2001 to the present: Fit for the future
In March 2001 one of the most beautiful airport terminals commenced operation and at the same time the underground S-Bahn (urban railway) station was opened. Around that time, a number of additional airport infrastructure projects were completed: a motorway access road, extended apron areas, new equipment halls, a weather radar and environment protection facilities.
The years after 2001 have seen further investments aiming to make the airport even more modern and attractive. The Airport Fire Brigade moved to a new hall, which provides ample space for their extensive equipment and vehicles, and well-equipped staff rooms. A logistics centre with three storage halls and office spaces was built for the Schenker transport and freight services company. A fourth hall is being planned. Another major investment in the airport’s future is yet to come: the runway is scheduled to be rebuilt and extended in 2006 and 2007. Once this rebuilding project is completed, the new runway will have a lifespan of more than three decades.
Many private companies which have an office or shop at the airport have also invested in their facilities. IMA Materialforschung und Anwendungstechnik GmbH (Materials Research and Application Technology) and IABG mbH Industrieanlagen-Betriebsgesellschaft (Industrial Service Provider) have built a huge hall with direct access to the taxiways in order to conduct strength tests on wide-bodied aircraft. Until 2008, this hall will be used for the fatigue tests on the new Airbus A 380-800.
The airport’s skyline now also includes the new German Air Traffic Control tower. It commenced operation in August 2005, and it is fully fitted with the latest ATC equipment. A new hall for up to six small aeroplanes was opened at the airport in October 2005.
Dresden Airport is an important location factor for further industrial development, for example in the microelectronics and bio-technology sectors and for science and research. It also plays a major role in the tourism industry of the region around Dresden. The rebuilt Frauenkirche and the 800th anniversary of the City of Dresden in 2006 attract hundreds of thousands visitors from Germany and abroad to come and see Dresden.
