A project that is not without controversy is taking shape: Airport expansion has taken a major step forward with Fraport AG laying the foundation stone for the new Terminal 3. It is one of the largest privately financed infrastructure projects in Europe, so the interest in the ceremony was correspondingly high. Numerous guests and construction workers took part in the laying of the foundation stone, which symbolizes the start of building construction. To commemorate this special milestone, participants filled and bricked in a time capsule. Among those participating were Dr. Thomas Schäfer, Hesse's Minister of State for Finance, architect Prof. Christoph Mäckler, Dr. Stefan Schulte, Chairman of the Executive Board of Fraport AG, and Karlheinz Weimar, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fraport AG.
At peak times, up to 5,000 construction workers will be working on the site every day. In the coming months, some 75 high cranes will dominate the view of the construction site as Terminal 3 grows meter by meter in height. For critics, who fear increased environmental pollution and rising noise levels for people living in the flight path, the whole thing is naturally a thorn in the side. For Fraport, on the other hand, it is an important step in maintaining the importance of Frankfurt as a business location: "With Terminal 3, we are building the future - for Frankfurt Airport, the Rhine-Main region and far beyond. With state-of-the-art technology, smart processes and a high quality of stay, we are delivering on our promise. ‚Have a good trip! We make it happen'. This will enable us to create additional capacity for around 21 million travelers per year by 2023," said Fraport CEO Schulte. "Frankfurt is already an international leader in connectivity. There is no other aviation hub in the world from which you can reach more destinations than from Frankfurt - whether you are a business traveler or a tourist. Germany's gateway to the world will be even better with Terminal 3."
"Today we are not only laying the foundation stone for a new airport building, but also laying the foundation for more jobs, future opportunities and economic strength. The construction of Terminal 3 is an important step for the competitiveness of the airport and thus also for the business location Hesse. Fraport AG is investing up to four billion euros in the new building over the next few years. This will create many new jobs. Germany's largest workplace will continue to grow in importance", explained Finance Minister Schäfer. He then also addressed the critics, saying: "Even though the airport is the heart muscle of the Hessian economy, this is not a free ride. The state government will continue to demand a high level of commitment from the aviation industry to reduce noise and environmental pollution."
In the south of Frankfurt Airport, Pier G will initially be built by 2021 with a capacity of up to five million passengers. The pier will be a fully-fledged and modern terminal building and later integrated into the premium product Terminal 3. Completion of the main terminal building with Piers H and J is scheduled for 2023. This will increase capacity to up to 21 million passengers. At a later date, Terminal 3 can be expanded to include Pier K. With the full expansion, capacity will rise to 25 million passengers.
"Frankfurt Airport is a quality product. This is borne out by the continuing growth in demand for flights to and from Frankfurt. In view of the strong passenger growth, it is high time that the terminal capacity is expanded. That is why it is good that a pier can be realized ahead of schedule. Pier G will create new capacity as early as 2021. This is important proof that the entrepreneurial decision to opt for an architectural design for Terminal 3 that can be flexibly adapted to demand was a good one," said Chairman of the Supervisory Board Weimar.
"Above all, passengers are looking for rest and relaxation before or after a flight. Bringing out this special quality was the guiding principle for the concept of Terminal 3, along with the greatest possible technical and functional flexibility of the building complex. The light-flooded rooms are furnished with high-quality materials in warm natural tones and will radiate a pleasant atmosphere that invites people to linger and relax. In this attitude, the new terminal will be the first among modern terminals internationally," architect Mäckler elaborated.
Fraport Ausbau Süd GmbH, a wholly owned Fraport subsidiary, is supervising and managing the construction project. The planned budget is 3.5 to 4 billion euros. For Fraport AG, this is the largest single investment in Frankfurt to date. It consists of about 500 individual contracts. Due to the small denomination, numerous medium-sized construction companies can profit from contracts - also in the region. Further facts and figures on Terminal 3 can be found in the overview below.
At www.Terminal3.infothose interested can follow the construction progress of Terminal 3 in a multimedia and interactive way. Those who would like to take a closer look at the large construction site can book a bus tour at www.FRA-Tours.combook.
