“FRA will be taking a quantum leap forward with some 10,000 square meters of additional retail space in the terminals,” emphasized Schulte. “Furthermore, the opening of Pier A-Plus will noticeably increase the attractiveness of Germany’s most important air transportation gateway. Pier A-Plus – which features high-quality materials, an atrium diffused by natural light, and spacious interior design, will set new design standards for terminal construction that Fraport will also utilize for the planning of the future Terminal 3,” he explained.

Thanks to the additional retail space – concentrated in the “airside” area of the pier – Fraport is expecting a surge in business for its Retail and Real Estate segment. Fraport’s retail revenue is expected to climb from €3.00 to about €4.00 per passenger, with Pier A-Plus contributing significantly to the realization of this goal.

In addition, Pier A-Plus will create important new terminal capacity for up to six million passengers per year when it is inaugurated next year. “This terminal expansion is particularly important because we will be inaugurating FRA’s new Runway Northwest at the start of the Winter 2011/12 Timetable. This means that the number of aircraft movements will climb to about 90 per hour,” explained Schulte.

Pier A-Plus is the first terminal area at FRA that, from the outset, integrally incorporates retailing requirements in the planning and construction. Schulte stressed that attractive marketplaces, bars and bistros with a view of the terminal ramp, and airline lounges have all been optimally planned into the efficient passenger and transfer process: “Quality time spent in the terminal as well as the attractiveness and diversity of airport offerings are increasingly important factors for passengers when they consciously choose which airport to use – especially when it comes to transfer passengers, who represent more than half of our traffic at FRA.” We must provide optimum care and facilities for our passengers. Furthermore, it is vital to offer a unique travel experience that differentiates Frankfurt from other airport competitors. We believe that our new range of offerings will achieve this.”

Among the new concessionaires coming to Pier A-Plus are Wempe and Engelhorn, two popular tradition-rich German retailers. Wempe, one of the 10 largest jewelers in the world,

will be opening its first store at an airport. Englehorn, a family-run fashion department store based in Mannheim near Frankfurt, will be offering its exclusive range of fashion products. The renowned British brand Mulberry will be opening its first store in Germany at the new mega pier. Other international brands coming to Pier A-Plus with their own boutiques include Hermes, Montblanc, and Porsche Design.

To satisfy the gastronomic tastes of travelers, food and beverage concessionaires in the “Schengen” area of the pier will include Bistro Hausmann, COA offering the best of East Asia cuisine, and the Frankfurt Wirstshaus. In the “Non-Schengen” area, traditional German food will be served up at the Marktwirt, while Lucullus Nero will offer original Italian gourmet specialties. Passengers can relax in the elegant Reingold classic wine and cocktail bar. Foreign exchange and other financial services will be available at the Reisebank. Duty Free and Travel Value will get a completely new design concept in Pier A-Plus, too. For the first time at Frankfurt, passengers entering the pier will go directly through the spaciously designed shops on their way to the gates. Fraport’s implementation of this new walk-through concept will be “inviting and discreet” but not “overpowering”.