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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.

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.

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.’

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.

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.

Finavia Recruit 200 Test Passengers at Helsinki Airport | Airports NewsIt has been announced that as a part of Finavia’s opening of the new south wing at Helsinki Airport, it will be recruiting 200 volunteer test passengers to test operations and facilities before opening.

The development program, estimated to be costing in the region of one billion euros, will create additional operational and passenger-oriented facilities within the new terminal.

The test day, scheduled currently for the first week of July, will be open for the test passengers to experience the new facilities, such as disabled access, new doors, moving walkways and departure gates access. The test group may also be offered the chance to look behind-the-scenes in a unique day, designed to offer insights to Finavia about passenger experience.

The director of Finavia, Ville Haapasaari, said, ‘The test day is arranged to ensure a smooth, pleasant travel experience, which is the cornerstone of all of our services. Test passengers will have a unique day at the airport and have the possibility to look behind the scenes. The feedback we will receive from the test passengers is valuable, because we can then take passengers’ wishes and needs into consideration in finishing off the south wing.

Belfast Airport Solar Success | Airports NewsBelfast International Airport has announced the success of its dedicated solar power plant, with more than £100,000 worth of savings during the first ten months of operation.

Located just a third of a mile away, and cited as being the largest solar energy connection in the UK and Ireland to an airport, the £5million solar plant, named Crookedstone Solar Farm, is generating over 25% of its yearly electricity requirements.

In addition to the financial rewards, the solar plant, operated by Lightsource, is also contributing to the reduction in carbon emissions. It has been estimated that Crookedstone will save 2,100 tonnes in carbon emissions in each year of operation, improving environmental performance.

Belfast International Airport has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Lightsource for 25 years.

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.

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.

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 Leadershipwon in 2016 by Michael O’Leary – Ryanair
  • Regional Leadershipwon in 2016 by David Neeleman – Azul
  • Low-Cost Leadershipwon in 2016 by Enrique Beltranena – Volaris
  • Financewon in 2016 by Delta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic
  • Marketingwon 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.