“Fraport AG is very pleased to have Ljubljana Airport (LJU) join as the newest member of our family of airports,” said Anke Giesen, executive board member and COO of the Frankfurt-based global airport management company. “We are proud to have been selected as the winning bidder against strong international competition,” added Giesen. Thanks to geography, its modern infrastructure, and a great team, this aviation gateway to Slovenia and the surrounding region is well placed to play an even greater role in future. “Our unique partnership with Aerodrom Ljubljana is a win-win situation for travelers, for tourism and for the Slovenian economy overall,” she stated.
In September 2014, Fraport acquired 75.5 percent of Ljubljana’s airport operating company from the state-owned Slovenian Sovereign Holding. Under the privatization process, Fraport has subsequently purchased the remaining stake held by small private shareholders. With this process essentially completed, Fraport and Aerodrom Ljubljana are focusing on detailed planning for the future. “Fraport and Aerodrome Ljubljana already have a close and creative relationship,” she stressed.
Giesen concluded by applauding the cooperation between Fraport and the Slovenian partners gathered here today at the world’s largest travel exhibition: “We are convinced of the great potential of Gateway Ljubljana and Destination Slovenia for international tourism and for Slovenia. And we would like all visitors to consider ‘I feel Slovenia’ not simply as a slogan but as a feeling that they take home when they fly from Ljubljana.”
Serving as Slovenia’s flagship airport, Ljubljana Airport offers both passenger and cargo services to a growing network of cities. Ljubljana Airport welcomed 1.3 million passengers in 2014, up 3.1 percent year-on-year. The Aerodrom Ljubljana airport operating company has successfully positioned Ljubljana Airport as a regional hub offering extensive regional coverage to Slovenia and neighbouring countries such as Austria, Croatia and Italy. Underscoring the role of LJU as a gateway to Slovenia and the surrounding region, Aerodrom Ljubljana’s CEO Zmago Skobir stated: “Indeed, many people perceive this to be LJU’s key competitive advantage. Furthermore, our airport is congestion free with modern, recently refurbished infrastructure – as well as ample capacity and significant development potential to offer customers in the future:”
With a balanced mix of routes and airlines – including members of all three global airline alliances represented – LJU is connected to Europe’s major hubs and many European capitals. Ljubljana Airport is also the home base and headquarters of Slovenia’s Adria Airways. Preliminary figures for the upcoming 2015 summer timetable show that LJU will be served by nine scheduled airlines flying to 27 direct destinations as well as more than 20 charter destinations.
“As a competitive and strategic point of entry to the Alpe-Adria region, we ensure connectivity and mobility for Slovenians and a growing number of international visitors. In short, we are a vital partner in supporting and developing Slovenian tourism and the regional economy,” added Skobir. Having recently joined the Fraport Group, Ljubljana Airport now has even greater support and potential to boost traffic and competitiveness. Fraport’s approach for running airports is to enhance the passenger experience and convenience. “Thus,” Skobir explained, “the goal is to make Ljubljana the leading airport in this part of Europe – in terms of attractiveness, hospitality, and quality of service for our customers.”
