Following news this summer of a further 2.2 billion Euros funding being made available for Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s new terminal’s construction, Germany’s airports are largely optimistic for the future. Here's the view of Simon Miller, senior manager, aviation marketing operations, Berlin Airports.

Q) Where are your key opportunities for route development?
A) Berlin is well connected with only a few gaps in Europe so we need more increased frequencies there alongside more non-stop, long-haul flights. airberlin starts operating to Los Angeles and San Francisco in 2017, raising the number of US destinations to five while opportunities exist in Canada, Brazil, southern Africa and Asia. We have introduced a new incentive scheme for all airlines connecting new destinations with Berlin.

Q) How much is your airport focusing on new routes in Asia?
A) Due to our geographic location the focus is very much on Asia and possible direct-service destinations are Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Bangkok and Vietnam. These destinations show high indirect demand and Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong have a high business travel share. There is currently no direct flight to south-east Asia from Berlin and Middle Eastern competition is limited.

Q) What do you think are the key issues facing the German aviation market?
A) This year we expect more than 31 million arriving and departing passengers at our airports in Berlin. Capacity is a key challenge as it is hard to keep up with the growth but we have accommodated all received flight requests while expansion projects are increasing capacity. Another issue is the limited traffic rights between China and Germany that currently don’t allow for additional services by Chinese carriers despite demand.

Q) If Brexit ever happens, how will it impact European aviation?
A) The main carrier in Berlin affected by Brexit is easyJet. Some 4.5 million passengers used one of its flights in 2015 and 10 aircraft are based at Berlin Schönefeld Airport after 12 years’ presence. It is our hope that the UK is able to negotiate a similar deal with the EU allowing easyJet to continue its successful operation in Berlin by taking advantage of the single European airspace.

This article is modified from an original feature that appeared in... ROUTES NEWS - ISSUE 6, 2016 PLEASE CLICK HERE to view the magazine.