Otto Ambagtsheer, Managing Director Business Area Consumer Products & Services, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: “We have given a lot of attention to the needs and wishes of passengers now, and in the future. We have created a mix of current trends and developments, experience and entertainment.”
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has launched a complete renovation of Departure Lounge 2, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2015. Central to the new layout is a 20% increase in the space allocated to retail and food & beverage outlets.
During the refurbishment, the shops will remain partially open, with smaller temporary sites. The work is being carried out in phases, with as much work as possible being done at night. Otto Ambagtsheer, Managing Director Business Area Consumer Products & Services, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, explained that the phasing is implemented in such a way as to allow the airport to continue offering services to passengers and to remain “accessible and open” while under construction.
Key partners on the Development Phase 2 project include design agency Kossman De Jong, and construction company Heijmans. Schiphol is also being advised by, among others, Benthem Crouwel NACO.
The concept implemented in the new Departure Lounge 2 is part of Schiphol’s Retail Vision 2020. “We have given a lot of attention to the needs and wishes of passengers now, and in the future,” Ambagtsheer commented. “We have created a mix of current trends and developments, experience and entertainment.”
Significant construction activity is presently taking place in the terminal because of a project to introduce central security. Schiphol decided make use of the synergies of already having construction experts and equipment onsite, and also transform Departure Lounge 2.
Over 14 million passengers travel through Departure Lounge 2 annually, with more than half transferring at Schiphol, and the airport is striving to minimise disruption to the passenger experience. The shops in Departure Lounge 2 will remain partially open during the refurbishment, with smaller, temporary sites. Passengers will also be able to use the shops and food & beverage outlets in Departure Lounge 3, and on the concourses. “Passengers may need to follow temporary diversions during the refurbishment of Departure Lounge 2. Signage will be in place and airport staff on hand to provide directions,” Ambagtsheer added.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has launched a complete renovation of Departure Lounge 2, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2015. Central to the new layout is a 20% increase in the space allocated to retail and food & beverage outlets.
Strengthening capacity, comfort and efficiency
The new Departure Lounge 2 will be sub-divided into seven themes, each offering passengers a specific experience. The themes are: Luxury, Family, Travel & Culture, Modern Dutch, See Buy Fly, Fashion & Lifestyle, and Care & Wellness. Each theme is characterised by its use of specific materials and designs, and includes appropriate services, including seating areas, food & beverage outlets, and shops. Furnishings focus on the use of sustainable materials, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, and LED lighting with motion sensors.
Departure Lounge 2 is undergoing a complete transformation and will be sub-divided into seven theme worlds, each of which will offer passengers a specific experience, with plenty to enjoy for both adults and children.
The arrival at Schiphol of the first Johnnie Walker House luxury retail concept store in Europe will be a flagship in European travel retail. Other new arrivals include M&M’s Amsterdam, a shop with a unique range of toys, clothing and exclusive products, and a Gucci store. “Bulgari, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Omega, Mont Blanc, and Rolex are among the familiar, trusted brands featured in Departure Lounge 2,” Ambagtsheer said. “Innovative food concepts are provided by the Amsterdam Bread Co., Asian restaurant Kebaya, Café Cocó, Starbucks, and the Heineken Bar. Anyone seeking to relax or re-energise before departure can do so at XpresSpa.”
The renovation of Departure Lounge 2 is part of the overall Schiphol Master Plan – a comprehensive renovation programme for the airport to strengthen its capacity, and improve levels of comfort and efficiency for passengers. The Master Plan includes the introduction of centralised security throughout the terminal, the construction of a new Hilton hotel, the development of Area A to the south of the terminal, and the renovation of the security filter in Departure Hall 1. Construction work started in July 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2018.
The construction activities for central security also affect the Holland Boulevard, which is the corridor with typical Dutch facilities and services connecting Departure Lounges 2 and 3. All these special facilities and services will reopen from the end of 2015.
These developments are all part of Schiphol’s aim to be ‘innovative and inspiring’. Schiphol has retained its one-terminal concept, making it compact, passenger-friendly and intuitive, and the renovation of Departure Lounge 2 will further enhance the customer experience.
