A new state of the art terminal is now open at the Sochi International Airport. The new facility is one of the key infrastructure developments ahead of the city staging Russia’s first Winter Games in 2014.

The new terminal complex, which is already operational and handling passengers on both domestic and international flights, is equipped with the latest engineering systems and technological equipment, which will ensure the highest levels of safety and comfort. Particular emphasis has been placed on environmental considerations and resource efficiency when building the terminal.

Oleg Deripaska, Basic Element Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The opening of this new terminal is a highly significant event for Basic Element, the investor responsible for the new terminal and several other Sochi 2014 Olympic sites, as well as the city of Sochi and the entire Krasnodar Territory.

“A modern airport is a vital component of the Region’s future prosperity. The opening of the terminal is, in a large part, thanks to our excellent partners, without whom the successful delivery of the project would have been possible.”

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, commented:

“The new air gateway provides our guests – fans, tourists, sportspeople and officials who fly in from all over the world – with their first impressions of Sochi the Olympic city. The welcoming atmosphere of the new terminal will be the first stage in ensuring that all guests receive an excellent impression of Sochi.”

The new terminal complex boosts the airport’s passenger capacity from 900 to 1,600 passengers per hour. In 2012, when an additional ten telescopic gangways are completed, the airport will be able to handle up to 2,500 passengers per hour. By the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2014, capacity will rise to 3,800, which meets the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requirements.

Overall investment in the development of the airport terminal has been 6.2 billion rubles. Vnesheconombank was a key lender.