Cardiff Airport, the international airport serving Cardiff and the rest of South, Mid and West Wales, has announced plans for a series of improvements to the terminal building, aimed at creating a better setting and enhancing the overall customer experience.
The move follows a Government loan to the Welsh government-owned airport. The improvements, which will be carried out over the winter months, are scheduled to be completed by next summer, the airport’s busiest time.
A series of initiatives are being launched, or are already underway, to improve the customer journey and raise standards in line with the services and facilities for modern international airports. The first phase of the developments to be undertaken before summer next year includes:
A new, expanded security area to accommodate new technology and more passengers, more swiftly
Installation of advanced technology in the terminal building
A new taxi booking and reception facility in arrivals
Changes to drop off and pick up areas
Refurbishment and redecoration of facilities.
Jon Horne, Cardiff Airport’s chief executive, said: ‘Progress is still about growing the number of flights and destinations and ensuring the airport is easy to get to; making the airport a more pleasant and enjoyable experience is also now in hand. We’ve listened to what the people of Wales want from their Airport and we’ve been working to deliver this and drive standards up.’
Mr Horne added: ‘One aspect our customers have asked us to improve is the process for dropping off and picking people up from the Airport. From spring 2014 with the use of new technology, it will be a lot easier- and free of charge.’
The Chairman of Cardiff Airport, Lord Rowe-Beddoe, said: ‘There is a genuine desire among business and leisure travellers alike to see Cardiff Airport grow and thrive. Importantly, we have halted the decline in passengers of previous years and achieved growth of 9 percent year-on-year during the summer. There is more to be done and we are pleased that our plans are now being implemented.’
