Aena Business Model Canvas

As a company where ENAIRE holds a 51% stake, Aena's operations are intrinsically linked with government and regulatory bodies. These entities, responsible for air traffic control, safety protocols, and environmental regulations, are crucial partners. Securing necessary licenses and obtaining approval for strategic development plans are direct outcomes of these relationships.

The setting of airport fees, a critical revenue stream for Aena, is also determined in conjunction with these governmental bodies. While these partnerships are fundamental to Aena's functioning, the process of fee determination can occasionally result in disagreements or disputes, impacting financial planning and operational adjustments.

For instance, in 2024, Aena navigated negotiations with Spanish authorities regarding airport charges. The proposed revisions aimed to balance investment needs with airline competitiveness. These discussions highlight the ongoing dynamic between Aena and its governmental partners in shaping the economic landscape of airport operations.

• Regulatory Framework: Aena operates within a strict regulatory environment, requiring constant engagement with national and international aviation authorities to ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental standards.
• Licensing and Approvals: Key partnerships with government bodies are essential for obtaining and maintaining operational licenses, as well as securing approvals for major infrastructure projects and strategic business plans.
• Fee Setting and Disputes: Airport fee structures are often subject to government approval or negotiation, which can lead to periods of dispute or adjustment, impacting revenue forecasts. For example, Aena's 2024-2026 regulatory period saw discussions on fee adjustments with the Spanish government.

Aena collaborates with construction and engineering firms for its vast infrastructure upkeep and property ventures. These partnerships are crucial for scaling operations, upgrading airport amenities, and building integrated airport cities. For instance, the development of a new corporate headquarters at Madrid-Barajas Airport City exemplifies this strategic reliance on external expertise.

These alliances enable Aena to efficiently manage large-scale projects, from runway renovations to terminal expansions, ensuring operational continuity and enhanced passenger experience. The expertise of these partners is vital for modernizing facilities to meet growing air traffic demands and implementing sustainable building practices.

• Infrastructure Modernization: Partnerships facilitate upgrades to runways, terminals, and air traffic control systems, improving efficiency and safety.
• Real Estate Development: Construction firms are instrumental in developing airport cities, including hotels, retail spaces, and corporate offices, creating new revenue streams.
• Capacity Expansion: Collaborations allow Aena to expand airport capacity to accommodate increasing passenger and cargo volumes, a key factor in the projected growth of air travel.

Aena's human capital is a cornerstone of its operations, encompassing a diverse and skilled workforce. This includes essential operational staff managing day-to-day activities, specialized technical experts ensuring infrastructure integrity, experienced management guiding strategic decisions, and dynamic commercial teams driving revenue growth.

The collective expertise of Aena's employees is paramount to the safe, efficient, and profitable management of its complex airport network. Their knowledge is vital for navigating regulatory landscapes, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and delivering a high-quality passenger experience.

As of the end of 2023, Aena employed approximately 13,000 individuals across its global operations. This workforce is crucial for maintaining the high standards expected in airport management, from air traffic control coordination to customer service and retail operations.

• Skilled Workforce: Aena's employees possess specialized skills in aviation management, engineering, customer service, and commercial development.
• Operational Efficiency: The expertise of ground staff and technical teams directly contributes to the smooth functioning of airport operations, minimizing delays and optimizing resource allocation.
• Safety and Security: Highly trained personnel are essential for upholding stringent safety and security protocols across all airport facilities.
• Innovation and Growth: Management and commercial teams drive strategic initiatives, fostering innovation and identifying new revenue streams to support Aena's expansion and development.

Concession agreements and licenses are the bedrock of Aena's operations, granting the legal rights to manage and develop airports. These long-term contracts are essential for providing a wide array of airport services and commercializing retail and dining spaces, forming a crucial revenue stream. For instance, Aena holds concessions for major Spanish airports, enabling its extensive network operations.

These agreements are not merely permissions; they are strategic assets that define Aena's operational scope and revenue generation capabilities. The ability to secure and maintain these concessions is a key competitive advantage, allowing Aena to invest in infrastructure and enhance passenger experience. In 2023, Aena reported a net profit of €1,259 million, a significant increase driven by strong passenger traffic and commercial revenues facilitated by these agreements.

• Airport Operations: Legal rights to manage airside and landside infrastructure.
• Service Provision: Authority to offer essential airport services to airlines and passengers.
• Commercialization: Rights to lease retail, dining, and advertising spaces, a major revenue driver.
• Long-Term Stability: Concessions provide a predictable framework for investment and growth.

Aena cultivates strong ties with its commercial partners, the concessionaires, through consistent dialogue and performance tracking. This proactive approach, including joint marketing initiatives, is key to fostering a symbiotic relationship that boosts airport revenue and elevates the passenger experience.

In 2024, Aena continued to emphasize these collaborative efforts. For instance, the company actively engaged with its retail and food & beverage partners to optimize store layouts and promotional calendars, directly impacting sales performance. This partnership model is designed to ensure that concessionaires are not just tenants, but integral contributors to the airport's commercial success.

• Ongoing Communication: Regular meetings and feedback sessions with concessionaires to address operational needs and strategic alignment.
• Performance Monitoring: Data-driven analysis of sales, foot traffic, and customer satisfaction to identify areas for improvement and growth.
• Collaborative Marketing: Joint campaigns and promotions designed to attract passengers and drive spending within the commercial areas.
• Strategic Alignment: Working with partners to ensure their offerings complement the airport's overall brand and passenger demographic.

Aena prioritizes robust stakeholder engagement, fostering positive relationships through proactive public relations. This involves open dialogue with government entities, local communities, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and address potential concerns, especially regarding significant infrastructure developments or regulatory shifts. For instance, in 2024, Aena continued its commitment to community outreach programs, with over 50 initiatives focused on local economic development and environmental sustainability across its airport network.

Effective communication is central to managing expectations and building trust. Aena regularly publishes transparency reports detailing its operations and future plans. In the first half of 2024, the company reported a 15% increase in stakeholder satisfaction scores related to communication efforts, reflecting the success of its targeted public relations strategies.

• Government Relations: Aena actively collaborates with national and regional governments on aviation policy, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance. In 2024, Aena participated in over 100 governmental consultations concerning airport expansion and sustainability initiatives.
• Community Investment: The company invests in local communities through social responsibility programs, job creation, and environmental protection. In 2024, Aena's community investment reached €25 million, supporting projects ranging from educational scholarships to local conservation efforts.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Aena implements public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about airport operations, noise management, and environmental impact mitigation. These campaigns are crucial for maintaining public acceptance and support for ongoing projects.
• Crisis Communication: Maintaining transparent and timely communication during unforeseen events or crises is paramount to preserving public trust and managing reputational risk.

Ground handling companies are a vital business-to-business customer segment for Aena. These third-party entities provide essential ground support services, such as baggage handling, aircraft towing, and passenger boarding, directly to airlines and aircraft operators. Aena acts as a facilitator for these operations, managing the airport infrastructure and ensuring these companies can perform their duties efficiently.

Aena's relationship with ground handling companies involves oversight and performance management. This ensures that the ground processes at Aena's airports are smooth and meet high operational standards. For example, in 2024, Aena airports handled over 280 million passengers, underscoring the critical role of efficient ground handling in managing such high volumes.

• Key Role: Essential B2B customers providing critical ground support services to airlines.
• Aena's Function: Facilitates their operations and oversees their performance for airport efficiency.
• Impact: Crucial for managing high passenger volumes, with Aena airports seeing over 280 million passengers in 2024.

Real estate developers and investors are key customers for Aena, particularly those looking to build or occupy commercial, logistics, and office spaces within its airport cities. This segment is increasingly vital as Aena diversifies its revenue streams beyond traditional airport operations. In 2023, Aena reported significant growth in its commercial and real estate business, with revenues reaching €1.5 billion, a 19.4% increase compared to 2022, highlighting the attractiveness of its land assets for development.

These customers are drawn to Aena's strategically located land holdings, which offer excellent connectivity and access to a large customer base. The company's airport cities are designed to be hubs for business and logistics, providing a ready-made ecosystem for companies. For instance, the development of logistics platforms at airports like Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat attracts significant interest from companies needing efficient supply chain solutions.

• Developers seeking to build hotels, retail centers, or industrial parks on Aena's land.
• Investors looking for stable returns by leasing commercial or office spaces within airport environments.
• Logistics companies requiring proximity to air cargo facilities for efficient distribution networks.

Aena generates significant revenue from its real estate development and rental income. This includes leasing land and properties for logistics, commercial, and business operations within its airport cities, creating vibrant ecosystems around its transportation hubs.

This revenue stream is experiencing robust growth, fueled by ongoing development projects and a rising demand for facilities conveniently located near airports. For instance, Aena's airport cities are becoming prime locations for e-commerce logistics and other businesses that benefit from direct air connectivity.

• Leasing of Airport Land and Properties: Revenue derived from long-term leases of land and existing buildings for commercial, industrial, and logistics purposes.
• Development of New Airport-Adjacent Facilities: Income generated from the construction and subsequent leasing of new logistics warehouses, office spaces, and retail units.
• Growth Drivers: Increased demand for airport-proximity logistics and business operations, coupled with Aena's strategic investment in developing these commercial zones.
• Financial Performance: In 2024, Aena's commercial activities, including real estate, continued to show strong recovery and growth, contributing significantly to the company's overall financial health as air traffic rebounds.

Aena's international operations represent a significant and expanding revenue source. This includes income generated from airports managed and invested in outside of Spain, such as the notable London Luton Airport and its holdings in Brazil. These international ventures are increasingly contributing to the company's overall earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).

For instance, in 2023, Aena's international airport network, which includes stakes in airports in Brazil and the full ownership of London Luton Airport, contributed substantially to its financial performance. This diversification beyond its domestic Spanish market is a key strategic element for Aena's growth and resilience.

• International Airports: Revenue streams from airports like London Luton and Aena's Brazilian portfolio.
• Growing Contribution: International operations are a key driver of EBITDA growth.
• Diversification Strategy: Expanding geographic footprint enhances overall financial stability.