Airport News

Airport News

Aeroports de Paris has unveiled its new AC connecting building that will connect Terminals 2A and 2C at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and will enhance the passenger experience by speeding up transfer times between the two buildings.

ADP deputy CEO François Rubichon officially opened the 16,600m2 building on Wednesday (11 April), stating that it showcases the future of Charles de Gaulle Airport. “We wanted to make the connecting building between Terminals 2A and 2C into a premium showcase for Aéroports de Paris’ know-how, and show people what the future looks like for Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport,” Rubichon explained.

"We deliberately opted for a daring architecture, which now offers a brand new shopping space with leading Parisian brand names. Our ambition is to give our passengers a totally new kind of travel experience".

The €71 million (US$93.4 million) central building will handle more than five million passengers a year and is designed to facilitate passenger orientation. The AC connecting building will change the way Terminals 2A and 2C are operated by directing passengers immediately after check-in to a large area dedicated exclusively to passenger control on the ground level of the building. Consisting of 14 police checkpoints (passport control) and 14 security checkpoints, the 3,400m2 space will reduce the time required to go through border controls.

Passengers will then advance to Level 1, with its shops, bars, restaurants and Parisian
boutiques. They will walk through the largest retail area ever opened at a Paris airport
(1,300 m2), built in the style of a department store, and can stroll down the
"Avenue", where the finest luxury brands and gourmet restaurants stand side by side, in the image of the Avenue Montaigne in Paris.

Once their shopping is complete, passengers will move on to the boarding lounges of Terminal 2A or 2C, depending on their destination, while VIP customers will be able to enjoy a 3,300m2 airport lounge with a view over the runway on Level 2.

The AC connecting building is the first step in a total renovation of Terminals 2A and 2C, which will be completed in the second half of 2013. By the end of 2012 Terminal 2A will have a completely renovated boarding lounge and a new 1,000m2 arrivals hall, and by the second half of 2013 the renovation of both terminals’ public areas will be complete.

In total, Aeroports de Paris will invest €104 million (US$136.8 million) in Terminals 2A and 2C, including the connecting building.