The airport industry briefing
The latest news, views and numbers you need to know this month
News in Numbers
£2bn
The UK’s Heathrow Airport reported losses of £2bn in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
$1.5m
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the US has commenced a $17.3m renovation of one of its runways and two taxiways.
2023
The UK's Leeds Bradford Airport expects to open its new terminal in 2023 after expansion plans were approved in February.
65.9%
The aviation industry saw a 65.9% decline of revenue passenger kilometres (both international and domestic) in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the International Air Transport Association.
49.4%
The number of travellers who passed through US airports on 28 February 2021 was 1,190,682 compared to 2,353,150 in 2020, according to the Transportation Security Administration, marking a 49.4% drop.
Projects
Leeds Bradford Airport Terminal Project, UK
Leeds Bradford Airport, the biggest airport in Yorkshire, UK, plans to replace its existing terminal building with a sustainable and more efficient terminal to improve passenger experience and services.
Source: Airport Technology
Bicol International Airport, Legazpi, Phillipines
Bicol airport is a new international airport being built to serve Legazpi, the capital city of the Albay province, Philippines. Set to replace the existing Legazpi City Airport, the new airport is an important part of the government’s Build, Build, Build programme that seeks to develop infrastructure projects in the country with an investment of $180bn over six years.
Source: Airport Technology
New airport project in Busan, South Korea
South Korea’s National Assembly approved a bill to build a multi-billion dollar state airport in Busan, the country’s second biggest city. The new airport is expected to facilitate growing air traffic demand in the region, but has faced controversy over its construction.
Source: The Korea Herald
Quotes
Airports Council International (ACI) Europe director general Olivier Jankovec, after ACI Europe revealed the winners of the 2021 Airport Service Quality Awards in Europe:
“This has been the toughest year in our industry’s history, and the effects of the pandemic have hit hard as passenger numbers plummeted, workforces were reduced and local communities were paralysed by travel restrictions. So more than ever, bravo to all our winners, and to each and every member of our airport community as they continue to deliver excellence in the face of adversity.”
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) secretary general Dr Fang Liu, after the ICAO and World Customs Organization called for 'maximum flexibility' on border clearance and supply chain operations:
“To better expedite air cargo operations, and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccines, governments are being urged to bring these matters to the immediate attention of their national health and transport authorities, customs authorities, local governments, and any other concerned parties.”
