Master Plan Summary - Aerodrom Ljubljana

Economic Development
Since 1993, after the Slovenian independence phase, the economy has started to grow
more strongly than the EU average. The real GDP grew by CAGR 4.4% p.a. in the last 10
years compared to the European average growth of 2.3%. Since the EU-membership in
2004, the real GDP increased even by an CAGR 5.1% p.a. In 2007, the economy grew by
6.8%, the highest growth rate in recent years, before declining to 3.5% in 2008.
Today Slovenia has a high-income developed economy which enjoys the highest GDP per capita
of the new member states in the European Union with 29,500 US$ (PPP) in 2008, or 88% of
the EU average. The central geopolitical position at the cross-roads of trade and transport routes
between the Balkans and Western Europe and the direct access to the sea through the Port of
Koper gives Slovenia a cutting edge. The country additionally benefits from a well-educated and
productive work force, and its political and economic institutions are vigorous and effective.
Tourism Development
With its geographical location in Central Europe, between the Alps and the Mediterranean
Sea, Slovenia offers tourists a huge diversity of culture, nature and leisure activities such
as city tourism, skiing in 45 ski regions, wellness & spa in 25 health resorts, golf on 11 golf
courses, adventures activities like climbing, rafting, paragliding, cycling, etc, gambling and
conference tourism, etc.
Since the late 1990’s, the number of foreign tourists increased significantly while the number
of domestic tourists grew only slightly. This was in part the result of the membership of the
Schengen area in 2008 which allowed easier access for EU visitors. In 2008, Slovenian
tourist accommodation facilities registered almost 1 million domestic and 1.771 million
international tourist arrivals, generating a total of 2.766 million tourist arrivals and 8.412
million overnight stays. In 2008, the number of accommodation rooms was accounted by
over 32,000 beds with an average occupancy rate of 45%.
Objectives
The planning objectives and criteria taken as a basis for the preparation of the Master
Plan aim to define an optimal layout of the airport infrastructure facilities, whilst taking into
account the environmental impacts and financial viability of the measures.
The Master Plan acknowledges the need for a balanced approach to development based on
the following ‘Core Objectives’:
• Expand airport infrastructure and increase traffic in order to become a leading
provider of air connections and services in this region, for both passenger and cargo
traffic;
• Ensure provision of high quality and safe airport services;
• Enhance the development of accompanying commercial activities and activities not
directly related to airport operations; and
• Provide a friendly environment and assure the well-being of passengers, employees,
the local community and all other entities and personnel involved in the performance
of airport services.
After extensive consultation with key airport stakeholders, these Core Objectives were
further expanded to include the following:
Ensure provision of capacity to meet future demand:
Ljubljana Airport shall provide sufficient capacity to serve the projected growth. In planning
and designing facility improvements, Ljubljana Airport shall be adaptable to the changing
needs of its customers, tenants, federal and local requirements. Planning and design shall
allow a modular expansion of the assets according to the traffic development and shall
provide sufficient flexibility to react to unexpected events.
Social progress which recognizes the needs of the airport stakeholders:
Ljubljana Airport shall continue to provide a safe, efficient and secure operating environment
for passengers and their baggage. The airfield’s facilities shall be equipped with navigation
equipment and lighting systems necessary for operating in poor weather conditions.
Ensure reliable and consistent spatial planning:
Due to its national importance, the Master Plan shall serve as a starting point for the
preparation of a detailed plan (“National Spatial Plan”) for the entire Ljubljana Jože Pučnik
Airport area. It shall ensure that the airport is embedded in the urban and regional context.
Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment:
Ljubljana Airport is critical for attracting and retaining businesses in Slovenia. The airport is
a vital part of the infrastructure that supports economic growth. The airport shall take a lead
role in supporting economic development efforts and its operation shall be financially selfsustaining.
The airport’s development shall be conducted in a financially feasible manner,
balancing the need for new facilities with maintaining reasonable user charges. Aerodrom
Ljubljana, d.d., acknowledges the importance of non-aviation revenues and pursues a
strategy to attract potential investors.
Effective protection of the environment
Ljubljana Airport shall continue its proactive approach to the environment by ensuring
that all future developments minimize the impact on the environment. In particular airfield
improvements shall be planned to accommodate future aviation demand while at the same
time minimize noise impacts on adjoining communities.
Provide high quality journey experience
Ljubljana Airport shall offer a pleasing experience to the users and customers. Its facilities
shall be intuitively laid out, enabling “hassle-free” use by the air travelers and accommodate
the special needs of the elderly, disabled and families traveling with children. The airport’s
facilities shall be sufficient to maintain a high level of convenience and efficiency.
10 11