SPRING ISSUE 2021

Every flight begins a t the airport.

Interview: Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, iGA Airport Operation

Istanbul Airport: “enhancing ’s position at the very top of the global airports league”

Destination Urban Air Taxi bots, drones, 2050 Mobility multimodality European aviation Electrically Powered Air Taxis – New SESAR innovations for embraces net zero vision coming to an airport near you? airports in the pipeline HIA - EXPANSION AD - ACI MAGAZINE -A4.pdf 1 4/7/21 11:19

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OLIVIER JANKOVEC, AIRPORTS IN ISTANBUL AIRPORT DIRECTOR GENERAL, THE NEWS ACI Istanbul Airport: “enhancing A snapshot of stories from Istanbul’s position at the very Editorial: Investment Crunch, around Europe top of the global airports Cost Recovery & Sustainability – league” All Part of the Same Equation

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K DESTINATION 2050 SWEDAVIA SESAR JOINT UNDERTAKING European aviation embraces Swedavia, first in Europe to net zero vision achieve Net Zero emissions at Taxi bots, drones, multimodality all 10 airports – new SESAR innovations for airports in the pipeline

Airports Council International Director: Media & Magazine staff PPS Publications Ltd European Region, Communications Rue Montoyer, 10 (box n. 9), Virginia Lee Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Paul J. Hogan 3a Gatwick Metro Centre, Balcombe Road, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 552 09 82 Editor Ross Falconer Horley, Surrey RH6 9GA, Fax: +32 (0)2 502 56 37 Commercial Manager Julian Bidlake Director General [email protected] Head Designer Joel Mitchell Tel: +44 1293 783851 Fax: +44 1293 782959 Olivier Jankovec email: [email protected] Tel: +32 (0)2 552 09 72 Director: Membership [email protected] Services & Events © PPS Publications Ltd 2021 Danielle Michel Tel: +32 (0)2 552 09 78 Fax: +32 (0)2 502 56 37 [email protected]

The opinions and views expressed in Communiqué Airport Business are not necessarily those of ACI EUROPE or the Publisher. ACI EUROPE and PPS Publications accepts no responsibility or liability whether direct or indirect, as to the currency, accuracy or quality of the information, nor for any consequence of its use. CONTENTS CONTINUED

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URBAN AIR MOBILITY EUROCONTROL 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST

Electrically Powered Air Taxis – Leaving COVID behind: Preparing AIRPORT AWARDS AIRPORT AWARDS coming to an airport near you? for recovery wins ACI EUROPE Rome Fiumicino wins ACI EUROPE Best Airport Award in ‘25-40 million Best Airport Award in ‘over 40 million passengers’ category passengers’ category

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16TH ACI EUROPE BEST 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST AIRPORT AWARDS AIRPORT AWARDS AIRPORT AWARDS AIRPORT AWARDS

Hamburg Airport receives ACI EUROPE Budapest Airport wins Malta Torino Airport wins ACI EUROPE Best Best Airport Award in ‘10-25 million Eco-Innovation Award recognised twice at ACI EUROPE Airport Award in ‘under 5 million passengers’ category Best Airport Awards passengers’ category

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16TH ACI EUROPE BEST 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST AMADEUS HAMAD INTERNATIONAL

AIRPORT AWARDS AIRPORT AWARDS Amadeus Flow: “with an integrated AIRPORT cloud platform, airports can digitally receives To70 B.V. wins World Business Partner transform more quickly and with Qatar’s Hamad International Airport Accessible Airport Award Recognition Award simplicity” goes touchless in a nod to “airport of the future”

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EDITORIAL

s I am writing these lines, our industry has been bracing Investment with the COVID-19 pandemic A for more than a year. Yet, with most of Europe still reeling from a third Crunch, Cost wave of infections, aviation remains in the doldrums. Our latest passenger traffic data for Q1 does look pretty miserable, at Recovery & close to -83% across the European airport network – and with airports in the EU, Sustainability EEA, Switzerland and the UK even lower at -89%. Beyond figures, there is so much to say – All Part about this crisis and its enormous human, economic, social and cultural toll. And while we all have been affected in our of the Same personal and professional lives to varying degrees – the two things that our industry Equation and its people have certainly stood for all along these past 14 months are resilience By Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI EUROPE and cooperation. Despite the echoing empty halls and and develop capacity will not go away. to protect airports in bad times – and disappearing revenues, Europe’s airports With limited financial support and mas- it would actually be both logical and have kept serving their communities sive airline bailouts not trickling down fair to allow airports to recover their – enabling the provision of essential to airports, the extent of our investment costs throughout the crisis. Of course, supplies and emergency services. They crunch will largely depend on whether this should happen gradually and be have ensured the health safety of those regulators allow us to recover at least part smoothed over a number of years – as still taking to the skies, implementing of our costs. nobody questions the hardship also suf- extensive sanitary protocols and offering Cost recovery has been a staple of air- fered by airlines. efficient testing facilities. They have sup- port regulation for decades. It is meant to But there is no escaping the fact that in ported their airlines and other business ensure the stability and continued devel- the absence of public financing, cost recov- partners, whenever possible. Europe’s opment of airports, which in turn enables ery is going to be the only way to keep airports have offered relief to commercial healthy airline competition as well as developing ever greener and digitalised tenants, waived aircraft parking charges, diversified and affordable air connectiv- airport infrastructure. It is the key to ensur- lowered landing and passenger charges ity. But talking about cost recovery does ing a more sustainable, competitive and through incentives, extended payment – prima facie – look impossible right now: efficient air transport system meeting the terms – in a desperate attempt to keep if anything, it is argued, airport charges needs of people, businesses and communi- whatever air connectivity could be saved. should be decreasing. That is indeed what ties. This means airport charges regulation, Crucially, they have stood by their staff, the new IATA CEO was quick to call for when needed, will also need to be aligned trying to limit layoffs by using furlough last month, targeting specifically - with the new societal imperatives and pol- schemes whenever available. Heathrow – an airport he happens to know icy priorities of the post COVID-19 era. That All this with rather limited exter- quite well. in turn will require Governments explicitly nal financial support: at the last count, Decreasing airport charges in bad times reframing the role and mandate of their Europe’s airports have received just would be both logical and fair… if airports regulators accordingly. €2.2 billion in state support compared were able to charge market rates in good This edition of Airport Business marks to the €36.5 billion extended to the times. But that is not the case. Airport the end of an era, as it will be the last. For continent’s airlines. charges are usually capped to “protect almost two decades, Airport Business has As recovery prospects keep being airlines” from airport’s supposed abuses brought you the very best of our industry pushed back, airports will emerge from of market power – with regulators keen to via news, in-depth interviews, analysis this crisis in an unprecedented state of ensure “airport affordability” for airlines, and more recently digital updates. Our financial weakness. This will impact their without regard as to whether air fares are thanks go to Airport Business’ editor, ability to invest, right at a time when they equally affordable for passengers. Ross Falconer, to all our contributors, need to accelerate decarbonisation and This regulatory asymmetry (or shall we and to you our readers for making Airport further embrace digitalisation – things dare to say double standard?) is a real- Business a go-to staple over the years. that do not come cheap. There is no ity not just at Heathrow but also at many Rest assured that all your industry news escaping that Europe’s airports might be other airports across Europe. Charges paid and insights will still be coming to you, facing an investment crunch. by airlines at Europe’s airports have been and in faster, smarter and more immediate Of course, some will be quick to down- tightly controlled and capped, while the ways. As we adapt our communications play that risk, pointing to investment in air fares that airlines charge to passengers channels to all the possibilities that digital new capacity becoming irrelevant. But can be sky high. At the same time, airlines platforms bring, we’ll be unveiling after that ignores the impact of the new health are also able to extract considerable value the Summer a suite of new ACI EUROPE safety normal on airport operations and through airport slots trading. These fac- products. Ranging from a monthly Bulletin passenger flows. EUROCONTROL esti- tors combined mean that scarcity rents through to in-depth interviews, social mates that many airport terminals will have only gone one way, and that is the media soundbites and video shorts, there actually run out of capacity once they get airline way. will be more ways than ever to connect back to just 60%/70% of their pre-pan- So, if regulation de facto protects with the very best of our business. So demic traffic volumes. The need to plan airlines in good times, it also needs watch this space.

Spring 2021 Airport Business 07

Helsinki Airport has been selected as the best European airport in its size category in 2020, winning Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport AIRPORTS IN THE Service Quality (ASQ) Award. The airport also received recognition for the hygiene measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since January 2020, Finavia has taken measures to further improve communication and health security at its airports so that passengers can feel safe at the airport. Helsinki Airport has also introduced new innovative practices, such as the COVID-19 sniffer dogs that have received worldwide attention and the UVC disinfection of security control trays. NEWS

Budapest Airport

The ‘long-running’ Budapest Airport-anna.aero Run partnership has been recognised as the Organisational Fundraiser of the Year by cancer charity Anthony Nolan, for which it has raised over €110,000. Established in 2013, the Budapest Airport-anna.aero Runway Run has become the pre- eminent charity-sporting event for the worldwide air transport community, regularly drawing over 1,100 airline and airport runners to compete in a unique 10km race on the Tarmac of Budapest Airport’s Runway 13R-31L. The prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards recognise outstanding achievement by volunteers, fundraisers, clinical supporters and donors who help the pioneering blood cancer charity save lives. The event has so far raised a cumulative €220,000, shared between Anthony Nolan and Hungarian disability group SUHANJ! Foundation – and, even in the past difficult year of sealed borders, it still managed to amass over €9,500 for Anthony Nolan.

Istanbul Airport London Stansted Airport

Istanbul Airport, ’s gateway to the world, has been accredited London Stansted has marked the 30th anniversary of Her Majesty the following its efforts to manage and reduce its carbon footprint as part Queen officially opening the iconic terminal building on 15 March 1991 and of its comprehensive environmental and sustainability programme. the first flights to operate from the ‘new’ airport. The milestone comes as the The Greenhouse Gas Emission Management System applications were airport faces one of the biggest challenges in its history, with the COVID-19 audited by inspectors approved by ACI, in line with the requirements of the pandemic grounding all but essential flights and the aviation sector facing Airport Carbon Accreditation programme and Istanbul Airport obtained continuing uncertainty over when travel might resume. Before the pandemic, accreditation at Level 1 ‘Mapping’. Upon fulfilling the requirement of the airport would welcome around 28 million passengers a year flying to three years of data history, Istanbul Airport aims to progress to the Level almost 200 destinations. This compares to fewer than 50 routes and just over 3 ‘Optimisation’ certification process, reduce total carbon footprint after one million passengers when the terminal opened in 1991. However, in the the three-year period, and take a step towards the Level 4 ‘Neutrality’ last 12 months the number of passengers passing through its doors is now certification process. similar to levels last seen in 1994.

08 Airport Business Autumn 2018 Riga Airport

Riga Airport is set to begin construction of a regional DHL complex, hosting the most advanced express logistics and handling centre in the Baltics. The agreements provide that in cooperation between the airport, logistics company ‘DHL Latvia’ and real estate development and construction Are you receiving the Aviation Express? company SIA ‘Castor Construction’, a regional DHL shipment processing and To stay up to speed with the latest aviation news, logistics centre in an area of 4,500sqm will be built at Riga Airport. The total planned investments account for €12 million. drop us a line to: [email protected]

Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport

A touchless customer experience has been implemented at Frankfurt and Munich airports. Star Alliance has completed development of an interoperable biometric identity and identification platform designed to significantly improve the travel experience for frequent flyer programme customers of member airlines. The Star Alliance Biometrics platform advances the vision of delivering a seamless customer journey, while strengthening the loyalty value proposition within its travel ecosystem. Group airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, will be the first to use Star Alliance Biometrics for selected flights starting in November 2020. Specific infrastructure is being installed at the hub airports of Frankfurt and Munich.

COMPILED BY AGATA LYZNIK

Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Moscow- Groupe ADP

Domodedovo and Moscow-Vnukovo Region, Groupe ADP, -KLM and Airbus are launching a call for expressions of interest to explore the opportunities generated Three Russian airports (Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Moscow-Domodedovo and by hydrogen in Paris airports with the aim of decarbonising air transport Moscow-Vnukovo) were among the top 5 performing European hubs. The 5 activities. This worldwide call for expressions of interest complies with hubs listed as Majors in 2019 – London-Heathrow, Paris-CDG, Amsterdam- the French Government’s energy transition strategy and is supported Schiphol, Frankfurt and Istanbul – lost 250 million passengers in 2020. by the European Commission, which strives for zero-emission aircraft by Frankfurt (-73.4%) posted the largest decrease, closely followed by London- 2035. Aware that the advent of hydrogen will revolutionise the way airport Heathrow (-72.7%), Amsterdam-Schiphol (-70.9%), Paris-CDG (-70.8%) and infrastructure is designed and operated, the partners want to anticipate Istanbul (-59.6%). EU airports (-73% & 1.32 billion passengers lost) were and support developments that should help transform the Paris airports significantly more impacted than those in the non-EU bloc (-61.9% & 400 into true “hydrogen hubs”. million passengers lost). This is mainly due to the size and relative resilience of domestic markets primarily in Russia but also Turkey, combined with less stringent lockdowns and travel restrictions compared to the EU market.

Autumn 2018 Airport Business 09 ISTANBUL AIRPORT

n 6 April 2021, Istanbul Airport marked two years since the Istanbul Airport: “enhancing “Great Move” – the success- O ful transfer of operations from Atatürk Airport to the new mega-hub in Istanbul’s position at just 33 hours. Since opening, Istanbul Airport has welcomed more than 10 new airlines and, pre-COVID, was connected to the very top of the global over 300 destinations, with a throughput of 69 million in 2019. airports league” “Our first priority is as fast a recovery as possible,” begins Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, An interview with Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive iGA Airport Operation. “I call 2021 a year Officer and General Manager, iGA Airport of ‘normalisation’ – I will be very happy if we reach 50-60% of 2019 levels this year. Operation. By Ross Falconer I’m expecting a much stronger recovery in 2022, because the vaccine rollout will be much wider globally. We need a couple core goal of doubling spend per pas- around 35% of 2019 levels, and the airport of years to return to 2019 levels, and I senger in the retail and food & beverage is preserving cash by slashing both oper- believe we will reach our 100 million tar- areas since opening. Added to this, ating and capital expenditure. get five to seven years from today.” the airport has also already won ACI “On the big project finance side, we are Speaking to Airport Business from EUROPE’s Digital Transformation Award able to service our interest obligations,” Ankara on a typically busy day of meet- in November 2020, and became the first says Samsunlu. “During the pandemic ings, Samsunlu is energetic as he reflects airport in the world to receive ACI Airport period, we are not making any principal on reaching the second anniversary of full Health Accreditation. This list is by no debt repayment, but we are continuing to operations. “We are most proud of having means exhaustive, but serves to illustrate pay down our interest with the banks. We built the biggest airport in the world in a the steps Istanbul Airport is taking to suc- have received significant support from record time of just 42 months, and of the ceed in a post-pandemic world. our lenders until the recovery comes. The unprecedented airport transfer process difficult part from a financial perspective – no hub of this size has ever been trans- Surviving the pandemic, is over and, in the short-term, we will see ferred to a new site – we had many critics financially better results on our top line.” predicting failure and disruption which The COVID-19 pandemic arrived just Importantly, Turkey’s furlough scheme, simply never happened.” as Istanbul Airport was preparing to mark introduced in April 2020, has been a life- With that episode now behind iGA, one full year of operation and, like all air- line for employees, supporting jobs and Samsunlu has set his sights on the future, ports, it experienced a significant impact meaning Istanbul Airport has astonishingly especially the importance of creating a on traffic and financial targets. Passenger not had to make any redundancies during “strong corporate culture”, including the numbers are better than others – currently the pandemic.

10 Airport Business Spring 2021 ISTANBUL AIRPORT

“Airports and airlines eve- rywhere must be aligned in managing recovery” Samsunlu believes that Turkish resorts On 6 April 2021, Istanbul Airport marked two years will be at the forefront of a travel and since the “Great Move” – tourism revival this summer. “The first the successful transfer of indications we have received are very operations from Atatürk positive. There is definitely a demand to Airport to the new mega- hub in just 33 hours. Since come to Turkey for summer. In 2019, our opening, Istanbul Airport country welcomed 45 million foreign visi- has welcomed more than tors; last year this number dropped 70% to 10 new airlines and, pre- COVID, was connected almost 13 million – we’ve never seen such to over 300 destinations, a contraction before.” with a throughput of 69 Istanbul Airport is working closely with million in 2019. the ‘Go Turkey’ tourist board and to support the recovery. “It’s vital to coordinate the reopening of the travel and tourism industry,” says Samsunlu. “If we want to have a quick recovery, we In its own response to COVID-19, between Asia and Africa is still less than need to work in very close harmony with Istanbul Airport prioritised a “healthy and 5%. So, this is a big focus area for us.” our hub carrier and we are shoulder-to- safe” travel experience, and last August Meanwhile, Asia-Europe is a large vol- shoulder with Turkish Airlines to align was the very first in the world to receive ume market of over 100 million annual our measures on COVID-19. Airports and ACI’s new Airport Health Accreditation. passengers, with half of traffic at least airlines everywhere must be aligned in one-stop. “Our market share for transfer of managing the recovery of the sector.” Targeting routes in Asia, Africa, this large volume is around 11%. Therefore, Meanwhile, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture Australia we are looking to increase the flow and Tourism has launched a ‘Safe Tourism Post-COVID, Samsunlu expects Istanbul between the two continents and working Certification’, which validates the health Airport’s route and hub development on new routes with our home carrier and and hygiene measures implemented by potential to quickly resume great impor- foreign carriers.” travel and tourism businesses. “Turkey has tance. He identifies some key ‘white spots’ Unsurprisingly, Samsunlu says a done a tremendous job in implement- on the route map. Istanbul Airport does key goal is “to increase the number of ing health and safety measures to protect not have any direct flights to Australia, Chinese airlines and passengers com- tourists against COVID-19,” says Samsunlu. while unserved destinations in Asia and ing to Istanbul Airport…in normal times 15 “Our country is also offering ‘Tourist Africa are also being targeted. “78% of million Chinese travellers come to Europe Protection Support Insurance’ and an ‘Extra Asia-Africa traffic involves at least one each year. Istanbul has only 400,000 Accommodation Costs Guarantee’ in a stop between the two regions. Despite of this market, corresponding to 3% of single package for foreign visitors. So, all over 50 direct African routes from our hub, total Chinese tourism flow to the conti- of these measures rigorously demonstrate and our perfect geographical location, nent – that’s very low – but also a great that Turkey is a safe destination for tourists.” our market share of total transfer traffic potential.”

Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, iGA Airport Operation: “Our first target is to reach 2019 levels again as quickly as possible. Afterwards, our target will be to reach 100 million passengers in 5-7 years. We’ll do this by setting an example of airport operational excellence and by enhancing Istanbul’s position at the very top of the global airports league.”

Spring 2021 Airport Business 11 ISTANBUL AIRPORT

In terms of unserved potential, “Abundant airside and slot “An enhanced passenger experi- Samsunlu describes Australia as the big capacity” ence that is digitally-aware” opportunity. “It is a high priority for us to Samsunlu emphasises that the whole In line with its ‘Smart Airport’ con- connect Istanbul Airport with Australia principle of the brand-new Istanbul hub cept, Istanbul Airport is committed to and provide access for Australian travel- was to create “abundant airside and slot designing an end-to-end fully digital lers to 40+ Turkish destinations and 120+ capacity”. In June 2020, the third independ- passenger experience that will take the European destinations via Istanbul. This ent runway was inaugurated, effectively digital customer journey to the next level. is the only continent that Turkish Airlines doubling the airside capacity offered by Meanwhile, on the commercial side, doesn’t fly to.” the old airport. “This event makes Istanbul Istanbul Airport is establishing its own dig- With a host of destinations in Asia and Airport the first in Turkey, and only the ital marketplace – istbuy.com – which will Australasia still not served by Turkish second in Europe, to operate three inde- utilise Augmented Reality and Artificial Airlines, Istanbul Airport is also exploring pendent parallel runways,” Samsunlu Intelligence. interline opportunities to provide a seam- explains. “The airport is able to accommo- Samsunlu explains that, post-pan- less experience for travellers connecting date around 2,800 movements each day.” demic, digital transformation will be between two different airlines. Importantly, it is the first of Istanbul’s even further accelerated. “In particular, “There is a significant opportunity for runways to open on the eastern side of Istanbul Airport’s passenger processing airlines to get new business in Istanbul the airport, significantly increasing effi- systems will be reinforced with biometric and benefit from Turkish Airlines’ strong ciency in terms of taxi times. solutions based on the very latest facial transfer feed,” says Samsunlu. “So, our The airport has also allocated signifi- recognition technology.” priority is also attracting more new Asian cant land for the cargo business. “We Smart cameras will retrieve passengers’ airlines to Istanbul. This is an impor- see new companies establishing opera- biometric data from check-in desks and tant opportunity, which our marketing tions at Istanbul Airport, like DHL and self-service kiosks, processing the data team is working very hard on with the Turkish Post. The target is to be not only for use at various control points, such as big travel groups, as well as the airlines a hub for passengers, but also for cargo,” security, border control, lounges, retail themselves.” Samsunlu adds. stores and boarding gates.

Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, iGA Airport Operation, highlights that a major achievement of Istanbul Airport is building “a strong and effective team, and a positive corporate culture.”

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ACI Airport Business Magazine Ad 2021 January 132x190 ISTANBUL AIRPORT

Airport and iGA naturally has international ambitions as a manager and developer of other airports. “Obviously our shareholders have long been involved in the construction and operation of many airports around the world. Now, with this expertise consoli- dated in building and operating one of the world’s leading hubs, of course we are interested in sharing our know-how with other airport operators. From this perspective, we may soon be competing with Changi, Munich, and Schiphol.” Meanwhile, in terms of traffic, Samsunlu explains that Istanbul Airport’s Kadri Samsunlu, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, iGA big competition is not in Europe, but Airport Operation, emphasises that the whole principle of the brand- rather with the Gulf airports of Dubai, new Istanbul hub was to create “abundant airside and slot capacity”. Doha and Abu Dhabi. “I believe that In June 2020, the third independent runway was inaugurated. Turkey is a more advantageous location, especially for European destinations, Once unique identification information “Digital transformation is critical in because we are two to three hours closer is formed, comprising a combination of many aspects, from operational perfor- to Europe and this radically alters the biometric data, flight details and passport mance to strategic advantages,” says choice of aircraft, and destinations that or identity card, passengers will not be Samsunlu. “Through taking advantage of can be viably served.” required to present any documents while different fields of technology, combined While the current focus is, naturally, on travelling through the airport. with the vision of SESAR (Single European the extraordinary challenge of the COVID- The successful focus on digital inno- Sky ATM Research), at Istanbul Airport we 19 pandemic, looking ahead Samsunlu vation was recognised at the 16th ACI are able to offer our passengers a unique adds that Istanbul Airport is working hard EUROPE Awards held in November 2020, digital journey experience, a better to achieve the goals set before COVID- at which Istanbul Airport won the Digital operational capability, while also reducing 19. “Our first target is to reach 2019 levels Transformation Award. This award, which airport costs.” again as quickly as possible. Afterwards, is an initiative of ACI EUROPE in associa- our target will be to reach 100 million tion with the SESAR Joint Undertaking, International ambitions: passengers in 5-7 years. We’ll do this by recognises airports that have embraced exporting iGA know-how setting an example of airport operational digitalisation, as well as innovative tech- A vast amount of know-how and capa- excellence and by enhancing Istanbul’s nologies and procedures, to enhance bility has been created in the construction position at the very top of the global air- their operations. and first years of operation of Istanbul ports league.”

Istanbul Airport won the Digital Transformation Award at the 16th ACI EUROPE Awards held in November 2020. The airport has a focus on mobility-oriented, innovative technological services, such as e-passport gates, smart translation service, mobile application, smart parking, 5G, smart security and robots.

14 Airport Business Spring 2021 BOSCH SECURITY SYSTEMS ADVERTISING FEATURE

Combining fire and voice alarm systems for safe airport evacuations

Maarten Wings from Bosch Security Systems shares how IP-based systems help avoid costly false alarms and evacuate airports safely during a real emergency. Maarten Wings, Global Vertical Manager Airports, Bosch Security Systems

hen a pre-alarm goes off, to the location of the alarm to verify. distance to the alarm site. In the event of airport control room per- Especially for larger airports, the walk- a real emergency, smart fire alarms can sonnel only have minutes to ing distance to different terminals varies sync with voice evacuation systems to W make the most important of greatly. Traditional fire and voice alarm evacuate the right zone at the right time. decisions: evacuate and save lives or, with systems only allow for one standard This phased evacuation can occur auto- a false alarm, save the airport from costly verification time, essentially hardwired matically, or safety teams can direct it embarrassment. Safety must always come into the system. Understandably, this manually from the fire alarm panel. EN54- first, but overreacting to a false alarm time is calculated as a worst-case certified fire and voice alarm systems get damages the customer experience – and scenario for the entire airport. Security the message out to the terminals most airport revenue. With the right combina- teams often cannot reach faraway at risk, while diverting passengers from tion of fire alarm and voice evacuation terminals in time, which automatically other terminals to an appropriate exit system, security teams can decide what is triggers a full-scale evacuation. when the time is right. This helps evacu- necessary based on the actual severity of ate as safely and quickly as possible, the situation. IP-based systems help assess while avoiding panic. risk for an appropriate response Unrealistic verification times With a combined fire and voice alarm If you'd like to learn more visit the lead to unnecessary evacuations system integrated over IP, airport safety following webpage: https://www. After a pre-alarm gets triggered, secu- managers can implement multiple boschsecurity.com/xc/en/industries/ rity personnel have to physically walk verification times based on the walking airports/#solutions

Spring 2021 Airport Business 15 ithdrawing from the Architects Declare com- European aviation mitment last year, Foster W and Partners, the renowned embraces net British architecture firm founded by the Pritzker-laureate Sir Norman Foster issued an impassioned statement spell- zero vision ing out the basis of their disagreement. Architects Declare, a coalition which was set up two years prior to coordinate cli- By Agata Lyznik mate action in the sector, had called on any members not committed to ending “business as usual” to leave the group. bring the discussion back to identifying the An unprecedented alliance composed Among others, Sir Norman Foster’s real problem (aviation’s climate impact) and of all sub-sectors of European aviation has involvement in airport infrastructure pro- finding adequate solutions. come together to tackle all these ques- jects had come under fire. He countered The pandemic has brought home what tions and chart the way forward. Enter with a bold appeal to reason: we have known all along. Aviation is a Destination 2050, A Route to Net Zero “We believe that the hallmark of our global driver of connectivity, economic European Aviation. age, and the future of our globally con- development and democratisation and nected world, is mobility,” Lord Foster it stands to reason that instead of trying A journey we can embark on said. “Mobility of people, goods and to wind the clock backwards, we should together information across boundaries. Only by be dedicating our time to ridding aviation Destination 2050 is a flagship sustain- internationally coordinated action can of the main culprit – carbon emissions. ability initiative launched in February 2021 we confront the issues of global warming The list of challenges this work entails by five key aviation associations repre- and, indeed, future pandemics. Aviation is sufficient to keep us busy. What are senting the whole European air transport has a vital role to play in this process and the so-called ‘green premiums’ we need ecosystem. Combining a vision, a road- will continue to do so. You cannot wind to take into account when weaning air map and a set of bold commitments, its the clock backwards.” transport off fossil fuels? What kind of aim is to identify the measures that deliver Sir Norman’s words stand out among technologies should we invest in? Where tangible reductions in CO2 and guide their voices calling for drastic curbs on aviation are the low hanging fruits of decarbonisa- application on the road to full decarboni- on the basis of climate impact. The recent tion? What is the role of each part of the sation of the sector. By 2050, it envisions a rekindling of protests against airport expan- system in bringing about CO2 reductions 92% absolute emissions reduction through sion projects in the UK belies attempts to to the benefit of all? a combined approach underpinned

16 Airport Business Spring 2021 by three key pillars: new technologies, these ambitious goals, the findings of of them delivers a key slice of emissions improved operations and sustainable avia- Destination 2050 have been rolled into reductions on the way to net zero. By the tion fuels (SAF), while the remaining 8% a set of commitments embraced by all year 2050, these reductions are projected is removed from the atmosphere through partners. to be: negative emissions, achieved through Finally, a worldwide trailblazer, natural carbon sinks or dedicated tech- Destination 2050 sets a precedent for • -37% from new aircraft and engine nologies like Carbon Capture and Storage other regions of the world to chart their technologies (CCS); their implementation is supported own paths to net zero and exceed the • -34% thanks to deployment of SAF by economic measures. present goals set globally for the air trans- • -8% through implementation of smart Initiators Airlines for Europe (A4E), port sector. The key to successful climate economic measures Airports Council International Europe mitigation is collective action on the • -6% delivered by optimisation of air traf- (ACI EUROPE), AeroSpace and Defence global scale, therefore the recommenda- fic management. Industries Association of Europe (ASD tions flowing from the report delivered Europe), Civil Air Navigation Services by NLR and SEO oblige the govern- Additionally, the cost of these measures Organisation (CANSO) and European ments and policymakers to work together is likely to have an impact on demand, Regions Airline Association (ERA), with the industry on the development of resulting in an additional reduction of embarked on this ambitious project the measures it outlines, but also, and 15%, so as to reach the net zero CO2 goal. back in 2019, working with the expert more crucially, to jointly work towards a Nevertheless, based on the Destination teams at NLR, the Royal Netherlands global commitment to a net zero carbon 2050 report, European air passenger num- Aerospace Centre (bringing in experi- future for aviation. Not least because the bers are projected to grow on average ence from drawing up a decarbonisation European aviation market needs to remain by approximately 1.4% per year between roadmap for the Dutch aviation sector) competitive and avoid damage from dif- 2018 and 2050 without compromising and SEO Amsterdam Economics. They ferentiated policies, carbon leakage and the sector’s ability to reach net zero CO2 maintained course even when faced with transfer of activity. emissions by this point. We are taking a headwinds from the devastating onset of deeper dive into each of these key focus the ongoing pandemic, and its effect has One pathway, four solutions areas in the subsequent pages. now also been brought into the systemic Destination 2050 delivers one possible forecasting. pathway to reach net zero, based on the Going it alone not an option best of currently available knowledge. It Destination 2050 is a unique oppor- The world is looking therefore doesn’t exhaust nor prescribe tunity for stakeholders such as EU Destination 2050 is the first decar- the list of possible ways of achieving policymakers and national governments bonisation roadmap of its kind on many it. Looking into the future, especially in to get onboard with the bold vision of net counts. It confirms first and foremost that such disruptive times for aviation and zero carbon European aviation. With the net zero can be achieved for all flights the economy at large, always entails industry aligned and committed and a within and departing from the EU, EFTA accepting a wide margin of unknown cir- clear pathway set out, now the ball is in and the UK by 2050. Charting a clear cumstances. Anything from breakthrough their court to step up to the challenge and pathway for the entire European air trans- technologies to changing trading condi- help make this vision a reality. Particularly port sector to reach net zero emissions, tions can tip the scale in another direction. in the areas that need support through the roadmap plugs aviation right into the While these uncertainties remain in place, stable financing mechanisms (fostering grand climate project undertaken by the their presence shouldn’t delay action for research and innovation), incentivising present European Commission under the either the industry nor the policymak- further development and deployment wings of the European Green Deal and ers. In order to make the net zero vision (SAF) or creating political momentum (full the subsequent Climate Law. Going way for European aviation by 2050 a reality, implementation of Single European Sky), beyond the global climate goals currently substantial investments need to be made the involvement of decision-makers is a binding the air transport sector, on intra- now. Governments and policymakers deal-breaker. More than ever, the industry European flights the roadmap sees net need to set up supportive and future- needs institutional support to continue to emissions drop by 13MtCO2 in 2030, a 55% proof frameworks to create the necessary deliver its benefits to society, while arrest- reduction as compared to 1990 levels, conditions for the industry to deliver the ing its negative impact on the climate. thereby contributing to the implementa- innovation and the optimisation of opera- To further engage governmental stake- tion of the European Green Deal in the tions required to decarbonise. Ensuring holders, and building on the Roundtable shorter term as well. a level playing field and facilitating the Report on the Recovery of European As well as aligning with the overarch- transition through incentives and reduc- Aviation from last November, the indus- ing drive to transform all parts of the tion of investment risks are paramount to try is currently working on an EU Pact for European economy, including transport, success over the long term. Sustainable Aviation. This document will it is also the first such regional project to The four key areas identified by bring together industry and regulators bring together all parts of the sector, with Destination 2050 to fulfil the net zero- around a shared vision, common targets airlines, airports, air navigation service carbon promise are: improvements in and high-level principles on the action providers and aerospace manufacturers aircraft and engine technologies, sus- needed to enable us to realise our sus- joining forces. To further strengthen the tainable aviation fuels, smart economic tainable future. role of the roadmap and show industry’s measures and improvements in air traffic Learn more and download the full willingness to play its part to achieve management and aircraft operations. Each report at www.destination2050.eu.

Spring 2021 Airport Business 17 A ROUTE TO NET ZERO EUROPEAN AVIATION

-37% · -111 Mt IMPROVEMENTS IN AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGIES

By 2050, improvements in aircraft and engine technologies and subsequent fleet replacement hold the largest promise for reducing aviation’s contribution to climate change.

NET ZERO

We believe that together, policy- Here is how improvements in aircraft and engine technologies makers and the industry can make can make a difference: net zero CO2 emissions a reality by

2050. In 2030, net CO2 emissions 1 By 2035, aircraft with highly efficient propulsion systems and from intra-European flights would 30% less fuel consumption, could become available. be reduced by 55% compared to 2 Also by 2035, hydrogen-powered aircraft suitable for short- 1990 levels through a combination range intra-European routes have the potential to reduce CO2 of fleet renewal, SAF, operational emissions by 100% as these aircraft progressively enter service. improvements and EU ETS/CORSIA, 3 Development of more fuel-efficient aircraft, engines and in line with the new EU climate goal optimised range and capacity of hybrid-electric rotorcraft and for 2030. regional aircraft would reduce CO2 emissions per flight by 50% compared to 2018. These rotorcraft and regional aircraft should enter service between 2030 and 2035.

4 Both hydrogen-powered aircraft and hybrid-electric rotorcraft and regional aircraft require dedicated technology readiness by

To achieve net zero CO2 aviation 2027 to 2030, at both aircraft and propulsion system level. in Europe by 2050, while upholding international competitiveness and 5 Following their readiness, new technologies should be swiftly aviation’s benefits to society - joint, incorporated in all commercial fixed and rotary wing products. coordinated and decisive industry and This would require efficient new certification procedures for disruptive technologies. government efforts are required. The time to act is now to make European 6 Fleet renewal based on existing state-of-the-art products will aviation’s climate ambitions for continue to reduce CO2 emissions, and even higher reductions could 2030 and 2050 a reality. be achieved in the short term by accelerated fleet renewal.

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-6% · -18 Mt IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

Improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations can make an important contribution to reducing aviation’s

CO2 emissions in the short to medium term, contributing to a 6% CO2 reduction from European aviation by 2050. More eco-friendly operations are made possible thanks to a better collaboration between airlines, ANSPs, airports, pilots and air traffic controllers. Improvements are clustered in three areas: aircraft operations, air traffic management and ground operations at airports.

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We believe that together, policy-makers and Here is how improvements in ATM and aircraft the industry can make net zero CO2 emissions operations can make a difference: a reality by 2050. In 2030, net CO2 emissions from intra-European flights would be reduced Improved flight planning, weight reduction and airframe condition and maintenance could reduce by 55% compared to 1990 levels through a 1 fuel burn, helped by innovative concepts such as combination of fleet renewal, SAF, operational wake energy retrieval (aircraft fly closer together improvements and EU ETS/CORSIA, in line than currently allowed). with the new EU climate goal for 2030. The full implementation of the Single European 2 Sky initiative is fundamental to remove barriers To achieve net zero CO2 aviation in Europe among Member States and streamline air traffic to by 2050, while upholding international guarantee passengers greater efficiency. competitiveness and aviation’s benefits to society - joint, coordinated and decisive Reduced engine taxi, (electric) operational towing industry and government efforts are 3 and reduced usage of Auxiliary Power Units (APU) required. The time to act is now to make at airports could contribute to more efficient European aviation’s climate ambitions ground operations while also reducing emissions for 2030 and 2050 a reality. of local air pollutants

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-8% · -22 Mt SMART ECONOMIC MEASURES

Economic measures will initially represent the most promising option to rapidly reduce net emissions from

European aviation. The goal is to assign a price to CO2 emissions, ensuring that airlines and other operators take climate costs explicitly into account in their business decisions. Until SAFs and new aircraft become more widely used and breakthroughs such as hydrogen and hybrid- (electric) technology become available, smart economic measures are fundamental in reaching EU and global climate goals. The most effective measures are emissions trading and offsetting schemes.

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We believe that together, policy- Here is how economic measures can make a difference: makers and the industry can make Emissions trading schemes: net zero CO2 emissions a reality by 1 Through the European Emissions Trading System (EU 2050. In 2030, net CO2 emissions ETS), the number of available emissions allowances is from intra-European flights would capped and reduced each year to ensure that the EU be reduced by 55% compared to climate targets will be met. 1990 levels through a combination of fleet renewal, SAF, operational Offsetting schemes: improvements and EU ETS/CORSIA, 2 Offsetting relies on purchases of carbon credits in line with the new EU climate goal generated by projects that reduce emissions in for 2030. other sectors. The ICAO Carbon Reduction and Offsetting Scheme (CORSIA) requires airlines to offset any emissions from international flights between participating States above the 2019 threshold. This

To achieve net zero CO2 aviation in Europe global approach ensures maximum efficiency whilst by 2050, while upholding international ensuring that potential market distortion is minimised. competitiveness and aviation’s benefits to society - joint, coordinated and decisive In 2050, carbon removal projects (e.g. Carbon Capture Storage, industry and government efforts are afforestation) will become economically effective as a way to balance required. The time to act is now to make any remaining emissions. Destination 2050 assumes that by 2050, any European aviation’s climate ambitions economic measure used by aviation will rely exclusively on carbon for 2030 and 2050 a reality. removals, enabling it to effectively reach net zero CO2 emissions.

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-34% · -99 Mt SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) have major potential to reduce the aviation industry’s

climate impact. With SAF use, net CO2 emissions over the lifecycle can be reduced by up to 80% now, and up to 100% in the future. Any SAF should follow robust and transparent sustainability criteria. Destination 2050 considers only advanced biofuels and synthetic fuels based on the EU Renewable Energy Directive as part of its roadmap.

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We believe that together, policy- It is estimated that SAFs could account for up to 83% makers and the industry can make net of the total fuel consumption in Europe by 2050. zero CO2 emissions a reality by 2050. Here is how the deployment of sustainable aviation

In 2030, net CO2 emissions from intra- fuels can make a difference: European flights would be reduced by 55% compared to 1990 levels through Drop-in fuels can be blended with conventional a combination of fleet renewal, SAF, 1 kerosene and are certified at a 50% blend for operational improvements and EU ETS/ use in existing fleets -- therefore foregoing CORSIA, in line with the new EU climate the need for changes to the aircraft, engine goal for 2030. or infrastructure. With engine and system adaptations, this could potentially rise to 100% SAF use in the future.

To achieve net zero CO2 aviation in Europe Scaling up and commercialising SAFs remains by 2050, while upholding international 2 one of the key challenges. SAFs cost an competitiveness and aviation’s benefits to estimated two to seven times the price of fossil society - joint, coordinated and decisive fuels. A long-term policy framework is needed industry and government efforts are to de-risk investments and boost the production required. The time to act is now to make and uptake of SAFs. These measures include European aviation’s climate ambitions carbon pricing, investment incentives, and for 2030 and 2050 a reality. implementing an EU-wide blending obligation.

DISCOVER MORE AT DESTINATION2050.EU SWEDAVIA

tockholm, Sweden, a top five eco-friendly destination, is home Swedavia, first in Europe to to environmental champion Greta S Thunberg and Swedavia AB, the national airport operator that achieved achieve Net Zero emissions Net Zero emissions at all 10 of her airports late last year in a world first. From back-up airport generators to at all 10 airports a fleet of 800 vehicles, all elements of Swedavia’s network of 10 airports are now An interview with Lena Wennberg, powered by renewable energy, eliminat- Sustainability and Environmental Manager ing 8,000 tons of fossil carbon dioxide a at Swedavia AB. By Michael Beadling year from a decade ago when changes began. Spearheading the strategy transition to Net Zero is Lena Wennberg, Sustainability and Environmental Manager at Swedavia Through a sustainable aviation fuel AB. Lena specialises in strategy and the (SAF) procurement scheme, Swedavia environment and has been working as an invites other companies and public Environmental Manager for Swedavia AB bodies to a joint annual procurement, in order for all participants to offset since 2010. their corporate travel carbon footprint “I think we have proved to passengers by buying SAF. Swedavia’s scheme also and our peer airports that it is possible aims at promoting a large-scale SAF production for the long term in Sweden. for the aviation industry to transform to a more sustainable business, starting with airports we operate and then turning our efforts to airlines,” she begins. “We pay 50% of the premium cost when Lena insists that transition benefits to we as members are doing lots of good airlines use sustainable aviation jet fuels airports and associated airport businesses things to fight climate change,” she adds. tanked at Swedavia airports, and favour in the long term would outweigh any higher “The Paris Agreement and the EU Green environmentally friendly cars through costs in the immediate future. “New fossil Deal put the 2050 Net Zero objective front permits ruling out fossil-powered vehicles free cars or fuels may be more expensive, and centre for all businesses alike. They from use in operations on the ground. For but in the long run they are more efficient are very important beacons to us and we the past 10 years we have also continued and require less maintenance. I think the look forward to working on them with the to promote our environmentally friendly passengers accept that we should have help of ACI EUROPE in the future,” she taxi service from Stockholm-Arlanda these extra costs in the short term to concludes. Airport that favours bio-gas or electric enable our fossil free operations, and I think Swedavia’s complete Annual and taxis that has contributed to Stockholm also that our airlines accept it for the ben- Sustainability Report (in Swedish) can being one of the most environmentally efit of the future,” she says. be downloaded at www.swedavia.se/ friendly cities in Europe,” says Lena. “This Pioneers of Net Zero in Europe and om-swedavia/finansiell-information is just a starting point to incentivise sus- worldwide, Swedavia acts as a model For more information on the Net Zero tainable aviation in the future. We have an for European airports to follow and as resolution click the following link https:// overall objective in Sweden that domestic a member of ACI EUROPE is part of its www.aci-europe.org/netzero flights should be fossil free by 2030 and efforts, through strategic partnerships and all flights in Sweden should be fossil free information sharing, to help other airports by 2045,” she adds. deliver on their Net Zero commitments. Sources: Lena explains that Swedavia supports “ACI EUROPE does excellent work in https://www.traveldailymedia.com/ this goal through a sustainable aviation explaining airports situations to decision green-cities-in-europe/ fuel (SAF) procurement scheme whereby makers in the EU, and we get lots of infor- https://www.mynewsdesk.com/swedavia/ Swedavia invites other companies and mation from them as members on when pressreleases/swedavia-reaches-milestone- public bodies to a joint annual procure- to react,” says Lena. “I think ACI EUROPE in-its-climate-work-swedavias-own-airport- operations-now-fossil-free-3085574 ment, in order for all participants to offset does good work on sharing environmental their corporate travel carbon footprint by information on airports, explaining to the https://www.aci-europe.org/netzero buying SAF. Swedavia’s scheme also aims passengers and other stakeholders that at promoting a large-scale SAF produc- tion for the long term in Sweden. SESAR JOINT UNDERTAKING

The green promise of aircraft taxiing technologies Every saving counts when it comes to Taxi bots, drones, reducing fuel burn, CO2, but also local air pollutant emissions and noise. That’s multimodality – new where taxibots or e-taxi systems come in and the Advanced Engine Off Navigation (AEON) project. The project partners aim SESAR innovations for to significantly lower CO2 emissions gen- erated by aircraft taxiing at airports by developing a concept of operations for airports in the pipeline engine-off taxiing techniques, making use of novel technologies that are coming onto In 2020, the SESAR Joint Undertaking unveiled a new wave the market. These include non-autono- of research into technologies aimed at making aviation mous taxiing systems like taxibots which, unlike the normal pushback trucks, can smarter and more sustainable for the generations to come. tow full aircraft to near the start of the run- Among them are digital solutions specifically addressing way, without the aircraft having to start its the airport environment and key performance areas engines. Autonomous taxiing systems also offer big fuel and emission savings and around climate mitigation, safety and connectivity with end last minute delays, relying as they do other modes of transport. on electric motors embedded in the land- ing gear to allow planes to push back and speed of aircraft on approach in order to and/or can help them recover from any taxi without their jet engines running. limit damage in the event of a collision. disruptions as quickly and as efficiently The project will work closely with Drones can therefore have significant as possible. In doing so, the project pro- airports, airlines and manufacturers on impact on airport operations. Research poses a more integrated and coordinated developing a business model to help and development is underway on a broad approach to handling drone incursions. airports and/or airlines evaluate their ben- range of systems that are able to impede https://www.sesarju.eu/projects/ASPRID efits in implementing these technologies; such so-called rogue-drone flights as well as a real-time evaluation of envi- over non-authorised areas by detecting Airports, a key node in Europe’s ronmental indicators to support dynamic and neutralising drones. While innova- future multimodal transport decision-making. The work of the project tive, these solutions are not necessarily Planes, trains and automobiles, not to will support the future implementation of interoperable or customised with airport mention micro-mobility options like bikes these innovative taxiing solutions, which environments in mind. and scooters. Would-be travellers have are expected in some cases to reduce taxi Partners in the ASPRID (Airport System never had so many mobility options to fuel costs by around 50% and up to 85% of PRotection from Intruding Drones) project choose from for getting from A to B. But ground operations costs. aim to develop a service-oriented opera- how can these be seamlessly combined https://www.aeon-project.eu/ tional concept and system architecture to so that passengers can travel from door- protect airport operations from unwanted to-door free of hassles and conscious Protecting airports from drones. To do so, the project will analyse that they have selected the greenest drone incursions aircraft and airport (runway and ground) combination? Drone intrusions at airports regu- operations to pinpoint possible vulner- The IMHOTEP (Integrated Multimodal larly hit the headlines and airports are abilities. With this, the project aims to Airport Operations for Efficient Passenger taking measures in the short term to identify possible technologies, proce- Flow Management) project has a vision mitigate these, from grounding aircraft dures and regulations that could help and a plan to make this a reality – and when drones are detected to reducing better safeguard against drone incursions airports will be one of the key multimodal connection nodes. A set of interconnected platforms and services will enable com- mon situational awareness and real-time coordinated decision-making between airports and ground transport modes, allowing a more efficient passenger flow management and providing travellers with accurate information and recommenda- tions for the planning and reconfiguration of their journeys in real time. Partners in the The project partners will test out ASPRID (Airport their methods and tools using Palma de System PRotection Mallorca and London City airports as case from Intruding Drones) project studies – this work will be done in direct aim to develop a collaboration with airports, local transport service-oriented authorities and transport operators, in operational concept order to demonstrate the maturity of and system the technology. architecture to https://www.imhotep-h2020.eu/ protect airport operations from unwanted drones.

Spring 2021 Airport Business 23 URBAN AIR MOBILITY

ast forward to 2024! It is not a par- ticularly ambitious leap into the Electrically Powered future – but possibly just enough F for you to catch a glimpse of the stuff science fiction is made of. By 2024 Air Taxis – coming to an hopefully we will not only have left the COVID-19 pandemic firmly behind us but Paris will be the bustling host of the sum- airport near you? mer Olympics. What better opportunity than a big international sporting event By Ansgar Sickert, ACI EUROPE Liaison to EASA to launch new exciting technologies and services? Why not hover over the French capital in an electrical Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft or eVTOL for short? Management (UTM). This regulatory Future gazing or the next step in Before we paint this scenario any blueprint is called U-space in Europe. aviation? further, let us have a look at a couple As defined by SESAR Joint Undertaking Apart from developing frameworks for of concepts and technological devel- (effectively the EU’s air traffic control drone services in urban spaces, EASA opments first. Globally, close to 300 research project) which developed the is also preparing the ground for the companies are feverishly working on a original blueprint, U-space is a “set of new certification of various passenger car- new generation of electrically powered services relying on a high level of digi- rying eVTOLs and expects to publish a aircraft. At the same time regulators talisation and automation … designed to Prototype Technical Specification for a around the world are devising regulatory support safe, efficient and secure access VFR/non-instrument Vertiport later this concepts that will provide the basis for to airspace for large numbers of drones. year. Europe is home to a range of dem- unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – other- As such, U-space is an enabling frame- onstrator projects that seek to speed up wise known as drones – to populate our work designed to facilitate any kind of and facilitate Urban Air Mobility (UAM). skies above our suburbs and even in our routine mission, in all classes of airspace Groupe ADP which owns, operates and city centres. and all types of environment – even invests in airports around the world Images of buzzing swarms of drones the most congested – while addressing together with the Paris region’s main delivering freshly baked pizzas or the an appropriate interface with manned public transport provider RATP, are the latest best-selling books across town aviation and air traffic control.” This latest to announce the development of are certainly premature. However, the means U-space, once established, will an Urban Air Mobility testing ground at European Union Aviation Safety Agency allow drones as well as (initially piloted) Pontoise airfield 50km to the northwest (EASA) has been given the green light air taxis to roam the skies and deliver of central Paris. The two transport giants to move ahead with regulatory concept their services, parcels and – yes – also are partnering with 30 global companies for Unmanned (Aircraft System) Traffic passengers. including ’s and China’s leading

24 Airport Business Spring 2021 URBAN AIR MOBILITY

eVTOL manufacturers Volocopter and EHang. The aim is to test, develop and implement air taxi services in time for the 2024 summer Olympics. A fully functional connection between Charles de Gaulle Airport and the capital is more likely by 2030, however. During demonstrators in Dubai, Singapore, Helskinki and Stuttgart, Volocopter has convincingly demon- strated the capabilities of its Volocopter X2 aircraft which will be superseded by its current VoloCity model. Benefitting from a less stringent regulatory regime, China’s EHang already offers regular sight-seeing trips over Hong Kong to adventurous tourists. The European Commission started its Urban Air Mobility Initiative (UAMI) in May 2018 as part of the European Innovation Partnership in Smart Cities and UK-based Skyports and startup Urban Air Port have developed modular Communities (EIP-SCC). This Partnership concepts for vertiports that could be set up at almost any location. brings together cities and regions, citizens, industries, SMEs, investors, researchers and other smart city actors. especially of large hub airport operators air taxis must not interfere with commer- Several clusters consisting of cities and to explore opportunities for connecting cial air traffic. Losing valuable slots for regions have signed up to the initiative them with their surrounding cities and commercial airlines clearly cannot be a with the expectation of finding ways to beyond. In 2019 Fraport and Volocopter viable option and therefore requires the progressively establish urban air mobility announced their collaboration to jointly development of approach and departure as an integral part of modal transport for develop concepts for processes on the concepts that do not interfere with regular goods, services and people. ground, handling of passengers and airline operations. SESAR is working on In brief, air taxi technology, successful eVTOL operations to and from a dedicated a research project on how to integrate demonstrators and progress in regulation infrastructure at a commercial airport. air taxis into an airport environment. around the world paint a promising picture All of this is not trivial. For the business Germany’s Air Navigation Service Provider for UAM. But what – if anything – does this model of air taxi services offering short DFS is doing much the same, but from mean for the airport industry? rides to and from airports to work, time more of an implementation angle. saving compared to travelling by ground UK-based Skyports and startup Urban Air-to-Air Connectivity taxi or using public transport is a criti- Air Port have developed modular con- Airports are nodal points for passen- cal success factor. This means landing cepts for vertiports that could be set up at gers, cargo and express mail. As such they as close to the passenger terminal as almost any location. This November Urban make for potentially high volume origin possible in order to save time and avoid Air Port plans to have a temporary pop- and destination locations. No wonder that additional transfer or walks. From an air- up, yet fully functional, vertiport up and eVTOL manufacturers knock on the doors port perspective, the routing of electric running bang in the heart of Coventry. If successful, the live demonstrations could well show the viability of electric flying for the transport of passengers and goods or to provide faster response to emergencies and natural disasters in general. Considerable development is still neces- sary to be undertaken and many questions asked and answered before air taxis become a common sight over Europe’s cities or even having them land at an air- port near you. Without a doubt, this new and exciting technology offers potential opportunities for airports as a new, fast and traffic-jam busting mode of transport. ACI EUROPE is involved in various EASA expert groups helping to develop safe and efficient infrastructure for electrically powered VTOLs. An EASA commissioned During demonstrators study on societal acceptance of UAM is in Dubai, Singapore, Helskinki and expected this summer. It will show whether Stuttgart, Volocopter a progressive regulatory framework and has convincingly futuristic looking landing sites will be demonstrated enough to coax people into an air taxi. the capabilities of its Volocopter X2 aircraft which will be superseded by its current VoloCity model. Spring 2021 Airport Business 25 EUROCONTROL

Now that we are more than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, EUROCONTROL and ACI EUROPE teamed up to set up a webinar in order to have a clear understanding of what the operational challenges will be when passengers return in numbers, what guidance is available and what other airports have done, and how to prepare.

he webinar took place on 10 March and attracted some 400 Leaving COVID behind: people coming from the airport T communities across Europe. Steven Moore, Head of ATM Network Preparing for recovery Operations Division at EUROCONTROL kicked off the event by setting the scene and by providing a snapshot of the European traffic forecast. Aidan Flanagan, Safety, Capacity, ATM & Single European Now that we are more than one year into the COVID-19 Sky Manager at ACI EUROPE continued pandemic, EUROCONTROL and ACI EUROPE teamed up to set the introduction and referred to the start up a webinar in order to have a clear understanding of what of the pandemic, the Off-The-Ground initiative, the guidance documents that the operational challenges will be when passengers return in were delivered, the various airport capac- numbers, what guidance is available and what other airports ity simulation studies that were done, and the good work done every week by have done, and how to prepare. Report by Eugene Leeman EUROCONTROL with the NDOP recovery cell weekly briefing. The need for collaboration between airport operators was highlighted by Sergio Fernandez from IATA. It is no secret Surveys During the preparation of the webinar, that planning is a serious issue for both Prior to the webinar, two different it was realised that the recovery of the stakeholders, but one of the areas that surveys were held related to COVID-19 COVID-19 crisis covers a lot of ground we could help each other with is inform- recovery: one for the Airport Corner sub- and is a challenge to handle in just 90 ing passengers as well as possible about scribers (EUROCONTROL) and one for the minutes. Nevertheless, it is hoped by the do’s and don’ts and to make them feel ACI EUROPE airport members. The key EUROCONTROL and ACI EUROPE that comfortable to travel. points of both surveys were explained this webinar helped to provide a useful by Bruno Desart (EUROCONTROL) and overview of the most salient points from Simulation Studies Eugene Leeman (ACI EUROPE). yesterday, today and tomorrow with ele- Daniel Skoglund from Swedavia was ments that matter to us all. then given the floor to explain the key Panel Discussion Last but not least, ACI EUROPE wants take-aways from the EUROCONTROL The subsequent panel – moderated to express its gratitude to EUROCONTROL study on COVID-19 impact performed by Steven Moore – started with ques- for the professional hosting and prepara- mid-last year (see also article in Airport tions about what the airports had actually tion of the event, as well as To70 for its Business – Autumn 2020). For this study done with the conclusions of the differ- active role behind the scenes. a generic airport was used, as well as the ent studies and guidance material. The More details of the webinar and the baseline 1.5m physical distancing which Q&A session focused around lessons presentations given can be downloaded was a hot topic by then. learned, challenges, the way forward and here: https://www.eurocontrol.int/event/ Guilian Preud’homme took over and what kind of support airports and airlines leaving-covid-behind-preparing-recovery zoomed in on the map, sharing insights would need from EUROCONTROL and ACI Eugene Leeman is ACI EUROPE’s Liaison from the study case at . EUROPE during the recovery process. Officer to EUROCONTROL.

26 Airport Business Spring 2021 1.0 advert 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST AIRPORT AWARDS

Lisbon Airport wins ACI EUROPE Best Airport Award in ‘25-40 million passengers’ category

Lisbon Airport was named ACI EUROPE Best Airport for 2020 in the ‘25-40 million passengers’ category. The award reflects a dynamic and sustainable strategy to drive innovation and performance, as well as a rapid response and engagement in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Report by Ross Falconer

Lisbon Airport was named ACI EUROPE Best In addition to following guidelines from responses, using a QR code. It moni- Airport for 2020 in the ‘25-40 million passengers’ the health authorities, ANA Aeroportos de tors the implementation of contactless category. Thierry Ligonnière, CEO ANA Aeroportos Portugal promotes the development of solutions and the use of disinfection de Portugal: “In a year of uncertainty, our teams have shown commitment and resilience. We were innovation applied to airport operations, equipment with advanced UV technology able to reinvent ourselves, adapt and innovate, with the aim of increasing health safety for large areas and equipment, such as assuring the protection of all, for all.” and improving the passenger experience. counters, luggage trolleys, X-ray trays, etc. In compliance with national and interna- Last June, ANA’s airports obtained inner in the ‘25-40 million tional regulations, the airport adapts its the ‘Clean & Safe’ seal of approval from passengers’ category at spaces to the required infection mitigation Turismo de Portugal, as well as Bureau the 16th ACI EUROPE Best measures whenever necessary. Veritas certification in September follow- W Airport Awards was Lisbon Signage and spaces have been adapted ing an audit process. Airport. The judges considered that the to encourage social distancing, clean- Comprehensive work has been under- airport excels in ensuring a contactless ing and disinfection have been reinforced taken in conjunction with tourism bodies, and safe passenger experience, namely using the most innovative procedures, the and national and international partners, in with the rollout of the ‘Biometrics on the temperature of all arriving passengers is order to ensure that the measures imple- move’ project and the introduction of checked, and passenger flows have been mented are integrated along the entire advanced UV disinfection technology. adjusted. Meanwhile, VINCI Airports has passenger route. These specific measures The airport’s strategy of leveraging team implemented a strong communication are continually assessed and reinforced. skills to foster innovation, in partnership campaign for passengers – ‘Protecting “In a year of uncertainty, our teams have with Portuguese universities, was another each other’ – at the 45 airports in its net- shown commitment and resilience. We factor in recognition. The airport was also work, giving travellers the same visual were able to reinvent ourselves, adapt praised for using passenger feedback to references in all of its airports. and innovate, assuring the protection of continue to improve the safety and health A digital platform – U-monitor – records all, for all,” said Thierry Ligonnière, CEO measures in place. feedback from passengers with real-time ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. Lisbon Airport has been operated by VINCI Airports since 2013 under a 50-year concession agreement through its sub- sidiary ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. “We are very honoured with the part- nership that has been in place with the Portuguese authorities since 2013. VINCI Airports intends to continue developing Lisbon Airport as an efficient, sustainable and innovative gateway that will con- In addition to following guidelines from the health authorities, ANA tribute to economic recovery and to the Aeroportos de Portugal promotes tourism sector in Portugal,” said Nicolas the development of innovation Notebaert, CEO VINCI Airports. applied to airport operations, with the aim of increasing Lisbon, like all the airports run by ANA health safety and improving the Aeroportos de Portugal, implemented passenger experience. protective measures at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, working closely with the health authorities, while adding meas- ures and improving procedures whenever necessary.

28 Airport Business Spring 2021 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST AIRPORT AWARDS

ome Fiumicino Airport won the 2020 ACI EUROPE Best Airport Rome Fiumicino wins Award in the ‘over 40 million pas- R sengers’ category. It was the third consecutive year in which the airport was ACI EUROPE Best Airport recognised at the awards. The prestigious result had particular significance, given that it concerned the Award in ‘over 40 million measures taken and protocols adopted to contain the pandemic. Fiumicino was passengers’ category one of the first airports to be awarded ACI Airport Health Accreditation, and has also received the Rina Service Biosafety Trust CEO Aeroporti di Roma. “This time, the Certification. Best Airport Award testifies to the virtuous Since the beginning of the pandemic, path that, combining safety and quality Aeroporti di Roma has introduced meas- in the airport experience with timeliness ures to ensure the safety and comfort of and incisiveness, has made Fiumicino passengers and staff. This includes com- the most recognised airport in the world prehensive sanitisation; the automatic ‘UV in the fight against COVID-19. It is a new Clean Touch’ disinfection of escalators, milestone in ADR’s strategy, which is lifts and item trays; social distancing indi- increasingly oriented towards excellence cated by special signs; installation of over in services, sustainability and innovation.” 350 sanitising gel dispensers; and approxi- mately 100 latest-generation temperature Rome Fiumicino Airport won the ACI EUROPE Best scanners, which measure body tempera- Airport Award in the ‘over 40 million passengers’ ture in less than two seconds. category. Marco Troncone, CEO Aeroporti di Roma: “It is a new milestone in ADR’s strategy, which “We are particularly proud of this his- is increasingly oriented towards excellence in toric recognition,” said Marco Troncone, services, sustainability and innovation.”

amburg Airport won the ACI EUROPE Best Airport Award in receives the ‘10-25 million passengers’ H category. It is the fourth time the airport has prevailed at the awards, ACI EUROPE Best Airport following its successes in 2012, 2013 and 2018. The airport convinced the judges in Award in ‘10-25 million numerous areas, including customer ser- vice, safety and security, and in particular passengers’ category in environmental protection, social com- mitment and taking responsibility for the needs of its staff. Recognition was also ranging from reducing CO2 emissions accorded for the exemplary protective within the airport’s scope of influence to measures taken by the airport in response noise protection and protecting endan- to the COVID-19 pandemic. gered species. The airport was noted “It is a great honour for us to be recog- for its continued work towards aviation nised as the ‘Best Airport in Europe’ for the decarbonisation. This includes the air- fourth time,” said Michael Eggenschwiler, port’s participation in the ‘KEROSyN100’ CEO Hamburg Airport. “It fills us with con- initiative on synthetic fuel and the fidence that we are on the right path even implementation of the ‘follow the greens’ in the current situation. We, the airport, SESAR solution with safety and quantified are more than just an economic factor for environmental benefits. the region. It is our job to connect people The airport also won praise from the all over the world. At the same time, it is judges for its focus on passenger needs important to us to be a reliable employer with the implementation of measures that and neighbour. For many decades now, promote a contactless and safe passen- we have focused particularly on develop- ger experience. ing air travel and environmental protection hand-in-hand.” Hamburg Airport won the ACI EUROPE Best Airport Hamburg Airport has an established Award in the ‘10-25 million passengers’ category. team dedicated to fulfilling the airport’s Michael Eggenschwiler, CEO Hamburg Airport: “It commitment to serve the local commu- is a great honour for us to be recognised as the ‘Best Airport in Europe’ for the fourth time. It fills nity. The activities of the Environmental us with confidence that we are on the right path Management Centre are also diverse, even in the current situation.”

Spring 2021 Airport Business 29 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST AIRPORT AWARDS

Budapest Airport wins Eco-Innovation Award

he Eco-Innovation Award spe- landside and airside. It was also recog- cifically recognises airports’ nised for the leadership and commitment outstanding environmental per- shown by airport staff, with a high consist- T formance, in particular innovative ency in delivery. approaches to environmental manage- Dr Rolf Schnitzler, then-CEO of ment. Entries were required to provide Budapest Airport, commented: “An airport details of an innovative project in one of has to cope with today’s challenges and the following three environmental disci- megatrends. The key to this is innovation plines: Climate Change, Local Air Quality, and thinking ahead; one of the chal- and Water and Waste Water Management. lenges for our industry is to increase the The jury for this award comprised mem- sustainability of our operations. We at bers of the independent Advisory Board Budapest Airport incorporated sustain- of the global carbon management pro- ability as one of our main strategic pillars. gramme, Airport Carbon Accreditation. Optimising ground transportation has a The 2020 Eco-Innovation Award went to huge potential to become more envi- Budapest Airport (currently accredited at ronmentally-friendly. Budapest Airport Budapest Airport received the Eco-Innovation Level 3+ Neutrality within Airport Carbon will continue with a long-term mindset, Award. Its then-CEO Dr Rolf Schnitzler Accreditation), which had applied under and will continue to focus on sustainable commented: “Budapest Airport will continue with a long-term mindset, and will continue to the discipline of Climate Change. The airport operations during the hopefully focus on sustainable airport operations during airport was commended for a strong focus imminent recovery of the aviation industry. the hopefully imminent recovery of the aviation on enhancing e-mobility with partner The recognition of our achievement gives industry. The recognition of our achievement gives us strength to continue with innovative, forward- companies and travelling public/employ- us strength to continue with innovative, looking projects.” ees, leading to emissions reductions both forward-looking projects.”

Malta International Airport recognised twice at ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards

inner in the ‘5-10 million for bringing employees back to work with Tina Lombardi, Head of HR, Strategy and Marketing, Malta International Airport, accepted passengers’ category was innovative solutions focused on communi- the HR Excellence Award. Malta International Airport. cation, safety and psychological aspects. W The airport secured the The airport was honoured for its com- award for its work on the creation of a prehensive employee-centric approach contactless and safe passenger experi- based on promoting information-sharing, ence, with the extensive use of partition providing a safe working environment and walls and auto alerts to a dedicated ensuring employee wellbeing (physical Airport Care Team when passengers are and mental). The judges underlined the not social distancing. The judges also airport’s special focus on staff feedback highlighted the airport’s excellent online and staff training, including a dedicated engagement with passengers and the e-training platform, and its employee rec- incorporation of traveller feedback, ena- ognition and retention strategy. bling health and safety measures to be “We are honoured that ACI EUROPE has prioritised around passenger concerns. recognised our efforts, both as an airport Malta International Airport also received operator and an employer, to adapt to the the ACI EUROPE HR Excellence Award, unprecedented challenges brought by Philip Borg, Senior Technician, Malta International which recognises airports that have COVID-19 and safeguard two of our most Airport, whose career with the company spans demonstrated excellent leadership and important stakeholder groups: our guests almost three decades, accepted the Best Airport Award in the ‘5-10 million passengers’ category on human resources management in times and our employees,” said Alan Borg, CEO behalf of the team. of COVID-19 by putting in place strategies Malta International Airport.

30 Airport Business Spring 2021 16TH ACI EUROPE BEST AIRPORT AWARDS

Torino Airport wins ACI To70 B.V. EUROPE Best Airport wins World Award in ‘under 5 million Business passengers’ category Partner

he 2020 ACI EUROPE Best temperature screening, testing of passen- Airport Award in the ‘under 5 gers coming from areas severely affected Recognition million passengers’ category by COVID-19 and the use of innovative T went to Torino Airport for its swift technologies to ensure a touchless and Award response to the COVID-19 pandemic safe passenger experience. through the implementation of health The judges were impressed by the air- and safety protocols in collaboration with port’s strong community support, helping local authorities to maintain operational those in need. The judges also valued the continuity. In particular, the airport was airport’s intensive staff training, and insur- praised for the rapid introduction of body ance policy for employees infected by COVID-19. “I am proud that the airport of Turin has been awarded as the best European air- port of 2020 in its category,” said Andrea Andorno, CEO Torino Airport. “This award is the outcome of everyone’s effort, of those who have been at the forefront and of those who, with their ordinary activities,

have guaranteed business continuity. This The World Business Partner Recognition Award is a recognition that comes at a difficult was accepted by Ruud Ummels, Managing time, but it confirms that we are on the Director, on behalf of To70 B.V. Andrea Andorno, CEO Torino Airport: “This award right path to face the crisis and continue is the outcome of everyone’s effort, of those who to play the role of a driving force for the he World Business Partner have been at the forefront and of those who, with their ordinary activities, have guaranteed economy and social responsibility to our Recognition Award went to To70 business continuity.” entire territory.” B.V., an ACI EUROPE member T since 2015. To70 B.V. has played an active role in several ACI EUROPE Committees, providing a wealth of exper- Copenhagen Airport receives tise to the airport community and greatly contributing to knowledge exchange within the aviation industry, with its tech- Accessible Airport Award nical studies and practical examples. s part of a Memorandum of airport’s website as an effective communi- To70 B.V. also provided significant input to Understanding signed by ACI cation channel with clear information and ACI EUROPE’s ‘Off the Ground’ Recovery EUROPE and the European the possibility to make a complaint if the Plan, which has benefitted airports across A Disability Forum in 2016, the rights of persons with disabilities are not Europe. Its strong support and commit- Accessible Airport Award honours the best respected. The airport was also honoured ment to the ACI EUROPE World Business airport in Europe in terms of its level of for its regular and extensive PRM training, Partners programme, and to the organi- accessibility, as well as the range and the which is provided to anyone working at sation of a series of ACI EUROPE World quality of the assistance services offered. the airport. Business Partners webinars, was also The 2020 Accessible Airport Award praised. went to Copenhagen Airport. The judges “I’m incredibly proud of the To70 team’s were impressed with the efforts made by contribution to ACI EUROPE over the Copenhagen Airport towards accessibil- last couple of years, and in particular ity and inclusive services at a particularly of the work carried out in response to difficult time for the industry. The judges the COVID-19 pandemic both in the ‘Off praised the airport’s high-quality facili- the Ground’ taskforce and for our air- ties and services, including an interactive port clients globally,” said Ruud Ummels, PRM-friendly wayfinder, e-gates and Managing Director, To70 B.V. “My compli- check-in desks for passengers with ments also go out to ACI EUROPE, which reduced mobility (PRMs), and good public continues to show strong leadership transport connection with close proxim- Copenhagen Airport won the 2020 Accessible throughout the COVID-19 crisis. We look ity to the entrance of the airport, enabling Airport Award, which honours the best airport in forward to continue providing support to Europe in terms of its level of accessibility, as well PRMs to be assisted from the railway plat- as the range and the quality of the assistance ACI EUROPE and its airport members in form to the airport. The judges cited the services offered. the years to come.”

Spring 2021 Airport Business 31 AMADEUS

madeus Flow is the industry’s first fully integrated cloud plat- Amadeus Flow: “with an form for passenger handling, A incorporating applications, hard- ware and services that work in unison to integrated cloud platform, optimise the passenger experience. “With an integrated cloud platform, air- ports can digitally transform more quickly airports can digitally and with simplicity, providing the agility to respond to the demands of COVID-19 transform more quickly and while preparing for longer-term recov- ery,” explains Stephan Hirmer, Head of Passenger Processing Services & Digital with simplicity” Airport, Amadeus. “By providing a consist- ent flow of data between applications, An interview with Stephan Hirmer, Head of and with airline partners, it is much easier Passenger Processing Services & Digital Airport, for airports to innovate. With Flow, airports connect to airlines using a single internet Amadeus. By Ross Falconer link to Amadeus, where innovations are accessed from the cloud.” This means new innovations, such as to a physical network connection in a spe- hotels in Lapland where demand is very implementing contactless payments cific location,” says Hirmer. “With Amadeus seasonal, reducing strain on the terminal at check-in, can be rolled-out in hours Flow, a laptop is opened, connected to in the winter months,” Hirmer explains. or days rather than months and years. the internet, and service can be provided He adds that a national airport operator “Strategic technology change projects anywhere.” in Asia Pacific will transition its entire pas- like biometrics do not require the airport Many airports use modules of Amadeus senger services to Amadeus Flow at three and airline to become systems integra- Flow today, including Avinor – operator hub airports in the region. “This operator tion companies,” Hirmer adds. “Instead, of 44 airports in Norway. Most recently, needed the agility to scale operations up a single link to Amadeus means virtually Finavia – operator of 11 airports in and down, to mothball terminals, and also any airline can become part of a biometric – selected Amadeus Flow to power its to prepare for the emerging recovery in passenger flow at the terminal with mini- entire passenger services. The Flow plat- tourism led by Chinese outbound tourists. mal integration effort.” form improves connectivity to airlines, so The operator is considering how it can Meanwhile, airports can respond to innovations like contactless payments deploy mobile check-in services to aide change with agility. COVID-19 has required can be rolled out at 370 check-in desks social distancing, as well as preparing to airports to scale capacity up and down, quickly and easily. deploy new innovations like contactless, to mothball terminals, and to move airline “The mobility benefits of Flow mean biometrics and self-service more easily passenger handling to new areas. “None Finavia will begin to offer off-airport from the cloud.” of this is possible if a check-in desk is tied check-in and bag-drop services from

32 Airport Business Spring 2021 AMADEUS

“A modern, flexible IT infrastructure” Airports are in survival mode as they cope with reduced demand while also needing to implement safe travel measures. With Amadeus Flow, airports pay on a per-passenger basis, which means IT costs vary in line with passenger vol- umes rather than being fixed costs. “This has been extremely welcome across the industry during this crisis,” says Hirmer. “More broadly, we are helping airports to further contain costs by consolidat- ing passenger handling within a single Amadeus delivered a fully terminal thanks to the agility of the cloud. touchless experience for multiple airports in the Airports are also delivering new contact- Avinor group in just a couple less processes for payment, bag-tags of months using the back- and other points of service to meet new end integration within the Amadeus Flow platform. passenger requirements in less than two months with Amadeus Flow. Some of our customers are also moving passen- mobile passenger services. Meanwhile, Amadeus’ hardware. Compare that to the ger services off-airport as a means of Amadeus can also deliver biometrics from same airline needing to arrange for onsite reducing queuing and delivering social the cloud for simplicity, customer experi- integrations to kiosks, bag-drops and distancing within the terminal.” ence and time-to-market benefits. gates at multiple different airports around As traffic volumes return, Amadeus’ “All of these objectives require a the world. Airlines and airports shouldn’t solutions can help airports with longer- modern, flexible IT infrastructure where be systems integration companies, nor do term challenges such as increasing technology can be ‘consumed’ by airports they need to be with a cloud platform.” capacity without terminal expansion by as a service, rather than them having delivering passenger services off-airport to knit ever-more pieces together at Delivering a fully touchless and increasing self-service deployments. the terminal,” Hirmer explains. “Take the experience They can also drive non-aeronautical reve- example of biometrics – an airline enrols COVID-19 has accelerated the trend nues, enabling reinvention of the check-in into Amadeus’ platform once in the cloud towards digitalisation and contactless hall as retail and service space by remov- and can immediately begin offering technologies. Amadeus delivered a fully ing fixed IT infrastructure and delivering biometric services at all airports running touchless experience for multiple air- ports in the Avinor group in just a couple of months using the back-end integra- Stephan Hirmer, Head tion within the Amadeus Flow platform. of Passenger Processing Services & Digital “Rapidly deploying contactless technol- Airport, Amadeus: ogy in response to COVID-19 is a great “When it comes to proof-point for the cloud – this project delivering an end-to- end traveller journey, would have taken a year under the old we believe there are two onsite model,” says Hirmer. “More broadly, strategic technology we have run several trials with different enablers: moving airport IT infrastructure to airports to retrofit self-serve hardware the cloud so airports with different types of contactless inter- can better connect to faces, for example, using the passenger’s airlines and roll-out new passenger experience mobile phone to operate the kiosk.” innovations more quickly, Looking ahead, Amadeus’ focus remains and rolling-out biometric on helping its airport customers to deliver identity across every an improved passenger experience and to passenger service point with full integration innovate more quickly. to airline systems so Hirmer adds that this involves delivering passenger service levels on the immediate impact of the pan- remain high.” demic, so that airports can operate with agility, but also working with its customers towards longer-term change and innova- tion. “For Amadeus, the most important objective is the end-to-end traveller journey and ensuring it is as smooth as possible. Throughout our work with airports this is continually front of mind and that’s why we’ve engineered a cloud platform that not only connects applica- tions within an airport, but which easily connects an airport to any airline.”

Spring 2021 Airport Business 33 HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

s the travel industry rebounds, Qatar’s Hamad International Qatar’s Hamad Airport (HIA) has been stead- A fastly focused on passenger well-being, particularly in the area of International Airport airport operations to maintain confidence in air travel. Realising the distress and uncertainty goes touchless in a nod to travel can cause passengers during the pandemic, Qatar’s airport has imple- “airport of the future” mented changes that acknowledge the emotional needs of its passengers and create a safe and reliable airport experience. The award-winning airport, guided by the vision of its leadership, has implemented game-changing and pas- Hamad International Airport’s senger-centric contactless technologies use of disinfectant robots is to renovate its airport experience. an example of its dedication Upon departing from HIA, passengers to deploying emerging technologies that minimise are empowered to control their jour- the need for direct contact ney with HIA’s touchless self-service with surfaces for disinfection. passenger experience at check-in and The fully autonomous disinfectant robots emit bag-drop touchpoints. The measures concentrated UV light, which reduce surface contact through infrared is effective in eliminating enabled touchless screens. The screens the majority of infectious microorganisms. are operated with mid-air technology that detects finger gestures above the screen. Physical touchpoints, such as check-in, immigration and information desks, have also been modified with acrylic barriers to offer safe and comfortable staff and pas- senger interactions. HIA’s touchless innovations have been automated handrail UV disinfection. been retrofitted into HIA’s cabin baggage embedded in nearly all passenger touch- The airport’s use of disinfectant robots scanners. HIA is one of the first airports points. These innovations include the is another example of HIA’s dedication to optimise its cabin baggage scanners, trialling of disinfecting tunnels for bag- to deploying emerging technologies having developed a pioneering prototype gage trolleys which ensure the trolleys are that minimise the need for direct contact of X-ray screening that was retrofitted into fully sanitised between each use, offer- with surfaces for disinfection. The fully the scanners’ trail return systems in record ing passengers greater peace of mind at autonomous disinfectant robots emit time. The technology was introduced to every step of their journey. concentrated UV light, which is effective give passengers comfort knowing that Additionally, HIA’s passenger-facing in eliminating the majority of infectious their baggage is thoroughly disinfected. elevators are now contactless which microorganisms. These robots are posi- Qatar’s airport has solidified its lead- can be operated by just hovering a hand tioned in high passenger traffic areas ing position in pioneering technological over the desired controls. Automation is of the terminal to safeguard the airport innovations since its foundation, and also integrated into the airport’s escala- environment. the COVID-19 pandemic has been no tors, which have been retrofitted with In addition, HIA’s portable, safe, and exception. Beyond adopting advanced effective Smart Screening Helmets enable technologies as a response to the pan- contactless temperature measurement demic, HIA has been running a COVID-19 using advanced technologies, such as safety awareness campaign throughout infrared thermal imaging, artificial intel- the terminal, reminding its passengers ligence and augmented reality displays. about the precautionary measures to be The airport’s safe and contactless expe- followed to keep themselves and fellow rience extends beyond what meets the passengers safe. It has also launched a eye. HIA has integrated ground-breaking dedicated webpage with a comprehensive C2 technology into the airport’s security list of all the COVID-19 safety measures screening system. The technology allows implemented at HIA for the safety and transferring passengers to move through well-being of its passengers. security checkpoints securely and HIA’s successful implementation of efficiently, without having to remove elec- advanced passenger-centric solutions tronic devices from their bags, thereby during the pandemic, both centre- and Upon departing from Hamad International Airport reducing physical contact with baggage back-stage, has contributed to a holistic (HIA), passengers are empowered to control trays and security personnel. airport experience, continues to provide their journey with HIA’s touchless self-service The risk of infection from the airport’s autonomy to its passengers, and has passenger experience at check-in and bag-drop touchpoints. The measures reduce surface contact external environment is also minimised brought the airport of the future to reality through infrared enabled touchless screens. with UV-C disinfectant lights that have for its global audience.

34 Airport Business Spring 2021 Amadeus Flow The Cloud Solution for a great passenger experience

Agent-assisted, self-service, biometric or touchless, going solo or travelling in groups. While every passenger journey is different, they’re all better when the experience meets expectations. It’s what makes your airport special. It’s why passengers will keep coming back.

Make your passenger servicing smarter with Amadeus Flow. amadeus.com/airports ADB SAFEGATE

ork on Munich Airport’s New Apron Module C 02.5 com- Forward-thinking Munich menced onsite in May 2019 W with mobilisation of the project team. Installation schedules were Airport adopts cutting-edge planned, and the detailed scope defined in order to achieve the airport’s desired end-solutions. “The real installation works ADB SAFEGATE technologies started around the beginning of 2020,” explains Frank Wunderlich, VP of Central and Eastern Europe, ADB SAFEGATE. “We for new apron successfully achieved the first milestone with the handover of the first stands in the Munich Airport’s New Apron Module C 02.5, located northern part of the apron in November last year.” south east of the airport area, provides 21 new stands. The work for the sales team started at a The project was completed in March 2021, with opening much earlier stage. “We tackle such projects from a holistic angle, analysing and identify- for full operation in April 2021. Frank Wunderlich, VP of ing the challenges of ground operations for Central and Eastern Europe, ADB SAFEGATE, explains the flow of aircraft, passengers, baggage and cargo to improve the total airport per- Munich Airport’s approach as a technology leader in formance of the relevant customer.” adopting the newest and best technologies for the new The project scope included the entire apron to Ross Falconer. package for the electrical and IT infra- structure of the new apron:

• Airfield Ground Lighting: 850 new LED light fixtures for centreline and SafeControl Apron Management System “All this needed to be implemented on lead-in lines. All lights are equipped to allow efficient allocation of stands. a turnkey basis, including all interfaces with individual lamp control to allow • Apron lighting: 21pcs. of 35m high poles between the new systems themselves routing and guidance of aircraft to their with a special lowering system. The and with the existing airside infra- designated stand. The entire system latest energy-efficient LED lighting con- structure,” says Wunderlich. “As not all is built according to the highest safety cept and a new control system. products and systems are being produced regulations and follows the SELV (safety • 400 Hz power supply for aircraft with in-house by ADB SAFEGATE, we have extra low voltage) regulation (IEC 62870) static converters. lined-up with various experienced and that allows safe maintenance of the fix- • 50 Hz power supply equipment for a specialised partners for this challenge and tures in the field. new substation with medium-voltage integrated them within our project team.” • Advanced Visual Docking and Guidance and low-voltage switchgear. ADB SAFEGATE has a longstanding System (A-VDGS): 21 new Safedock • Entire cabling network for all systems at relationship with Munich Airport since its units for safe and precise docking of the apron. opening in 1992. Its understanding of the aircraft at their stands, combined with • Installation of IT network and referring airport’s needs, therefore, allowed ADB individually-controlled lead-in lights infrastructure. SAFEGATE to offer the best possible solu- that allow pilots to better identify • Delivery and installation of charging tions for seamless integration into the the allocated stand. Extension of the stations for electric vehicles. existing infrastructure.

36 Airport Business Spring 2021 ADB SAFEGATE

“Knowing Munich Airport’s project units equipped with SELV limiters that do the end,” Wunderlich explains. “The culture from a variety of projects during not allow a voltage of more than 50 VAC Munich Airport project team supported us the last 30 years has helped us to fully at the light fixtures under all conditions. in a very unbureaucratic and flexible way. understand the expectations that the “ADB SAFEGATE is a true thought- The project stakeholders, such as the civil customer had for us,” Wunderlich explains. leader in this technology and Munich contractor, also showed a very high level “Those expectations were very high and Airport is among the early adopters for of flexibility so that we could commonly this was clear from the beginning of the implementing it in the field,” Wunderlich achieve the overall goal – the finalisation project. You can only run such a project comments. “During the tender phase, of the project on time, in good quality, and in an extremely structured way and with a we saw that Munich Airport had a very to the satisfaction of the customer.” very experienced and professional team high demand in using the newest and on both sides. But making the project a best technologies for the new apron and Energy efficiency and shortened success also means a close and silo-free our knowledge of the industry helped to turnaround times coordination between all stakeholders choose the most appropriate solutions to Munich Airport’s ‘5-star airport’ mind- and a trustful and open-minded atmos- satisfy the operational and technological set is very well-known by travellers who phere during the entire project duration. needs for this project.” regularly rate it among the top airports in Finally – and this is sometimes forgot- the world for its customer experience. This ten nowadays – a good level of common Executing a complex project way of thinking is implemented across sense and a direct communication line with no delays during COVID-19 the entire airport, including the equip- with the stakeholders can easily solve pandemic ment used at the airside. “Munich Airport problems before they even occur. This Naturally, there were challenges in has always focused on technologies that was done by all stakeholders on this delivering such a complex project, par- guarantee the highest standards of safety, project and created a truly agile and col- ticularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. efficiency and reliability, and this mental- laborative culture.” The key challenge from the beginning was ity was proven to be right, seeing that the the very tight time schedule. success of the airport has increased from A high level of innovation “When the COVID pandemic started to year to year,” says Wunderlich. Many of the systems used for the new hit Europe in March 2020, we needed to Sustainability is key for new technolo- apron have a high level of innovation – cope with a situation that we had neither gies. Many systems installed at the new from LED technology for both AGL and experienced in one of our projects nor apron focus on energy efficiency and apron lighting, to new static converters for in life,” says Wunderlich. “We immedi- shortening turnaround times, which the 400 Hz power supply of aircraft and ately coordinated our anti-COVID safety results in reduced fuel and electri- the special apron lighting masts with a measures with all the other stakeholders cal energy consumption to lower CO2 lowering system. on the project and closely monitored the emissions. One example is the implemen- “One of the innovative highlights, and a development of the pandemic on a daily tation of special colour-coded triple-line very important element for an increased basis. By doing so we could continuously taxiways in LED technology that allow level of safety for the maintenance work onsite – there was not one day the parallel taxiing of narrow-body aircraft personnel of Munich Airport, is the full site was closed for construction.” on the same taxiway. “The use of ADB implementation of SELV technology for Meanwhile, the reduced amount of SAFEGATE’s state-of-the-art advanced the AGL system,” says Wunderlich. “SELV traffic and ground movements made it visual docking & guidance systems is stands for safety extra low voltage and possible for ADB SAFEGATE to increase also one key element for making the protects the electricians from electrical installation efficiency in areas where it turnarounds much more efficient. By this, hazards when changing AGL fixtures in was necessary to connect with exist- ADB SAFEGATE and Munich Airport also the field.” ing infrastructure at the live area of the commonly contribute to the recently- ADB SAFEGATE achieved this by airport. “Our team was clever and flexible unveiled flagship sustainability initiative of designing the AGL circuits according to enough to use this advantage to create the European aviation sector: ‘Destination the relevant IEC standard, and also by time buffers as possible contingency for 2050 – A Route to Net Zero European using its newest individual lamp control the further progress of the project towards Aviation’,” Wunderlich explains. He adds that this is one of the big- gest single projects of such a complexity that ADB SAFEGATE has implemented in Germany, underlining the company’s Many systems installed turnkey capability. “While being grateful at the new apron focus that we could be part of this journey, I am on energy efficiency and extremely proud to be the chosen partner shortening turnaround times, which results in of Munich Airport and the trust put in our reduced fuel and electrical company to execute a project of this size energy consumption to in a short time. I am also proud of our lower CO2 emissions. One example is the project team onsite that did an outstand- implementation of special ing job despite two COVID lockdowns, a colour-coded triple-line very long and harsh winter during the final taxiways in LED technology that allow parallel taxiing of phase of the project, and the very chal- narrow-body aircraft on the lenging time schedule. It is great to have same taxiway. employees with a combination of long- standing experience in their field, a true passion for their work, and the right level of kerosene in their blood.”

Spring 2021 Airport Business 37 BELFAST CITY AIRPORT – AIRCHAT

Belfast City Airport enhances digital innovation with AirChat omnichannel communication platform

With the AirChat platform, Belfast City Airport An interview with Brian Roche, Director of can define messages that are pushed at key times in the passenger journey. “Uniquely, Information Technology, Belfast City Airport and our intelligent technology differentiates the communication based on the ‘Passenger Paul Brugger, CEO AirChat. By Ross Falconer Persona’, so in real terms this means we can send different messages to departing versus arriving passengers,” explains Paul Brugger, CEO AirChat.

ike any modern business, digital passengers can receive this information with new routes and airline partners transformation is vital to Belfast from anywhere.” recently announced,” Brugger comments. City Airport, not only for effective The airport can also define messages Both Belfast City Airport and AirChat L operations on a day-to-day basis, that are pushed at key times in the pas- believe that automation is key to the suc- but for futureproofing the organisation. senger journey, informing travellers about cess of an aviation restart. As passengers “At Belfast City Airport, we pride new procedures at the airport. “Uniquely, begin to take to the skies again, there will ourselves on offering choice and con- our intelligent technology differenti- be greater expectation for digital touch- venience to our passengers, and both ates the communication based on the points, contactless technologies, and customer care and customer experi- ‘Passenger Persona’, so in real terms this increased communications throughout the ence are the catalyst behind everything means we can send different messages passenger journey. that we do,” says Brian Roche, Director to departing versus arriving passengers,” “Through AirChat, and other digital inno- of Information Technology, Belfast City Brugger explains. “Some of our exist- vation projects, Belfast City Airport will be Airport. “Belfast City Airport recognises ing clients are already pushing different able to keep passengers informed from the opportunities that digital platforms, COVID messages based on whether the car to gate, which will in turn drive brand such as AirChat, present to achieve this passenger’s destination is within or out- loyalty and help us achieve our main aim and further improve the airport experi- side the EU.” of delivering an airport experience that ence for passengers. Through partnering exceeds our customers’ expectations,” with AirChat, we add a further layer to Automation key to successful Roche concludes. our communications with our customers aviation restart throughout the entire passenger journey, Belfast City Airport’s focus is on provid- even before they arrive at the terminal. ing an airport experience that exceeds AirChat’s knowledge of the industry, cou- the expectations of its customers and pled with its technical expertise, meant this means harnessing the best tools to that the team quickly understood how deliver the best customer service. “After Belfast City Airport would like to commu- extensive research and a competitive pro- nicate with its passengers, now and in the cess for a web-based chatbot, we chose future, as the partnership develops.” to partner with AirChat due to the value, AirChat will be providing a webchat industry knowledge, and omnichannel service, real-time flight information and communication capability it guaranteed answering queries for Belfast City Airport us,” says Roche. passengers direct to their WiFi-enabled Meanwhile, Brugger believes that the device via WhatsApp, Messenger and AirChat platform can really assist both Twitter. “To aid a smooth and efficient the airport and its passengers as it pre- operation the passenger needs to know, pares for a return to a period of significant in a timely manner, when their flight is growth. “We are absolutely thrilled to be boarding and which gate to go to,” says working with Belfast City Airport, primarily Paul Brugger, CEO AirChat. “Typically, because of their focus and commitment this means the flight information boards to digital innovation, but also the airport is tend to be points of congestion and poised to significantly increase operations this problem will intensify once opera- tional volumes increase. Our technology will help the airport manage social AirChat will be providing a webchat service, real-time flight information and answering queries for Belfast distancing by reducing the need for pas- City Airport passengers direct to their WiFi-enabled sengers to view the boards. Essentially, device via WhatsApp, Messenger and Twitter.

38 Airport Business Spring 2021 @

THEIR JOURNEY DEPENDS ON SAFE AND EFFICIENT GUIDANCE.

THAT’S WHY WE’VE DEVELOPED INTELLIGENT

AIRFIELD SOLUTIONS TO LIGHT THE WAY. @

Today’s best performing airports rely on an integrated, intelligent airfield to deliver safe and efficient journeys. With lighting, tower-based control systems, and gate automation working hand in hand, airports can boost efficiency, maintain the highest safety level and meet environmental commitments. From concept and design to maintenance services, we work with you to find the right solutions to meet your goals. With ADB SAFEGATE as your partner, you’ll transform your operations and reach new heights of safety, efficiency and availability.

www.adbsafegate.com ENVIROSUITE

Envirosuite and Toronto Pearson looking into future operations and changes in community concerns Envirosuite has been exploring the aviation industry’s challenges as it returns to ‘normal’ operations. For this article, Envirosuite’s Matt Mills-Brookes and Peter Rafano spoke with Cynthia Woods, Manager, Noise Management InsightFull is one of Envirosuite’s solutions for airports, a publicly-accessible online portal Office at Toronto Pearson International Airport, to that delivers an engaging, tailored community capture the thoughts of a world-leading airport in noise engagement experience, providing fit-for- purpose, location-specific airport information. management and community engagement.

ike all businesses and individu- point as a result of the pandemic has not als around the world, Toronto just impacted aviation, but also our entire Matt Mills- Peter Pearson International Airport was lives. The pandemic has required us to impacted by the severe reduction live and work at home and while we start Brookes Rafano L Author bio: Matt Author bio: Pete in travel brought about by the COVID-19 to return to the office, remote working is is an aviation is an airport pandemic, with the latest statistics avail- likely to, in most parts, continue. Meaning specialist specialist able indicating a 75.7% drop in passenger that as aviation returns, we are all going dedicated with a passion aircraft movements in the third quarter of to be experiencing a new and potentially to solving for helping 2020 as compared to the same period the continually-changing soundscape now the strategic Envirosuite’s year prior. A similar, but less pronounced, and into the near future through the intro- problems facing clients drop was also experienced with noise duction of urban air mobility, unmanned Envirosuite manage their complaints. aerial vehicles and new low-emission clients. Prior environmental Cynthia Woods, Manager, Noise aircraft. All of which contribute to that to joining programmes. Management Office at Toronto Pearson evolving change horizon. Envirosuite Matt Pete spent 17 International Airport, explains that while it While this is a key concern Cynthia was an air traffic years managing would be easy to align these trends, the raises, our industry’s social licence to management London reality is far more complex. Reduced traffic operate is granted by the public and just consultant Heathrow volumes have changed how the runways as our world has changed, we as an indus- and Airspace Airport’s existing and airspace are being used, resulting in try will need to change to demonstrate we Lead at London operational some areas experiencing greater traffic can build back better to ensure that social noise where he led programme decreases than others. Airline fleet down- licence is secured for the future. Ensuring a team which and actively gauging, retirement plans, and additional we can achieve this, requires early action, is responsible engaging with cargo flights have changed the fleet mix and Toronto Pearson sees InsightFull as for the internal and overflying the community. a potential opportunity to achieve that, management stakeholders, Interestingly, while some pre-pandemic initially sharing tailored, location-spe- of the airspace the regulator, complaint trends have continued, the cific information on the impacts of the surrounding the government, focus of some complaints has shifted pandemic on overflight and how that is world’s busiest airlines, NATS, from noise to public health and wider changing as the industry recovers. single runway EUROCONTROL, environmental concerns. This a trend that InsightFull is one of Envirosuite’s solu- airport. and others. Envirosuite has noticed at several other tions for airports, a publicly-accessible airports around the world, suggesting that online portal that delivers an engaging, tai- while the same annoyance factors con- lored community engagement experience, tinue in specific airport communities, they providing fit-for-purpose, location-specific have varied in others. airport information. InsightFull helps air- As traffic returns, many airports will ports automate community engagement need to manage a new set of community without sacrificing quality or effective- concerns. A clear example of this is while ness, building trust and strengthening aircraft will fly the same routes as they did the airports social licence to operate and prior to the pandemic and include some grow. The airport staff are in control of the newer, quieter and cleaner aircraft, return- content and layout of the site, while also ing traffic could easily be seen as new, having insights to who is using the portal, lower and potentially louder overflight when, from where and what information than before. they are looking for. This way, airports can Matt Mills-Brookes, Peter Rafano, Senior Airport Airport Business All of this is driven by change, and at learn what their communities are con- Specialist, Development, Envirosuite we believe the initial change cerned about, and proactively optimise. Envirosuite Envirosuite

40 Airport Business Spring 2021

SELF-SERVICE BAG TAGGING

orry Vrieling, founder and Managing Director of Thinking global – acting local eezeetags®, has used the cur- B rent quieter period to re-think the An interview with Borry Vrieling, founder and future growth strategy for his product. “At the beginning of the pandemic it became Managing Director, eezeetags. By Ross Falconer immediately clear that technology will be paramount in the airline industry, dur- ing and especially after the pandemic, to align with health and safety procedures without compromising on capacity,” he begins. “At the beginning of 2021, when the first vaccinations where set, it also became clear that leisure travel demand is still very much alive with airlines report- ing more than healthy bookings. This means that the pre-COVID trends of more self-service and ever-growing passenger numbers will be persistent.” At the end of 2018, eezeetags switched production from one-shift day-time pro- duction to a two-shift operation. “It was good that we did, given the demand for our product over the course of 2019,” says Vrieling. “But after March 2020 we could no longer sustain this, because of an almost total lack of demand. However, we could tell that scaling-up after travel restrictions are lifted would be a real challenge.” Due to the success of the eezeetags® product, standard bag-tag produc- ers already showed interest in the eezeetags® product. “However, the patent holder and producer of the base material ‘PRESSURETAC’ – Sihl, a leading specialist German label stock manufacturer – was reluctant to share the material outside the Borry Vrieling, founder and Managing Director, eezeetags: “By creating the careful relationship built with eezeetags®, family, eezeetags® is securing capacity to and a perfectly coordinated processing is be up to the challenge of the re-opening. essential,” Vrieling explains. “Experience “I am proud to announce the birth of Furthermore, it will mitigate risk due to multiple production locations working under shows that this depends not only on the the eezeetags® family,” Vrieling contin- the same quality guidance and is more production of the composite material with ues. “Over the last months, we have been sustainable since production is done locally.” a special adhesive finish or the subse- negotiating with preferred leading bag- quent conversion into print-ready rolls. tags manufacturers, all in their specific Further processing on the printing press regions, and we have finalised the last “Over time, my company will step away and final finishing in small rolls is also of agreement.” from direct sales and production and utmost importance to ensure the best The following companies are, there- focus completely on the consultation of possible eezeetags® product, in com- fore, licensed to produce eezeetags® the family members, supporting them bination with a thorough knowledge of under the eezeetags® brand and quality from a technical and marketing perspec- kiosks, printers and airport installations.” specifications: tive, working on the relations with the After several senior management meet- • Security Label GmbH, Sarstedt, major kiosk and bag drop manufacturers ings, Sihl and eezeetags® joined forces Germany, will look after Europe, Turkey and industry bodies, supporting trade- in a future-oriented cooperation to jointly and North Africa (sales and production) shows and publications, and developing advance self-service check-in at airports. • Kimoha Entrepreneurs, Dubai, UAE, further improvements,” Vrieling explains. Based on the patented PRESSURETAC® will look after the GCC countries, He adds that eezeetags® will be product for self-adhesive luggage tags, East Africa, India and the Indian continuing the entrepreneurial focus branded eezeetags®, the two compa- Subcontinent (sales and production) that launched the product and made nies developed a concept for this market. • George Schmitt & Co, Guilford, it successful. “By creating the family, An eezeetags® family has therefore Connecticut, US, will look after the eezeetags® is securing capacity to be been created, within which, under a North American continent (production) up to the challenge of the re-opening. strict quality-controlled procedure, the • Gateway Business Communications, Furthermore, it will mitigate risk due to eezeetags® production can be licensed Middle-Town, Connecticut, US, has multiple production locations working out to selected eezeetags® printing been the US sales agent for many years under the same quality guidance and is houses, making use of the same com- already and joined the family to take more sustainable since production is done posite material and production under the care of sales on the North American locally, guaranteeing consistent world- same specifications. continent (sales) wide quality and trouble-free operations.”

42 Airport Business Spring 2021 YOUR GSE SOLUTIONS PARTNER

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WWW.TCR-GROUP.COM TCR GROUP

CR Group provides ground sup- port equipment (GSE) to airports, TCR Group collaborating airlines, ground handlers and T cargo handlers, and currently operates at 150+ airports worldwide. Its with aviation partners objective is to work together with airports and their stakeholders to optimise fleet size and use for safer, sustainable and on solutions that are more efficient airport operations. This includes providing the optimal equipment “affordable, sustainable and and maintenance, technology-driven management systems, and strategic advice to meet airports’ GSE needs. guarantee continuity” “We recognise that the world is chang- ing, and we face new and emerging challenges and increased expectations An interview with Kristof Philips, Chief from stakeholders and global communi- Operating Officer, TCR Group. By Ross Falconer ties,” says Kristof Philips, Chief Operating Officer, TCR Group. “We are committed to continually evolving and ensuring we The ‘Apron Trilemma’ energy-efficient. We feel that TCR can help operate and grow our business, and those Over 200 of Europe’s airports have com- a lot, especially considering 15% of Scope of our customers, responsibly and sus- mitted to a ‘Net Zero 2050’ pledge, under 1 and Scope 2 emissions are linked to tainably. As most of our operations take which they plan to eliminate the carbon airport ground vehicles. We feel that as an place inside airports, our ambition is to footprint under their control at the latest integrator between all the airport stake- collaborate with our partners – airports, by 2050. “This could save up to a poten- holders we are well-positioned to support airlines and handlers – in addressing tial 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually,” the journey towards net zero emissions.” sustainability issues such as noise, air Philips explains. “This is a big challenge He adds that there is still a long and quality, biodiversity and water manage- – it’s clear that a lot of investment will be difficult road ahead in order to achieve ment, and also more global environmental required. For example, some estimates these ambitious targets. TCR has, there- issues – particularly the aviation industry’s are that €26 billion would be required to fore, developed the ‘Apron Trilemma’ as greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.” make the aprons and the terminals more a framework to implement change. This

44 Airport Business Spring 2021 TCR GROUP

has three core elements: Continuity of the operation, Affordability of the operation, and Sustainability of the operation. TCR also looks at sustainability from the point of view of safety, ensuring that the apron as an ecosystem is sustainable and safe. In terms of ‘Continuity’, Philips empha- sises that in an airport environment everything must run smoothly and continuously. Finally, there is the concept of ‘Affordability’ and achieving the objectives in an affordable way for all stakeholders. When it comes to mapping a solution against the ‘Apron Trilemma’, Philips notes that different stakeholders may have dif- ferent priorities in terms of emphasis. It is here that TCR aims to become the facilita- tor and Philips highlights the importance of defining “a holistic and phased imple- TCR has developed a mentation plan involving all stakeholders framework known as the using factual data”. ‘Apron Trilemma’, which has three core elements: The tools that TCR frequently uses in its Continuity of the operation, engagement include: ‘Trilemma’ and how we make sure this Affordability of the operation, solution is affordable, sustainable and and Sustainability of the operation. • Infrastructure and fleet sizing tool and guarantees continuity,” says Philips. data: “We look at the flight schedule, An example of the projects TCR is how much equipment is required, and participating in is the ‘Basque Hydrogen “The phased implementation approach how that translates into infrastruc- Corridor’ – a €1.3 billion hydrogen project led to very strong results, with ben- ture requirement in terms of charging led by Petronor. efits to all stakeholders – the airport, capacity.” the handlers and the airlines, as well as • Operational activity tool and data: “We Motorised pooling case the passengers,” says Philips. “We were gather this through our Telematics solu- TCR implemented the ‘Apron Trilemma’ able to significantly reduce congestion tion, which allows us to have a good framework at London Luton Airport. and turnaround times with the pooling view of where the equipment is, how Philips explains that a phased and holis- implemented.” it’s being used, who is using it, and for tic approach was applied. This involved TCR believes that making an assess- electric equipment what the charging defining zones and sizing of the fleet, ment is one thing, but having the ability status is. This is crucial to be able to aligning stakeholders with equipment and the desire to implement together with manage a fleet optimally.” specifications, defining the responsibilities the stakeholders is even more important. • Carbon footprint and fuel consumption of each stakeholder, and determining the “We want to step away from a theoreti- data: “We have a tool to map the carbon allocation/invoicing method. cal and conceptual assessment and use footprint and fuel consumption of a our knowledge and experience in imple- fleet moving around on the apron.” menting practical solutions,” says Philips. • Independent partnerships: “We have a “Going for sustainability is not a project lot of independent partnerships and this as such, it’s a journey and something that is very important because it allows us takes time. If you see it as a journey, then to connect with all types of OEMs to be you can define milestones and digest- able to sort out the best solution for an ible steps. It is these steps that you can airport, airline or handler.” manage as a project and we invite all • Routing and congestion data: “This stakeholders to embark on this journey.” allows us to really have a good view of how a fleet is moving on an apron, which is important in terms of safety.” • Accident data: “In order to generate a safe and continuous apron, we really wanted to know if an incident occurs, Kristof Philips, Chief Operating Officer, how did it happen and how can we TCR Group: “As most of our operations avoid it again going forward.” take place inside airports, our ambition is to collaborate with our partners – airports, airlines and handlers – in In light of the European Green Deal, addressing sustainability issues such as TCR has accepted to partner with various noise, air quality, biodiversity and water management, and also more global major airports, airlines and infrastructure environmental issues – particularly the companies to further investigate elec- aviation industry’s greenhouse gas and trification and hydrogen solutions. “Key carbon emissions.” in these projects is to keep in mind the

Spring 2021 Airport Business 45 Recognising progressive ideas in action INNOVATION SHOWCASE transforming airport performance and reputations

Avinor partners with HappyOrNot to boost customer experience at security

The customer experience improvement solution The customer experience feedback “We want our cus- HappyOrNot has announced experience data, Avinor’s manage- tomers to enjoy the a partnership with Avinor. HappyOrNot’s Smiley Touch improvement ment and staff will be time they spend in our touchscreen terminals will solution able to identify, and airports, and by utilising help Avinor collect substantial HappyOrNot has immediately rectify, the feedback data col- amounts of customer feedback at security checkpoints within announced a partner- issues that are affecting lected via HappyOrNot eight of its biggest airports. ship with Avinor, the passenger satisfaction, terminals, we have a state-owned company and make improvements great opportunity to that operates most of based on data, rather transform and improve Norway’s airports. than unscientific the airport experi- HappyOrNot’s Smiley hunches. ence of our customers,” Touch touchscreen Smiley Touch ter- says Terje Orskaug, terminals will help minals will be located Manager of Passenger Avinor collect at the exit of security Experience, Avinor. “This substantial amounts of areas, helping to gauge level of contextualised customer feedback at customer sentiment insight will enable us security checkpoints 24/7 and speed up to better understand within eight of its access to actionable our customers, and also biggest airports. With data, via an online dash- cater to their changing this in-moment, board, app and email attitudes in light of the actionable customer reports. pandemic.”

INNOVATION SHOWCASE A solution for digitising COVID-19 test results, actionable customer experience insights, autonomous vehicle testing, and enhanced assistance services, are among the progressive developments transforming the passenger experience at Europe’s airports. Report by Ross Falconer

Air France and International SOS. The flights can test the ICC “We are convinced Groupe ADP and Air Groupe ADP have trial focuses on AOKpass mobile app that the ICC AOKpass France extend ICC launched a new outbound and return Air free of charge, available solution that we are test programme France flights between on , which testing with our part- AOKpass solution of the ICC AOKpass Paris-Charles de Gaulle, allows them to securely ners at the departure test to Paris-CDG, San solution for digitising San Francisco and Los record the results of and arrival points of COVID-19 test results, Angeles. Customers COVID tests carried out the Paris airports will Francisco and Los developed by MedAire/ travelling on these in a partner laboratory. facilitate passenger Through this test in real channels through our Angeles flights conditions, the partners terminals, by guarantee- involved wish to improve ing both greater fluidity the customer experi- and better control of ence by streamlining health checks,” says the checking of test Marc Houalla, Executive result documents, which Director, Groupe ADP has become manda- and Managing Director, tory since the COVID-19 Paris-Charles de Gaulle crisis. Airport. “The sustainable recovery of traffic firstly requires the restora- Air France and Groupe ADP have launched a new tion of air links between test programme of the countries, and this pass ICC AOKpass solution for has every chance of digitising COVID-19 test results, developed by MedAire/ contributing to this by International SOS. establishing itself as a new standard.”

46 Airport Business Spring 2021 Recognising progressive ideas in action transforming airport performance and reputations INNOVATION SHOWCASE

Munich Airport’s office building LAB 48, which is planned LabCampus innovation to open in 2022. The autonomously driven centre to test The LabCampus vehicles are to be tested innovation centre autonomous vehicles under realistic condi- being built at tions in various traffic Munich Airport has reached The LabCampus LabCampus for testing situations on the test its next major innovation centre and development of its track, which will be built milestone: Argo AI, being built at vehicles. near the aircraft main- one of the world’s leading technology Munich Airport Under the contractual tenance hangars in the companies in has reached its next agreement that now, southwestern part of the the autonomous major milestone: Argo with the agency and airport site. driving sector, will be using AI, one of the world’s consulting services of “This deal illustrates the potential leading technology CBRE GmbH, has been the vast potential of the AI’s commitment is this innovation centre,” at and around companies in the signed, Argo AI will build LabCampus as a think therefore an important explains Jost Lammers, LabCampus for testing and autonomous driving a test track at Munich tank and test labora- signal to all other firms Chief Executive Officer, development of its sector, will be using the Airport and lease space tory for forward-looking that can benefit from Flughafen München vehicles. potential at and around at the first LabCampus mobility concepts. Argo the vast opportunities of GmbH.

hospitality services all Plaza Premium Group extends over the world,” says airport hospitality services to Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, Malaysia Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Airports Group Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident they will Istanbul Sabiha meet & assist services to “Our partnership bring the same high ser- Gökçen Plaza Premium Group. with Plaza Premium vice standards to SAW. International Plaza Premium Group Group goes back to The presence of Plaza Airport, which is will invest in a series as far as 1998 when Premium Group at the owned by Malaysia of enhancements and they opened their first airport is a manifesta- Airports, has handed upgrades to both service lounge at Kuala Lumpur tion of our continued Upcoming new Plaza Premium Lounge Istanbul, over operation of the and facilities, with the International Airport commitment to ensure at the International lounge areas in the aim of creating an ele- in Malaysia and we world-class service Departures Terminal of terminal, as well as all vated lounge experience have seen them grow culture and hospitality Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. premium services, and promoting a seam- to become a lead- is practised at all our including fast track and less airport journey. ing provider of airport airports.”

Prague Airport assumes management of passenger assistance services

Effective March external supplier, the in the case of assistance 2021, Václav MaidPro Service points, their location, Havel Airport company. All services signage, contacts and Prague has will be provided to services offered remain assumed under its passengers under the the same. Passengers management the same regime as before. will not notice the differ- operations of assistance It is Prague Airport’s ence. We will not move services for passengers goal to increase their the oversize baggage with reduced mobility quality and gain the counter, either. We and orientation (PRM) opportunity to respond place high demands on and oversize baggage to potential changes in a the quality of customer check-in counters. Until more flexible manner. experience. That is why it now, these services “We have maintained is essential for us to have were provided by an the established pro- these important services cesses of all services,” under our control with says David Prošek, the a direct impact on their Effective March 2021, Václav Havel Airport Prague has assumed under its management the operations of assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility and orientation manager responsible quality, along with the (PRM) and oversize baggage check-in counters. It is Prague Airport’s goal to increase their for assistance services ability to change and quality and gain the opportunity to respond to potential changes in a more flexible manner. and check-in of oversize improve them flexibly as baggage. “For example, needed.”

Spring 2021 Airport Business 47 AIRPORT SECURITY

Prof. Zhiqiang Chen from Tsinghua University, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, NUCTECH

uring the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, an increas- ing spotlight has been placed D on air cargo transportation due to its role in delivering critical ship- ments like vaccines or life-saving medical supplies. Booming e-commerce is also bolstering the air cargo sector, meaning it has remained relatively robust during the pandemic. “According to IATA, despite the signifi- cant passenger traffic fall of 66% in 2020, the impact of COVID-19 on air freight is less dramatic, with a moderate reduc- tion of 11.5%,” explains Prof. Zhiqiang Chen from Tsinghua University, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, NUCTECH. “It is expected that air freight will become a vital revenue stream to offset lost passenger traffic in the post- pandemic world.” Security is, of course, a priority. By 30 June 2021, ICAO requires all Member States to enhance their security protocol. 100% of international air cargo transported on commercial aircraft needs to be either screened for concealed explosive devices or be subject to appropriate security con- trols throughout the supply chain. “The aviation community now faces enhanced security requirements on the one hand, while craving increasing speed on the other,” says Prof. Chen. “As criti- cal cargo such as vaccine transportation needs to race against time, how to strike a balance between security and efficiency has become a pressing issue for the air transport community.” In addition, air cargo security operation always entails a great deal of manual work in terms of moving and unpacking, which Bolstering air freight can be dangerous for frontline workers potentially exposed to virus infection. “Especially when it comes to high-risk transportation through cold chain cargo, the challenge to stop possible viral transmission and the need for health protection are paramount to safe, secure and speedy business continuity amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Prof. Chen comments. cargo screening Tech evolution for speedier screening An interview with Prof. Zhiqiang Chen from Tsinghua Air cargo comes in various sizes, shapes, materials and packages, pos- University, Chairman, President and Chief Executive ing challenges for efficient screening. Officer, NUCTECH. By Ross Falconer

48 Airport Business Spring 2021 AIRPORT SECURITY

About NUCTECH

NUCTECH was founded in 1997 by a group of physicists as a spinoff company from Tsinghua University. With a workforce including PhD- educated staff and field-leading scientists, engineers, and software developers, the company has transformed theory into a range of advanced products, with an emphasis on research and development.

Innovation is at the core of the growth of NUCTECH. Owing to relentless For break bulk cargo, packages could be scanned using the R&D efforts, NUCTECH strives to ECAC-approved NUCTECH XT stay at the forefront of the market by Series to identify a wide range hosting an extensive product portfolio of prohibited and dangerous ranging from scanners to detect illicit, goods, including explosives, illegal drugs, weapons and dangerous or contraband items, to lithium batteries. the newly-developed anti-pandemic disinfection or quarantine solutions. Core products have been approved NUCTECH has a full range of screening system operations and human resource by regulatory agencies, including solutions available for air cargo security allocation. With a patented smart man- the Civil Aviation Administration of operations, with various options for differ- agement system in place, the solution China (CAAC), the UK Department for ent scenarios. combines all screening equipment Transport (DfT) and the European Civil Aside from the traditional X-ray scan- together and integrates the rich data Aviation Conference (ECAC). ners, new technologies like Computed collected from each component to With a prominent position in the Tomography (CT) have been introduced to assist operators in real time, includ- security market, NUCTECH achieves cargo operations. “CT scanners special- ing cargo information, scanned images, a significant market penetration ise in improving detection capabilities by operational data, system status, etc. “It in more than 170 countries, with providing 3D images with rich volumet- enables centralised image processing an extensive service network ric information of the package contents,” (CIP), in which images can be automati- established to further support its Prof. Chen explains. “With 360-degree cally sent to the next available screener global clients to safeguard travel, perspectives in sight, overlapping can be despite their physical location, allowing trade and transport across the globe. properly addressed and concealed dan- for optimised and flexible resource man- gerous items can be easily detected.” agement and reduced operational costs,” For break bulk cargo, packages could Prof. Chen adds. be scanned with the ECAC-approved NUCTECH XT Series to identify a wide Aside from the traditional X-ray range of prohibited and dangerous scanners, new technologies goods, including explosives, illegal drugs, like Computed Tomography weapons and lithium batteries. “When (CT) have been introduced to cargo operations. CT scanners integrated with cargo facilities, the scan- specialise in improving ners can be operated in an inline mode, detection capabilities by ensuring a high throughput of 1,800 items providing 3D images with rich volumetric information of the per hour, making sure safe parcels go package contents. through seamlessly, especially during peak times,” says Prof. Chen. For consolidated cargo mounted on pallets or unit load devices (ULDs), CTitan, a large bulk air cargo CT scanner, provides operators with clear 2D, 3D and CT slice images, with suspicious objects automati- cally marked. “By cutting manual packing and unpacking to the minimum, CTitan is suitable for hub airports or large cargo centres to quickly screen Q7 or W2 ULDs or large palletized cargo without the need for screening piece-by-piece,” Prof. Chen explains. “With a triple throughput, this solution is set to take air cargo screening to a new speedier future.” Scanners aside, centralised manage- ment is also on the rise to optimise

Spring 2021 Airport Business 49 AIRPORT SECURITY

Artificial Intelligence for smarter screening Diversity is intrinsic to air cargo. From critical medical supplies, food and wines, to fresh produce, various high- value and time-sensitive goods can be found packed into pallets and contain- ers. “Because of this, screening images are usually hard to interpret and inevita- bly lead to high false alarm rates, further causing time-consuming re-checks and operational delays,” says Prof. Chen. With NUCTECH’s air cargo security solution, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based automatic detection algorithms have been integrated to enable automatic detection of an ever-expanding list of prohibited or dangerous items. “With their quick speed, AI algorithms can greatly help opera- tors, especially the less experienced staff, to speed-up and improve their image analysis performance,” Prof. Chen com- ments. “Free from fatigue or distraction, AI can also help maintain the consist- For consolidated cargo ency of decision-making, even when the mounted on pallets or unit workforce is highly volatile in the time of load devices (ULDs), CTitan, COVID-19.” a large bulk air cargo CT scanner, provides operators Additionally, AI is a fast learner. By feed- with clear 2D, 3D and CT slice ing more images into its ‘brain’, it quickly images, with suspicious objects evolves to be more skilful at detecting automatically marked. suspicious items with steady performance. “AI algorithms enhance detection capa- About Prof. Zhiqiang Chen bilities on account of evolving threats, air cargo flow by making cold chain food reducing false alarm rates, which dras- one of the possible vectors for virus trans- Prof. Zhiqiang Chen, Chairman, tically accelerates the flow of goods mission. “Sporadic cases have highlighted President and Chief Executive through security checks,” says Prof. Chen. the necessity to introduce disinfec- Officer of NUCTECH, is a prestigious “With the help of automatic detection tion solutions to stop any possible virus professor and doctoral supervisor algorithms, most cargo can be cleared from spreading along the supply chain. of Tsinghua University. As a highly and released quickly. Security staff can However, traditional methods of manual recognised scholar, he also chairs now concentrate only on those that trig- disinfection require intensive labour, the Nuclear Technology Research ger alarms.” special training and rigorous time sched- Institute and the National Engineering WEKNOW, a proprietary NUCTECH ules, further straining the already limited Laboratory for Dangerous Articles and Explosives Detection Technologies, AI platform, integrates deep learning workforce.” while serving as Executive Director algorithms and intelligent image analysis In light of this, NUCTECH developed the of the Chinese Society of Stereology into X-ray systems. Reducing subjective ASD3000 Disinfection System to expedite and the China Isotope & Radiation human interpretation and leveraging an and automate the disinfection process. Association. expandable detection library, WEKNOW It adopts double-cyclone spray technol- increases throughput while minimising ogy to achieve thorough disinfection of Prof. Chen has been active in the manual inspections and false alarm rates. cold chain commodities and other goods. research of detection technologies “Aside from improving detection, AI can Its modular design ensures compatibility for over 20 years. As the Chief also be utilised to optimise system opera- with wide varieties of conveyor and easy Technical Officer, he successfully tions and minimise system downtime,” relocation and installation to different supervised key R&D breakthroughs in says Prof. Chen. “As any system failure can operational sites. Prof. Chen adds that, the commercialisation of screening cause disruptions to the time-sensitive engineered with different operational technologies. He also chaired several air cargo flow, it is imperative that system modes to expand disinfection capabilities, national key science and technology data can be collected and analysed by AI the NUCTECH ASD3000 helps facili- research initiatives and has been widely recognised with high-profile algorithms in a timely manner to automat- tate the safe movement of materials and honours, including the first Prize of ically monitor system performance and goods with minimal impact on the cargo the National Science and Technology arrange proper maintenance schedules.” flow. “With a growing air cargo market on Progress Award, and the WIPO (World the horizon, increasing efforts shall be Intellectual Property Organization)- Disinfection solution for health- made towards package and cargo screen- SIPO (State Intellectual Property ier screening ing. It is high time to put the enabling Office of the PRC) Award for Chinese The COVID-19 pandemic shows that technologies in place to bolster a safe, Outstanding Patented Invention & viruses know no bounds. Prof. Chen notes secure and speedy air freight industry in Industrial Design. that it has highlighted the vulnerability of the post-COVID world.”

50 Airport Business Spring 2021 Insights from close, but not inside, the airports business OUTSIDE IN

uring the course of the pan- demic, there has been a noticeable shift in passenger Errol McGlothan, Managing D behaviour. Hygiene, safety Director (EMEA & APAC), Airport and the desire to socially distance have Dimensions: “We are keen to become major concerns among many play our part in securing a safe return to travel, giving travellers as a result of COVID-19. passengers confidence to “These concerns will remain as fly by ensuring our lounge greater numbers return to airports, spaces adhere to the most stringent safety requirements and terminals and waiting areas and deliver memorable become more crowded,” begins Errol experiences for guests.” McGlothan, Managing Director (EMEA & APAC), Airport Dimensions. “We see this as a long-term trend and believe more passengers than ever will seek an increasing range of private space options, including the traditional airport lounge concept and our new sleep pods and cabins.” Occupancy levels at Airport Dimensions’ new sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounges at Hamad International and Dubai International airports have exceeded expectations. Airport Dimensions: “more “The overall feedback we’ve received has been excellent,” says McGlothan. “Comments from travellers have been passengers than ever will overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the convenience, privacy and comfort offered by the various seek an increasing range of sleeping pods and cabins available. Similarly, Dubai International and Doha International have both warmly wel- private space options” comed the new lounges to their range An interview with Errol McGlothan, Managing Director of services, which have helped increase satisfaction levels among passengers.” (EMEA & APAC), Airport Dimensions. By Ross Falconer Hygiene has always been a top pri- ority, and this has only increased in beginning and end of shifts,” McGlothan Following the recent success importance during the pandemic. At explains. “Airport Dimensions is also at Hamad International and Dubai its new sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounges, for part of Collinson – one of the world’s International, Airport Dimensions is in example, Airport Dimensions is using biggest innovators in airport testing – active discussions with other airports cutting-edge nanotechnology disinfect- and collectively we are leading the way regarding its sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounges. ant solutions to neutralise germs and in protecting passengers and airport “We believe this exciting concept is viruses, including COVID-19. Pods and workers. For instance, we are working exactly what customers are seeking at cabins are cleaned and sanitised after closely with Dr Simon Worrell, Chief this time, and we will provide updates every customer check-out, and check- Medical Officer at Collinson, whose on any new developments in due ins and check-outs are now staggered advice and expertise is helping to shape course,” says McGlothan. to avoid guests crossing paths and to our hygiene and measures plan globally. He adds that the focus this year allow for more cleaning time. Everything we are doing at our lounges remains to continue a strong pro- “In addition, PPE is mandatory for staff is geared towards building passenger gramme of airport lounge launches in and guests entering the lounges, and confidence and ensuring the safety of new territories around the world. At the staff temperatures are logged at the all visitors and staff.” same time, Airport Dimensions is con- tinuing to adapt and improve its existing lounges to best meet the changing needs of passengers. “We are keen to play our part in securing a safe return to travel, giv- ing passengers confidence to fly by ensuring our lounge spaces adhere to the most stringent safety requirements and deliver memorable experiences for guests. We have every confidence in the future prospects of travel and are con- Occupancy levels at Airport Dimensions’ tinuing to invest in this sector in order new sleep ‘n fly Sleep Lounges at Hamad International and Dubai International to best meet the needs of passengers airports have exceeded expectations. returning to the skies.”

Spring 2021 Airport Business 51 A NEW EXPERINCE AWAITS YOU

We return Carrying a message of peace and optimism As we work to assure high standards of health and safety for the passengers believing in this commitment to keep everyone safe.