Terminal 2, with an annual passenger handling capacity of 25 million, is a joint project of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and…
Terminal 2, with an annual passenger handling capacity of 25 million, is a joint project of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Munich Airport. The two companies are sharing entrepreneurial responsibility for the construction and operation of the terminal. The new terminal, designed by the Munich architects Koch + Partner, is tailored to meet the needs of the Lufthansa hub concept, and will be used exclusively by the German airline with the distinctive crane logo and its partners inside and outside the Star Alliance.
Construction work on the Terminal 2 site at Munich Airport has meanwhile finished. Approximately 2,000 workers from more than 50 companies have been working around the clock, with some firms running three shifts. The polished granite floors are covering a total area of 100,000 square meters.
Installation of technical equipment – from electrical wiring and cables conduits to the installation of the air conditioning and ventilation equipment – has been completed. 90 kilometres of cable conduits, 25 kilometres of drainage pipes and 40 kilometres of piping for the sprinkler system will be laid. Placed end to end, the ventilation ducts alone would reach a total length of 150 kilometres.
Twenty-six moving sidewalks, 71 escalators and 61 elevators are in place. Also in position and ready for use is the Skywalk, a glass tube rising diagonally through the terminal building to the visitors` viewing platform on the roof. To place the new terminal in the most advantageous light, a total of 50,000 lighting fixtures have been put in place. Most of them are installed in the ceilings over the coming months. 124 check-in facilities are in place.
The baggage conveyors extend over an area of approximately 50,000 square meters on two levels. The conveyors have a total length of 40 kilometres. A total of 19,000 electric motors are being installed to drive them. 24 passenger gangways directly linked to the terminal building have been constructed. The fixed sections of these connecting bridges, which will permit fast and comfortable access to aircraft are completed.
The shell of the baggage sorting facility on the airport`s future eastern apron is under testing. This facility is designed for future expansion into a satellite unit if required. The second 46-meter-high tower will give the apron controllers a complete overview of the eastern apron to monitor and control all taxiing traffic.
On the eastern apron – the so-called Ramp 2 – 18 parking positions for aircraft have been in use since the fall of last year. They are now used mainly for parking short-haul aircraft during peak periods.
Since construction work began, 341 contracts have been awarded with a total volume of €853 million. Bavarian companies or working partnerships with Bavarian participants have received 248 contracts accounting for 88 percent of the total. Mid-sized companies or working partnerships including companies in that category have received 272 contracts, or 80 percent of the total, so that these companies have played a major role in the construction of the new terminal.
Overall costs of the new terminal along with all infrastructure measures are projected at approximately €1.3 billion. Terminal 2 at Munich Airport is scheduled to be fully operational the end of June 2003.
Terminal 2 sets international standards in passenger-friendliness
Like no other terminal, the new airport building is specially geared to satisfying the requirements of transfer passengers. Transfers will be particularly fast and convenient at the new airport terminal: With a minimum transfer time of 30 minutes a new record will be set for Europe.
At the central points of the pier, in addition, seven service centers will be equipped with a total of 44 desks. There, trained Lufthansa staff will be available to deal with all the passengers` questions about their flights. Anyone travelling with Lufthansa or its partner airlines in the First or Business Class, or is a Senator of Lufthansa, will be provided with a special service in future. Already on the approach to the terminal, all-year-round the passenger will be able to use an own check in area. The total of ten so-called Curbside Counters have a direct and thus rapid link with the baggage system. First Class passengers then gain access to the terminal via a separate entrance. From there, it is only a few steps to the security check and the lounges. With the opening of the new airport terminal, for the first time First Class passengers will have their own check-in area with direct access to a separate security gate. Special check-in and ticketing areas as well as security checks for Business Class passengers round off the range of services.
Anyone who wants to work or simply relax will now find Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges on every departure level. With space totalling 3,110 square meters, the passenger will be provided with almost twice as much space as that previously available in Terminal 1. A new design and furnishing concept conveys a cosy setting, pools of water and muted lighting provide a peaceful atmosphere. For the first time at Munich Airport there will also be quiet and conference rooms in the Senator lounges. The four lounges will also include a television zone, a bistro and an exclusive sanitary and shower area. The work zone with desks and mains connections, fax and copying machines will act as the second office. Owners of laptop computers which are equipped with a Wireless LAN card, will have wireless and uncomplicated access to the Internet.
Terminal 2 to attract shoppers and diners with quality and diversity
Munich Airport`s new Terminal 2 will have a lot more on offer than just take offs and landings. With a total of 110 retail and restaurant units extending over three levels, the new terminal building is lavishly endowed in the so-called non-aviation sector, both in terms of quantity and variety.
Merchants and restauranteurs have already snapped up 95 percent of the 18,000 square meters of available rental space. The diversity among the many stores and eateries aptly reflects Munich Airport/s international hub status as well as the strong ties to its Bavarian roots. Terminal 2 will be home to high-profile international brands as well as long-established Bavarian companies. And as a valuable byproduct, Munich Airport`s new shopping and dining oasis will generate up to 800 new jobs.
Within a space of approximately 1,600 square meters, guests can choose between the airport`s version of Munich`s renowned Hofbrauhaus, Asian specialties like those offered at Koffler`s successful Mongostin restaurant in Munich and the self-service concept of the Market Kitchen. Level 04, which houses most check-in facilities along with the central passenger security checkpoints, will be used for all departures to so-called Schengen destinations. Before passing through security gates, passengers will have access to more retail outlets such as the Sky Shop operated by Lufthansa, a bakery (Muller Brot), a press outlet, an outdoor store (Timberland), confectionary shops (Leysieffer, Reber, Lindt), a fashion boutique (Sisley) and a Bavarian / German souvenir store (Buyern). Making its debut on Munich Airport`s retail scene is the Beate Uhse erotic boutique.
Passengers will reach the actual `marketplace` after clearing the security checkpoints. Shopping opportunities awaiting them in the non-public area include numerous renowned fashion retailers (Rene Lezard, Hermes, MaxMara, Marc O`Polo, Boss, Zegna, Escada, Aigner, Bvlgari, Ferragamo, Benneton and Bogner). Other offerings include lingerie (LaPerla), accessories (Tie Rack), leather goods (Bric`s), jewelry (Swarovski, Gautam), watches (Look), designer eyeglasses (Schonweitz) and a newsstand. Also in plentiful supply are articles sold under the time-tested `travel value` concept. Another undisputed attraction for Shengen travellers is the first-ever BMW-Lifestyle Flagship Store with replica cars, clothing, accessories and other non-motorized BMW merchandise. This area is particularly appealing for Munich/s smaller passengers: in addition to a children`s fashions boutique (Benetton) and a toy store (Spiel + Freizeit), there are two large play areas equipped by the Lego Company.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
