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FRA/rap> "Without conducting any irreversible activities," Fraport AG will begin preparations – following the Hesse economics ministry's zoning approval on airport expansion last December – for the construction of Frankfurt Airport's new runway. Executive vice chairman Dr. Stefan Schulte, who is responsible for airport expansion, explained that preliminary preparations will begin in the Kelsterbach forest on June 21, 2008:  ground-water measuring and sampling within the framework of a ground water monitoring program, ecological measures for collecting and relocating protected flora and fauna, surveying and soil testing, and searching for possible remains of buried war munitions.  These preparations will allow for the timely planning of FRA's expansion.

Schulte said that these preparation measures for the huge expansion program will, on the one hand, ensure speedy initiation of the project while taking into account the vegetative growing season.  On the other hand, no irreversible facts will result. These circumstances persuaded the Kassel administrative court not to raise  any objections against Fraport and its immediate execution of the measures.  In a decision of April 25, 2008, this was also announced to the town of Kelsterbach and the BUND (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland) environmental organization.   The court did not see any reason why "Fraport should be requested to delay its announced measures until the fast-track proceedings are completed". The court's position led the Darmstadt regional board to agree to Fraport's "preliminary possession" of lands in Kelsterbach, whereby preparations of activities can be started.

However, Schulte said that Fraport's fundamental position remains the same:  For reasons of fairness and adjudication, Fraport will not proceed with irreversible construction activities for the expansion program before the Kassel administrative court concludes its fast-track proceedings.  One has to rely on future-oriented legal  rulings to make airport expansion a task of national significance.

Above all, time-sensitive decisions are vital, declared Schulte.  The new runway is expected to be inaugurated by the 2011 winter timetable.  The company's message to the world market, where over 150 airport expansions are planned, has to be:  "You can count on Frankfurt".