Overview
Sector | Infrastructure |
---|---|
Sub-sector | Transport |
Invested | 2005 - 2017 |
Ownership | 27.7% |
Location Copenhagen
Connecting Copenhagen to the world
At the time of MAM’s initial investment, Copenhagen was an established transport hub with its airport handling approximately 20 million passengers each year2. Recognising the opportunity to further develop air services and connectivity, particularly in the low-fares and long-haul markets, MAM actively supported plans designed to prepare the airport for continued growth.
During the 12 years MAM was invested in Copenhagen Airport, more than DKK 10 billion of investment was committed to cement the airport’s reputation as the gateway to Scandinavia and the Nordic region.
Recognising opportunity
Terminal facilities were reconfigured and expanded, with the opening of an enlarged airside retail area, the construction of a new central security facility, and the installation of an upgraded baggage handling system.
Seeing the opportunity to attract inter-European low-cost carriers, MAM was instrumental in delivering Copenhagen Airport’s newly constructed low-cost pier facility in 2010, branded CPH Go. These works were soon followed by investment in check-in and capacity enhancements to facilitate long-haul aircraft. This included the expansion of Pier C – adding new gates, lounges and passenger bridges – as well as the widening of the airport’s 3.3 kilometre runway to accommodate the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380.
Improving Denmark’s essential infrastructure
Simon Geere, Managing Director
Enhancing choice and value
The investment undertaken during MAM’s period of ownership, combined with its focus on airline marketing and development, enabled Copenhagen Airport to grow passenger numbers by 45 per cent3. This growth was further matched by investment in the airport’s workforce, with a 41 per cent increase in staff numbers4 over the same period. With 29 million passengers using Copenhagen Airport in the year of MAM’s divestment1, the airport was the largest in the Nordics and contributed more than DKK 700 million to Denmark’s GDP each year5.
Importantly, growth at Copenhagen Airport was achieved whilst delivering improvements to passenger choice and experience. The airport’s focused efforts on route development saw the city of Copenhagen connected to 174 destinations at the time of MAM’s divestment5. With the largest international route network in the Nordics and a growing number of low-cost carriers commencing operations at the airport, Danish travelers were given greater value for money and were able to choose from a greater number of destinations.
Investment designed to improve the amenity and efficiency of Copenhagen Airport saw it recognised by passengers and airlines as the best airport in Northern Europe6. The airport was also recognised as Europe’s most efficient airport 12 times in 14 years7.
Our insights
All information current as at October 2019.
1. Based on annual passenger numbers, Group Annual Report 2017, Copenhagen Airports A/S
2. Group Annual Report 2005, Copenhagen Airports A/S
3. Based on annual passenger numbers of 20 million in 2005 and 29 million in 2017, Group Annual Report 2005 / 2017, Copenhagen Airports A/S
4. Based on number of full-time equivalent Copenhagen Airport employees of 1,652 in 2005 and 2,573 in 2017, Group Annual Report 2005 / 2017, Copenhagen Airports A/S
5. Group Annual Report 2017, Copenhagen Airports A/S
6. Best Airports in Northern Europe 2017, World Airport Awards 2017, Skytrax