Budapest Airport attends 2011 World Route Development Forum.

Thursday 29th September 2011

Sponsors World Route Development Strategy Summit.

For the 10th consecutive year Budapest Airport will be participating at the 17th World Route Development Forum in Berlin from 2-4 October, with an attractive stand to communicate the airport's fresh new brand and the benefits of the airport and Hungary.

In addition, this year Budapest Airport is sponsoring the World Route Development Strategy, with CEO Jost Lammers taking part in the panel discussion, "The power of airport developments on local and country economies" and Christa Soltau, VP Cargo & Logistics will participate on the panel of speakers for "Air Cargo Routes Stream".

World Routes is a key industry event enabling airlines, airports and tourism authorities to find out about new market developments and get up to speed on up and coming destinations. Delegates enjoy a busy schedule of meeting and profile-raising opportunities enabling them to build relationships and develop route networks.

"We have been delighted to introduce some key new routes this year," said Jost Lammers. "More slots were requested at Budapest Airport for summer 2011 than ever before and the continued growth in passenger numbers underlines the need to maintain the ongoing development and investment programme at the airport.

The recent opening of bud:skycourt has significantly increased the capacity of Terminal 2 to 8.5 million passengers per year. Further developments are proposed which will ultimately mean passenger traffic at the airport will be capable of reaching up to 20 million per year. We are very excited about these developments and are actively seeking to develop our route network, with our wish-list including white spots in Europe such as the South of France and long haul destinations in North-America and Asia.

In 2010 the airport handled almost 8.2 million passengers through scheduled, charter and general aviation services and with the rapid expansion of its route network, the airport if well on track to become the most successful airport in Central and Eastern Europe.During 2011 Budapest Airport has expanded and improved its facilities and route network.

Ideally located within two hours' flying time of almost all major European destinations, Budapest Airport serves 91 destinations in 40 countries, operated by 33 airlines.In addition to its existing strong European route network and flights to Beijing, new for 2011 the airport has introduced direct flights to the Middle East by Qatar Airways, flights to New York by American Airlines, flights to the Latvian capital of Riga with airBaltic and jet2.com has commenced a new route to Edinburgh.

Budapest Airport caters for both traditional and low-cost airlines. Terminal 1 is dedicated exclusively to low-cost carriers (with a convenient 30-minute train transfer to downtown Budapest) with Terminal 2 devoted entirely to the traditional carriers.

Terminal 2 has benefited from significantly increased capacity, with the opening, in March 2011, of bud:skycourt - a brand new, modern and stylish home for the airport's full service carriers. With its contemporary architectural solutions and breathtaking live views of the airport's apron, bud:skycourt offers an unrivalled travelling experience for passengers and has doubled the commercial area linking terminals 2a and 2b, providing a wide range of retail outlets, international brands and greatly improved dining options for travellers.

In September Budapest Airport became the first European airport to open a MasterCard lounge. The branded lounge, together with a new priority lane for frequent flier card-holders and premium passengers, further demonstrates Budapest Airport's determination to become the best hub in Central and Eastern Europe.

Attendees at Routes are invited to a welcome reception at 15:30 on Sunday 2nd October on theBudapest Airport stand where traditional Hungarian food and drink will be served.

About Budapest Airport:

Budapest Airport Plc., the operator of Ferenc Liszt International Airport is owned by a consortium of German (KfW IPEX-Bank 4%) Canadian (Caisse de depôt et placement de Québec 18,17%), American (Aero Investment S.a.r.l. 10 %) and Singaporean (Malton Investments Pte Ltd. 18,17%) investors led by HOCHTIEF AirPort GmbH (49,67%). Currently, the two terminals of the airport are home to 32 airlines, which transported nearly 8.2 million passengers to more than 92 destinations in 40 countries in 2010.

Through its BUD Future project Budapest Airport aims to be the aviation hub of the CEE region. Leading projects include:

SkyCourt - a new centrally located building which formally opened on 27 March 2011, and links the existing terminals 2a and 2b. The contemporary glass structure offers an impressive view of the apron and aims to provide passengers with a unique travel experience.

Cargo City - New on-airport cargo facilities will feature 140.000sqm of cargo and logistics terminals designed for airlines, handlers and integrators.

Budapest Airport incorporates two terminals. Terminal 1 is a dedicated low cost carrier terminal and Terminal 2 services the traditional carriers. The airport is also the base for Malev, Hungary's national airline and part of the One World alliance and is home to a further 32 airlines, serving over 92 destinations which represents 40 countries worldwide.

www.bud.hu