OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AIRPORTS ASSOCIATION July 2018
DRONE DETECTION TRIAL, PASSENGER AND TRAFFIC FLOWS IN AUCKLAND, DIGITAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWERS, AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS, NEW SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE, CHRISTCHURCH FLIGHT PATH TRIALS, BENEFITS OF SATELLITE-BASED NAVIGATION AND MORE
Also in this edition ...
Drone-Detection Trial...... 2-3
Auckland Airport Gains Street Intelligence...... 3-4
Positive Trajectory for Wellington Airport...... 4-5
Infrastructure Project Challenges and Successes...... 6-8
Work Advances on Tauranga Terminal Overhaul...... 9-10
Invercargill to Debut Digital Tower Technology...... 11-12
NSS Conference Auckland Airport’s 30-year vision 21 Presentations...... 13-20
Airport of the Future 6 6 13 Update...... 21-22
Technical Session – Airport Pavement...... 23-25
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz Drone-Detection Trial
Airways New Zealand
A trial of radar technology capable of detecting drones over nine kilometres’ distance and to a height of 518 metres (1700 feet), is to be initiated by Airways New Zealand at Auckland Airport around September this year.
The initiative follows mounting concern plans and access real-time information service providers, the report indicates over sightings of drones in controlled about other aircraft in the area. an anticipated wave of growth for the airspace, including causing temporary industry and provides some telling In addition to always being in the sight shutdowns of airports and diversion of insight into the safety challenges being of the operator, drones are not permitted planes, explains Airways New Zealand faced, says Airways head of strategy to be flown higher than 120 metres (400 chief executive Graeme Sumner. Trent Fulcher. feet), within restricted airspace, over “Over the past year we have received private property or at night. “It’s great to see most users are aware reports of at least one drone per of safety rules and regulations and are week operating illegally in controlled 2018 Drone Tracker Report trying to abide by them,” he says. airspace,” he says. An in-depth review of how drones are “But there is a clear gap in “Air traffic control technology is being used both recreationally and understanding and attitudes towards currently unable to detect small commercially in New Zealand, the compliance and a divide between objects such as drones so we rely on health of drone safety and the value commercial and recreational operators.” drone operators to follow the rules of the country’s growing commercial It was noted that while commercial and register with us before they fly to drone market, has been provided via operators generally feel the current ensure all aircraft are integrated safely the 2018 Drone Tracker Report. into our airspace. regulatory environment supports their Based on a national survey of 1460 activities and industry growth, some “Drone-detection technology is still in drone pilots, including over 500 drone improvements are needed. its infancy globally but Airways has been actively looking for solutions.” The Auckland drone-detection trial is expected to last between three and six months and is understood to cost Key Findings several hundred thousand dollars. If it Among key findings of Airways New Zealand’s 2018 Drone Tracker Report proves successful, Airways is planning
2 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 Mr Fulcher says drone operators are providing snapshots on key issues. calling for stricter enforcement of rules Insights gathered will help to shape NZ AIRPORTS and harsher penalties for those who Airways’ future support for the industry ANNUAL CONFERENCE don’t comply, freer access to airspace and direct the development of systems October 24-26 and simpler process for gaining land and tools used to safely integrate Dunedin Town Hall owner approval. drones into New Zealand airspace. Dunedin “They are also becoming impatient Airways is working towards the nzairports.nzconference.co.nz with restrictions on beyond visual development of a nationwide drone line of sight operations (BVLOS). traffic management system, with BVLOS would be a game changer for a trial of the AirMap drone traffic the industry, enabling activities like management platform earlier this year package deliveries and autonomous being the first step in this process. pilot’s line of site as well as trialling flying vehicles.” Airways is now looking to pilot detect and avoidance capabilities in The report is to be an ongoing monitor technologies to enable drones to be order to ensure safe separation from for the sector, with continued surveys accurately tracked once beyond the other aircraft.
Auckland Airport Gains Street Intelligence
BECA/BLIP Systems
Auckland Airport now has access to real-time data on traffic flow between its facilities and the CBD, following infrastructure consultants Beca expanding the BlipTrack solution originally developed to provide intelligence on passenger movement inside the terminals.
Having hosted over 19 million implemented to improve traffic flow to deviate from the norm as a result of passengers last year and expecting the airport, such as optimising traffic construction projects, incidents, road to host over 40 million passengers signal timings. Combined with the works, faulty traffic lights and other annually by the year 2044, the airport recent Waterview connection opening, factors. With this information at hand, wanted to expand that intelligence this has resulted in significant travel real-time traffic management can so as to guide daily and long-term time savings between the airport and take place. operational decisions, maximise the CBD/West Auckland. Auckland Airport operations manager capacity and improve flow. In addition, the real-time and historic Mark Croudace says BlipTrack has The solution subsequently developed BlipTrack data enables the NZTA – been a critical investment. provides real-time data on reliability, via its new app RideMate (https://nzta. “The data has provided valuable insight vehicle counts and travel time, as govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/ into our operational performance well as to the number of staff and mobility-as-a-service/ridemate-app/) across both our assets and processes,” passengers using the Park and Ride and online (http://www.drivelive.nz/ he says. facility. This information is enabling AKL) – to display live travel times the airport to better understand between the CBD and airport, as well “Most importantly, it has enabled us to performance and regularly review how as identifying days with a high risk of have meaningful conversations with it can improve facilities. It is also being congestion. This is enabling road users our key operational stakeholders and analysed to help planning decisions to plan ahead, reducing both the risk vendors, as we collectively seek to for road network maintenance and of travellers missing their flights and improve the passenger experience.” infrastructure projects. airport employees coming in late Beca senior associate Richard Young for work. Collected using a range of says BlipTrack has already proved its technologies – including radar and In addition to the benefits of real-time value by providing automated alerts on WiFi sensors – the insights are also reporting, historical data is used to delays on vulnerable corridors, real-time helping the New Zealand Traffic detect driving time anomalies. This counts on traffic flows and delays, and Agency (NZTA) make informed traffic effectively means Auckland Airport’s intelligence on the origin and destination management decisions. A number of solution can pinpoint road sections of vehicle movements into the airport initiatives have subsequently been and intersections where driving times and to terminals and car parks.
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 3 BLIP Systems chief executive And because it’s not only limited to international and domestic terminals’ Peter Knudsen adds: “By having certain areas, it can be considered as departure and arrival processes. Auckland Airport and Beca working one of the first real, tangible steps to This helps the airport better manage together, and by sharing data between true multi-modal traffic management.” and support resources by focusing on multiple solutions, BlipTrack provides high-demand locations and periods. Inside the airport, the BlipTrack a solution that no other product in the Likewise, the data directly benefits industry can currently reproduce – solution is also delivering metrics on passengers by displaying wait times large-scale, seamless, door-to-door passenger queue times and volume, at security checkpoints, managing movement management between as well as insight into passenger passenger expectations and reducing different modes of transport. movement patterns throughout the queue-related stress.
Positive Trajectory for Wellington Airport
Iain MacIntyre
Wellington Airport chief executive Steve Sanderson and chief commercial officer Matt Clarke outlined the airport’s recent investment, ongoing growth, future plans and evolving role in the tourism market, in a joint presentation at the Infratil Investor Day on April 11.
Delegates were advised that over The new carparking facilities, which has also provided the opportunity to the past five years the airport has were targeted for completion in June upgrade for wide-body aircraft and invested $250 million on a terminal this year, will not only deliver a 50% improve lighting. redevelopment, multi-level carpark, increase in spaces but also enable the Expecting the business to achieve Rydges Airport Hotel as well as airport to expand its related services. $100 million EBITDA for the first time taxiway overlay. Due to open at the end of this year, in 2019, the presenters talked of the importance of achieving a balanced With the terminal redevelopment the hotel is expected to provide a new scorecard across customer service, providing greater retail and advertising dimension to the business – expanding operations, innovation and people. opportunities, it was noted the airport the airport’s attractiveness to regions further afield. had achieved a 30% increase in Wellington Airport and partners have income per passenger over the past Although described as a “stay-in- made a concerted effort to deliver three years. business activity”, the taxiway overlay seamless passage from curb to enplanement. Elements include optical number plate readers to automate carpark billing, self check-in facilities, nose-in guidance systems for aircraft to airbridge and soon Performance Based Navigation (PBN). It was noted these endeavours were also being reflected in the airport’s performance in the globally- recognised, Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Score. Averaging 4.3/5, Wellington is currently ranked third in Australasia, and being recognised for details such as clean toilets, good hand-dryers and even a place to put handbags in restrooms. Growth Wellington Airport chief executive Steve Sanderson and former Prime Minister John Key opening the airport’s domestic terminal development Wellington Airport continues to experience consistent international
4 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 passenger growth – 4.4% annually and Auckland Airport respectively, announced by the end of the year. during the past five years – and now Wellington Airport operates on a Wellington Airport will then restart the accommodates 900,000 international tight footprint. resource consent process. passengers per year compared to Consequently, having evaluated how 404,000 in 1998. The number of Tourism to best accommodate future volumes, international airline callers has doubled the airport is now targeting a swap In regard to the tourism market in recent years. over of its international and domestic outlook, it was noted that Wellington is Fiji Airways’ two flights per week to operations – expanding a southern benefiting from the realisation that the Naadi was cited as a prime example of apron for the former into the nearby tourism experience needs to be spread achieving growth above the underlying golf course, for which it is currently regionally, as the traditional hotspots market position. Providing these new in negotiations. become increasingly busy and affect direct services has increased traveller the visitor experience. convenience and in turn stimulated After an extensive legal battle with the New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ New airline itineraries mean visitors more travel. With Air New Zealand can now travel from one end of the then also reacting, Wellington-Fiji Association over Runway End Safety Area (RESA) length, it was country to the other and then depart direct traffic has consequently overseas, instead of having to double acknowledged that the recent Supreme increased 242%. back as previously. It was noted these Court decision had provided positives itineraries are also increasingly linking After 16 months of operation, for both parties. Singapore Airlines’ arrival was Wellington to the Marlborough and highlighted as another positive Particularly, the decision had Nelson regions, which is expected to development for the airport, with established that cost/benefit analysis deliver significant spin offs. and benefits to Wellington could be international passenger arrivals from Similarly, whereas in 2008 there were factored into the equation – studies Asia, Indonesia, India and Singapore only 37,000 airline seats directly having shown a runway extension observed to have respectively risen linking Wellington with Queenstown would deliver a $2.3 billion net benefit 20%, 56%, 83% and 86% over that annually, now there are 260,000 – to New Zealand – as well as that period. It was noted the airline has some of which cost only $19. Instead alternatives such as soft concrete promoted the airport throughout of such connections proving difficult needed to be considered. its network – putting Wellington and expensive as in the past, the on the radar – and further growth This information is currently being new opportunity to mix itineraries was was predicted. evaluated by the Director of Civil making it easy and competitive, and It was also emphasised that the Aviation with a decision on RESA positioning Wellington to capture its better the airport’s connectivity, the length for the airport expected to be share of the wave of tourism. better Wellington’s market share of international visitor spend. For example, Wellington receives 8.2% of all spend from Australia, where the airport has double-daily flights to most of the state capitals. Whereas, this spend was at 2.5%, 3.1% and 4.1% from Korea, China and Japan respectively. Future To keep pace with its growth, the airport has earmarked $250 million capital expenditure over the next five years across a range of developments. Work has also commenced on its Draft 2037 Masterplan and, with total passenger numbers forecast to double to over ten million during that time, it was noted there would be a huge timing and phase in required of any future developments. In comparison to the seven-times- larger and 15-times-larger land holdings at Christchurch Airport
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 5 Infrastructure Project Challenges and Successes NZ AIRPORTS CONFERENCE 2017, WELLINGTON Valuable experiences of engaging with local stakeholders on construction work disruption, managing embattled contractors and appropriately commissioning new infrastructure was shared in presentations by Wellington Airport airfield maintenance and marine protection manager Nick Petkov, Ebcon principal Geoff Eban and GHD aviation lead Nick Hansen Construction and structural pavement and Community – Investing installing shoulders for Future Success as well as a new centreline Unaware when addressing delegates lighting system. that his airport was soon to receive Conducted five the annual New Zealand Airports nights a week over Association Community Engagement an eight-month Award, Mr Petkov detailed how the period, the project business had striven to minimise also encompassed local disturbance in a major 12 kilometres of construction project. ducting, 300 new Opening with some background, he centreline lights, Nick Petkov explained that having commenced 3.5 kilometres operation as a 30-hectare aerodrome of underground in 1929 and evolving to its current drainage and 55,000 tonnes of asphalt. to be moved to the day – such as the format in 1959, the airport’s installation of a kilometre of trenching. development and expansion had “All of this needed to happen in the historically been a cause of some dead of night, within a six-hour window Among questions considered were: division in the community. – by 6am there needed to be no “Was it better to make heaps of noise evidence we had been there.” in one night or a fair bit of noise for “That happens at a lot of airports, quite a few nights?” but at Wellington it’s all about the Emphasising the works generated “lots Mr Petkov said that among “non proximity ... the challenges of having of noise” – and just 70-80 metres away negotiables with the contractor”, all a 300-metre strip that cuts through a from the nearest houses – Mr Petkov said establishing good will within the workers had to be trained in noise residential street,” he said. community was identified early on as a mitigation – even a person using a Consequently, a 1997 Environment key factor to the project’s success. broom. Noise screens were deployed Court decision had placed a curfew – which were noted to have delivered “For us it started right at the beginning on overnight flights and an air noise a 25% reduction in the noise contour when we started with our concept boundary and limits were established – and the reversing beeps on trucks design – one of the first things we – Mr Petkov noting that today, about were deactivated. needed to think about is what are we 700 homes are located within designing and how is that likely to be On the latter point, he ironically noted that boundary. built? Can that be built in a way so as that it was sometimes not the loudest However, also noting that “airports to avoid unnecessary noise?” elements that registered a disturbance are at the forefront of global aviation with neighbours – highlighting the Consequently, the identification and growth”, he said Wellington Airport example of a jack hammer operating management of noise issues presented recently needed to upgrade its unnoticed all day versus just one as a key priority in the design and infrastructure, and embarked upon truck’s reversing beeps resulting in a tender process, with the successful what would be its largest construction noise complaint. contractor needing to clearly outline project in 45 years. how they planned to address all Praising the contractor, overall team These works included both overlaying aspects. Progressive fine tuning also and procedures enacted during the taxiway and moving it another followed and slight modifications to the the project – which Mr Petkov said metre away from the runway, widening plan enabled a limited body of works had ultimately delivered “a fantastic
6 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 product” – he also emphasised that in “Airports are in the quality business – “The outcome will be obvious – the addition to any practical effectiveness construction, I put it to you, is not,” outcome will be successful whether achieved, stakeholder perception was he stated. you’re producing goods or services, also key. “So be very wary if you are going to whether you’re an exporter or an airport. In that vein, he said Wellington Airport bring a low-quality business into your “The quality of a good end product had measured and documented all high-quality organisation, you are is only as good as its weakest link. aspects of the project, notified the going to have to manage the risks. It is This means a business not only community and invited feedback. not impossible, but it is going to need a needs to manage its own quality, but lot of management.” also the quality of the suppliers of “We really took them on that journey. labour, materials and services to The community came onboard. To underscore the sentiment, Mr Eban shared with delegates a that business.” “Being in our position means we have multitude of condemning recent news Mr Eban elaborated with the following to be involved, we don’t have a choice, media headlines and then delved 14 steps to help airports mitigate the we absolutely have to front these into an even-greater list of his own risk of future construction projects: issues and take a lead in being a experiences of the industry, during good neighbour.” his time managing large construction select the very best project Mr Petkov concluded his presentation projects at airports. managers, externally and internally – “they set the by highlighting that Wellington Those experiences included repeated Airport’s noise profile remained steady instances of faulty design, materials, standard for the procurement of contrasted against its rising volume of testing and installation, buildings being the project” passenger numbers. completed with non-compliant features, develop trusted quality suppliers and “blatant lies” being made on “We need to keep ahead of the curve, and keep using them – “there certified producer statements. building new infrastructure. is no substitute for existing In one situation, 1000 defects needed knowledge and experience” “But there’s no point building to be rectified at the end of a project infrastructure without being able make quality the main non- – requiring over three months’ work. to operate it. Alongside our CAA financial attribute – “look for In another, an airport apron asphalt aerodrome operating certificate, we true quality management not was unable to meet specification – also need our social licence quality control” ultimately necessitating a reduced to operate.” service agreement and price discount. move away from the traditional NZS3910 contract – eg, Having fully educated delegates as NEC3 – “it has much more to the issues at play, Mr Eban then focus on open-book sharing outlined some positive strategies aimed at helping airport construction of information, pain and gain project owners navigate those sharing and collaboration” potential pitfalls. make sure work scopes are Having personally reviewed various comprehensive and understood quality systems and methodologies – – “a well-informed contractor which he noted had come together in is more likely to produce a the Safety Management System (SMS) quality product” for airports and Health and Safety at evaluate and choose quality Work Act as a “parallel system” – he subcontractors – “this is expressed preference for the “total potentially the weakest link in quality” mantra of: Geoff Eban the chain” quality people bond key staff – “there’s no quality training and guarantee, but a good ‘golden How to get Value development programmes handcuff’ incentive may make a difference to losing head- from an Airport quality assets, facilities, tools hunted staff” Construction Project and equipment have a robust internal team – In a presentation sub-titled “How can quality policy, process “don’t expect your suppliers to airports safely employ the services and procedure look after quality on their own” of a construction industry in crisis?”, quality materials and services, Mr Eban both outlined potential pitfalls involve your quality manager in just in time and provided helpful pointers to local quality management – “let the airports undertaking construction works quality legislation, rules client set the standard and be a in the current landscape. and oversight quality mentor”
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 7 take time to get the design “Airports have a unique combination landside, terminal, safety, security, finished and complete – “it of all these types of infrastructure – maintenance and IT platforms. might delay the start, but it will combined with the task of processing “Each champion identifies relevant add overall value” aircraft and passengers!” he said. stakeholders and change management take time to plan properly – “the “It is really a little city. So therefore you required. Ask the stakeholders to elect contractor needs time to plan need a broadened approach!” champions in turn.” and mobilise” Mr Hansen emphasised that The importance of both staff manage cost, don’t just count “commissioning starts at project and strategic partners gaining it – “quality surveyors conception, not at project completion”. familiarisation with infrastructure was regularly reforecasting and “The project manager, architect, a key point of emphasis, as was the managing cost” engineer and contractor are not need to update asset registers, spare manage contingency – “cost, the project team – they are only parts accessibility, liability cover and quality and time risks need to delivery agents.” IT integration. be well covered by a sensible, Hence, Mr Hansen emphasised the calculated contingency He recommended live simulated trials importance of both identifying affected allowance as well as be conducted of end-to-end airport stakeholders as well as their different management processes” processes that simulated infrastructure needs, via such questions as who is breakdowns and contingency plans the client, who is the user, who will seek advice, such as via – including stress-testing of such
trials – either live or simulated He concluded the presentation with the transfer following tips for those commissioning new airport infrastructure: opening support undertake phased Focused on both the construction commissioning if possible – process and completion stages of a de-risk to avoid a “big bang!” project, this integrated approach was highlighted as a blueprint for providing increase cleaning capability an airport operator with full control of during commissioning and Nick Hansen ensuring the operational readiness of go-live their new infrastructure – from day one onwards. ensure contractors have residual presence after handover How to Commission New Under this methodology, Mr Hansen Airport Infrastructure described how people and various communicate completion dates processes should be prepped, – allow time for operational Drawing on his experiences with including necessitating the updating of readiness and commissioning major terminal developments at both standard operating procedures, airport South Africa’s Cape Town International get back-office staff out on the operations manuals, contingency plans Airport and Brazil’s Guarulhos floor – increase presence and service contracts. International Airport, Mr Hansen opened take advantage of good public his presentation by documenting the He said “champions/functional leads” relations opportunities lengthy list of infrastructure likely to be should be elected as early as possible found at airports. in the process across the airside, enjoy the moment!
8 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 Work Advances on Tauranga Terminal Overhaul
Iain MacIntyre
Tauranga will boast an internationally-competitive regional airport, designed to meet growing capacity demands through to 2027 and beyond, when Tauranga City Airport’s $12.7 million expansion and redevelopment project is completed in December this year.
The first significant upgrade at the Expected to significantly enhance the cost of international travel remaining airport since 2008, the Jasmax customer experience at what is one low, the drive to Auckland becoming Tauranga-designed and Naylor Love of the main gateways to the city and harder and harder, and the general Construction-built project involves a region, the project was necessitated increase in people’s propensity to fly more than doubling of the terminal’s by the existing terminal having rather than drive.” floor area from 1700 square metres to reached maximum operating capacity, 3800 square metres. explains Tauranga City Airport To service such burgeoning demand manager Ray Dumble. during construction, significant It will include development of separate planning has gone into ensuring the check-in and arrival areas, increased “Our growth is being driven by a terminal maintains as-normal-as- space for back-of-house operations, number of factors – a strong national possible operations, with the least built-in allowance for future upgrades as economy, house prices in Auckland, amount of inconvenience to the well as the unveiling of a new and larger residential domestic migration, public, tenants and operators, says Air New Zealand Regional Lounge. commuting caused by this migration, very strong local GDP including a Mr Dumble. This has included a Additionally, the improvements will booming port operation and horticulture carefully-programmed, three-phased entail state-of-the-art check-in kiosks, industry, and strong tourism growth approach to works. a baggage drop belt and externally- both domestically and internationally. accessible courier and cargo office, an “There was 24 months’ lead up to the expanded and improved airport café, “Additionally, businesses relocating to commencement of construction and and even result in a shorter terminal/ our recently-developed and expansive the expansion was the outcome of our boarding walk. commercial and industrial parks, the five-yearly Master Plan review.
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 9 “We received lots of sound advice prior to and during the planning phase from other airports, and definitely took it all onboard. The most satisfying and rewarding aspect has been inclusive planning with all parties. “Phase 1 is construction of a new baggage make-up area, new arrivals hall and departures lounge, Phase 2 is airline offices and a new check-in area and Phase 3 is decommissioning the old check-in area. “During Phase 1 we have had to make temporary accommodation for Air New Zealand offices, crew and “It was our methodology and the time requiring no rate funding – the project lunchrooms along with a temporary and effort we put into ensuring that we is expected to both accommodate arrival and departure gate. To date, could complete the project with minimal the continuing and rapid increase in there has been very little disruption disruption to the running of the airport Air New Zealand passenger volumes due to the collaborative planning.” that was a key factor in us winning the as well as cater for other regional In that regard, Mr Dumble pays tribute tender,” he says. network operators. to the build methodology demonstrated In addition to keeping constant contact by Naylor Love Construction. with the airport, he says retaining NZ AIRPORTS flexibility in the work programme – “We had not used Naylor Love MEMBERS previously, but are very pleased with which at peak times has involved up to 40 workers on site – has also Ardmore Airport, Auckland their approach to the project to date. Airport, Chatham Islands Airport, Their construction programming was been an important facet, given the Christchurch International Airport, a very strong facet of the weighted changing nature of flight schedules Dunedin Airport, Gisborne Airport, Hamilton Airport, Hawke’s Bay attributes tender. They are very and weather conditions. Airport, Hokitika Airport, Invercargill proactive health and safety-wise and Tauranga City Airport has also engaged Airport, Kapiti Coast Airport, Kaitaia also collaborative and understanding of local iwi in the project, including Airport, Kerikeri Airport, Marlborough the importance of keeping operations delegating the role of developing better Airport, Masterton Airport, Matamata Airport, Motueka Airport, near to normal.” welcoming and farewell messaging as Nelson Airport, New Plymouth In a recent Business North article, well as creating artwork that portrays Airport, Palmerston North Airport, Queenstown Airport, Rangiora Naylor Love project manager local history and culture. The completed development will also recap the airport’s Airport, Timaru Airport, Rotorua Simon Litten commented on those Airport, Takaka Airport, Taupo Airport, qualities, describing the keys to history dating back to its opening in Tauranga Airport, Wairoa Airport, January 1939. the development’s success as Wanaka Airport, Whanganui Airport, Wellington International Airport, being stringent on-site planning, Serviced through the airport’s current Westport Airport, Whakatane Airport, communication as well as cash reserves and commercial Whangarei Airport. meticulous housekeeping. revenues going forward – thereby
10 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 Invercargill to Debut Digital Tower Technology
Iain MacIntyre
Invercargill Airport is set to become the first airport in New Zealand to have its airspace managed by digital technology, with a remote air traffic control tower expected to go-live following extensive testing in 2020.
Entailing high-definition video cameras Invercargill Airport general manager building on the airfield in tandem with relaying live footage of the airfield, Nigel Finnerty notes the particular the existing air traffic control tower. which is enhanced by surveillance volume and mixture of air traffic at his Once approved for use by the Civil sensors, flight data and augmented airport will make it an ideal location to Aviation Authority (CAA), the system reality overlays, the technology is said provide a meaningful trial of the digital will ultimately move off-site to a to provide air traffic controllers with tower technology. centralised hub, from which air traffic panoramic and more-detailed views “We don’t have the complexity of an controllers will provide services for a than possible with the human eye. international airport, but are still pretty number of regional locations. Airways New Zealand chief executive busy, so any new system will be put However, Mr Finnerty emphasises Graeme Sumner says his agency is through its paces,” he says. that a very good understanding of the seeking to implement the technology “While digital tower technology is in risks and capabilities of the system will nationwide in order to deliver greater use overseas, it will be a new way of be established before any aircraft are aviation safety, resiliency and managing airspace around airports in managed around the airport. potentially extended levels of service New Zealand, so it is important we get to New Zealand’s regions. Trialling “There will be an extensive trialling it right.” the system in Invercargill will allow period followed by CAA certification Airways to work through the necessary It is understood that Invercargill’s before any implementation happens. regulatory requirements, he says. digital tower will operate first from a “The airport is working closely with Airways to ensure the introduction of this new technology provides a safe and efficient airspace management process. Whilst Airways is taking the lead on the introduction of the technology we are ensuring we have an understanding of the risks and impacts that might come with the new system. “In the end, the airport as the Part 139 Certificate holder, has to approve the use of the technology.” Although not expecting the new system to cause any significant differences in day-to-day operations for “Southland’s gateway to the world” airport, Mr Finnerty does foresee service enhancements for its customers. “Some of the benefits could be reduced disruptions to flight schedules due to adverse weather conditions, the opportunity to have flights landing outside of our normal operating hours Nigel Finnerty and improved security monitoring on the airfield itself.
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 11 “As the knowledge of the new technology grows, we believe the passengers and users will see the airport become more efficient with less flight disruption. “We’re already a safe and efficient airport and this technology will only enhance this. As with the introduction of any new technology, there will be new and better ways of doing things. I’m sure we’ll learn and improve as our knowledge increases.” Digital towers have permanently replaced traditional towers at a number of airports throughout Europe and are also currently being trialled at airports in Changi and London. Airways conducted a demonstration of the technology at Auckland Airport earlier in the year and is intending to implement a digital tower at that airport initially as a back-up by 2020, with plans for that to replace the existing tower in the future.
A demonstration of the new digital air traffic control tower technology
12 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 Minister’s Opening Address NEW SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE 2018, AUCKLAND Transport Minister Phil Twyford welcomed the opportunity to officially launch the New Southern Sky (NSS) “Helping You Transition” Conference 2018, noting it was an exciting time to be involved in New Zealand aviation.
He observed the NSS programme “NSS forecasts to deliver $128 entailed a considerable leap forward million of direct benefits from costs in technology, which would provide avoided and wider economic benefits considerable and widespread benefit, of an estimated $904 million to and saw the conference as further New Zealand over the next 20 years. readying all stakeholders for the Economic analysis shows the projects transition to a modern aviation system implemented as part of NSS will by 2023. reduce carbon emissions by at least 4.8 million kilograms per year. Delivering on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s vision of “PBN will result in an extra 2.2 million a global air navigation plan, the passengers a year being better programme includes moving from protected by aircraft approach paths radar to satellite-base technology with vertical guidance. This is a for surveillance, from ground-based significant improvement on the radio beacons to GPS for precision old system.” navigation, from paper or spoken The work completed to date under information to digital feeds direct to the NSS was credited with already having cockpit, and in many cases broadening enabled shorter journeys and improved the focus from local to global. safety for the over ten million air Minister Phil Twyford “The programme cuts across the travellers in the country’s airspace entire navigation system – from air annually. New Zealand could already traffic management to aerodromes take pride in having some of safest practice and experience of the global to metrological services – all of these skies in the world, and the NSS aviation sector. This was illustrated by compartments work together and are would further build on platform, said the enriching presence of speakers mutually inter-dependent,” he said. the Minister. and delegates from such countries as Japan, the United Kingdom, the Minister Twyford credited the oversight However, while acknowledging the new United States, Australia and the being provided by the NSS team and capabilities being developed as the Pacific Islands. was struck by how collaboratively the country’s airspace was modernised, sizeable list of affected stakeholders he also acknowledged there were Observing that many New Zealanders were working to navigate the many challenges faced in how to best make consider pilots as heroes, the Minister changes involved. that transition. As a prime example, the concluded his address by deferring to move to ADS-B was noted to improve a pre-recorded message from former He was encouraged to see individuals, both visibility and coverage, but All Black captain Richie McCaw, particularly in the smaller-commercial operators of smaller aircraft would be filmed from within the cockpit of and general aviation (GA) fields, most impacted by the transition due to a helicopter. become “sector champions” for their needing to install new equipment. the most significant aspects of the Mr McCaw noted that NSS was the In this vein, Minister Twyford said NSS transitional process – such as adopting current generation of flyers’ major acknowledged the role of GA as well Performance Based Navigation (PBN). transformational change and as the service provided by the sector New Zealand was consequently With good leadership having being overall to enable access throughout “taking a place at the international shown by all major stakeholders since the country and around the world. aviation table”. the programme was launched in 2014, “Moving to the future, through NSS, is “NSS have got clear goals – safety and the Minister said a strong foundation all part of that story.” improvement,” he said. had been laid to realise the full scope of expected economic, safety, He emphasised that New Zealand “They’ve got the leadership, environmental and social benefits to was not making this step forwards in collaboration and debate to make sure NZ Inc. isolation, but was sharing in the best what they implement is spot on.”
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 13 Christchurch Flight Paths Trial NEW SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE 2018, AUCKLAND A collaborative Performance Based Navigation (PBN) trial underway at Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) is not only demonstrating improved aviation safety and reduced aircraft flying distance, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions – it has successfully engaged the local community.
Christchurch Airport strategy and would be welcomed and fed into the sustainability general manager decision-making process, before any Rhys Boswell told delegates that PBN routes were officially adopted. despite the trial not requiring any “We also made it clear this was not a public consultation, the airport Resource Management Act process purposefully set forth on an extensive or some other process of public communications strategy with the following key objectives: consultation that ultimately feeds to an elected body decision. We made maintaining community it clear we had the power to effect and stakeholder trust and changes without consultation should confidence throughout we choose to, but our preference was informing key stakeholders to use the feedback obtained from the directly on developments before trial to make well-informed decisions.” rumours developed Other key elements of the overall explaining there was a national communications strategy included and global context beyond partner representatives being made Rhys Boswell the immediate effects available for specially-arranged on Christchurch presentations to a small number of highly-influential stakeholders, the not creating unrealistic good deal of time and resource into media being proactively supplied expectations about the process developing imagery that would help with a wide range of information and “We absolutely buy into the positive explain the trial in non-technical ways.” individual interviewing times, and each effects that come with the successful Achieving the second objective partner committing to thoroughly brief application of PBN approaches – who revolved around prioritising their own internal staff. doesn’t?” said Mr Boswell. stakeholders and identifying those who As a direct result, responses to the “The challenges emerge when the needed to be spoken to personally, launch included: conversation turns to noise impacts. so they in turn could directly ask questions of the four trial partners – media coverage was balanced “Add into the mix that our particular Airways New Zealand, the Board of (almost positive!) and offered airport is serving a community already Airline Representatives (BARNZ), the “big picture” of the national highly stressed as a consequence New Southern Sky and the airport. and global perspective of the effects of the earthquakes themselves, but – perhaps more “All four agreed it was very important media requests to republish significantly – the community is the project partners were seen by our some of the material from fundamentally distrustful of authority stakeholders to be jointly accountable the official trial Website figures, in the broader response to and committed to the project. I believe were granted the earthquakes.” that this conveyed a strong message.” media mentioned the Website Also mindful of the media reporting Delivering on the third objective which helped guide the of community reaction to similar involved explaining to the local public there projects elsewhere, Christchurch community that the trial forms part of example reportage included – Airport’s tactics to deliver on the first an aviation system that relies on global “Aircraft landing in Christchurch objective of its strategy included collaboration and conformity to achieve will soon fly higher over the being proactive and transparent with safety and efficiency outcomes. city making less noise and its communications. Lastly, achieving the fourth objective emitting less carbon dioxide, “We were determined to be open involved making it clear this is a Christchurch Airport said and on the front foot, so invested a genuine trial, during which all feedback on Monday”
14 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 reader feedback under that trial, to which each one was sent an their own noise studies and provided story was largely positive, individualised response. very useful feedback – some even with commenters who made wrote to either express their enjoyment “In some cases, we requested the sweeping negative statements at having aircraft overhead or, having writer’s physical address and had being corrected or given the noticed there were fewer planes, wrote Airways study the flight paths over that “thumbs down” to say they were missing them. address, to be able to offer specific media have asked no more feedback to the resident. While it “We appreciate the genuine partnership questions since the launch of was not always to their liking, the approach shown by Airways, BARNZ the trial respondents appreciated the effort.” and NSS in the trial. Plus we thank Auckland Airport for their openness and At the midway mark of the 12-month Negative noise complaints provided willingness to share their experience trial, Mr Boswell said 106 E-mails had the opportunity for Airways and BARNZ in implementing PBN approaches, been received from the community to follow up with the airline identified. which had actively informed our seeking clarification or comment on the Other contributors had undertaken communications strategy.”
PBN – Measuring the Benefits NEW SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE 2018, AUCKLAND Mahino Research director Tim Hughes provided a detailed outline of how his firm has applied quantitative analysis to Airways New Zealand’s extensive dataset to clearly demonstrate the benefits of Performance Based Navigation (PBN). Commissioned by the Civil Aviation reliability – continuing to land in Safety Authority in 2016, Mahino set about more adverse weather contrasting outcomes with and Recalling a bygone era in aviation efficiency – shorter flight paths without PBN. when “safety was not as it is now”, saving time and fuel Mr Hughes referenced large-scale This process entailed measuring capacity – separated traffic studies in the 1990s that determined from actual operations, focusing on flows enabling growth runway-aligned approaches deliver the most important effects, excluding non-PBN factors and including relevant remaining barriers. “One of the beauties of doing big data is you can see everything,” he said. “If you sample a few days, you hope you’ve picked good ones. When you look at everything, you can calibrate your mind as to what’s important and you can also spot details that are invisible otherwise.” Compared to the infrastructure- dependent and accuracy-constrained practice of traditional flight between navigational aids, Mr Hughes observed PBN is predicated on flight paths being freely located and able to deliver improved lateral precision and vertical guidance. Specific areas of improvement targeted from PBN include:
safety – reduced risk on Tim Hughes landing approaches
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 15 a 25-times risk reduction and Efficiency nautical miles in addition to the approaches with vertical guidance an following annual impacts: eight-times risk reduction. PBN procedures are designed to deliver a shorter final approach – flight time saved – 88.3 hours “Taken together, that’s a 200-times risk described as “X”, which is typically fuel savings – 335,000 reduction on those approaches.” two nautical miles, explained kilograms Highlighting the 11 airports in Mr Hughes. CO2 emissions reduction – 1.07 New Zealand that are in the process But the ultimate flight distance saved million kilograms of introducing PBN approaches with is dependent on the relative direction avoided operating costs – vertical guidance, he noted that of runway and flight origin – analysis $482,000 represented safety improvements to revealing no advantage into a 2.2 million passengers each year – headwind, X from a sidewind and passenger time saved – 12% of the national total. two-times X downwind. 13,800 hours Mr Hughes also emphasised the It was also observed that under PBN, Mr Hughes added that PBN efficiency importance of demonstrating the safety the top of descent occurs earlier on gains continue during high-traffic value of PBN to the next generation of shorter flights, with the time, fuel periods – most flights having little decision makers in the aviation sector. and cost savings occurring in delay even at peak periods with PBN “Technocrats in this industry stay there cruise conditions. approaches continuing to be used for life, but there is a generational during high-arrival rates. Using 2016 data, Mahino’s modelling change coming. of PBN for all runways, routes Capacity “We almost need some kind of oral and aircraft of 15 New Zealand In regard to potential capacity history to explain to the new entrants airports identified with reduced final improvements, Queenstown Airport why safety procedures are the way approaches annually revealed: was again highlighted as a prime they are.” instrument approaches made – beneficiary. Since the implementation Reliability 115,607 of a “PBN refresh” in November 2012, the airport’s traditionally-competing visual approaches excluded – Without PBN, the regulatory arrival and departure flows have 23,017 requirement for pilots to sight a runway been separated, thus facilitating prior to the missed approach point was average flight path reduction – sustained inbound traffic at peak times, emphasised – “if you can’t see the 2.26 nautical miles delivering an increase in capacity and airport, you need to go around”. enabling growth. annual flight time saved – In contrast, Mr Hughes noted that 1100 hours Mahino’s analysis revealed that PBN procedures can be made although the airport’s peak flow rate fuel savings – 999,000 closer to terrain, thereby enabling a has gone unchanged, traffic is growing kilograms lower missed approach height and at peak times, with the greatest volume consequently reduced diversions in low CO2 emissions reduction – growth being international traffic visibility/poor weather. 3.148 million kilograms during winter. Analysing eight years of data at avoided operating costs – Having received 852 international Queenstown Airport specifically, $2.1 million flights and 215,300 international his firm’s research determined the passengers in 2012, Queenstown passenger time saved – probability of flights diverting due to Airport hosted 1951 international flights 76,467 hours bad weather reduced by 17.2% with and 508,902 international passengers PBN. In 2016, 190 jets arrived at the Furthermore, measuring Auckland during 2016 – increases of 128% and airport in relevant weather conditions Airport’s approaches specifically 136% respectively. and 33 diversions were avoided. from Airways’ high-level surveillance The annual savings at Queenstown data, Mahino was able to compare Airport were consequently identified as the airport’s actual flight paths with a NZ AIRPORTS ANNUAL CONFERENCE being 82 hours of avoided flight time, reference baseline and exclude non- 215,000 kilograms of fuel, $776,000 PBN factors such as congestion due to October 24-26 in direct costs and 24,000 hours of demand/capacity imbalance. Dunedin Town Hall passenger time. Analysing the trial 2012-2013 period Dunedin Furthermore, the analysis revealed a and then amended PBN procedures nzairports.nzconference.co.nz spin-off of increasing demand due to implemented at the airport from the increased certainty of flights being late May 2015, it revealed the flight able to land at the airport. distance saved was often over 12
16 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 New Weather Services for Aviation NEW SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE 2018, AUCKLAND Better-informed weather decision making is expected to be enabled across the aviation spectrum by the MetThreat Display Portal, Graphical Aviation Forecast (GRAFOR) and Airport Runway Condition Forecasts initiatives being rolled out by the MetService.
In partnership with key stakeholders freezing levels and fronts are all green box only), “dry 67%/moist 33%” and service providers, the organisation now being presented spatially on a (marked in respective green and yellow is advancing products that integrate map graphic. boxes) and “dry 34%/moist 33%/wet weather data with aeronautical 33%” (marked in respective green/ Issued the night before for the day information in easy-to-understand yellow/blue boxes). ahead and updated mid morning, each formats, MetService sales GRAFOR provides a countrywide Mr Thorpe added that the MetService New Zealand general manager graphic depiction. The map is divided was currently working to develop a Ray Thorpe told delegates. into areas and includes the worst methodology to relay that information from airports to cockpits. Via the MetThreat Display Portal, weather being readily highlighted users are now being provided with for each area. In parting, he also noted the MetService’s offering could be an air safety matrix that shows such GRAFOR is expected to enable leveraged by airports to both monitor weather data as cloud base, visibility, better decision-making particularly their own wider weather ecosystem heavy rain, wind speed, cross wind for longer cross-country flights, as as well as assess the impact of likely and lighting in colour-coded low risk/ well as ensuring the safest and most- weather at connecting airports. moderate risk/high risk classifications. efficient flight routes can be more Mr Thorpe emphasised this approach readily chosen. One example given was of an airport being able to monitor that its arriving ensures the easy-to-understand The MetService is also piloting its information is viewed in the same passengers might be delayed due Airport Runway Condition Forecasts to weather disrupting one of its key format, regardless of which part of the initiative, which entails sensors being roading/transport links. aviation system a user is operating installed on runways, which are within – air traffic control, in-flight automatically linked to weather Another was that an airport could look aircraft or airport operations. station hubs. further afield and note weather at an airport it connects to was likely to delay Referencing a recent incident in which Combined with information from mobile flights. With such advanced warnings, Wellington Airport’s runway lights sensors installed on vehicles operating the affected airport could make were hit by a lightning strike – about on the runway, the initiative enables the operational and passenger which stakeholders were also sent an a live update to be provided on comfort decisions to respond to the SMS alert as part of the MetService’s runway conditions, including data on expected disruptions. offering – he noted that event had temperature, snow been perfectly illustrated in the safety covering, volume matrix display. of rainfall and “So anybody looking at this would have friction coefficient. got the same message, in the same This information is format and can base their decision again displayed in making on that – and that’s what easy-to-interpret collaborative decision making is all colour-coded form. about,” said Mr Thorpe. A demonstration was provided of It was noted the Graphical Aviation a trial runway, Forecast (GRAFOR) initiative, which which was divided the MetService was about to roll into landing, out at the time of the presentation, mid-point and is replacing volumes of text- roll-out sections. based information with a readily- These sections understandable graphic approach. were respectively Mr Thorpe said the same volume of denoted as information is being provided to users, being “dry 100%” Ray Thorpe but data on clouds, weather, visibility, (marked in a
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 17 Helping You Transition – Panel Discussion NEW SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE 2018, AUCKLAND Day one of the conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring CAA air transport and airworthiness deputy director Mark Hughes, Australian Strategic Air Traffic Management Group delegate Andrew Andersen, Airways ANS development manager Wayne Blythe and CAA airworthiness manager Shaun Johnson.
Introducing the specialist speakers, Mr Hughes noted they offered different industry perspectives on the transition to Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and the ADS-B surveillance system by the NSS programme’s 2023 target. A pilot himself, Mr Andersen said the transition entailed stakeholders evaluating where they were coming from and going to in order to develop an overall plan. The need for pilots to learn how to operate new navigation equipment was particularly emphasised, as was making allowance for Murphy’s Law in the process. Mark Hughes Describing the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) system at the heart of the NSS programme as Citing his own experience from across consistent terminology and various a computer – predicated on various the Tasman, Mr Andersen equally other improvements. inputs/outputs, software as well as emphasised the numerous benefits “I guess overall the message I have reference and configuration data – he being delivered by the NSS programme. about transition, is it’s looking ahead said it demanded a different mindset to These included the standardisation of and knowing what you are doing, traditional piloting via gyroscope. presentation of instrument approaches, understanding where in the aircraft things are changing and then looking at the underlying procedures,” he said. At the time of speaking, Mr Blythe noted the first phase of ADS-B was about to go live [May 24] in New Zealand’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, with full national deployment expected to be completed through the course of 2019. This rollout would provide extensive low-level flying coverage, particularly benefiting the general aviation (GA) industry, and in future enabling Airways to deliver expanded air traffic services. Work was progressing on the development of a non-GPS-dependent contingency surveillance system, Shaun Johnson, Wayne Blythe and Andrew Andersen so as to ensure the safe recovery of aircraft in the case of a sudden loss of
18 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 GPS as well as to enable the prompt move forward, making good decisions, Mr Johnson added that this did not reintroduction of national services with sound data to support those.” necessitate a hugely complex task and following a crisis event. was the ideal way forwards for even the A key message delivered by smallest GA aircraft. Mr Blythe said work was also Mr Johnson was the importance advancing on development of non-co- of information exchange in the Establishing a plan early on to guide operative capabilities within the overall transition process. progress and set delivery expectations programme. Targeted at addressing through the process was also the best He encouraged early stakeholder the rising safety issues between approach to mitigating potential delays. engagement with the CAA, noting drones and other aircraft, this work In this vein, he noted a significant this enabled appropriate advice to be would include trials to validate the cause of delays to the CAA granting readily sought and aided both parties performance of different technologies. operational approvals was stakeholders in terms of planning workflows and submitting incomplete data. He noted that the rollout of PBN at establishing respective expectations. controlled airports was expected to be “It simply comes down to Mr Johnson also recommended completed by November 2019, while communication and we are available stakeholders partner with a Part work simultaneously progressed to for early engagement, we will give 146-certified aviation design evaluate the implementation of PBN in free and frank advice, but we are organisation, to further guide the path non-controlled airports. really stressing the importance of to integration. Noting the benefits of the overall forming a strategic partnership with a programme were to improve safety, Observing that the most successful 146 organisation and a maintenance efficiency and capacity, he added that: integrations to date have been those provider to deliver that final capability “One of the principals of NSS is to project managed via such collaboration, you desire,” he said.
Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) In the UK NEW SOUTHERN SKY CONFERENCE 2018, AUCKLAND United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) head of performance-based regulation (PBR) Stephanie Shaw provided a perspective from the other side of the world as to how her organisation is tackling relevant regulatory aviation issues.
Noting the expanding remit faced by Takeaways from that event included: global navigation aviation authorities, the organisation has a role, Ms Shaw said her organisation influence and capability to had scheduled the UK Innovation facilitate innovation not just in Conference earlier this year to the UK but internationally deliberately explore such questions as “who are we reaching?”, “do we have given the changing dynamics of the right skill set?”. its remit, further consideration is required as to the organisation’s Described as a stepping-out-of- resourcing model – as comfort-zone exercise, non-traditional funding is currently generated stakeholders were included among the predominantly from local invitation list. Noted to have “billions industry and partially from the of disposable capital between them”, British Government Amazon, Facebook, Google, Apple, the organisation needs to Microsoft and Tesla were among provide a clear statement such targets. and vehicle for confidentiality “These people are now getting into the during early engagement – aviation market and if we don’t work the non-disclosure agreement with and alongside them soon, they will approach being described as Stephanie Shaw start to overtake us,” said Ms Shaw. too complicated
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 19 stakeholders support a Key to supporting this structure are the directly and proportionately when “sandbox” approach, whereby partnership relationships developed necessary as well as deregulating ideas and innovations can be with stakeholders which facilitate the where possible. tested and explored – such as exchange of valuable data, noted A strategic and regulatory review in the safe space concept (use of Ms Shaw. Replacing the historic, 2005 had identified the need for the air space and facilities) prescriptive practice, this approach initiative and a road map had been enables appropriate questions to be the organisation and progressively developed, with the asked and necessary information to stakeholders alike need to process notably culminating in the be requested of stakeholders, in order ensure they communicate “Red Tape Challenge” in 2013. The for the UK CAA to provide necessary clearly, in mutually-understood GA Unit now has its own individual regulatory oversight. language – given the huge sections within the UK CAA, oversees potential for even slight “As a result of that, the organisations all relevant aspects to its sector and is responsible for over 18,000 aircraft. differences in terminology across are much more trusting of what we industries to create confusion are doing. They understand why we “What we have tried to do with the GA are there, the conversations are much community is give them a voice, give Applying PBR Across more mature and that allows us to talk them a dedicated chain of command. the Community about how we can share information So, where they want to expand their to make the future better – how can remit – fly into different areas – they Noting the desire to avoid gold plating we find out more about a particular can appoint a contact, and we can but the commitment to maintaining aviation element and what will that work with them and not stifle them.” a gold standard, Ms Shaw noted her mean to a certain part of the sector.” organisation had now evolved to UK ADS-B/PBN Update the performance-based Regulatory In order to efficiently manage the Ms Shaw concluded her presentation Safety Management System volume of data her organisation is now by reporting there had been good (RSMS) structure. collating, Ms Shaw said the UK CAA had invested in the Microsoft Dynamics initial progress in local ADS-B/ PBN developments. This had been Providing cross-capability oversight software, which was noted to provide particularly noted in the London of safety risks affecting individual live login and feedback capabilities in entities, the RSMS has at its airspace, where the first phase of the order to facilitate a more intuitive, foundation a series of Safety Risk project had looked at gateways and two-way dialogue. Panels responsible for tactical decision touchdown points. making, analysis and prioritisation. Provisions for General Work had subsequently evolved further These panels are overseen by a Safety Aviation (GA) southeast, but complicated issues Review Committee providing strategic with noise had arisen. The UK CAA decision making and resourcing, With the stated goal of supporting is currently working with a number of which in turn is overseen by a Safety the creation of a vibrant GA sector, groups to navigate the challenges in Leadership Group providing oversight Ms Shaw advised that her organisation order to ensure the potential safety and assurance, which ultimately had recently established a dedicated benefits can be adopted from the reports to the UK CAA board. GA Unit, which aims to only regulate technology on offer.
Evolution to PBR
At a major industry conference on May 19, 2014 in Gatwick, the UK CAA committed to progressively evolving to regulating in a more proportionate, effective and risk-based way.
Explained Director of the CAA hand with the aviation industry, the Previously, aviation safety in the Safety and Airspace Regulation European Aviation Safety Agency and UK has been underpinned by Group Mark Swan: “Although other national authorities, to identify a prescriptive system of rules, regulations and standards for those UK commercial aviation has an and manage risk effectively, we can organisations providing aviation excellent safety record, we cannot concentrate our attention where it is be complacent. products and services. It has been most needed. I am very confident that observed that, as the prescriptive “Performance-based regulation the outstanding co-operation we are system has matured, its potential to takes our safety oversight to a receiving from industry will ensure the deliver further safety improvements new level. By working hand-in- success of this new safety regime.” has become limited.
20 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 Airport of the Future Update
Auckland Airport
In 2014 Auckland Airport announced a 30-year vision to build the “airport of the future” – entailing both a world-class, but uniquely New Zealand airport, to better connect Auckland to New Zealand and New Zealand to the world. Implementation of that vision – network, bus and public access; 2018-2022 Works which can be viewed in full detail via construction of the terminal
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 21 improving the international The scope of the design project covers arrival experience by expanding building works over the next decade, the border processing area and including not only the new integrated public arrivals space terminal, but also a significant expansion of border processing and upgrading the international the integration of extensive new check-in area transport and car parking facilities. investments in public transport, Mott MacDonald chairperson roading and walking projects Keith Howell says the consortium is “As a result of this significant applying its collective creativity to investment in infrastructure over the design an airport that New Zealanders next five years, there will be better and will be proud of and visitors will admire. faster passenger journeys through and “This is a tremendously exciting project around our airport,” he says. that will further enhance Auckland “The experience within the terminals Airport’s standing as a key hub in the will be more intuitive and relaxing, and Asia-Pacific region and the gateway to transferring between domestic jet and New Zealand,” he says. international flights will be faster and more efficient. Updates During 2018 “We believe Aucklanders and In February Auckland Airport opened New Zealanders recognise the Gate 18 as part of the extension of Auckland Airport, in order to ensure need for long-term planning and Pier B of the international terminal. The that aircraft can safely manoeuvre at development of critical aviation gate and its two airbridges can be used a low altitude. Public submissions on infrastructure. In the next five years, we by an A380 or B787 aircraft, or two the Notice of Requirement closed on will take significant steps on the path to smaller A320 or B737 aircraft. March 15. opening our second runway which we The extension of Pier B, which was Additionally, as from June a new range currently expect to be required in 2028. completed in March, has doubled the of food and beverage outlets have “We will also be working hard with airport’s gate lounge and airbridge been opening across the domestic Airways New Zealand and the capacity to help accommodate its and international terminals, including airlines to increase the capacity and increasing number of international popular local eateries Better Burger, productivity of our existing runway and passengers and aircraft. Additionally, Mexico, Orleans Chicken and Waffles will also be designing and securing the the extension included an upgraded and Al Brown’s Best Ugly Bagels. required planning permissions. Based bus lounge to improve journeys for As well as providing hundreds of new on an opening date of 2028 we expect travellers transferring between the jobs, the airport says the outstanding earthworks to start around 2020 terminal and an aircraft parked on selection of high-quality New Zealand or 2021.” remote airfield stands. and international dining options set in a modern and vibrant dining Consortium Appointed Also in February, the airport lodged two Notice of Requirement applications environment, will leave travellers spoilt A key element of the vision is with Auckland Council to develop its for choice. developing the combined domestic second runway. A second runway Featured among the New Zealand- and international terminal, for which was first approved in 2002, but to themed bars and restaurants is a Mott MacDonald-led consortium accommodate the future growth in Glamp Grounds, an innovative bar involving Grimshaw, Architectus and passenger numbers and larger aircraft, and eatery with play areas for children, Holmes Consulting has been appointed it is now proposed that runway be which is designed as an iconic Kiwi to create the concept design. located 72 metres further north and outdoor campground. extended from 2150 metres to 2983 Other exciting new outlets include: metres longer than was first planned. It Tea Garden, a high-tea concept AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE is to be located to the north of the new developed specially for Auckland For more information, combined domestic and international Airport by tea company Dilmah and including interactive map, terminal and will run parallel with the celebrity chef Simon Gault; Oma, an please visit existing southern runway. corporate.aucklandairport.co.nz/ artisan bakery and café developed airport-of-the-future Changes are also required to the in collaboration with Auckland-based Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS), baker Isabel Pasch; and 400 Gradi, which sets restrictions on the maximum an Italian restaurant by Melbourne height of obstacles (such as buildings award-winning celebrity chef and trees) in the airspace surrounding Johnny Di Francesco.
22 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 Technical Session – Airport Pavement NZ AIRPORTS CONFERENCE 2017, WELLINGTON A pre-conference technical session saw University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) associate professor Greg White, AECOM aviation technical director Craig Ridgley and Fulton Hogan technical general manager Dr Bryan Pidwerbesky delve into various aspects of airport pavement. Challenges for Australian “Some materials are less consistent/ In regard to pavement design reliable. There is more stress on less standards and specifications, Professor Airport Pavement and resistant pavements that are not easy White explained that in Australia the the Airport Pavement to upgrade and that are expensive to Airport Pavement Structural Design Research Programme rebuild in a risk-averse environment.” System (APSDS) and COMFAA were observed for flexible and rigid Professor White delved into the various (APRP) pavement respectively. technicalities, specifications and Professor White observed that challenges in developing, constructing However, he said these models following airport privatisation in the and testing both rigid (concrete) and would disappear, with the trend 1990s and other related developments, flexible (asphalt) pavement solutions being to adopt the Federal Aviation design authority for pavements has for airports. Administration (USA) Rigid and increasingly transferred to airports/ He noted that selection between the Flexible Iterative Elastic Layered designers themselves. rigid and flexible options was based on Design (FAARFIELD) model. Given FAARFIELD will add 300mm to However, he said this research and whole-of-life considerations and risk, flexible paving thickness and 70mm development task is simply too big for and would be different for runways, to rigid thickness, Professor White airports to perform independently – taxiways and aprons. Rigid pavement consequently issued the challenge: they do not have a co-ordinated plan in was observed to have a 40-year to “Develop a local design tool or accept this space – and designers are usually 60-year life, was expensive to build and not easy to rehabilitate or reconstruct the extra.” constrained to project specifics. expediently, whereas flexible pavement In this vein, he championed the “At the same time, aircraft traffic is was observed to have an infinite life if endeavours of USC – said to be getting more frequent, aircraft wheel resurfaced every ten to 12 years, was Australia’s fastest-growing university, loads are increasing and aircraft tyre less expensive to build and easier with 20,000 students expected pressures are increasing,” he said. to rehabilitate. to be enrolled by 2020 – and its APRP initiative. Currently funded to December 2021, but requiring airport support to reach maturity, the APRP aims to provide: applied/practical research to solve real issues specialised training and education for practitioners representation for airports on pavement industry issues The APRP has already completed and has numerous initiatives underway, has a raft of future initiatives planned and intends to provide additional services to the industry. In summary, Professor White said the primary challenges in the airport pavement sector relate to: a reduction of active research Greg White and development and technology upkeep
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 23 changes in materials and data collection, devising philosophies Mr Ridgley explored various aspects of aircraft loadings and strategies, and then planning rejuvenation methods and preservation rehabilitation needs, costs and timings. treatment cycles, as well as airport- cessation of centralised specific considerations. standards and policies Mr Ridgley noted that last year a 100% digital scan and automated Pavement Preserving the binder was noted to be Noting similar pavement issues will Condition Index (PCI) calculation was critical to extending the service life of be experienced on both sides of the completed at Christchurch Airport. your airport’s surfacing. Tasman, Professor White added: Utilising a multi-functional vehicle, “New Zealand airports are welcome AECOM’s recent work at Christchurch this laser-based process measures to get involved and contribute.” Airport featured in the presentation, and maps pavement cracks and including its deployment of geotextile is described as the standardised Pavement Preservation reinforced asphalts in the A380- method to evaluate and report on Approach to Airside pavement condition. widened taxiway – the material being Asset Management laid over a cemented base layer to Raising the question “when do we achieve reflection cracking control. Describing pavement preservation as replace our asset?”, Mr Ridgley The firm is also developing further a cost-effective strategy for extending observed that the general philosophy new technologies, such as the aramid- pavement life, Mr Ridgley said the in airport best practice was to keep practice comprises non-structural pavements at a PCI of 60-plus polypropylene fibre-reinforced asphaltic applications placed to preserve before major rehabilitation – although mix and recycled asphaltic concrete, the surface and entails minor this was at a higher threshold for which are both understood to be in rehabilitation, preventive maintenance runways. Auckland Airport was deployment or trial at the airport. and routine maintenance. noted to have PCIs in the high 80s In summary, Mr Ridgley described for its runway, taxiway, apron and Treatments range from crack seal to pavement preservation as a strategy of network infrastructure. thin overlays, implemented as part planned and organised maintenance, of a pavement management system, “In some cases airports are spending performed on relatively-new surfacings. which is focused on ensuring airports $5 to correct a problem that could have He emphasised it is: maintain structurally-sound pavements. been prevented for $1,” he emphasised cost effective when contrasting rehabilitation at Mr Ridgley observed: below a PCI of 25 versus at the retards deterioration typically two-thirds of a runway’s 60-plus mark. aids functionality – maintained surface never sees active wheel traffic Displaying an example of the risk/ or improved, improving overall consequence of annual deferrals, inventory condition as much as 60% of a binder’s life in an asphaltic surfacing is lost in the first two years through oxidation 70% to 90% of asphalt surfacing deterioration and failures are the result of exposure to the environment and oxidation degradation of the bitumen even a minimal 20% useful life extension of asphalt assets has a dramatic impact With regard to developing a pavement management system, Mr Ridgley said that understanding was first needed of the current condition of an airport’s surfacings and the rate of deterioration. Understanding was also required of surfacing lifecycles and replacement costs – “Move past worst-first reactive maintenance to planned intervention”.
Following condition and analysis, the Craig Ridgley concept entails defining inventory,
24 NZ Airports Magazine | July 2018 “Applying the right treatment, to Using PG binders and mix designs for the right surfacing, at the right time. airport pavements was noted to provide The end result – the ability to more accurate prediction of pavement defer expensive overlays and direct performance and optimise selection funding towards other areas of of asphalt binder and mix to extend your business.” service temperature range, maximise pavement life, minimise maintenance Best Practice in Treatment costs and reduce closures. Selection, Asphalt Mix By considering aircraft loading in asphalt selection methodology, airport Design and Sealing pavement designers can select most for Airports appropriate and economical PG grades and mixes for expected aircraft loading Dr Pidwerbesky opened his address at a given site, he said. by referencing the Surfacing Solution Treatment Selection Matrix as the Dr Pidwerbesky concluded his “single chart to help practitioners presentation with a reference to decide on the optimum solution to the Chipseals for Airports Surfacing any specific location, to meet each Handbook, noting that as loadings are airport’s unique requirements Dr Bryan Pidwerbesky quite different on airports compared and expectations”. to roads, traditional road seal design algorithms and seal construction Addressing bitumen grades, he noted Examining the Marshall asphalt mix methodologies should not be used. airports should be using performance- design method, Dr Pidwerbesky’s He said the answer was to use graded (PG) bitumens. Turning reservations with the empirical test successful treatments from similar to binders, he explained that PG aspect included: situations from past experience and binder specification parameters are develop an algorithm that calculates related to actual performance at it not being directly related to appropriate application rates for the temperatures to which binders are actual in-service performance various situations when used with a exposed during service. it not being representative of standard methodology. “PG Binders are called PGXX-YY loading and environmental conditions The main issue with chipseal runways where XX is highest average pavement was noted to be foreign object damage temperature and -YY is lowest specimen preparation does not (FOD), whereby loose sealing chip can pavement temperature,” he said. represent field compaction cause significant damage to airport “For example, PG64-16 meets PG it not being a reliable predictor buildings, aircraft propellers, wings and binder specification for a high temp of of mix performance fuselage etc. +64°C & low of -16°C.” In contrast, he said the advantages of “This issue far outweighs flushing Looking into testing methodologies, a modern performance-related design concerns raised by roading practitioners, as the seal design he discussed the traditional sewing procedure entailed delivering: requires much higher application rates machine needle penetration test for relevant fundamental of premium binders to resist the high bitumen, performance grading testing mix properties tyre pressures, wheel loads and to hold for binders, and touched upon the role the aggregate particles tightly bound of such equipment as the: improved service properties in very-low-trafficked areas. For extra Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) selection/design properties insurance a sand seal can be applied – simulating short-term aging of related to required performance over the chip seal to lock the aggregate bitumen in asphalt production in service in place.” Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) good test results equalling high – simulating long-term aging of confidence in performance NZ AIRPORTS ASSOCIATION bitumen in service more confidence in Level 8 Bending Beam Rheometer innovative mixes Midland Chambers 45 Johnson Street (BBR) – measuring of low- gyratory compaction which Wellington temperature stiffness simulates actual rollers PO Box 11369 Dynamic Shear Rheometer Furthermore, he emphasised Manners Street (DSR) – measuring deformation the benefits of PG binders and Wellington 6142 resistance to shear load over performance-related asphalt www.nzairports.co.nz range of temperatures mix designs.
Level 8, Midland Chambers, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington | PO Box 11369, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 | +64 4 384 3217 | nzairports.co.nz 25