Belfast International Airport Expansion To Create New Jobs

Up to 70 new jobs are to be created at Belfast International Airport as part of a £2.5 million expansion announced by SSP, an operator of food and beverage outlets.

It is understood that most of the new, full and part-time jobs, will be at existing airside outlets.

The Lagan Bar at the airport has already been extended at the front and rear, creating seating for an additional 100 customers. In addition, the Starbucks coffee shop will undergo a complete refurbishment.

SSP, which currently operates all but one food and beverage unit at the airport, will also convert Strangford Kitchen & Grill to a food-led premium bar, and transform the airport's Café Bar into a second Ritazza coffee shop.

Belfast International Airport Director of Commercial Development, Brian Carlin, said: "SSP's investment is most welcome. The airport is seeing unprecedented double-digit passenger growth, and it is to SSP's credit that it is responding by expanding facilities to meet increased demand.

"It's a significant investment by a company with a proven track record for quality and delivery. SSP is an essential part of our successful airport operations, and this work will transform existing outlets leading to improved passenger facilities."

Simon Smith, CEO of SSP UK added: "We have been working at Belfast for over 15 years, and we are delighted to be building on this longstanding relationship with one of the UK's most important airports. In just a few years, passenger numbers have risen to just over 5.1 million last year.

"An additional 500,000 passengers will pass through the terminal this year, creating yet another new record. This investment will ensure that we will continue to deliver excellent food and beverage to Belfast's passengers as traveller numbers rise."

(MH)