Healthy commercial growth lifts Zürich Airport performance in 2017

SWITZERLAND. A solid performance from retail and food & beverage was among several factors that buoyed Zürich Airport’s revenue and profits in 2017, the company reported today.

As reported, Zürich Airport turnover from retail and food & beverage climbed by +5.5% year-on-year in 2017, hitting CHF575.5 million (US$598 million). Within this, airside sales surged by +8.9%, with landside sales marginally up (+1.2%). Turnover per departing passenger in the year fell by -0.7% to CHF39.20 (US$40.71), though in airside areas this rose by an encouraging +2.4% (-4.8% landside).

A six-year view of Zürich Airport’s commercial turnover, with 2017 posting a healthy year-on-year increase (click to enlarge)

Led by the strong gross sales figures above, Zürich Airport commercial and parking revenue rose by +6.1% to CHF234.2 million (US$249.1 million). Together with revenue from facilities management and services plus revenue from the international business – group non-aviation revenue increased by +5.2% to CHF412.9 million (US$439.2 million).

The figures were buoyed by a +6.3% leap in passenger traffic in the year, to 29.4 million. This was led by long-haul traffic, which grew by +9.2% to 7 million, with traffic on European routes up by +5.4% year-on-year to 22.3 million.

Total revenues grew by +2.4% to CHF1,037.1 million (US$1,103 million). The company benefited from one-off income of CHF31.4 million (US$33.4 million) following the sale of its investment in Bangalore International Airport Ltd. Adjusted for one-off effects, consolidated profits climbed by +4.5% to CHF250.3 million (US$266.4 million).

Looking ahead, Zürich Airport forecasts that passenger volumes will grow by +3.5-4% in the current financial year. Revenue is expected to rise in the non-aviation segment, driven in particular by Dufry’s New Generation Store format as well as growth in the international business.

Traffic growth contributed to improved revenue and profitability in the past year; a region by region breakdown appears above
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