More than 43 million passengers (+6%) passed though Aeroporti di Roma’s Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA) airports in 2014. Near enough 39 million of those journeyed through Fiumicino, 27 million of which were international travellers. Much of this success was built on the staples of a good growth strategy; new carriers and new destinations increasing the pulling power of the airport. Vueling, for example, significantly increased its presence at FCO. Establishing the airport as a second hub, Vueling has grown in the last two years to 55 connections.

And though European traffic remains FCO’s bread and butter, few world cities remain out of reach of the Italian capital. New Delhi (Air India) was a fresh addition to the portfolio while frequencies were increased to Shanghai (China Eastern), Dubai (Emirates), New York (Delta), Montreal (Air Canada). The new-look Alitalia also promises much and has already improved Brazilian traffic. Moreover, it has added new flights to Germany and boosted its domestic services to maximise the role of FCO as its primary hub. In all, over 100 airlines operate regular flights from Rome Fiumicino, serving some 200 destinations across the world. Adding nearly 30 Italian connections to the mix confirms FCO as a strong European hub.

Grounded thinking

Typically, FCO has added a touch of Italian flair to the mix, however. In December 2014, the airport introduced a new intermodal product that looks certain to make 2015 an even greater success. Working with the Italian main train operator, Trenitalia, FCO has launched a high-speed rail service that connects the airport not only to downtown but also directly to the important cities of Florence, Bologna, and Venice. Milan and Naples will join the network in the near future. “The integration of the two transport systems – air and rail – is a first for Italy and will confirm Fiumicino as the country’s hub,” says the airport’s Diego Giannone, route manager, domestic and feeding hub. “Customers from major cities can reach FCO within a few hours and use Rome to connect to intercontinental destinations rather than go through other European airports, such as Frankfurt and Paris CDG.”

It is not just about easy connections. Aeroporti di Roma (AdR) and Trenitalia are building an integrated product. The Rail & Fly programme has already been adopted by a host of airlines from Emirates to Air Transat and further development of the service is planned. In the near future, a passenger will get a unique reservation code that allows access to the rail network. But this simple step has enormous benefits. At Venice, for instance, the passenger will check-in at the rail station and once at FCO can proceed directly through security to boarding.

Finally all rail passengers are offered special conditions to use the “fast track” services at FCO Terminal 3, as well as VIP Lounges. Dedicated staff is on hand throughout the journey to provide assistance. “The launch of high speed rail in FCO is a good result not only for the airport but also for the entire Italian transportation system,” says Marco Gobbi, route manager, Americas & Africa. “A lot of work is still in front of us as we are just beginning this important integration. The aim is to attract new long-haul operators and enhance existing service by building on the potential of a greater overall Italian catchment area.”

Building the future

With this in mind, AdR is actively working on a new master plan, which will better enable the airport to cope with expected demand in the future. By the end of 2016, it is expected that an extension of Terminal 3 will be completed, adding about 90,000m2, two boarding areas and a brand new state-of-the-art commercial centre. New baggage systems will complement the refit and establish FCO as a hub of international quality. Shiny new infrastructure may bring its reward in shiny new services. Main long-haul markets like Latin America and North America look certain to be enhanced. And new services to the Far East – South Korea and China in particular – are being constantly explored. The results of this important work are clear to see in the 2015 summer schedule, such as the opening of a new direct connection to Chongqing by Hainan Airlines and an increase in direct frequencies to Seoul with the entrance of both Alitalia and Asiana on the route.

The main aim is to enhance connectivity by improving the number of direct connections to long-haul destinations. At the same time, Rome will continue to nurture the strong traffic flows from Europe and look to further exploit them. With Rome’s approximately three million inhabitants and per-capita income higher than the Italian average, FCO has all the basics in place for a successful business. The addition of the intermodal product and revamped infrastructure adds to the Roman allure. The gateway to the Mediterranean is not being built in a day but seems sure to secure a long-term future.