Recovery and Growth: Swedavia Reports Surge in Airline Activity and Routes in 2023

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Starting March 20, Swedavia’s 2023 Annual and Sustainability Report will be accessible on its website. The year 2023 saw continued recovery from previously low air traffic levels, marked by the arrival of new airlines and the return of established ones to Swedavia’s airports, reinstating most of the routes and destinations. Throughout the year, Swedavia further advanced its commitment to transitioning towards fossil-free aviation. In a significant achievement in December, both Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Malmö Airport were awarded the highest certification level by the Airport Carbon Accreditation, the global standard for climate transition efforts at airports. This recognition places Swedavia among an elite group of five airport operators worldwide to reach this standard.

Long distances should never be an obstacle that prevents people from meeting. Aviation connects people, brings friends and family together, and enables ideas and experiences to be shared and new insights to be gained from all corners of the world. In doing so, aviation helps to increase the understanding of people from other cultures and religions like no other mode of transport, and it is no exaggeration to say that through this aviation improves the conditions for achieving an existence free from war and unrest. Air travel is simply a necessity for people to meet, and as we look at the numbers for 2023, we can see that this need remains strong,” writes Swedavia’s president and CEO, Jonas Abrahamsson, in his CEO statement.

Over the last year, Swedavia has been pivotal in propelling the aviation industry’s climate transition efforts, with increasing public recognition of its sustainability initiatives. In December 2023, Swedavia’s efforts were acknowledged with a level five certification at Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Malmö Airport, the highest achievable level, focusing on achieving a net-zero carbon dioxide emissions balance. Furthermore, seven of Swedavia’s ten airports have been awarded the second highest certification (ACA4+) by the Airport Carbon Accreditation, underscoring Swedavia’s leadership in climate transition in the aviation sector.

“In 2023 and 2024, we have continued to work with our customers and partners towards achieving fossil-free aviation. This year will be the fifth year in a row that we are implementing our incentive programme to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel. Through this programme, Swedavia reimburses up to half of the cost of refuelling with sustainable aviation fuel. Like 2023, this year’s programme will be run with a pot of SEK 40 M, which is double the amount compared to 2022. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has provided a total investment of SEK 100 M”, says Abrahamsson.

Lastly, Arlanda Airport is described as the cornerstone of Sweden’s foundational airport infrastructure, crucial for linking Sweden’s regions and connecting Sweden globally, underscoring its importance in the nation’s connectivity and international reach.

“Over the past year, Swedavia has successfully rolled out a new state-of-the-art security control at Arlanda, the hub of Sweden’s national basic infrastructure. This investment has certainly paid off. In December, the average waiting time to pass through the security control was two minutes. This has helped to significantly improve the passenger experience and is an important step in the continued development of Arlanda. Much more is needed, however, in order to improve the airport’s competitiveness. It is in the national interest that the competitiveness and continued development of the airport are ensured. Swedavia, other social actors and Sweden as a country need to take action together”, says Abrahamsson.

Key Developments in 2023:

• Swedavia’s airports witnessed over 32 million passengers traveling through them last year, marking a 17% increase from 2022. Despite air cargo making up only 1% of global transport volumes, it comprises 35% of the value of goods transported typically.

• Stockholm Arlanda Airport enhanced its efficiency with a new security system in Terminal 5 during the summer, featuring EU-certified equipment allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their carry-on during checks.
• In October, the 11,000 square meter Marketplace, with around 50 dining and retail options, was launched at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. This venture is the largest of its kind at Sweden’s main airport, serving approximately 23 million passengers annually.
• Looking ahead to 2024, Swedavia aims to further fossil-free aviation. The year marks the fifth consecutive year of promoting sustainable aviation fuel usage through an incentive program, offering up to 50% cost reimbursement. With SEK 40 M allocated for this year, the total investment has reached SEK 100 M since its inception in 2020.
• Technological advancements are crucial for fossil-free aviation. Swedavia has ramped up efforts to adapt its airports for electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, partnering with Heart Aerospace to showcase the ES30 aircraft’s capabilities at Malmö Airport.
• Swedavia, alongside Airbus, Vattenfall, and SAS, has embarked on a project to explore hydrogen use in aviation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across the industry for environmental sustainability.
• In November, a hybrid bond was successfully issued for SEK 2 billion, attracting significant interest from both institutional and Nordic investors, underscoring Swedavia’s strong reputation in the Nordic capital market.

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