By Dominic Welling

Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH, the airport operator for Düsseldorf International, has recorded a 49.9% increase in the group's profits for 2010, as well as increased turnover and passenger numbers.

Despite problems associated with the ash cloud and other factors, the operator reported profits of €57.1 million for last year, which included an individual contribution of €31.6 million.

Meanwhile, the group turnover for 2010 was €404.4 million, an increase of 2.8% on the previous year, and passenger numbers hit a record number of nearly 19 million - a jump of 6.7% on 2009.

Dr. Peter Noè, chairman of the supervisory board at Flughafen Düsseldorf, says: "The profit for the year is a success despite the ash cloud and other particular influences in 2010.

"Moreover, it also represents the strength of the Rhine-Ruhr economic region, for whose economic development and international accessibility Düsseldorf Airport is such an important support."

Non-aviation revenue at the airport also grew during 2009, from €102 million to €108 million.

Last year the airport focused on the modernisation of Pier C, with new gastronomical and retail facilities.

Düsseldorf International currently houses 74 shops as well as 43 restaurants, bars and cafès.

Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH also took over the investment itself for the expansion of nine food and beverage outlets in 2009.

Airport manager Thomas Schnalke says: "Last year we created further offers to make the airport even more interesting for our guests.

"For the first time, Düsseldorf Airport also made an investment itself in the development of nine restaurants, which are operated by the experienced companies Stockheim and Marchè."

Meanwhile, Düsseldorf Airport is continuing to invest in its Airport City in a sustained way.

Flughafen Düsseldorf has noted a considerable 20% growth in employment at the Airport City, with 1,200 employees working for the 25 companies based there.

This modern business park will be completed in 2016 in a 23-acre area in the direct vicinity of the terminal building. The first construction phase, which covers more than one third of the entire business park area, has already been completed, and the number of tenants in the Airport City is increasing continuously.

Siemens AG moved its local branch office into the business park at the airport last autumn, and the kitchen furniture manufacturer ALNO AG has also opened its new head office in Airport City.