Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s network and market share grow in 2011

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol served 49.8 million passengers in 2011, reflecting a 10.2% increase on the previous year when the airport welcomed 45.2 million passengers. Cargo transport remained virtually unchanged, recording 1.5 million tonnes of cargo. The number of air transport movements rose by 8.8% from 386,319 to 420,245.

Jos Nijhuis, Schiphol Group’s President and CEO, announced these provisional figures during the company’s New Year’s reception held today.

“Our transport results are favourable. We served a record number of passengers in 2011 – almost 50 million. Schiphol’s European market share has also grown as a result. Last year the airport was honoured to welcome its billionth passenger since its inception in 1916. In terms of passenger volume, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has recaptured its ranking as Europe’s fourth-largest airport.

The airport’s network was further expanded in 2011, growing from 301 to 313 of direct destinations. Thanks to KLM and its SkyTeam partners in particular, a number of major intercontinental destinations were added, such as Guangzhou, Hanghou, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Havana and Orlando. The number of destinations in Europe has also climbed from 162 to 169. Our extensive network of connections is crucial for maintaining the Netherlands’ attractive business climate.”

“This year will be a challenging year, in which we are expecting to see passenger volumes stabilise and cargo volumes shrink,“ said Jos Nijhuis.

Investing in capacity and quality

Schiphol expects passenger and cargo volumes to start growing again in the longer term. For that reason the airport will require more terminal and pier capacity. Jos Nijhuis: "Schiphol needs to take a number of major steps in order to remain Europe’s preferred airport, also in the long term. This means that we will be investing in capacity and quality. We are currently preparing an investment programme to ensure the ongoing development of our Mainport. To that end, exact plans will be specified in detail in the months ahead in consultation with our key stakeholders.”

Schiphol now on YouTube

Today Schiphol launched its own YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/schiphol, which means that all the airport footage can now be viewed by a wider audience.