Analogic and software firm Stratovan have joined forces to develop next-generation threat detection software for aviation security applications.

In order to improve the capabilities of Analogic’s airport checkpoint computed tomography (CT) solution, ConneCT, the companies have agreed to support threat detection algorithms developed by Stratovan.

Analogic noted that the cooperation marks a significant step toward the interoperability of ConneCT with modern third-party threat detection systems, thereby supporting improved level of aviation security.

Analogic global business development and government relations vice president Mark Laustra said: “Our system, ConneCT, was built on an open platform to be able to support third-party software and peripherals, which is an advancement that has transformed the communications and software industries.

“Together, Analogic and Stratovan are working to modernise aviation security, and we are proud to announce this partnership.”

Analogic’s ConneCT was designed to allow interoperability of threat detection and network software, which are critical elements that increase the capabilities and lifecycle of CT technology.

Pioneered by Analogic, the technology has been recognised as the next-generation of airport checkpoint security.

Stratovan CEO Jim Olson said: “Stratovan has defined an achievable vision for the airport of the future and is leading the way in building tools that enable interoperability for airport security.

“Now we are working with industry manufacturer Analogic to develop algorithms that enhance threat detection capabilities for its CT scanner for airport checkpoints, ConneCT. We are proud to partner with Analogic and believe that the outcomes will enhance both security and safety for passengers.”

Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics (SPPAL) has commissioned its latest baggage handling system (BHS) in the new Terminal 2 facility at Guangzhou International Airport in China.

Deployment of Siemens’ VarioTray baggage handling system just before the opening of the terminal will enable the airport to transport and sort the baggage quickly.

The system’s main component is a fully suspended tray-based early bag store (EBS) at Guangzhou, which provides storage space for 4,000 pieces of baggage in two high-bay warehouses.

Capable of handling about 15,500 pieces of baggage per hour, the Siemens’ BHS will enable the airport to expand its capacity and further improve travellers’ convenience.

Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics CEO Michael Reichle said: “With our expert local team and great support from the customer, we managed to implement the baggage handling system in Guangzhou in less than two years – that’s a record time.”

To avoid dynamic friction between the belts and conveyors, the conveyor belts of VarioTray run over rollers which considerably decrease the weight of the new trays to reduce energy costs further.

Additionally, Siemens leverages high-performance software applications to facilitate intelligent process control across the entire system.

Siemens has also deployed the solutions in passenger service areas. In the departure hall, more than 340 modern check-in desks fitted with automated baggage scanners are available for passengers. These self-check-in stations make check-in quick and easy.

Guangzhou International Airport handled approximately 66 million air passengers last year.

Siemens has already carried out a number of major airport projects in China, including the installation of a BHS in Terminal 3 of Beijing International Airport, and projects at Wuhan Tianhe and Xi’an Xianyang international airports.

The company is currently upgrading and expanding the BHS at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in the US has installed a Cardiac Science G5 automated external defibrillator (AED) for every 75ft in all of its terminals, totalling 285 devices across the airport.

The project is intended to cater to passengers experiencing sudden cardiac events in the airport, which is reported to handle more than 270,000 people per day.

While an average of 24 medical calls are received by the airport on a daily basis, it is required to deploy an AED an average of around ten times per month.

An AED is a portable device designed to automatically detect life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia.

It can also treat the conditions through defibrillation, where electricity is applied to stop the arrhythmia and allow the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

Early use of an AED along with CPR is said to improve survival outcomes in case of sudden cardiac arrest.

The devices installed at Hartsfield-Jackson have been developed by AED developer and manufacturer Cardiac Science. The company also makes parts and accessories related to AEDs.

Cardiac Science president and CEO Dev Kurdikar said: “The G5 has many features that make it suitable for such a deployment, including self-tests for rescue readiness, the ability to increase shock energy levels if needed, and the capability of switching the language of the voice prompts with the touch of a button.”

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport operates non-stop services to more than 150 US destinations and 70 international locations across more than 50 countries.

Israel Airports Authority is set to invest ILS1bn ($281m) to expand Terminal 3 in Ben-Gurion International Airport to serve the gradually increasing number of passengers.

The expansion will add 36,000m² of space in the four-story terminal, reported Haaretz.com.

The new baggage screening system, which can check passenger luggage automatically, will also be placed at this terminal.

Following the upgrade works, an additional 56 check-in counters will be provided on level one, with a further 32 on a lower level of the terminal.

A large temporary structure is scheduled to be opened next month in the interim to manage passenger congestion, with the airport estimated to see an increase of almost 14% in international flights this year.

The planned expansion is expected to reduce the load on the general check-in area and help provide better services to the passengers.

Ben-Gurion International Airport manages nearly 90% of the total international passengers in the country, as reported by Jpost.com.

Last February, a new passenger wing was opened comprising eight additional plane exit gates and four bus exit gates. It is capable of managing around 1,800 passengers per hour.

In the 1990s, Israel Airports Authority, along with the Minister of Transport, decided to build Terminal 3 because of the significant increase in passenger traffic, which could not be managed by the old Terminal 1.

Ben Gurion Airport is situated nearly 40km from Jerusalem and 15km from Tel Aviv.

It comprises two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic and low-cost international flights and Terminal 3 for international flights.

France-based investment company Ardian has agreed to sell its 49% stake in London Luton Airport (LLA) to AMP Capital for an undisclosed sum.

In November 2013, Ardian, in a joint venture with Spanish airports operator Aena, bought the LLA concession from TBI for £394.4m. Granted by Luton Borough Council in the UK, the LLA concession is valid until 2031.

Following the acquisition, Ardian and Aena have committed over £160m of investments to develop the airport.

The investments have enabled the airport to increase its passengers from 9.7 million in 2013 to 15.8 million in 2017.

LLA is currently the fifth largest airport in the UK in terms of passenger numbers.

Ardian executive committee member Mathias Burghardt said: “LLA is a perfect example of our strategy of developing airports through capacity expansion and improvement of passenger experience.

“Ardian’s strategy of working with industrial partners and actively managing assets delivers superior returns to our investors.”

Ardian further noted that over the last four and a half years, a total of 3,000 direct and indirect jobs were created at LLA.

AMP Capital Infrastructure Equity global head Boe Pahari said: “London Luton Airport is a high-quality capital city airport with significant further growth potential, catering for the high-volume London market, which makes it a compelling investment opportunity.

“As experienced owners of airports we look forward to working with Aena to further develop London Luton through supporting investment in the infrastructure and identifying opportunities for route development, as well as further improving the passenger experience and the retail offering.”

AMP Capital is a global investment company with a significant presence in Australia.

Brisbane Airport in Australia has opened its newly expanded northern international terminal and apron designed to accommodate its growing number of passengers.

Carried out over two years, the $135m expansion is part of the airport’s $3.8bn infrastructure programme aimed to accommodate future growth.

It led to enhanced space for aircraft docking and parking and is said to have improved passenger experience and processing efficiency.

Brisbane Airport operator BAC CEO and managing director Julieanne Alroe said: “Last year we had a record 7% increase in international passengers and, with numbers expected to rise, our focus is on how Brisbane Airport can continue to play a significant role in meeting forecast demand and stimulating even more.”

The upgrade added 11,000m² to the terminal that now comprises new arrival and departure areas, four new aerobridges and two new walk-out gates.

Another 55,000m² of new aircraft taxiways, pavement and three aircraft parking bays were included in the expansion.

The new parking bays will be capable of accommodating A380, B747, A330, A340 and A787 aircraft.

Alroe added: “When our new runway opens in 2020, Brisbane Airport will be in the unique position of having more capacity than any other capital city airport in Australia and the most efficient runway system in the country, as well as being the most domestically connected airport for travellers.

“This makes Brisbane an incredibly attractive option for new international carriers looking to commence services to Australia, for departing passengers wanting direct access to the world, arriving international visitors, and for existing airlines carriers wanting to increase the frequency of services to accommodate demand.”

The airport recently constructed a new inter-terminal transfer facility in order to facilitate efficient transfer between the terminals through increased processing capabilities and signage.

Swiss aviation services company Swissport International has signed a long-term lease agreement with airport operator Fraport to build a new air cargo facility at CargoCity South freight, located at Frankfurt Airport in Germany.

The 16,000m² warehouse is set to be accompanied by an additional 2,260m² of office and social space.

It is scheduled to begin construction next year and is expected to be handed over to Swissport’s division Cargo Services Deutschland in the third quarter of 2020.

Swissport Germany, Austria & Switzerland senior vice president Willy Ruf said: “Swissport is committing a double-digit million Euro amount towards the new facility at Frankfurt Airport.

“Infrastructure plays a key role in optimising our service delivery and reaching the ambitious efficiency and reliability goals for our clients around the world.”

The new facility will be designed to meet the modern air cargo handling requirements and is expected to allow Swissport to boost its growth at the airport and streamline cargo handling processes.

Fraport Real Estate senior vice president Christian Balletshofer said: “Thanks to the excellent location in CargoCity South and a flexible design, this new warehouse will allow Swissport to meet and continually optimise air freight handling requirements.

“Therefore, the innovative facility will provide Swissport with long-term growth opportunities at Frankfurt Airport.”

CargoCity South is a 98-hectare logistics hub that houses more than 200 companies and authorities, with more than 300 flight connections from the Frankfurt hub to numerous international regions.

The freight location currently has more than 9,000 employees and links to important motorway junctions and rail networks.

The Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) has approved the purchase of 20 battery-powered electric buses.

The new buses, which will replace the older diesel-operated vehicles, will be used to carry passengers between the terminals and gates of Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) airfields.

In addition to providing a quieter and smoother ride for passengers, the new buses are expected to reduce emissions and maintenance costs.

Their introduction also supports BOAC-approved updates to the LAX Alternative Fuel Vehicle Requirement (AFV requirement), which enables LAWA to utilise evolving technological developments in clean vehicles.

LAWA Facilities Maintenance and Utilities Group deputy executive director said: “With the introduction of these new electric buses, LAX will have the largest fleet of electric airfield buses at an airport in the world, transporting us to a cleaner and quieter busing future.

“These buses are smart for the environment and for our bottom line, and we’re excited to start rolling them out in the coming year.”

Currently, LAWA’s airfield bus fleet comprises 26 buses including 14 diesel-fuelled buses that are more than 20 years old and 12 CNG-fuelled buses aged more than ten years.

The new electric buses will replace the full diesel-fuelled bus fleet and increase the total number to 32 buses.

This strengthening of the fleet will help LAX to cater to the requirements during peak summertime demand.

LAWA Environmental Programs Group deputy executive director Samantha Bricker said: “These electric buses represent an important step up in terms of sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.

“By replacing 14 diesel-powered engines and expanding our battery-electric bus capacity, we’re looking at making a substantial reduction in tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air for our guests and surrounding neighbours.”