Domodedovo International Airport maintained steady growth in 2003

In comparison with 2002 total passenger traffic volume in Domodedovo International Airport increased by 40,3% in 2003 and summed up to 9.4 million passengers (6.7 million in 2002). According to the State Service of Civil Aviation in 2003 passenger traffic volume in Russia witnessed a growth of 11%.
Airline Business - the prominent international publication - named Domodedovo's passenger traffic dynamics the best among top 150 airports in the world.
Maximum passenger traffic growth was registered on international routes. More than 3 million passengers were carried on non-CIS destinations, which exceeds 2002 results by 70%. Passenger traffic to CIS destinations increased by 37% and summed up to approximately 1.4 million passengers.
Domestic traffic showed a 28% increase - more than 5 million passengers in 2003. As in 2002 Domodedovo maintained leading positions among Moscow's airports - its share in the total domestic transportation volume of the Russian capital is 48%.
In 2003 passenger traffic on international charter flights increased by 70%. Apart from traditional holiday destinations such as Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and Tunisia Domodedovo serviced flights to Abu-Dabi, Geneva, Salzburg, Lisbon, Verona, Malaga and other destinations. For example, in 2003 Domodedovo's New Year charter programme offered twice as more routes than in 2002. In total there were 62 charter destinations, 27 of which were newly introduced.
One of the most important events of 2003 was the completion by the EAST LINE Group of the reconstruction of the airport's passenger terminal.
The reconstruction resulted in the considerable increase in the quality and quantity of the terminal's services. The passenger capacity of the airport reached 6,000 passengers per hour: 3,200 on domestic flights and 2,800 on international flights.
One of the main highlights of the reconstruction was the implementation of the latest technologies that provided efficient services for passengers and airlines. The task of providing comfortable conditions for servicing all types of passengers, including children and disabled passengers, was successfully achieved.
Business lounges for passengers travelling to international destinations were opened by British Airways and Transaero, a Russian carrier.
The reconstruction of the terminal allowed to implement passenger transfer schemes, which resulted in minimum flight connection time and automated baggage handling.
The terminal in Domodedovo is the only terminal in Russia that is ISO 9001:2000 certified - proof of the high quality of Domodedovo's services.
Another sign of recognition of the airport's achievements is the active co-operation with Western airlines. In 2003 Domodedovo attracted such carriers as British Airways, Emirates, Germania, Karthago Airlines and Vietnam Al. The airport's flight geography was enhanced by the arrival of carriers from such CIS countries as Georgia, Moldova and Azerbaijan. In 2003 passenger traffic on scheduled flights increased by 32% and summed up to approximately 5.2 million.
Domodedovo's city terminal in the Paveletskiy train station and the Aeroexpress high speed train continued operations in 2003. This year Aeroexpress transported approximately 1.9 million passengers, the number of passenger check-ins in the Paveletskiy station reached 245,000.
These achievements were the result of the pro-active investment policy carried out by the EAST LINE Group, the managing company of the airport.
Development prospects
Domodedovo International Airport development programme
In the beginning of 2004 EAST LINE Group began the implementation of the airport's 2020 long-term development programme.
Domodedovo's development envisages further enhancement of the airport's infrastructure, the capacity increase of all facilities and the construction of ground transport infrastructure and multi-level parking lots.
One of the main objectives of the programme is the gradual introduction of three new passenger terminals by 2020. Each terminal will increase the airport's passenger capacity by 8 million passengers per year.
According to estimations, in 10 years Domodedovo's passenger traffic volume will reach 24-28 million passengers and top 30 million in 2020.
Passenger Terminal
Although Domodedovo's passenger terminal is considered to be the most advanced in Russia its infrastructure will be enhanced and developed.
In 2004-2005 the plan of gradual enlargement of the terminal will be implemented. The terminal's area will be enlarged as well as passenger galleries, departure areas and baggage storerooms.
2004 will see the construction of a new 1,000 car parking lot next to the terminal and the enlargement of the capacity of existing parking lots to 1,000 cars.
Airfield
One of the priorities is the development of the airfield's technical facilities - reaching ICAO category 3 level.
Maintenance and repair centre and EAST LINE Technik
EAST LINE Technik - established on the basis of Domodedovo's maintenance and repair centre - received JAR-145 certification, which allows to service Boeing 737/300, 400, 500, 700, 800, Boeing 757/200 and Boeing-767/200, 300 aircraft.
The objective for the nearest future is to widen the array of serviced aircraft. JAR -145 certification for servicing the A-320 aircraft family is planned in early 2004.
The development of the technical base of the centre is also planned. It envisages the enlargement and modernisation of the centre's hangar, the construction of a new 11,000 sq. metre hangar and the acquisition of equipment required for servicing Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Cargo terminal
The long-term development programme envisages further development of the cargo terminal in compliance with the latest technology in cargo transportation and handling. Currently the level of technology, IT and management of the cargo terminal is up to global standards.
In line with cargo traffic growth estimations the construction of the third facility of the cargo terminal will be carried out. This 10,000 sq. metre facility will be capable of handling 150,000-180,000 tons of cargo annually.
A conference hall will be constructed in the framework of the customer relations programme. The conference hall will host training seminars for the representatives of cargo agents, regional carriers, cargo services from Russian and CIS airports. The conference hall will also be venue for courses on transporting and handling special cargo, seminars on customs regulations and business meetings.
Domodedovo Air Service
In 2004 Domodedovo Air Service plans to double the production capacity, allowing to produce up to 70,000 hot rations per day by 2005.
The realisation of these plans will allow to transform Domodedovo into the largest hub in Eastern Europe, a hub that will integrate air traffic between Europe and the Asian Pacific region.