MaltaMedia.com

Last June, Malta International Airport unveiled its expansion project which besides being intended to enhance customer comfort has also improved its logistic offer not merely embellishing the structure of the terminal building but more importantly also focusing on its objective to diversify and increase its non-aviation activity.

MIA plc is being classified amongst the top 15 airports worldwide and has been awarded the title of “Most Noteworthy Airport for a New Small Budget Programme.”

The past winner in this category was Bristol International Airport and the award by “Passenger Terminal World”, the international review of airport design, technology, security, operations and management, has this year alongside MIA also awarded airports of the calibre of Dubai, Brussels, San Francisco, Stockholm, Heathrow, Changi, Barcelona and Vienna.

The classification was determined by a high-profile jury made up of leading professionals of the industry. MIA’s investment has been described as having totally transformed the passengers’ experience marking a new approach to its commercial activities.

MIA’s CEO Julian Jaeger on receipt of this award, stated “this award shows we are on the right track, this recognition gives us confidence that we will become one of the best airports in the Mediterranean and it is significant for us that one of the most important industry publications substantiates our positive performance in this regard.”

The Passenger Terminal World Annual 2010 has made reference to MIA stating “When a new terminal can cost US$1.5 billion it is hard to think that many wonderful airports are being developed for a fraction of that sum, but Malta Airport is one such. With its current development programme it is a small airport with big plans – improving the commercial offer, enlarging security and other essential services, and gaining plaudits from the country’s population.”

Julian Jaeger thanked all those who contributed to this achievement in particular the concessionaires amongst which the Nuance Group that have created an innovative walk-through shopping mall as well as a “destination” concept that highlights local produce and handcrafts; Miller Distributors Ltd, and the “8 till late” Convenience Store, as well as the Travel Stores Ltd., and Salvu Grima that have brought in to MIA renowned brand names such as La Coste, Calvin Klein, French Connection, and Samsonite, moreover the Classic Group and their Diamonds International.

The project is the result of an exercise in creativity whereby an increase in capacity was required in the Security Area and the consequent restructuring has led to changes which enabled MIA to maximise on commercial space creating a well-balanced offer between retail outlets and a variety of food and beverage services, which certainly enabled MIA to distinguish itself to meet the requisites of the deserved award, indeed as quoted in Passenger Terminal World Annual 2010 “there is much more to an airport than just the building fabric; it is what goes on inside and how it affects the passenger that is even more critical.”