CPK has signed a contract for the design of the Airport Operations Control Centre. The contractor has one year to complete the full construction design, including the application for a building permit. This is the third contract for the design of airport support facilities, following the contracts for the air traffic control tower and the infrastructure for emergency and firefighting services.
The Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) is a hub for managing and coordinating airline operations, where data related to flight planning, apron traffic, crew management, ground handling activities, and weather conditions is monitored and processed.
The design work is progressing steadily. The operations centre is a crucial component of the airport.
CPK signed a contract worth approximately PLN 4.7 million net with a consortium of companies: PIG Architekci and GMT. The contract includes the preparation of multidisciplinary design documentation, which includes conceptual, construction, technical, and detailed designs, as well as other necessary documents required to obtain project approvals.
This contract is another important step in the design process of the new airport. The staff at the operations centre will be responsible for making decisions regarding day-to-day airport operations under any potential conditions. We are designing and building the AOCC to ensure that operations proceed as planned.
The operations centre is the third project commissioned under one of the framework agreements for the design of airport support facilities (Support Infrastructure Engineering – SIE), that CPK signed in 2023 with 13 companies and consortia selected through a tender process.
The air traffic control tower is currently in the advanced design phase. This is the result of a of a PLN 15.5 million net contract, that CPK signed with JSK Architekci.
Simultaneously, the design of the emergency and firefighting services buildings is underway. This task is being carried out for CPK by a consortium of companies: AKE Studio, APA, and Tequm. The contract is valued at PLN 6.6 million net.
Later this year, CPK plans to award a fourth design contract under the framework agreement for support facilities, as the company has announced another tender from this pool. The contract involves design work and technical consultancy for maintenance bases, which will serve three main purposes: first, for airport snow removal services (including the storage of winter equipment and chemicals); second, for vehicle maintenance services (including the storage of transport and construction equipment); and third, for a service centre to carry out technical maintenance of equipment. The deadline for submitting bids is September 20th of this year.
The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is a strategic investment aimed at creating a modern national transportation system that efficiently integrates air, rail, and road transport. As part of the CPK Programme, a new state-of-the-art central airport will be built between Warsaw and Łódź, along with a high-speed rail network. The new airport will be designed to serve 34 million passengers annually in its initial years of operation, with plans for flexible expansion in the long term according to market needs and growth forecasts.
The selection of the preferred option for the approximately 150-kilometre-long section is the result of months of work conducted as part of the Technical-Economic-Environmental Study (STE¦), including the forecasted passenger flows. Considering the duration of various investment phases, the completion of the railway line could take place after 2035. As part of the TEN-T extended core network, this section may be eligible for European Union funding applications.
During the work, a hybrid option – Variant W41 – was developed. It was formed by combining Variants W1, W4, W6a, W8, and W9. Variant W41 has the least impact on built-up areas. In each of the models examined in the multi-criteria analysis – developmental, technical, economic, and environmental – this route received the highest ratings. This also results in the least disturbance to environmentally significant areas.
The CMK North railway line was planned as early as in the 1970s as an extension of the Central Trunk Line towards Kujawy region and the Tricity. Line No. 5, set to be built as High-Speed Railway line, will be the necessary addition to Poland’s railway network while significantly reducing travel times. For example, the journey from Płock to Warsaw Central station will take approximately 50 minutes by train (currently, such a trip takes over 2 hours). Meanwhile, the journey from Włocławek to the same station will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes by train (currently, it takes at least an hour longer).
On the CPK – Lipno section of Line No. 5, the design speed is 350 km/h, and on Line No. 50, on the Grochowalsk – Włocławek section, it is 250 km/h. Both lines are intended for mixed traffic: freight and passenger.
The work is being carried out by a consortium of companies: IDOM Engineering, Architecture and Consulting, BBF, and Arcadis. The selected preferred option will be incorporated into the Integrated Railway Network project, under which an evaluation of the long-distance railway network will be conducted.
The Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is a strategic investment aimed at creating a modern national transportation system that efficiently integrates air, rail, and road transport. As part of the CPK Programme, a new state-of-the-art central airport will be built between Warsaw and ŁódĽ, along with a high-speed rail network. The new airport will be designed to serve 34 million passengers annually in its initial years of operation, with plans for flexible expansion in the long term according to market needs and growth forecasts.
Centralny Port Komunikacyjny has launched a tender for the construction of a 4.6-kilometre tunnel for High Speed Rail in the city of Łódź. This will be the third major construction contract for currently the most advanced CPK rail project. The other two are already underway in the centre of Łódź.
The CPK long-distance tunnel is the key element of the so-called Y-line, the planned High Speed Rail (HSR) route between Warsaw, CPK, Łódź, Wrocław and Poznań. This investment is crucial for the operations of the Polish railways and respresent a significant milestone in the realisation of the Poland in 100 minutes project. Our efforts go beyond integrating various modes of transport to establish a comprehensive transportation network in the country. We are also dedicated to modernising infrastructure and enchancing train speeds to reduce travel times between cities
The tender for the construction of the tunnel in Łódź is proof that we continue the implementation of the CPK investment with focus on passenger benefits. The tunnel will constitute an important element of the “Y” line, which represents a top-priority investment for us. Upon the completion of the road from Łódź to Warsaw in 2032, the travel time between these cities will be reduced to approximately 40 minutes, significantly shorter than it is currently. This will make the journey comparable to a metro journey in Warsaw
The tunnel under the centre of Łódź, to be excavated using a TBM mechanised shield with a diameter of about 14 metres, will span approximately 4.6 km in length. Two tracks will be located inside, allowing trains to run in both directions. It will be the longest and largest-diameter underground railway passage constructed using this method in Poland to date.
The CPK company plans to open the bids at the beginning of September. The selection of the most advantageous bid will be based on price evaluation (70 per cent of the tender criteria) and personnel qualifications (30 per cent). The contractor will have 46 months from the signing of the contract to complete the order.
Trains running on railway line 85 (LK85) from Warsaw will enter the tunnel behind Łódź Fabryczna station. The tunnel exit will be located south-west of Łódź Kaliska, in the vicinity of the existing railway line 14 (LK14). Further on, the route will lead westwards towards Sieradz, beyond which there will be a fork of the “Y-line” – towards Wrocław and Poznań.
To date, the CPK company has signed two of the three major contracts relating to the city of Łódź. The first is a contract for the reinforcement of the Łódź Cultural Centre (ŁDK) foundations , which is already well advanced. The second contract which has already been signed, includes the construction of the Retkinia launching chamber (work is already underway) and the Fabryczna receiving chamber (work will begin after the completion of work on the ŁDK).
The reinforcement of the ŁDK foundations, on the western side of the Łódź Fabryczna station, has been carried out by Keller Polska since last September. The value of this contract is over PLN 93 million net. The work should is scheduled for completion by mid-2025.
The launch chamber enabling the start of excavation with a mechanised TBM shield, is being built in the vicinity of the Retkinia housing estate – south-west of Łódź Kaliska. The work is being carried out by Budimex, under a contract worth PLN 147 million net, signed with CPK in December 2023, and should be completed later this year.
The construction of the CPK long-distance tunnel is coordinated with the ongoing construction of the tunnel for regional and agglomeration traffic, led by the Polish railway infrastructure manager PKP PLK. The common point of the CPK and PKP PLK investments is located behind the Łódź Fabryczna station.
Among the new rail lines planned by the CPK in various parts of the country, feasibility studies are ready or under development for more than 1,500 km. More than 600 km of new railway lines are in the design phase. These include the sections: Warsaw – CPK – Łódź, Łódź – Wrocław, Sieradz – Poznań, Łętownia – Rzeszów and Katowice – Ostrava. In March, the CPK Management Board signed a contract for the design of the Sieradz – Kalisz – Poznań line, an important element of the railway ‘Y-line’ between Warsaw, Łódź, Wrocław and Poznań.
The tunnel under the centre of Łódź, to be excavated using a TBM mechanised shield with a diameter of about 14 metres, will span approximately 4.6 km in length. Two tracks will be located inside, allowing trains to run in both directions.
It will be the longest and largest-diameter underground railway passage constructed using this method in Poland to date. The CPK tunnel is one of the most technically demanding pieces of the Y HSR line. At the same time, it is also our most advanced project
The CPK company plans to open the bids at the beginning of September. The selection of the most advantageous bid will be based on price evaluation (70 per cent of the tender criteria) and personnel qualifications (30 per cent). The contractor will have 46 months from the signing of the contract to complete the order.
Trains running on railway line 85 (LK85) from Warsaw will enter the tunnel behind Łódź Fabryczna station. The tunnel exit will be located south-west of Łódź Kaliska, in the vicinity of the existing railway line 14 (LK14). Further on, the route will lead westwards towards Sieradz, beyond which there will be a fork of the “Y-line” – towards Wrocław and Poznań.
To date, the CPK company has signed two of the three major contracts relating to the city of Łódź. The first is a contract for the reinforcement of the Łódź Cultural Centre (ŁDK) foundations , which is already well advanced. The second contract which has already been signed, includes the construction of the Retkinia launching chamber (work is already underway) and the Fabryczna receiving chamber (work will begin after the completion of work on the ŁDK).
The reinforcement of the ŁDK foundations, on the western side of the Łódź Fabryczna station, has been carried out by Keller Polska since last September. The value of this contract is over PLN 93 million net. According to the contract, the work should be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The launch chamber enabling the start of excavation with a mechanised TBM shield, is being built in the vicinity of the Retkinia housing estate – south-west of Łódź Kaliska. The work is being carried out by Budimex, under a contract worth PLN 147 million net, signed with CPK in December 2023, and should be completed later this year.
The construction of the CPK long-distance tunnel is coordinated with the ongoing construction of the tunnel for regional and agglomeration traffic, led by the Polish railway infrastructure manager PKP PLK.
The Horizontal Timetable is a clock-face passenger train schedule developed by CPK, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Polish rail infrastructure manager PKP PLK. It is based on predefined train routes that will create a transparent and convenient interchange network. The HRJ is a necessary tool for the liberalisation of rail transportation market in Poland, providing a framework for the transport authority to create a precise plan for long-distance and international transport.
Long-distance passenger rail transport in Poland faces significant challenges, but also new opportunities. The current Public Service Contract (PSC) with PKP Intercity for long-distance services is set to expire in December 2030. The parties to enter into a new contract with the Ministry of Infrastructure will be selected through a competitive tendering. In parallel, leveraging the advanced investment process, we want to increase the number of connections running solely on a commercial basis, without relying on State subsidies. This will enable competition among railway operators ultimately leading to ticket price competition for the fastest trains. I am pleased that thanks to the joint work of experts from the Ministry of Infrastructure, CPK and PKP PLK, we will have the necessary tool to significantly improve the rail passenger transport in Poland.
Work on the HRJ project has been underway since 2022 and the passenger traffic forecast for 2031-2040, on the basis of which the long-distance route layout is planned, has been developed using the multimodal transport simulation and forecasting tool Passenger Transport Model (PMT). Market consultations on the HRJ with European railway operators start in the third quarter of this year.
Even the best theoretical model will not be successful if not validated by practitioners. That is why the HRJ project provides for extensive market consultations, to which foreign conventional and high-speed railway operators already operating in the market and brand-new entities interested in entering the Polish market are invited. The consultations will cover new regulations for market organisation in terms of public service obligation (PSO) and commercial transportation, as well as solutions for capacity allocation and train timetabling. What is extremely important, in order to meet the expectations of railway operators, during the consultation process we will provide detailed analytical data derived from traffic forecasts made in PMT.
A new transport plan for long-distance and international services will be developed based on HRJ, the tenders will be launched for the selection of operators for PSO services under multi-year contracts, and capacity will be allocated for commercial services on conventional and high-speed lines. As a result, a clock-face schedule will be launched in December 2030, ensuring greater accessibility of trains, their convenient interconnection and lower ticket prices.
The Horizontal Timetable Project will allow us to prepare for the implementation of the currently discussed EU project, the so-called CAP regulation on capacity management. Its strategic planning PKP PLK will be obligated to conduct, will be carried out on the basis of HRJ.
The HRJ project is jointly developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure (responsible among others for the PSO and the Polish railway market operating framework), PKP PLK, (responsible for capacity allocation and framework agreements with railway operators), CPK (responsible for coordinating the technical work on the HRJ and the construction of new high-speed rail lines in Poland), the Centre for EU Transport Projects (responsible for the substantive support of the project) in cooperation with the Office of Rail Transport (which ensures that the process of developing the HRJ does not discriminate against any interested entity).
CPK is a strategic investment aimed at creating a modern national transportation system that efficiently integrates air, rail, and road transport. As part of the CPK Programme, a new state-of-the-art central airport will be built between Warsaw and Łódź, along with a high-speed rail network.
The priority for CPK rail investments remains the so-called ‘Y’ high-speed rail line, connecting CPK with Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań and Wrocław, on which trains will be able to reach speeds of 300-320 km/h. The entire 480-kilometre project will be built in stages. The Warsaw-CPK-Łódź section will be the first to be commissioned, with the opening of the new central airport 37 km from Warsaw in 2032. In 2035, the entire line will be completed, supplemented by the Łódź-Sieradz-Wrocław and Sieradz-Poznań sections. The new rail infrastructure will enable journey times to be significantly reduced, e.g. on the route from Warsaw to Wrocław from 190 min to approx. 100 min or on the route from Warsaw to Poznań from 139 min to approx. 100 min.
The conference was attended by Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, Piotr Malepszak, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, and Maciej Lasek, Government Plenipotentiary for CPK.
The Prime Minister announced the construction of CPK airport along with investments in the High-Speed Rail network in Poland, which will enable travel between Warsaw and major Polish cities in under 100 minutes.
The head of the government stressed that the delay in making a decision was necessary in order to objectively evaluate the project’s status and remove the political influence left by previous administration. .Today, thanks to the revision of the previous assumptions, it meets the transport needs of the entire country. This is mainly because, in the revised project, railways will be built not to converge in Baranów but to connect all major Polish cities.
The CPK programme will be a triple leap into modernity. Firstly, the High-Speed Railway, connecting Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław in the first instance. Secondly, the central airport, along with the expansion of the regional airport network. Thirdly, the development of LOT Polish Airlines to become one of the leading carriers.
The initial step in creating a modern, efficient transportation system will involve constructing the railway ‘Y’ – a rail network connecting Warsaw with Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław. Simultaneously, modifications to the alignment of the planned railway lines will drastically reduce the number of required expropriations. Based on realistic assumptions, the airport near Warsaw, connected not only by rail but also by an extended motorway, will be – as stressed by all conference participants – Europe’s most cutting-edge airport.
The Prime Minister also announced investments in the expansion of Warsaw Chopin Airport and the modernization of regional airports, including Modlin.
The expansion of Chopin Airport is a bridging solution until the new central airport becomes operational. Investment omissions at Chopin Airport in 2018-2019 have resulted in capacity issues. It is crucial to create conditions for LOT Polish Airlines, the national carrier, to dynamically develop until 2032, the date of the CPK’s opening.
During the conference, Maciej Lasek, Government Plenipotentiary for CPK, provided information on updated and revised schedules of the investment programme. He underlined that efforts had been underway for six months to optimize it, and ensure it can be completed within a feasible timeframe.
We have made the CPK Program more realistic so that it is feasible within a realistic schedule, coordinated with railway investments, and complete, ensuring passengers can reach the new central airport without any problems,
The location decision for the airport is expected by the end of this year, and the company aims to obtain the building permit in 2026. The construction work is scheduled to be completed by 2031, with the airport launching a year later.
In the near future, we will announce a tender for the construction of the High-Speed Rail tunnel in Łódź. We will complete the tender documentation for the construction of the next sections of the HSR from Warsaw to Wrocław. In the coming days, several contracts for design and preparatory works will be signed and further tenders for the execution of design works will be announced.
CPK holds great significance for Poland and the CEE region and will be executed based on updated assumptions, with emphasis on the social aspect and good cooperation with residents, local authorities, and business partners.
The planned capacity of the central airport is 34 million passengers, and the estimated construction cost until 2032 is PLN 131 billion.
All documents, contracts and reports are being verified directly at the Company’s office and at the Government Plenipotentiary for the CPK’s office – Maciej Lasek.
Tender procedures for the selection of external auditors are also underway, e.g., for airport and railway investments, finance, HR, marketing, the Socio-Economic Programme as well as verification of work schedules adopted by the previous management.
The first results of partial reports are likely to be known by the end of March this year, with more to come in the following weeks and months.
We are aware that the public discussion around the CPK today stirs up strong emotions. We are convinced that both the enthusiasts and critics of the CPK project should have access to reliable and credible data. At the same time, we shall inform you that during the audits, communication from the CPK Company is and will be limited.
dr Filip Czernicki, Acting CEO of CPK
The goal of the competitive dialogue procedure is the analysis of the BHS’ conceptual design with regard to the System design’s implementation methods and the introduction – together with the potential operators – of a more precise tender call description, as well as verification of the main terms of the contract.
Baggage Handling System is the heart of every airport. We have launched the competitive dialogue procedure, which in its first stage will identify the most suitable industry players. In the second stage, once the cooperation conditions have been defined, we will invite four potential contractors to submit final bids. Our goal is to have a reliable system that will ensure quick luggage transfer for the passengers transferring at CPK, while no bags being lost
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The scope of the call includes, among others, the BHS executive project development, supply and installation of equipment, followed by the commissioning of the system, testing and its operation and maintenance. In addition, the company provides for the possibility of extension of the operation and maintenance period under the right of option, and, if needed, the call scope extension by adding the checked baggage screening devices delivery. In order to reduce the number of baggage losses to a minimum, the CPK representatives have carefully reviewed the solutions used at Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea, CPK’s strategic advisor, where rates for lost baggage amount to only one in a million. BHS is one of many infrastructural constraints of the Chopin Airport, which is reaching its capacity limit. At peak traffic periods, such as the summer peak, Chopin airport needs even up to 84 technical personnel (excluding the handling). The terminal’s hourly capacity, taking into account traffic restrictions of the baggage sorting facility, is 1,800 bags at departures and 2,200 at arrivals, which is equivalent to six or seven B787 Dreamliner aircrafts. CPK plans to invite four potential contractors to the competitive dialogue. In case of a higher number of proposals that meet the procedure’s conditions, CPK will assess the applications on the basis of the selection criteria referred in the documentation. Next, the applicants with the highest number of points will be invited to participate in the dialogue. CPK invites companies that in the last 25 years have launched BHS in airports with yearly capacity of over 30 million passengers and have been responsible for the construction of early baggage system (EBS) building. The competitive dialogue participation application deadline is February 12, 11:00 CET. More information is available on CPK’s SmartPZP platform. |
fot. D. Kłosiński, PPL
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So far, work on the design and construction of CPK airport is on schedule. In July, CPK presented the concept design of the passenger terminal, as well as railway and bus stations. The documentation was prepared by the Master Architect – British consortium Foster+Partners and Buro Happold that has previously designed passenger terminal in Hong Kong, Beijing, Doha, and others. The construction plan is underway and is expected to be completed in second quarter of this year. Works on the design of the airport’s apron, including runways, taxiways as well as aircrafts aprons are at an advanced stage, and are being managed by the Master Civil Engineer (MCE) – Lebanese-American company Dar, while the Spanish company IDOM is designing the airport systems integration, which is, figuratively speaking, the airport’s “nervous system”. The carrying out of the project documentation for the supporting infrastructure including the airport traffic control tower – is being performed within the framework agreement by the Polish design studio JSK Architekci. At the same time another Polish consortium, AKE Studio, APA and Tequm is working on the airport’s rescue and firefighting services’ building design. In October last year CPK has selected the French group Vinci Airports and the Australian IFM Global Infrastructure Fund (IFM) as strategic investor who will acquire up to 49% of company shares for the construction and management of the airport. The entry of experienced industry and financial investors proves that the airport project has a well prepared business plan, commercial potential and guarantees a high return on investment. CPK is in active dialogue with the market, preparing for procurement proceedings. The preliminary market consultations in various areas are underway. For example in December last year CPK has begun the market consultation prior to the tender for the Master Contract Engineer which will be the biggest investor supervision contract in Poland. According to latest forecasts of IATA, the CPK infrastructure is crucial for LOT Polish Airlines to provide the currently lacking capacity and manage the growing potential of the transfer traffic. The strategic scenario of IATA from June last year assumes that CPK will handle about 40 million passengers in 2040, so twice as many as the Chopin Airport today. |
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In 2021, IATA prepared the study Air traffic forecasts for Poland and CPK. The document set out three traffic development scenarios and at the same time confirmed the need to build a new airport to handle the growing number of passengers and cargo. In the first half of 2023, CPK decided to update the IATA forecast for the CPK airport, as part of the development of the Strategic Scenario for investors. ‘Monitoring and updating forecasts is part of good investor practice,’ says Mikołaj Wild, CEO of CPK. As the CEO explains, CPK has been updating traffic forecasts since 2021, keeping a close eye on changes in the market environment. ‘Such action is necessary due to changes in the situation in the aviation market as a result of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine or restrictions resulting from EU environmental regulations. In addition, the progress of project work, the assumptions we make regarding, among other things, airport charges, the level of service and the infrastructure offered, affect the interest of carriers, which is then translated into forecast results. Thanks to the updates, we have a guarantee that the infrastructure we develop is adapted to the actual demand and expectations of passengers,’ adds Mikołaj Wild. What do we know from the latest forecasts? There has been a rapid recovery in traffic after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of Warsaw Chopin Airport, it has slowed down to some extent by the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began after the publication of the IATA 2021 forecast. Due to the war, flights to Ukraine and Russia have been discontinued, while flight routes to Asia, which have to avoid the closed airspace, have been extended. The conflict has led to a spike in fuel prices and currency fluctuations and, above all, an increase in inflation in many countries around the world. Together, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus accounted for approximately 7.5% of the passengers at Chopin Airport and more than 10% of the transfer traffic in Warsaw. IATA estimated that the conflict would have long-lasting consequences, with a potential recovery of the traffic with Ukraine starting in 2025 – at around 25% of the pre-conflict levels. According to IATA, the slow start of recovery of traffic to Russia and Belarus will not be possible until 2029 at the earliest. These factors mainly have a negative impact on transfer traffic rather than local traffic (known as Origin&Destination), as it was partly offset by population that moved to Poland from Ukraine. One of the main factors influencing the results of the new IATA forecast is the inclusion of environmental regulations that will take effect in the coming years, such as: ReFuelEU, ETD, EU ETS, and CORSIA –among others related to the EU package Fit For 55. Analyses have indicated that in the 2030s, environmental regulation could reduce demand by up to 8% relative to a non-regulated scenario, which is most relevant to short-haul European travel. However, analyses show that this factor will clearly lose importance in the long term due to technological advances and the falling price of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In addition, IATA has performed detailed analyses of the transfer market and CPK’s competitive position against other hubs. In its analysis, IATA has taken into account the development of the market to date, including the changes after the COVID-19 pandemic and those related to the war in Ukraine, and forecasted changes in the future. The results of the transfer traffic analyses indicate a very high potential of CPK Airport for the development of transfer traffic in the axis: North America – Europe – Asia. In addition, the CPK Airport has favourable conditions for the development of transfer traffic within Europe. IATA also analysed and taken into account other issues, including in particular CPK’s airport charges related to the business – investment model, as well as the competitiveness of aviation vs. High Speed Rail. What are the results of the forecast? |
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The results of the 2023 IATA Strategic Scenario for CPK fall in the middle part of the 2021 forecast corridor – in the range between the high and low forecasts for the 2021 IATA assumptions. CPK is therefore prepared for such traffic development, as flexibility and modularity for different traffic scenarios was ensured from the planning phase onwards. According to the latest forecast, CPK airport could reach 28 million passengers in 2030, 40 million passengers in 2040 and then in 2060 it should exceed 60 million passengers. By comparison: In 2021, the baseline forecast indicated 30 million passengers in 2030, 45 million in 2040 and 65 million in 2060. Phasing is key to the success of CPK Based on the results of the forecast and discussions with the strategic investor, an additional phase with a capacity of approx. 34 million passengers per year was introduced – with the possibility of quick expansion. The airport infrastructure will be adapted to handle hub traffic (assumed transfer traffic of around 40%). Capacity parameters for opening day were confirmed by the selected CPK strategic investor, the consortium of Vinci and IFM. The new solution allows for a significant increase in capacity relative to Chopin Airport while reducing the scope and cost of construction for the opening day. At the same time, the analyses carried out as part of the business plan confirm the high profitability of the investment for the new forecast and phasing plan. Due to the forecast corridor, i.e. the range between IATA’s 2021 low and high forecasts, and the experience related to COVID-19, the factor of infrastructure modularity and flexibility was introduced into the design process from the outset. The additional phasing to a capacity of 34 million passengers per year (with the possibility of rapid implementation of further expansion phases) is partly related to the phasing of the terminal and aircraft stands. The first phase’s capacity of 34 million passengers per year fits in with examples of other greenfield airports, i.e. airports built ‘from scratch’ – without existing infrastructure. The initial capacity of Incheon Airport in Seoul was 30 million passengers. Today – after the launch of the next phases – it now sees 77 million passengers. |
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The new IATA 2023 Forecast for CPK confirms that the construction of two independent runways is necessary from the opening day as a solution to the capacity problems occurring at Chopin Airport. Air cargo forecast. Strong potential for market development In Strategic Scenario 2023, air cargo and air mail projections are at a similar level to the IATA 2021 forecast. Due to the current limitations of Chopin Airport, the projections are primarily based on IATA’s analysis of the potential of the Central and Eastern European cargo market and the determination of CPK Airport’s achievable market share. These figures confirm that the construction of CPK is invariably necessary for Poland in view of the projected passenger and cargo traffic. |
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The IATA forecast is one of the many sources of information used in the dimensioning of airfreight handling infrastructure. The cargo infrastructure of the CPK airport was determined on the basis of business arrangements with market stakeholders (including ground handling agents, airlines, freight forwarders and courier companies). These findings were based on independent analyses and investor assumptions. As with the passenger section, the construction of the CPK’s cargo infrastructure will be phased. The specific phases of expansion will be the responsibility of the individual stakeholders, involved in organising and handling airfreight. The total area safeguarded for the development of cargo infrastructure at the CPK airport is sufficient to secure the handling of forecasts until at least 2060. Arthur D. Little Independent verification of the forecast The IATA 2023 Strategic Forecast Scenario was positively validated by the Vendor Due Diligence (VDD) analysis performed by the independent firm, Arthur D. Little, for the process of securing a strategic investor for the CPK Airport. The analysis verified the forecasting methodology, macroeconomic assumptions, local and transfer traffic forecasts, the impact of environmental regulations, the impact of airport charges, the impact of the war in Ukraine, peak hour traffic forecasts and LOT Polish Airlines‘ strategic assumptions. The forecast of transfer traffic was verified by Arthur D. Little in three ways:
As a whole, the IATA 2023 forecast has been assessed by Arthur D. Little as based on best market practices in air traffic forecasting and appropriate for use for investor needs. IATA representatives are expected to respond to specific questions about the 2023 Strategic Scenario for CPK at a press conference in mid-January. Already today, we encourage you to direct any questions to: [email protected] |
The approved Concept for the Provision of Passenger Rolling Stock in Connection with the Implementation of the CPK Programme provides for the establishment by CPK of a subsidiary company whose main task will be the purchase and management of the rolling stock required to serve the future High Speed Rail (HSR) lines.
According to the adopted resolution, the new rolling stock will be compliant with the technical specifications for interoperability (TSI) and will meet a number of technical and quality requirements ensuring the safety and comfort of travellers:
- max. speed up to 250 km/h,
- power supply of 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC,
- meeting the requirements of people with disabilities,
- energy efficiency and energy recovery systems,
- compatibility of safety systems,
- European Train Control System (ETCS) meeting the latest interoperability requirements,
- passenger information system (SIP) integrating airport information and on-board digital signage technology,
- passenger conveniences such as multi-functional areas, individual lighting and USB chargers.
‘Even the best railway infrastructure cannot function without modern trains. Therefore, the purchase of rolling stock for the CPK lines should be conducted in a well-thought-out and comprehensive manner. We are convinced that Polish companies will be involved in the manufacture of the trains and that this purchase should also form a boost for our economy,’ says the Deputy Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, Marcin Horała, the government plenipotentiary for CPK.
The rolling stock project is part of CPK’s rail investments, which are aimed at building HSR lines, completing the rail network, reducing journey times and increasing the share of rail in passenger and freight transport.
According to the schedule, priority will be given to the purchase of rolling stock to be used in passenger transport on Poland’s first HSR line, Warsaw – CPK – Łódź, which will be launched with the commencement of commercial operations at CPK airport.
Rolling stock pool
On the basis of the resolution, the CPK company will be able to establish a rolling stock pool. This is a solution that works well in many Western European railway markets. Operators operating under this model use trains purchased from manufacturers in large numbers, which they then lease to railway operators on a tender basis under multi-year contracts. For example, in the United Kingdom in 2019 87% of the rolling stock used by operators belonged to three such companies.
Implementation of the railway component under the CPK programme will generate demand for modern rolling stock currently unavailable on the Polish market. CPK is the first project that takes a comprehensive approach to rail transport, creating opportunities for railway operators to save on capital expenditure and grow at the same time. We believe that, as with the approach to liberalising the rail market, it is worth taking advantage of international experience and know-how. The rolling stock pool concept is an attractive option allowing operators to lease modern rolling stock adapted to the CPK infrastructure
| According to the adopted resolution, the rolling stock company established by CPK will be able to attract minority investors – private or public. It will be financed to a significant extent through debt instruments, e.g. by banks, investment funds, insurance companies and pension funds
Estimated investment expenditures on new railway vehicles in the years 2024-2030 should reach PLN 8.7 billion (according to the prices from the first half of 2023), and a total of PLN 16-20 billion by 2035. The assumptions are that a large part of them will feed the Polish economy, e.g. the market of rolling stock manufacturers and system sub-suppliers. According to the provisions of the rolling stock resolution, CPK plans to carry out further analyses on the functional characteristics of the rolling stock before establishing a rolling stock company. It will also carry out consultations with railway operators and other organisations, such as those representing people with disabilities, in order to take the maximum account of their needs. “The CPK effect” Since 2015, there has been an increase in the number of passengers travelling by rail in Poland (apart from the temporary collapse of the market caused by COVID-19). Since 2021, statistics from the Office of Rail Transport (UTK) have shown an increasing number of travellers. In 2022, the number reached 342 million, thus surpassing the best performance so far in 2019. Predictions are that there will be a ‘CPK effect’, i.e. another dynamic increase in passengers, once Poland’s first HSR connections become operational. Analyses performed with the Passenger Transport Model (PMT), a CPK model for traffic forecasting, indicate that the new CPK lines will contribute to a doubling of the passengers travelling by long-distance trains in Poland by 2050. This means high demand for rolling stock, which will further increase the need to replace some of the trainsets in service. Figures published by UTK show that in the next 10 years, around 90% of passenger coaches and 70% of electric multiple units will be over 40 years old, qualifying them for decommissioning. |
JSK Architekci is Polish architectural studio whose portfolio includes the design of Terminal 2 of Gdańsk Airport, the terminal of Wrocław Airport and the western pier of Terminal 1 of Munich Airport, which is currently being extended. They have also prepared stadium projects: National and Legia (both in Warsaw) and City Stadium in Wroclaw. It is also responsible for designing numerous public facilities, as well as office and commercial buildings.
We selected an experienced partner, whose previous projects guarantee high quality work. I believe that the designer will propose a very interesting architectural designforthe tower, which will meet all the requirements agreed with the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency,
According to the CPK airport master plan, the air traffic control tower will have a controllers’ operations room at a height of approximately 90 metres above the apron. According to the design assumptions, the maximum height of the CPK tower should be 105 metres. This will be precisely determined after the visibility analyses have been carried out as part of the first design phase.
So far, the tallest such building in Poland is 46 metres, the tower at Katowice Airport in Pyrzowice, commissioned in 2019. Slightly less – at around 45 metres – is the tower at Krakow Airport
We are delighted that our design for the air traffic control tower will become an important element of CPK airport, the most important airport in Poland. I am convinced that we will create something that will become a unique and recognizable element of the airport while at the same time fitting its overall architectural concept
The company selected in the tender will prepare the design for the tower, as well as obtain the necessary approvals and building permits. The scope of the contract will also include other services related to the design, such as consultancy during the proceedings for the construction works. According to the schedule, the visualisation of the facility is expected during the first quarter of 2024. The contract is valued at: PLN 15.5 million net.
Nine companies and four design consortia participated in the tender for the tower designer, with which the CPK company signed a framework agreement for the design of airport support facilities (Support Infrastructure Engineering – SIE) at the end of last year. Under this contract, in addition to the air traffic control tower, the airport operations centre, the airport services offices and the buildings for the rescue and firefighting services, airport maintenance and management, etc. will be designed in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.