OREANDA-NEWS. April 01, 2010. To become more attractive to passengers and business, Vilnius International Airport (VIA) offers new opportunities for business development as the passenger flow continues to increase.

According to the data of a recent passenger survey, passengers appreciate the cleanliness and order at the airport, as well as the quick service during check-in and passport and security checks. Furthermore, passengers indicated that Vilnius Airport lacks fast-food outlets (27 per cent), Lithuanian goods and souvenirs (22 per cent), and books and printed press sales outlets (19 per cent).

“The airport is creating new commercial spaces in consideration of passenger wishes. Terminals should be convenient and planned following the principles applied when planning shopping centres and urban areas and adapted for the provision of high-quality non-aviation services to passengers” Simonas Bartkus, head of the Department of Commerce of Vilnius International Airport, said.  

Bartkus stated that Vilnius Airport has created new commercial spaces for a pharmacy in the departure hall, as well as new areas for catering companies and shops in the ‘sterile’ zone (which is intended for passengers who have passed aviation security checks), and spaces for an ice-cream shop and currency exchange kiosk in the departure hall. Furthermore, spaces for food vending machines are planned. These areas will be leased based on the results of tenders. In the nearest future, the airport will offer even more commercial areas intended for retail companies and eating establishments, as well as areas for offices, warehouses, and other activities.    

Entrepreneurs are invited to learn about possible business opportunities, visit the premises offered for lease at any time at the country’s largest airport, and cooperate in the provision of various services in the passenger terminals. 

More information about the areas offered for lease can be found on the Vilnius Airport website at http://www.vno.lt/lt/verslui/verslo-galimybes-oro-uoste/viesieji-patalpu-nuomos-konkursai/.

Last year, Vilnius Airport served 1.3 million passengers and forecasts a rapid growth in the number this year. In March alone, the passenger flow increased 23 per cent and the growth trend continues.