The construction works on the expansion of the airport passenger terminal facility have kicked off. The final design, approved last year by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), foresees the development of a new 5,500 sqm terminal on three levels and the refurbishment of the existing building, with a specific focus on the check-in and departure lounge. The works are scheduled to be completed in two years.
The works in progress will not, however, disrupt daily airport operations, and each individual area will be released step-by-step upon completion. The new terminal facility, covering a total surface area of 5,500 sqm, is scheduled to open in approximately one year, offering additional security checkpoints and a new food court and shopping centre. The new bright glass-panelled building, overlooking the sea, will feature high ceilings and provide fast and easy access to dedicated areas. Construction is set to be carried out in full compliance with strict environmental and sustainability requirements, including the use of recycled and renewable materials sourced within a radius of 150 km to reduce the carbon footprint.
Construction has been contracted to a Temporary Association of Companies (ATI) forged between two Genoa-based companies, Consorzio INTEGRA and CEISIS. The executive design has been awarded to STEAM, VMV Ingegneria and Studio Gnudi, whilst the final design has been delivered by the Architects and Engineering Practice One Works. The refurbishment of Genoa's airport commenced at the beginning of the year with the installation of a new baggage handling system. Furthermore, plans are afoot to provide a direct on-site intermodal connection Airport-Rail-Erzelli.
The total value of the Christopher Columbus airport expansion project is estimated at approximately 20 million euros, funded in part by the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, with 11.3 million euros, and the Liguria Region with 5 million euros.
In addition to the extension and refurbishment of the terminal building, plans are also underway to renovate the 3 km runway in March of next year.
During the Press Conference, airport management unveiled the new company logo, created by Meloria Communications Agency. Christopher Columbus Airport has been rebranded "Genova City Airport": the Genoese flag of St. George's Cross, red cross on a white background, morphs into an aircraft, and the logo becomes a symbol of the inextricable link between Genoa and its international hub, nestled in the heart of the city.
Paolo Emilio Signorini, President of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, declares, "The collapse of the Morandi Bridge highlighted the accessibility of the port as a priority for development. Almost three years since this tragic event, we are onstream to meet this challenge and we have embarked upon the process of improving overall access to the Port of Genoa across a range of major infrastructure works: Maritime, with the construction of the new breakwater; by Road, with the new extensive road connections in the Sampierdarena and Prà area, by Rail, with the installation of new on-site intermodal railway links; and by Air, with the expansion plan of the airport passenger terminal building which kicks off today. No more bottlenecks, more flights and higher service quality."
