Lufthansa has unveiled a new ”340m (”267m) docking pier and passenger handling area built between Terminals 1 and 2 for its future Airbus A380 operations at Frankfurt Airport.
The carrier is expecting its first three super-jumbos to be delivered in August, September and October next year, and the new area ” currently named Pier C/D ” will allow passengers to board both levels of the double-decker aircraft directly from their departure lounges.
Built by German transport company Fraport AG, construction took nearly two years and the facilitiy will push the airport's capacity up by 4m passengers annually.
”The exclusive gate area located on two levels is unique, worldwide,” said Lufthansa executive vice president services and human resources, Karl Ulrich Garnadt. ”Even before the first A380 enters service with the Lufthansa fleet, we are already laying on more space and comfort for passengers prior to flight departure.”
First and business class passengers will ” once through security ” proceed straight up to the priority departure gates on the upper Level Three, from where they will board the top A380 deck.
Designed in the business-lounge style, its waiting zones have workstations equipped with wireless internet, and bistros serving drinks and light menus. First class passengers will also have access to a Senator lounge, with panoramic views of the airport runways.
Four gates for economy passengers on the second level offer snack bars, with glass facades between areas giving it an open, spacious atmosphere, and passengers can move around freely between each section.
Wider walkways and escalators from check-in to the pier, and air-conditioning, also provide passengers with a better travelling experience.
The pier can handle three A380s and a Boeing 747 simultaneously, and two of the gates are equipped to accommodate smaller aircraft including the A320. Until its A380s are delivered, Lufthansa will use it for its 747s - the first flight will operate to Pier C/D on 27 March.
Lufthansa has not decided its A380 routes yet, but New York is thought to be one possible destination.
