Lithuanian Airports: partners’ turnover surpasses pre-pandemic levels

The latest turnover data of partners operating in passenger terminals at Lithuanian Airports show that the aviation recovery has had a positive impact on these businesses. The total turnover generated by retail and catering services businesses operating at airports in January-August this year amounts to almost EUR 32 million and is four times higher than in the same period last year. Compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic year) (same period), this year’s turnover is almost EUR 4.5 million higher.

According to Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė, Head of the Commercial Department of Lithuanian Airports, the growth in turnover was mainly influenced by the rapidly recovering passenger flows, which in certain periods even exceeded the pre-pandemic levels.

“One of the main reasons for the rapid growth in turnover is the increase in passenger traffic. The number of passengers at Lithuanian Airports has practically reached the pre-pandemic level, and in the case of Kaunas Airport, since April we have been recording the results that exceed the indicators for 2019,” said G. Norvilaitė-Tautevičė.

She added that inflation and price increases for some services had also had an impact on the turnover performance, but were not the only growth factor. G. Norvilaitė-Tautevičė also noted that airports’ partner sales incentive programmes also help to ensure consistent growth in turnover results.

“We are constantly offering new services for passengers to take advantage of at Lithuanian Airports. Over the past year, in Vilnius Airport the restaurant Manami has been opened, and the café Pank’olis by Kalnapilis nealkoholinis has been opened in the general departure lounge. Vilnius and Kaunas airports offer baggage packing services and a new network of currency exchange offices has been launched at all airports. So, for those who are planning to expand their business, we suggest that you consider joining our network of commercial partners and take advantage of the unique business development opportunities at airports,” said the Head of Commercial of Lithuanian Airports.

According to the Head, Lithuanian Airports plans to launch new lease tenders in the near future.

“We plan to further expand our network of commercial partners by the end of this year and will be launching new tenders. A tender for the lease of premises to set up duty free shops and provide services to passengers at Palanga Airport is already underway. We are also planning to launch two tenders for the lease of catering services at Kaunas Airport, which will include as many as four service outlets. Looking further ahead, and in preparation for the operation of the new passenger departure terminal at Vilnius Airport, we will be launching a large number of lease tenders of various specificity and scope, as the completion of the airport terminal construction project will give us even more space for commercial activities and allow us to offer our passengers an even greater variety of options,” said G. Norvilaitė-Tautevičė on the planned expansion of commercial partners.