After registering a record 3.5 million in passenger movements in 2011, this year the Malta International Airport will focus on tapping the emerging market in the east of Europe, according to the airport’s new CEO Markus Klaushofer.

He said 2012 would also see the official opening of the €16 million SkyParks business centre that includes office, retail and parking areas.

Mr Klaushofer, who took on his role as CEO from Monday, spoke as he greeted Finance Minister Tonio Fenech and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mario de Marco during their visit to the airport.

He pointed out that the 3.5 million in passenger movements meant an increase of 6.5 per cent over 2010, which in itself was a record year. 2012 will be a year to focus on the marketing of the airport, he said.

Mr Fenech and Dr de Marco welcomed Mr Klaushofer into his new role and pledged the support of the government and the Malta Tourism Authority in overcoming challenges ahead.

They both said the airport was a main gateway into Malta and a vital cog in the Maltese economy.

Mr Klaushofer, 38, took over from the former CEO Julian Jaeger. For the past three years, Mr Klaushofer has served at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport as divisional director for marketing, sales and business development and subsequently as chief commercial officer.

Earlier, he spent over seven years at Vienna International Airport, as head of marketing and sales, later taking on the added role of business development.

He also served on the board of directors of Malta International Airport plc, between April 2007 and April 2009.