The airport industry briefing

The latest news, views and numbers you need to know this month

News in Numbers

$7bn

€1.18bn

£571m

$230m

$110m

$30m

Projects

Master plan finalised for AHB expansion

Saudi holding company Matarat Holding and the Asir Development Authority has completed a master plan for the expansion of Abha International Airport (AHB).

The plan is said to have been designed with an aim to meet the goals of Saudi Arabia’s national strategies for civil aviation and tourism.

The project includes the construction of a new passenger lounge covering a 65,000m² area, as well as a car park with the capacity to accommodate more than 2,200 cars. The airport’s existing lounge covers a 10,700m² area.

Saudi Arabia’s Matarat Holding Company and Asir Development Authority will manage the airport expansion project.

Full story: Airport Technology

FAB starts construction on new hangar facility

Farnborough Airport (FAB) in the UK has commenced construction on a new hangar facility with an investment of £55m.

Dubbed Domus III, the 175,000ft² hangar will serve the next generation of business aeroplanes. In addition, the sustainably designed hangar will help meet the increasing presence of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Domus III will offer hangarage that is anticipated to expand Farnborough Airport’s hangar space by more than 70%. The construction work is planned to be completed in 75 weeks while the airport will continue to operate during this period.

Full story: Airport Technology

Quotes

UK Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan calls for international action to decarbonise global aviation:

“We value international aviation’s important contribution to global commerce, travel and tourism, and to economic growth globally. Now it must do so sustainably. Failure here puts the future of aviation itself at risk.

“We cannot ignore the threat that rising temperatures pose to our planet. This year alone we have seen extreme weather events affect all of our regions.

“As one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, aviation has an important role to play in tackling climate change.”

Rafael Schvartzman, IATA Vice President for Europe, highlights the importance of a competitive European aviation ecosystem:

“Europe needs strong air connectivity now more than ever. But the competitiveness and resilience of European aviation is under strain.

"Rising fuel prices and infrastructure costs are putting pressure on affordable air transport for European travellers, tourist markets, and exporters.

"To ensure that the European economy is well-supported by efficient regional and global connectivity, it is essential that the regulatory agenda being pursued across Europe is approached with great care and a focus on competitiveness.”