30 January 2025

Interview with Giacomo Cattaneo

Aviation Sales Director of Milan Bergamo Airport

What were the main results achieved by Milan Bergamo Airport in 2024 in terms of number of flights and passengers? What goals do you think have been most significant?

"2024 was a historic year for airport traffic, setting a new all-time record with over 17,350,000 passengers. This result not only exceeded pre-pandemic levels, but did so with a significant increase, registering over 3 million more passengers than the previous record.

The year also saw the introduction of new destinations and an increase in frequencies on strategic routes, redefining the perception of the airport with its international connections. A case in point is Flydubai, which for the first time operated a double daily flight at certain times of the year, allowing easier connections not only with its own network, but also with Emirates via Dubai. Air Arabia has also enhanced its services by increasing frequencies to Sharjah, thus expanding the possibilities of connection to Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. Thanks to these developments, passengers have been able to reach long-haul destinations with greater comfort, reducing waiting times for connecting flights.

In addition to the strengthening of international connections, 2024 marked further growth in traffic to the main European and Mediterranean destinations, with the introduction of new routes and the increase in the frequency of flights to already established destinations.

On the infrastructure front, another significant milestone was the official launch of the construction site for the expansion of the terminal in April 2024, a project that has been awaited for years and is essential to support traffic growth and improve the passenger experience. With this step forward, the airport is preparing to face a future of further expansion and innovation, consolidating its role as a strategic hub in the international aviation landscape".

What are the main strategic objectives set for 2025? Are there any plans to expand the routes or new collaborations with airlines that will further enhance the offer of Milan Bergamo airport?

"The airport continues to work with determination to strengthen air connections, both through the expansion of the operations of the companies already present and through the constant search for new commercial partners. Some important milestones have already been achieved and recently announced.

Among the most significant novelties, the Egyptian carrier Air Cairo stands out, which starting from April will operate two weekly flights to Sharm el-Sheikh, offering a direct connection with one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Red Sea. In addition, a route to southern France will be activated for the first time, with twice-weekly flights to Nice and Nîmes starting in May, operated by the French carrier L'Odyssey. Also in May, the Sky Alps company will inaugurate a new twice-weekly route to Mostar, further expanding the airport's international network.

In parallel, numerous negotiations are underway for the opening of further connections and some of these are still in the early stages, while others have reached a more advanced stage. However, to ensure concrete information, the new routes will only be officially communicated when the flights are put on sale by the airlines involved. One of the most interesting developments concerns the possibility of activating a direct flight to Mongolia. Recently, a bilateral agreement was signed between Italy and Mongolia and there are good prospects for the launch of a connection with Ulaanbaatar, the capital, which is home to more than 50% of the country's population. This project is not only related to passenger transport, but also to important economic and commercial interests, especially in the cargo sector."

Giacomo Cattaneo, Direttore Commerciale Aviation dell’Aeroporto di Milano Bergamo. Copyright © Sacbo Spa

Mongolia is in fact one of the world's largest exporters of cashmere, while Italy is one of the main importers and processors of this precious raw material. In addition, the country also exports other resources of great value, fueling a market that sees many Italian companies already active in the area. Significant investments and cooperation projects between Italian and Mongolian companies are creating a favorable environment for the activation of the flight, which could become a reference point for business and trade between the two nations.

The process for starting this connection still involves several steps, including the operational authorization and the definition of the airline that will manage the route. However, with the growing commercial and industrial interests between the two countries, there is a very good chance that this connection will soon become a reality. We will see how the situation evolves".

The hubs in Dubai and Istanbul represent important connection points for passengers departing from Milan Bergamo to global destinations. Considering also the connections offered by Sharjah, what strategies are you implementing with airlines to expand international accessibility and improve the travel experience for your passengers?

"Expanding the international accessibility of our airport is a strategic priority and we are constantly working to attract new airlines. The goal is not only to increase the number of flights, but to enhance global connectivity, offering passengers more travel opportunities and strengthening the airport's role as a strategic hub. The introduction of new carriers and long-haul connections makes it possible to redesign the profile of the airport, ensuring a wider range of action and greater integration into international networks.

Among the initiatives underway, a particular focus is on Flydubai, a company that has already implemented a second daily frequency for some periods of the year. The hope is that this increase can become permanent, consolidating the double daily flight and expanding the possibilities of connection. However, at the moment, the expansion of operations depends on external factors, in particular delays in deliveries of new Boeing aircraft, which have affected the airline's operational growth on multiple destinations, including Milan Bergamo. Despite this, the airport is among the main candidates for the increase in future frequencies.

In parallel with the expansion of routes, work is being done to improve the overall passenger experience at the airport. The goal is to enrich the airport experience, with an increasingly complete offer of catering services, shopping areas and a new duty free. The optimization of space and the introduction of new infrastructures will ensure a more welcoming and functional environment, in line with the needs of travellers. Therefore, the infrastructural expansion of the terminal is a fundamental step in this path".

The "BGY Business Workshop" is an important networking event for airlines, tour operators, tourism boards, travel agencies and industry operators. What are the expectations for this year's edition and what concrete results do you expect to achieve from this event?

"Expectations and results are linked to the objective of this workshop, which is to encourage the meeting between operators in the air and tourism sector, creating a platform for dialogue between those who offer flight capacity from the airport (airlines, tour operators and tourism boards) and those who deal with distribution and sales to the public, i.e. travel agencies. The airport, in this context, acts as a facilitator of commercial connections, without being directly involved in the sale, but working so that the various players in the sector can maximize business opportunities.

While the airline industry is increasingly moving towards a business-to-consumer strategy, with companies promoting direct online sales, the role of travel agencies remains crucial, especially in organized tourism and personalized packages. For this reason, the airport recognizes the importance of strengthening collaboration with travel agents, who represent a strategic link in the dissemination of information on available flights and new destinations departing from the airport. In the case of tour operators, the relationship with travel agencies is already well established, as customers continue to turn to intermediaries for the purchase of holiday packages. However, innovations in the air route landscape do not always effectively reach the agency channel.

BGY Business Workshop aims to fill this gap by allowing airlines, even smaller ones, to present their new connections, such as the flight to Nice, directly to travel agents. Through this exchange, airlines have the opportunity to better promote their services, the airport strengthens the route network and agencies can expand the offer to their customers, ensuring greater visibility and success of new air connections".

What new initiatives or improvements are you implementing to enrich the airport service offer and ensure a more complete, pleasant and personalized experience for passengers?

"In recent years, Milan Bergamo Airport has introduced a series of exclusive ancillary services designed to ensure passengers have a smoother, more personalized and comfortable travel experience. These services, which aim to improve every phase of airport transit, range from Fast Track to lounge access, up to dedicated assistance solutions for those who want premium treatment.

One of the most popular services is Fast Track, which is divided into two options: Classic Fast Track, which allows quick passage through security checks, and Fast Track Plus, which offers an even smoother experience thanks to the possibility of checking in and dropping off luggage in an exclusive area, the Check-in Lounge. This solution allows travellers to complete formalities quickly and without waiting before entering the fast lane for checks.

For those looking for a comfortable environment before the flight, the airport offers two lounges: in addition to the outdoor lounge connected to the Fast Track Plus service, there is the Hello Sky Lounge, inaugurated in June 2021 and managed by a specialized company. This exclusive waiting area recorded exceptional results in 2024, with days exceeding 600 admissions, testifying to the growing demand for relaxing spaces and quality services within the airport. Another premium service that is enjoying increasing success is the Meet & Greet called BGY Top, designed for those who want completely personalized assistance. This exclusive package, which can be purchased directly or through specialized agencies, guarantees a confidential welcome from the moment you arrive at the airport. The passenger (whether it is a single traveler, a family or a group arriving at the airport normally accompanied by a taxi or an NCC) is received by a dedicated hostess, with the help of luggage transport personnel. After checking in at the Landside VIP Lounge, guests are escorted through the airport route, enjoying priority passage through security and, if desired, personalised advice for shopping in shops or duty free. Before boarding, you can relax in the Hello Sky Lounge, where you can enjoy an exclusive ambience with food service. When the flight is ready, the passenger is accompanied to a dedicated boarding gate, separated from other travelers, and then taken to the aircraft by a private reserved vehicle. The same service is also available for arrivals, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted assistance until you leave the airport. An option particularly appreciated by premium customers, who are recording an increase in requests month after month, confirming the growing interest in exclusive and personalized travel solutions".

What are the main infrastructure projects planned for 2025 and how will these contribute to improving the passenger experience and the operational capacity of the airport?

"Without hiding my expectations too much, I want to hope that 2025 will truly be a historic year as far as the infrastructural development of the airport is concerned. In fact, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for the airport's infrastructure development, marking a significant turning point in operational capacity and passenger experience. The expansion works, already underway, will lead to a visible and concrete transformation, with two important milestones that will improve efficiency and comfort within the airport.

The first fundamental step will be the doubling of the check-in area, expected by the end of May or at the latest in early June, coinciding with the end of the school year. The expansion will increase passenger handling capacity, offering larger and more functional spaces for both travelers and airlines. The enhancement of the check-in area will make it possible to optimize passenger flows, reducing waiting times and ensuring a more efficient service.

The second major intervention, considered perhaps the most significant, will concern the inauguration of the new security control area, located exactly above the check-in extension. This space, which will be opened between November and early December, will be much larger than the current security area, with a layout designed to improve flow management and make controls faster and more efficient.

The new 14 safety lines will maintain the same number as they are now, but will be considerably longer, extending for 25 metres each. The innovative design will allow 4-5 passengers at the same time to prepare for the checks in a more organized way, reducing waiting times. The implementation of the latest generation technologies will also make it possible not to remove liquids, tablets or computers from hand luggage, making the whole process faster and less stressful. The control trays will be positioned on automated rollers, ensuring a continuous flow and avoiding slowdowns. Overall, it is estimated that the new safety area will have 2.5 times more capacity than the current one, with larger spaces dedicated to queuing, significantly improving the travel experience.

Innovation will not stop at security checks. After passing through the checkpoint, passengers will access a completely renovated duty free, with a much larger exhibition area than the current one and new shops that will enhance the shopping experience at the airport.

These interventions represent only the beginning of a broader development plan, which will continue beyond 2025 with even more ambitious projects. Among the next steps will be the construction of the direct railway connection with Milan Bergamo airport, the opening of the new Hilton Garden Inn Bergamo Airport within the airport, further consolidating the centrality of the airport in the panorama of mobility and international tourism. But we will talk about it in the coming years".

Interview by Angela Trivigno

Avion Tourism Magazine