Amsterdam's Schiphol airport is tightening its grip on the airport market after a promising 2011, reports Travel Weekly.
Schiphol "reinforced its position" as Europe's fourth largest airport after posting revenues of 1.3 billion euros - a rise of 98 million euros over 2010. This resulted in a net profit up to 194 million euros from 169 million euros.
In addition, passenger numbers grew by 10 per cent to a record 49.8 million, giving hire car firms an additional opportunity to lend their services to an increased number of travellers to the Netherlands.
Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt cemented the top three positions in the list of Europe's largest airports but Schiphol's competitive position was reported to be "visibly strengthened" based on the figures.
Jos Nijhuis, Schiphol Group President, commented on the performance of the airport to Reuters: "In these economically turbulent years, it is all the more important that the Netherlands can rely on its Mainports. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol wants to help strength the Netherlands' competitive potential. That is why I am pleased with the developments in 2011.
"Together with the airlines we welcomed a record number of passengers. Our network of international connections was further expanded and we saw our European market share grow. Punctuality improved and 93 per cent of our passengers rate our airport as 'good to excellent'," added Nijhuis.