Lithuanian Airports seeks international retail convenience store operator for growing commercial space

Lithuanian Airports, the company that manages Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga Airports, is launching an international lease tender to attract a new retail convenience store operator. The selected partner will operate convenience stores at all three of the country’s airports.

Lithuanian Airports served more than 6 million passengers in 2023, which is 12% more than in 2022. The number of flights also increased during the past year, with an annual growth of 4.5%. With 4.4 million passengers served, Vilnius Airport attracted the biggest number of travellers last year. Kaunas Airport served a record-breaking 1.3 million passengers, while Palanga Airport welcomed 307 thousand travellers.

Currently, strategic infrastructure development projects are underway at both Vilnius and Kaunas Airports: a new departure terminal is being built in Vilnius; while the reconstruction and expansion of the passenger terminal has started and the Northern apron is being enlarged in Kaunas. 

By 2025, it is projected that Lithuania's airports will complete their infrastructure expansion stage, allowing them to handle a total capacity of 10 million passengers annually.

High potential for commercial partners

The large-scale growth of Vilnius and Kaunas Airports will also open up more commercial potential for partners and service providers.

According to Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė, Head of the Commercial Department at Lithuanian Airports, the company will be paying a lot of attention to the search for strong and reliable partners, as it will soon be serving twice as many passengers as it does today.

"We are getting ready now – the first lease tender will specifically focus on the retail convenience category. This sector is very important for airports, as it helps to ensure fast shopping before flights, the number of which is growing every year at our airports," said Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė.

The plan is to lease about 515 sq. m of retail space to the operator, for three stores in Vilnius, two stores in Kaunas and one store in Palanga Airport. In Vilnius, the stores will be located in the new departure terminal, as well as in the current arrivals terminal and in the area of the current departure terminal behind the security checkpoint. One store at Kaunas Airport will be located on the first floor, next to the arrivals hall, while the other one will be on the second floor, beyond the security area. The store at Palanga Airport will be located next to the security checkpoint.

Innovations at Kaunas Airport: passengers' hand luggage is already being checked by the latest generation of aviation security scanners

Aviation security screening at Kaunas airport has become faster and more convenient for passengers, as three modern three-dimensional computer tomography-based aviation security scanners have been enabled at full capacity. During the check-in procedure, passengers no longer need to remove any electronic devices and liquids from hand luggage - new devices analyze the contents of the luggage in a three-dimensional space.

Electronics and liquids will remain in your luggage

The first passengers were screened with the new equipment in Kaunas last November when the testing phase took place, and the system was put into full use in February of this year, after all tuning work was completed.

"New technology solutions at Lithuanian airports first of all ensure a higher level of aviation security, but at the same time improve passenger experience. Passengers no longer need to take liquids and electronic devices out of their bags, suitcases or backpacks - everything can stay inside the luggage. As a result, the screening process becomes more efficient, faster and of higher quality. In addition, certified devices are capable of automatically identifying even particles of explosive materials when checking all baggage," says Vidas Ksanas, Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports.

He adds that next year, seven of the same scanners will start operating in the new departure terminal at Vilnius Airport, which will be the most modern in the Baltic States.

Lithuanian Airports purchased the new generation aviation security scanners during an international public procurement. It will be released in 2022. Polish company Dimark S.A. won the procurement. The value of the entire project is 5.8 million. euros (without VAT). Devices of the well-known German manufacturer Smiths Detection are being installed in Lithuanian airports.

The requirement for the volume of liquids in luggage is not changing

According to V. Ksanas, the innovations also facilitate the work of security screening inspectors, as they can rotate the 3D image generated by the scanners on their screen at various angles and easily identify items placed in hand luggage. Even liquids do not need to be removed, it is just important that they are properly packed, in accordance with the requirements up to now: liquids carried in hand luggage must be in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml, and the total volume of liquids per passenger cannot exceed 1 liter (1000 ml).

The Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports points out that for the time being, airports in Europe and the world apply different practices regarding the transportation of liquids in hand luggage. However, the expert hopes that the broad international discussion of airports will turn into common decisions and uniform rules for the entire aviation sector, which will allow the current order to be changed and the advantages of modern security technologies to be fully exploited.

passenger terminal expansion construction set to begin in early 2024

Lithuanian Airports has signed a contract with INFES, which has won a public tender and will carry out the expansion of the Kaunas Airport passenger terminal. The value of the contract is EUR 17.7 million (excluding VAT). The contractor is expected to start work in the first quarter of 2024 and finish in mid-2025.

The terminal expansion will double passenger capacity at Kaunas Airport to 2 million passengers per year.

"Kaunas Airport is demonstrating very strong passenger growth rates that far exceed the design capacity of the existing terminal building, so expansion is essential. The expanded terminal will be able to handle twice as many passengers - around 2 million travellers per year in total. This will respond to current travel trends and future growth prospects. Passengers will have more space and more technological advances, which means faster procedures and more comfortable waiting for flights," says Arnas Dūmanas, Director of the Development Department of Lithuanian Airports.

According to the data of this year, passenger flows at Kaunas Airport are at a record high: it is expected that this year the airport will handle about 1.3 million passengers.

Lithuanian airports to get solar parks......

Development of solar parks will start at Lithuanian airports: public tender for design services is announced

Lithuanian Airports has announced a public tender for design services for solar parks. Land areas totaling about 7 hectares are to be allocated for solar power plants at the airfields of Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga airports. The energy produced by the own solar power plants could meet about one third of the total energy demand of Lithuanian airports. Energy storage parks are also planned to be built nearby.

"Airfield sites suitable for the installation of solar power plants offer the opportunity to transform airports from energy consumers into electricity producers. At the same time, we will gain a tool to better manage energy costs - to reduce costs when the demand for electricity increases with the electrification of airport transport fleets," says Arnas Dūmanas, Director of the Lithuanian Airports Development Department. He emphasizes that renewable energy projects are in line with the Lithuanian Airports' sustainability strategy and NET ZERO's goal of becoming an environmentally neutral organization by 2030.

It is planned to install a 4.5 MW solar park - plant at Vilnius Airport, 1.2 MW at Kaunas Airport and 0.4 MW at Palanga Airport. The corresponding areas will be allocated on the territories of the airfields: about 5 hectares in Vilnius, 1.5 hectares in Kaunas and 0.5 hectares in Palanga.

The winner of the public tender will have to develop a solar power plant with a total capacity of 6.1 MW, which would meet about one third (about 34%) of the total electricity demand of Lithuanian airports. Palanga Airport would generate the largest share of its electricity from the sun - around 40%. Solar power plants at Vilnius and Kaunas airports would generate 33-34% of the annual energy, which could be used immediately or stored in dedicated energy storage systems (storage units).

Kaunas Airport debuts next-gen aviation security scanners

Kaunas Airport Takes the Lead Among Baltic Airports 

In late October, Kaunas Airport began installing next-gen aviation security scanners and baggage handling lines. By November, all three CT scanners in the departures zone will be in place, with testing planned during December. Starting in January 2024, departing passengers will enjoy the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.

Due to the installation works in November, Kaunas Airport passengers may experience some short-term inconveniences during some periods.

The international public procurement announced by Lithuanian Airports for the deployment of next-generation aviation security scanners and baggage lines as early as 2022 has been won by the Polish company Dimark S.A., with a total value of EUR 5.8 million (excluding VAT). The winning company will deploy at Lithuanian airports X-ray equipment from the well-known German manufacturer Smiths Detection.

Due to existing infrastructure constraints at Vilnius Airport, it is not possible to install the new generation of aviation screening equipment in the old terminals of Vilnius Airport, so the technology will be deployed in the new departure terminal at the capital's air gate and will be operational in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 7 baggage screening lines and scanners will be replaced at Vilnius Airport.

According to representatives of Lithuanian Airports, the new standard scanners and lines will help to serve more passengers in the same period of time, and will provide passengers with more convenience and less stress during the screening of hand luggage.

Electronics will be able to stay inside the luggage

The deployment of third generation (C3) three-dimensional computed tomography security scanners is said to be the latest trend in aviation security screening, which is already being seen in practice in some European airports.

"We are taking a very important step towards technological innovation and are the first Baltic airports to actually implement this solution. A significant change for passengers will be that from January next year at the aviation security check at Kaunas Airport it will no longer be necessary to take any electronic devices out of hand luggage, but they, as well as other items, will be visible and analysed in three dimensions with the help of our new generation scanners without even removing them from suitcases or backpacks," Vidas Kšanas, Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports, said.

The network of Lithuanian Airports consists of three airports in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. Kaunas Airport (IATA: KUN, ICAO: EYKA) is the second-busiest civil airport in Lithuania after Vilnius Airport.

Vilnius - London City Flights to Continue

Lithuania Launches New Route Development Model

Following the successful negotiations between the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Lithuanian Airports and the airlines, Lithuanian Airports have signed an investment agreement with LOT Polish Airlines, which will operate direct regular flights between Vilnius (VNO) and London City (LCY) airports. The Contract will be implemented under a new route development model that will ensure the continuity of flights to the strategically important financial hub of London, which has been served for the last few years. 

"London is a pilot destination for the new flight development model and we wanted to test how the model works. This convenient and familiar destination to the centre of London is essential to meet the needs of Lithuanians living in London, businesses and visitors to Lithuania. It is a bridge between Vilnius and London, and we see that users on both sides are satisfied. I am delighted that we have been able to secure this route both in 2019 and now. It is a good example of cooperation between project management and national institutions. We hope that Lithuanian Airports will be able to use this model to secure other important destinations for the country," said the Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis. 

Aušrinė Armonaitė, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, said that direct connections to priority countries are of vital importance both for our business and for foreign investors working in Lithuania. 

"Flight to London is also good news for our community. Using the new flight development model, Lithuania will become even more attractive for job creation and inbound tourism," says A. Armonaitė.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas says that it is important for Vilnius to have good connections to London. 

"London is home to financial centres of global importance. We want to see more international companies setting up in Vilnius and more good jobs, so we will look for ways to help increase demand for flights that are important for the capital," says the Mayor of Vilnius. 

A convenient schedule

The Contract with LOT Polish Airlines was signed after an international selection process for a scheduled flight operator. The selection criteria included the requirement that the route be operated at time and frequencies convenient for business travellers. All the necessary qualification checks and coordination of the joint business plan were carried out prior to the signature of the Contract. The new model will commence on October 1st this year and will ensure uninterrupted services on this important route. 

"This route is a prestigious project and a very strategic one in the context of the existing regular flights. From October onwards, the flight will continue to operate from Vilnius at a very convenient time, which we believe will also contribute to its growing popularity.  It is very important to understand that the country's investment in the development of priority flights is necessary, therefore, together with our partners, we will make every effort to ensure that the state budget will provide the necessary amount for the effective continuation of the development of the flights in the coming years as well," says Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports. 

S. Bartkus stresses that the new flight development model is not a subsidy or grant to airlines. Under this model, both in this case and in the future, contracts will only be concluded with those airlines with which a financially viable business plan for a particular route has been agreed, both for Lithuanian Airports and airlines. The new model is based on a long-term partnership between Lithuanian Airports and the airlines operating the flights. Both parties to the Contract will bear the financial risks associated with the operation of the flight and will share the financial benefits generated by the flight. All the terms and conditions for sharing the financial risks and benefits are set out in the business plan between Lithuanian Airports and LOT Polish Airlines. 

This new practice, he said, could provide a solid basis for future planning of the development of priority routes on a similar model. 

It should also be noted that the capital of the United Kingdom is also among the priority destinations for inbound tourism, so a direct flight to the centre of London is an advantage in attracting more tourists to Lithuania. The possibility of a direct flight to London could serve as a catalyst for inbound tourism, with the right focus by Lithuania’s tourism representatives placed on-demand stimulation.

Connecting to London is a priority 

Until now, LOT Polish Airlines had been contracted under a different model (Public Service Obligation - PSO), but with the UK's exit from the European Union (EU), it was no longer possible to contract under such EU regulation. 

Flights between Vilnius and the City of London were also operated by LOT Polish Airlines from May 1st 2019 until September 30th this year. This project was one of the few regulatory exemptions granted by the European Commission allowing an airline to grant State aid for the operation of a flight when the flight is recognized as a flight of special interest within the EU.

First aircraft de-icing wastewater treatment plant in the Baltic States has been opened at Vilnius Airport

This autumn/winter season Vilnius Airport is taking another step towards sustainability. A modern aircraft de-icing wastewater treatment plant will start operating at the airport – the only one of the kind in the Baltic States. It will collect and treat all the wastewater generated during the aircraft de-icing process, which can later be used as a raw material in aviation and other industries. The investment in the de-icing wastewater treatment plant amounted to EUR 2.9 million (excluding VAT). The project was partially financed by the European Union (EU).

Julius Skačkauskas, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, who participated in the opening ceremony, said that this investment marks a new level of aircraft service quality, aviation safety and sustainable activity in the Lithuanian aviation market.

“Our goal is the development of climate-neutral and sustainable aviation, and one of the tasks set for the airports is the development of safe and sustainable infrastructure. The implementation of such top-level solutions proves that the Lithuanian aviation sector is purposefully moving along the path of both improving the quality of service and increasing security, as well as sustainability and the green course”, said Deputy Minister at the opening ceremony.

The automated aircraft de-icing wastewater treatment plant will make an important part of the reconstruction and strategic development of Vilnius Airport. In addition, according to Arnas Dūmanas, Director of the Development Department of Lithuanian Airports, this is a significant step in the development of the harmonious operation of airports.

Financial results for the first half of the year: both aviation and non-aviation services redound to the profit of Lithuanian Airports

Financial results for the first half of the year: both aviation and non-aviation services redound to the profit of Lithuanian Airports

During the first half of the year 2023 financial figures of Lithuanian Airports were growing up. It had been influenced both by especially active beginning of the summer travel season and successful getting of rising costs under control. Income of the company in January-June of the current year made up 29.6 M euros and was 42 % higher than for the same period of the last year. The net income of the company had exceeded the limit of 6.1 M euros.

 

This year Lithuanian Airports has got the most part, around two thirds, of income from aviation activities. In comparison with the first half of the last year, the income this year had been 7.4 M higher and reached almost 20 M euros. According to Indre Kunigelyte, the Financial Executive of Lithuanian Airports, it shows recovery and speeding up of the aviation market which is indicated by an increase in a number of passengers by one-fifth in Lithuanian Airports (more than 2.8 M passengers had been serviced), an increase in a number of flights (in total almost 25 thousand flights) and rising air transport seat occupancy rate that exceeds the pre-pandemic level already.

 

“Market dynamics has been favourable for Lithuanian Airports. Kaunas Airport, where the record number of passengers are observed, demonstrates especially good results in terms of scope of activity. The positive momentum for an increase has also been given by focused efforts of all airports by means of attracting new flight routes by restoring routes liked by passengers. However, at the same time we were reaching other very important goal: get rising activity costs under control. It had been influenced not only by the increasing passenger flow but also by rising investments in employees, costs of maintenance, repair and utilities of assets. Half year results show that we had succeeded in reaching that goal: income and profit indicators are positive and higher in comparison with the same period of the last year”, I. Kunigelyte says.

 

According to company’s data, income from aviation activities made up almost 19.97 M euros in the first half of the year 2023, 59 %more that at the same period of the last year. Income from non-aviation activities had also increased: the company possessing three airports earned income in the amount of 9.6 M euros in this segment in the first half of the year, 16 % more than in the first half-year of the last year. Good performance indices and an increase in costs taken under control had also increased net profit of the company that made up more than 6.1 M euros in the first half of the year 2023 and was 158 % higher in comparison with the first half of the year 2022.

 

Yet, according to I. Kunigelyte, the financial figures show that Lithuanian Airports changed assets accounting policies and recorded the results of conducted appraisal of assets in the first half of the current year. “Assets accounting changes were necessary to change status of Lithuanian Airports to a joint-stock company. It is planned that restructuring will be carried out at the end of August or in September of the current year”, the Financial Executive of Lithuanian Airports says.

Lithuanian Airports passed a historic test - successfully hosting the World's leaders during NATO Summit

 

During the NATO Summit, the Vilnius Airport had become probably the most secure civilian airport in the world. The joint efforts of the specialists of the Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga Airports and a total of more than 1,000 professionals from various authorities and countries were aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth landing and take-off of more than 50 special aircraft as well as the reception and farewelling of several thousand important guests.

 

According to the calculations of Lithuanian Airports, during the peak of the aircraft traffic, planes (commercial and carrying delegations) took off and landed at the Vilnius Airport every 3–4 minutes.

 

The Kaunas Airport also received more aeroplanes than usual next to the regular commercial flight traffic. Here, the constant receipt and take-offs of delegation aircraft also took place. In addition, the airspace at the Kaunas Airport was not closed, therefore all processes took place continuously throughout the days of the Summit.

 

A significant number of the NATO Summit’s guest planes were large aircraft, categorized as codes E and F which usually visit our airports less often, such as “the flying presidential palaces” Air Force One carrying the President of the United States (and accompanying special aircraft) or an even larger Boeing 747-8I that flew the President of South Korea. At the Kaunas Airport, one of the most exclusive aircraft received was the Japanese delegation’s Boeing 777.

 

“During the active preparation for the event that lasted for more than half a year, every step and detail was carefully thought through, and many processes were aligned and coordinated to ensure the highest level of security and efficiency of the operations. The Vilnius Airport received all the scheduled aircraft, including even the largest ones. Not only that – commercial flights were also conducted in both Vilnius and Kaunas until the scheduled temporary closure of the airspace. No, having seen off the last delegations, we can state that no significant problems arose, and we passed this most important test through cooperation,” said Vidas Kšanas, Interim CEO at Lithuanian Airports.

​

Lithuanian airports introduce preclearance flight coordination procedure - a new tool to prevent circumvention of EU sanctions at airports

Lithuanian airports introduce preclearance flight coordination procedure - a new tool to prevent circumvention of EU sanctions at airports

Following the launch of the advance flight preclearance and screening system at the initiative of Lithuanian airports in early May, it is reported that positive results are already being observed. According to the representatives of the airports, the new system was essentially designed to manage the potential sanctioning and operational risks associated with incoming military, private charter or general aviation flights, as well as risks directly related to the actual owners of the aircraft and the passengers on board.

"The previously used simplified procedure for coordinating incoming non-scheduled flights with airports did not, in our opinion, eliminate some risks, and did not require information on the aircraft, pilot and passengers. We have therefore been testing the new clearance procedure for a month. Under the new procedure, arriving aircraft are required to provide all essential information on the aircraft operator, customer, owner, passengers and some other data. Once this information is received, it is subject to a rapid assessment, in particular an analysis of the compliance of the available data with European Union (EU) sanctions and the operational feasibility of accepting the flight in question. Only after the pre-clearance procedure has been completed can the aircraft and its crew, as well as passengers, arrive and use the services at the airports," comments Vidas Kšanas, Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports.

According to the Director, similar coordination procedures are applied in other European airports, therefore the Lithuanian airports' screening and clearance procedure is in line with international experience. In developing the flight coordination system, Lithuanian aviation market participants were also consulted.

It is important to understand that it does not apply to aircraft operating regular flights or to those aircraft that have to land urgently at Lithuanian airports for technical reasons.

Lithuanian airports: looking for contractors to develop Kaunas Airport terminal and apron

Search for contractors to develop Kaunas Airport: after reconstruction, Lithuanian airports will be able to handle more than 10 million passengers a year

Kaunas Airport is taking an important strategic step - international tenders for the selection of contractors for the passenger terminal and the northern apron expansion projects. 

This year's data shows that passenger flows at Kaunas Airport are at a record high and ahead of previous forecasts. If this trend continues, this year Kaunas Airport will handle more than 1.3 million passengers, which is well above its design capacity.

According to the Minister of Transport and Communications, Marius Skuodis, the development of the infrastructure of Kaunas Airport is of great importance for both the state's economic and national defence plans.

"Kaunas Airport is one of the fastest recovering airports in the region and has been exceeding the pre-pandemic results since the spring of last year. The existing terminal is already full to capacity at certain times because it is not equipped to handle such a rapid growth in passenger numbers. It is also very important that this airport is a logistics hub for NATO partners. Military mobility projects are being prepared, which will also contribute to expanding the airport's capabilities," the Minister said.

The changes will not only expand passenger capacity, but will also help to increase the volume of aircraft maintenance services, as Kaunas Airport is one of the most important aircraft repair and maintenance bases in the Baltic region, and will create conditions for the growth of freight traffic

"These two development projects are among the strategic priorities of Lithuanian Airports in 2023. They will ensure the sustainable development of the network of Lithuanian airports as a whole and, when completed in 2025, will enable them to serve more than 10 million passengers per year. These developments will also strengthen Kaunas Airport's position as a leader in aircraft maintenance in the Baltic region. We are looking for contractors both in Lithuania and abroad. When announcing the procurement, we have set a target that the real expansion works in both the passenger terminal and the northern apron could start already at the end of this year," says Aurimas Stikliūnas, Interim CEO of Lithuanian Airports.

Lego Brings the Future to Life:

Explore the Miniature Departures Terminal at Vilnius Airport

 

While the ongoing construction of the new Departures terminal at Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is set to be finished by 2025, renowned Lithuanian Lego model creator, Rokas Mikšiūnas, has unveiled his own version of the building. Using 13,700 Lego blocks, Mikšiūnas meticulously constructed a model of the future terminal, which is now on display for passengers and their companions to see at the current Departures terminal of Vilnius Airport.

“It is estimated that passenger traffic at Vilnius Airport will double over the next 10 years. Therefore, it is necessary to have a new Departures terminal. Once it is built and connected to the infrastructure of the existing terminals, the passenger capacity at the airport will double to 2,400 passengers per hour. We will also apply innovations to enhance the travel experience and the efficiency of Lithuanian air gateways. We invited Rokas Mikšiūnas to build a Lego model of the future Departures terminal to visually demonstrate the future image of Vilnius Airport to the public and to remind them that significant changes have begun,” said Arnas Dūmanas, Director of the Development Department of Lithuanian Airports.

Completed in just 7 days

Rokas Mikšiūnas, the architectural and cultural heritage promoter, began planning the Lego version of the Departures terminal in April. He spent most of that time creating the design and layout of the model. It was necessary to examine an existing 3D model of the building, calculate exactly how many and which Lego bricks would be needed for the model, and then place a precise order with the Lego manufacturer.

Once the 15 kg (33 lbs) parcel reached the hands of Rokas Mikšiūnas on May 22, he began assembling the model. This meticulous work took 7 days, as he worked from 8 a.m. until 12 a.m. A good crew was required to finish the job on time, just like in traditional construction work, thus 8 of Rokas' pals helped create the Lego airport model.

“It’s my first Lego model of an airport terminal, and it’s one of the greatest works that I’ve ever made. Perhaps the most challenging task was replicating the architecture of the Departures terminal facade. Even though it was difficult to implement, this project was very interesting and important to me personally. I would say that I am the informal ambassador of Vilnius. I want as many people as possible to learn about the capital, as well as to be able to visit as conveniently as possible, and the new terminal will help us achieve this," said Rokas Mikšiūnas.

You can see his creation and take a photo with it in the current Departures terminal of Vilnius Airport. Later, it is expected to be displayed at various events, conferences and exhibitions.

The actual terminal will be ready in less than two years

The Lego terminal, according to Arnas Dūmanas, is a symbolic reminder of significant changes, because Vilnius Airport is scheduled to change beyond recognition in 2025.

The new two-storey, 14,400 sq. m passenger Departures terminal is already sprouting up between the current terminal and the VIP terminal with a conference centre. The new terminal will be connected to the current passenger terminal by a spacious gallery, allowing for smooth communication between the terminals.

It is planned that the ground floor of the new building will house a check-in area with a self-service area, featuring a time-saving self-service baggage system. Public spaces, cafeterias and other commercial zones, as well as airline offices, will be built. On the second floor, there will be a security checkpoint as well as departure and arrival gates for passengers from the Schengen area. In addition, the current terminal will be transformed into a space where passengers can wait for their flights in comfort, by shopping, eating and relaxing before their journey.

“We are focusing not only on convenience and fast services for passengers, but also on sustainability. The new building meets A++ energy class requirements and produces very low CO2 emissions, and we are aiming for BREEAM Good certification. Sustainable construction also leads to a better performance, higher long-term returns, and a responsible approach to the environment and human health,” said Arnas Dūmanas.

Lithuanian Airports are looking for an operator for flights between Vilnius and London City airports.

Lithuanian Airports are introducing a new airline incentive model: looking for the operator of flights between Vilnius (VNO) and London City (LCY) airports.

In 2022 the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, together with external consultants, prepared a plan to promote flights to destinations which have strategic importance for Lithuania. Now, Lithuanian Airports are introducing a new incentive model and launching an international call for application from airlines to participate in the selection process for the operator of scheduled flights between Vilnius (VNO) and London City (LCY) airports. 

Airlines can submit their proposals from today until June 9th. All submitted proposals will be evaluated according to the criteria which are set out in terms of call. Given that this route is of particular importance to business passengers, the selection criteria also aim to ensure that flights are operated at times and frequencies convenient for this segment of passengers.

It is expected that the contract with the airline which will submit the best offer, after all necessary qualification checks and the preparation of a joint business plan, could be signed by this September and flights could start in the autumn.

"This is the first time that flights to a strategic destination for Lithuania have been initiated under a risk-sharing partnership model. Among the various flight promotion alternatives, this model has been selected as the most appropriate to increase Lithuania's air accessibility. The City of London is the first destination to be launched, as it is important for the business community and tourism development," said Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis.

According to Aurimas Stikliūnas, Interim CEO of Lithuanian Airports, this new incentive model is based on a long-term partnership between Lithuanian Airports and the airlines that will operate the flights - an investment agreement between Lithuanian Airports and the airline will be concluded for a specific destination for a maximum of 15 years. 

A rapidly growing Vilnius Airport offers new opportunities for international business......

Lithuania's Vilnius Airport is doing well and catching up with pre-pandemic traffic levels and is planning for steady growth in the forthcoming months. 

A new departure terminal is already under construction at Lithuania's largest civilian airport and is scheduled to open in 2025. This addition will not only increase the airport's capacity by more than 14,000 square metres, but will also significantly expand commercial space for retailers, caterers, and other service providers. 

Vilnius Airport handled a record 5 million passengers in 2019, and in 2022, after the pandemic, passengers are travelling once again — 3.9 million people flew to and from Vilnius last year. According to the forecasts of Lithuanian Airports, the number of passengers is expected to double over the next decade to around 7.5 million passengers per year. 

“According to our estimates, the number of passengers at Vilnius Airport is expected to grow at an average rate of around 8% per year. We are preparing for this and we are expanding to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of our passengers and to offer them more high-quality places to shop, eat delicious and quick meals, and to receive other services that are relevant to travellers,” says Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė, the Chief Commercial Officer of Lithuanian Airports. 

Commercial space will grow one and a half times 

Currently, the commercial space of Vilnius Airport is about 3,300 square metres (excluding warehouses, technical facilities, and offices). There are 6 Duty-Free shops, 9 cafés and restaurants, and 11 other retail and service outlets. 

Preparing for big changes at Kaunas Airport

Kaunas Airport's upcoming expansion projects

Lithuanian Airports are launching market consultations on an international public tender to be announced at the end of April to find a contractor for the expansion of the Kaunas Airport passenger terminal. The expansion works are expected to start in the second half of this year and will last about two years. Once completed, the departures and arrivals areas of Kaunas Airport will be able to handle more than 800 passengers and up to 6 aircraft simultaneously.

"Kaunas Airport has not only returned to, but is already surpassing its pre-pandemic passenger volumes. Given the increasing passenger flows and growing passenger needs, the development and technological modernisation of Kaunas Airport is essential. We want this to happen as soon as possible, so we are launching market consultations on the procurement of contract works. If everything goes according to plan, we will announce the international public procurement at the end of April, and the contract could be signed and preparatory works could start in the second half of this year," said Arnas Dūmanas, Director of the Operations and Infrastructure Department of Lithuanian Airports.

During the market consultation phase, Lithuanian Airports will consult with potential bidders on the tender conditions, their feasibility and the details of the technical specification. Mr A.Dūmanas added that foreign contracting companies will also be invited to take part in the public procurement.

Terminal expansion will not slow down airport operations

Lithuanian Airports offering flights to more than 80 destinations this summer.....

The last Sunday in March marked the start of the new summer aviation season and this year, airlines will offer more than 80 direct regular routes to passengers from Lithuanian airports. 

The planned routes include destinations that are attractive to business travellers as well as European cities that are popular with holidaymakers for leisure and sightseeing trips.

"During the first months of the year, we have seen exceptional rates of recovery in aviation. With the calendar summer season approaching and travellers planning their holidays even more intensively, growth is likely to accelerate. Airlines will offer travellers more than eighty direct flight routes, and it should be remembered that charter flights will also be operated in parallel, which will further respond to passenger demand for holiday flights," said Tomas Zitikis, Head of Route Development at Lithuanian Airports.

Nearly 50 destinations from Vilnius Airport

Most of the new and renewed routes will be offered to passengers travelling from Vilnius Airport. In total, passengers travelling via Vilnius Airport will be able to reach almost 50 destinations. Some of these routes are covered in this report.

On 26 March, the official start of the summer aviation season, Brussels Airlines will resume direct flights from Vilnius to Brussels, which are important for business and politics, Austrian Airlines will resume direct flights to Vienna, and airBaltic will resume flights to Berlin from the beginning of May.

Planned environmental solutions in the new passenger departure terminal of Vilnius Airport: from smart lighting systems to almost seven times less CO2 emissions

Planned environmental solutions in the new passenger departure terminal of Vilnius Airport: from smart lighting systems to almost seven times less CO2 emissions. 

At the start of this year, intensive construction of the new passenger departure terminal at Vilnius Airport began. It is planned that the first passengers will depart from this terminal at the beginning of 2025. According to Kristina Greiciute, Environmental Project Manager at Lithuanian Airports, the new terminal will be the beginning of a big change, and solutions will be oriented towards all areas of operation, including environmental protection. She states that among the most important expected changes are the reduction of thermal energy, improvement of energy efficiency, installation of a solar power plant, smart lighting systems, and reduction of CO2 emissions.

"We are constantly trying to improve in all areas and implement innovations. We aim to optimize our operations in such a way as to significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emissions and ultimately become a climate-neutral airport," said K. Greiciute.

The existing status quo

K. Greiciute states that currently seven topics are highlighted in the strategy of Lithuanian airports, among which there are two essential priorities — noise pollution and climate change. Infrastructural projects, including the new passenger departure terminal at Vilnius airport, are linked to climate change mitigation initiatives.

For example, efforts are being made to implement parts of the planned environmental solutions related to electricity, thermal energy, and fuel consumption in various vehicles already, without waiting for the completion of the construction of the new terminal. The car park is constantly being updated, and the number of hybrid and electric cars is increasing. This way, according to the expert, fuel consumption is reduced.

"Meanwhile, when it comes to electricity, today we already have the opportunity to produce it ourselves because a solar power plant is installed on the roof of our VIP terminal. We also have the opportunity to buy green electricity, and this is done at all three air gates — Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga," said K. Greiciute.

It is said that until there is an opportunity to buy green thermal energy from centralized heat networks, the only solution is lower consumption or self-production. Although the existing infrastructure limits the possibility of self-production of thermal energy, the new terminal will introduce technologies that will allow for reduced consumption of thermal energy. Speaking about green thermal energy, K. Greiciute said that the new passenger terminal will be the first object of this size in the infrastructure of Lithuanian airports which will use very little thermal energy. In addition, it will be possible to produce it with the help of special heat pumps.

Energy efficiency

"In the long run, the implemented technological solutions will allow us to switch to technology, when we will switch to green thermal energy production or we will be able to use the energy that we produce with the help of the solar power plant installed on the roof of the new terminal," said K. Greiciute.

Aviation is recovering faster than expected: in February, Lithuanian airports managed to restore 90 percent of their passenger flow

In the second month of this year, Lithuanian airports recorded a rapid recovery of aviation. In two airports — Kaunas and Palanga — the number of passengers exceeded the pre-pandemic flows. In total, almost 371 thousand passengers travelled, 3211 flights were serviced, and 1429 tons of cargo were transported through Lithuanian airports in February. 

According to Tomas Zitikis, the head of Lithuanian airport route development, in the second month of this year it was possible to restore 90 percent of the pre-pandemic passenger traffic, and the amount of transported cargo even grew by a fifth (compared to the results of 2019). 

"We can see that since the beginning of the year, the supply of flights has been keeping pace with the demand, and the latter should probably grow more at the start of the aviation summer season. Overall, the indicators for the first months exceed moderate expectations and show a real good trend. More and more passengers are starting to discover and use the so-called traditional airlines, whose flight numbers at Vilnius Airport will also increase in the near future," says T. Zitikis. 

At the end of March, Brussels Airlines will resume direct flights between Vilnius and Brussels that were temporarily suspended last fall; Finnair will increase the frequency of flights between the capitals of Finland and Lithuania at Vilnius Airport, and LOT Polish Airlines will also increase the frequency of flights between Vilnius and Warsaw". 

Lithuanian Airports complete preparations for a modern border screening system! Changes expected to start this year.

Lithuanian airports are among the first in Europe to complete preparations for a modern border screening system: changes expected to start this year.

A new Entry - Exit System (EES) is planned to be launched at border posts this year. This will directly affect third-country citizens entering the European Union (Schengen area) for the first time, who will have to undergo an additional registration procedure before crossing the border. This upcoming change will also require new infrastructure and space at border crossing points, and all Lithuanian airports are among the first in Europe to have already made these necessary changes to prepare for the start of the system.

The new Entry-Exit System is based on an EU regulation which stipulates that all Community (Schengen area) countries that have an external border with third countries must make it possible for foreigners to register in the Entry-Exit System, which requires the introduction of a new system of registration and border checks, as well as the setting up of a new space for registration and border controls. Lithuania has opted for a comprehensive universal system.

At the moment, many EU countries and airports are still in the process of implementing automated screening systems and preparing their premises for the Entry - Exit System procedure, and Lithuanian airports are among the first in the region and the EU to have already completed the preparation of the new system infrastructure. The hardware of the system has also been finalised and software installation as well as configuration are underway.

“We have already carried out contractual works on the adaptation of the spaces in all Lithuanian airports, which will be much more convenient for passengers to pass border checks and will also include self-service terminals and information screens. We have also carefully planned not only the new areas where additional checks will be carried out, but also modelled the processes for passenger flow management and passenger convenience. Once the screening starts, third-country citizens will not only receive detailed information on the procedures to be followed but will also have the opportunity to perform most of the services completely independently in the self-service terminals,” says Vidas Kšanas, Director of Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports.

The construction of a new departure terminal at Vilnius Airport has started: a project of strategic importance for Lithuanian aviation

The construction of a new departure terminal at Vilnius Airport has started: a project of strategic importance for Lithuanian aviation

On 31 January, during an official ceremony, the construction of Vilnius Airport's new departure terminal was announced. The large-scale project is said to last two years. The first travellers will be able to use the new terminal in early 2025.

According to the representatives of Lithuanian Airports, the main purpose of the new departure terminal project is to increase the capacity to handle a larger number of passengers, as well as to introduce innovations in the new terminal that will help to make the travellers' experience even smoother and to ensure greater efficiency in airport operations. The 14,400 square metre terminal will increase the total area of Vilnius Airport's passenger terminals by a third and double the passenger throughput to 2,400 passengers per hour.

“The main Lithuanian airport must be convenient for passengers, meet international standards and perform its functions properly. The new terminal at Vilnius Airport will make a significant contribution to the development of the aviation sector, opening up new capacity opportunities. As passenger traffic at the airport grows, it is important to ensure comfortable service conditions that meet modern standards,” said Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis.

Alongside the construction of the new terminal, the transport access in front of Vilnius Airport will also be transformed: renewing of engineering infrastructure, resurfacing, installation of carports and the creation of a new, much more permeable transport scheme.

“We stand at the centre of an important change for aviation in Lithuania. The opportunities to handle more aircrafts, and more passengers, are directly linked to our future prospects to become leaders in the region, which means moving to the next level of quality and competing for a wider geography of flights across the country. This entire project is a series of developments - not just a construction project, but also a platform for innovation in airports, where we will finally be able to apply state-of-the-art technology to improve airport efficiency and passenger comfort. This is undoubtedly the most important project for all Lithuanian airports in the next few years, to which we are dedicating a lot of our internal resources,” comments Aurimas Stikliūnas, Interim CEO of Lithuanian Airports.

According to the CEO, the new terminal will essentially lay the groundwork for correcting the mistakes of Vilnius Airport's previous terminal expansions in the future - the previous terminals were expanded to the side of the airfield, not parallel to the entire airport area. The construction of this passenger terminal will be accompanied by the renovation and conversion of the old terminals, with expansion and modernisation planned in phases.

The building will have two floors, with a self-service check-in area on the ground floor, allowing passengers to check in their luggage at dedicated terminals. There will also be common public spaces, cafes and other commercial areas and airline offices, while the second floor will house the security screening areas as well as the departure and arrival gates for passengers from Schengen countries. The new building will have an A++ energy class and will be internationally “BREEAM Good” certified, demonstrating not only the innovative solutions used in the project, but also the sustainable approach to the construction process.

"We appreciate the opportunity to implement projects of importance to Lithuania. We are confident that our experience in the construction of complex structures, including our project for the construction of the VIP terminal at Vilnius Airport, will contribute significantly to the successful completion of the construction of the new terminal," says Almantas Čebanauskas, the head of the main contractor of the project, “Eikos Statyba”.

The new terminal will be built between the VIP terminal with conference centre and the old passenger terminal. The total value of the contract is EUR 41.5 million (excluding VAT).

For all the latest information about the new Vilnius Airport terminal, please visit www.vilnius-airport.lt/naujas-terminalas