2007-2015 Master Plan

Ten million passengers (or almost) in 2006 is double the number for which the current terminal, commissioned in 1968, was designed. It is true that it has already undergone several transformations that have increased its reception capacity. But, with the evolution of passenger traffic, infrastructure adjustments are needed yet again. Hence the master plan for 2007-2015, which was presented in January.

First there was the lateral extension of the terminal, commissioned in 1995, that expanded the floor area by a third on all three city-side levels - arrivals, check-in and departures. And then, air side, the construction of the West Wing and new frontal boarding lounges, which also increased capacity in terms of passenger throughput.

But the steady increase in traffic over the last few years prompted the Airport’s Management Board to ask senior management to consider new solutions, particularly since the "T2" project to renovate the old terminal is still being held up by legal proceedings.

Moreover, two new parameters had to be borne in mind: the introduction of the "One Stop Security" and "Schengen" systems.

The former will allow arriving and departing passengers to "mingle" - which is not the case today - provided they are from a “safe” airport - i.e. the countries of the European Union, plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, or more than 80% of our passengers. The advantage is that security controls can be carried out at the entrance to the transit sector and no longer, as happens currently, at each boarding area. This makes for smoother passenger flows and better management of human resources.

The Schengen Agreements, which Switzerland has ratified and will most likely come into effect at the end of 2008, allow identity (passport) checks to be waived for passengers on departure and arrival, provided they are from one of the thirteen countries that are parties to the agreements, which accounts for about 50% of our passengers. Schengen passengers will of course have to be separated from non-Schengen passengers.

In addition to these constraints, Geneva International Airport is resolved to focus not only on numbers, but also on quality, so as to offer travellers, and also staff, the best conditions possible.

In the light of the above, the first stage of the Master plan, designated "T1+", provides for the construction, from 2007 to 2009, of a new westward extension of the terminal on all three levels - on the area where the “Poste” car park is currently located.

This will enable the provision of new arrivals facilities, and an additional check-in area with a luggage sorting area. For departures, a new restaurant area is planned, and also a rearrangement of the duty-free shops.

For the land-side area, the first innovation will be security controls right at the entrance, where passport control is currently located. After that, we will be rearranging the commercial areas, and what is now Skycom will be turned into a rest area for passengers and office space.

Finally, a restaurant area will be arranged on the third floor of the present building, thus allowing a much better view of the apron.

This stage, details of which will be announced in these columns as they are completed, will be supplemented by others. Like, by example, looking for ways to optimise apron use for aircraft parking - where there are days when we are starting to run short of spaces. Or studies to increase runway capacity by, among other things, constructing rapid exits - very major investments ahead.

Finally, from 2012 to 2015, there are plans to build an "East Wing" to replace the wide-body building. That too would permit better use of aircraft parking space.

All this, as you can well imagine, comes at a cost. For the first stage, sixty million francs will be invested - from, let it not be forgotten, the Airport’s own capital resources. For subsequent stages, it is still too early to put a figure on the works. As a result of this major effort, Geneva International Airport is resolved to respond to the challenge raised by the expected increase in its passenger traffic, to offer passengers a terminal "with a human face".