The airport industry briefing
The latest news, views and numbers you need to know this month
News in Numbers
$3.6bn
Low-cost airline JetBlue Airways has placed an unsolicited $3.6bn offer for budget carrier Spirit Airlines.
2025
German transport company Fraport cannot dispose of its interest in St Petersburg airport in Russia earlier than 2025, according to the company’s CEO Stefan Schulte.
52
The Government of Russia is planning to ease Covid-19 restrictions and resume flight operations to and from 52 ‘friendly countries’ after 9 April.
$174m
German airport operator Fraport has decided to sell its entire 24.5% stake in Xi’an Xianyang International Airport in Central China to Chang’an Huitong for $174m (RMB1.11bn).
$3.5bn
Ireland-based aircraft lessor AerCap has lodged an insurance claim of $3.5bn for more than 100 aeroplanes that are trapped in Russia.
$1.2bn
The Russian Government is set to provide $1.2bn (RUB100bn) in order to support domestic airlines to deal with the sanctions imposed by the West for its invasion of Ukraine.
Projects
New concourse proposed for IAD
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is planning to construct a new 14-gate concourse at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia, US.
The new ‘Tier-2 Concourse (East)’ will replace the outdoor boarding areas, which are presently used for regional flights.
It will replace old gates at the eastern end of Concourse A, where passengers on regional flights have to go outdoors through covered walkways to board their planes.
Atkins takes on upgrade work at Dublin and Cork airports
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in Ireland has selected Atkins to provide services framework for its buildings at Dublin and Cork airports.
Under this contract, Atkins will serve as the multi-disciplinary consultant and work with the DAA in-house design team over the next five years.
Services will include strategic infrastructure planning; multi-discipline design; airport planning and capacity modelling; technology/ICT/aviation security, and information management.
Construction begins on SWZ runway
Western Sydney International (SWZ) Airport in Australia has begun runway construction works.
The project includes a 3.7km runway, as well as rapid-exit taxiways, which will be equipped with advanced technologies.
Once completed, the new runway project is expected to minimise taxi and holding times, preventing delays on the tarmac.
Quotes
Commenting on the UK Government’s announcement to remove all remaining travel restrictions, AOA Chief Executive Karen Dee says:
“A return to restriction-free travel is good news for passengers and should allow aviation to take significant steps towards recovery.
"People should feel encouraged to book their long-awaited holidays, trips to see relatives and friends abroad that they haven’t seen for a long time, and travel to rekindle business ties with other countries.
“Recovery is not a given, however, and with the rising cost of living, the rise in fuel prices, and the uncertainty following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there remain potentially significant headwinds for UK airports as they seek to attract travellers back.”
Sir Stephen Hillier, chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, comments on the organisation's 50th anniversary:
“It's been an incredible 50 years for the Civil Aviation Authority, and indeed for the whole aerospace industry.
"I'm proud that the organisation has been able to sustain its position at the forefront of aviation and aerospace regulation for this extraordinary half-century, promoting safety, enjoying the trust and confidence of those that we regulate, and ensuring that we deliver the best possible outcomes for consumers and the industry.
"Aerospace has always been at the leading edge of technology, and I know that it will continue to be throughout the next 50 years. As the UK’s aviation and space regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority is proud and excited to play its part in enabling and securing that future."
