Pulkovo St. Petersburg International Airport became the winner of the national 'Air Gates of Russia' award. Based on the results of 2019, Pulkovo received awards in the nominations 'The Most Comfortable Airport in Russia' (according to the passengers' votes) and 'The Best Airport for Airlines'. The awards ceremony took place at the Russian National Aviation Infrastructure Show (NAIS) in Moscow.

Leonid Sergeev, Chief Executive Officer of Pulkovo Airport operator Northern Capital Gateway LLC, noted:

"It is a great honor for Pulkovo Airport to receive this prestigious national award. We are grateful to passengers, partners and aviation experts for their trust and appreciation of our work. Today Pulkovo has unprecedented conditions for development as an international air hub. We will continue to improve airport infrastructure and passenger services, develop new tailor-made solutions for the carriers, and enhance comfort and quality of service based on feedback and best international practices."

Additionally, the Expert Board of NAIS forum named Pulkovo a laureate of the 'The Best Airport 2019' nomination ('More than 15 million passengers per year' group). The board of the aviation industry experts assessed the accomplishments of the airports in the following categories: airport terminals and passenger facilities, aviation marketing and services for airlines, the airport (airfield) infrastructure, safety, non-aviation commercial services, and more.

In 2019, Pulkovo served 19.6 million people, marking the airport's historic record in traffic figures for one calendar year. During the year, the route network of Pulkovo Airport was expanded by 14 new destinations. Three new airlines launched scheduled flights from the St. Petersburg airport. In 2019, Pulkovo handled a new aircraft type: the world's most advanced aircraft Airbus A350. The airport's operator expanded the parking complex: a long-term parking was opened a minute's walk from the passenger terminal, and the roadway at the exit from the arrival area was expanded from three to six lanes. Additionally, Pulkovo operator updated the concept of the commercial zone of the domestic departures hall.

Earlier, for four years in a row, passengers named Pulkovo Airport as the best Russian airport, according to the voting results of "Air Gateway of Russia" for the years 2016-2019.

The NAIS Organizing Committee established the 'Air Gates of Russia' award in 2015, the Federal Air Transportation Agency of Russia together with Russia's leading aviation news publication avia.ru. The goal of award is to distinguish and promote the most efficiently and stably developing Russian airports, to create a positive image of airport operators and their business reputation in the community. The Expert Board of the award consists of representatives from the major Russian airlines, heads of industry associations, leading aviation journalists.

Contributed by Pulkovo Airport