A £100m ($121.7m) five-year investment programme has begun at Belfast International Airport in Ireland aimed at increasing operational efficiency, improving passenger experience and enhancing environmental performance.
Phase one of the program will see the construction of a £25m ($33.4m) ultra-modern security building adjacent to the terminal building, which will include Standard 3 Xray screening equipment and will be operational by next summer.
The airport will also revamp existing facilities, improve the airside departure area with additional departure gates and extra seating, and provide new catering and retail outlets. The immigration area will also be extended over the next five years.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports, which operates, commented, “VINCI Airports’ investment will support Belfast International Airport’s positive dynamic by strongly improving the passenger experience. The airport plays a pivotal role for aviation, tourism and the wider local economy. As a long-term partner, VINCI Airports is committed to sustainably develop the airport and increase its environmental performance.”
Sustainable power
VINCI Airports has also announced the launch of a 26 MWp new solar farm on the airport site which will generate 22.4 GWh of electricity and save 12,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The farm will be developed, financed, built, and operated by VINCI Concessions’ photovoltaic subsidiary SunMind.
Graham Keddie, managing director at Belfast International Airport, added, “VINCI’s commitment to Northern Ireland has been unwavering and its determination to invest such an amount demonstrates the belief it has in the airport, it’s team and potential for future growth. As we mark our 60th anniversary at the end of this month, today’s announcement sets out a clear vision of how we intend to provide a long-term strategic vision for the airport, our passengers, and the wider region.”
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