Work is underway at George Best Belfast City Airport to reconfigure the front of house area resulting in improved access to the terminal for passengers using taxi and bus services.
This latest phase of work is a continuation of the infrastructure investment announced last year, aimed at enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Mark Beattie, Operations Director at Belfast City Airport, said:
“Since completing upgrades within the terminal last year, our attentions have now turned to the exterior front of house area.
“A covered walkway has already been completed connecting our Premier Car Park to the main terminal, only a two minute walk away.
“This current phase of works will significantly extend the size of the Value Cabs rank at the front of terminal with separate areas for account and walk-up passengers. The bus halt will be relocated at front of terminal to ensure accessibility to the terminal and covered walkway.”
Value Cabs has been the airport’s preferred taxi provider since 2013 with the contract recently renewed for three years with the option to extend to a further two.
Christopher McCausland, Managing Director from Value Cabs said:
“With 2.5m passengers using the terminal each year, our relationship with Belfast City Airport is key to the development and growth of our own business.
“As the preferred taxi supplier with exclusive front of house access, Value Cabs provides the most convenient service for customers at Belfast City Airport.
“The reconfiguration of this area will further improve the pickup service we offer to passengers with capacity for additional vehicles.”
Works completed within the terminal last year include: a reconfiguration of the Departure Lounge, resulting in a 30% increase in retail space; a 25% increase in the food and beverage offering; 100% more customer seating for passengers; refurbished washroom facilities; and a significant upgrade to the Security Area, resulting in an average passenger processing time of just six minutes.
The Belfast City Airport Fire Service has also taken delivery of the first of three new fire tenders, each representing an investment in the region of £1 million.
Mr Beattie continued:
“At Belfast City Airport, we are committed to delivering an enjoyable, stress-free experience for all our passengers, and further improving that experience has been the focus of this ongoing infrastructural investment.
“Feedback so far has been excellent, particularly around the efficiency of our refurbished Security Area and the increased range of toiletry, cosmetic and electrical products in our larger WH Smith and World Duty Free units.
“Belfast City Airport was recently announced as the UK’s Most Punctual Airport, based on an analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data, and named the Most Convenient Airport in the UK and Ireland in a study by the Telegraph.
“These are just some of the reasons why passengers choose to travel from Belfast City Airport, and our ongoing investment into our facilities will ensure we can continue to provide a reliable service that exceeds the expectations of our passengers.”
Lisburn based Earney Contracts has been appointed to carry out the front of house works, which are expected to complete by the end of the month.