VINCI Airportsmanager of more than 70 airports in 13 countriesannounced a investment of 100 million pounds (115 million euros) to modernize theBelfast International Airportthe capital of Ireland.
The first phase of the program is currently underway, with the construction of a new security building adjacent to the current terminal. This state-of-the-art £25 million facility will transform the passenger experience by deploying “Standard 3 Xray” x-ray screening equipment, meaning passengers will no longer have to remove liquids or electronic devices from their luggage. The new building will be operational by summer 2024.
VINCI Airports’ investment plan also includes the renovation of existing facilities, improving the airside departure area with additional boarding gates and additional seating. The commercial offering will include new F&B and retail outlets, and the customs services area will also be expanded over the next five years.
“These investments will improve operational efficiency and quality of service. They will help make Belfast International Airport a main gateway for passengers, with traffic having already exceeded 4.5 million passengers since January (+22% compared to 2022). This project will also have a direct positive impact on the entire region, since it will create around 400 jobs in local construction companies throughout the duration of the work.“, underlined the French group in its press release.
Solar power plant and energy transition
VINCI Airports also announced the launch of a new 26 GWp solar power plant on the airport site which will produce 22.4 GWh of electricity and save 12,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The farm will be developed, financed, built and operated by SunMind, a photovoltaic subsidiary of VINCI Concessions.
This initiative is part of VINCI Airports’ global environmental action plan, which aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and contribute to the decarbonization of territories. where it operates. A member of the VINCI Airports network since 2018, Belfast International Airport has already reduced its emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 44% by applying VINCI Airports environmental solutions.
