THE AIRPORT

OPERATOR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AIRPORT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION

UK AVIATION HEADS FOR NET ZERO BY 2050

SPRING 2020 2

THE AOA IS PLEASED TO WORK WITH ITS CORPORATE PARTNERS, AND GOLD AND SILVER MEMBERS

Corporate Partners

Gold Members

Silver Members

WWW.AOA.ORG.UK 3 KAREN DEE Introduction to The Airport Operator THE AIRPORT achieved in line with the commitments I am very that the UK has made on sustainability. OPERATOR This is brought into sharp focus by THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AIRPORT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION pleased to the Court of Appeal judgement on extend a warm Heathrow’s expansion plans. AIRPORT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION welcome to The AOA and its member airports are The Baroness Ruby strong supporters of the commitment McGregor-Smith CBE this edition of that Sustainable Aviation made Chair The Airport last month to achieving net zero Karen Dee carbon emissions by 2050 through a Chief Executive Operator, combination of smarter flight operations, new aircraft and engine technology, Henk van Klaveren published to coincide with our Head of Public Affairs & PR airspace modernisation, sustainable 2020 Annual Dinner. fuels and market-based measures. Jeff Bevan Our dinner, at which I look forward to The roadmap demonstrates clearly Policy & Public Affairs Officer meeting many of you, follows a very that growth across the UK can be Rupinder Pamme eventful year for the UK, with the General accommodated whilst also achieving that Policy Manager Election last December followed by our target. departure from the European Union at Patricia Page We have a big job to do to convince a Executive Assistant the end of January, the emergence of sceptical public and local authorities that & Office Manager coronavirus, which has presented UK this dramatic commitment is achievable, airports with significant operational and Richard Atkin but I am encouraged by the Transport business challenges and, most recently, Finance Executive Secretary’s description of our sector’s the collapse of . Robert Adderley commitment as “a huge step forward in Events & Member Relations Officer We took the opportunity of the creating a greener future”. You can read Tania Roca election to remind politicians of our more about the detail that lies behind Operations, Safety top five priorities. We said that the the commitment in an article that I have & Commercial Director new Government should deliver a written for this edition of our magazine. national aviation policy that supports Every part of the aviation sector is sustainable aviation growth, prioritise working hard to deliver a sustainable AIRPORT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION a new legal framework for the UK’s future and I know from discussions with 3 Birdcage Walk aviation connectivity after Brexit, support SW1H 9JJ our members that airports across the industry in modernising UK airspace, country are prioritising action to ensure ensure that the UK’s border is secure that their own operations will achieve the T: +44 (0)20 7799 3171 and welcoming and review, and reform net zero goal. A good example was the E: [email protected] Air Passenger Duty to boost the UK’s announcement in January that W: www.aoa.org.uk international competitiveness. Airport plans to tear down its The meetings that I have had with existing terminal building to replace it Michael Burrell Ministers and officials at the Department with a new one that will meet the highest Editor for Transport since the election have international standards for environmental given me some optimism about progress efficiency. We have an interview with on a number of these issues. We were Chief Executive, Hywel Rees, that encouraged by the Government’s explains the “profound change” that the THE AIRPORT OPERATOR decision to launch a review of regional air new terminal will deliver for passengers MAGAZINE IS PRODUCED BY connectivity and of Air Passenger Duty, and airlines alike. Elsewhere in the but have heard nothing more, and we magazine you can read about growth await with greater than usual interest the plans at both Teesside International first Budget from the new Chancellor of Airport and Airport. Shimon Speigel the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak. Creative Director Here at the AOA we know that we have a Meanwhile officials at the Department huge job to do to represent the interests Natalia Lacerda for Transport have continued to work on Graphic Designer of all of our airports to Government the development of the Government’s and to Parliament. We will continue to GENIUM Aviation Strategy. In our discussions make the case that a flourishing and Studio 27 on this we have emphasised the environmentally responsible aviation Quadrant Business Centre importance of the Government setting sector will be a vital and essential enabler 135 Salusbury Road a clear strategic overall direction. We of prosperity for global Britain and for London NW6 6RJ would like to see a very clear statement businesses and communities across the from Ministers that they believe T: +44 (0)20 7089 2622 country.  E: [email protected] aviation growth can and should be W: www.geniumcreative.com accommodated, providing that it is Karen Dee, Chief Executive 4

AOA CHIEF EXECUTIVE, KAREN DEE, DESCRIBES HOW UK AVIATION LEADERS MADE A WORLD-FIRST COMMITMENT TO NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2050

On 4 February, leaders of the UK aviation industry, including many airport CEOs, came together to commit our industry to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

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his is a world-first: nowhere else has the whole of the Tindustry – airlines, aerospace Aviation must play manufacturers, airports and air navigation service providers – come its full part in helping together to make such a clear the UK deliver a net commitment. Not only is there a commitment, but there is also the zero future, while latest Decarbonisation Road-Map that was launched at the event, at the same time organised by Sustainable Aviation enabling aviation to (SA), which sets out how the industry will realise this commitment. continue to deliver

As the world changes, so have the benefits of global expectations of aviation around DECARBONISATION connectivity that have ROAD-MAP: A PATH our ability to meet global carbon TO NET ZERO targets. Aviation must play its full been such a catalyst for A plan to decarbonise UK aviation part in helping the UK deliver a net zero future, while at the same prosperity. sustainableaviation.co.uk time enabling aviation to continue to deliver the benefits of global connectivity that have been such a crucial to reduce emissions from Airspace modernisation will offer catalyst for prosperity. The enemy is existing fleets. In the longer-term, benefits through more direct routes, carbon, not air travel. as hybrid and electric aircraft limiting or even eliminating airborne start operating on shorter routes, holding of aircraft and create The three main ways of reducing these fuels will play a crucial role opportunities for respite from noise emissions are focused on new engine in reducing emissions for long-haul for communities. To achieve this, and aircraft technology (including flights. These fuels exist today, work Government must take a leadership hybrid and electric propulsion), the in existing gas-turbine engines and role and provide the right policy and use of sustainable fuels and airspace could reduce UK aviation emissions regulatory framework to enable the modernisation. Alongside that will sit in 2050 by at least 30%. Achieving industry to deliver modernisation. carbon offsetting of the remaining this will require a positive policy emissions by 2050, through environment, but if we get this right, Net zero aviation will not happen market-based measures. Emerging the UK could be a world leader in overnight, but we have set out technologies, such as carbon capture sustainable aviation fuels. our commitment as an industry and storage may also have a role to to achieving it. It is a credible play. Alongside support for sustainable and realistic target and if we fuels, we must continue to focus on work together as an industry, in UK aviation has already made great the future technologies. Through partnership with Government, we strides– for example, between 2010 the Aerospace Growth Partnership can create a thriving aviation sector and 2016 passenger numbers in the (AGP) and the Aerospace Technology compatible with our global climate UK grew by more than 25%, while Institute (ATI), the aerospace ambitions.  total emissions only grew by under manufacturers are already investing 5%. Overall, emissions continue to be in innovation and research, including below 2005 levels, thanks to cleaner- the hybrid electric and fully electric burning aircraft, improved operations aircraft. Alongside upgrades to UK aviation has and improved air traffic management. aircraft already in operation, the Road-Map shows that we can achieve already made great But we must go further and faster further emissions reductions of 24% strides– for example, to achieve net zero by 2050, while through this. The Government needs meeting the expected growth in to continue to support this aerospace between 2010 and 2016 demand from passengers. SA’s R&D, through the AGP and increased Decarbonisation Road-Map sets out investment through the ATI. passenger numbers in how we can achieve this: through the UK grew by more a combination of measures and in Lastly, upgrading our airspace will collaboration with Government. have an important role to play, than 25%, while total including through the potential In the short to medium term, it has to reduce noise impacts emissions only grew by sustainable aviation fuels will be for communities near airports. under 5%.

THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SPRING 2020 6 BRISTOL AND STANSTED PASSENGER GROWTH PLANS BLOCKED BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Planning applications by Bristol and Stansted airports to allow them to serve more passengers have been blocked by their local authorities.

eeting last month, North which it said: “risks putting the steps. A spokesman said that Somerset Council’s brakes on the region’s economy Stansted’s application “would have MPlanning and Regulatory by turning away airlines who want enabled the airport to serve more Committee voted to recommend to serve the South West market, passengers without any increase refusal of ’s shutting the door to international in the permitted number of flights application to increase its trade and tourism at a time when and with a noise footprint that capacity from 10 to 12 million the UK needs to show it is open is 15% smaller than our current passengers a year, contrary to the for business. By preventing Bristol operations”. Uttlesford’s decision to recommendation of its planning Airport from meeting demand for reject Stansted’s application means officers. air travel from within the region that the final decision is likely to be it serves, the Council will simply made at a public inquiry. The vote came a month after exacerbate the situation which Uttlesford District Council’s already sees millions of passengers Two weeks after the Uttlesford Planning Committee also voted a year from our region drive to vote, the Stop Stansted Expansion to ignore the advice of its officers London airports in order to fly, group suffered a High Court defeat and reject Stansted’s application to creating carbon emissions and when Mr Justice Dove dismissed increase the number of passengers congestion in the process”. their appeal arguing that the it can serve from 35 to 43 million Government should consider the passengers a year. The North Somerset vote is not planning application. The judge’s the end of the process. Because ruling gave weight to the argument Commenting on the North the councillors went against their that climate change, noise and air Somerset vote, council leader, Don officers’ recommendations, the quality concerns are addressed by Davies, said: “I know some people decision will return to the same national policies and not individual will be upset by this decision and I committee to be ratified. If the planning applications. Stansted am sure that we can reconsider it decision is ratified, Bristol Airport welcomed the dismissal of the in future when the airline industry has six months to lodge an appeal, appeal and said it confirmed what has decarbonised and the public which would be heard at a public the airport and the Government had transport links to the airport are far inquiry. said all along, that the application stronger”. did not raise matters of national Stansted Airport also said it was significance and should be dealt Bristol Airport said it was “disappointed” by the Uttlesford with and considered properly, as “disappointed” by the decision, vote and was considering its next any other planning application. 

WWW.AOA.ORG.UK 7 AOA BUDGET REPRESENTATION TO THE CHANCELLOR

At a time when the UK Government’s focus is on the country’s global prospects, it is important to emphasise that it is aviation that provides essential connectivity for exporters, inward investors and other business travellers.

viation is one of the UK’s fundamental look at the fiscal and In early February, Sustainable success stories and we business environment within which Aviation Carbon Road-Map: A Awant aviation to play its full UK aviation operates, alongside the Path to Net Zero was launched, part in helping to secure the UK’s APD review. which sets out how the industry future prosperity. can achieve net zero carbon The AOA called for investment in emission by 2050 with the right In the AOA’s Budget surface transport access to airports support from the Government. Representation to the Chancellor, to boost economic growth in our We asked the Chancellor to we welcomed the Government’s Budget representation to help announce further plans to support intervention in the case of Flybe create new jobs, and this should the decarbonisation of airside earlier this year. The immediate also be included as part of the vehicles and to encourage the issue highlighted by this case is Aviation Strategy. The AOA urges greater uptake of ultra-low- that of domestic Air Passenger the Government to build on the emission vehicles at airports, in Duty (APD). The AOA is pleased to commitment in the Government’s addition to support for sustainable see its announcement of a review Transport Investment Strategy. We aviation fuels – a crucial part of the of APD and specifically the issue would further call on the Treasury decarbonisation road-map. of double charging of APD on to engage with and prepare for domestic routes. More broadly, we the Aviation Strategy to ensure it We also call for further resources urge the Government to reduce can be properly funded and any for Border Force to ensure that APD by 50% to bring it in line with recommendations delivered where it is better equipped to deal with the UK’s competitors, ensuring a strong business case and proper increased passenger numbers, that global Britain remains cost-benefit analysis can be shown. particularly at peak travel times. competitive. As part of this, the Government These resources should be based should mandate Highways , on a long-term plan, informed Alongside the APD review, the Rail, local transport by analysis by both airports and Department for Transport has authorities and local government Border Force to predict and launched a review of regional to deliver improvements in surface project passenger levels into connectivity to consider how access to airports. the future, allowing the Treasury improved connections could be to understand several years in delivered to assist Government’s The aviation industry recognises advance what resourcing levels objective to “level up” economic that future growth is contingent are likely to be required, and to activity across the UK. It is on efforts to decarbonise and cost these into future budgets essential that this takes a more make air travel more sustainable. accordingly. 

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THE AOA’S “BEST UK AIRPORT” AWARDS GO TO , JOHN LENNON AND LONDON SOUTHEND

At the AOA awards 2019, Birmingham, Liverpool John Lennon and London Southend airports won the Best Airport award in their category. These awards were judged by members of Airlines UK, the trade association for UK airlines.

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he “Best Airport” awards service and a 5-star rating for its were presented by travel short queue times to pass through Tjournalist, Simon Calder, at security. CEO, John Irving, said: “This the AOA 2019 awards dinner held at is a special award for the airport as London’s County Hall. it demonstrates how well-respected we are not only by passengers from won the award across the region, but within the for “Best Airport handling over 10 aviation industry too”. million passengers per annum” for the second consecutive year. AOA won the Chief Executive, Karen Dee, said award for “Best Airport handling that “Birmingham’s commitment to under 3 million passengers per its passengers and customers shone annum” for the fourth time in five through and secured them their years. Glyn Jones, CEO of the victory amid strong competition airport’s owners, Stobart Aviation, for this award from airports across said”: “To win this award for the the UK”. The airport’s CEO, Nick fourth consecutive year is once again Barton, said winning the award down to all the hard work that the “signifies that our strategy to invest team at London Southend has put in our facilities and service is being in”. He said that the airport – the UK’s positively welcomed by our airlines fastest growing – was “easy to use, and customers”. with short walking distances, and a lack of queues compared to other Liverpool John Lennon Airport London airports”. won the award for “Best Airport handling between 3 – 10 million Four other airports also picked passengers per annum”. The up awards. London ’s awards entry focussed Airport won the award for “Best judges as “an exciting initiative with on a number of achievements Environmental Initiative” for the clear environmental benefits that was including more destinations and second year running. This year’s integrated into the airport’s long-term more passengers whilst maintaining award, for Gatwick’s new circular vision”. the highest levels of customer waste system, was praised by the UK Airports Safety Week awards went to East Midlands and London Luton airports. won the award for “Best UK Airports Safety Week Campaign”, with the judges praising “an excellent overall campaign which engaged not only the full range of stakeholders on the campus but the wider community around the airport”. London won the award for “Best UK Airports Safety Week Initiative”. The airport’s initiative featured the use of a “Safety Bus” – initially just used during Safety Week, it is now a permanent fixture, touring the airport every fortnight to help staff to learn about safety procedures.

The award for “Best Airport for General Aviation”, judged by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), went to Sywell Aerodrome for its safe, efficient and friendly environment. The judges said that the Northamptonshire airport was dedicated to providing a General Aviation aerodrome that was

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of a high standard and well-liked by many GA pilots.

Two awards went to non-Airport Members of the AOA. AiQ Consulting won the award for “Best Solution Provider”. Their entry title was “AiQ and NATS at Bristol Airport; providing an end-to-end capacity assessment from kerbside to airspace”. The judges praised “a holistic, whole journey approach which clearly helped the airport to achieve its goals”. AECOM won the award for “Best Innovator” for the work of its Major Infrastructure Resource Optimisation Group, with the judges concluding that benefits to the airport had been clearly articulated. 

The “Best Airport” awards were presented by travel journalist, Simon Calder, at the AOA 2019 awards dinner held at London’s County Hall.

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EDINBURGH AIRPORT’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE SAYS AVIATION SECTOR MUST DO MORE TO CONVINCE THE PUBLIC IT IS “DEADLY SERIOUS” ABOUT CUTTING CARBON EMISSIONS

Public opinion about flying and carbon emissions may be at “a tipping point” according to Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of , and the aviation sector needs to do more to convince people that it is “deadly serious” about cutting emissions.

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ewar said it was “too early Dewar said that the airport to nearly 15 million and the airport to say” whether flight remains committed to submitting is “getting towards the limit of Dshame was a factor in falling an airspace change proposal and capacity” at peak times. domestic passenger numbers, but would continue to work with the he was clear that the aviation sector Civil Aviation Authority on this, Creating capacity headroom was has got to “show that we are on the since the use of new technology also a key element of the airport’s most committed path” to achieving would lead to a reduction in aircraft £75 million terminal expansion, net zero carbon emissions by 2050. track miles and emissions, as well opened last summer by ’s The sector needed to secure vocal as minimising the noise impact of First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. The third-party support from trusted flights. He acknowledged that not expanded terminal provides more experts on the issue, including all of those affected would be happy gates, new stands and new retail scientists, opinion-formers and with the outcome, but said the outlets. There is more investment to policy makers. airport was determined to achieve come this summer, when the airport “an outcome that will be the best will introduce a new He said that Edinburgh Airport is on solution in the round”. system behind the scenes and new course to achieve carbon neutrality check-in facilities, which Dewar for its own operations this year and Edinburgh Airport’s airspace says will “transform the check-in would seek to widen the scope of its change plans are designed not just experience”. activities to encompass not just its to impact on emissions and noise own on-site activity and renewable but also to improve the airport’s Outside the terminal the airport’s energy procurement but also to capacity. Airspace around the priority is to see a new road built to influence aircraft take-off and airport has remained unchanged alleviate congestion on the airport’s landing patterns and travel to and since the 1970s, while passenger single existing road. Dewar’s hope from the airport. numbers have grown from 1 million is that planning permission will be

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secured this year, construction will start in 2021 and the new road will open in 2022. He notes that it should be of particular benefit for passengers travelling between the airport and Edinburgh centre by bus, where Edinburgh achieves 37% public transport modal share, with bus being the largest contributor.

A total of 14,747,830 people travelled through Edinburgh Airport last year, making 2019 the busiest in the airport’s history and the busiest ever year for a Scottish airport. Growth in international passengers drove the increase, with EasyJet and adding new routes and increasing frequencies, supported at year-end by the arrival of Hungarian low-cost carrier, , with new routes to Warsaw, Gdansk, Budapest and Bucharest. Dewar attributed falling domestic passenger numbers to a combination of factors, including reduced Ryanair flights from Stansted and Brexit-related uncertainty.

Reflecting on the election of a A total of 14,747,830 people travelled through UK Government committed to rebalancing the national economy, Edinburgh Airport last year, making 2019 the Dewar said he was encouraged by busiest in the airport’s history and the busiest ever the Government’s announcement of a review of regional air year for a Scottish airport. connectivity. Edinburgh Airport was engaging with the review, and on future commercial aviation recently named the winner of the which he anticipated would look at rights. He is optimistic that International Aviation Review’s Best existing Public Service Obligations both sides will see the benefit of Accessibility Initiative award. for uncommercial routes, such as maintaining most of the current those in the Highlands and Islands, flying rights and notes that, in any That recognition of Edinburgh and domestic Air Passenger event, some airlines have already Airport’s industry-leading service Duty. He acknowledged that the acted to secure new licences to Passengers with Reduced Treasury was traditionally reluctant that will preserve their freedoms, Mobility was an important external to consider cuts in APD and whatever the outcome. He says that acknowledgement of the great suggested that, if cuts were not he is more concerned about less strides that the airport has made considered to be appropriate, then obvious risks, such as border checks since the days when the regulator the Government should at least starting to take longer, and the ruled that this was an area requiring consider ensuring that some of overall impact of the negotiations improvement. Dewar pays tribute the proceeds of APD are invested on the economy. to the passion of the airport’s in decarbonisation initiatives and customer-facing staff who, he says, encouraging and incentivising Dewar speaks throughout with should take the credit not just for others to contribute. evident pride in the contribution the award-winning quality of the that his airport makes to the success airport’s mainstream service for Another area of UK Government of the Scottish economy and of PRMs but also for the quality of its activity in which Dewar is taking the Scottish tourism industry in care for passengers with hidden a close interest is this year’s particular. But he concludes the disabilities, such as children on the negotiation with the EU on the interview by expressing quiet autistic spectrum.  future UK-EU trading relationship satisfaction that the airport was

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Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor

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TEESSIDE AIRPORT REBORN WITH NEW ROUTES TO LONDON, FIVE OTHER UK AND IRELAND DESTINATIONS AND ALICANTE

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, has heralded “a new dawn for our airport” after announced a new daily service from Teesside to and new routes to Alicante, , Cardiff, , the and .

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Ben Houchen and Tony Burgess ,Eastern Airways Managing Director

hen the first flight takes announcements were “a massive authority and 25% owned by Stobart off to London City Airport vote of confidence” in Teesside Aviation, who now operate the Won 27 April it will mark . The airline’s airport. While the airport continues the first time that Teesside has Managing Director, Tony Burgess, its search for a Managing Director, been linked to the capital by air in said that his company had a day-to-day operations are in the more than 11 years, restoring a route “progressive partnership” with hands of a team led by Stobart that Houchen said would play an Teesside and was already planning Aviation CEO, Glyn Jones. His essential role in Teesside’s future ahead with the airport for an colleague, Kate Willard, Director of economic development. expanded European programme Partnership Development at Stobart for the 2021 summer season. Group, said Teesside had seen “a The first flights from the airport significant uplift in passengers over to Alicante in nine years will run Teesside’s most popular route the last year” and was having its twice a week from 17 July. The continues to be the KLM link to best year since 2013. new Spanish route was revealed ’s Schiphol Airport, by the Mayor and Eastern Airways ’s third busiest hub Houchen said that his election as at Middlesbrough Football Club’s airport, with direct flights to 327 Mayor in 2017 on a pledge to buy Riverside Stadium. The airport has destinations around the world. the airport showed that local people a new partnership with the club to Looking ahead, the airport is also were not prepared to accept its promote it at games and to fans talking to some of the main low- continuing decline and understood and supporters across the world cost carriers about possible new that a new approach was needed to via social media. Houchen said he leisure routes to “sun and sand” realise the airport’s potential. He was “over the moon” to be able to destinations and Houchen said said that the Eastern announcement announce the Alicante route ahead he was hopeful about making meant that Teesside was “once of the first anniversary of the Tees progress in time for the summer again connected by air to all four Valley Combined Authority buying 2021 schedules. corners of the United Kingdom and the airport. Ireland”, but it was “just the start” The Teesside airport was brought and showed what could be done Taken together, the new routes back into public ownership “when you believe in local people will give the airport 39 additional last year after the Tees Valley and our local airport”. flights per week, adding over Combined Authority agreed to 185,000 seats each year and a £40 million deal to acquire the He expressed confidence that, over more than doubling the number majority stake then owned by Peel the next 10 to 12 years, “we will of available seats. Houchen Airports Ltd. Today the airport again be a on a more competitive said that the Eastern Airways is 75% owned by the combined footing in relation to Newcastle

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Airport”, suggesting that the densely populated urban areas surrounding Teesside International Airport would be a great asset in achieving that.

Welcoming the Government’s decision to launch a regional air connectivity review, Houchen said that if the Government wanted to show its support for the regions the best thing that it could do would be to abolish or at least massively reduce domestic Air Passenger Duty.

Houchen said he did not accept that growth at Teesside’s airport was incompatible with the UK’s “The best way of commitment to net zero carbon dealing with aviation’s emissions by 2050, pointing out that a wider choice of routes carbon emissions from a local airport would mean that people no longer needed to would not be to limit make much longer journeys on growth, but instead to the ground to reach an airport. He also suggested that the best look to enterprise and way of dealing with aviation’s carbon emissions would not be to innovation to find new limit growth, but instead to look low carbon solutions. “ to enterprise and innovation to find new low-carbon solutions. start a project that could ultimately Houchen said that Teesside is result in 3.4 million sq ft of new already a low-carbon, clean- logistics and manufacturing space growth centre, with Redcar-based and the creation of over 4,000 businesses developing innovative new jobs. Rental income from the Authority has agreed to spend technology for biodegradable jet business park would be reinvested £6 million on a ten-year rescue fuel. in the airport. plan to upgrade the station and to encourage the line’s train operators The airport’s aspirations for Having brought new life to an to stop there. Houchen said: “As further growth are not limited to airport, Houchen has now set his we secure more flights and more commercial passenger flights. It is sights on achieving something passengers through the terminal, we also in discussion with a number of similar for a railway station. need trains to stop more frequently offshore wind manufacturers about so more and more people can use providing them with a new heliport Teesside Airport station, which is the railway as a way of getting to base for North Sea wind turbines. almost a mile away from the airport the airport”. In the short term a Houchen said that Teesside could terminal, currently only comes to new shuttle bus service to link the be an ideal location for them, life at 14.54 on a Sunday when a station to the is though he recognised that it would westbound train stops on its way being considered, while in the long first need to upgrade its radar from Hartlepool to . In term there has even been discussion systems to accommodate them. 2017/2018 the station was used about building new moving walkway by only 74 people, though that links. Another key development on represented an improvement on which work is already starting is earlier years when it was the least- All that is a long way into the future. the creation of a new business park used railway station in the country. Meanwhile, Houchen has another on the 270 acres of land that the Bus services linking the station to election to fight. He will stand for Authority owns to the south of the the airport were withdrawn many re-election as Tees Valley Mayor airport. A £23.6 million investment years ago. in May on a platform that includes by the Authority to develop critical the slogan: “Teesside International infrastructure is designed to kick- Now the Tees Valley Combined Airport. Promise delivered”. 

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MODERN SLAVERY EXPERT URGES UK AIRPORTS TO TAKE ACTION TO STOP CROSS-BORDER VICTIM TRAFFICKING

Marc Stanton, Director of Slave-Free Alliance, explains how the airport industry is positively progressing in reaction to the real threat of forced labour through human trafficking in the sector.

ith recent members with figures of British victims rising cases that are reported; this hidden of Slave-Free Alliance over 72% year on year. In the UK crime happening amongst us is Wincluding a total of alone, there’s currently estimated fuelled by coercion, suppression eight UK airports, comprising of to be 136,000 people living in a and terror, meaning that many big industry players such as MAG, state of forced labour, which is only victims, even upon escape, are AGS, Liverpool John Lennon and one of the elements encapsulated silenced through ongoing fear of Edinburgh, it indicates a huge by the term modern slavery. These their captors and potential violent increase in awareness of the issue statistics are based on only those repercussions for both themselves of modern slavery within the aviation industry, and a commitment to taking steps to eradicate this monstrous practice. The shocking truth is that modern slavery is on Human trafficking resulting in the increase, with figures of British victims rising enslaved victims is an abhorrent issue which is unfortunately rife over 72% year on year. In the UK alone, there’s here in Britain, although many are currently estimated to be 136,000 people living unaware of just how significant the impact is. The shocking truth is that in a state of forced labour, which is only one of the modern slavery is on the increase, elements encapsulated by the term modern slavery.

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and their families. This means it’s extremely likely the real number of victimised people is substantially Marc Stanton, higher. Director of Slave-Free Alliance

Unbelievably, traffickers dehumanise their victims, treating them as a money generating possession only useful if they are making the captors a profit. It’s happening everywhere, and the airport industry inclusive of its wider supply chain is no exception. Slave-Free Alliance has been developed to help organisations across the UK drive their anti- slavery strategies, supporting them to increase their knowledge, drive awareness and strengthen their defences, ensuring adequate protection against trafficker infiltration. A growing number of UK airports have come to realise that, supported by parent charity Hope for Justice, Slave- Free Alliance offer an unrivalled network of expert assistance.

A Tangible Threat

Exploitation can be happening undetected within any businesses; it’s often the case that unprepared outfits learn a hard lesson through Slave-Free Alliance has been developed to help victim discovery enabled by a weak link in their supply chain. organisations across the UK drive their anti- This was evidenced through Operation Fort, the UK’s largest slavery strategies, supporting them to increase human trafficking bust in UK their knowledge, drive awareness and strengthen history, which was supported by Slave-Free Alliance. Over the their defences, ensuring adequate protection course of five years, a gang of traffickers were able to place against trafficker infiltration. around 400 victims in numerous legitimate businesses across the UK, some of them being Due to the profitability of the airport starts with an assessment of where well-known, household names. industry, many UK airports are each individual business currently The weak link in this case was required by the Modern Slavery Act stands in relation to its own unique a recruitment agency breached 2015 to publish a Modern Slavery operations and associated risks. through the employment of a Statement outlining intended A bespoke, expert gap analysis respectable looking gang member, preventative practice on an annual can highlight any potential areas who facilitated the placement of basis; however this is the minimum of infiltration in current ways of victims without raising suspicion. legal requirement, and more must working and streamline focus on Mainstream media coverage of be done to adequately shield eliminating these vulnerabilities this prosecution has helped bring operations from penetration. through strategic recommendations. the issue of modern slavery to No proactive action can be taken the forefront. Slave-Free Alliance An Inside Understanding without first understanding the level is the preventative partner and specific areas of risk within a businesses need to stop this from Slave-Free Alliance recommends business; there is no one size fits happening to them. that every anti-slavery endeavour all solution, or isolated practice; a

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future-focused plan for continuous different area entirely. Awareness cleaning positions. Assumptions improvement is essential. activation beyond the essential should never be made about any security staff to all airport staff employee, permanent, temporary Expanding Explorations members, from retailers to or otherwise engaged. A clear set cleaners and everyone in between, of standards, values, sanctions Once there’s an understanding of is pivotal in the prevention of and a reporting system should the key risks within a particular this heinous crime. Some of the be applied harmoniously from organisation, evaluations should things to look for when screening employment inception for all. It’s next extend beyond the immediate for victims include dishevelled therefore important for HR to have business remits, focusing on appearance; visible injuries an extensive understanding and to the exploration of areas of or ailments; irregular anxious push this recruitment protocol out vulnerability in the wider supply behaviour; a strange dynamic to the wider organisation, including chain. Businesses cannot afford with their travelling companion; any external recruitment agents. to turn a blind eye; as proven by the inability to understand simple Operation Fort, low-cost agencies requests in relation to their The advice in this article is not or suppliers whose rates and personal circumstances. The exhaustive; there are many more services seem too good to be true, Combatting Human Trafficking elements to consider when often are. It’s dangerous to assume Handbook released by Airports constructing the best possible any business within the supply Council International this year armour for your organisation. By chain has taken steps to safeguard would be the very minimum joining Slave-Free Alliance, you’ll themselves; the majority of smaller advised educational intervention be uniting with a coalition of businesses are innocently unaware to inform staff. airports displaying a zero-tolerance of the risks, although some can approach to modern slavery within astonishingly be complicit in the Training for staff to identify business and supply chains. In- cascading of forced labourers. A potential contractors or employees depth advice and services include procurement practice with strict who could be victims of forced training, technical consultation, gap controls ensuring only responsible labour is equally important. In analysis, multi-site assessments and reputable suppliers are addition to the universal signs and more, which will positively selected is the most sensible mentioned above, one of the impact your organisation; 100% solution. This should be thorough, strong victim indicators is if an of members said they were very with focus placed on ethical employee is accompanied to and likely to recommend membership sourcing, and extend to current from work, seemingly unable to another organisation. You’ll also suppliers as well as potential to have freedom of movement be benefiting the worldwide fight contractors and collaborators. beyond this arrangement. against modern slavery, as all profits Indicators of a sound supplier Roles that are particularly made by Slave-Free Alliance are are: comprehensive Companies at risk vary, including those reinvested in Hope for Justice’s House record; insurance and in waste management and charitable activities committed accreditations; complete financial to ending oppression on an records; updated policies and international level, for good.  procedures; record keeping system with standard record reviews. By joining Contact: 0300 008 0044 Activating Awareness www.slavefreealliance.org Slave-Free marc.stanton@slavefreealliance. As well as being vulnerable org through their extended supply Alliance, you’ll chain and own operations, , East Midlands, Airports can also be the unwitting be uniting with Edinburgh, , Liverpool conduits of human traffickers John Lennon, Manchester, shuttling victims through the a coalition Southampton and Stansted system undetected. Cross border of airports airports are all members of Slave- trafficking is still a prevalent crime Free Alliance. associated with the facilitation of displaying a zero- modern slavery, despite improved controls. A prevalent demographic tolerance approach of victims trafficked outside of their country of origin are those to modern slavery of North African and Middle Eastern descent, with 41% of these within business nationals being repatriated from a and supply chains. WWW.AOA.ORG.UK 23 NEWCASTLE INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BECOME A NET ZERO AIRPORT BY 2035

Newcastle International Airport has detailed plans to become a Net Zero emissions airport by 2035, its centenary year.

he airport will take steps on being a good neighbour. The first flight take to the skies was a to procure and generate people of the North East are at the very proud moment for the airport Trenewable energy, as well heart of everything we do, so it and an important milestone for the as shifting to new technologies. is vital that we make the changes region”.  Over the next 15 years a brand- needed to be able to grow the new fleet of electric vehicles will airport in a sustainable manner that be introduced across the airport, protects the environment we all live including passenger and car park and work in”. buses, with improved facilities for “Decarbonising the customers with electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the airport has been airport before 2035 celebrating the launch last month Newcastle will also work with of a new six-days-a-week will be a challenge, airlines to encourage more use of service to Munich, where the the latest, most efficient aircraft, hub airport provides over 130 but this is something such as the A320 NEO. The NEO onward connections to Europe, the that we feel strongly aircraft, which already operates at Americas and Asia Pacific. The new the airport, delivers a 15% saving in route, complementing an existing about. Newcastle CO2 emissions. route to Dusseldorf, is expected to reinforce Germany’s International is an The airport’s Chief Executive, position as the North East’s largest extremely important Nick Jones, said: “Decarbonising inbound tourism market. the airport before 2035 will be a asset to the region challenge, but this is something Jones said: “We are delighted that we feel strongly about. that Lufthansa, a globally and we pride Newcastle International is an renowned, five-star airline, has extremely important asset to the chosen to operate from Newcastle ourselves on being a region and we pride ourselves International Airport. Watching the good neighbour”.

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WWW.AOA.ORG.UK 25 CORNWALL AIRPORT NEWQUAY APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

Cornwall Airport Newquay has announced that Pete Downes will be its new Managing Director from 4 May.

ownes will join from London Downes said he was “delighted by a decision by Cornwall Council City Airport, where he is to have the opportunity to lead to provide £10.3 million of Dcurrently Aviation Director. the team at Cornwall Airport additional cash to support plans He began his career in transport Newquay, building on the airport’s to create a horizontal launch site with FirstGroup and entered the impressive track record of delivery at the airport to get satellites into aviation industry at Bristol Airport, for the region. Having spent space orbit. The council’s decision where he was Head of Aviation. several years working in the South means that the Virgin Orbit He replaces former Managing West of England previously, I am satellite launch system is closer to Director, Al Titterington, who looking forward to returning and operating out of Cornwall Airport left Cornwall Airport Newquay working together with our airlines, Newquay from 2021.  to become Terminal Operations partners and stakeholders to create Director at Birmingham Airport. an exciting future for aviation in Cornwall.” Commenting on Downes’ “I’m delighted appointment, Cornwall Airport The appointment of a new Managing Newquay Chairman, Tim Director follows an announcement to have the Jeans, said: “As we reach more from that it will destinations by air than ever start operating a service between opportunity to before from Cornwall, Pete is Cornwall Airport Newquay and ideally placed to boost the future this summer. BA lead the team at of the airport and the vital role will operate the service five times it plays to connect visitors and a week from early July to early Cornwall Airport businesses with our region. We September. The flag carrier will be Newquay, building are in a strong position and the airport’s eighth airline partner. Pete will bring his experience Flybe is switching its public- on the airport’s and knowledge to continue this subsidy-supported Cornwall Airport strategic growth and enhance Newquay service from Heathrow to impressive track our contribution to the Cornish Gatwick. economy”. record of delivery The airport has also been boosted for the region”

THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SPRING 2020 26 HEATHROW TO APPEAL AGAINST COURT OF APPEAL JUDGEMENT

Heathrow Airport has announced that it will appeal against a judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal that blocks progress on its plans for a third .

he judgement found that cast doubt on other infrastructure 40% of the UK’s trade by value with the Government had projects, including roads and non-EU countries, aviation is the Tfailed to take into account housing. transport of choice for business and commitments made under the consumers across the UK and their 2016 Agreement on climate The Government said that it had demand for aviation connectivity change when assessing Heathrow’s decided not to appeal against the continues to grow. All UK airports expansion plan. It ruled that this Court of Appeal judgement and want to meet that demand, both makes the UK’s Airports National acknowledged that the existing through more point-to-point Policy Statement unlawful. Airports National Policy Statement connectivity and additional hub is of no legal effect unless and until capacity. The effect of the judgement is to the Government carries out a review put the third runway plans on hold under the Planning Act 2008. “Airports are clear that we can until either the decision is reversed Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, meet growing aviation demand by the Supreme Court or the said: “The court’s judgement is sustainably. UK aviation as a Government undertakes a review complex and requires careful whole has committed to achieving of the Airports National Policy consideration. We will set out our net-zero emissions by 2050 while Statement which takes the Paris next steps in due course”. meeting a growth in demand of Agreement into account. 70%, as forecast by Government. AOA Chief Executive, Karen Dee, The Sustainable Aviation coalition’s Heathrow expressed confidence said UK airports were clear that Decarbonisation Road-Map sets out that its appeal would be successful they could meet growing aviation how we plan to achieve our target. and said that “in the meantime, demand sustainably. In a statement In addition to this, many airports we are ready to work with the issued following the judgement, have individually committed to net- Government to fix the issue that she said: “Whether it is for well- zero emissions for their own airport the court has raised”. It said that earned holidays, travelling to operations, some considerably ensuring that a third runway would business meetings or facilitating sooner than 2050”.  be compatible with a strategy to deal with climate change under the Paris Agreement was “eminently achievable”.

The airport also said that a failure by the Government to remedy the issue could impact airport growth elsewhere in the country and

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UK FIRST FOR LONDON LUTON AIRPORT

London Luton Airport has become the first and only UK airport to achieve Airports Council International (ACI) customer experience level one accreditation.

ondon Luton Airport has experience strategy, including Meanwhile, the airport’s passenger become the first and only UK installing new customer service growth figures continue to Lairport to achieve Airports desks throughout the airport and outperform the European average. Council International (ACI) customer introducing a mystery shopper In 2019 EU airports saw passenger experience level one accreditation. programme. traffic increasing by 3.3%, but London Luton was up 8.6% to The achievement sees the airport Clare Armstrong, Head of 17.99 million passengers, the fifth join eight European airports and 35 Customer Experience for the highest in the UK.  airports around the world who have airport, said: “We are absolutely attained the accreditation, which thrilled to have been recognised recognises airports committed to and accredited for the work providing great customer service. that we are doing to transform “We are absolutely Level one accreditation entails the experience at London Luton communicating externally and Airport. We know that this is thrilled to have been internally that customer service is a only the beginning of an exciting recognised and accredited priority. journey. Our customer service strategy is helping us ensure for the work that we are The accreditation comes six customer experience is the golden months after London Luton thread that runs through every doing to transform the appointed customer experience part of our business and every step specialists to support the design of the customer journey”. experience at London and implementation of a customer Luton Airport.”

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FIVE NEW MEMBERS JOIN AOA

The AOA has welcomed into membership five new companies, including Frequentis, which joins as a Silver Member. The four new Associate Members are Altitude Angel, D-Fend Solutions, SkyNet Worldwide Express and vLogix.

Frequentis is a developer of Air Traffic Management Solutions for airports and control towers. It describes itself as the global market leader in voice communications systems and its other capabilities include network solutions for air traffic management, aeronautical information management solutions and Remote Digital Towers. With more than 500 customers in 140 countries, Frequentis says that it has been innovating centres for 70 years, offering “reliability and performance in control centres when it matters most” and setting standards that “define information and communication solutions for safety- critical environments”. The company says that its commitment is “a safer world” and that 3 billion passengers fly safely with Frequentis every year.

Altitude Angel is a provider of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) technology solutions which enable the safe integration and use of fully automated drones into airspace. It prides itself on its work with leading air navigation service providers and aviation authorities, including NATS, LVNL (the agency in charge of air traffic control in the Netherlands) and Avinor (the state-owned company that operates most of Norway’s civil airports). It also works with drone manufacturers, including DJI, and cutting-edge developer platforms.

D-Fend Solutions manufactures an autonomous counter-drone system that takes over the communication links of rogue commercial drones and lands them safely in designated zones. It enables airports to enforce “no- fly zones” by neutralising intruding drones with maximum safety, enabling normal operation of authorised drones, co-existing with airport wireless communication, protecting take-off and landing runways and airstrips and using forensic extraction to identify a drone’s ground operator. 29

SkyNet Worldwide Express, based near Heathrow Airport, is the world’s largest independently owned courier company. It provides international business to consumer and business to business delivery to over 150 countries worldwide. It says that it achieved its number one status “by successfully providing business solutions for hard to service destinations” and that it offers e-commerce retailers tailor-made shipping solutions to boost their cross-border business.

vLogix is an independent baggage consultancy, established in 2010. It specialises in business requirement definition, planning, design and specification of electro-mechanical and IT control systems, principally for the baggage and cargo handling environments. UK and British Isles airports for whom it has worked include Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, , London Luton and Manchester.

AOA RECRUITS NEW POLICY MANAGER

The AOA has recruited Rupinder Pamme as its new Policy Manager, succeeding Peter O’Broin who has left the AOA to become Campaign Manager at the International Air Transport Association.

upinder joined the AOA Challenge, which provided young in January 2020 as Policy people in secondary schools the RManager. She has a PhD opportunity to build an aircraft in the Study of Religion and and gain wider STEM subject has worked at the British Retail experience. Consortium, Energy Institute and the Royal Aeronautical Society. Rupinder said: “I am excited to have joined the AOA and will At the Society she worked on enjoy getting into the detail, the a project sponsored by Boeing variety of issues, and working - the Schools Build-a-Plane closely with our members.” 

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LEEDS BRADFORD AIRPORT HEADING FOR “PROFOUND CHANGE” WITH WORLD CLASS NEW TERMINAL BUILDING

If everything goes according to plan, construction work will start later this year on a completely new terminal building for that will transform the passenger and airline experience and enable the airport to meet its ambitious environmental targets.

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ywel Rees, the airport’s new too often produced “an appalling terminal, built in 1965, will operate Chief Executive, has only situation both for the passengers throughout construction, until the Hbeen in post for nine months, and the airlines”. new terminal opens, if all goes well, but in that period he has scrapped in 2023. A public consultation plans to refurbish the existing He had inherited a plan, which had on the plans opened last month. terminal building. Instead, AMP planning consent, to construct a Capital, the airport’s owners, have new arrivals hall on the eastern side agreed to invest up to £150 million of the existing terminal building, but in a brand-new terminal building quickly came to the conclusion that “The plan is not that, he says, will mean “a profound it just wasn’t ambitious enough to change” in both the perception and sufficiently improve the customer about accelerating the reality of the airport experience. experience or to meet today’s expectations around sustainability. the airport’s growth, When you ask most incoming In Rees’ words: “We just need to chief executives about their first start again”. since it already impressions of their new workplace, has planning most find positive features to The result was an announcement in emphasise, but for Rees his first January that the existing terminal consent for up to 7 impressions last year were around building would be demolished and “the scale of the challenge of replaced with a new three-storey million passengers, improving Leeds Bradford”. He terminal building that would be saw a terminal building essentially capable of handling up to 7 million but is about “a unchanged since the 1960s, with passengers a year (compared an old-fashioned and unreliable to the current annual total of 4 modern customer baggage-handling system that million passengers). The current experience.”

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A planning application should be submitted this spring and, if planning permission is secured by Hywel Rees, Leeds Bradford Airport , the summer, construction work will Chief Executive start by the end of the year.

Rees emphasises that the plan is not about accelerating the airport’s growth, since it already has planning consent for up to 7 million passengers, but is about “a modern customer experience, a smarter experience” and about ensuring that Leeds Bradford can meet its target of net zero carbon emissions from airport operations by 2023. The airport has committed to ensuring that the new terminal plans will be certified as “excellent” by the BREEAM sustainability standard, which is awarded only to the most environmentally efficient buildings internationally.

A central element of the new plans 2023 might turn out to be the most will be a single new baggage hall significant year for Leeds Bradford Airport’s with three machines, in place of the two existing halls, with one prospects since it opened in 1931. machine each, finally putting an end to “the stressing experience” for passengers that can result when He says that improved choice for for a new station to be built on the one of the existing machines breaks passengers, including on new and line about 0.9 miles from down and the terminal building underserved routes, as well as the airport. turns into “a big baggage rack”. improved frequencies to key hub and city destinations would all be The two sites would be linked by Rees says that Leeds Bradford has very welcome. shuttle buses and the council says “under-performed for so long that that the new station would help many have lost sight of the massive Rees is hoping that the to take cars off the road, improve opportunity there is here”. Leeds Government’s review of regional air quality and reduce carbon Bradford is the fourth biggest air connectivity will result in action emissions. It would give airport metropolitan area in the country, by Government to improve the passengers direct rail links to Leeds nearly 10% of the UK’s population viability of routes from regional and Harrogate, and potentially live within a 90-minute drive from airports. The then Aviation Minister, onwards to . Rees says that the airport and Leeds is the UK’s Paul Maynard, was at the launch the daily Azuma services from third largest financial centre; yet of Leeds Bradford’s new terminal Kings Cross to Harrogate could the airport is currently only the plans, describing the airport as “the also potentially stop at the new 15th biggest in the country. He is global gateway to one of the most station as it passes the site. The convinced that the new terminal beautiful parts of the world”. Rees council wants to build the station building will take the airport “a long is hopeful that the Government’s by 2023, the same year that the way along the path” to enhancing review of Air Passenger Duty new airport terminal building could its performance to match the size of will result in a revised structure be completed. Rees says that the opportunity. that could benefit regional and prospects for the new station “have international connectivity. never been higher” and rates the While improving the passenger chances of it actually being built as experience is a central element of Like many other UK airports, Leeds “high”. the plan, Rees is also clear that a Bradford is also looking to see more modern and efficient Leeds improvements in surface access, If he is right, 2023 might turn out Bradford Airport should encourage with proposals for a new Parkway to be the most significant year for airlines to take a fresh look at their rail station at the top of the list. Leeds Bradford Airport’s prospects own plans for route development. is backing plans since it opened in 1931. 

THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SPRING 2020 33 From around the sector…

Over five million passengers Dublin continue to be the second and the airport’s runway. travelled through London City third most popular routes. Leisure Airport in 2019, making it the passengers now account for 55% of This year will also see the launch busiest year in the airport’s history. passengers travelling to and from the of London City’s state-of-the-art airport. For 2020 new routes have digital control tower, making it A total of 5,100,000 passengers been announced to San Sebastian the first major airport in Europe flew in to and out of the airport and . to operate with such a tower. last year, a year-on-year increase of The newly constructed tower 6.3%, driven by the launch of new During 2020 work will continue uses 360-degree HD cameras routes, combined with additional on the £500 million City Airport and sensors to provide a live flights and larger aircraft with more Development Programme that feed of information to a new seats on existing routes. will turn water into land, enabling NATS control room in Swanwick, the airport to accommodate more Hampshire, helping the airport to The most popular route remains passengers, more new-generation achieve significant efficiencies and Amsterdam, while Edinburgh and aircraft and maximise the potential of improvements. 

WORK STARTS ON BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT’S BIGGEST TERMINAL INVESTMENT IN A DECADE

Construction work has begun on light, circulation space and new a £30 million departure lounge shops and restaurants. extension at Birmingham Airport to It will be complete early next year. help the airport cater for a forecast growth in passenger numbers to 18 Birmingham Airport handled almost million by 2033. 12.7 million passengers in 2019, an increase of 1.6% on the previous Commenting on the development year. Dublin, Dubai and Amsterdam as he visited the airport to help were the year’s top three routes, break the ground for the extension, with Dublin serving almost a million the then Aviation Minister, Paul people over the year. Maynard, said: “Our second city’s airport serves more than one million The airport has been encouraged by passengers every month, so it is vital last month’s Government decision that it has the world class facilities to press on with the building of the and state-of-the-art infrastructure it new HS2 rail link between London deserves”. and Birmingham. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, noted in the House The airport’s biggest terminal of Commons that when the link has investment in ten years will provide been built passengers arriving at a modern two-storey extension with Birmingham Airport will be able to an outdoor terrace area, growing the get to central London by train in 38 space by 45% to create more natural minutes. 

WWW.AOA.ORG.UK 34 From around the sector…

DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT ANNOUNCES £10 MILLION TERMINAL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

Doncaster Sheffield Airport has planned improvements should be announcement follows £3.5 million announced details of a £10 million completed for summer 2021 invested to create additional parking terminal redevelopment plan to spaces to keep up with customer enhance the customer experience Airport Chairman, Robert Hough, demand and £2m investment in our at the North of England’s fastest- said: “Doncaster Sheffield Airport on-site solar farm that will generate growing airport. already boasts a modern purpose- 25% of the airport’s energy”. built terminal building involving over Key elements of the plan are an £100 millions of investment just Over he past five years the airport expanded arrivals hall and security fifteen years ago. It is so important has seen exponential growth, with search area, new bridges and an that, as we grow, we continue passenger numbers last year up to expansion of the airport’s retail food to maintain our award-winning 1.45m and forecast to double within and beverage offering. Many of the passenger experience. Today’s the next five years. 

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A new Airfield Development Fund is being launched by the Department for Transport to support local airfields.

The fund will provide commercial expertise support to local airfields, ensuring airfield businesses receive access to advisers, offering help to support their future development and potentially including advice on science and engineering training, developing electric aircraft and preserving heritage aircraft.

The Department is encouraging applicants to apply for advice from that many airfields often struggled Paul Maynard, Aviation Minister the £2 million fund from this spring with business development and at the time of the announcement, by demonstrating how it could financial sustainability, even though said: “The UK government help them protect or expand their they were an integral part of the £3 recognises the enormous business. Applicants, who will billion general aviation sector and contribution smaller airfields have four weeks to apply, will be considered to be the grassroots make to the UK economy and able to apply for help on proposed of the entire aviation sector. It to the people they serve, where developments, protecting airfields said it recognised the significant many aviation careers take or expanding training facilities contribution that smaller airfields first flight. We are committed and commercial opportunities. made to the wider UK economy and to protecting our airfields and Only airfields handling fewer than the launch of the fund demonstrated easing the challenges that many 200,000 passengers a year will be the Government’s commitment to businesses face. This support will eligible. supporting the general aviation help airfields prosper, creating and industry, with the aim of making securing more jobs, while inspiring Announcing the creation of the the UK a world leader in general the next generation of aviation and new fund, the Department said aviation. engineering enthusiasts”. 

Kelly Tolhurst, MP for Rochester where she had responsibility He held the role for six months, and Strood, has been appointed for small businesses. At the replacing Baroness Vere, who was as the new Aviation Minister at the Department for Transport she will Aviation Minister for four months. Department for Transport. also take responsibility for the Prior to that Baroness Sugg held maritime sector. the role for 18 months. The UK’s She was previously a junior Minister longest-serving Aviation Minister of at the Department for Business, Kelly Tolhurst replaces Paul recent years was Robert Goodwill, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Maynard as Aviation Minister. who held the role for four years. 

THE AIRPORT OPERATOR SPRING 2020 AIRPORT OPERATORS ASSOCIATION 3 Birdcage Walk London SW1H 9JJ United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)20 7799 3171 E: [email protected] W: www.aoa.org.uk