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Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB), the operator of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), has announced the appointment of István Szabó as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective autumn 2025.
Szabó will succeed Thomas Hoff Andersson, who has held the role of COO at BER Airport and will transition from the airport at the end of his tenure.
This strategic appointment comes at a critical time as BER Airport continues to enhance its operational processes and expand its position as a key hub in European air travel.
Szabó brings with him a wealth of experience in airport operations, particularly in the areas of passenger services, airport security, and operational innovation. His extensive background, particularly in leadership positions at Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport, makes him an ideal candidate to guide BER through the next phase of its development.
Under Szabó’s leadership, Budapest Airport earned recognition as the best airport in Europe in the “15 to 25 million passengers per year” category in both 2022 and 2024, according to the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) rankings by the Airports Council International (ACI).
A Career Built on Excellence in Airport Management
István Szabó’s career in the aviation industry began in 2005 when he was appointed as Managing Director of I-SEC Hungary, a prominent security service provider. His expertise in airport security and operations grew over time, and in 2016, he became the Chief Security Officer at Budapest Airport, where he was responsible for overseeing security protocols across the airport. His tenure was marked by significant achievements in safety, security, and operational efficiency.
In 2020, Szabó took on the role of Chief Passenger Services Officer at Budapest Airport, where he spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the passenger experience. His leadership during this period was instrumental in the launch of groundbreaking projects such as Remote City Check-in and the establishment of Care Zones for passengers. These initiatives were designed to enhance the overall travel experience, offering increased convenience and comfort for passengers.
Szabó’s deep expertise in both operational management and passenger services made him a highly sought-after leader in the aviation industry.
In addition to his work at Budapest Airport, he has also been recognized as a Certified Cyber Security Expert and has completed specialized training programs such as the IATA Security Management Systems Programme, further enhancing his qualifications for his new role at BER.
BER Airport’s Commitment to Innovation and Efficiency
Under the leadership of István Szabó, BER Airport is set to continue its trajectory toward operational excellence and increased efficiency.
The airport has undergone significant transformations since it officially opened in October 2020, with continued investments in infrastructure and technological advancements to improve the passenger experience.
The appointment of Szabó is seen as a strategic move to continue the innovative course that BER has embarked upon in recent years. His experience in implementing digital solutions and improving operational efficiency will be critical as the airport works to streamline its processes, ensuring faster, safer, and more convenient travel for passengers. BER Airport has already made significant strides in optimising its operational processes, and with Szabó at the helm, these efforts are expected to continue at a rapid pace.
The decision to appoint Szabó also reflects the airport’s commitment to digitalisation and the optimization of airport processes. BER Airport, much like other major European airports, has been making efforts to incorporate new technologies that will enhance its ability to serve both airlines and passengers more effectively.
The introduction of more automated systems, enhanced security measures, and improved passenger services are among the key initiatives Szabó will continue to champion as COO.
As mentioned in the statements by FBB’s Supervisory Board Chairman Jörg Simon and CEO Aletta von Massenbach, BER Airport aims to strengthen its position as a highly efficient, high-performance airport.
This includes fostering an environment that supports airline growth while ensuring that passengers have a smooth, secure, and enjoyable travel experience. Under Szabó’s guidance, the airport will continue to evolve into a modern hub that meets the needs of today’s travelers.
Skytrax Rating and Passenger Satisfaction
One of the key achievements in Szabó’s tenure at Budapest Airport was its ranking as a four-star airport by the Skytrax rating agency. This recognition reflects his ability to drive operational improvements while keeping passenger satisfaction at the forefront.
The success of Budapest Airport under Szabó’s leadership in achieving top rankings in the ASQ survey is indicative of his commitment to creating a customer-centric environment. Similarly, at BER, Szabó’s focus will be on continuing to refine and enhance the airport’s service offerings to ensure that passengers experience the highest levels of satisfaction.
The Skytrax rating system is a global benchmark for airport quality, and a four-star rating is a significant achievement that signals the airport’s high standards in all aspects of airport operations, including passenger experience, safety, and overall service. As BER continues to develop, Szabó will work with the FBB team to further improve the airport’s operational processes and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. This includes continued efforts to maintain and even improve upon the airport’s existing standards.
Expanding the Scope of Operations at BER
In his new role as COO of BER Airport, Szabó will be responsible for overseeing the full range of operational areas at the airport, including airport security, passenger services, terminal management, and overall airport operations. His focus will be on ensuring that the airport maintains its competitive edge in the European market while continuing to prioritize sustainability and digital innovation.
One of Szabó’s key priorities will be to continue developing the airport’s ability to serve both international airlines and passengers. This involves optimizing the airport’s capacity, improving passenger flow, and introducing new technologies that will allow for a more seamless and efficient travel experience.
The integration of self-service check-in kiosks, automated baggage handling systems, and other digital tools will be essential in meeting the growing demand for air travel in the coming years.
As part of his efforts to optimize processes at BER, Szabó will also focus on further enhancing the airport’s sustainability initiatives. Sustainable aviation is a key area of focus for many airports globally, and BER is no exception. Szabó’s leadership will ensure that BER continues to meet the evolving environmental standards while creating a sustainable, efficient, and modern airport that serves the needs of passengers, airlines, and the surrounding community.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future of BER Airport
The appointment of István Szabó as Chief Operating Officer signals a new era of growth and operational excellence at BER Airport. With a wealth of experience in airport management, security, and passenger services, Szabó is well-equipped to lead BER into the future, optimizing processes and ensuring that the airport remains a premier hub for international air travel.
His focus on digitalisation, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction will be key as BER continues to evolve. With a strong track record of success in both security and passenger services, Szabó’s leadership will undoubtedly contribute to making BER Airport an even more efficient and enjoyable place for travelers from around the world.
As Szabó takes the reins in autumn 2025, BER Airport will continue to focus on expanding its services, enhancing its infrastructure, and positioning itself as a leading airport in Europe. The next chapter of BER’s development promises to be one marked by innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of its operations.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/istvan-szabo-appointed-new-chief-operating-officer-at-ber-airport/
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