Interviews

Kallas focused on Single European Sky and airport capacity challenge

Kallas focused on Single European Sky and airport capacity challenge

Siim Kallas, European Commission Vice-President Responsible for Transport, assumed his current portfolio in February 2010, succeeding Antonio Tajani. He spoke to Airport Business about a range of issues, including the forthcoming Airport Package, capacity in the air and on the ground, the Single European Sky and aviation liberalisation. Ross Falconer reports.

Primary airports provide easyJet platform for future expansion

Carrying more than 50 million passengers per year, easyJet is the UK’s largest airline and Europe’s fourth largest. Carolyn McCall became easyJet CEO on 1 July 2010. In a wide-ranging interview, following her keynote speech at this year’s ACI EUROPE Annual Congress, she expanded on subjects including her strategic vision for the future of the airline, aviation taxation and the airport-airline relationship. Ross Falconer reports.

Fraport invests in future as it celebrates 75 years

Frankfurt Airport is Germany’s busiest airport and is among the world’s top 10 hubs. The airport celebrates its 75th anniversary this year – a year in which it will also, significantly, open the new Runway Northwest. Fraport is investing €7 billion in Frankfurt Airport in the period from 2007 to 2015 to sustain an ambitious strategy, as Dr Stefan Schulte, Chairman of the Executive Board, Fraport AG, explained to Ross Falconer.

Schiphol innovating to ensure sustainable growth

The Schiphol story is one of success driven by innovation. The oldest airport in Europe, the fifth busiest airport in Europe and an important engine for the Dutch economy, Schiphol contributes around 1.5% of GDP. Ad Rutten, Executive Vice President & COO Schiphol Group, is in his second term as ACI EUROPE President. He spoke to Ross Falconer about the continuing evolution of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s airports.

Swedavia, airport innovator and a rising Scandinavian brand

The division of the LFV Group was formalised on 1 April and has created two strong organisations with the aim of further developing the Swedish aviation sector. The newly established Swedavia manages, develops and promotes the 13 state-owned airports (three of which are in the process of being sold), while LFV is responsible for air navigation services. Torborg Chetkovich, Swedavia’s new CEO, outlined the airport operator’s vision to Ross Falconer.