Finavia Redesigning Facilities at Helsinki Airport

Finavia is preparing a major modification of Helsinki Airport’s commercial activities.

A study of tax and duty free, retail, F&B and other services is currently being carried out with a view to redesigning most of the commercial facilities at the airport.

“Helsinki Airport’s position as the leading transit airport in Northern Europe for traffic between Europe and Asia forms a strong base for developing the airport’s commercial passenger services. Above all we have focused thus far on the efficient turn-around process of airplanes as well as high quality customer service, furthermore our aim is now to reach the next level in Helsinki Airport’s commercial offering. Passengers particularly in the long-haul flight expect the airport to offer experiences and exceptional shopping opportunities, and this is a challenge we are ready to tackle,” said Anne Gullstén, Director of Passanger Services at Finavia.

The development project was initiated at the end of 2012 and it’s expected to be completed in 2015. A phased implementation will ensure that already at the end of 2013 the first results will be visible.

Finavia aims to increase total sales and revenue by approximately 50% within three years time.

All available space within the terminals will be reviewed to identify potential commercial use. The space of approximately 11,200 square meters available today will be increased to up to 13,000 sqm. The use of commercial space will be re-evaluated and reallocated to better meet consumer expectations and maximize sales and revenue. The space allocated to the tax and duty free stores will be significantly increased. The potential for a landside commercial centre, after the opening of the new rail connection to Helsinki in 2015, is under consideration and may be developed parallel to the main project.

In 2012, Helsinki Airport served close to 15 million passengers. About a third of them were transit passengers, mainly on routes between Europe and Asia.

Finavia,