Airport operator Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur has officially inaugurated its newly revamped Terminal 1 (T1) facilities at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France.
The T1 renovation project centralized the passenger security screening area, created a single shopping precinct leading to all boarding gates, and redeveloped the passenger departure lounge to create more space and comfort for travelers. The project took two years to complete.
A major aspect of the project involved reclaiming space from T1 landside to create more space for airside facilities. As such, nearly 11,000m² of space has been impacted in T1 leading to a 160% increase in retail space, a 70% increase in lounge space and an increase of 60% in seating space.
Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur appointed concession operators Lagardère Travel France, SSP, Dufry and The Swatch Group to create new concepts for the expanded spaces to provide travelers with a unique and enjoyable retail experience.
As a result, the concessionaires introduced premium F&B offerings such as La Plage and Pan Garni restaurants from renowned French chef Thierry Marx; local favorites Chez Pipo from Nice and La Tarte Tropézienne from Saint-Tropez; and international chain offerings from Starbucks, Pret à Manger and Joe & the Juice. In total, the new concepts have added more than 1,300m² of restaurant space.
In terms of travel retail, the airport sought to completely redesign its offering by creating a multi-sensory shopping experience that follows one continuous walkway. The passenger journey begins in a walk-through duty-free store and leads through to a shopping district containing a number of international brands including Versace, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Omega.
The terminal’s VIP lounges have also been refined and improved for more space and greater comfort. The Azur lounge in the Schengen area has been extended from 250m² to 400m² , and the Riviera lounge in the international zone has been expanded from 410m² to 670m².
Alongside the T1 project, Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur has been carrying out a number of improvements to its Terminal 2 (T2) building with the expansion and renovation of a number of its facilities. The T2 project is scheduled for completion in May 2017.
Dominique Thillaud, chairman of the executive board for Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, said, “We are proud to inaugurate the new terminal which responds to the expectations, inspirations and requirements of our passengers. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport now reflects the unforgettable image of excellence in our region.”
Pedro Castro, divisional CEO, Southern Europe and Africa, Dufry Group, said, “We are very pleased with this solid collaboration with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which provides passengers with unique travel and shopping experiences, in a destination renowned worldwide. Through the selection of modern brands and attractive stores, T1 has acquired a further touch of class and glamour.”