First Anniversary Celebrations at Dubai International Concourse D

February 22, 2017
Business Aviation News

Dubai International Concoure D Anniversary | Aviation and Airports NewsThis Friday marks the one-year anniversary of Concourse D at Dubai International Airport. Over the past 12 months, more than 115,000 flights have been handled by Concourse D, bringing almost 17,000,000 passengers through a state-of-the-art, integrated environment, packed with shops, restaurants, and lounges from British Airways, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa to name but three of the five new airline lounges.

Concourse D has also seen plenty of action musically, being the host location for Dubai Airports’ special events, such as Hang Out DXB, which offered surprises to passengers with discounts, games and prizes. The addition of Concourse D has significantly impacted the airports’ capacity, taking the number of annual traveller capability from 75 million to 90 million.

“Concourse D is the outcome of a well-designed and meticulously planned project that was built around the evolving needs and expectations of our customers – the hundreds of thousands of passengers that pass through our airport every day,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports and president of the DCCA (Dubai Civil Aviation Authority).

“After a successful first year of operations, it is very clear that Concourse D has achieved its goal of delighting our passengers and our business partners.”

Biometric Self Service Technology Trial at Schiphol

February 11, 2017
Business Aviation News
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self-service-tech-schipholSome of the very latest biometric technology and self service solutions are on trial at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport this year, in conjunction with Holland’s most famous airline, KLM.

The new technology on trial will involve volunteer passengers, who will board their flights without taking their passports out of their bags, or showing their boarding passes to any personnel at the airport.

Facial recognition technology will be used during the three-month trial, which will test the process thoroughly, including how user-friendly the completely self-service system will be, in addition to its effectivity, reliability and speed of processing.

Schiphol Airport spokesperson said, ‘The ultimate goal is to make the boarding process as easy and quick as possible for passengers. The trial will take place at a selected gate at the airport. To use facial recognition for boarding, passengers must register first. There is a special registration kiosk in the waiting area at the gate. KLM staff will assist with the procedure.’

Schiphol Airport has been at the forefront of trialling new technology, and is also taking part in tests and trials for a new hand baggage scanner, which in the future may negate the necessity for removal of laptops, liquids and other items from hand baggage.

Airport security providers around the world are striving to introduce solutions for passenger processing and security screening that will increase efficiency. Common use identity management solutions have been proved to improve passenger flow, while maintaining security. Such solutions can only serve to improve efficiency, productivity and passenger satisfaction, which is a welcome break for the modern, busy airport facing challenges and increasing mandatory security requirements year-on-year.

New Security Technology for Bristol Airport

February 3, 2017
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Bristol Airport UK | Security Upgrades InitiativeIt has been announced that Bristol Airport in the UK’s West Country is to embark upon a £24 million project to upgrade the airport technology, facilities and capacity, including security upgrades and a new 12-lane security area.

The plan is part of an ongoing initiative to increase security at the airport, while keeping passenger disruption and delays to a minimum, delivering ‘faster, more efficient processes.’

Part of the project will also include additional security to current baggage handling processes, particularly baggage screening.

Fraser Dury, Bristol Airport head of engineering said, ‘We are committed to leveraging the most effective technologies and solutions to ensure high standards of security are maintained with minimal impact on passengers.’

The airport plans will also include the upgrade of communications systems throughout the airport environment. The entire project is geared towards scalability and flexibility for the future, and will give Bristol Airport a firm foundation for continued growth.

U.S. Nationwide Protests Following President Trump’s Executive Order

January 31, 2017
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Protesters at Airports in the U.S. | Business Aviation NewsAirports all over the U.S. have erupted into chaos this week following the Executive Order issued by President Trump.

The temporary travel ban placed on seven majority-Muslim countries has sparked protests from citizens, whether affected or not. Hundreds of people came out at airports nationwide to express their horror for travellers, some of which were detained as they arrived on American soil, and others left stranded in airports around the world as they are refused boarding passage.

The Executive Order is expected to continue to delay travellers for a period of up to 90 days.

New Airport to Replace Java’s Yogyakarta Adisutjipto International to Cater for Passenger Growth

January 28, 2017
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Currently the fourth busiest airport in the Java-Bali region | Business Aviation NewsWithin the next few years, travellers to Java, Indonesia, can expect to enjoy greater flexibility with the advent of a planned new international airport, which will replace the Java-Bali regions’ fourth busiest airport, Yogyakarta Adisutjipto, currently located in the Sleman Regency.

The airport no longer meets the needs of the region, with a handling capacity designed to originally handle just 2.1 million passengers. Last year the airport saw almost 5 million additional passengers pass through its gates, prompting further discussion surrounding the urgent need for improvement.

The new airport, currently underway in the Kulon Progo Regency, has been designed to accommodate 50 million passengers per year, and the first phase is expected to be completed during spring 2019. It will also serve long-haul flights, and will include a 3250-metre runway, which will be extended during phase two by an additional 350 metres.

A ceremony to break ground on the new airport was held last week, and was attended by President Joko Widodo.

2017 Airline Strategy Awards Open for Nominations

January 25, 2017
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Aviation News | Airline Strategy Awards 2017This years’ Airline Strategy Awards has now officially launched, and is open for nominations. The 16th annual awards will be held at the Middle Temple Hall, London on Sunday 9th July 2017, and will be delivered and hosted by FlightGlobal and Korn Ferry.

Michael Bell, who has worked in partnership on the awards since they began back in 2002, is ‘delighted that FlightGlobal has agreed to continue our strong partnership from [his] new home at Korn Ferry.’

The closing date for nominations will be Thursday 13th April 2017 in six main categories:

  • Executive Leadership – won in 2016 by Michael O’Leary – Ryanair
  • Regional Leadership – won in 2016 by David Neeleman – Azul
  • Low-Cost Leadership – won in 2016 by Enrique Beltranena – Volaris
  • Finance – won in 2016 by Delta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic
  • Marketing – won in 2016 by JetBlue
  • Network Strategy – won in 2016 by Emirates Airlines
  • Flight Airline Business Award – won in 2016 by Tony Tyler – IATA

Visit the Airline Strategy Awards website to place nominations or to find out more.

Self-bag Drop Solution Lowers Check-in Time by 60% at Dublin Airport

January 10, 2017
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Rockwell Collins' Bag Drop technology in action | Business Aviation NewsA two-phase project at Dublin Airport has seen a dramatic reduction in passenger check-in times with the introduction of Rockwell Collins’ ARINC vMUSE, self-service kiosks and the latest bag drop solutions.

Frances O’Brien, VP PMO at DAA (Dublin Airport Authority), spearheaded a campaign to streamline airport operations to address the challenges she recognised within the airport. Speaking about the implementation of CUPPS by Rockwell Collins in 2015/16, she said, ‘We worked with Rockwell Collins to implement systems that enable our airlines to share workstations, helping us make the best use of our current resources. As we embarked on this new initiative, our existing relationship plus Rockwell Collins’ extensive industry expertise made them the right partner for us.’

The first phase of the project began in December 2015, with the introduction of 19 Common-Use workstations. This quickly expanded to 64 units through spring 2016 with no issues, described by O’Brien as ‘a painless process.’

The self-service bag drop stations now number 20 in Ryanair’s hub, Terminal 1, and 16 in the Aer Lingus check-in area in Terminal 2. Jim Rogers, the Aer Lingus bag tag and drop off project manager said, ‘Some of our guests have told us that this technology is a key differentiator on whether they would fly with Aer Lingus again. Our fleet size is increasing by about 10 percent this year, and this type of technology allows us to increase throughput without capital expenditure on building and facilities.’

Munich Airport Unveils Plan to Become Germany’s First Carbon Neutral Airport

December 18, 2016
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Munich Airport Aims for Carbon Neutral Status by 2030 | Business Aviation BlogGermany’s Munich Airport has detailed a €150 million plan to reduce its carbon emissions directly by 60% over the next 17 years.

The Bavarian State Minister for Finance, Regional Development and Home Affairs, Dr Markus Soder said, ‘With this target we are underscoring the enormous importance attached to climate protection by the airport and the Bavarian state government.’

Dr Soder, who is also chairman of the supervisory board for Munich Airport, is keen for the airport to become a ‘trailblazer for all of Germany.’

The plan contains many fine details, including increased reliance of renewable energy sources, electromobility within the vehicle fleet, LED runway lighting and intelligent control technology.

Dr Michael Kerkloh, CEO of Munich Airport, spoke during the launch of the CO2 strategy of the continuation of the current efforts the airport already makes towards climate protection, ‘As Europe’s first five-star airport, we also set very high standards for climate protection. With our far-reaching climate targets, we want to help ensure that the airport’s operations and ongoing development are pursued in ways that preserve the opportunities and possibilities of future generations.’

The remaining 40% CO2 emissions will be offset at regional level against certified projects.

Alaska Air Acquires Virgin America for $4 Billion

December 16, 2016
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Alaska Air Group Acquires Virgin America | Aviation NewsIt has been announced, just one week after the deal was given approval by regulators, that Alaska Air Group has closed the acquisition of Virgin America for the sum of $4 billion.

It has not been decided whether Alaska Air will retain the Virgin America brand, but this is expected to be revealed within the first quarter of this year.

Alaska Air Group notes that the consolidation of one of its biggest competitors will enable them to compete more effectively with the other major carriers that between them handle 84% of air traffic in the U.S. – Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines.

According to a statement from Alaska Air Group a few days ago, ‘Alaska Airlines and Virgin America will spend the next year working to secure Federal Aviation Administration certification to allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier.’ The group hopes to achieve certification by 2018.

The merger will give Alaska Air and Virgin a fleet of 286 aircraft, operating almost 1200 daily flights to 118 destinations across the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba and Mexico.

Automated Check-in in Abu Dhabi with Rockwell Collins’ LocalCheck for Falcon Aviation

December 8, 2016
Business Aviation News
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Automated Check-in Agreement | Rockwell Collins and Falcon AviationFalcon Aviation, based in the UAE at Al Bateen Executive Airport, delivers a range of services to clients throughout the Middle East, including charter of helicopters and private jets, aircraft maintenance and management services and flight support. It also provides an authorised service centre for Embraer and Airbus Helicopters, a warranty service centre for Gulfstream and is a founding board member of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

The implementation of Rockwell Collins’ ARINC LocalCheckSM Local Departure Control System (L-DCS), improves the efficiency of check-in and boarding processes through automation of key processes, such as passenger processing, baggage tags and passenger reconciliation.

Captain Raman Oberoi, Falcon Aviation, said, ‘Over the years, Falcon Aviation has become synonymous with safety, quality and excellent customer service. We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality products and innovative services to our loyal customers, and Rockwell Collins’ airport solutions are helping us deliver on that promise.’

Paul Hickox, head of Airport Systems Sales at Rockwell Collins, said, ‘Rockwell Collins airport solutions are used throughout the world to help airports improve efficiency and enhance operations. This win is an excellent example of how we can tailor our solutions to meet the requirements of both large international airports as well as smaller regional airports and private business terminals.’