AVION TOURISM #79 Special Edition for Milan Bergamo Airport

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NEW EXTENSION OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL

Check-in halls and non-Schengen spaces in the 41 million euro expansion plan

During a exciting ceremony, SACBO presented the expansion works for the passenger terminal, which will involve the departures area and will see the creation of a new check-in hall, the redesigning of the security controls area, with latest-generation X-ray equipment, and the enlargement of the non-Schengen departures area, with the creation of two new boarding gates. Construction work has already begun and a radical transformation of the traveler experience is anticipated.

With an investment of 41 million euros, by the spring of 2025, the terminal will be equipped with a modernized check-in area featuring 22 additional check-in desks and two extra-Schengen boarding gates. The terminal expansion includes an increase of 3,700 square meters on the ground floor and 7,400 square meters on the first floor, which will encompass a new duty-free area, state-of-the-art security checkpoints, and spacious areas for enhanced passenger comfort.

The motto of the project, "More space, more comfort, faster, further" reflects the ambition to make the airport an even more welcoming, functional, and pleasant place for all passengers, also anticipating the imminent opening of the direct railway connection. The future is seen with renewed commitment to sustainability and innovation. The ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from local authorities, who confirmed their support and enthusiasm for this significant project.

INTERVIEW WITH

EMILIO BELLINGARDI

Forty-five years of leadership and innovation

The outgoing General Manager of Milan Bergamo Airport has outlined the trajectory of his career that began in 1979, highlighting professional growth entirely within the airport sector. During his tenure, he implemented strategies to transform the airport into a crucial hub for air transport, shifting the perception of Bergamo from merely an alternative to Linate to a pillar of the Italian airport system. Since 2015, under his leadership, the airport has experienced record growth, adopting an innovative approach to enhance air accessibility to Europe.

Bellingardi has managed several challenges during his career, including gaining recognition from local communities for the airport's utility and adopting advanced technologies, which have significantly increased the safety and operational efficiency of the airport.

READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW

BGY Airport FOD WALK

The airport community united to mitigate the risks of Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

On May 6th, the FOD WALK 2024 took place at BGY Airport, an event aimed at raising awareness within the airport community about the dangers of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) to aeronautical operations. The event provided participants with the opportunity to explore the new extension of the airport infrastructure, soon to be operational, which will enhance the airport's capabilities.

The FOD WALK is part of the initiatives to promote air safety and aligns with European Regulation 139/14. The new General Manager, Amelia Corti, emphasized the importance of the event: "This year's participants, coming from various entities in the airport sector, have reinforced the commitment to aeronautical safety and highlighted the value of the 'safety network', a sense of solidarity among all operators aimed at maintaining high safety standards in movement areas".

With over 50 participants from companies and state agencies and more than 50 kg of FOD collected, the event has strengthened the sense of community and cooperation that animates the airport.

BGY LAUNCHES NEW GREEN PATHWAYS

Investments in sustainable mobility and cultural enhancement projects

The President of SACBO, Giovanni Sanga, recently announced the opening of a new segment of the cycle-pedestrian ring route. This track, located in the northeast area of the airport perimeter, extends from the new roundabout on Via Paderno, direction Seriate, to the path leading to threshold 28 and connecting with the Parco del Serio cycle route. This perimeter cycle-pedestrian ring represents a significant initiative for sustainable mobility, included in the Airport Development Plan scheduled through 2030. The goal is to provide passengers, employees, and visitors to the airport with an ecological and healthy alternative to motorized transport.

Also presented was the project for 2024, which includes extending the cycle-pedestrian ring from the roundabout on Via Paderno, direction Seriate, to Via Cavour in the municipality of Orio al Serio. This new segment will connect to the existing cycle routes in the Municipalities of Seriate and Orio al Serio.

The ring will be expanded to the access road to the airport from the east, along Via Matteotti in the Municipality of Grassobbio, thus connecting BGY to Bergamo and the highway network, improving traffic safety and flow.

The construction of the perimeter cycle-pedestrian ring route not only represents a sustainable mobility initiative but also an opportunity for cultural and tourist development of the area. Indeed, the airport co-financed the project "My Castle Street," promoted by the Municipalities of Bagnatica, Calcinate, Cavernago, and Costa di Mezzate. The initiative aims to connect the castles of Malpaga, Cavernago, and Costa di Mezzate, residences of great historical and cultural value.

Moreover, the airport cycle-pedestrian ring route and the "My Castle Street" project integrate with the BERGAMO-BRESCIA cycleway, established in the year Bergamo Brescia was the Capital of Culture 2023, and with the "MUOVIMI" cycle-pedestrian route, which connects the city of Munich to Milan.

BGY continues to develop initiatives and infrastructure that place sustainability and safety at the core of its activities, promoting an increasingly pedestrian-oriented approach.

2ND AIR CARGO ITALY FORUM IN BERGAMO

New players and opportunities for the future of Air Freight Transport in Italy

The 2nd AIR CARGO ITALY Forum, a prominent event in the air freight transport sector, was held last March in the cargo area of Bergamo Airport. With over 150 participants, the forum represented a unique networking and discussion opportunity for industry professionals.

SACBO highlighted the importance of synergy and dialogue among different entities to create opportunities and growth. The event, organized with the cooperation of the airport management company, focused on the current scenario and new players capable of triggering new trends and, consequently, future strategies.

Milan Bergamo Airport brought its experience and expertise, starting with a speech by President Giovanni Sanga, who welcomed participants to the recently constructed hangar. BGY also participated in one of the day's panels, dedicated to the transformation of the freight transport world, featuring a presentation by Massimo Roccasecca.

BGY EVENTS

The most beautiful flight ever! Atalanta's triumphant arrival at BGY.

Milan Bergamo Airport is proud to have accompanied la Dea on this incredible journey, towards a dream becoming reality.

Business Workshop

Major players in the trade world, such as airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, travel managers, and tourism boards, met at the BGY logistics hub to network and promote their business services.

During the event, interactive sessions were held

and the latest tourism trends were showcased.

Airport Awards 2023

The best food and retail at BGY for the year 2023 have been awarded.

The winners were selected based on various statistics provided by a third-party mystery client company.

The winners in the food & beverage category are

Rossopomodoro, Panino Giusto, and Serge.

The winners in the retail category are

Taste&Buy, Legami, and Kiko.

The new public contracts code

BGY has an appointment at the Papa Giovanni XXIII Congress Center for the meeting "The New Public Contracts Code and Its Operational Effects", which featured a rich panel of experts and local institutions.

Cristian Solari analyzed the effects of implementing the new Public Contracts Code in the airport sector, focusing particularly on the changes brought about by the digitalization process introduced in 2024.

Whistleblowing and Cybersecurity

The important meeting hosted by BGY at the Giovanni XXIII Congress Center focused on the crucial topics of whistleblowing and cybersecurity. After the welcoming remarks by President Giovanni Sanga, distinguished representatives from organizations and institutions were welcomed, who shared valuable insights on managing and safeguarding companies against the ever-increasing risks of the digital world.

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS

SHORT STAY AREA P1 EAST AT REDUCED RATE AND FREE FOR THE FIRST 20 MINUTES

The P1 East Parking, located 100 meters from the entrance of the departure area of the terminal and accessible via a protected pedestrian path, offers free parking for the first 20 minutes and is regulated by an hourly rate of €2.50. Clearly indicated by vertical signage, P1 East is easily accessible and represents a viable alternative to avoid waiting times at the entrance of P1 during peak periods.

E-GATES AT MILAN BERGAMO AIRPORT

The electronic gates (e-gates) active for document checks, both on departure and arrival at Milan Bergamo Airport, are equipped to read and recognize electronic identity cards, as well as electronic passports. The opportunity to use the electronic identity card, made possible by the collaboration between SACBO and the Border Police through the authorization process of the Ministry of the Interior, facilitates passengers on extra-Schengen flights traveling to and from the following 15 destinations: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey.