Schiphol Group’s retail revenue rises 4.2% in 2004

Emily Pacey

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The Dutch airport operator has announced a 4.2% rise in concession revenue despite a 17.2% overall downturn in earnings in 2004

Schiphol Group has blamed lower unrealised capital gains in 2004 for its 17.2% year-on-year fall in earnings in 2004. The group's annual report, released today, revealed that excluding unrealised capital gains, earnings in 2004 rose by 13.1%, helped by an upturn of 4.2% in concession retail sales from Eu115m ($149m ) to Eu120m ($156m).

The report indicated that a 6.5% growth in passenger numbers was the main driver of retail sales at the group's airports, although average spend per international passenger was down in 2004 from Eu17.86 ($23) to Eu16.82 ($22). The group attributed this to the weak dollar, sterling exchange rates and the global economic downturn.

In addition to flagship airport Amsterdam Schiphol, the Schiphol Group operates regional airports Rotterdam and Lelystad and owns a 51% share in Eindhoven airport. All Schiphol's airports experienced revenue growth in 2004, the group said.