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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.’

How Airport Systems Integration is Improving Efficiency

September 28, 2017
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Airport Systems Integration in the Back Office | Airports Systems NewsAirports have complex systems and products working simultaneously behind the scenes to deliver efficient flight operations regardless of airport size or capacity.

The key to improving efficiency across the board is airport systems integration.

When key systems and products are integrated, efficiency and productivity can be enhanced through visibility, and enables analytics data to be reviewed constantly to make further improvements.

Today’s modern airport environment at a much faster pace, and the number of flight passengers is increasing every year. To make sure airport operators can face the challenges that this creates, systems and services must remain seamlessly reliable.

Flexibility can be achieved by integration of systems, such as:

  • Passenger check-in
  • Baggage handling
  • Self-service kiosks
  • Security

When information, data and systems speak to one another, a holistic view can be achieved by the operational teams, and issues can be detected and addressed before they become problems that can lead to expensive ground delays.

Master systems integrators, Rockwell Collins’ ARINC airports, offer a range of specialist services that can help airport operators of all sizes to gain an advanced opportunity to create a seamless airport environment that serves both passengers and personnel to the maximum capability.

Passengers of today have high expectations for their travel experience, and airport systems integration can help achieve those goals for airport operators. With options for fully managed services, round-the-clock support and cloud solutions, Rockwell Collins’ ARINC airports are certainly ahead of their game.

Auckland Airport Restricts Ticket Sales Due to Fuel Shortage

September 21, 2017
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Auckland Airport Fuel Shortages | Airports NewsFollowing an incident earlier this month, when a fuel supply pipeline was severed accidentally by the oil refinery after a digger crashed into the pipe, Auckland Airport has restricted the sales of airline tickets.

Many flights were cancelled after the incident, and fuel uplifts were down to just 30% of their regular fill capacity. It has been reported that 3,000 passengers were affected, after other flights were redirected to other airports for refuelling.

The Marsden Point oil refinery is taking steps to repair the pipeline, but Auckland Airport is taking no chances, and has restricted ticket sales for all but essential flights. The damaged section of pipe connects the Marsden Point refinery to Wiri Oil Services, the Auckland-based company that supplies the airport’s operating airlines with aviation fuel.

The disruption is hoped to be a temporary measure, and additional staff have been employed to address passenger concerns and to assist with rescheduling.

The airport has issued a warning to passengers to check scheduling before arriving at the airport.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Announce New Terminal Design

September 15, 2017
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amsterdAAmsterdam Schiphol Airport New Terminal Design Selected | Airports NewsAmsterdam Schiphol Airport has announced the selection of the design for its new terminal, expected to be ready to open in 2023. The CEO of the airport, Jos Nijhuis said, ‘This design suits the Schiphol DNA. That was the main reason why the jury decided to choose this design.  The design solution contributes to excellent processing, it provides optimal support to passengers, contributes to our sustainability ambitions and is future-proof. We are looking forward to welcoming airlines and passengers in the new terminal and adjacent new pier.’

The Dutch airport aims to continue to keep its operations under one roof, and the new design will incorporate an expansion of the current airport layout and retain its ‘one terminal’ design.

Schiphol insist that it will be ‘business as usual’ during the expansion project work, being overseen by the Royal Schiphol Group and known as the Capital Programme, which handles large projects optimally as its main aim.

The last time the airport carried out major works was in the early 1990s, when departure and arrival halls 3 and 4 were constructed. The new project promises to deliver greater capacity for the airport, which expects to be able to handle 14 million additional passengers every year.

The project invited designers to submit their plans, and the Dutch company KAAN Architecten has been successful.

UTC to Acquire Rockwell Collins in $30 Billion Deal

September 9, 2017
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Rockwell Collins to be Acquired by UTC | Aviation Industry NewsIt has been announced that United Technologies Corporation (UTC) are to purchase Rockwell Collins in a $30 billion deal including cash and UTC stocks.

UTC Chairman and CEO, Greg Hayes said, ‘This acquisition adds tremendous capabilities to our aerospace businesses and strengthens our complementary offerings of technologically advanced aerospace systems. Together, Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems will enhance customer value in a rapidly evolving aerospace industry by making aircraft more intelligent and more connected.’

The deal, which has been agreed, but not yet finalised and approved, will deliver greater strategic options for UTC, and will result in the creation of a new business – Collins Aerospace Systems – with Kelly Ortberg in the role of CEO and Dave Gitlin as President and COO.

Mr Hayes continued, ‘We have demonstrated we can successfully integrate large acquisitions into our business and I have full confidence that the team has the capability to do it again.’

The agreed terms will give each Rockwell Collins shareholder a cash sum of $93.33 per share, and $46.67 shares of UTC stock. The final purchase price will take debt issuances into account, and delivers a total equity value of $23 billion. The deal is subject to shareholder and government regulatory approval, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

Rockwell Collins’ current CEO, President and Chairman, Kelly Ortberg said, ‘We are extremely pleased to announce this compelling transaction with UTC which is a testament to the value we have created for Rockwell Collins’ employees, customers and shareowners. The combination will enable us to compete more effectively for future business through continued investments in innovation, world-class integrated product offerings and the ability to retain the top talent in the industry. We look forward to the next chapter in Rockwell Collins’ long and proud history, as part of UTC.’

How Airport Systems Integration Will Shape the Future of Air Travel

August 28, 2017
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Airport Systems Integration Solution | Streamlined Airport OperationsThe demands and challenges faced by modern airports today are continually increasing. Passengers require more flexibility, fewer and shorter queues, and a streamlined security experience, while global government departments increase mandatory requirements.

Airport systems integration could provide the answer, as when systems and processes work seamlessly together, airport operators are able to better manage day-to-day operations and resources from a holistic perspective.

Airport management is more than just flight scheduling and passenger processing. Airports are also working businesses with bottom-line budgetary requirements, personnel, retail units and back-office applications. All these processes and systems can be integrated into managed platforms that give the airport operators and owners enhanced control and management capabilities.

Some of the working airport systems that can be integrated include:

  • Passenger processing
  • Self-service kiosks
  • Baggage handling systems
  • Security
  • Maintenance scheduling and management
  • Resource management
  • Car parking
  • Flight scheduling
  • Flight operations and ground handling
  • Retail unit management and revenue
  • Aircraft communications
  • Advance Passenger Information – collection, storage and handling
  • And much more.

Rockwell Collins’ ARINC Airports Managed Services provides comprehensive support via a unique platform, which can also integrate third-party applications and systems. They can work with airports of all sizes to ensure they receive a tailored solution that works for not only their current requirements, but remains scalable for future planning.

As master systems integrators, AMS approaches every project with a clear focus on individual needs and requirements, from both a technical and financial perspective. They can offer solutions that are right for a specific operation, whether their solutions, or those from other vendors.

When an airport has the right balance of solutions, each working with the other seamlessly, then the focus can shift to operational management of the airport, streamlining the passenger experience and making the best use of resources and valuable terminal space.

Watch the video to find out more about Rockwell Collins’ AMS, or visit the website now.

UK Airport Owners Want Clarity Over EU Flights After Brexit

August 23, 2017
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Airport Owners Seek Clarity Over Concerns About Passenger Numbers After Brexit | Airports NewsFive UK owners of Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and London City airports, have joined forces to put pressure on the Government in the form of a report that suggests that passenger numbers are likely to fall when the country leaves the EU in 2019, if a deal is not in place by then.

The airports commissioned EPI Economics to produce the report, following concerns about the EU treaties that are currently in place that allow British airlines to operate internationally outside the EU.

The report highlights concerns that ‘without the security of guaranteed future access to the single aviation market, the greater the negative economic consequences will be.’

This backs up recent warnings from Ryanair, although other airlines have dismissed the likelihood of flights being affected.

Economists have gone further, and have issued a ‘worst-case scenario’ that suggests that the effects could be catastrophic for the aviation industry, with a drop in passenger numbers in 2019 that could total 8 million. A more conservative estimate gives a figure of 2.3 million, but the uncertainty that has surrounded the Brexit issue since the vote was cast has led to confusion and concern across all sectors of the aviation industry.

The report urges the UK Government to prepare to strike a deal with the EU by mid-2018, and suggests that passengers will wait before they make any holiday or travel plans, in case issues arise post-Brexit. As flight schedules are planned and sold up to a year in advance, the report stresses that clarity is necessary to enable airlines to plan too.

Heathrow airport remains confident that the UK Government understands the position of the aviation industry, and the contribution it makes to the country’s economy. Its plans for a third runway are still on the table, and it says that expansion will become more necessary after Brexit.

New Service Offers Assistance for Disabled Flight Passengers

August 17, 2017
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EuTravel Project | Services for Disables TravellersThe EuTravel Project has been launched in a collaboration between Accomable and EuTravel, designed to provide additional assistance for disabled passengers on flights to and from EU countries.

Passengers with disabilities will be able to book the door-to-door service, covering the use of multiple forms of transport, such as flights, trains, ferries or buses, and find hotels and holiday rental accommodation to suit their disability.

In its infant stages, and operating a pilot program, the system is realising further challenges faced by people with all types of disability, and is placing its focus on accessibility.

Project Support Director, Yash Chadha said, ‘Accessibility is at the heart of the EuTravel Project. Our technology will make it easy for citizens of the EU and international visitors to travel across the single market, and to plan journeys which suit their individual needs. Key to this is ensuring the service is open to everyone, including disabled users and anyone with a mobility issue which is why we’re thrilled to have Accomable on board as consultants on accessibility.’

CEO of Accomable, Srin Madipalli said, ‘Our mission has always been to enable anyone to go anywhere, so we are delighted to be working with EuTravel Project to ensure disabled people worldwide can research and book accessible transport across the EU with ease. Our disabled customers are extremely aware of how difficult it is to plan accessible transport routes when travelling at home and abroad, as online information is often incorrect or out of date. Our role will be to consult EuTravel Project towards delivering a solution that contains full accessibility information you can trust.’

Britain’s Tardiest Airline and Airport Named for 2015/6

August 11, 2017
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Tardiest Airline and Airport Announced | UK Airports NewsCivil Aviation Authority data on arriving and departing British and Irish aircraft for the past two years has been examined by the BBC Data Unit, and the results are in.

It has been noticed that during the traditionally busy months of June, July and August in 2015 and 2016, passengers using easyJet and Gatwick airport have experienced the most delays, with an average ‘tardy time’ rate of 24 and 27 minutes late (respectively) for both offenders.

Luton Airport only just escaped the award, at 24-minute average delay time, while British Airways managed to come in third place with 18 minutes.

Which airports and airlines performed best?

Aer Lingus were noted to have given the best performance of all the British and Irish airlines, with an average delay time of 12 minutes, rivalling Ryanair, coming in just three minutes later. Of the UK airlines, Flybe performed most efficiently, with just a 13-minute delay record, and Monarch airlines tied with the Irish Ryanair at 15 minutes.

Among the best performing airports were Leeds Bradford, who tied with the George Best Belfast City airport at just 10 minutes average delay. Birmingham International and Edinburgh did not fare too badly, sharing an average delay time of 18 minutes, but were narrowly beaten by Manchester, Glasgow and Stansted airports with 17 minutes.

French ATC strikes during the summers of 2015 and 2016 did not help easyJet or Gatwick airport’s position, as its location does attract French visitors and tourists moving in both directions.

easyJet released a statement in its defence, saying [of the air strikes], ‘Despite a number of adverse external factors like increasingly congested airspace, particularly in the London area, and record numbers of Air Traffic Control strikes, over the last year easyJet has actually reduced the proportion of flights delayed by more than 3 hours. We work hard to minimise disruption and fully comply with all relevant regulations.’

A Gatwick airport representative also spoke to the BBC, and said, ‘Gatwick has made it a priority to address punctuality and, in partnership with our airlines and ground handlers, we are already seeing the benefits of a new wide range of measures that have been implemented to improve punctuality.’

Heathrow Airport Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

July 25, 2017
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LHR Breaks Traffic Records | Airport NewsLondon’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) is delighted to announce it has broken its own records for monthly, daily and annual passenger numbers passing through its terminals.

For the first time in its long history, LHR experienced record passenger numbers in June – 259,917 passengers flew through LHR on June 30th, making it the busiest day it has ever had. 6.76 million travellers flew during the month of June, which in turn broke LHR’s annual record, taking that figure to 77 million.

Heathrow released further increases as follows:

  • Long haul passenger growth increased by 10%
  • Middle East and East Asia travellers increased by more 5%

It is not only passenger numbers that increased last month for LHR. Cargo also increased in June by 13% compared to the same period last year, and freight exchanges between the airport and the Latin American region grew by 38% on last years’ figures. The biggest cargo market for the airport is in North America, and this is still the largest market, with volume increasing by 15.8%, which prompted American Airlines to open a new facility for the transportation of pharmaceutical cargo.

LHR has also announced that airlines on the Middle East and East Asian routes are taking advantage of their slots to increase their loads on larger aircraft. This may spell further increases for Heathrow’s traffic for both passengers and freight cargo.