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Design and preparation for smooth baggage handling operations Feb 22, 2010: Changi Airport's latest passenger handling facility, Terminal 3, opened in January 2008. Designed with spectacular architecture, lush natural light-filled ambience and superb efficiency, this ultra modern facility has an annual handling capacity of 22 million passengers, boosting the total handling capacity of Changi Airport to 70 million passengers per year. Currently, six airlines operate from Terminal 3, including the national carrier, Singapore Airlines which operates from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Training and readiness is crucial for the fire and rescue staff at your airport Feb 22, 2010: Daily routines, training, readiness (the effort of being constantly ready) - are not new words when we are setting demands for our fire and rescue personnel. This article will give some examples in "lessons learned" from aircraft disasters, in order to give value to the words ‘daily routines', ‘training and readiness", and how to use the knowledge in a proactive way.

A-CDM: Globally interoperable and mutually beneficial Feb 22, 2010: Picture the scene. A Boeing 747 has just arrived at the end of a long journey from Hong Kong or Los Angeles, taxis from the runway to an airport terminal and then is unable to park on its allocated stand. The captain sheepishly comes onto the PA system and announces to passengers that a stand isn't available - but in fact, there's still handling equipment on the desired stand left from the previous flight. Or, the stand entry guidance system hasn't been switched on. Or, the ground crew have been sent to the wrong stand. Passengers are tired and want to get off, the aircraft's engines are still running and precious minutes in turnaround time are wasted, leading to delays on the return flight, and mounting costs for airlines.

When winter hits, Prague Airport will be ready! Feb 22, 2010: Prague/Ruzyne Airport is the largest international airport in Central Europe and is the gateway to the continent. That means operations must be ensured even under adverse weather conditions. The winter time period officially starts on November 1 and ends March 31, but the dates are always adapted to climatic conditions, so the start may come two weeks earlier or the end two weeks later, depending.

Increased capacity, increased efficiency Dec 11, 2009: Located on the Atlantic coast, at the western edge of Europe, Lisbon Airport is the ideal gateway for the growing traffic between Brazil, Africa and Europe. In 2008, Lisbon Airport handled 13.6 million passengers, almost 145 thousand landings and take-offs and more than 80 thousand tonnes of cargo. A 380 million-Euro development plan is under way. Working alongside its partners to improve its quality standards, Lisbon Airport is currently expanding its capacity to the maximum - 40/42 flight operations per hour - providing passengers with greater comfort and airlines with greater efficiency.

Implementation Strategies & Methodologies for Airport Openings Dec 11, 2009: The opening of new airports is a demanding and intriguing logistical project which requires three fundamental elements: • Ability to capture and analyse all critical details, based on a broad and solid operational know-how, as well as the capacity to zoom-out and assess subjects globally • Thorough planning, organisation and methodical implementation, as the large number of entities and stakeholders engaged adds to the challenge and complexity of the project • Bonding of the entire airport community and the commitment at the highest level of the airport operator and each company, organisation or state authority involved.

Taxiway Resurfacing - A night in the life of Taxiway Alpha Dec 11, 2009: The time, 21.45, the date, 19th October 2009. The project report forecast informs me that the team will take possession of the taxiway at 22.00, one hour ahead of plan. The weather, dry, 9-11 degrees Celsius, with light to moderate winds. Details of the planned civils, electrical and asphalting works fill the pages in minute detail, as time is crucial to this team.

The continuing rise of continuous descents Dec 11, 2009: Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA) are on the rise: March 2009 marked the launch of the European Joint Industry CDA Action Plan, backed by IATA, CANSO, ACI-EUROPE and EUROCONTROL1. Since then, according to EUROCONTROL's CDA Implementation Support Team, implementation progress has been non-stop. Why are CDAs gathering this momentum?

British Airways at T5 - minimising environmental impact Dec 11, 2009: British Airways is the UK's largest international scheduled airline and the largest operator at Heathrow. As the UK's premier international hub airport, Heathrow plays a central - and unique - role in UK plc. Terminal 5, opened in March 2008 at a cost of £4.3 billion, is a state-of-the-art world leading facility capable of handling 30 million passengers annually. Home to some 92% of British Airways' Heathrow flights, BAA and British Airways have worked in partnership to improve the environmental performance of the airport's ground handling operation.

NATS delivers world-first in virtual control towers Sep 29, 2009: NATS has achieved a breakthrough in airport control contingency by putting into service the world's first full safety certified back-up virtual operations room. The Virtual Contingency Facility (VCF) was developed following discussions with BAA and the airlines, who wanted to improve Heathrow's resilience.

Military airfield operations in an emergency environment Sep 29, 2009: Airfield Lighting Systems and Navigational Aids are the lifelines thrown to pilots every day. For military pilots, proper operation of these systems touches more than safety of the crew. It affects hundreds of military personnel and the security of the nations they represent. Aircraft entering expeditionary locations carry military members, sustainment for these military members, equipment and machinery needed for operations, strategic and tactical information, and air support for ground troops. The national security of many nations depends on air operations.

Airline baggage and freight - reducing the risks Sep 29, 2009: Recent publicity over the release from custody of the convicted Lockerbie bomber has provided a potent reminder of the continuing importance of airline baggage and freight security. Chris Pinder, British Security Industry Association's Regional General Manager, looks at some of the current procedures and developments in this vital area.

Keeping up with the pace of rapid globalisation - "A challenge for the Airport Fire Service" Sep 29, 2009: As we look at airports around the world, we see the effects of globalisation. Airports are no longer airports. Globally, airports are evolving into "Airport Cities" pulsating with major development and expansion projects. They are becoming the "Market Places of today's Economy" becoming "job generators" and the business place of major retailers, hotels, cargo forwarders, conference centres, public transportation facilities and living areas, just to mention a few. The rapid growth and expansion of these airports is a positive reflection towards the "Globalisation Move", however the move into the global future and the rapid expansion and development of our airports present special and increased challenges for airport's fire and emergency services.

Airport security - CCTV takes off Sep 13, 2009: Advances in technology and increasing risks are driving an unprecedented level of change in security and nowhere more so than in the application of closed-circuit television surveillance systems in the airport environment. John Bates, Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), looks at the evolution of the security camera and what it means for the safety of air travel.

Toronto Pearson International Airport: Airfield Lighting Systems Sep 13, 2009: This is an overview of the Airport Guidance Lighting Systems, installed and operating, at Toronto Pearson International Airport, located 25 kilometres from downtown Toronto, Ontario. The airport is Operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), under a lease agreement with the Government of Canada. The GTAA has upgraded and improved the entire airport, including two new runways, one new terminal, new cargo facilities, an on-airport people mover system, a co-generation facility, and new airfield lighting and control systems, amongst others.

When it comes to birdstrikes, we don't need to rely on miracles Sep 13, 2009: Following the recent events in New York, Dr John Allan, Chairman of the International Bird Strike Committee, looks at the current risk from birdstrikes and what can be done to control it.

Winter operations at Munich Airport Sep 13, 2009: Air traffic never stops - even under icy conditions and the heaviest snowfalls, operations continue despite inclement weather conditions. At Munich Airport, one rule never changes: safety comes first. Making sure that there is no danger to aircraft taxiing, taking off and landing at Munich Airport are the winter services of FMG, the airport's operating company, and EFM, a special company responsible for de-icing and towing operations.

Deicing at DIA Sep 13, 2009: As the newest major international hub airport in the United States, Denver International Airport (DEN) has benefitted from its planners' foresight in acquiring enough land (53 square miles) to allow ample room for future growth. When developing both the airport's design and layout, DEN's planners also made sure to incorporate the lessons learned at Denver's previous airport, Stapleton International. One of the main areas of focus was ensuring that the new ‘mile high' airport would have concentrated deicing operations near runways, so that DEN could contain spent aircraft deicing fluid (ADF) and also maintain safe and efficient aircraft traffic flow. Efforts made at the design stage have allowed Denver International Airport to become one of the earliest proponents and practitioners of environmentally friendly aircraft deicing.

Runway Friction Measurement Status Sep 13, 2009: With today's technology, the measurement of ‘friction' can be readily and accurately determined whether it be in a vehicle engine, wheel bearing, or of more immediate attention, the interface between a moving vehicle tire and the travelled pavement surface. In regards to ground vehicle and aircraft operations, the problem is not one of accuracy but one of timeliness. Mother Nature can change a dry, high friction pavement surface into an icy, low friction surface in a matter of minutes. The ground vehicle runway friction value measured 30 minutes earlier may have no relevancy to current pavement friction conditions. Hence the importance of giving pilots the time of the friction measurement as well as the actual value.

BAA’s collaborative approach Jul 16, 2009: Heathrow is the world’s busiest international airport, handling approximately 471,000 air traffic movements annually and employing over 72,000 people, of which a large number are airside workers. The scale and importance of ensuring efficiency among such a vast number of organisations is clear.

A winter day at Zurich Airport Jul 16, 2009: Time 06:32:15 – place: De-icing Coordination, Zurich Airport
"Good morning De-icing Coordination, Swiss 1248, we need De-icing, wings and stabiliser please" sounds the voice of the pilot of the early morning Zurich-Stockholm service over the VHF set in the De-icing Coordination Centre, on the roof of Terminal A at Zurich Airport.

The FBI launches a Biometric Center of Excellence to reach its “Desired Path” Jul 16, 2009: The aviation term “desired path” refers to setting a course and then following clear guidance to reach a specific objective. This simple term seemed fitting for an article about how the FBI’s work in biometrics could also bolster aviation security. Semantics aside, whether you carry a badge, pin a pair of wings to your uniform, or work in the multi-faceted world of aviation, we all share a desired path to protect the flying public when they are in our charge. However, reaching this goal requires each of us to follow a different course.

Aircraft Recovery - Exciting Times: Trends, Innovations & Developments May 26, 2009: It's an exciting time in the world of aircraft recovery and it is worth sharing this excitement, some of the trends, innovations and new developments with the aviation community. Most airlines and airports would prefer that aircraft recovery not be a part of their normal business, because, when we talk about aircraft recovery, we generally relate this issue to situations that disrupt normal operations and present many challenges for the airlines, as well as airport operators. However, the topic is always worthy of some good discussion, and let's face it, none of us, whether we are an airline or airport operator, are immune to the challenges that a disabled aircraft brings.

Engineering Sciences Data Unit (ESDU) May 26, 2009: Role of the Engineering Sciences Data Unit (ESDU) in Modelling Performance of Aircraft Tyres on Contaminated Paved Surfaces.

Transforming the passenger experience Mar 31, 2009: With a £6billion investment programme underway, BAA has a very clear goal: to transform its airports for its airline customers and passengers. Working over seven airports, the capital programme will deliver world class facilities, more space for security and improved environmental performance.

SHARE OR FAIL! Leveraging resources between agencies Feb 7, 2009: The need today is share everything or do without! Governments are making significant cuts in every area and the task before every emergency response agency is to do your job without any extra funds. That sounds easy! Failure is an option for any organisation, but if you work within your mission statements, share resources with outside agencies that have a common goal with your own, and gain involvement from everyone, then you have a chance of survival.

DIA – Achieving balance in winter operations Feb 7, 2009: It’s a well-kept secret that most locals want to keep from outsiders: although located close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and a mile above sea level, the city of Denver doesn’t get as much snow as many non-residents assume. With 300-plus days of sunshine annually, what snow does fall usually doesn’t stay on the ground for long. But when big snowstorms do hit, they hit hard. That was the case of the blizzard season in 2006 that closed Denver International Airport (DEN) for two days just before Christmas.

TSA checkpoint security technology evolves Feb 7, 2009: Over the course of 2008, TSA deployed, piloted and tested several technologies that greatly enhanced the screening process for travellers all across the country. The ultimate goal is to create an environment that harmonises a high level of security with the need to ensure freedom of movement for travellers.

Baggage handling system developments at Milan Malpensa: 1998-2008 Feb 7, 2009: Malpensa is the one of the newest airports in Europe: it was opened on the 25th of October, 1998. Malpensa was planned as a ‘point to point’ airport and from the beginning was used as a ‘hub’ for Alitalia. This caused the necessity to partially redesign the airport. One of the key points for a hub is to handle transfer bags, so we needed relevant changes to the Baggage Handling System (BHS).

ACSA at the forefront of airport operational efficiency Dec 3, 2008: Successfully operating and managing nine airports in South Africa, including O.R. Tambo International Airport-the largest in Africa, is not just about upgrading and expanding airport infrastructure. For Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), successful operations are also very much about foresight and the ability to adopt operational management tools that will put our major airports at the forefront of airport operational efficiency.

Trailblazing the work for increase safety in winter operations Dec 3, 2008: Norway is already one of the leading winter sport nations. Now we are also aiming to raise the bar in safety for flight operations on winter-contaminated runways.

Working with partners and customers to achieve environmental targets Sep 30, 2008: Carrie Harris is the Head of Air Traffic Management Environment at NATS, the UK’s leading air navigation services provider. NATS provides air traffic control services to aircraft flying in UK airspace and over the eastern part of the North Atlantic. This year NATS expects to handle some 2.5 million flights carrying approximately 250 million passengers.

Light emitting diodes for airport applications – not just ‘plug and play’ Sep 30, 2008: When people think of a new technology to produce light, it is widely thought of as ‘just another light bulb’. This has been true, in a general sense, since the invention of the incandescent light over 100 years ago. This incandescent technology, while improved over the years, has not changed significantly from the basic design. A filament is placed in an oxygen-free ‘bulb’ and excited by electricity causing the filament to glow, thus producing light. Incandescent lights are not very efficient. Most of the energy needed to illuminate the bulb is lost in heat, with very little available to generate its main function of producing light.

At the forefront with new wireless technology Sep 30, 2008: Passengers are ready to use a new wireless technology that will make their travels easier and more fun. Copenhagen Airport is leading the way by being the first airport in Europe to be currently testing this technology, which is developed in collaboration with the IT University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, Lyngsoe Systems and Blip Systems.

Airport pavement rehabilitation by rubblisation Sep 30, 2008: Concrete pavements exhibiting distresses such as cracking, joint deterioration, spalling, and joint faulting can be rehabilitated by constructing a concrete or asphalt overlay. The ‘crack and seat’ technique is the most prevalent method for deteriorated concrete pavement rehabilitation.

The ACCA Fire/Rescue Department Sep 30, 2008: Pittsburgh International Airport’s 10,000 acre facility is protected by the Allegheny County Airport Authority Fire / Rescue Department, which currently operates with 50 personnel, one administrative assistant and 19 pieces of apparatus. The airport facility includes approximately 200 structures, two military installations and approximately 10 miles of a four lane divided highway.

Providing technical and industry expertise Aug 1, 2008: This article serves as the ‘coming out’ event for the International Friction Pavement Association (IFPA)...

An interview with Mr. Dimitrios Gatsonis Aug 1, 2008: Budapest Airport has introduced its new passenger security screening system for a total investment of HUF 900 million...

A promising co-operation between railways and airlines May 30, 2008: As a backbone, the international worldwide supply chain needs high quality express freight services...

Monitoring the performance of aerodrome ground lighting May 30, 2008: Researchers at Queen’s are developing a prototype device which can be placed inside the cockpit of an aircraft. This device consists of a camera which is capable of collecting images of the landing lighting during an approach to an airport...

‘World Class Emergency Services at a World Class Airport’ May 30, 2008: Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport is known as the economic engine for North Texas. It is strategically located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth and serves as the gateway to air travel around the world. At over 18,000 acres and with seven runways, DFW continues to be one of the busiest airports in the world...

Multi-biometrics for enhanced airport access control May 17, 2008: Biometrics is used to verify identity in various activities from crime solving, recidivist detection, employee and clearance screening, remains identification and border and airport security. Biometric systems are being deployed in airports in increasing numbers...

The ‘Open Access Model’ fuel farm May 17, 2008: Travel to any airport in the country and among the many things you will see are trucks re-fuelling aircraft while they are parked on the apron area. It is not just in India...

World-class baggage handling operations Mar 28, 2008: Considering that O.R. Tambo International Airport is fast gaining status as world class, it is no wonder that all the facilities and technologies available in the airport precinct compare with the best in the world...

Winter at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL) Mar 28, 2008: Based on many years of experience, winter at Oslo Airport is defined as the period between 15 October and 15 April. This is when we enter a period which will require the planning to have been completed and the manpower...

La Galerie Parisienne: A centrepiece of the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub Mar 28, 2008: La Galerie Parisienne is the new boarding satellite of terminal 2E at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. It has handled nearly 2.4 million passengers since it was unveiled by the French Republic President, Nicolas Sarkozy, in June 2007...

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection research Mar 28, 2008: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting research to evaluate various technologies capable of detecting Foreign Object Debris (FOD), that may have fallen onto a runway or taxiway. The research being conducted...

New loading modules for the pavement test vehicle Mar 28, 2008: From its dedication in 1999, the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF), of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has been tasked with conducting research on both rigid and flexible airport pavements...

Copenhagen’s new tower: advanced solutions to exceptional challenges Feb 4, 2008: When in 1716, the Danish Empress Katharina drove up to the top of the Round Tower at Copenhagen’s Trinitatis church in a horse-drawn carriage with her husband Peter the Great, she set a certain precedent in remarkable tower transport operations...

Enhancing aviation security Feb 4, 2008: How TSA is using technology, innovation, and collaboration to redefine screening operations
The fundamental challenge of protecting passengers and transportation networks against an act of terrorism is a constantly changing, unpredictable threat environment...

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A-CDM: Globally interoperable and mutually beneficial
Tim Hardy, Airside Director, BAA

Serving Southern Nevada
Rosemary A. Vassiliadis, Deputy Director, Clark County Department of Aviation, McCarran International Airport (LAS)

A world class facility with the flexibility to change
Kim Day, Aviation Manager, Denver International Airport

ASTM friction standards efforts 2009
Frank Holt, Chairman, ASTM Committee E17 Vehicle Pavement Systems

Show Preview: ATC Global 2010: A critical event for the aviation industry

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