The Frankfurt Airport Group (FAG) and Amsterdam Schiphol have formed the world's first alliance between two major international airport operators, a year after they revealed they were discussing collaborative activities.
The venture, named Pantares, will be open to other airports and parallels the development of alliances among airlines. It will initially focus on co-operation in retailing, ground handling, cargo, information and communication technology, and on international airport projects.
Both airports hope to expand their management and equity stakes in overseas airports, particularly seeing opportunities in the many privatisations underway worldwide, and believe they will make a strong team. With Schiphol's support FAG has already taken a strategic 1% stake in Brisbane Airport. Schiphol holds 15.8% of the Australian airport.
On the retail front, Schiphol will soon start enhancing the shopping at Frankfurt in a six-year contract, and the partners will form an equally owned joint venture for managing retail operations at other airports.
In cargo, Schiphol will take a stake in Tradeport Frankfurt, a cargo logistics company, and the partners are looking at setting up an international network of Tradeports. They have also formed a consortium with local partners bidding for a project to develop a logistics centre at Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok Airport.
Source: Airline Business
