New low-cost pier to attract more visitors to Copenhagen

Thanks to low-cost carriers, the people of Denmark and southern Sweden have had more departures to choose from when travelling out of Copenhagen Airport to a large number of European destinations. Before long, the CPH Swift concept will provide low-cost airlines and their passengers with new facilities that have been tailored to low-cost carrier needs.

Construction began in late 2009 and on Thursday, 25 March 2010, Copenhagen Airport held the topping-out ceremony for the new low-cost pier, celebrating also that the new facilities will be in operation in just over six months' time. The event was attended by architects, contractors, craftsmen, politicians and the press, as well as CPH staff and management.

"The airline industry is changing and passengers are changing their travel habits. The European low-cost market has expanded strongly in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue. If we want our share of growth, we must satisfy market expectations and offer the products demanded by our customers. That's why with CPH Swift, we're building a simple and efficient concept that meets low-cost carriers' requirements and demands," said Brian Petersen, President and CEO of Copenhagen Airports.

DKK 200 million plus investment

CPH is investing more than DKK 200 million in CPH Swift, making it one of the largest and most remarkable innovations at CPH since Terminal 3 was built in the late 1990s. The low-cost pier and its related facilities are designed specifically for efficiency and to give the airlines new growth opportunities.

"It is essential for the region that we attract more passengers to Copenhagen. In CPH Swift, we create a platform for more low-cost traffic, and it will attract visitors that would not otherwise come to Copenhagen. It will benefit tourism, business and employment in the Øresund region," said Brian Petersen.

Capacity for 6 million passengers

The new building will have six new gates and cover an area of 6,700 sq.m. and will be connected to the existing Pier D through a 2,400 sq.m. walkway. This means that six existing stands currently served by bus will now be connected to the existing terminals. In other words, CPH Swift will enable Copenhagen Airport to better utilise its existing capacity.

Initially, CPH Swift will have an annual capacity of six million passengers, and Copenhagen Airport will be able to almost double the capacity by making use of an additional five stands. All airlines meeting the user requirements such as a maximum turnaround time of 30 minutes will be able to use the new low-cost pier.

CPH SWIFT was designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, the company that also designed Copenhagen Airport's Terminals 2 and 3 as well as the first terminal constructed in 1939. The turnkey contractor on the project is Brødrene A. & B. Andersen A/S.