Hub in the heart of Europe

With 20,000 employees, more than 22 million passengers annually and two new modernised terminal check-in areas, Vienna International Airport has become the premier gateway to Eastern Europe.

Flughafen Wien AG, responsible for Vienna International Airport, is a modern, listed corporation with a diversified service portfolio. Vienna’s celebrated punctuality, security implementations and high-quality services all contribute to the airport’s success. This, coupled with the airport’s geographical location in the heart of Europe makes it an ideal transfer hub for flights between Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Vienna International Airport is the largest airport in Austria and offers flights to 38 destinations in Eastern Europe throughout the entire reporting year, cementing it as the leading hub to that region.

The year 2012 marked a new milestone for Vienna, with a total of 22.2 million passengers arriving to and departing from the airport. This five per cent year-on-year increase matched the company’s targets for 2012 and placed Vienna significantly above the European average.

The number of passengers travelling to the Middle East in 2012 rose by 8.3 per cent, while traffic to Eastern and Western Europe increased by 12.1 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively. Flight movements (take-offs and landings) decreased by 0.6 per cent to 244,650, and maximum take-off weight was 1.7 per cent lower than previous years. But despite the strong growth in passenger traffic during 2012, Vienna remains one of the most punctual airports in Europe and, in international comparison, is ranked ahead of the other Lufthansa hubs in Munich, Zurich and Frankfurt.

The gateway to Eastern Europe

Vienna International Airport’s geographical location makes it a dynamic catchment area, which is attractive to carriers such as Austrian and NIKI Airlines, which both call the airport home.

The Flughafen Wien Group has recognised the potential of this hub business and works to expand Vienna’s position by increasing the number of destinations and frequencies and through establishing and maintaining high quality standards and attractive tariffs. The quality of the basic infrastructure is a decisive factor for the attractiveness of a business location and, in this respect, Vienna International Airport is an important economic driver for eastern Austria. Efficient connections to international destinations and direct transfers to the most important Central and East European countries make it the ideal base for many companies that are active in these regions.

A one-stop shop

As a developer, builder, and general operator, the Flughafen Wien Group manages airport operations, handling services, security controls and commercial activities. In addition, the Flughafen Wien Group provides a comprehensive range of infrastructure services. From the development and maintenance of the infrastructure required for flight operations and handling to diverse retail, gastronomy and parking management services and real estate marketing, nearly all activities are supervised directly by Flughafen Wien AG or indirectly by a first- or second-tier subsidiary. In this way, the Flughafen Wien Group covers the entire added value chain at Vienna International Airport.

Vienna’s short boarding and transfer times are a result of the airport’s outstanding baggage handling services. The Flughafen Wien Group intends to protect its standing as a quality leader in the future. Accordingly, internal processes are regularly optimised through audits and tests. This allows for the identification of possible error sources and the continuous improvement of existing processes.

The protection of Vienna’s hub function and its success in competition with other airports are dependent on short boarding and transfer times because the total travel time frequently forms the basis for choosing a travel route and is an important selection criterion in international ticket reservation systems. After direct flights, these systems list other possible connections according to the total flight time – which means low transfer times are given priority ranking.

The unique minimum connecting time of 25–30 minutes therefore gives Vienna International Airport a competitive advantage. These fast transfers are made possible, above all, through Vienna’s one-roof concept and excellent logistics system, which helps passengers to move quickly from one gate to the next.

A better travel experience

Vienna International Airport’s new Terminal Check-in 3 opened on 5 June 2012 and offers passengers more comfort, more service and a new pleasant travel experience. The additional capacities ensure that high-grade and fast passenger handling can be guaranteed despite an increase in air traffic.

A clear concept of passenger flow on three levels, short and manageable distances, easier orientation for passengers and the prevention of a loss of time were important planning parameters. These clear routes help significantly to make sure that the minimum connecting time of 25 minutes (the time needed by a passenger to catch their connecting flight) can be fulfilled.

Modern security controls in accordance with the state-of-the-art technology ensure the greatest possible security with least possible cost of time. As a result, passengers are left with more time to stroll through the many shops, enjoy the range of restaurants and cafés, or to settle down comfortably in the terminal’s retreating areas. The resulting advantage for passengers and airlines is that the total period of a journey by air is kept as short as possible.

In January 2013, Terminal Check-in 1 opened its doors after a complete refurbishment. The modernised terminal brings greater travel comfort to passengers not travelling with Star Alliance. More than 40 check-in counters and eight self-check-in terminals are now available within the 3,500m2 of terminal space. Additionally, passengers using Check-in 1 can utilise two large baggage counters, two customs counters and porter service.

With nearly 20,000 employees in 230 companies, Vienna International Airport is the largest employer in eastern Austria. A further 52,500 jobs in the country are directly or indirectly related to airport operations. To this end, every one million passenger increase creates nearly 1,000 new jobs at the airport.

The Flughafen Wien Group had an average workforce of approximately 4,000 employees in 2012. The working environment is highly diverse, which requires employees with varied qualifications. The many skilled specialists working at the airport include baggage handlers and terminal staff as well as construction technicians and administrative teams. The dedication of all these employees and their effective and efficient cooperation form the basis for safe and smooth airport operations.