Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport achieved a new milestone as it welcomed its 18 millionth passenger this month. The previous highest number was 16.1 million which the airport reached in 2017. The result for 2018 has demonstrated the increase of 11.8 per cent year-on-year.

Vladimir Yakushev, chief executive officer of Pulkovo International Airport operator Northern Capital Gateway, said: “The year of 2018 was full of firsts and achievements for Pulkovo. We opened 19 new routes and welcomed four new foreign airlines. For the first time, the St. Petersburg air harbour welcomed the world's largest passenger aircraft Airbus A380, as well as one of the newest types of narrow-body aircraft Boeing 737 MAX 8. Serving 18 million people in one year is a historical record for St. Petersburg airport. We are grateful to our passengers for their trust choosing Pulkovo as a starting point for their journey and a gateway to Russia.”

The record passenger of Pulkovo in 2018 was Lyudmila Bembeeva, departing for Volgograd with Pobeda flight DP517. Yakushev congratulated the traveller and presented her with a set of exclusive gifts from the airport and a certificate for visiting the business lounge. In addition, Bembeeva received a set of branded souvenirs from Pobeda.

Mimes and Pulkovo Airport mascot Yellow Cat, greeted passengers in the departures hall. The festive atmosphere was complemented by saxophone music and exquisite treats, including handmade truffle candies, Christmas desserts and tangerines.

Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport is the fourth airport in Russia in terms of passenger traffic. The route network of the airport includes 161 domestic and international destinations to which 75 airlines perform scheduled service. The Northern Capital Gateway International Consortium has been the main operator of Pulkovo International Airport since 2010. The company manages the airport under a public-private partnership agreement with the city of St. Petersburg, and implements the airport reconstruction and development project. - TradeArabia News Service