A TOTAL of 70 new jobs are to be created at Belfast International Airport as part of a £2.5 million investment in its food and drink offerings.
SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, is embarking upon a major expansion at the airport, with most of the work at existing premises within the terminal.
The popular Lagan Bar has already been extended at the front and rear, creating seating for an additional 100 customers, while 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.
The £2.5 million expansion at Belfast International Airport is set to create up to seventy new full and part-time jobs according to SSP and comes as the airport reports record passenger numbers through its doors.
Director of commercial development at the airport Brian Carlin said the SSP investment is a response to increasing demand.
“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 said the company was delighted to be building on its 15-year relationship at "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.”
