Annual Results 2019

Today, 14 February 2020, Royal Schiphol Group publishes its results for 2019.

The number of passengers at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol increased by 0.9% to a total of 71.7 million in 2019. Schiphol continues to be one of the best connected airports in Europe and grew its network to 332 direct destinations (2018: 327), of which 138 were intercontinental (2018:135). The number of air transport movements at Schiphol was 496,826, a decrease of 0.5% compared with 2018. Cargo volumes continued to show a decline with 8.5% to 1.57 million tonnes.

In 2019, Schiphol invested 860 million euros to implement the Roadmap Safety Improvement Schiphol and to increase airport capacity, customer experience, operational efficiency and sustainability (2018: 581 million euros). These investments included the development of the new pier, the redevelopment of Terminal 1, extension of apron capacity and runway maintenance, new business lounges in the terminal, the extension of the P3 parking garage and office building The Base D. Our investments in quality of service resulted in a higher overall customer appreciation, while our investments in sustainability included investments to enable the preparation of Europe's first bio-kerosene plant and in a study of the production of synthetic kerosene based on solar electricity and CO2 obtained from the air. Our commitment towards operating zero-emission airports by 2030 continues as we invest in electric bus transport, electrical equipment such as e-GPUs and solar panels.

A number of malfunctions and disruptions impacted our business continuity. In July, a fault in the power system of the fuel supplier caused a major disruption of flight operations with many cancellations of flights and stranded passengers. TNO has conducted investigations in this disruption, and their recommendations are implemented as well as the recommendations and lessons learned from the power outage in 2018.

In 2019 Schiphol achieved solid financial results. The net result increased to 355 million euros (2018: 279 million euros). Normalised for fair value gains and and several one-off results in both 2018 and 2019, the net result was 226 million euros (2018: 214 million euros). Revenue increased by 7.0% to 1,615 million euros (2018: 1,509 million euros), mainly driven by increased airport charges, parking fees and other revenue from passenger related activities. Operating expenses increased 6.8% to 1,332 million euros (2018: 1,248 million euros).

2020 will be a crucial year as political decisions are made regarding the opening of Lelystad Airport, the continued development of Schiphol in the mid-term and the shape of aviation as we progress towards 2050. Lelystad Airport is nearly complete for opening for commercial air traffic. The Cabinet’s chosen course is the way forward: moderate and controlled growth offset by a reduction in the number of people affected by severe noise disturbance. Together with Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and the airlines, we have prepared important initiatives on noise reduction, environmental impact and ultra-fine particulate matter. We are ready to launch these initiatives together with our neighbours.

Key developments

• The total number of passengers at all the airports of Royal Schiphol Group grew by 1.7% to 80.5 million (79.2 million). Passenger volumes increased further by 8.7% to 6.7 million at Eindhoven Airport and by 7.8% to 2.1 million at Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

• With 332 direct destinations, Schiphol continues to be Europe’s second-best connected airport in the direct connectivity ranking and dropped to third place in the ranking of transfer airports with the best worldwide connectivity.

• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Eindhoven Airport achieved 3+ status in the ACI's Airport Carbon Accreditation benchmark for the sixth consecutive year. Schiphol Group has published its Most Sustainable Airports roadmap, which sets out the actions for zero-waste airports and zero emissions airports in 2030, and circular, energy positive airports in 2050. Our aim is to contribute to net-zero carbon aviation in 2050.

• In 2019, Royal Schiphol Group strengthened its position in Australia by increasing its shareholding in Brisbane Airport by 0.9% to 19.6% and acquiring a 35% stake in Hobart International Airport.

• During the year, Schiphol launched innovations, of which many digital, to improve service and efficiency, such as the self-service passenger information desks, WeChat services and the fully automatic dual passenger bridge. We have entered into collaborations to accelerate innovation with Delft University of Technology and the Dutch Drone Delta coalition.

• In 2019, Schiphol was named the Best European Airport by Business Traveller UK for the 30th consecutive year, and the Best Airport in Europe by Global Traveler USA. The Labour Foundation (Stichting van de Arbeid) awarded Schiphol for its diversity in business. The airport also received various awards for customer services in the area of retail, food & beverage and other facilities.

• The proposed dividend to shareholders is 151 million euros (2018: 117 million euros).

The full document (PDF) is available to download on the right side.