The official magazine of the Operators Association SOUTHEND: STAGE 2 SUMMER 2013 EXTENSION

Policy Features News

Airports Commission publishes fourth paper unveils long-term vision Remote perspectives in baggage handling

AOA Security Conference 2013 : 75th anniversary; new ATC tower Siemens wins Gatwick support contract

AOA Operations & Safety Conference Stansted’s ambitious development phase Selex ES: Safeguarding the UK’s

p.3 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013

Ed Anderson, Chairman, Airport Operators Association

The official magazine of the Airport Operators Association CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION Airport Operators’ Association

3 Birdcage Walk London SW1H 9JJ Can I welcome readers to the Commission gives due Tel: 020 7799 3171 this edition of the consideration to all the options Fax: 020 7340 0999 Operator, which is published that are put before it and that around the time of our it adheres to its timetable. We www.aoa.org.uk Summer Reception at the also urge the political parties House of Commons, which we to act upon its findings once its have again arranged in final report is published in 2015. conjunction with our Industry partners the British Air The Sustainable Aviation Transport Association. We are coalition has recently launched delighted that the Secretary of its new Noise Road Map. This

State for Transport, Patrick complements the Carbon The Airport Operator is produced by PPS Publications Ltd. McLoughlin MP, has agreed to Road Map and shows that speak at the event. the industry can make major Daniel Coleman improvements in reducing the Publisher Since the last issue we have noise resulting from aviation, seen the publication of the whilst accommodating the Ross Falconer Government’s long awaited forecast doubling of passenger Editor Aviation Policy Framework. numbers in the period to 2050. There is much for the industry Amy Hanna Assistant Editor to welcome in this document, April saw yet another increase not least the positive language in Air Passenger Duty, placing Richard Jende about aviation and its UK aviation at an even greater Head Designer contribution to the economy. disadvantage in competing This is in stark contrast to the with the rest of . We Victoria Wilkinson position some two or three years continue to call for an end to Designer ago. We welcome the broad the annual increases and for

James Howson direction of the Framework and HM Treasury to undertake a PPS Publication & its recognition that the sector review of the economic impact Exhibition Manager needs to grow, provided of of the tax, which is now at a course that we deliver on our truly eye watering , and Paul J. Hogan commitments on carbon and can be a major disincentive Managing Director noise. We see the document to airlines considering new as a good starting point from services from UK .

which we hope to see some PPS Publications Ltd 3a Gatwick Metro Centre detailed actions emerge, such In addition to the high profile Balcombe Road as planning guidance, that will issues such as the Aviation Policy , assist those airports that have Framework and APD, AOA RH6 9GA specific development plans. continues to be active on a wide range of fronts, on behalf of Tel: 01293 783851 The Davies Commission’s work our members, and increasingly Fax: 01293 782959 is underway and we are pleased acts as facilitator, bringing Email: [email protected] that there is now a process in together interested parties on www.pps-publications.com place, with a clear timetable, important matters such as red to advise the Government on tape, visas, UK borders, security ©PPS Publications Ltd 2013 the future airport capacity (including LAGs) and the work issue. We would urge that of the CAA Consumer Panel. Please ensure all press releases are sent to PPS Publications directly, not to AOA head office. AOA IS PLEASED TO WORK WITH ITS CORPORATE AND SILVER SPONSORS Corporate sponsors

Silver sponsors p.5 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013

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BY TIM ALDERSLADE, PUBLIC AFFAIRS & PR MANAGER, AIRPORT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION THE PUBLISHES FOURTH THEMATIC PAPER ON AVIATION OPERATING MODELS

The Airports Commission analyses current trends in the act in a purely advisory role In early May, it attended a has published the fourth in global aviation sector and and will possess no executive meeting, alongside the British a series of thematic papers on considers the potential powers. Membership of the Air Transport Association Aviation Operating Models. implications for aviation capacity body can be viewed on the (BATA) and UK Travel Retail Following the publication of and connectivity in the UK. Airports Commission website. Forum (UKTRF) with the UK previous papers on Aviation Border Agency, where it set Demand Forecasting, Aviation The Commission made a VISAS CAMPAIGN out a number of its concerns Connectivity and the Economy, separate announcement in May, GATHERS STEAM about the UK’s current visa and Aviation and Climate setting out the membership The AOA continues to campaign regime, especially with respect Change, this paper considers the of its Expert Advisory Panel, vigorously on the issue of to China, in further detail. It distinguishing features of a hub which will assist with its visas, working with other trade was agreed that a further airport and what enables an deliberations over the next associations, airports and airlines roundtable meeting should be airport to assume this role, two years. The Panel, which in urging the Government arranged, whereby AOA, BATA, alongside other possible models consists of a number of to make it easier for foreign UKTRF, the Board of Airline for structuring airport capacity, environmental, engineering nationals wishing to travel Representatives UK (BAR- such as point-to-point. It also and transport experts, will to the UK to obtain a visa. UK), and UK Alliance, 02

01 02 The Airports Commission’s new paper The Airports Commission has published analyses current trends in the global the fourth in a series of thematic papers aviation sector and considers the on Aviation Operating Models. This paper potential implications for aviation considers the distinguishing features capacity and connectivity in the UK. of a hub airport and what enables an airport to assume this role, alongside other possible models for structuring airport capacity, such as point-to-point. p.6 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

together with UK and overseas it is in no-one’s interests for business people to our shores; airlines and UK airports, could Chinese nationals to believe engage with UKBA civil servants that the UK is closed for • Making it easier and cheaper about the UK’s visa regime. business and that they need to get long-term multiple not apply for a visa because entrance visas. At the moment This meeting subsequently took the process is too complex the cost of a 10-year multiple- place on 3 June. At the meeting, and burdensome to navigate. entrance visa is £750, which industry representatives made AOA believes is too high a point of being as constructive However, AOA and other and represents a deterrent as possible, by welcoming attendees did not fail to put to people wanting to enter the recent measures which forward several changes to the the UK more than once have been introduced by the visa system which it feels could over that time period; and Government to simplify the improve matters, including: visa system with respect to • Direct Airside Transit Visas Chinese visitors and encouraging • Setting up a ‘one-stop shop’ – addressing the fact that more people to apply for a for biometric data and visa Chinese (and many other visa. There was a real sense applications, so that details nationality) passengers are that industry and government are automatically sent to both required to hold a UK transit should work together to UK and Schengen country visa even if they intend to promote these changes – authorities, thus enabling stay airside while transferring which include introducing a visitors to apply for separate in the UK, thus undermining passport pass-back service visas at the same time; the viability of UK-China which will allow applicants routes and putting UK to keep their passport while • Reducing the cost of a visa carriers at a disadvantage. their visa is being processed; to the UK so that it is at the making the UK visa application very least no more than a Following this meeting it was form available in Chinese; and Schengen visa. This would agreed that AOA will continue establishing a business network be a symbolic move by the to work with UKBA on these with dedicated Embassy staff Government to show that issues moving forward. AOA continues to campaign vigorously on the issue of visas, working with other to assist businesses with their it is open for business and Further information will be trade associations, airports and airlines in urging the Government to make it UK visa requirements – because eager to attract tourists and provided in due course. easier for foreign nationals wishing to travel to the UK to obtain a visa. AOA SECURITY CONFERENCE 2013

The 2013 AOA Security 13 and 14 May at Rockliffe Hall, Address from Andrew Haines the transfer of responsibility CPNI, DfT and ACI EUROPE. Conference, generously County Durham. (pictured), Chief Executive of for application of the UK Delegates also had the sponsored by Human the Civil Aviation Authority, security from DfT to CAA. opportunity to view some Recognition Systems and The conference was opened who spoke on a number of LAGs detection technology. Rapiscan Systems, was held on by a comprehensive Keynote aviation security issues including He confirmed that this transfer This conference had a record will result in these regulatory attendance of some 65 costs being passed on to delegates drawn from across The 2013 AOA Security Conference opened with industry from 1 April 2014. the AOA membership. a Keynote Address from Andrew Haines, Chief He also confirmed that while Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority. the CAA’s cost proposals Meanwhile, the 2013 AOA were not yet fully developed Operations and Safety these would be subject to Conference, once again consultation in the next few sponsored by Eagle Airfield, months. The programme took place on 24-25 June at then included presentations the Oulton Hall Hotel near on threat, aviation security Leeds. Speakers included developments in the wider key players from the CAA European market, ‘insider’ and EUROCONTROL, and threats, research and the conference addressed development, and risk based many of the key issues passenger differentiation. being faced by airport and ATC professionals. Day 2 of the conference was primarily directed to the matter A full report on the of Liquids, Aerosols & Gels AOA Operations and (LAGs) with presentations Safety Conference can delivered by speakers from be found on page 11.

p.9 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013

AOA ANNUAL DINNER

More than 700 key stakeholders from nearly 100 of aviation’s leading organisations gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 5 March for the AOA Annual Dinner. At a time when the interdependency of the government and the industry is more significant than ever, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, defined 01 the role of aviation in the country’s economic recovery. Amy Hanna reports.

This year’s Annual Dinner “We are determined to stand up responsibility, but I would was one full of discussion, to the challenge of delivering continue to urge you as the taking place at a time when policy cleaner, quieter, smarter flying,” Secretary of State for Transport, makers are increasingly he said. “These are really exciting to make representations to the acknowledging the aviation times for aviation and I have no Chancellor for the Treasury industry’s role as a catalyst for doubt our sector will deliver. In to commission its own study nationwide economic recovery, addition to welcoming the fact into the wider economic and airports and airlines alike that the policy framework will impact of the current level of make further plans for structured be published soon, which will APD, and to halt any further growth. Rt Hon Patrick affect all UK airports’ ability to increases until this study has McLoughlin MP and AOA flourish in the future, we also been carried out,” he said. Chairman Ed Anderson presented welcome the Davies Commission a comprehensive picture of the on airport capacity. We will MUTUAL SUPPORT current state of the industry in work with the Commission, McLoughlin assured the industry their stimulating addresses, and and we call upon all the that he intended to work closely the evening was also enlivened by political parties to commit to with all of its stakeholders to 03 entertainment from comedian Tim acting upon its findings.” make the right decisions about Vine. Once again the AOA Prize its future, and commended it Draw was held in aid of charity Highlighting the industry’s need for the growth that has taken for winter conditions than contributing to this country’s ORBIS, the flying eye hospital for for further support from the place in recent years. “As I travel it’s ever been, and that did a future prosperity, we are developing countries, and more government, Anderson also drew around the country, I don’t see brilliant job during the London determined to create a truly than £10,000 was raised on attention to the “eye-wateringly an industry paralysed. What Olympics and Paralympics,” he sustainable aviation industry, the night. high levels” of APD, and I see is a vibrant, ambitious said. In response to Anderson’s and we will do all in our power appealed to his fellow speaker industry that’s adapting to concern over APD, McLoughlin to provide airports and a At the first AOA Annual Dinner for some consideration in this the requirements of today’s said the tax was a “necessary passenger experience in which since the triumph of last year’s area. “I know this is a Treasury travellers. That’s better prepared action on the economy”, but we can all take massive pride. Olympic Games, speeches explained that the government In return we simply ask for a were highly anticipated, was also “determined to take the policy to deliver those economic especially since the evening necessary action to maintain the benefits, and we ask for no took place a month before UK’s position as Europe’s most more increases in APD and an the arrival of increases to Air important aviation country”. investigation by the Treasury Passenger Duty (APD), and into the impact that the current ahead of the publication in Anderson also took the levels of APD are having, not March of the government’s opportunity to underline only on the aviation sector, but aviation policy framework. the importance of a unified on UK Plc more generally. The Anderson opened the evening approach between the industry coming year will be immensely with his address, in which and government, towards a important then, both for the he explained his hope that common goal. “My message UK and for UK aviation. The the policy would illustrate a to all politicians here is this: AOA team will continue to work positive tone towards aviation, there are many things that we closely with all our members and enable the industry to welcome,” he stated. “We are and our industry partners to grow in a sustainable manner. 02 very keen to work with you in make our case loud and clear.”

01 02 03 Ed Anderson: “We clearly have the potential to assist massively in the economic Louise Ellman, Member of Parliament for Liverpool Riverside; Nigel Milton, Patrick McLoughlin: “Today flying recovery, and we wish to work constructively with the government to create Director of Policy & Political Relations, ; Jim Fitzpatrick, is safer, more affordable, and more the jobs and growth that are so badly needed in these difficult times. There is Member of Parliament for Poplar and Limehouse; and Colin Matthews, accessible than anybody could more recognition now from policy makers of our role as a catalyst for growth Chief Executive Officer, Heathrow Airport, were among more than 700 have predicted, and millions more and I welcome the more positive language from government on aviation.” key industry stakeholders that attended the AOA Annual Dinner. people are able to enjoy the huge benefits that aviation offers.” p.10 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013 AOA SUMMER RECEPTION Around 200 people attended the annual AOA/BATA Summer Reception, which took place on the House of Commons Terrace on Tuesday 18 June.

Hosted for the than a million jobs and second year in a row contributing £8 billion by Stewart Jackson MP, in tax. AOA Chairman, the reception was Ed Anderson, gave a attended by over 50 short speech in which parliamentarians, including he expressed our the Secretary of State for support for the Aviation Transport, Shadow Policy Framework, Secretary of State for urged the political Transport, Shadow parties to act on the Aviation Minister, members recommendations of the of the Transport Select Airports Commission, Committee and the Chair promoted the continued of the Aviation All-Party work of Sustainable Parliamentary Group. Aviation in advocating ‘cleaner, quieter, smarter’ As sponsoring MP, flying, and urged the Stewart Jackson Transport Secretary to MP spoke about the lobby the Government importance of aviation to cut APD and set in creating £50 billion up an independent GDP, supporting more study to look into the

effects of the tax on the UK economy.

Door Systems Simon Buck, Chief Executive of BATA, reiterated these asks for Airports of Government, before handing over to the keynote speaker, Rt. Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport. The Minister affirmed that APD is ultimately Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP. a Treasury matter, but he did speak about the Aviation Policy Framework the importance of Government’s support (APF), and welcomed the aviation to jobs, growth for growth in the aviation AOA’s submission to the and connectivity with sector, as set out in the APF, which emphasised emerging markets.

Jeddah (above) installations Heathrow (left) include the following: •Heathrow T5 •Gatwick Hart Door Systems delivers a range of •Stanstead •Luton •Newcastle door systems for airports – security, • • high-speed fire/smoke prevention, •Banjul Airport, Gambia conveyor belt and for large storage/ •King Abdulaziz, KSA vehicle areas. Designed and •Dubai International manufactured in Great Britain and • installed to UK, EU, Russian and UL •Vladivostok international standards. •Baghdad

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AOA Chairman Ed Anderson and Stewart Jackson MP. p.11 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013 AOA OPERATIONS & SAFETY CONFERENCE This year’s AOA Operations & Safety Conference, sponsored by Eagle Airfield Equipment, took place at Oulton Hall, Leeds on 24-25 June. The packed agenda covered the myriad aspects of airport operations and safety that are currently high on the

02 agenda. Ross Falconer was in attendance.

A record delegate Preparation, 2013/2014; Phase 2 UK’s ambition to modernise attendance for the AOA – Transition, 2014-2017; Phase 3 – the airspace system in line Operations & Safety Conference Oversight, 2015-2017; and Phase with the goals of SES II and heard from a broad range of 4 – National Alignment, 2015- SESAR, and also the UK/ high profile speakers. AOA 2017. Ritchie emphasised that, Functional Airspace Chairman Ed Anderson opened as EASA has adopted the ICAO Block (FAB). Geoff Burtenshaw, with some remarks about the Standards and Recommended Technical Advisor for Navigation work the Association is currently Practices (SARPs), it should Systems within the Directorate undertaking. He also called on be a process of evolution of Airspace Policy in the UK the Davies Commission, which is rather than revolution. CAA, then talked in more to produce a preliminary report detail about Performance at the end of the year, to Session 2 – Modernising Based Navigation (PBN). 03 examine all available options. Airspace included presentations “They all have to be considered. from Chris Butler, Airports Day 1 closed with Session There must be no slippage in Council International (ACI) 3 – Aeronautical Information at several UK airports over Kirsten Riensema, Head of Davies’ timetable, and we’re Liaison Officer – a role Management, and an address the past three years. The first and Air Traffic urging all political parties to act established in collaboration from Steve Hill, Directorate trial was undertaken in 2010- Standards Division at the UK on the findings,” commented between ACI EUROPE and of Airspace Policy. He 11 at Birmingham, , CAA, closed the conference Anderson. EUROCONTROL, and also covered aeronautical data London Stansted and Glasgow by addressing both Session Andy Crossley, Director of management and outlined the Prestwick airports. The trial 6 – CAA Safety Plan, and In Session 1 – EASA Transition, Consultancy at Rockshore. AIM (Aeronautical Information was repeated in 2011-12 and Session 7 – Enhance Safety Graeme Ritchie, Head of Crossley specifically focused Management) concept, which is 2012-13 at 17 airports. Performance. She explained Aerodrome Policy and Standards on maximising the benefits of all about getting digital quality that the CAA has produced a at the UK CAA, provided an A-CDM to airports. Meanwhile, assured data. Hill explained In Session 5 – Habitat draft Safety Plan which, when outline of progress towards Butler expanded on efforts that the draft UK Policy for Management, Fera’s Andy published, will sit alongside EASA Transition. He explained to improve the integration of Aeronautical Information Baxter focused specifically the State Safety Programme that the project involves four airports into the Network. “All Management is currently out on bird strike prevention, and (CAP 784). Together these phases: Phase 1 – Transition airports, no matter how big for public consultation – a emphasised the importance of documents will jointly underpin or small, are important to the process that closes on 8 July. a ‘long grass policy’, defining the new UK Aviation Strategy, Network,” he stressed. Enhanced long grass as six to eight inches. which will be published in July. information exchange between Day 2 opened with Session He explained that grass types Meanwhile, the principles of airports and the Network 4 – Winter Operations, and are now being selected for Enhanced Safety Performance Manager is a key focus. another address from the UK their bird repellence qualities. (ESP) include taking a total CAA’s Graeme Ritchie. He Species population changes are system approach. Riensema Andy Shand, General Manager focused on winter operations influencing local risk profiles, he said that ESP will mean an Customer Affairs at NATS, and excursion, and said, and clarity is also needed to evolving style of engagement followed with an insight into provided details of the Runway confirm the potential additional with the CAA, and explained Future Airspace Strategy (FAS) Contamination Assessments bird strike prevention capabilities that the new approach is called 01 deployment. FAS sets out the Trials that have taken place of artificial and endophytic turfs. Performance Based Oversight.

01 02 03 Graeme Ritchie, Head of Aerodrome AOA Chairman Ed Anderson called on the Kirsten Riensema, Head of Aerodrome Policy and Standards at the UK Davies Commission, which is to produce and Air Traffic Standards Division CAA, provided an outline of progress a preliminary report at the end of the at the UK CAA, closed the conference towards EASA Transition. year, to examine all available options. by addressing both Session 6 – CAA Safety Plan, and Session 7 – Enhance Safety Performance. p.12 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013 LONDON SOUTHEND EMBARKS ON STAGE 2 EXTENSION

After a record-breaking 2012, is on target to exceed one million passengers in 2013. The pace of growth means the airport is now embarking on the £10 million Stage 2 extension of its terminal building, with the first element of this – the enhanced arrivals area – opening in June. Alastair Welch, Managing Director, London Southend Airport, outlined the developments to Ross Falconer.

London Southend recently airport in the UK – behind only celebrated its first Heathrow and Manchester. anniversary as a regenerated regional airport and its busiest More than £100 million has year ever. 721,661 passengers been invested in the airport used London Southend Airport since it was acquired by the in the year to the end of Stobart Group in 2008, with February 2013. That beats the over 500 new jobs created previous record of 692,000, onsite. New facilities include a which was set back in 1967, train station connecting with when it was the third busiest London Liverpool Street (a

01 02

53-minute journey and up to date for the extension. Departing not compromised as passenger eight trains per hour), a runway passengers wait for a maximum numbers grow towards two extension, an of four minutes at security, while million per year by 2020. tower, and a Holiday Inn hotel. those arriving with hand luggage only can expect to travel from The terminal building is The terminal, which was opened plane to train within 15 minutes becoming 90m longer and will in 2012, was designed to be of leaving the aircraft. Welch open in phases throughout enlarged, but the demand explained that the Stage 2 2013. Phase 1 – the arrivals experienced by the airport has extension will ensure that those area – opened in June, and has brought forward the planned high standards of service are enhanced baggage reclaim

01 02 easyJet has added a fourth aircraft to The £10 million Stage 2 extension of its fleet based at London Southend. This London Southend’s terminal building has enabled the launch of three new will be complete in December 2013. services to Berlin, Krakow and , The final phase will increase the size which are expected to generate an of the departure lounge to enhance additional 130,000 passengers annually. the experience for passengers relaxing and awaiting boarding after security. p.13 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013

Welch: “The pace of growth at the airport has resulted in a risk that our service promises are compromised. We wanted to extend now to ensure we can meet our commitments that passengers should not wait more than four minutes for security on departure and on arrival passengers with hand luggage should not take more than 15 minutes to get to the station platform.” facilities, increased space for immigration, promises are compromised. We wanted and includes a dedicated domestic to extend now to ensure we can meet arrivals route. The airport also recently our commitments that passengers opened an additional five aircraft stands. should not wait more than four minutes for security on departure and on arrival Phase 2 – scheduled to open in October passengers with hand luggage should not 2013 – will see the amount of space for take more than 15 minutes to get to the passengers in the security area increase; station platform. Overall the development Phase 3 – opening in November 2013 will support over 1,000 passengers in – will increase the number of check- each direction – arriving and departing in desks and bag drop points; and, – each hour,” explained Welch. finally, Phase 4 – to be complete in December 2013 – will increase the size He added that the aim is to make London of the departure lounge to enhance Southend “simply easier”. This means 100 the experience for passengers relaxing paces from train station to terminal and and awaiting boarding after security. short distances from check-in to . “It also means the highest standards of “The pace of growth at the airport customer service and on time aircraft has resulted in a risk that our service performance. Perhaps most importantly

According to Welch, the aim is to make London Southend “simply easier”. This means 100 paces from train station to terminal and short distances from check-in to gate. p.14 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

of all, it means that we try to The investment in the airport Selex is said to be the most bed for the new technologies. based at London Southend. treat our passengers as people, also recently saw a new advanced of its type in This has enabled the launch of not as a commodity – we’d dual-channel radar entering the UK and fully compatible EASYJET ADDS 4TH three new services to Berlin, like them to genuinely enjoy service, notably improving with 4G – London Southend BASED AIRCRAFT Krakow and Newquay, which their time at London Southend radar coverage. The multi- is the first airport to install it, Significantly, easyJet has added are expected to generate an Airport,” added Welch. million pound ATCR-33SE from and actually acted as a test a fourth aircraft to its fleet additional 130,000 passengers

Systems Interface installs specialist avionics systems at London Southend

Systems Interface Ltd (SIL) designed, installed and commissioned state- of-the-art specialist avionics systems for the new Air Traffic Control tower that was built during Phase 1 of the London Southend Airport project.

A detailed Transition Plan was produced by SIL in close cooperation with the airport engineering and ATC teams. “Many of the new systems fully duplicated the systems in the old control tower, this allowed for testing and proving of most new Control Tower systems whilst the old tower remained in service. However, inevitably there were some systems and many external interfaces that required physical transition from the old tower to the new, necessitating a removal from service and re-commissioning,” explained Phil Heaney, Technical Director, Systems Interface. “Prior to 04 the actual Transition day, each one of these items was individually moved across to the new tower, tested, documented and then moved back to the old tower. This process provided a high degree of confidence that all systems would work first time on the actual day of Transition into the new tower.” ATC personnel carried out comprehensive familiarisation and training sessions on all new systems prior to transition, and all engineering staff received in-depth training on the new equipment and systems.

The main equipment supply was defined to meet the technical and commercial requirements of the contract, and particularly to ensure that systems would be fully supported by the manufacturer throughout the equipment lifecycle. This was followed by a detailed Design Review process which benefitted from SIL’s many years of experience working on similar projects in the ATC environment. “This process ensured that LSA management had a comprehensive understanding of the design and that all relevant input was considered,” said Heaney.

Phase Two involved the supply of a complete CAT-I AGL system, two Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), an Instrument Runway Visual Range (IRVR) and a full Automatic Weather Observation System (AWOS). SIL supplied and installed all systems along with its appointed sub-contractors. SIL managed the project to ensure that the key requirements of minimal impact on LSA’s operations and the highest operational safety standards were maintained at all times.

Systems Interface is currently working at International Airport – control tower communications systems upgrade; City of Airport – control tower communications systems upgrade; Airport – replacement of existing DVOR and DME installation; and Hawarden 03 ( Broughton) – replacement of ILS and DME installation.

03 04 More than £100 million has been Systems Interface and London Southend invested in London Southend Airport Airport ensured that the transition since it was acquired by the Stobart phase was fully resourced by their Group in 2008. Facilities include a engineering teams at the time of train station connecting with London transition from the old to the new tower. Liverpool Street (a 53-minute journey and up to eight trains per hour). p.15 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013

annually, increasing passenger traffic at Regional, operated by London Southend by almost 20%. The Aer Arann, has three daily return announcement, in June, came just a services between London Southend month after easyJet’s inaugural flights to and , where travellers are able Edinburgh took off from the airport. The to take advantage of transatlantic airline also operates services from London connections to New York, , Southend to Amsterdam, Alicante, Chicago and Orlando. Meanwhile, Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, , Ibiza, for summer 2014, Thomson and First Jersey, Malaga, Mallorca and Venice. Choice will be flying twice a week to Palma, Majorca, and adding Ibiza to Hugh Aitken, UK Commercial Manager their schedule – tripling their service at easyJet, commented: “We are from London Southend in just 12 absolutely delighted to be celebrating months. “We are very pleased that further expansion at London Southend Thomson and First Choice have taken Airport. The addition of another aircraft the decision to expand the services will help us to deliver long-term, they offer from London Southend so sustainable growth at the base, providing soon and we hope this will allow even passengers with a greater range of more of their passengers to experience destinations all with low fares and great our new and expanding facilities service. In just one year almost a million over the next year,” said Welch. easyJet passengers from the region have chosen our easy and affordable With the terminal extension and services from London Southend Airport the space for further growth, Welch to 15 destinations in Europe and the sees the airport playing a key role in UK. We now operate 180 easyJet supporting the provision of point- flights per week and look forward to to-point intra-EU traffic. “Because celebrating many more milestones with we have designed our facilities the London Southend team in future.” around narrow bodied aircraft, the distances from check-in to the Welch added: “Our partnership with aircraft are very short and as large easyJet is very important to us and airports develop in size to cater for the basing of the fourth aircraft, earlier ever larger aircraft, we have a real than planned, reinforces this. We role to in getting passengers on are working with easyJet and other and off their aircraft for European airlines as we look to the future.” travel very easily,” he concluded.

The terminal building is becoming 90m longer and will open in phases throughout 2013. Phase 1 – the arrivals area – opened in June, and has enhanced baggage reclaim facilities, increased space for immigration, and includes a dedicated domestic arrivals route. p.16 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013 BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT UNVEILS VISION FOR LONG- TERM ECONOMIC GROWTH

Birmingham Airport has unveiled a vision that would enable it grow in line with future demand, boosting global connectivity and creating more than 250,000 jobs in the Midlands. These are exciting times for the airport – its new primary radar system is complete, the state-of-the-art new control tower recently opened, and work is well underway on the 01 runway extension. Ross Falconer reports.

Birmingham Airport is the one airport in West London. UK’s seventh largest airport Instead, we believe that the and the third largest outside best thing for UK aviation is London, handling nine million to create a network of long- passengers a year. Its long-term haul national airports, each vision, unveiled alongside a supporting the comparative coalition of business leaders and economic advantages of that local councils, is a response to region to boost trade, foreign questions asked by the Airports investment and tourism.” Commission, which is examining the need for additional UK The airport is thriving; recent airport capacity and will new route developments include recommend to government how a new six-times-weekly bmi this can be met in the short, regional service to Billund. medium and long-term. The It is an important service for vision supports growth of up to Birmingham, as more than 70 70 million passengers each year, Danish companies have offices and also the development of a in the Midlands, and more than business park for the Midlands’ 40% of Danes travel to the manufacturing sector alongside West Midlands for business. the expanded site. RUNWAY EXTENSION Paul Kehoe, CEO, Birmingham A key part of the airport’s 02 Airport, commented: “Great long-term vision is its runway cities like Birmingham deserve extension. The £33 million services to destinations currently the entire runway. “The strong from the West Midlands last year great airports. In 20 years’ time project officially began last out of reach, such as China, economic profile of the Midlands flew from airports in the South British air travel will double November and will be open in South America, South Africa means that businesses are crying East, adding congestion on the and it is widely acknowledged early 2014. The 405m extension and the West Coast of the US. out for direct connectivity from roads and at Heathrow, which is that all the country’s long-haul will increase the runway length The project also includes a £9 their local airport, so it makes no already 99.2% full,” stated Kehoe. traffic cannot be routed through to 3,003m, enabling direct million investment in resurfacing sense that 3.3 million passengers “Redirecting this traffic back

01 02 Will Heynes, Development Director, Birmingham Airport: “The new Development Director Will Heynes ATC tower is a significant and vital investment that supports our vision with Birmingham Airport’s new to provide the Midlands with global connectivity, and a facility where primary radar system. airlines choose to operate and passengers prefer to fly from.” p.18 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

to the Midlands would release Forum. Making greater use of Motors and Jaguar Land Rover high value, long-haul capacity the spare capacity at airports to help develop relationships at London airports and boost across the country will help with key overseas markets. the UK’s trading potential. We generate sustainable long-term have plenty of spare capacity at economic growth and help to ATC TOWER Birmingham now. Our passenger rebalance the UK economy.” The new £10 million Air Traffic numbers could double from Control tower has opened and is the current nine million a year With the runway extension equipped with state-of-the-art to 18 million today, and the opening up so many new radar and navigation equipment. runway extension will allow us long-haul route opportunities The iconic 34m tall structure to increase beyond 36 million from Birmingham, the airport was an ambitious project in in future years. Our passenger is actively talking to existing construction terms. Constructed growth could create in excess and new airlines to explore without a supporting steel of 243,000 jobs in the region new markets and routes from frame, it is one of the tallest according to a new report by the Midlands. It is also working un-stayed control towers in the West Midlands Economic with local brands such as MG the UK. The tower’s strength and stability comes instead 05 from a slip form concrete process, which involved the project team pouring concrete Birmingham Airport. “It has 36m high, the radar represents continuously for 10 days while rejuvenated the western part of a £2.2 million investment. It the cab was prefabricated the airfield and is an impressive, allows air traffic controllers off-site and installed. modern and iconic landmark for to survey the sky in greater Birmingham that has triggered detail, detecting the range “The new ATC tower is a further development projects and direction of aircraft within significant and vital investment at this part of the site, helping a 60 nautical mile radius. that supports our vision to to create new jobs and play provide the Midlands with a vital role in supporting the “This represents yet another global connectivity, and a economic success of Midlands.” step forward for the airport. facility where airlines choose The new equipment is a vital to operate and passengers Meanwhile, the new primary part of the state-of-the-art air prefer to fly from,” said Will radar system is also complete traffic control system that we are Heynes, Development Director, and fully operational. Standing developing,” explained Heynes. 03 “As part of this improvement scheme, we also took the decision to reposition the new radar tower within the airport’s long stay car park after many months of careful planning. This site was purposely chosen to minimise any impact on local communities. With work on the runway extension well underway, this is an exciting time of growth for the airport.”

Birmingham Airport is on a growth trajectory – with £260 million invested in the airport over the past 10 years and a further £100 million committed to future development plans, including the runway extension. The extension provides more than just a few hundred metres of concrete – it opens up significant new possibilities for long-haul travel, creating new jobs and new business 04 opportunities for the region.

03 04 05 The £33 million runway extension project officially began last November and A water arch was carried out by Paul Kehoe, CEO, Birmingham will be open in early 2014. The 405m extension will increase the runway Birmingham Airport’s fire service to Airport: “We have plenty of spare length to 3,003m and is a key part of the airport’s long-term vision. celebrate the inaugural flight to Billund capacity at Birmingham now. Our with bmi regional. More than 70 Danish passenger numbers could double from companies have offices in the Midlands. the current nine million a year to 18 million today, and the runway extension will allow us to increase beyond 36 million in future years.”

p.23 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013

Manchester Airport is the UK’s third largest, handling 20 million passengers per year. The airport recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, as well as completing its new £20 million air traffic control tower. Andrew Cowan was appointed Managing Director of Manchester

Airport in March 2013, and is also Chief Cowan: “Specifically at , my Operating Officer of Manchester Airports Group focus has been on driving operational and service (MAG). He spoke to Ross Falconer. improvement plans, as well as making sure some of the key projects, such as additional car park capacity and the new £20 million air traffic control tower, are completed MANCHESTER on time and budget.” CELEBRATES 75 YEARS AND NEW ATC TOWER

MAG views Manchester Airport as with a focus on the end-to-end customer the UK’s “northern gateway”. The experience. This includes every aspect airport handled 1.9 million passengers in from arriving at the airport with car park AOA Advert.ai 1 23/08/2011 12:59:53 May – an 11% increase year-on-year. products such as ‘meet & greet’ that Significantly, this took Manchester Airport allows travellers to drop their car off over the 20 million passenger mark, right next to check-in, enhancements during a 12-month period, for the first to outbound security control areas that time since May 2009. improve capacity and throughput, and significant improvements to some of Wearing two hats within MAG – as MD the food & beverage facilities with a of Manchester Airport and COO for the number of refurbishments completed group – means that Cowan looks after prior to the summer peak. “We have the operational units in Manchester, East already and are continuing to enhance Midlands and airports, as a number of our piers to improve space Feasibility Study well as a number of central functions, prior to boarding,” added Cowan. Design including Asset Management, Capital Simulation Projects, Supply Chain, and Health & Meanwhile, the new air traffic control Manufacture Safety. “In February we completed the tower has gone ‘live’, coinciding with C acquisition of London Stansted to the Manchester Airport’s 75th anniversary. Installation M group, so a large part of our focus has Construction of the new 60m-tall ATC Electrical Controls been on completing that deal and starting tower commenced in March 2012, with Y Project Management the huge exercise of integrating it into final works complete in June 2013. DuringCM Site Management the wider business,” explained Cowan. construction, it took just nine days to X Ray Integration / Modifications / Upgrades MY “Specifically at Manchester Airport, my complete the 60m shaft that is the Steelwork focus has been on driving operational centrepiece of the tower. The constructionCY Spares and service improvement plans, as well teams poured concrete continuously CMY as making sure some of the key projects, for 222 hours, at an average rate of Maintenance such as additional car park capacity and 27cm an hour. This method of pouring K Refurbishment the new £20 million air traffic control concrete into a continuously moving form tower, are completed on time and budget. is known as ‘slipform’. Approximately Robson Handling Technology, established in 1906, have been Like all airports, we have a huge number 600 cubic metres of concrete and 65 extensively involved in Airport Baggage Handling projects both of complex and varied stakeholders, tons of steel reinforcement were cast to in the UK and overseas for over thirty years. so a big part of my role is ensuring form the nine-metre wide shaft. Cowan we maintain positive relationships.” said: “We are delighted with the new control tower and pleased that it officially Geo. Robson & Co. (Conveyors) Ltd IMPROVING SERVICE AND EFFICIENCY opens as we celebrate our 75th year of Coleford Road, S9 5PA Manchester Airport has excellent operation. It’s a fitting moment for us and Tel: +44 (0)114 2444221 Fax: +44 (0)114 2433066 infrastructure with three terminals and demonstrates our continued investment two runways, and is continually looking in Manchester Airport, and this will be [email protected] www.robson.co.uk at ways to improve service and efficiency, our most significant development in the p.24 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

airport this year. It also follows DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Las previous investments made, Vegas, Islamabad and Lahore,” such as the £10 million upgrade said Cowan. “Furthermore, for the airfield in 2010, so we services from Manchester could prepare for the arrival Airport to world-class hubs of the A380, and the such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, complete refurbishment of Doha and Singapore open Runway One in 2011. The new up access to an additional 50 tower provides facilities suitable destinations in Asia, China, for a 21st century airfield.” India and Australasia.”

‘FLY MANCHESTER’ CAMPAIGN In April, the campaign focused The Fly Manchester campaign on the airport’s low-cost was launched in February 2013 elements and aimed to raise with a focus on winning back awareness of Manchester being the four million passengers home to the most low-cost from the Manchester Airport flights in the north. “It has catchment area that currently been very successful so far travel by road or rail to one in highlighting the available of the London airports, when offering here and promoting routes operate a short distance our extensive carrier and away in Manchester. “We have a route networks, which feature 02 long-haul network that includes the likes of , easyJet, services to global destinations Monarch, germanwings, Jet2. such as New York, Washington com and Norwegian, amongst others,” commented Cowan. Forum, which is directed by and Antigua via Barbados in “Reaching our target of 20 a board chaired by Charlie the forthcoming winter season. million passengers ahead of Cornish, MAG Chief Executive. 01 schedule is testament to the The Forum’s ambition is “This summer, Manchester has work we put into the campaign, to increase Chinese trade, surpassed 20 million passengers as we had anticipated reaching inward investment, tourism again and we are the third our target by the end of summer, and academic exchange on largest airport in the UK, while but we achieved this in May.” behalf of Greater Manchester, the company is responsible and this includes securing for 42 million passengers as Manchester Airport has direct air routes between a group of airports, and we experienced strong growth in Manchester and China. will begin to build our Airport low-cost traffic. easyJet will City development this year, serve 32 routes from Manchester Other routes that Manchester further cementing Manchester’s this summer, Ryanair will serve Airport is keen to serve reputation as a European 34, Jet2.com will serve 39, and include Beijing, Bangkok, business destination. We’ve Monarch will serve 43 routes. Hong Kong and Shanghai. achieved much in our opening There are also many other Meanwhile, Thomas Cook 75 years of existence and we’re routes served by germanwings Airlines will operate routes well placed for an even brighter and Norwegian. “We have an from Manchester to St Lucia future,” concluded Cowan. unrivalled network of services – and our range of low-cost destinations continues to prove LED Runway Centreline popular with flights to Spain, Greece, Egypt and Turkey and TDZ lighting boosting the options for summer 2013,” explained Cowan. atg airports successfully completed the entire installation of LED Runway Centreline and TDZ lighting for In terms of the long-haul Manchester Airport in September 2011, currently the strategy from Manchester, a only major UK airport operating runway LEDs. number of US destinations – including Chicago, New York and The installation of LED luminaires could not only help an airport to Orlando – are already served, reduce its AGL (Airfield Ground Lighting) power consumption budgets, and the airport is striving to and hence lower its carbon emissions, but also the advantages of secure a direct China service. longer maintenance intervals, increased lifetime of the LED arrays, As part of this aim, MAG is and fewer spare parts means significantly reduced lifecycle costs. part of the Manchester China 03

01 02 03 Manchester Airport is continually Manchester’s new air traffic control Cowan: “We have an unrivalled looking at ways to improve service tower has gone ‘live’, coinciding network of services – and our range and efficiency, with a focus on the with the airport’s 75th anniversary. of low-cost destinations continues to end-to-end customer experience. Construction of the new 60m-tall ATC prove popular with flights to Spain, tower commenced in March 2012, with Greece, Egypt and Turkey boosting final works complete in June 2013. the options for summer 2013.”

p.27 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013 STANSTED INVESTS IN AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PHASE

MAG is the largest UK-owned airport operator, Manchester Airports Group running Manchester, East (MAG) completed the £1.5 billion Midlands and Bournemouth airports, as well as London acquisition of London Stansted Stansted. Prior to the purchase in February, and the airport is of London Stansted, MAG was privately managed on behalf of now entering a new and exciting its shareholders – the 10 local phase in its development, as authorities of Greater Manchester. However, the Andrew Harrison, Managing acquisition of London Stansted Director, London Stansted, has changed the ownership structure, with Industry Funds 01 explained to Ross Falconer. Management (IFM) – a leading investment manager based in Australia – now holding 35% of sector, has a route network and to achieve its ambition 80 existing airline partners at lounge will be created by the shares in MAG. stretching to around 150 to make the airport London’s other airports, as well as adding reducing the landside check-in destinations and offers more best. The immediate proposals more than five million additional area, realigning the security London Stansted, with 17.4 direct scheduled European include incentivising airline passengers at Stansted by 2018. search area, speeding up the million annual passengers, flights than any other airport growth at Stansted through the More retail space and a better security process and creating is the fourth biggest airport in the UK. But the focus now is Group’s relationship with over configuration in the departure more space to shop, dine and in the UK – after London to broaden the route network, Heathrow, London Gatwick offer passengers more choice and Manchester. Harrison was and create a richer mix of airlines appointed Managing Director operating out of Stansted, of London Stansted in March, including long-haul carriers. Our having held the position of overall aim is to make Stansted Chief Operating Officer of MAG the best airport in London.” since April 2012. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Significantly, MAG and easyJet Manchester Airport – a role he recently announced a new had held since September 2010. long-term growth framework Harrison is leading the ambitious deal to enable the airline to plans that are being drawn more than double its passenger up to build on the airport’s numbers at Stansted from the past successes and excellent current 2.8 million to six million facilities. “These involve growing a year over the next five years. passenger numbers by attracting easyJet currently operates eight new airlines, increasing the range aircraft on up to 27 routes from of destinations with existing Stansted, including new services customers and adding some to Bulgaria, Morocco and Egypt. ‘sparkle’ to the award-winning terminal building to improve £40M TERMINAL INVESTMENT the passenger experience,” he As part of the merger into explained. “Stansted is already the enlarged Group, MAG has established as a world leader significant investment plans to at serving the low-cost airline develop and improve Stansted, 02

01 02 Harrison: “Overall, MAG intends to Stansted is in a great location invest over £230 million in the first with a large catchment area that five years to upgrade security, retail complements rather than competes and car parking services at Stansted with MAG’s existing airports. It and improve the airport experience to also has great access to London. make it the airport of choice in London for airlines and passengers alike.” p.28 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

relax. Indeed, £40 million is STREAMLINED PASSENGER to be invested over the next EXPERIENCE two years to improve retail Efforts to enhance the and provide more “sparkle” passenger experience have – Harrison explained that achieved notable success, with this will ensure the terminal the new free Wi-Fi service experience for passengers attracting 68,000 users in befits that of a world-class the first month, using over 2.5 airport and offers good value million free minutes. Meanwhile, to users. Meanwhile, different in April, new self-service car park options are being ‘Smart Access’ scanners were developed, such as Meet and introduced to replace manual Greet, and low-cost options; boarding pass checks. They there is an emphasis on scan boarding passes and verify making Stansted easier to get that passengers are travelling to whether arriving by train, by on the correct flight and date. road or parking at the airport. The £1.2 million investment is “Overall, MAG intends to invest designed to make it quicker over £230 million in the first and simpler for passengers to five years to upgrade security, reach the departure lounge. A retail and car parking services dedicated entrance is available at Stansted and improve the for passengers with reduced airport experience to make it mobility, while child buggies the airport of choice in London can pass through the wider for airlines and passengers gates that are available at alike,” said Harrison. each entry point. Staff are also 04 on hand for anyone requiring The terminal redevelopment assistance, and to guide project and car parking travellers through the process. airport in the south-east Harrison. “The airport is growth, a vital ingredient changes will use tried with space, permission and currently operating at half its in the capacity-constrained and tested plans similar “MAG has made significant facilities to grow, having available capacity, so a lot can London airport system.” to the schemes MAG has investment in Stansted as the gained planning consent to be done to offer a broader successfully implemented airport offers huge potential. serve 35 million passengers range of airlines and routes Stansted is in a great location at its other airports. Stansted is the only major a year in 2008,” commented and accommodate future with a large catchment area that complements rather than competes with MAG’s existing airports. It also has great access to London. “However, the airport has been unloved and undervalued of late, but under new ownership Stansted has the opportunity to recreate its identity and offer the range of destinations and standards of service the public expects at a leading London 03 airport,” said Harrison.

Significant progress has been made at Stansted since its acquisition by MAG, with a positive and dynamic strategy that is improving customer service and enhancing the passenger experience. The future looks bright for the airport as it delivers growth, builds connectivity and drives commercial revenues.

03 04 Harrison: “Stansted is already established as a world leader at serving the low-cost £40 million is to be invested over the next airline sector, has a route network stretching to around 150 destinations and offers two years to improve retail and provide more direct scheduled European flights than any other airport in the UK. But the more “sparkle” – Harrison explained that focus now is to broaden the route network, offer passengers more choice and create this will ensure the terminal experience a richer mix of airlines operating out of Stansted, including long-haul carriers.” for passengers befits that of a world-class airport and offers good value to users. p.30 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

ATG AIRPORTS TO INSTALL RUNWAY LEDs AT HEATHROW London Heathrow’s Runways Rehabilitation Project AIRFIELD INNOVATIONS commenced in April, with the completion date set for While many of the UK’s airports are implementing innovations inside their terminals September 2014. As part of the project, atg airports is to enhance the passenger experience and optimise operations, equally important are installing runway LED (Light the developments taking place on the airfield. Whether it be runway resurfacing or Emitting Diodes) lighting fixtures on both the North and retexturing, airfield ground lighting, friction testing, or winter services preparations, South runways, including the the work being undertaken on the airfield, and the innovations being applied, are recently refurbished runway circuits and rapid exit taxiways. vital. Here, we highlight some of the key developments.

The scope of work involves the replacement of existing halogen between atg airports and luminaires with LEDs across the London Heathrow. Throughout two main runways, including the last 18 years, atg airports has Runway Centreline, Runway provided products and services Edge, Threshold, Runway to Heathrow, including Constant End and Touchdown Zones Current Regulators, Substation (TDZ). The existing halogen Test and Inspection Services, as centreline lighting will also be well as Airside Installation works. replaced with LED units on the An important aspect of this new Runway Rapid Exit Taxiways. project includes upgrades to the installed atg airports SMART Supplying products and control system. This SMART services since 1995, this new Control System is one of atg’s installation project represents largest bespoke designs, with a major development in the atg airports’ staff constantly long-standing relationship available onsite to provide

02

support and maintenance Airport in the future.” to London Heathrow. atg airports provides a Working with Morgan Sindall, unique offering to airports, this major project awarded in being the only UK based January 2013 cements a strong specialist AGL (airfield ground working relationship between lighting) manufacturer and the two airside suppliers. installer of Tungsten Halogen Kevin Armstrong, atg’s Sales and LED products. Director, said: “We are very excited and proud to be part KLARUW’S SYSTEM REDUCES of such a high profile project COST, DISRUPTION AND which is contributing to the CARBON FOOTPRINT OF transformation of London RUNWAY RETEXTURING Heathrow and look forward to Klaruw Systems has developed continuing our relationship with a low-cost runway retexturing 01 Morgan Sindall and Heathrow solution that minimises both

01 02 atg airports provides a unique offering Several K190 machines can be used in echelon to treat to airports, being the only UK based large areas quickly, effectively, and at a fraction of the specialist AGL (airfield ground cost of conventional replacement solutions. Retexturing lighting) manufacturer and installer of can also be targeted in localised areas deficient in Tungsten Halogen and LED products. surface friction, and the process significantly extends runway life before surface replacement is necessary. p.32 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

disruption and impact upon as a low-cost solution for skid- hospitalised with a broken EMASMAX is an advanced removal of aircraft with the environment. Klaruwtex190 resistance maintenance. Proven clavicle and ribs, and another arrestor system for commercial little impact on operating (K190) controlled mechanical on runway wearing courses had minor cuts and bruises. airports from ESCO – a division schedules. Nor are normal retexturing is a proven method more than 20 years old, the of Zodiac Aerospace. While operations affected greatly for restoring and maintaining process significantly extends At 12:15 on Thursday 3 delivering a superb safety record during installation, which skid resistance levels to ICAO runway life before surface November, a Cessna Citation of stopping overrunning aircraft mostly takes place at night. standards on airport runways, replacement is necessary. 550 skidded 179 ft off the without personal injury or EMASMAX is also effective improving friction levels by east end of the 4,800-ft aircraft damage, it is also cost- in all weather conditions. regenerating the surface texture Using no materials and runway and engaged an effective, enables operational of worn wearing courses generating minimal arisings, EMASMAX. The energy- continuity after an arrest, and With EMASMAX there is no loss including asphalts, friction it is also environmentally absorbing arrestor bed enhances the opportunity of operational runway. In fact, courses, surface dressings, thin friendly. Recent research brought the private jet to expand traffic. EMASMAX it can free up additional length surfacings and concrete used shows that K190 treatment aircraft to a safe, controlled enables compliance with RESA on runways with more than on runways and taxiways. reduces the ‘Cradle to Laid’ stop. The pilot, co-pilot and requirements, in much less 600 feet of RESA. The UK CAA carbon footprint of restoring three passengers quickly space. The safety success – and US FAA have approved K190 machines use fully skid resistance by potentially exited the aircraft with no eight successful arrests – is installation of EMASMAX as controllable bush hammering up to 90% (compared to a injuries. The aircraft suffered also said to reduce liability for close as 35 feet from the end technology, which can be 40mm asphalt thin surfacing). only minimal damage. Airport airports, airlines and insurers. of the runway. One or two beds adjusted to each particular Director Peter Horton said could allow an airport to claim surface, optimising the ADVANCED ARRESTOR that the safety material The runway can re-open a full 240m RESA equivalence, retexturing effect and minimising SYSTEM FOR AIRPORTS worked perfectly: “Not even within hours as minimal or and declare an additional the amount of material removed. What are the odds of two a bruise or a scratch.” no damage enables speedy distance of up to 850 feet. aircraft overruns occurring As a mechanical, all-year-round at both ends of the same process that does not apply runway within the space of fresh materials, there are no four days? Yet this unusual cooling, curing or weather scenario actually occurred delays. Markings and airfield at Key West International ground lighting are unaffected Airport in Florida in 2011. by the process; runways can be opened immediately after At 19:45 on Monday 31 October, treatment. This offers great a Gulfstream 150 business jet flexibility to programme K190 overran the west end of the work to suit airside operations runway and passed through and minimise disruption. an unpaved safety area before coming to a stop at

K190 retexturing is suitable for the end of the airfield. The At 19:45 on Monday 31 October, a Gulfstream 150 business jet (left) overran the west end of the runway and passed most structurally sound surfaces aircraft sustained substantial through an unpaved safety area before coming to a stop at the end of the airfield. At 12:15 on Thursday 3 November, and can be cyclically repeated damage, one passenger was a Cessna Citation 550 (right) skidded 179 ft off the east end of the 4,800-ft runway and engaged an EMASMAX.

where, as Head of Steelwork, Heathrow Airport at the top of he led a multi-disciplinary team the performance league tables BABCOCK of steelworkers, welders and and a key major airport hub.” technical staff responsible for AWARDED BA constructing large ships for He added: “We are equally both the Royal Navy and other delighted that AND HEATHROW international customers. have decided to re-award us their GSE fleet Maintenance Tom described the award of the contract. Delivering the right CONTRACTS Heathrow baggage contract as equipment at the right time is a great result for the Heathrow fundamental to an airline’s ability Community: “We now have the to deliver to their customers, opportunity to further build something that we take great Babcock International Babcock will be responsible for units, passenger buses, scissor upon Heathrow’s baggage pride in. Playing a pivotal role Group has been awarded the operation and maintenance lifts and pushback tractors. performance, with the award at Heathrow Airport by keeping contracts to provide ground of all baggage handling of the new contract giving bags with their passengers and fleet maintenance to British systems across the Heathrow Tom Newman, as Managing Babcock responsibility for aircraft on the move requires a Airways and baggage handling campus. In addition to previous Director Airports, arrived to operations and maintenance of focus that we welcome, and our systems operations and activities at Terminals 1 and lead the Airports team six the baggage system across the staff have proved that we can maintenance for Heathrow 4, Babcock is taking on the months ago from a key business whole Heathrow campus. This be trusted to deliver effectively Airport. The contracts, worth a maintenance and support of development role at Babcock, single source of accountability and safely in support of the combined total of around £440 baggage systems at Terminals in which he was responsible for will allow a real focus on the Heathrow Community. We million, are both for five years, 3 and 5. Babcock will continue the major bids in the Support successful end-to-end journey look forward to working with with the option to extend the to be responsible for the Services Division. Tom also of bags through the airport other UK airports to promote contract with Heathrow Airport maintenance of BA’s ground brings significant operational and enable a reduction in costs. these benefits in keeping the for a further two years. Both support equipment fleet at expertise to the role from his These key benefits to Heathrow UK at the forefront of domestic contracts are now operational. Heathrow, including de-icing earlier career at VT Shipbuilding, and its airlines will help keep and international travel.” p.34 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013 CUTTING COST OF AIRFIELD WORKS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE THINKING

A successful airport pavement slab and rebuilding of existing lean mix concrete days that has to include and preservation techniques pavement reconstruction with high density macadam and hardcore. The 220mm coming up with the most ahead of reconstruction. solution created out of (HDM) over a reinforcing of new construction involved sustainable options possible. expediency in the Falklands is membrane layer on top of a 20mm regulating layer of Asphalt is a hydrocarbon “You can think in terms of now being offered to UK remaining, sound pavement geotextile, 100mm of HDM and based material and prices preservation giving you three operators looking to improve quality concrete (PQC), rather then a 50mm binder course now mean sustainable years’ extra life, patching is five their sustainability record and than full depth removal and and 50mm surface course solutions in terms of waste years and full resurfacing 10 save money. replacement of the PQC. of stone mastic asphalt. reduction and recycling can years minimum. But preservation be at worst cost neutral and is one tenth the cost of Contractor Colas developed the “We were working on Project The Newquay solution produced can generally save up to resurfacing and you have to option that reduces material use, Shackleton – the Falkland significant savings because it cut 10% to 15% on the norm.” take into account the financial waste and construction time. It Islands runway maintenance the amount of new material that impact of runway possessions.” has already proved its worth on project – and we found the had to be manufactured and Resurfacing is just one the resurfacing of taxiways at airfield concrete was so tough it procured by 58% and slashed option available for airfield Going forwards Downing hopes in , couldn’t be planed out without the time the taxiways would be maintenance, Downing said. to see more clients opting to where the job was rated great difficulty. That is what out of action by 65%. In terms “There are always other use low temperature asphalt excellent by civil engineering’s drove us to come up with this of key sustainability measures solutions with additional cost which is not a new technique in environmental quality bespoke solution,” said Colas there was a 36% reduction and sustainability benefits.” general construction and is well assessment scheme CEEQUAL. Airport Projects Manager Simon in energy consumption, 35% developed and extensively used

The works in the Falklands also Downing. “When Newquay less CO2 produced and 58% These range from within the international Colas recently picked up a top prize at Airport came to us and said less waste produced. preservation for airfield Group. But it is an innovation for this year’s CEEQUAL awards. it was looking at taking out surfaces in very good UK airfields. The technique was 400mm of slab and sub-base, “Colas prides itself on its condition, through used successfully at Newquay The development is just one we said we have an alternative innovative culture and rejuvenation with slurry Airport and contributed to example of the work the design that will cut that effort in investment in research and sealing or application of further recognition for Colas contractor is doing to introduce half. Instead of removing 525mm development,” Downing said. micro asphalt for those in from CEEQUAL. The addition innovative, sustainable ideas of material depth we only “We are focused on solutions good condition to patching of additives lowers the to traditional airfield works. needed to go down 220mm.” and not driven by volume of and repaving for assets in temperature of the asphalt material supply, we want to offer poor condition. The company during mixing by 40oC from The system involves removal Some 200mm of existing PQC clients economic advantage is a great advocate of in 160oC to 120oC, which saves on of only broken down layers of slab was left in place on top and added value. And these situ pavement recycling fuel and carbon emissions.

The Newquay solution produced On Project Shackleton in the significant savings because it Falklands, Colas, along with its cut the amount of new material that had to be manufactured and client Defence Infrastructure procured by 58% and slashed Organisation and project manager the time the taxiways would Mott MacDonald, put great be out of action by 65%. thought into minimising the amount of materials that had to be transported to the islands. The most significant of these were related to the import of aggregate. There is a local quarry on the islands but the material was initially non-compliant. However a review of production processes at the quarry enabled a compliant coarse aggregate to be produced. This saved the need to import 45,000t of material from the UK and avoided over 20 ship movements. The efforts made by the team helped the project win the 2013 CEEQUAL award for transport.

p.37 WWW.AOA.ORG.UK THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SUMMER 2013

Celebrating 20 years of safer skies

SafeSkys, one of the UK’s Traffic Control and to provid- the complete ANSP role and most energetic airport ing airport personnel support. to supply turnkey solutions. services companies, has SafeSkys has adapted to meet 2013 will see SafeSkys reached its 20th birthday. modern customer demands. expanding from the UK and Head office staff are celebrat- Having been granted Euro- European markets to include ing this remarkable milestone, pean certification as an Air Africa and the Middle East. which also coincides with a Navigation Service Provider SafeSkys has established a name company rebranding and re- (ANSP) in July 2012, SafeSkys for providing quality person- fresh. SafeSkys has changed its is now the only ANSP in the nel, services and training when image not only with a new logo UK that is wholly privately and where needed and at the to reflect its commitment to saf- owned and has equal experi- right price, always conscious er skies but also by the launch ence of working for civil and of the need to get the balance of a totally new and vibrant military clients. The depth and right between economy, ef- website. All of this will help breadth of this knowledge has ficiency and safety. SafeSkys is project SafeSkys’ extensive and enabled SafeSkys to advise justifiably proud of its achieve- comprehensive services, which on optimum and economical ments and diverse client base Shirley Benn, Marketing; Richard Barber, Managing Director; Liz Sian, Sales; Chris range from Ground School train- staffing levels and, increasingly, established over the last 20 Goss, Business Development; and Emily Barber, Operations, celebrate 20 years of extensive and comprehensive SafeSky services. The milestone coincides with a ing for military combat pilots a number of airports are now years and looks forward to the company rebranding, including the launch of a new logo and a brand new website. to wildlife management to Air looking to SafeSkys to take on challenges the future will bring.

Remote perspectives in baggage handling: Vanderlande innovates for the future

An innovative remote IT man- tems running baggage handling, agement system that answers regardless of the original supplier. the growing demand for 24/7 Utilising its extensive experience highly skilled support serv- and knowledge in IT and service Vanderlande’s new IT service desk became fully functional in April, and means customers have ices has been developed by delivery, Vanderlande recognised access to round-the-clock pro-active maintenance and product development capability. Vanderlande Industries UK. the need for a system that would This new service offering pro- allow customers to concentrate pro-active maintenance and our ability to offer our customers service and we were able to meet vides current – of which there are on their core business, whilst sav- product development capability. state-of-the-art technology and this through our proven experi- eight – and future clients with IT ing on the cost and time required Improving UK airports’ baggage support that meets and surpasses ence in major hub airports to de- support for infrastructure, Oracle for supporting critical IT systems. handling efficiency is a key prior- their requirements whilst maxim- velop a technology that helps our and middleware. The service also Vanderlande’s new IT service ity for Vanderlande, and General ising their business potential,” he customers remain at the forefront gives Vanderlande a unique work- desk became fully functional Manager Nick Porter believes this said. “There has been an increas- of airport service and improved ing platform, by enabling remote in April, and means customers service is a step in the right direc- ing demand for a 365-days-a- passenger experience, both in monitoring of all of the IT sys- have access to round-the-clock tion. “We place great emphasis on year, highly skilled IT support the UK and internationally.”

among seven million passengers the chaplaincy celebrated 25 hosted going to 100 destinations with years last November, and on 16 30 airlines, as well as with the July celebrates Chaplains’ Network staff and local community. 75 years of operations. Liz was ordained priest almost 20 LUTON AIRPORT ANNOUNCES years ago and has lived in the In May, 35 members of the in chaplaincy, on the place of re- NEW SENIOR CHAPLAIN area and travelled out of Luton and Ireland Airport ligious beliefs and on emergency The Rev. Canon Liz Hughes is to Airport for even longer. She Chaplains’ Network held their planning. The Managing Director succeed the Rev. Michael Banfield brings experience from various The Rev. Canon Liz Hughes twice-yearly conference at Glas- of Glasgow Airport Amanda as senior chaplain when Michael posts across Bedfordshire and is to succeed the Rev. gow Airport. They heard talks on McMillan spoke warmly of the retires later this summer. In a Hertfordshire, including, most Michael Banfield as senior chaplain at Luton Airport. the value of digital information chaplain, Commissioner Keith year of anniversaries, Michael recently, 15 years at the Hospice and the challenge of social media Banks, and the value of his work has been in post for 15 years, of St. Francis, Berkhamsted. p.38 THE AIRPORT OPERATOR WWW.AOA.ORG.UK SUMMER 2013

To enable the UK Government to P4 emergency lighting specialists move towards the roll-out of 4G communications It goes without saying that safety technology, Selex ES is the paramount concern for has been working airports, and selecting, installing closely with various government and and applying the most reliable, regulatory bodies established and cost-efficient to examine the issues, recommend emergency lighting system and when required plays an important role. deliver solutions P4 is fully committed to work- to remove 2.6 GHz interference for both ing with airports throughout Civil and Military the UK to ensure full compli- ATC Radar Systems. ance with British and European Standards, drive significant cost P4’s TriLED Mini. P4, with its range of FASTEL (Fully Automatic savings, reduce energy con- Self Testing Emergency Lighting) products, is a leading independent sumption and carbon footprint supplier of self testing emergency lighting and exit signage. and utilise LED technology. P4, with its range of FASTEL and the new Radio Address- All P4 products are designed (Fully Automatic Self Testing able (wire-free communication) to reduce ongoing costs, reduce Emergency Lighting) products, emergency lighting system. energy consumption and is a leading independent sup- P4 is proud to be associ- carbon footprint, and impor- plier of self testing emergency ated with UK airports and tantly improve efficiencies, as lighting and exit signage, and is has long standing relation- its systems conduct automatic proud to manufacture industry ships with Liverpool John testing and automatic report- leading products and systems. Lennon, London Gatwick, ing, as well as utilising remote These include the M-web+ Heathrow and Aberdeen. monitoring technology.

tions and enhancements to the and Controls System instal- Selex ES: Safeguarding Siemens control systems – this allows lation. The upgrade has been it to reflect changes in the undertaken to meet with the UK’s radars wins configuration and layout of the DfT compliance and extend conveyors day-by-day, as well the operational life of the To enable the UK Government This extensive modification Gatwick as respond to urgent calls to system. It provides improved to move towards the roll-out of programme is seeing the upgrade investigate suspected failures. maintainability, operational 4G communications technol- of all UK airports operating service Meanwhile, Siemens Logistic flexibility and additional ogy, Selex ES has been working Selex ES’ Watchman, S511 and and Airport Solutions has baggage handling capacity. closely with various govern- ATCR33 radars. With over 50 support completed the Hold Baggage The newly installed baggage ment and regulatory bodies to radars across the UK, in a number Screening (HBS) upgrade at system incorporates nine ‘Level examine the issues, recommend of different configurations, the contract London Heathrow’s Terminal 1/2’ and three ‘Level 3/4’ and when required deliver company’s footprint accounts for 1, successfully delivering all HBS lines, and an additional solutions to remove 2.6 GHz over half of the total UK Primary Siemens Logistics and Airport 14 phases of the Baggage two reclaim carousels. interference for both Civil and Surveillance Radar network. Solutions has secured a new Military ATC Radar Systems. The task to eliminate the 12-month service contract at The new 4G base stations and susceptibility of the radars to , under which it associated mobile devices, oper- interference as a result of the will provide engineering support ate in a number of frequencies, introduction of the new 4G com- for the operation of the baggage including 2.6 GHz; immedi- munications network started in handling systems at both the ately adjacent to the S-Band 2008, with initial studies and North and South terminals. Primary radar bands, with the testing, and is scheduled to be “Gatwick Airport Limited’s potential to cause significant complete by October 2013. So far, (GAL) objective is to secure fast interference to all UK S-Band Selex ES has completed the reme- response on-site support during Airfield Radars. Thus, Radar diation of over 40% of its radars. operating hours to investigate modifications are required. 2.6GHz is a key band worldwide and rectify suspected failures as The interference is caused when for the development of mobile quickly as possible, and response 4G masts are placed within close broadband services using tech- timescales which allow initial proximity to Primary Surveil- nologies such as LTE and WiMAX, assessment outside of normal op- lance RADARs (PSRs) and so and is already in use for wide- erating hours, before the airport the issue can vary from site to area mobile in the US and Japan. returns to an operational state,” site with terrain also being a key Through 2013 and into 2014 commented Tom Sharp, Engineer- factor. An article in The Guardian Selex ES envisages growing ing Manager, Controls at GAL. last year reported that by 2015 demand for its cost-effective Flexible on-site engineering sup- there are planned to be 18,500 solutions, both within the UK port enables Siemens to provide Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions has won a 12-month service support contract for the baggage handling systems at masts providing 4G services to and export markets as the additional or specialised resources Gatwick Airport’s North and South terminals. 98% of the UK population. rollout of 4G gathers pace. to implement minor modifica-