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The briefing on airports
The news, views and numbers you need to know this month
The briefing on connected aviation
The news, views and numbers you need to know this month
News in numbers
97
Football pitches: the equivalent size of the starfish-shaped terminal at Beijing’s brand new multi-billion airport, which opened in September and spans more than 700,000ft2
600,000
Travellers left stranded at airports and in holiday destinations worldwide after the collapse of British travel firm Thomas Cook near the end of September
36%
Percentage of flights at Manila, the Philippines, that failed to leave on time according to a travel survey from OnlineCasino.ca, making it the leading airport for delays worldwide
49%
Of 1,700 respondents to a survey from Priority Pass claimed that baggage collection was the most stressful stage of an airport travel day
>£1m
Has been invested by Gatwick Airport, UK in improving aircraft noise monitoring and reporting since 2018
In quotes
Cardiff Airport CEO Deb Bowen Rees, commenting on the airport’s carbon neutrality ambitions:
Our Environmental Flight Path will continue as a living and breathing strategy which will be used as a benchmark for success but, importantly, it will be reviewed and expanded over time to include mid and long-term goals as we move through the next twenty years and realise our Masterplan for 2040 and ultimately become a carbon neutral Airport.
An extract from SITA’s Passenger IT Insights 2019 report:
To deliver the kind of streamlined experience that the digital travellers demand, multiple organisations will need to collaborate including airlines, airports, governments at the border, ground handlers and service providers in and outside the airport. Sharing relevant data in a secure and timely manner, as well as reaching agreement on standards and processes, will be critical to ensuring that all stakeholders are doing what is required to deliver optimal passenger services. These initiatives will also enable the air transport community to realize the potential to grow revenues, increase throughput and reduce costs.
Kristin Slyker, vice president, Connected Aircraft Honeywell Aerospace:
The airline industry is beginning to seriously invest in connected aircraft technology to proactively improve daily operations. The result is airline employees performing their daily roles more effectively, while also delivering the kind of service that passengers expect…
Top stories
Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) has announced that the first phase of a $19.4m terminal expansion project has begun at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in Canada. The project involves expansion of the lower departure lounge to cater to passenger growth and use of larger-capacity aircraft in current markets. During phase one, the project will add 1,765m² to the lower departure lounge, featuring a 500-passenger capacity. It also includes aircraft gates, covered walkways, food outlets, along with seating and accessibility considerations. Victoria Airport authority president and CEO Geoff Dickson said: “This is really exciting for us and we look forward to sharing a fresh new space with our travellers. Ensuring we meet demand and provide an exceptional passenger experience, while improving operational efficiencies for our air carriers is a key focus.”
Source: Airport Technology
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded federal funding of $23.2m to 11 Virginia airports to execute infrastructure improvement projects. Richmond International Airport received the highest portion of funding ($8.73m), which will go towards taxiway construction. The Manassas Regional Airport / Harry P Davis Field will receive $3.5m for the construction of taxiway and runway rehabilitation. Norfolk International Airport will also receive approximately $3.6m to purchase land for approaches and installation of airfield guidance signs, as well as improved taxiway lights. Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport will receive $300,000 for its taxiway and security equipment. A total of $854,786 has been granted to Washington Dulles International Airport to support Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) infrastructure, while Leesburg Executive Airport will also be given $205,000 to build an apron.
Source: Airport Technology
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) has secured clearance from an environment ministry agency to double the capacity of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended the airport’s expansion project for environment clearance, The Hindu Business Line reported. Following the expansion, the airport will be able to handle up to 50 million passengers each year. The project is expected to entail an investment of approximately Rs85bn ($1.19bn), the publication added. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the second-fastest-growing airport in India, in the ‘over 15 million passengers per annum’ (MPPA) category.
Source: Airport Technology
Poland’s Kraków John Paul II International Airport has selected London-based design specialists The Design Solution (TDS) to transform commercial spaces across its terminal. The airport has unveiled a master plan, which includes the expansion of its passenger terminal by 50% in order to welcome an estimated 12 million yearly passengers. TDS will be responsible for the expansion’s commercial planning while Polish company PIG Architekci has been selected for its design. The masterplan includes the construction of a new runway, extension of the apron and terminal building and relocation of the cargo facility.
Source: Airport Technology
