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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Europe's fifth largest for passengers and third in terms of cargo, has come a long way since its start nearly a century ago. The vision of the AirportCity at Schiphol has seen the airport grow not just in capacity, but also in the development of a multitude of innovations.
Over 90 airlines fly to and from Schiphol offering between them 300 direct destinations. The airport boasts particularly strong networks to North America, Africa, Indonesia and China, with many of these destinations exclusive in Europe to Schiphol. As a major hub for Air-France/KLM and its SkyTeam partners, 42% of Schiphol's passengers are travelling on with connecting flights. To cater to these travellers' needs, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has been the pioneer of several 'world firsts' in terms of passenger services and of the successful AirportCity concept. More than just a transport hub, Schiphol's AirportCity approach is to offer a location with a broad range of business, leisure and hospitality facilities for all its passengers.
September marked the opening of Schiphol's completely refurbished Departure Lounge 3, the passenger retail and leisure area beyond border control. The newly enlarged lounge is home to 26 shops, including international fashion brands, food and beverage outlets and a host of other services. In addition to comfortable and well situated relaxation areas, travellers have been provided with a multitude of experiences while they await their flights. As to dining, a variety of options are available from fast food and sushi for those in a hurry, to à la carte dining, champagne and seafood.
Holland Boulevard
Schiphol's Holland Boulevard area, located between Departure Lounges 2 and 3, illustrates the AirportCity concept perfectly. Reopened following renovations in 2010, Holland Boulevard is a showcase of Dutch hospitality for passengers to enjoy while they await their flights. Here travellers can sample local delicacies, get acquainted with the country's art, culture and literature, or simply rest and relax. Zones such as the Boulevard's Dutch living rooms - cosy spaces featuring fireplaces, television sets, designer furniture and even a piano, provide comfortable areas for passengers to regain their energy. Adjacent to the living rooms, the Back to Life spa offers massages, an oxygen bar and an aqua massage bed, while those with more time can visit the airport's XpresSpa for a full range of spa treatments.
"In the AirportCity concept, an airport is more than just an area in which one waits for his flight. In our philosophy, an airport has everything a modern city has to offer to its guests. That includes the 'usual facilities', like bars and restaurants, but also special experiences, like a library and even a museum" says Annemiek Holkeboer, Manager Marketing Communications. "Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has long been commissioning pieces of art from young talented Dutch artists to help get their names established and a collection of original murals and sculptures are displayed around the various lounges and other public areas. The idea grew further with the opening of the world's first museum in an airport in 2002, in the form of an annex to Amsterdam's famous Rijksmuseum. Open from 7am to 8pm, Schiphol's Rijksmuseum is free of charge. It houses paintings and other works from the Golden Age of Dutch art, with originals by 17 century Dutch Masters. It gives those travellers who do not have time to visit the main Rijksmuseum at least an impression of what it is like."
Continuing the cultural theme, Schiphol's Airport Library offers passengers the opportunity to read books, listen to music and get further acquainted with Dutch lifestyle and literature. The library's digital stations allow passengers to view and download books and films for viewing during the rest of their journey. The library is open 24 hours a day.
For those travelling with families, facilities include a babycare lounge and a kid's forest recreation area.
For the young at heart, one of the latest innovations at the airport, and yet another global premier is the newly inaugurated 6D XD Theatre. Here visitors can experience virtual 3D ride adventures while seated in a special motion-based seat, heightened by sound, wind and lighting effects. There are three 'rides' to choose from, each lasting four to five minutes. The XD Theatre is located at Schiphol Plaza across from the Meeting Point.
