Global recognition for Helsinki Airport's food and data modelling

The airport received the World's Best Data Modelling prize for its 10-year-long development programme. The award, granted by buildingSMART International (bSI), underscores the development programme's use of data modelling in all construction phases, from planning to implementation and maintenance.

“Data modelling has been utilised in the Helsinki Airport Development Programme starting from the planning phase and it has enabled the programme to progress in a systematic and planned fashion,” said Henri Hansson, senior vice president at Finavia, the Finnish state-owned airport operator. “Using data modelling and virtual safaris, we have been able to plan every phase of the development programme in detail years before the implementation.”

The programme, which will wrap up in autumn 2023, has included a sizeable terminal extension and moved Helsinki Airport into a single-terminal operating model. Harnessing data-driven insight has allowed the airport to inform stakeholders in advance about the project's functionalities and the new features to be built at the airport.

On the culinary side, Helsinki Airport's Food Hall was awarded the prestigious title of Airport Food Hall of the Year 2023. The accolade, presented by the International Airport Food Hall Association, recognises the airport's efforts to provide travellers with a world-class dining experience.

“We are very pleased to see that Helsinki Airport's restaurants and services are recognised internationally,” said Nora Immonen, director of commercial business at Finavia. “This award shows we have been able to create a restaurant area that appeals to our passengers.”

The Food Hall houses six restaurants – Levant, Lopez y Lopez, TGM Asian Fusion, Pretty Boy Wingery, Bär Bar and Richie's Gourmet Hot Dogs – which represent a blend of international kitchens, authentic high-street flavours and popular Finnish restaurant concepts.

The award winner was selected by a jury based on various criteria, including the quality of the service, its suitability for passengers, the integration of technology and the integration of sustainable or environmentally friendly materials.

The two awards add to a number of accolades Helsinki Airport has received recently. Earlier this year, the international airport organisation ACI chose it as the best European airport of 2023 in its size category. In addition, the airport's development project has been previously awarded the 2022 Tekla BIM Global Awards prize for data modelling and the prestigious Prix Versailles 2022 for architecture and design.