'Road Show' Will Spotlight New Brandenburg Airport, Leipzig/Halle

The construction of the Berlin Brandenburg International (BBI) airport and the growth of freight traffic at Leipzig/Halle provides a unique investment opportunity for American businesses in both regions. Germany Trade & Invest will conduct a "road show" in the US from April 21-23, consisting of stops in Chicago, New York, and Boston to promote the region's expansive growth potential as a new European passenger and cargo hub to potential investors.

With construction well underway and completion slated for 2011, the EUR 2.2 billion BBI will consolidate three airports into one modern facility. The airport will be equipped to handle the Airbus A380 superjumbo, and will offer optimal conveniences and connections to passengers and businesses alike. Group personnel say BBI will have the capacity for more direct flights to and from both the Americas and Asia, making it an ideal passenger traffic hub.

BBI is expected to accommodate up to 45 million passengers. This is a timely project, as Berlin's airports reported their busiest year to date in 2008.

Leipzig/Halle, which already serves as DHL's European headquarters, will complement BBI, offering express freight handling services. Several companies are currently profiting from the airport's facilities, including BMW, Porsche, Amazon, Dow Chemical, Dell, and Future Electronics, all having operations nearby. As a result, the airport posted astronomical growth figures - up 336.8 percent in 2008.

"Both airports embody the forward-looking development of Eastern Germany," said Wolfgang Tiefensee, Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs and Federal Government Commissioner for the New Federal States. "We are setting new global standards with the Berlin Brandenburg International airport. With this highly modern traffic hub, the capital region will be even more attractive for international companies interested in establishing their European headquarters here. At the same time, the Leipzig/Halle airport has quickly established itself as an important international freight hub by posting enormous growth figures."

Beginning on April 21 in Chicago, the "road show" will continue on to New York on April 22, and Boston on April 23. Events will consist of keynote speeches and workshops with companies that are prospering in the region. The Germany Trade & Invest airport road show will also continue to Asia with stops in China and Korea.

FMI: www.gtai.de/