Airport traffic, and diversity in commercial activities offered by BHCIA are the basis for the increase in estimates. "During the summer season alone, there will be a 50 percent increase in airport traffic, of which 20 percent represents low-cost flights, temporarily relocated from Baneasa [Airport], and the remaining 30 percent regular flights and new companies on the market," added Iordache. A significant contribution to the airport's revenue is that of non-air activities, such as rental of commercial space and newly-opened restaurants.
BHCIA - Otopeni registered net profit for 2006 of €25.3 million (RON 79.5 million), 85.15 percent higher than the previous year. The company has planned development and modernization work worth €100,000 in 2007. Feasibility studies for a strategic airport infrastructure development program are also on schedule.
The company's development strategy includes the building of a new 350,000 square meter terminal (four modules for 5 million passengers each), with approximately 80 gates, of which 40 will have boarding bridges. Five kilometers of runways will connect the new facilities to the two airstrips and other airport infrastructure capacities. Parking lots and roads are also a priority in the BHCIA's development program.
In the May 10 to July 31 period, low-cost flights usually operated from Baneasa Airport will fly in and out of BHCIA - Otopeni, as the latter airport is subject to runway repair work. Last summer planes took off every 9 minutes, while this season the take-off rate is down to seven minutes.
