British Airways has become the largest international carrier to abandon Sheremetyevo Airport, Moscow's main overseas gateway, in favour of newly modernised Domodedovo. It will switch its two daily flights from London to the Russian capital on 1 July.
BA has been studying a move from Sheremetyevo, which is congested and has suffered from under-investment for two years. The ability to offer an improved customer experience is behind BA's relocation to Domodedovo. It can introduce new services at the airport such as dedicated check-in and lounges.
"Domodedovo offers maximum levels of customer comfort, excellent transfer services and increased speed and flexibility," says Daniel Burkard, BA regional commercial manager Eastern Europe. He describes Domodedovo as a "modern, user-friendly airport".
An additional benefit is the 40min direct train link to the city centre, and BA passengers will be able to check in for their flights at Paveletskiy Station in downtown Moscow.
BA joins Swiss, Adria Airways and Air Malta in switching to fast-growing Domodedovo, which is also home to a host of Russian carriers. The airport's management company, East Line Group, expects it to handle eight million passengers in 2003 and is increasing terminal capacity by 30% this summer to cope with its rapid growth.
Source: Airline Business
