel and bio-fuel subsidiaries.
Low-carbon and integrated into our environment, we are putting all our efforts into reducing the platform’s impact.
RANK AMONG THE TOP 10 EUROPEAN AIRPORTS FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE (2)
Improving service quality, in association with all the platform’s partners is another key focus point of the new airport strategy. It draws, in particular, on a €130-million investment programme and major infrastructure projects, to shape a new face for the airport by 2027: Enhanced accessibility and comfort, with a wider range of passenger services.
The creation of new buildings using innovative building techniques with a low environmental impact will thus enable a shift towards a more connected passenger path, alongside additional waiting areas offering retails outlets and services. A new online sales module will be available as of 2023, to provide services prior to arrival at the airport.
Car park facilities will be enhanced by the building of a silo car park, and planted areas will embellish the airport entrance and reduce heat islands.
A synonym of transformation and ambition, the Resources 27 plan will restore the sense of pride for a whole region in its public service tool.
BLEND INTO THE HEART OF THE REGION
Rooted in its region, the airport platform plays a key role in regional infrastructures, quality of life and economic and social development. In addition to the production of clean, green energy, Bordeaux Airport’s new strategic plan aims to achieve enhanced connectivity which will benefit the socioeconomic growth of the region, in particular in the areas of mobility, real estate and innovation.
Commuter transport will be bolstered to develop multi-modality, with tram, BRT (3), bicycle, electric motorcycles and scooters for airport employees and passengers. The development of new forms of air travel, such as VTOL (4), air taxis and drones, will shape the future of the airport. Experiments are under way to test VTOL for 2027. In support of local research and innovation, the airport company is currently creating partnerships with entrepreneurial structures such as Invest in Bordeaux, BAAS (5) and Technowest.
In a spirit of innovation, the airport teams will design novel solutions, and test and create new partnerships to roll out new products and services. This latest strategic plan undertakes to launch 30% of the innovation roadmap experiments in operational status. For example, a partnership agreement with Technowest aims to enhance cooperation between the two bodies and thus contribute to supporting the innovation and creation of economic activities on the platform.
Available land will be used for operations which benefit the region, with a target of one new establishment par year.
Our leadership and credibility allows us to call on all our partners to build a value-creating mobility hub, driven by a high level of operational requirements.
(1) Shareholding is broken down between the State (60%), the Bordeaux-Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry (25%) and the local authorities Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Conseil Général de la Gironde, Bordeaux Métropole, Ville de Bordeaux and Ville de Mérignac- (15%).
(2) Airport Service Quality ranking, benchmark for airports of the same category.
(3) BRT: Bus Rapid Transit
(4) VTOL: Vertical take-off and landing aircraft
(5) BAAS: Bordeaux Aquitaine Aeronautics and Space
