Gratifying financial year for the Blue Danube Airport Linz
Increase in passenger and cargo traffic
The Blue Danube Airport Linz concluded 2008 with the best passenger and cargo results in its history. For the first time, more than 800,000 passengers and 36,00 tons of cargo were handled at the Linz Airport.
With a total passenger volume of 803,163 passengers, the previous year’s figure was exceeded by 29,539 passengers (+3.8%). Decisive for the growth was the schedule traffic, which rose to 504,976 passengers (+8.5%). Despite good framework conditions the demand in charter traffic was more restrained than expected. The number of passengers traveling in this segment was 293,629 (-3.2%). The number of passengers in emergency traffic numbered 4,558.
2009 is regarded as particularly challenging in aviation throughout the world. The economic framework conditions have become noticeably cloudy and will have consequences on all aviation businesses.
„All international forecasts indicate, that the aviation sector will not grow in the current year, but will shrink slightly. Realistically we must assume, that we cannot uncouple ourselves from this global trend. We therefore reckon with a rather difficult year and have based our plans on a decrease in passengers.“ stated Dipl. Ing. Gerhard Kunesch, CEO of the Flughafen Linz GesmbH.
As the largest regional cargo airport in Austria, the Blue Danube Airport Linz was also able to score this year with an increase in air cargo traffic. The volume of freight rose from 34,661 tons to 36,540 tons (+5.4%). Thereby it was possible to increase the volume of freight handled by the airport independently by 14.3% to 26,536 tons.
„We have been able to expand our position as Austria’s largest, regional cargo airport and assume, that - despite the difficult framework conditions – we will also succeed in defending this top position in the current year.“ declared Kunesch.
Besides commercial aviation, the general aviation (private and commercial air traffic / flight training schools and clubs) also recorded growth. About 50 private aircraft (from training aircraft to private jet) are stationed at the Blue Danube Airport Linz. 6 convenience flight companies and 7 flight training schools or clubs are now established in this business sector at the Linz Airport. Trend rising.
Quality-orientated projects, such as for example the renewal of the roof terrace, or the enlargement of the shelter of Schedule Car Park 1, are intended to contribute towards securing the position of the Blue Danube Airport Linz as a modern, service- and quality-orientated regional airport.
