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Monthly Archives: October 2017

New Security Measures for US Airports

October 29, 2017
Business Aviation News
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airport security measures UKThe US has begun a series of new security measures this week, which will focus on the threat of hidden explosives.

Passengers and their devices will be given extra attention at airports across the US operating commercial flights into the country, which could spell security checks and interviews during the departure process.

Passengers planning to fly to the US have been advised to attend airports up to three hours before departure to allow for the additional security measures.

Earlier this year, the US government announced a temporary ban on electronic devices larger than a phone carried in cabin baggage from eight specified countries. This latest move is much wider, and follows fears that an attack by terrorists could be likely, using an explosive device concealed within an ordinary laptop or other electronic device.

Manchester Airport Transformation Program to Keep Passengers Dry and Maximise Turnaround Management

October 23, 2017
Business Aviation News
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Global Airports News | Manchester Airport ImprovementsManchester Airports Group (MAG) will install new passenger bridges to enhance and improve aircraft boarding and turnaround management as a part of its plans in the Manchester Airport Transformation Program – a project that will see around £1 billion in investment.

The plan for the new passenger boarding bridges will roll out gradually over 2018 and 2019, and are set to deliver greater flexibility and efficiency to the airport turnaround management. Additionally, passengers will receive welcome relief from the UK weather, being completely protected within the new bridges, which will be enclosed with glass sides.

Aircraft turnaround management is a critical process, which can lead to expensive ground delays if not handled to its greatest effect. Many global airports employ a turnaround system in real time, and some have mobile capabilities, such as Rockwell Collins’ ARINC AirTQM, for example.

MAG’s grand plan for Manchester Airport, which will continue until 2020, will give the airport greater capacity to handle 45 million passengers annually, almost 20 million more than it can today.

Airports across the globe are focussing increasingly on passenger experience and customer service. A seamless airport experience is being worked towards all over the world, and is challenging for airports of all sizes, particularly in the current climate, with security at the top of all priority lists. Delays and queuing are constantly monitored with passenger experience high on the agenda.

The new passenger boarding bridges at Manchester Airport are expected to increase efficiency initially at Pier one of Terminal two, and should, once the project is completed, help Manchester Airport to achieve greater efficiency and enhance productivity considerably.

Leeds Bradford Airport to be Acquired by AMP Capital

October 18, 2017
Business Aviation News
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Leeds Bradford Airport to be Acquired for £220 million | Airport Industry NewsIt has been announced that AMP Capital are to acquire Leeds Bradford Airport in a deal reportedly worth £220 million. The deal will involve investors in AMP Capital’s global infrastructure equity platform, which also holds stakes in Australia’s Melbourne and Port Hedland International airports, and owns the UK’s Newcastle Airport.

Leeds Bradford airport (LBA) handles four million passengers annually, and has a varied airline base of low-cost carriers, charter flights and international airlines. With domestic destinations and short-haul international flights as its mainstay business, Leeds Bradford Airport is a handy hub serving a wide area with a catchment of up to 5.3 million people. Almost 3 million people live within an hour of the airport, and the region is one of the fastest-growing currently in the UK.

AMP Capital will own the freehold of the airport and grounds within the deal, and recognise the potential of the airport, its diverse airlines and large catchment area, in addition to the already well-invested infrastructure.

AMP plan to harness these benefits, and enhance performance through strengthening customer service and working closely with local governments and businesses. The company will also look to improve routes development and use extensive airports experience to enhance commercial opportunities.

Simon Ellis, Head of Origination at AMP Capital for Europe said, ‘We believe there is a clear opportunity for performance enhancement through tailoring and improving the customer experience and working collaboratively with our key partners including airlines, government and local businesses. In addition, the airport serves the Yorkshire and the Humber region, one of the fastest-growing regions in the UK with a population growth of 6% since 2001 and there is also potential for further route development.’

There is no further information about when the deal may be concluded, and the investment figure is currently an estimation. We will bring you the facts as we find out more.

Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction to Benefit Local Charity

October 10, 2017
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107 Projects to Benefit from Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction | Airports NewsSydney Airport has announced that local creative arts charity, 107 Projects, is to benefit from a grant of up to $100,000 AUD funded by the proceeds of the airport’s lost property auction within Sydney Airport’s Bid for Good program.

Many unclaimed items are left at the airport every year, and the Bid for Good event, in partnership with the Sydney Community Foundation, attracts hundreds of keen bidders looking for a bargain and at the same time, support the distribution of funding for local, grass roots charities.

Goods of all kinds are available in the auction, including lost or left luggage, photographic equipment, computer equipment and devices, and much more.

Kerrie Mather, CEO and managing director of Sydney Airport said, ‘We’re delighted to award the major grant to a charity that is creating a real sense of community in the local area. The grant will help fund 107 Projects’ newest space for emerging creatives, following the strong success of its Redfern facility. This is another way we’re supporting the arts within the Sydney basin, and creating spaces that unite people and foster brave new ideas in the airport’s local community.’

107 Projects encourage creativity within cultivated spaces, and is enthusiastically supported by the Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore. She, and the Sydney residents have enjoyed watching the growth of 107 Projects over the past 15 years, and look forward to their latest project at Green Square – the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre, which will occupy the former nurses’ quarters in the Esme Cahill Building, and is expected to be opened later this year.

Creative space will be available to rent, and exhibitions will be held throughout the year.

The Mayor said, ‘It’s fantastic that Sydney Airport’s Bid for Good programme is enabling great community initiatives such as this, which focus on enriching our community.’