Lübeck Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
Why invest in Lübeck Airport?
Over the last 7 years Infratil has been actively pursuing investment opportunities in European airports.
Lübeck Airport's proximity to Hamburg and location within northern Germany ensures an attractive population and destination catchment with good transport links, which will improve further once the new road linking the airport with the regional motorway network opens. The potential for a railway station near the terminal in the medium term is also an important plus.
Infratil's vision for Lübeck Airport is for it to become the premier Northern German gateway for low cost and leisure based airlines and their inbound and outbound passengers. It will be a highly responsive and efficient airport offering airlines attractive aeronautical charges and efficient on-ground operations. It will make a major contribution to the expansion of tourism and trade through Hansestadt Lübeck and the surrounding region.
Although the existing infrastructure does not allow Ryanair to establish the airport as a base, Infratil considers that the airport's operations and performance, from its existing asset base, can be significantly enhanced.What will change at the Airport when Infratil takes over?
With Infratil as the new majority owner the City of Lübeck, Lübeck Airport, and its staff, have gained an experienced partner that understands the European low cost aviation sector and is committed to growing and investing in the business for the long term.
The airport will also benefit from being integrated into Infratil's European airport activities; gaining access to Infratil's resources at Glasgow Prestwick and Kent International.
A team comprising three Infratil executives were initially based at Lübeck Airport to manage the integration into the Infratil Group and, together with the Infratil Airports Europe management team, to implement major new business initiatives.
Wizz Air's announcement to commence a new route from Lübeck to Gdansk in Poland was an early example of Infratil's efforts to add value to the airport and region as is the recent announcement of Jet2.com services at Lübeck.What is Ryanair's position regarding Lübeck Airport?
Due to the adverse court ruling and the airport's resulting inability to extend the runway for the moment, this agreement, in which Ryanair had agreed to guarantee a minimum number of passengers each year, starting at 1 million departing passengers in the year to October 2006, rising to 2.8 million departing passengers in year 10, has now lapsed.
Although the existing infrastructure does not allow Ryanair to establish the airport as a base, it remains committed to its existing services and continues to believe that the market can support additional services.How many passengers use Hamburg Airport?
In 2007, Hamburg Airport processed 12.8 million passengers and is understood to be reaching capacity.Why did the City of Lübeck choose Infratil as a strategic partner?
The City's press release in April 2005 described the background as follows:"Heavenly marriage" for Lübeck Airport
The City of Lübeck and New Zealand airport operator Infratil Limited announced today at a press conference in Lübeck the successful completion of the negotiations about the entry of Infratil into Lübeck airport.
Lübeck's Mayor Bernd Saxe and Economy Senator Wolfgang Halbedel are very happy about the successful completion: "in the sky above Lübeck a new chapter is being written for the attractiveness of this city. With our new partner we lay the foundation for the continuation of the unique success story of Lübeck airport. This secures and creates growth and employment for the whole region."
Senator Halbedel: "The airport is an important economic asset for Lübeck and the region. A well performing airport is an important selection criterion for companies that consider settling in Lübeck. Consequently, the airport contributes indirectly to investments. The airport also has a great impact on tourism. Rising visitor numbers in Lübeck demonstrate this."
Lübeck's Mayor Saxe explained why the city had been looking intensively for a strategic partner for the airport: "The airport has an enormous economic and labour market potential. The whole region needs new jobs desperately! Given the tight budgetary conditions, the city is not able to provide the capital for the airport's growth. With Infratil, we have found a competent and strategically oriented partner, that wants to invest in Lübeck for the long-term and that commits to undertake considerable investments. We have found a partner, that creates jobs and protects the city from the further investment and operator risk."
Saxe, Halbedel and Dr. Steppe collectively assured the press: "Lübeck looks forward to Infratil. With our New Zealand partner, the airport is facing a great future. Infratil's commitment is a clear signal in difficult times for the economic success of the city of Lübeck."
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