OREANDA-NEWS. August 16, 2010. Vnukovo International's delegation took part in the 4th international conference Russia - EU: Cooperation Between Air Carriers, which was held on June 1-2 in Frankfurt-Main, Germany. Messrs. ATO Events organized the forum with the support of the RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the RF State Duma, and the Federal Council at the RF Federal Assembly.

The international conference provided the forum as it were for discussion of  the most pressing issues of air transport growth and development, as well as those to do with the establishment of direct contacts between potential partners in the [civil aviation as an] industry.

A number of top executives representing airlines and airports from both the European Union and the Russian Federation took part in the forum, as did numerous representatives of regulatory authorities & agencies, equipment and services supplier-companies, financial institutions, civil aviation analysts and consultants, and the representatives of branch mass media.

Numerous bilateral meetings with the representatives of Europe's leading airports and airlines have been held in the course of the Conference.

As part of panel discussion on Ground Infrastructure Development in Russia and The EU: Outlook for International Cooperation, Vasily Alexandrov, Vnukovo International's Director General, made a report on the latest developments at one of Russia's largest air gateways. He noted that thanks to the successful implementation of the Airport Master Plan, a number of significant infrastructural projects has been completed and put into operation, resulting in the influx of new air carriers and the exponential growth of the Airport's route network. over the last several years Vnukovo International has been at the forefront of passenger growth among European airports, and has consistently retained its third position nationwide in terms of passengers welcomed a year. As part of the Airport Master Plan, Vnukovo International has enjoyed the addition of the recently-built International Terminal B, as well as that of two multilevel car parks, the new Mail & Cargo Facility, and the major overhaul and refitting of its Runway 2. Furhtermore, the construction of an all new 12-storey airport hotel is currently underway in the Airport forecourt.

The focus of particular interest on the part of the panelists was the presentation of the Airport's all-new passenger Terminal A, the operational launch of Stage 1 of which is slated for the nearest term. "The new air terminal with the total floor space offering of 250000 square meters is expected to become one of Europe's most modern and technologically advanced facilities of its kind. But most importantly, it will open up a plethora of new opportunities for the Airport, enabling the total passenger throughput capacity of 20 million a year". - stressed Vasily Alexandrov. He went on to further elaborate on the project's many unique aspects and features, based on the cutting-edge expertise and solutions contributed by both the RF and international R&D companies and (institutions.) A number of tailored solutions has gone into the project, such as the Terminal's underground level made flush with the entrance hallway of the Airport train Station, similarly located at 8,25 m. below ground level.

Vasily Alexandrov concluded his presentation by stating his confidence in the fact that Vnukovo International will become an even more attractive airport for both the Rf and international carriers, once the new Terminal comes along.