MIA presents its investments plans estimated at €78 million

Malta International Airport will invest €78 million into the Maltese economy, MIA CEO Alan Borg told a press conference today.

MIA’s investment plans include €9.8million in capital expenditure for 2016, plans for a €28 million Terminal Expansion and an estimated €40 million on SkyParks 2.

Meanwhile, the airport is expecting a record 4.6 million passengers in 2015, according to end of year projections.

“As we achieve year on year growth, we are encouraged to keep investing in our airport and consistently seek to offer our guests the best airport experience in Europe. 2015 marked the most ambitious capital expenditure the airport had ever seen since the 2008 terminal expansion. In 2016 we’re going even further, with a €9.8 million investment in our airport,” said Mr Borg.

The airfield alone will see a €6.3 million investment next year, through the rehabilitation of Apron 9, upgrades on Runway 23-05, and the replacement of the ILS (instrument landing system), which provides pilots with guidance during an approach to land. MIA will also be installing a new state-of the art AODB (Airport Operational Data Base) system, which is essentially the airport’s information centre. Meanwhile, terminal embellishments will include the continuation of the refurbishment of all its washrooms and lifts replaced.

During the press conference, Mr Borg also unveiled plans to expand the terminal further, in a separate project that forms part of MIA’s ambitious plans for 2016. Phase 1 is an €8 million project which includes an increase in the number of check-in desks and the relocation of the security screening area. This move will see the security area double its footprint to 700 square metres. Phase 2 will entail the construction of an extension of the Check-In Hall and the Departures area, estimated at €20 million. This expansion will allow for further check-in desks and gates, adding circulation and seating space across both areas.

Mr Borg also highlighted the importance of investing in Malta International Airport’s non-aviation segment. He said SkyParks Business Centre had proven to be a success, with all of its office space and service tenants filled and performing well. Mr Borg added that the company was now actively working on the development of SkyParks 2, a project which would mean an investment of approximately €40 million. Whilst showcasing future plans of the area, Mr Borg explained that SkyParks 2 will be set on a footprint of 4,000 square metres, and is intended to house office space for 1,700 employees as well as a business hotel.

The Minister for Tourism Dr Edward Zammit Lewis commended MIA’s consistent investment directed towards continuously improving the quality of both the service provided as well as their extensive facilities and thanked the Board of Directors, the CEO, Management and all the staff at MIA for their invaluable work. The Minister finally emphasized that the ongoing maintenance of the airport infrastructure has been also accompanied by a continuous review of the airport’s offer, as well as the upgrading of the infrastructure required for general aviation services.

In 2015, MIA invested a total of €8 million across the expansion of the non-Schengen area and new generator sets, while investing significantly in its security infrastructure. Further investments were also made on the airfield, with the upgrading of Taxiway Charlie and the new Emergency Operations Centre. Furthermore it has embellished retail spaces both landside and airside, whilst also having just re-opened the doors of its new food court.