QATAR’S AL MOURJAN LOUNGE

www.airportsworld.com Mar/Apr 2015 | Issue 58

DUAL HUBS
The Challenges Facing Airports

LA PAZ
On Top of the World

LILLE
Serving Northern France

UNMANNED AND
DANGEROUS
Do Drones Threaten Air Traffic?

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL
7 GLOBAL AIRPORTS
INCLUDING: 4 SPECIAL
FEATURES
Northern Ireland Gateway

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£4.70

SAIPAN, MARIANAS GUERNSEY ULAANBAATAR

Western Pacific Gem Channel Island's Ambitions Genghis Khan International

001_Aow_Mar_UK.indd 1 30/01/2015 12:09

 Contents
Regulars
4 News
Detailed news coverage from the
global airport scene.

16 Industry Column
– Unmanned and
Dangerous
Bruce Hales-Dutton examines the risks
remotely piloted air systems pose to
commercial aviation.

32 Airport Infrastructure
– Al Mourjan Lounge
Luigi Vallero samples Qatar Airways’
new oasis for premium travellers at
Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

36 Snapshot – Dakar
Ron Mak provides a sample of classic
aircraft from Dakar’s Léopold Sédar
Senghor International Airport.

46 Airport Analysis –
Divide and Conquer
Ulf Meyer delves into the complex world
of ‘dual-hubs’.

71 UK Airport Visitors
Our readers’ gallery – featuring a
selection of the more interesting aircraft
that have recently visited UK airports.

74 Airport Infrastructure
– Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International’s new midfield
terminal opens in two years, but how
is demand to be managed until then.

82 Glossary
We explain some of the abbreviations
and acronyms that regularly appear
in the pages of Airports of the World. 38 Lille

Cover shot
Lufthansa line-up at Frankfurt’s
Pier A-Plus. (Fraport)

32 Doha 54 La Paz

02-03_Contents.indd 2 13/02/2015 13:39


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74 Abu Dhabi
02-03_Contents.indd 3
Features
18 Belfast International
The primary airport serving much of
Northern Ireland is Belfast International.
Paul B Anderson discovers it is striving
to increase its range of destinations.
24 Saipan – Asia’s Corfu
Marco Finelli travels to the Western
Pacific and visits a paradise with a
very violent past – Saipan, one of the
Mariana Islands.
38 Resurgent Lille
Lille Airport is bouncing back after
a period of decline as it fights for its
place in the highly competitive Franco-
Belgian border region of Northeast
France. Yinka Jan Sojinu investigates.
54 La Paz – Holding
the High Ground
Sebastian Schmitz visits the world’s
highest international airport – El Alto
in La Paz, Bolivia.
60 Island Delight
Kevan James journeys to the Channel
Island of Guernsey and discovers its
well-equipped airport is eager to
welcome more visitors from the UK
and Europe.
66 Mongolia Gateway
Sebastian Schmitz heads east to
Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia and its
Chinggis Khan International Airport,
which is soon to be replaced by a new,
larger facility
78 Ecuadorian
Swansong
Sebastian Schmitz reports from
Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Olmedo
International Airport as it enters its final
decade before replacement by a new
out-of-town facility.
13/02/2015 15:41
  EDITORIAL
A i r p o r ts a n d a i r l i n es a re
currently releasing performance
figures for 2014 and overall the
news is very good. Broadly
speaking passenger numbers
are up and, thanks in part to
lower fuel costs, many carriers
are posting profitable bottom
lines – in some cases the first
for a very long time. The year
was also a safe one, despite
the headline-grabbing incidents
involving Malaysia Airlines.
However, a new and worrying
threat is emerging that could
p o te n t i a l l y p u t h u n d re d s
of flights and thousands of
passengers at risk. Remotely
piloted vehicles, or ‘drones’ as
the wider media incorrectly
calls them are appearing in
the world’s skies in rapidly
increasing numbers – and
they are easily available and
affordable for anyone to buy...
whatever their motive for
wanting one.
Our industry column on page
16 takes a look at the problem
and at some of the technical
solutions already being
proposed. However, someone
with good IT knowledge could
potentially ‘hack’ any GPS
safety systems programmed in
to keep such vehicles away from
airports and restricted airspace.
There is a real danger here as
some of these ‘drones’ are
large and could cause serious
damage if they were to hit an
airliner. On January 23 Dubai
International Airport was closed
to flights for 35 minutes after a
remotely piloted vehicle entered
its restricted airspace which
extends eight nautical miles
from the facility. This was the
third such incident at Dubai in
less than a year.
Clearly the ICAO, national
regulators and governments
must regulate further to prevent
such incidents and penalties
must be very harsh if they are
to act as a deterrent.
Mark Nicholls
Brand Editor
Brand Editor: Mark Nicholls
Contributing Editors: Barry Woods-Turner,
Tom Allett, Craig West, Richard Benedikz
Correspondents: Luigi Vallero (Italy),
Sebastian Schmitz (Germany)
Production Editor: Sue Blunt
Deputy Production Editor: Carol Randall
Sub Editors: Norman Wells, Paul Watson
Designer: Tracey Mumby
Chief Designer: Steve Donovan
4 airpor ts of the world
04-05_Headlines.indd 4
CAA Rules over Military
Business jets have been using RAF Northolt in West London for decades. Now the safety of such aircraft using the military airfield comes under
the remit of the CAA. (AuirTeamImages.com/TT)
THE CIVIL Aviation Authority (CAA) flights using RAF Northolt and other industry, but also for passengers and
has become responsible for the flight military aerodromes in the United those in the surrounding community
safety of private aircraft using all Kingdom and not the Military Aviation on the ground.”
government-owned military airfields, Authority (MAA) as was believed to The CAA is now expected to carry
following a high court ruling. be the case. Until now ministers had out a safety audit at RAF Northolt.
In what many observers regard repeatedly argued that such facilities London Oxford Airport and Biggin Hill
as a landmark judgement, the UK’s did not need to meet stricter, costlier Airport has also lodged a State Aid
Ministry of Defence (MoD), and civilian safety standards – just ‘lower’ complaint with the EU Competition
Secretary of State for Transport military equivalents – and that the Commission. It argues that the MoD
Patrick McLoughlin were told of CAA had no regulatory powers at has been unfairly competing with
the clarification in January, after a military airfields. the private sector, which if proven
judicial review. It places private and The trigger for the proceedings could land the ministry with a
military aviation operators on an came in April 2012 when the MoD compensation bill running into tens
equal competitive footing for safety lifted the self-imposed limit on of millions.
and overheads. commercial flights at Northolt from “Using taxpayers’ money to
The ruling comes after Biggin Hill 7,000 to 12,000 movements per year. compete with civil airports serving
Airport and London/Oxford Airport, Will Curtis, Managing Director of the same customers is simply not
represented by John Steel QC, Biggin Hill Airport, said in a statement equitable,” Curtis added. “As military
lodged an application for a judicial after the hearing: “Despite a serious and government flights at RAF
review into the use of RAF Northolt crash in 1996 in which an aircraft Northolt have declined, replacing
for business aviation flights, claiming overran the runway and collided with them with 12,000 civilian flights a
the West London aerodrome did not a vehicle on the A40 trunk road, year means it is now effectively a civil
meet civil safety standards. RAF Northolt evidently believed airport via the back door, despite the
The judgment, handed down by it was entitled to bypass many Airports Commission stating that it
the Hon Mr Justice Popplewell on internationally accepted aviation sees no long-term role for it.”
January 23, dismissed the judicial safety measures – measures that civil A statement on RAF Northolt’s
airports, such as ours, are required to website says the airfield “remains
review application in its entirety
because of a technicality. However, maintain. Lower safety standards at able to accept civil aviation as
the judge ruled that the CAA is military aerodromes are unacceptable, per its published limitations and
responsible for the safety of all civilian not only for those in the aviation procedures”.
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13/02/2015 15:47
 Dubai Takes Heathrow’s Crown
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL Airport
(DXB) surpassed London/Heathrow
as the world’s busiest facility for
international passengers in 2014.
With no domestic services in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE), all
70,475,636 passengers travelled
overseas and while London/
Heathrow handled greater numbers
at 73.4 million – those flying
internationally totalled 68.1 million.
This was achieved despite a
temporary reduction in flights due
to an 80-day runway refurbishment
project at DXB. This had an effect
on annual aircraft movements which
were 357,399, down from 369,953
in 2013.
Operator Dubai Airports is
expecting traveller numbers to
reach 79 million this year. Paul
Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said:
“Much like 2014, 2015 promises to
be another eventful year featuring
more record passenger numbers
and facility upgrades including the
opening of Concourse D which will
boost Dubai International’s capacity
to 90 million.”
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai
Airports, added: “The shared goal
Top Ten Airports 2014
Airport
1
2
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
Beijing Capital
3 London/Heathrow
4 Tokyo/Haneda
5 Los Angeles
6 Dubai International
7 Chicago O’Hare
8 Paris/CDG
9 Hong Kong
10 Dallas/Fort Worth
Although Chicago O’Hare has slipped two places in the passenger numbers, it has regained
top spot for movements from Atlanta, thanks in part to increasing numbers of feeder commuter
flights. (Key – Mark Nicholls)
Europe’s
Air Traffic
Boom
AIRPORT TRADE body ACI Europe
has released its traffic report for 2014,
revealing that passenger traffic at
the continent’s facilities grew by an
average 5.4%. Passenger traffic in
the European Union (EU) increased
by 4.9%, with Greece, Luxembourg,
Lithuania, Portugal, Romania,
Belgium and Ireland significantly
outperforming the EU average.
Conversely, countries such as Poland,
France, Germany, Austria, Latvia and
the Czech Republic all saw airport
traffic growing below this average.
Dubai International has surpassed London/Heathrow as the world’s busiest international airport –
Meanwhile, non-EU airports posted
helped by the rapid expansion of home carrier Emirates. (AirTeamImages.com/BaoLuo)
passenger traffic growth of 7.3% with
is to make Dubai a global centre of passenger volumes last year was Serbia, Iceland, Georgia and Turkey
aviation and we are nearing that Western Europe with an increase all growing well above this average.
goal thanks to an open skies policy, of 1,192,831, followed by the Indian Air freight traffic across the
a friendly business environment, Subcontinent with an increase of European area grew by 3.6% with
Dubai’s growing attractiveness 936,449, Asia with another 716,180 a similar performance between EU
as a centre for trade, commerce and North America with a rise of and non-EU airports (3.6% and 3.3%
and tourism, growing network 432,597. respectively). Aircraft movements
connectivity due to the rapid Departure capacity from the were up 2.6%, reflecting additional
expansion of Emirates and flydubai airport has also risen from airline capacity, however, the bulk
and timely investment in aviation 16,799,851 seats in 2005 to of this was at non-EU airports which
infrastructure.” 45,019,420 seats last year, an saw aircraft movements increase by
The top market for growth in average annual increase of 18.7%. 5.6% compared with just 1.5% at
EU airports.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General
Passengers Increase
Airports of ACI Europe, said: “2014 was
generally a good year for Europe’s
96.1 million
86.1 million
1.85%
2.9%
Top Ten 2014 airports and what really stands out
is the fact that passenger traffic at
PROVISIONAL FIGURES for last year EU airports significantly outpaced
73.4 million 1.4%
show a few changes among the top economic performance. This shows
73 million 6% ten global airports. Hartsfield- just how resilient the demand for air
70.7 million 6% Jackson/Atlanta International Airport transport is and reflects how much
70.4 million 6.1% retains its top spot for passenger consumers and businesses rely on air
70.07 million 4.45% numbers, but has lost its leading connectivity. However, the year also
63.8 million 2.8% movements crown to Chicago O’Hare. saw the direct impact of geopolitical
63.4 million 5.8% Chicago also slipped from fifth to tensions with passenger traffic falling
62.9 million 4.4% seventh position in the passenger in Ukraine and slowing down sharply
rankings, surpassed by Los Angeles in Russia. This resulted in almost
and Dubai, while Jakarta has dropped converged growth rates between
out of the top ten, being replaced by EU and non-EU airports in the final
Hong Kong/Chek Lap Kok at number months of the year.”
nine, with Dallas/Fort Worth slipping Among the best performing
to tenth position. European airports were: Istanbul/
Significantly, each of the ten Sabiha Gökçen (traffic up 25.4%),
facilities enjoyed rising passenger Athens (21.3%), Chisinau (34.8%),
numbers, with Dubai International Mikonos (26.9%), Brussels (14.7%),
leading the way with a 6.1% increase Lisbon (13.3%) and London/
compared with the previous year. Stansted (11.8%).

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04-05_Headlines.indd 5 13/02/2015 14:20

 NEWS
LATEST UPDATES

Hanoi Opens Terminal 2

The spacious interior of Hanoi/Noi Bai

International Airport’s new Terminal 2.
(Robbie Shaw)
NOI BAI International Airport
serving Hanoi, Vietnam, opened its
new Terminal 2 on January 4. The
facility, used by international flights,
covers 456,745sq ft (42,432m 2)
and has 96 check-in desks, ten
self-service check-in kiosks, 283
flight information displays and 17
gates, 14 of them equipped with
airbridges. The building raises the
airport’s capacity to 19mppa and it
is designed to be expanded in 2020
to meet anticipated demand. In
2013 the airport handled 15.2 million
travellers, despite having an official
capacity of only 9mppa. The old
Terminal 1 is now being used purely
for domestic flights. More on Hanoi’s
new terminal will appear in the next
issue of Airports of the World.

Sydney Upgrades Terminal 1

WORK HAS begun on a major
refurbishment of Terminal 1 at
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
A series of projects and initiatives
will add capacity and transform
the passenger experience by mid-
2016. The project includes faster
access from security screening
to gates, more seating, enhanced
a m b i e n ce, w i d e r wa l kways,
improved wayfinding, direct paths
to gates with clearer sightlines,
environmentally friendly design
features, plus new shopping and
dining outlets. Two new baggage
carousels are already in service
and check-in counters are being
extended to accommodate more
passengers.
Construction will be staged over 20
months, with the first phase starting
in the middle of the terminal with
the relocation of some seating and
retail areas in order to facilitate the
improvements. Clear signage will
help communicate this to passengers
and every effort will be made to keep
disruption to a minimum.

Düsseldorf Welcomes JFK Concourse B Complete

Dreamliner THE CONCOURSE B extension at
New York/John F Kennedy Airport’s
Etihad Airways introduced its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on services between Abu Dhabi Terminal 4 has been completed.
and the German city of Düsseldorf on February 1. Seen six days later, aircraft A6-BLA (c/n The announcement by Delta Air
39646) is arriving on stand after its flight from the Middle East. (Marcus Steidele) Lines and the Port Authority of New
York and New Jersey in January
cleared the way for the carrier to
move 80% of its JFK services to
the concourse, thus speeding up
transfer times for passengers.
Forming part of an overall $1.2bn
expansion, the $175m project
has added 11 airbridge-equipped
gates and 75,000sq ft (6,967m2)
to the concourse. Intra-terminal
connections are catered for by a new
bus stop at the end of the concourse.
The Port Authority’s Executive
Director, Pat Foye, said: “The Port
Authority and our airline partners
are committed to continuing
our initiatives to transform and
modernise JFK into a world-class
facility befitting the hundreds of
thousands of people who fly in and
out of our region each day. We
applaud Delta’s investment in New
York City’s airports to modernise
and expand its terminal operations,
and we will continue to work with
all of our stakeholders to make
sure JFK continues to serve as a
premier source of job creation and
economic activity.”

6 airpor ts of the world

06-15_News.indd 6 13/02/2015 15:21


London City Expansion Approved
THE STRATEGIC Development
Committee of Newham Council
has approved planning permission
allowing a £200m development
at London City Airport and the
construction of a 260-bed hotel. The
granting of permission will allow the
airport to handle up to 111,000 flights
a year (up from the current 70,000
limit), although it is 10,000 fewer than
requested. The project is expected to
create 1,500 jobs, on top of the 500
during construction, and could double
the airport’s economic value to the
area – which could reach £1.5bn a year.
London City’s CEO Declan Collier
said: “The development of the
airport will culminate in 2023 when,
having constructed seven new
aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway
and terminal extensions to the
west and to the east, the airport
will be welcoming some six million
More Stansted Upgrades
THE MANCHESTER Airports Group
(MAG) announced the next phase of
its £260m redevelopment project at
London/Stansted during the Future
Travel Experience Europe event in
London on February 4. The work
will upgrade and rejuvenate the
Satellite One departure gate area
and includes a new Escape Lounge
specifically aimed at attracting more
long-haul carriers. Costing £8m the
development will restyle the satellite
AirPortr Pursues New Markets
UK-BASED baggage concierge
provider AirPortr is negotiating with
several London airports, including
Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, to
expand its services. The company
then plans to branch out across the
UK and into Europe. It also wants to
serve international customers and is
currently working with the relevant
06-15_News.indd 7
passengers every year.”
Council officers set out 131
conditions that are designed to
reduce any impact on local residents.
These include no more than 45
and add more comfortable seats,
refurbished toilets, charging points
for electronic devices and improve
Wi-Fi access.
The airport’s managing director,
Andrew Harrison, commented:
“These are really exciting times and
will be a significant turning point
in the airport’s history. Having
successfully returned Stansted
to growth, making it once again
London’s fastest growing airport,
UK customs and border agencies to
see if this is possible.
AirPortr has been operating at
London City Airport since last May
and collects passengers’ luggage
for them, then takes it to their
desired location, such as a hotel,
home or place of business – and
vice-versa. Currently this is limited
Planning permission to allow
the development of London City
Airport to handle up to 111,000
flights a year has been approved.
(Simon Murdoch)
flights per hour, the building of a
noise barrier to the south of the
site during construction and limiting
the noisiest work, such as piling, to
weekends.
we’re driving forward our ambition
to attract a greater mix of airlines,
including long-haul connections to
serve our region and the London
– Stansted – Cambridge economic
growth corridor. I’m really excited
and looking forward to this time
next year when this phase of
re-development will be completed
and our passengers can fully
experience how Stansted is changing,
because this is just the beginning.”
(MAG)
to domestic flights as operatives
collect luggage from the arrivals
hall carousels.
Customers can track their bag’s
progress using a smartphone app
and real-time GPS location. Prices
start from £15 for the first item and
£5 for each additional bag. For
more details visit: http://portr.com
NEWS
LATEST UPDATES
 IN BRIEF
London/Southend Airport set a new
passenger record last year of 1,090,696,
exceeding the 2013 figure of 970,167. The
most popular destination was Amsterdam,
which attracted 200,973 travellers.
The airport has undergone a £120m
transformation since it was bought by the
Stobart Group in 2008, and has benefitted
from a new hotel, ATC tower, terminal,
railway station and runway extension.
Simon Murdoch
Stockholm/Arlanda Airport could be
the first in Scandinavia to provide US
customs and immigration preclearance.
The Swedish Government is to consider
introducing the capability, which if agreed
would make it only the second European
nation (after Ireland) to offer it. If the
Swedish and US governments approve
the idea, Arlanda Airport would instigate
construction of new facilities.
Amsterdam/Schiphol welcomed 55 million
passengers during 2014 – a 0.6% increase
compared with the previous year. At
Eindhoven Airport numbers were 3.9 million,
up 16%, while Rotterdam’s The Hague
Airport welcomed 1.7 million passengers,
up 6.1%.
Schiphol Group’s President and CEO Jos
Nijhuis said: “These figures show that
Schiphol Group has achieved growth in
all of its operations. This is no reason for
complacency, however. In collaboration
with our home carrier KLM, other airlines
and business partners, we will continue
to work hard to strengthen the role of
Schiphol with a view to remaining Europe’s
preferred airport.”
EMIRATES upgraded its second daily
service from Dubai to Manchester with
an Airbus A380, replacing the Boeing
777 that previously flew the route, from
February 1. The move will deliver an
extra 13% in seat capacity for the North
West facility as well as a more than 20%
increase in premium cabin availability.
Belarusian News reports that the
reconstruction of the main terminal at
Minsk National Airport in Belarus is now
complete. The project is believed to have
cost $65m, and according to the Belarusian
Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Kalinin the
project has added 6,561sq ft (609m2) of
floor space to provide more room in the
immigration and customs areas.
Almost 10.6 million passengers used
Warsaw/Chopin Airport in 2014, the
second best result in its history. The
majority of passengers, 9,373,000,
travelled internationally with domestic
services accounting for only 1,217,000.
Airport Director Michał Kaczmarzyk
commented: “It was a very good year
for the airport. We served 10.6 million
passengers without Ryanair, which shows
a significant potential for growth.”
www.airportsworld.com 7
13/02/2015 15:21
 NEWS
LATEST UPDATES

Funding
for Argyle
Cargo Bounce-back
International at Schiphol
THE GOVERNMENT of St Vincent
and the Grenadines has allocated
$27.7m for the completion of Argyle
International Airport, which was
originally expected to be open by
now. The $270m facility is to replace
the current E T Joshua Airport
near Kingstown and will allow
direct flights from international
destinations to serve the nation.
No final completion date has been
set, but the island’s Prime Minister
Dr Ralph Gonsalves told parliament
that it would be finished this year. In
his speech he said: “As always, our
government makes contingency
plans in the event of the delay in
the draw-down of grants or soft-
loans. This has been a constant Great Wall Airlines’ Boeing 747-412F/SCD B-2433 (c/n 28027), now with China Cargo Airlines,
factor in the life of the airport’s touches down at Amsterdam/Schiphol on July 31, 2014. (AirTeamImages.com/Javier de la Cruz)
construction. The pavement works
have already commenced with the LAST YEAR was an encouraging one with 2013. This was followed by was a large volume of Playstations
placement of the base and sub- for Amsterdam/Schiphol Airport’s Europe (+12.5%), Middle East (+6.1%), and X-boxes that needed to reach the
base for the runway, aprons and cargo traffic, which beat the 2013 Asia (+5.4%) and Africa (+4.1%). shops before Christmas, creating an
taxiways. The asphalt works and the figure by 6.7%. The final quarter was Latin America however ended early peak.
concrete works on the aerodrome once again its strongest, maintaining the year down by 2%. Freighter “Secondly, it’s clear that the US
are scheduled for completion by the the last-quarter-peak pattern which movements in 2014 totalled 16,568 west coast port problems have
end of May 2015.” was the norm before the 2008 global – an increase of 6% year-on-year. caused a shift of available freighter
Regarding air services he recession. Tonnage for the October- Enno Osinga, Schiphol Cargo’s capacity from Asia-Europe to the
commented: “Several airlines December period was 422,112 – an Senior Vice President, said: “An Pacific to deal with ocean freight
have expressed interest in adding increase of 3% on the same period interesting development in the backlogs, resulting in December’s
St Vincent and the Grenadines to in 2013. figures was that December was the decline in growth from Asia. Given
their networks, and agreements For the year, tonnage was 1,633,195, only month of 2014 in which we the continuation of these US
are expected in the first half of 2015 with North America showing the experienced negative growth. This problems, it’s realistic to expect the
with several of them.” strongest growth – up 14% compared has two explanations – in 2014 there start of 2015 to be slow.”

Frankfurt T1 Developments

FRAPORT, WHICH runs Frankfurt
Airport, has unveiled development
plans for redesigning the Terminal
1 forecourt and access roads. Initial
work has already started on the €36m
project and is scheduled to last about 14
months. The extensive refurbishment
will focus on the terminal façade and
entrances, as well as pedestrian areas
and roadways on the arrivals level of
the terminal forecourt.
The old perforated brick exterior
of the arrivals level will be replaced
An artist’s impression of the brighter Terminal 1 forecourt and access roads at Frankfurt Airport. (Fraport)
by a contemporary metal and glass
façade and the walkways and roads
resurfaced. The entire area will be
brighter and more welcoming, thanks
to improved lighting. Additional
traffic-calming measures will make
the forecourt more attractive to
pedestrians with LED walls added to
create a multi-media experience in
its middle zone.
Dr Matthias Zieschang, Fraport AG’s
executive board member for controlling
and finance (CFO), explained the
importance of the project: “We wish
to improve the travel experience
significantly for our passengers, their
meeters and greeters, as well as the
environment for airport staff. The
redesigned forecourt will serve as an
attractive reception area, especially
for our international guests. Because
regular terminal operations will
continue during the construction
phase, we ask passengers for their
understanding about temporary traffic
restrictions and re-routing.”
Traffic flow on the T1 access
roads will also be better managed.
Measures to provide drivers with
better guidance and to keep the
traffic moving at all times will be
implemented. “Due to the existing
high utilisation of T1, we are well
aware of the situation facing drivers
during peak hours. Thus, we are
taking steps to alleviate traffic
congestion, particularly in view of
the growing passenger volumes at
Frankfurt,” added Zieschang.

8 airpor ts of the world

06-15_News.indd 8 13/02/2015 15:21

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 NEWS
LATEST UPDATES
Edinburgh
Expansion
Part 2
CONSTRUCTION WORK has begun
to expand the immigration hall
at Edinburgh Airport by 6,560sq
ft (609m2) and add a further
baggage reclaim area. The
£50m project will also add more
airbridges and aircraft stands and
is intended to accommodate more
long-haul services. The facilities
are expected to be ready in time for
the introduction of Etihad Airways’
flights from Abu Dhabi on June 8.
The work forms the second stage
of a multi-phase five-year £150m
development; the first phase – a
£25m terminal extension – has
already been completed. The
airport recorded an impressive
90% increase in long-haul traffic
last year, helped by new services
by Qatar Airways, United Airlines
and US Airways and more flights
by Turkish Airlines.
The Prime Minister David
Cameron visited the airport
in January and was shown
the construction site by the
airport’s CEO Gordon Dewar and
its Chairman Sir John Elvidge.
Speaking at the event, Dewar
said: “The work we’ll be carrying
out over the next four years will
transform our airside facilities,
tripling our capacity to handle
bigger aircraft and paving the way
for the next ten years of increased
international connectivity.”
The Prime Minister commented:
“Having first class infrastructure
is a crucial part of our long-
term economic plan to support
business, create jobs and secure
a brighter future for hardworking
families across the country. The
expansion of Edinburgh Airport is
great news for Scotland and for
the whole of the UK.”
Airbus A350 Launched
on Doha-Frankfurt Route
Qatar Airways placed its new Airbus A350 XWB into commercial service on the Doha-
Frankfurt route on January 15. The aircraft, A350-900 A7-ALA (c/n 006), carried out flight
QR068, with the journey taking 6hrs 50mins. For more on the first commercial service see
the April issue our sister publication Airliner World. (Fraport)
10 airpor ts of the world
06-15_News.indd 10
Phoenix Sky Train Complete
WORK ON the PHX Sky Train at
Phoenix/Sky Harbor International
Airport in Arizona has been
completed and the system fully
connects the regional Valley Metro
Rail with the airport’s east economy
parking area and all three terminals.
The city’s Mayor Greg Stanton,
members of the city council, and
Malta Invests
MALTA INTERNATIONAL Airport
is investing €4m on infrastructure
projects this year. They include
a €2m expansion of the non-
Schengen arrivals area, $900,000
worth of runway, taxiway and apron
improvements, $450,000 for new
back-up generators, €100,000 on
an emergency operations centre
and €520,000 to upgrade the high-
voltage supply network.
The work is necessary as the airport
continues to welcome increasing
numbers of passengers – which last
year reached almost 4.3 million,
up 6.4% on 2013. This year the
Mediterranean island will welcome four
new carriers – Aegean Airlines, Finnair,
Jet2 and Swiss International Air Lines.
The completed Sky Train system at Phoenix/Sky Harbor
International Airport offers fast and convenient transfer for
passengers. (Phoenix/Sky Harbor International Airport)
airport officials rode on the train transportation, and a convenient ride
to the last station to be opened between the airport and downtown
– at Terminal 3 – on December 8 Phoenix.” The opening was in time
last year to mark completion of for the NFL 2015 Super Bowl, which
the projects. The new station has was played in the city on February
a walkway link to T2. 1. The Sky train project was finished
Mayor Stanton said: “All of Sky ahead of schedule and under budget,
Harbor’s passengers may now according to Phoenix Acting Aviation
enjoy an easy connection with public Director Tamie Fisher.
Taking the Strain at Heathrow
Vanderlande’s new STACK@EASE units are to be introduced at London/Heathrow’s Terminal
3 following a successful trial. (Vanderlande Industries)
DUTCH BAGGAGE handling specialist productivity and reduce the risk of
Vanderlande Industries has been
awarded a contract to supply and
manual handling injuries.
The STACK@EASE unit takes
install 72 STACK@EASE units as
part of London/Heathrow Airport’s
its power from any standard wall
socket and is a compact design. This
Terminal 3 integrated baggage enables it to fit easily into baggage
(T3IB) system. This follows a recent handling systems with a minimum of
successful test of the product at disruption to existing layouts. During
terminals 3 and 5. the test, the system proved capable
Developed by Vanderlande in of maintaining the required load rate
2013, the STACK@EASE is highly and needed minimal intervention from
flexible and takes heavy lifting out the maintenance team. This was
of loading operations in baggage demonstrated to a number of VIPs
handling environments. It works as – T3IB baggage stakeholders from
an extension of the handlers’ normal Heathrow, Vanderlande and British
operations to minimise their physical Airways – at the test, in which 12 units
workload. This helps to increase were used to load several flights.
13/02/2015 15:21
 NEWS
LATEST UPDATES

Records tumble at Birmingham  IN BRIEF

BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT (BHX)
reported 2014 as its busiest-ever year,
ending with another record month in
December. BHX handled 9,707,449
passengers in 2014, 6.5% more than
in 2013. It also celebrated seven
record months – April, May, June, July,
August, November and December –
with Dublin, Dubai and Amsterdam
its top three routes. In December,
622,317 passengers travelled through,
up 8.4% year-on-year and the busiest
December since 2008.
The airport’s CEO, Paul Kehoe,
said: “During 2014 we experienced
seven record months and saw the
completion of a major package
of infrastructure works that has
prepared the airport for future
passenger growth. The passenger
records have been achieved as a
result of airlines introducing new
routes and more people realising
the ease of travelling to and through
Birmingham Airport – and the
coming year looks equally exciting
as we prepare for American Airlines,
Norwegian and Vueling to start
operations in the summer.
“We also expect Dubai to overtake
Dublin as the most popular
destination this year, as Emirates
get set to launch a third daily service
from August; and with more capacity
being offered by Turkish Airlines,
Air India, SAS, Brussels Airlines,
Aegean, Thomson and Thomas Cook,
travellers can expect more choice
than ever from Birmingham in 2015.”
American Express opened a new lounge
beside Gate 24 at Sydney International
Airport in February. It is for exclusive
use by its premium card members. The
facility is being run by Plaza Premium
and provides guests with complimentary
food and beverages, shower suites, Wi-Fi,
business facilities, flight information
screens, and local and international
magazines and newspapers.
Passenger numbers at Copenhagen
Airport grew by 6.5%, to 25,627,093
last year compared with 2013, the fourth
consecutive record year. There was a
significant rise in transfer passengers

St Athan Busy – up by 12.6% – with the highest growth

rates on the important feeder routes from
Stockholm, Oslo and Bergen. International
traffic was up by 6.8% for the year while
domestic traffic rose 2.3%.

Liverpool/John Lennon Airport will welcome

a direct Czech Airlines link from Prague
on May 18. The carrier is expanding its
European network and the Liverpool service
will run year round on weekdays.

Singapore/Changi Airport recorded 54.1

million passengers last year, a 0.7%
increase compared with 2013 and the
busiest in its 33-year history. Cargo
volumes were stable at 1.84 million tonnes,
while flight movements dipped 0.7% to
341,390. Airfreight shipments between
Yakutia Cargo Boeing 757-23APF VQ-BOX (c/n 24868) was noted outside Cardiff Aviation’s facility at Singapore and Japan rose 7.5% year-
MoD St Athan on January 27 following repairs to its tail. Several companies are involved in developing on-year, boosted by the commencement
maintenance, repair and parting out activities at the site near Cardiff Airport, Wales. (Geoff Jones) of a new Okinawa-Singapore service by
ANA Cargo. Two of Singapore’s key trade

Best Ever Year for HIAL
SCOTLAND’S REGIONAL airports Derek Mackay gave the go-ahead
enjoyed their busiest year ever in for funding for a second phase of
2014 according to latest figures. redevelopment.
A record 1.4 million passengers Barra recorded an 11.5% increase in
passed through Highlands and the amount of travellers while Islay,
Islands Airports Limited’s (HIAL) 11 Stornoway and Tiree also enjoyed
airports, almost 52,000 more than strong growth during the year.
the previous year, representing a There was more modest growth at
3.8% increase. Benbecula and Kirkwall. Numbers
HIAL’s busiest airport, Inverness, fell slightly at Campbeltown and by
had its best year since 2008, with 19.5% at Dundee, though the decline
628,526 passengers, up by 1.7% on has slowed in recent months. At
2013. This was largely as a result of Wick/John O’Groats traveller levels
growing demand on the Manchester
and Amsterdam routes, which are HIAL Passenger Statistics
increasingly popular alternative
Airport 2014
hubs to London, and the launch
of a new link with Dublin, which Barra 10,560
offers connections to the United Benbecula 33,367
States and Canada. Latest figures Campbeltown 9,774
show passenger numbers on the Dundee 22,865
Amsterdam route up 14%, while Inverness 628,526
Manchester’s figures soared by 32% Islay 28,460
over the past year. Kirkwall 177,419
Sumburgh confirmed its status as Stornoway 133,094
Scotland’s fastest growing major
Sumburgh 319,597
airport with an 18.2% rise to 319,597
Tiree 9,880
passengers. The airport is about
to undergo further investment Wick/JoG 32,688
after Scottish Transport Minister Total 1,406,230
partners – Australia and China – also
exhibited positive growth of 5.7% and
1.3% respectively.
returned to more typical levels for the
airport following a surge in 2013 due Last year Prague’s Václav Havel Airport
to increased but short- term offshore exceeded the 11 million passengers a year
helicopter activity. mark for the first time. The 11,149,926
Managing Director Inglis Lyon said: figure represents a 1.6 % increase
“We are delighted with performance compared with the previous year.
of the group as a whole, particularly Several new carriers helped to boost
at Sumburgh and Barra, which have the numbers, including Adria Airways,
been our fastest growing airports. Ryanair, Transavia France, Air Transat,
The success of these two underlines Pegasus Airlines and flydubai.
the importance of aviation for
business and tourism in our island Portugal’s Lisbon Airport handled more
communities.” than 18 million travellers last year –
two million more than 2013 equating
to a rise of 13.5%. This impressive
performance was down to several
2013 % change
factors, among them Turkish Airlines
9,474 11.5
which is planning to further increase
32,805 1.7
services between Istanbul, Lisbon and
9,910 -1.4 Porto this year.
28,420 -19.5
617,719 1.7 Construction has begun on the new Jewel
26,981 5.5 Changi Airport project in Singapore (see
176,605 0.5 Airports of the World, issue 51, p60).
126,586 5.1 Mott MacDonald is the building services
consultant for the development, which
270,349 18.2
will feature attractions, retail offerings, a
9,038 9.3
hotel and other amenities. Completion is
46,433 -29.6
set for 2018.
1,354,320 3.8

www.airportsworld.com 11

06-15_News.indd 11 13/02/2015 15:21

 NEWS
LATEST UPDATES
Vietnamese
Developments
A NEW terminal has opened
at Vinh airport in the Nghe An
Province of Vietnam. Believed to
have cost $56.4m – invested by
operator Airports Corporation of
Vietnam – it covers 125,942sq ft
(11,700m2), has 28 check-in desks
and four gates and will raise the
airport’s capacity to 3mppa.
Meanwhile construction has
begun on a new $70m terminal
at Cat Bi International Airport
in Vietnam’s Hai Phong City,
where the existing terminal has
a capacity of 800,000 passengers
a year. The new structure,
designed for both domestic and
international use, will increase this
by 4mppa. Completion is expected
in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Helsinki
Connects
THE LONG-AWAITED railway
connection between Helsinki Airport
and the Finnish capital’s city centre is
set to become a reality this summer
with the opening of the New Ring Rail
Line. The rail link will also improve
the public transport system across
the region. Additionally it will be an
option for Russian travellers as they
will be able to take the train from St
Petersburg direct to Helsinki Airport.
Construction of the Ring Rail Line,
which is 11 miles (18km) long, started
in 2009 and it is being managed by
the Finnish Transport Agency.
Icelandair Arrives in
Birmingham
Icelandair launched flights between Reykjavik and Birmingham Airport on February 5, using its
specially painted Aurora Borealis aircraft – Boeing 757-256 TF-FIU (c/n 26243). The service
offers passengers the chance to transfer to North American flights in Iceland. Welcoming
the inaugural flight was Birmingham Airport’s CEO Paul Kehoe (second from the left), the
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Shafique Shah (centre) and Icelandair CEO Birkir Hólm
Guðnason (second from the right). (Birmingham Airport)
12 airpor ts of the world
06-15_News.indd 12
airBaltic Celebration
Latvian carrier airBaltic welcomed the one millionth passenger on its Oslo-Riga route on January
6. The lucky person was El na Viša who received a gift upon arriving in Riga – two Business Class
tickets to any of the carrier’s 60 destinations in Europe, the CIS and the Middle East. (airBaltic)
Heathrow’s
Latest A380
The latest carrier to bring the Airbus A380 to London/Heathrow is Etihad Airways. The superjumbo A6-APA (c/n 166), which was introduced
on the route to Abu Dhabi on December 27, is seen arriving at Heathrow two days later. (Richard Vandervord)
New Terminal
for Abha
UNITED ARAB Emirates (UAE)
construction company Al Jaber
Group has been awarded a $479m
contract to build a new terminal
at Abha Regional Airport in
Saudi Arabia. The 282,000sq ft
(26,198m2) structure will have a
capacity of 5mppa and be equipped
with 20 airbridges. The apron will
accommodate a maximum of 26
aircraft and a 2,800-space multi-
storey car park will be included.
Chairman of Al Jaber Group,
His Excellency Obaid Khaleefa
Al Jaber Al Marri, said: “Al
Jaber Group’s Saudi branch is
witnessing substantial growth
since we started our operations
in Riyadh last year. We were
able to compete and win sizable
projects, including the Abha
Airport development project.”
New Airport
for Chengdu
REGULATORY APPROVAL has
been granted for a new $10.8bn
airport to be built in Chengdu,
China. The facility is expected
to have a capacity of 40mppa
and three runways when it
opens in 2025.
The city’s existing Shuangliu
Airport dates from 1938 and,
although expanded and updated,
it is struggling to keep pace with
demand. Last year it handled
37 million passengers, up 12.8%
compared with 2013, and traffic
levels have more than doubled
since 2005. Its current capacity
is also 40mppa – which is
expected to be reached next
year – and it is likely to remain in
use after the new airport opens.
SkyTeam
Lounge at
Sydney
THE SKYTEAM airline alliance has
introduced a new lounge at Sydney
Airport, Australia, the group’s third. It
can seat 140 guests and has charging
points for electrical devices, free Wi-Fi,
a TV room, a fully equipped business
area, a ‘wellness centre’ with showers
and four full-body massage chairs as
well as the usual complimentary food
and beverages. It also offers excellent
views across the airport.
It is open to Elite Plus, and First and
Business Class passengers flying with
the seven SkyTeam airlines currently
serving Sydney. Plaza Premium
Lounge Management Limited will run
the facility on behalf of the alliance.
SkyTeam Managing Director Michael
Wisbrun said: “It’s a great way to kick
off our 15th anniversary year."
13/02/2015 15:21

New Iraqi Airport
A NEW airport, primarily for cargo use,
is to be built to serve Iraq’s Diwaniya
governorate (province) following the
award of a 45-year contract to build and
run the facility to Kuwait firm Al Nasriyah.
Construction of the $1.35bn airport will
be in three phases and will include a
surrounding aerotropolis featuring
industry and recreational areas. It is
estimated the development will generate
Approval for Second
Suvarnabhumi Terminal
AIRPORTS OF Thailand (AoT) has
approved the construction of a
second terminal and a third runway at
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The
projects are expected to cost $1.47bn,
with the runway due to be completed
in 2017 and the terminal two years
later. The 870,000sq ft (80,823m2)
building will increase capacity by
20mppa to 65mppa and will have
car park space for 3,000 vehicles. It
will be connected to the rest of the
airport by a monorail system.
The extra runway will be used mainly
to allow repairs to be carried out
on the other two without affecting
Vancouver
Opens
Extended
Domestic
Terminal
THE VANCOUVER Airport Authority
has inaugurated its A-B Connector,
expanding the domestic terminal at
Vancouver International Airport,
British Columbia, Canada. The
CAN$213m facility has increased
gate capacity, provided ten more
shops and restaurants, added a
Plaza Premium pay-per-use lounge
and upgraded the baggage handling
system – which enables faster
baggage transfer between domestic
and international flights.
Craig Richmond, the authority’s
President and CEO, said: “We’re
proud to deliver this project on plan
and on budget. Vancouver Airport
is facing increased competition from
other airports and both travellers
and airlines have choices. To remain
competitive and continue to be
an economic generator and jobs
creator for British Columbia, we
must continue to invest in projects
that make it easier and faster for
passengers and their baggage to
move through the airport.”
06-15_News.indd 13
more than 8,000 jobs. Phase one is
valued at $420m and includes the
main airport infrastructure and a free
trade zone. Work is expected to start
imminently with the first phase taking
just over two years to finish and the
entire project completed in five years.
A single 11,811ft (3,600m) runway
will be able to handle the world’s
largest aircraft.
flight schedules – and ultimately to
accommodate traffic growth.
Meanwhile AoT has been
restructuring part of the terminal
interior to provide more space for
airline lounges. An 18,000sq ft
(1,672m2) area near Concourse D
has been set aside for the project and
will be divided between three carriers
– Thai Airways International, Bangkok
Airways and Singapore Airlines as
well as the Louis’ Tavern Transit
Hotel. Qatar Airways will also add a
new lounge – its second outside Doha
after London/Heathrow, on which it
will be modelled.
LAX Qantas Lounge
AUSTRALIAN FLAG carrier Qantas
has opened a new First Class
lounge at Los Angeles International
Airport. The facility is modelled
on its existing flagship lounges in
Melbourne and Sydney and seats
221 customers. Covering 17,500sq
ft (1,626m2) the lounge includes a
74-seat à la carte restaurant, free
Wi-Fi, business facilities, cable
television, two private work suites
and seven shower rooms. Furnishing
is to a high standard with marbled
floors, American oak walls, Tai Ping
wool carpets and a 48ft (14.6m)
The bar in the new Qantas lounge at Los Angeles International Airport. (Qantas)
NEWS
LATEST UPDATES
World’s Shortest
International Flights
Fly Niki will perform the world’s shortest international flights when it introduces services
between Vienna and Bratislava. (AirTeamImages.com/Alun Morris Jones)
FLY NIKI is to introduce the shortest Bratislava passengers to transfer
international flights in the world after to other Fly Niki services in Vienna.
opening a base at Bratislava Airport The connection to Brussels
in Slovakia. As well as starting flights is significant because Slovakia
to Brussels and Palma, the carrier assumes the European Union Council
will fly to its base in Vienna, Austria presidency in July 2016, so the link
– just 31 miles (50km) away. The will take on added importance.
carrier will position Embraer 190s Services to the Belgian capital will
from Vienna to Bratislava, and from be by E190s, although the Palma
April 1 will serve the route up to flights, due to start on May 2, will
six times a week. This will allow be by Airbus A320.
Modular
Hotel for
Carrara marble bar.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said
at the opening: “The new lounge
is more than triple the size of the
previous space, and the design and Bristol
service is equal to the world’s best
five star hotels and restaurants.
BRISTOL AIRPORT is to have a
modular hotel, provided by CIMC
Lounges are important to our (China International Marine
international customers’ journey, Containers) and due to open in
which is why we have drawn on the the spring of next year. It will be
knowledge of world leading experts, part of the Hilton Worldwide range
such as designer Marc Newson and under the economy Hampton by
Qantas chef Neil Perry, to deliver the Hilton brand and will be financed
most luxurious experience before and owned by CIMC. The hotel, the
people even step on board.” airport’s first, will have 201 rooms.
The modular technique reduces
construction time, according
to CIMC, with the component
parts manufactured in China
and then assembled on site. The
airport’s CEO, Robert Sinclair,
commented: “The development
of a high-quality on-site hotel to
be operated under such a world-
renowned brand will be a very
welcome addition to our facilities
for the growing number of
passengers choosing to fly to and
from Bristol Airport. Alongside
the terminal extension currently
under construction, this is another
statement of our ambition to be
a world-class regional airport
serving the southwest of the UK.”
www.airportsworld.com 13
13/02/2015 15:21
 NEWS
LATEST UPDATES

Metro Link Bratislava Welcomes flydubai

for Liberty?
THE PORT Authority of New York
and New Jersey has granted a
$6.4m three-year contract to HNTB
Corporation to examine a proposal
to extend the PATH (Port Authority
Trans-Hudson) Metro to Newark
Liberty International Airport.
The authority recommended the
project in 2012 and has included it
in its latest $27.6bn ten-year capital
plan, launched in February. It has
asked HNTB to come up with a more
accurate cost estimate for the Metro
extension, currently estimated at
$1.5bn. If the go-ahead is given,
work could start in 2018 and take
five years to complete.
The extension would run beside
the Northeast Corridor main line
from Newark Penn Station to the
airport’s mainline station. The
latter would be an interchange Dubai-based flydubai has introduced three flights a week between the Middle East and the Slovakian capital Bratislava. Cutting the ribbon after
between PATH, AirTrain monorail the arrival of the inaugural service from Dubai are, from left to right: Director VIP services Bratislava Airport Dana Madunická, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al
and NJ Transit services. Ghaith and the airline’s Vice President Commercial Operations Jeyhun Efendi. (Bratislava Airport)

New FBO at Birmingham

MARSHALL AVIATION Services,
the business aviation-focused arm
of the Marshall Aerospace and
Defence Group, has acquired the
executive aviation handling facility
(FBO) at Birmingham Airport and
will formally open for business
within the next few months. The
company has agreed a long-term
lease of the FBO which was built
in 2011 and is to the west of the
main terminal. The glass-fronted
444,000sq ft 4,088m 2) facility
includes hangar space, which
will be available both to resident
and visiting aircraft. Under the
previous operator, the facility was
named Best Handling Agent/FBO
by industry peers of the Baltic Air
Charter Association (BACA) in 2013.
It is regularly used by executive
charter operators Cello Aviation and
FlairJet. Marshall Aviation Services’
aircraft operations, charter and
management company, will also
have a presence and the facility will
continue to provide fuel via Avfuel.
The company intends to position the
facility as a world-class FBO, offering
comprehensive amenities for both
flight crew and passengers, including
crew rest facilities, flight planning
rooms, prayer room and visitor or
residential crew offices. Marshall
is to work closely with Birmingham
Airport to increase business through
the FBO, including offering business
jet travel for premium passengers
arriving on long-haul flights and
needing onward connections within
the UK or Europe.
Birmingham Airport’s Head of
Property, Melanie Cameron said:
“It is a very exciting time for us, with
record passenger numbers and the
recent completion of a multi-million
pound redevelop programme to
allow for the growth of our long-haul
route network so we are delighted
to welcome the Marshall team this
year. The new operation will provide
first class facilities for airlines and
passengers, and aviation business
services that are much needed in
the Midlands to support the thriving
local economy.”

Lithuanian Dedicated Parking in Salzburg Transatlantic

Airports’
Record Start
PASSENGER NUMBERS using
Lithuania’s airports increased by
16.5% during January, compared
with the same month in 2014.
Kaunas Airport served 29%
more passengers, Vilnius Airport
15% and Palanga Airport 0.2%.
Totals for the three facilities
were 44,000, 203,500 and 9,000
passengers respectively.
Gediminas Almantas, Chief
Executive Officer of SE
Lithuanian Airports, said: “The
beginning of this year is really
record-breaking for us – the
number of passengers at all the
three airports has significantly
exceeded last year’s result.
A321neo Could
Help Airports
AIRBUS OFFICIALLY launched its
A321neo variant with a 97 tonnes
maximum take-off weight (MTOW)
on January 13 after securing its
first commitment from Air Lease
Corporation (ALC). This latest variant
of the A320 Family will have the
longest range of any single-aisle
airliner available or in the near
future, according to the European
manufacturer, allowing it to fly up
to 4,598 miles (7,400km) – ideal for
transatlantic routes. It will also allow
airlines to tap into new long-haul
markets that were not previously
accessible with the current
generation of single-aisle aircraft. It
Women travelling alone have been provided with a dedicated parking area at Salzburg Airport in Austria. could potentially open opportunities
The ‘Frauenparkplatz’ is on the ground floor close to the exits and is designed to make lone female for new city pairs across the Atlantic,
travellers feel more secure by reducing time spent within the multi-storey car park. (Jan Blazej) notably for smaller regional airports.

14 airpor ts of the world

06-15_News.indd 14 13/02/2015 15:22


Australian Master
Plans Approved
THE AUSTRALIAN Government
has approved four major master
plans for the airports in Adelaide,
Brisbane, Canberra and Perth.
Adelaide is intended to benefit
from significant investment in
infrastructure, including expanding
the southern end of the main
terminal, increasing the size of the
international arrivals hall, adding
more gates, enlarging the security
screening area, opening more retail
outlets and airline lounges, building
a hotel, as well as supporting an
airport business district. During the
next five years around AU$1bn will be
invested, creating up to 3,500 jobs.
Approval was also granted to
Brisbane Airport Corporation’s
(BAC) 20-year master plan for
the airport in Queenstown. Up to
AU$3.8bn is to be invested during
the next decade to expand the
terminal and improve transport
infrastructure and includes a five-
year environment strategy. The
projects will enable the airport to
handle up to 48mppa by 2034.
Julieanne Alroe, BAC’s CEO and
Managing Director said: “We are very
pleased the Australian Government
has approved our 20-year vision for
Brisbane Airport which will help us
achieve our goal of becoming a more
important gateway for Australia
in the future. We’re particularly
proud of the extensive consultative
approach taken with this master
plan and efforts to present the
Fortnum & Mason at Heathrow
Among the new luxury brands recently unveiled at London/Heathrow’s Terminal 5 are Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Rolex, Bottega Veneta and
Fortnum & Mason. This marks the culmination of a £40m investment that has raised the number of fashion and luxury brands to 22. The
first Fortnum & Mason store and bar at an airport is an exciting world exclusive for Heathrow. (Fortnum & Mason)
06-15_News.indd 15
community with comprehensive
aircraft noise information, setting
a benchmark in this field.”
Meanwhile Perth Airport in
Western Australia is celebrating
the approval of its master plan.
It includes adding a third runway,
a rail link to the city and a new
international pier over the next
five years. Brad Geatches, Perth
Airport’s CEO said: “The master
plan recognises the airport needs
to develop integrated proposals that
complement Perth’s broader urban
and infrastructure ideas, and take
into account the impact of airport
development on surrounding
communities and the environment.”
Finally the government has also
approved Canberra Airport’s 2014
Master Plan, outlining its strategic
direction for the next 20 years. This
includes a focus on attracting more
flights to international destinations
and increasing services by LCCs.
Improvements to taxiways and
aprons as well as transportation and
road infrastructure are also outlined.
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Infrastructure and
Regional Development Warren
Truss commented: “Canberra
Airport boasts the nation’s newest
passenger terminal and the
commencement of international
flights as outlined in the 2014 Master
Plan will be an important step in
promoting the Canberra region as a
jewel in the nation’s tourism crown.”
Workpods Arrive at Gatwick
The Regus Workpod has been introduced in the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport, offering
business travellers a quite place to work before flying. (Regus)
WORKPLACE PROVIDER Regus has
introduced its first Workpods at
Gatwick Airport. Situated airside
in the South Terminal, the pods
are a private workspace, tailor-
made to provide business travellers
somewhere quiet to work whilst
waiting for their flight. Each pod
gives access to Wi-Fi, a comfortable
desk and seat, power and mobile
chargers, computer screen and a
telephone for UK calls. Users can
book the Workpod on the spot using
a credit card or online on the Regus
website in advance. Half an hour
costs £10 plus VAT.
Global Managing Director of Regus
Third Place, Phil Kemp said: “Workpods
offer business travellers everything
they need when working on the move:
NEWS
LATEST UPDATES
a quiet space to check emails, make
that last call or concentrate on urgent
work before they fly. We know that
more and more people need to work
on the move, and this is another way
of helping our customers maximise
their productivity.”
London Gatwick’s Chief Commercial
Officer, Guy Stephenson, added:
“Business travel continues to grow at
Gatwick, with one in five passengers
now travelling on business to a range
of destinations. The Regus Workpods
will be another key addition to the
modern new facilities we offer
business passengers every step of
the way from the office to the plane.”
It is planned to introduce the
Workpods in the Gatwick North
terminal this year.
LAX Satellite
Award
LOS ANGELES World Airports
(LAWA) has placed a $960m
contract with a Turner-PCL joint
venture, in collaboration with
Corgan and Gensler, for the design
and construction of its Midfield
Satellite Concourse (MSC) North at
Los Angeles International Airport.
Work will be split into two phases
and should be completed in 2020.
Sited 1,300ft (396m) west of
the Tom Bradley International
Terminal (TBIT), the satellite
will feature an 800,000sq ft
(74,320m2) five-level concourse
with 11 gates and will be able
to handle Code F aircraft – the
Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8I.
Airport infrastructure, such as
new taxiways, aprons, utilities
and surface roads, will also be
included. The MSC will be linked
to the TBIT by a tunnel.
www.airportsworld.com 15
13/02/2015 15:21
 INDUSTRY COLUMN
Unmanned D
BRUCE HALES-DUTTON
As access to remotely piloted air systems becomes available to the
masses, Bruce Hales-Dutton examines the risks they pose to commercial
aviation after a close encounter near London/Heathrow last year.
T
he word ‘drone’ is frequently in the
news these days. Usually it refers to
military unmanned aerial systems
but commercially available remotely
piloted vehicles are becoming increasingly
popular – whether for fun or for business
purposes, but there’s now growing concern
that in the wrong hands they could pose a
serious threat to civil aviation.
Last July there was a serious airprox
incident near London/Heathrow involving
an Airbus A320 and an unidentified object,
believed to have been a small radio-
controlled helicopter. Although the incident
was not that widely reported, the release
in December of the UK Airprox Board’s
findings about the encounter, generated
considerable publicity. Inevitably, there
was some consternation within the industry,
especially when it was realised that there’d
been a similar incident earlier in the year,
coupled with reports of booming sales of
such models.
 Remotely-piloted To those who still regard model aircraft
aircraft or systems,
as flimsy confections of balsa wood and
more commonly
tissue paper which reward their builders, if
if not quite
they’re skilful or lucky enough, with a few
correctly referred
to as ‘drones’, stuttering yards of flight, this might have
are becomingly seemed somewhat surprising. But new
increasingly technology is transforming them. Suddenly
common as model aircraft have become unmanned
prices drop and aerial vehicles or as the media loves to label
capabilities increase. them, drones. Such craft have morphed
(Wikimedia into a threat to life and limb, especially
Commons/ when they blunder into controlled airspace
Jaypatravali) and come into conflict with airliners.
16 airpor ts of the world
16-17_Industry Column.indd 16
The Airprox Board, which investigates
reports of near mid-air collisions filed by
pilots and air traffic controllers, considered
there was a definite risk of collision when
“a small black object” came too close to an
airliner approaching London’s Heathrow
airport. The pilot of the A320 on short
finals for Runway 09L reported passing
through 700ft (213m) when he saw what
appeared to be a small radio-controlled
helicopter. It passed just 20ft (6m) over
the airliner’s wing.
In dry official prose the board’s report
noted: “the object did not strike his aircraft
and he made a normal landing, but it was
a distraction during a critical phase of
flight.” It added: “ATC was informed of the
object’s presence and following aircraft
were notified.”
When they considered the incident,
which happened in July 2014, the board’s
members were “satisfied that the A320
crew had seen a model helicopter.” They
were unanimous “that the operator of the
model had chosen to fly it in an entirely
inappropriate location.” Due to the risk
posed by the event the board placed
it into its category A, the most serious
of three. The report noted: “That the
dangers associated with flying such a
model in close proximity to a commercial
air transport aircraft in the final stages
of landing were not self-evident was a
cause for considerable concern. Members
re-iterated that anyone operating an air
vehicle of whatever kind had to do so with
and
due consideration for regulation
and for other airspace users,
and preferably under the
auspices of an established
association or club.”
A jointly-issued statement
by the British Airline Pilots’
Association (BALPA), the Association
of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (ARPAS-
UK), the British Model Flying Association
(BMFA) and drone training specialists
EuroUSC and Resource Group said: “Drones
are a growing technology which we believe
is here to stay.” The statement noted that
such craft brought “significant” potential
economic, technological and societal
benefits. But, it added: “The safety of
people both in the air and on the ground
must come first.”
In May 2014 the pilot of an ATR turboprop
reported seeing a helicopter drone only
80ft (24m) away as he approached
Southend airport at a height of 1,500ft
(457m). Jim McAuslan, BALPA’s general
secretary said: “A small drone could be a
risky distraction for a pilot coming in to
land and cause serious damage if they hit
one. The risk of a 22lb [10kg] object hitting
a plane is a real one that pilots are very
concerned about.” The Airport Operator’s
Association declined to comment.
According to the BBC News website,
commercially available drones are in
great demand, with UK sales running at
a rate of between 1,000 and 2,000 every
month. “They are expected to be very
popular Christmas presents,” the BBC
noted in December.” One police force felt
sufficiently concerned about the prospect
of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)
for ‘kids of all ages’ to issue a statement
just before Christmas warning against the
indiscriminate use of such devices. Those
‘lucky enough’ to be given an RPAS need to
be aware that it should only be operated in
accordance with the law, Essex police said.
The appropriately-named RC Geeks, based
at Crawley in West Sussex close to Gatwick
Airport, advertises a range of ‘quadcopters’
priced from £36 to £940. The top of the
range Phantom Plus v 3.0 with its four
battery-driven rotors offers 25 minutes of
flight time, weighs 43oz (1,242g) and has a
motor-to-motor diagonal measurement of
14 inches (35cm). According to the retailer,
13/02/2015 14:26

Dangerous
and
this device “is simple to set up and easy
to fly, making it the first aerial film-making
system for everyone”. It adds: “Now you
can shoot fully stabilised video from the sky,
right out of the box.” The built-in three-axis
camera stabilisation system is claimed to
bring “a whole new level of smoothness to
your aerials and gives you total creative
freedom in the sky”.
So who would want access to such aerial
creativity? According to the on-line
Property Industry Eye newsletter, drones
are increasingly being used by ‘high end’
estate agents as a cheaper alternative to
helicopter hire to get aerial shots.
The UK CAA has pointed out that under
the Air Navigation Order it’s illegal to
fly unmanned aircraft over a congested
area or within 164ft (50m) of a person,
vehicle, building or structure. The CAA
warns that it will prosecute people using
drones for commercial purposes without
a licence. To get permission, companies
have to submit an operations manual
to the CAA demonstrating how they
intend to use the unmanned aircraft. In
addition, the person using the device
has to be qualified, having passed an
approved training course. They also
need liability insurance.
M e a n w h i l e, t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f
Birmingham’s Policy Commission has
conducted research into remotely piloted
aircraft led by Sir David Omand, a former
head of the GCHQ intelligence centre.
There are, it says, significant safety,
security and privacy concerns: drones
could be used for criminal or terrorist
purposes. It wants urgent measures to
16-17_Industry Column.indd 17
safeguard British airspace and privacy.
Unmanned aircraft are reported to have
been flown over major cities and towns as
well as at a variety of public events, such
as football matches. The BBC quoted Chris
Wilkinson, director of a Nottingham-based
company which uses drones to film legally,
as warning that, with such devices now
easier to obtain, “in the wrong hands they
could cause injury or death”.
The CAA insists that the Heathrow and
Southend incidents are the only recent ones
to involve miniature aircraft and airliners.
It was, though, sufficiently concerned
to issue a leaflet specifically directed at
model helicopter operators, warning them
to stay well clear of airports and airfields.
Operators, it says, are legally responsible
for the safe conduct of each flight. It added
its campaign has been supported by the
BMFA. “They’ve been very supportive,”
an authority spokesman told Airports of
the World. The association says its policy
is to support lawful model flying which
includes recreational aerial photography and
“first person view” while distancing itself
from unlawful activity. But it acknowledges
that the latest technology has blurred the
distinction between traditional sporting
and recreational model flying and aerial
work, which is not recognised as being
anything to do with model aircraft. There is,
the association, says, a grey area between
the two existing definitions. As a result,
there will be a new category called data,
development and display activity which
can trigger an extension of the £25 million
insurance cover offered to members.
The BMFA says the new technology has
INDUSTRY COLUMN
BRUCE HALES-DUTTON
changed what’s possible with model aircraft  The risk of a
with the “ready availability of equipment ‘drone’ colliding
capable of capturing high-quality stills with a commercial
and film footage in easy-to-operate and airliner is very real.
often ready-to-fly packages”. But there Everything must
are indications that technology has the be done to prevent
potential to make incidents, such as the their use in sensitive
areas. (Key – Barry
recent Heathrow airprox, a thing of the past.
Woods-Turner)
At least one manufacturer of quadcopters
is embedding global positioning system
co-ordinates into its devices to ensure they
can’t blunder into airport control zones and
others may follow.
The CAA spokesman said: “If an attempt
is made to operate the aircraft within a
CTZ [Controlled Traffic Zone] it won’t
take off.” That’s reassuring no doubt,
but in the US things seem to be moving
in a different direction. Small unmanned
aircraft have been reported flying near
airports and aircraft across the US.
This has prompted calls for low-altitude
airspace to be opened up to legal drone
activity (Ed: presumably so it can be
controlled and monitored?).
NASA is developing a system to provide
UAV users with an internet portal to file
trajectories and check them for weather,
obstacles and other traffic. Airspace
operators will be able to geo-fence areas,
authenticate users and issue an ‘all land’
order in an emergency. Early work on the
web interface has begun in Alaska.
The fact is that whatever we choose to call
them, remotely controlled aircraft, whether
flying for pleasure or commercial purposes,
are here to stay. So we’d better get used to
them and come up with ways to ensure
safety isn’t compromised.
www.airportsworld.com 17
13/02/2015 14:26
 FEATURE
BELFAST

Belfast
International
The primary airport serving much of Northern Ireland is
Belfast International. Paul B Anderson discovers it
is striving to increase its range of destinations.

 Low-cost
carrier easyJet
began serving
BFS in 1998 and
has increased its
flights considerably.
Airbus A319-111
G-EZBF (c/n 2923)
comes in to land.
(AirTeamImages.
com/Danish
Aviation Photo)

 Buses provide
a public transport
option to the city
centre and there is
a possibility a rail
connection might
eventually be added.
(All photos author
unless stated)

18 airpor ts of the world

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 FEATURE
BELFAST

A
rriving at Belfast International
Airpor t you can get the
impression of either a very busy
place or one that is quite the
opposite. It all depends upon the time
of day. If you arrive early in the morning
it will be very busy at check-in, security
and in the shops and refreshment outlets.
The airline with the most flights, easyJet,
has many early morning departures. The
sole intercontinental flight of the day,
to Newark/Liberty, New Jersey, departs
at about 11:00 and employs the largest
aircraft to use the airport on a regular
basis – a United Airlines Boeing 757-
200. After all these departures, activity
tapers off and is spread throughout the
afternoon and early evening. The late
evening arrivals, again mostly easyJet
flights, keep things busy in the baggage
claim area up until midnight.

History
The airport site was originally selected
in November 1917 as a Royal Flying Corps
training site during World War One. It
became RAF Aldergrove upon the formation
of the Royal Air Force the following year.
Hangars and buildings from the military
days can be seen opposite today’s terminal.
Civil traffic began in 1922 with newspaper
flights and in 1933 scheduled passenger
services started with connections to
Glasgow by Midland and Scottish Air
Ferries. During World War Two, RAF
Aldergrove was used by Coastal Command.
The four runways were too short for the
largest aircraft and two longer ones were
constructed. These form the basis of the
present runway configuration.
There was an interim period after the
conflict when another wartime airfield,
Nutts Corner (only three miles away)
was used as Belfast’s civil airport. This
airfield was too small for the emerging
turboprop and jet aircraft and could not
easily be expanded. A decision was made
to return civil activity to Aldergrove and
a terminal and apron, along with car
parks and related facilities were built.
The transfer of flights from Nutts Corner
took place on September 26, 1963 and
the first passenger service to land at

A multi-language welcome to Belfast greets

passengers as they leave the airport.

www.airportsworld.com 19

18-22_Belfast International.indd 19 13/02/2015 14:31

 FEATURE
BELFAST

The obligatory newsagent provides passengers with a last chance to pick up something to read on their flight.

A busy time at check-in, with the easyJet desks in the foreground. (Wikimedia Commons/Ardfern)

Airline and Destinations

Carrier Destinations
easyJet Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Bristol,
Edinburgh, Faro, Gatwick, Geneva, Glasgow, Ibiza, Jersey, Krakow,
Liverpool, London/Luton, London/Stansted, Malaga, Malta, Manchester,
Newcastle, Nice, Palma Majorca, Paris/CDG
Jet2.com Alicante, Dubrovnik, Geneva, Faro, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Menorca, Malaga,
Murcia, Palma Majorca, Pisa, Reus, Tenerife
Thomas Cook Alicante, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Faro, Heraklion, Ibiza, Lanzarote,
Larnaca, Las Palmas, Mahon, Palma, Reus, Tenerife
Thomas Cook Airlines Orlando
Thomson Airways Burgas, Dalaman, Faro, Grenoble, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Lapland, Las Palmas,
Lourdes, Menorca, Malaga, Palma, Reus, Tenerife
United Airlines Newark/Liberty

Aldergrove was a British European Airways
(BEA) Vickers Viscount from Manchester.
The formal opening took place on
October 28, 1963 when The Queen
dedicated the new terminal. Regular jet
services started on January 4, 1966 with
a British United BAC One-Eleven flight
to London/Gatwick. Two years later, Aer
Lingus and British Overseas Airways
Corporation (BOAC) introduced jet flights
to New York; the Aer Lingus service went
via Shannon and the BOAC connection via
Glasgow/Prestwick.
In 1969, passenger numbers reached the
one million mark for the first time and
the following year a plan was unveiled to
extend the main Runway 07/25 by more
than 3,000ft (915m) to 9,121ft (2,780m).
A new organisation, Northern Ireland
Airports, took over running the facility
from the UK Department of Trade and
Industry in 1971.
A 747 Jumbo Jet was used on a charter
flight to Toronto, Canada, via Shannon,
on July 3, 1977, proving the airport
could handle large aircraft, if necessary.
Expansion into the European market came
in 1980 when KLM Cityhopper introduced
flights from Amsterdam/Schiphol.
The airport was renamed Belfast
International (BFS) in 1983 and in the
same year a dedicated international
pier was completed. Check-in facilities
were relocated and the first travelator
installed. In 1984 passenger numbers
reached 1.5 million and the same year
BFS welcomed British Midland flights from
London/Heathrow, which competed with (Not for airborne or
British Airways. Three years later annual operational use –
passenger numbers reached two million. Navtech Aerad)

20 airpor ts of the world

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 FEATURE
BELFAST

Privatisation came to BFS on July 20,

The Maldron Hotel adjacent to the airport is especially useful for passengers with early morning departures.
1984. A management buy-out created
Belfast International Airport Holdings
and among its first investments was a
new cargo centre, which opened in 1991.
Another change of ownership occurred
on August 13, 1996 when BFS was sold to
TBI, a subsidiary of Airport Concessions
and Development Limited (ACDL),
owned by Spanish companies Abertis
Infraestructuras SA and AENA Desarrollo
Internacional SA.
The low cost sector made its debut at
BFS in 1998 when London/Luton-based
easyJet introduced flights. It helped boost
demand and the following year the airport
welcomed three million passengers for
the first time and by 2004 it had soared
to 4.5 million.
During the ‘Farewell to the UK’ tour of
the British Airways Concorde fleet, Chief
Concorde pilot, Mike Bannister, flew aircraft
G-BOAC, into Belfast International for a
day of celebration of the aircraft’s career.

Originally introduced by Continental Airlines and
now run under the United Airlines name, the
daily flight to Newark/Liberty provides a direct
link to New York from Northern Ireland.
(AirTeamImages.com/Dave Sturges)
A good-size duty free store offers a wide range of products. Ownership changed again when TBI was
taken over by parent ACDL on January 5,
2005. On May 27 that year Continental
Airlines introduced daily direct flights
from Newark/Liberty. The following
year annual passenger numbers hit
five million. More recently The Queen
officially marked the completion of a
terminal upgrade project in October,
2010. The latest chapter in the airport’s
ownership was completed on October
1, 2013 when it was acquired by the
Canadian firm Airport Development
Corporation (ADC) and Houston Airport
Several eateries are available, including this fast food option. System (HAS). This collaboration also
owns other facilities in the US, South
America and Scandinavia.

Today’s airport
There is a sensation of being out in the
country at BFS. It is 13 miles (22 km)
northwest of the city centre, surrounded
by farms. There are two small villages in the
vicinity; Aldergrove to the west and Killead to
the east. If you have an early morning flight,
the Maldron Hotel is adjacent to the airport.
The terminal has two levels with the
airside upper floor mainly used by
As an easyJet Airbus A319 departs, some of the
former RAF Aldergrove infrastructure can be seen in
the background.

www.airportsworld.com 21

18-22_Belfast International.indd 21 13/02/2015 14:31

 FEATURE
BELFAST

There is still some limited military

activity on the old RAF site, notably in
the large hangar facilities along with
other support structures.

Future
It is the operator’s goal to attract
additional airlines and new services
provided demand continues to grow.
With its long runway, BFS is able to handle
flights to intercontinental destinations
and Europe without load penalties.
The runway could be lengthened if
demand for more far off destinations,
such as Asia, was to materialise. This
would require a length of up to 11,800ft
(3,597m). The longest runway in the
neighbouring Republic of Ireland is at
Shannon (10,500ft – 3,200m). Dublin’s
runway is only 8,652ft (2,637m). Its
operator has ambitions to secure long-
haul flights to the Far East, including
China, and has announced plans for a new
12,000ft (3,658m) runway to be built by
off site. There are several car rental firm  Holiday/charter the end of the decade. If it is completed
Airport Statistics counters in the arrivals area. flights form an it could scupper similar possibilities at
ICAO Code: EGAA Road access from the city is excellent important part of the BFS because Belfast and Dublin are well
IATA Code: BFS with plenty of taxis available and frequent airport’s business, as connected across the border.
bus services to the Europa Bus Centre. illustrated by Thomas In 2013 Belfast International celebrated
Location: 54° 39.27’ N, 006° 12.56’ W
There is currently no rail connection Cook Airlines its 50th year as the primary aerial gateway
Elevation: 268ft (82m)
to the airport but there are plans for Airbus A320-214 to Northern Ireland. As it begins its second
Runway: 07/25 9,121 x 148ft
one which could be open as early as G-TCAD (c/n 2114). half century, it is well placed to provide an
(2,780 x 45m) (AirTeamImages.
2020. This would involve reactivating a increasing range of destinations and
17/35 6,401 x 148ft mothballed line, the old Lisburn to Antrim com/Simon Wilson) efficient service.
(1,951 x 45m) route, which runs close to the airport.
Frequencies: ATIS: 128.2
Tower: 118.3 Infrastructure
Ground: 121.75 Both runways are 148ft (46m) wide and
Approach: 128.5 there is a full-length parallel taxiway.
Website: www.belfastairport.com The shorter crosswind runway is 17/35
which measures 6,401ft (1,951m). The ATC
departing passengers and the ground tower is equipped with a terminal radar
floor for arrivals. The building has been facility to provide surveillance radar for
used for many years, but renovated controllers.
and modernised several times. There The cargo area is near the passenger
is a range of restaurants and shops, as terminal and BFS is the main cargo
well as a business lounge, run by the airport for all of Northern Ireland.
airport. In addition to airport-run car Primary freight carriers are currently
parks, additional facilities are available DHL and TNT.
 Several easyJet flights await departure at BFS before sun rise – up to a
dozen of the carrier’s service leave early in the morning.

22 airpor ts of the world

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 FEATURE
Saipan
SAIPAN
Asia’s Corfu
Marco Finelli travels to the Western Pacific and visits a
paradise with a very violent past – Saipan, one of the
Mariana Islands.
E
veryone likes a holiday, but in
most Asian countries’ workers get
much shorter breaks than their
counterparts in Europe or North
America. So they don’t want to waste time
travelling long distances to find somewhere
to relax. Enter Saipan – the largest island of
the US Commonwealth Northern Mariana
Islands (CNMI) – just a relatively short
flight from Seoul or Taipei. It has become
very popular with Japanese, Chinese and
Korean tourists eager to find some ‘sun and
fun’. Increasing numbers of budget airlines
are flying to Saipan’s international airport
(SPN) to satisfy this demand.
History
Saipan is probably best known as the site
of some horrifically fierce battles during
World War Two as the US military pushed
the Japanese Empire back to the west,
across the Pacific. The idyllic beaches now
so popular with holidaymakers were once
the scene of total carnage after US forces
landed on June 15, 1944. The battle for
the islands raged until July 9 and cost the
lives of 3,426 Americans, with more than
24 airpor ts of the world
24-29_Saipan.indd 24
10,000 injured. Of the 30,000 Japanese
defenders, only 921 were taken alive, and
a further 20,000 Japanese civilians are
thought to have died.
The island’s capture was a significant one
during the war in the Pacific, as an airfield
was established from which US Army Air
Force Boeing B-29 Superfortresses could
launch bombing raids against the Japanese
mainland. Remnants of the battle can
still be seen – from shelters and bunkers
to abandoned tanks at the water’s edge.
In 1933, the Imperial Japanese Navy
established a landing strip at the southern
tip of the island for training purposes. In
1937 the navy began expanding As Lito
Field for full military operations, despite an
international law prohibiting the construction
of military facilities in the Western Pacific.
After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii
on December 7, 1941, bringing the US into
World War Two, two squadrons of Mitsubishi
 Delta Air Lines
employs Boeing A6M Zeros were based on the island.
757-200s on its However, they were decimated during the
flights to Tokyo/ American invasion in 1944 in what became
Narita. (All photos known as the ‘Great Marianas Turkey Shoot’
author) when the overwhelming strength of the US
China
Philippines
Australia
Navy carrier force practically wiped out its
Japanese opponent in a matter of days.
An estimated 645 Japanese aircraft were
destroyed and three of its fleet carriers
sunk; a decisive blow from which it never
recovered.
The Americans took control of the airfield
on June 18, 1944 and promptly renamed it
Isley Field. Once the islands were secure
new facilities were built quickly and a
further three airfields constructed to house
the B-29 bombers. Once hostilities ended
the following year, the name reverted to As
Lito Field, the bombers left for home and
the site returned to civilian use, although a
military presence remained into the 1990s.
The islands were administered by the US
as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands until 1978, when they became a
municipality of the CNMI.
In 1971, the then Mariana Islands District
of the Trust Territory decided to develop
the island as a tourist destination after the
district became eligible to apply for a grant
for airport development under
the National Airport Airways
Development Program.
13/02/2015 14:34
 FEATURE
SAIPAN

The terminal dates from the 1970s and relies

heavily on concrete, although the steep red roof
is reflective of the island’s architecture.

United Express serves Guam, where passengers Airport Statistics

can connect to the main United Airlines network.
ICAO code: PGSN
IATA code: SPN
Location: 15º 07.08´ N, 145º 43.45´ E
Elevation: 215ft (66m)
Runways: 07/25 8,700 x 200ft
(2,652 x 61m)
Frequencies: ATIS: 127.2
Tower: 125.7
Ground: 121.8
Approach: 118.4
Website: www.cpa.gov.mp

www.airportsworld.com 25

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 FEATURE
SAIPAN
(Not for airborne/operational use – Navtech Aerad)
Undaunted by the requirement that local
governments must fund a quarter of the cost,
the islands pressed ahead, with the support
of several airlines, the local tourism industry,
and the Mariana Islands District Legislature.
An airline technical committee, which
included Continental Air Micronesia,
Japan Airlines and officials of the Mariana
Islands District Government, was created
to oversee the airport project. When Isley
Field was selected as the site of the new
facility, the committee worked on the design
of the terminal – one of the best features
of which was its sweeping rooflines.
Construction work began in 1972, the new
Saipan International Airport was completed
in 1975, and it opened to traffic on July 25,
1976. Flights moved from another former
US wartime facility at Kobler Field, from
26 airpor ts of the world
24-29_Saipan.indd 26
 The departure lounge features these aircraft models suspended from the ceiling.
 Asiana Airlines where Air Mike and Air Micronesia (later
Boeing 767-38E Continental Micronesia) had introduced
HL7515 (c/n flights in 1968. Initially Air Mike had its
25762) climbs main hub at Kobler Field, but it then moved
away from Saipan to SPN. The carrier’s traffic to and from
on its way home to Saipan had decreased due to the breakup
Seoul/Incheon. of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
during the 1970s, when they were divided
into smaller political entities. Despite a
downturn in local demand, Continental
Micronesia continued to fly to Japan and
the Philippines. However, the route to
Manila was finally dropped in July 2008.
 Arctic Circle Japanese carriers began flying to the
Britten-Norman island in the 1970s as the lure of the Pacific
BN2 Islander island’s beaches became popular, the
N675AC unloads flight time from Osaka and Nagoya being
its passengers after relatively short. Adaptations were made so
arriving from Tinian. that the airport could handle widebody
airliners. Japan Airlines stopped serving
Saipan in 2005, and its former routes are
now in the hands of Delta Air Lines.
The airport’s busiest years so far have
been 1997 and 1998, when passenger
numbers were around 1.6mppa. However,
the effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks,
global economic instability and indifferent
levels of competition saw a slight downturn
in subsequent years.
Recent developments
In 2005, SPN was renamed to recognise
former Lieutenant Governor Francisco C
Ada. Meanwhile on the neighbouring island
of Tinian, the Dynasty Hotel and Casino,
which opened in 1998, was attracting
increasing numbers of wealthy guests from
China and Taiwan. As a consequence,
13/02/2015 14:35

Saipan benefitted from more flights from
both countries and subsequently these
were joined by services from South Korea.
Then, in 2008, a greater number of Russian
travellers began arriving and, unlike most
Asian visitors, generally staying longer. The
latest carriers to fly to SPN include Jeju Air
(South Korea), EVA Air (Taiwan), Sichuan
Airlines (China) and Orenair (Russia).
Several improvements to the terminal
have been undertaken, including a new
boarding area with seven airbridges. A
renovation project began in 2009 and
work included improvements to the
roof’s drainage, the replacement of two
airbridges and six of the stand lighting
guides for pilots. A new baggage handling
system is to be installed to meet the
latest TSA standards and there will be
improvements to airfield drainage, a new
generator for the terminal, and back-up
generators for the ATC tower and the fire
and rescue service building.
Passenger Statistics
Year Passengers
2009 844,278
2010 851,943
2011 792,682
2012 986,392
2013 1,002,039
2014 987,915*
*January 1 until September 30.
24-29_Saipan.indd 27
There is a single runway (07/25),
measuring 8,700ft (2,652m), that is
equipped with an ILS. Six parking stands
are available and the apron can handle
aircraft as large as a 747.
Terminal
The terminal is built on a base of basalt
rock from a lava flow, testament to the fact
the islands are close to the ‘ring of fire’,
the active volcanic and seismic ring which
surrounds the Pacific Ocean. One positive
to this has been the elimination of the
need for much foundation work, given the
solid footings of the structure. Departing
passengers check-in, pass through security
screening and then use a bridge to reach
the airside departure lounge. There are
several airside concessions, including
shops, a duty free store and refreshment
outlets; there is also a business lounge.
For arriving passengers, a pair of baggage
belts are sufficient.
FEATURE
SAIPAN
 A small cafe The original structure is retained to the
is among the left of the main terminal, and is used for
amenities in the inter-island flights to Tinian and Rota.
departure lounge. Dating from the 1970s, it is rather Spartan,
has no cafes or bars, just check-in desks for
 Baggage carriers Star Marianas and Arctic Circle.
reclaim in the main
There are no flight information display
terminal is equipped
screens, as the schedules for the daytime
with two belts.
flights are well known locally.
Schedules
The busiest time for flights is during the
night. This is mostly because Asian carriers
tend to focus on business flights during the
day and leisure/holiday services at night.
Up to 20 weekly domestic connections to
Guam are provided by United Express ATR
42-300s (managed by Cape Air); some
also stop in Rota. These flights allow
 Two of Dynamic connections via United’s hub at Guam
Airways Boeing 767- (see Airports of the World, issue 12, p76).
200s parked on the Delta Air Lines has two daily 757-200
Saipan apron. services to Tokyo/Narita, one in the
www.airportsworld.com 27
13/02/2015 14:35
 FEATURE
SAIPAN

During the author’s visit, China Southern Airlines Boeing

737-81B B-1918 (c/n 38915) passed through on
delivery from Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington.

28 airpor ts of the world

24-29_Saipan.indd 28 13/02/2015 14:35

 FEATURE
SAIPAN

afternoon and the other during the night.
The carrier’s Nagoya connection runs
on Saturday nights. Asiana Airlines is
cleared to fly to Japan as second operator
and runs a night-time link to Osaka/
Kansai using either an A321 or a 767;
it also flies to Hiroshima on Saturdays
using an A321. The carrier’s connections
from Seoul/Incheon are provided by a
nightly A330-300 or 767-300ER, and by
thrice-weekly afternoon A321 flights.
Asiana also flies a twice-weekly link from
the South Korean city of Busan. South
Korea’s Jeju Air introduced budget 737-
800 flights from Seoul/Incheon last
October. An interesting competitor on the
Seoul/Incheon-Saipan route is Dynamic
Airways, using a pair of 767-200 that are
often parked at SPN; the charter airline
has also served Hong Kong, Tianjin,
Wuhan and Hangzhou in China.
China Eastern Airlines flies from Beijing
six times a week using A330-300s,
again arriving during the night and from
Shanghai/Pudong Airport. Sichuan Airlines
offers connections from Guangzhou.
Orenair 737-800 services began in 2008
from Khabarovsk and Vladivostok and
have proved increasingly popular – there
are now six a week. Regular cargo services
are provided by 727-200Fs of Asia Pacific
Airlines, based in Guam.
The airport’s strategic location in
the western Pacific makes it a popular
refuelling stop for aircraft delivery flights,
notably for Boeing products heading to
Asian customers.
Future
A recent First Hawaiian Bank report
showed increasing visitor numbers to
the islands. The combined market share
 Asia Pacific from countries such as China, South Korea
Airlines Boeing and Japan is about 90%. However, it
727-212F N86425 is the number of Chinese visitors that
(c/n 21459), prior is increasing, while those from Japan
to departure on are declining. The first upturn in annual
another cargo flight.
passenger numbers for several years came
in 2012, when a 17% increase over the
 Small General
previous year was recorded (see table
Aviation types are
a common sight, on p27).
scuttling between The passing of a law in March 2014 to
the various islands. p e r m i t g a m b l i n g h a s a t t ra c te d
considerable interest from investors and
future projections add up to a possible
requirement for 2,000 additional hotel
rooms. The first development phase is
planned for 2017-2020 with 401 new
 Star Marianas rooms and a casino to be built. At the
passengers check- same time the release of further licences
in for an inter- for new casinos is planned for Tinian. All
island flight at the of this bodes well for Saipan International
domestic terminal. – more flights and more passengers.

www.airportsworld.com 29

24-29_Saipan.indd 29 13/02/2015 14:35

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 AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
DOHA
The Al Mourjan
Lounge
Luigi Vallero samples Qatar
Airways’ new oasis for premium travellers
at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Q
atar Airways’ premium class
passengers are now able to
enjoy the long-awaited lounges
the carrier has been heavily
investing in to ensure its luxury offering on
the ground matches its already exceptional
passenger experience in the air. This
development followed the opening of Doha’s
Hamad International Airport on May 27,
2014 which enabled the carrier to transfer
its flights from the old Doha International
Airport to the new world-class facility.
Quality
Situated on the terminal’s level 3, and
is easily accessed by an escalator one
32 airpor ts of the world
32-35_Doha's Qatar Airways.indd 32
floor up from departures, the Al Mourjan
Business Lounge opened in August last
year and is described by the carrier as
“one of the largest lounges in the world”,
and from a passenger’s perspective it is
indeed vast. Spanning over two storeys
and covering 107,642sq ft (10,000m2),
it occupies the same space as ten
Olympic-size swimming pools and can
accommodate up to 1,000 guests at a
time. They can choose from a variety of
spaces designed to suit every need, be
it enjoying a drink, catching a nap in one
of the quiet rooms, taking time out in a
family room or indulging their taste buds
in a choice of dining areas.
13/02/2015 14:42
 AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
 The spiral Qatar Airways’ CEO Akbar al Baker said
staircase leading at the launch of the new lounge: “Qatar
to the restaurant Airways does not compromise on quality
on the mezzanine and the Al Mourjan lounge is the perfect
level rises up over example of this as it is the epitome of
the infinity pool. comfort, convenience and five-star service
(Qatar Airways) that our premium class passengers have
come to expect from us. We look forward
to welcoming them to this superior lounge
experience.”
 An all-day food During a recent visit as a connecting
court is well staffed passenger the author was immediately and
and provides a pleasantly struck by the overall elegance
wide range of and attention to minute detail that the
meals. designers have achieved. There is a
combination of several different elements,
 One of the
many buffets on a top-quality lounge incorporating a
offer within the five-star dining venue, with the feel of
facility. a modern art gallery where bronze walls
The large infinity pool is certainly eye-catching.
(All photos author unless stated)
32-35_Doha's Qatar Airways.indd 33
DOHA
feature traditional Arabian calligraphy.
The facility shares the same colour palette
and refined finishes as the rest of the
terminal incorporating some of the world’s
most exclusive marbles, designer furniture
and intricate décor, with handcrafted
accents evoking a timeless appeal and
contemporary sophistication.
Amenities
Upon entering, attention is immediately
drawn to a 49 x 23ft (15 x 7m) infinity
pool reflected in a ‘dimpled’ metal ceiling,
and partly surrounding a grand spiral
stairway that leads to the mezzanine buffet
restaurant. The stairs wind around an
impressive four-tiered crystal chandelier.
On one side of the pool there is a self-
service area where nibbles and light
www.airportsworld.com 33
13/02/2015 14:42
 AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
DOHA

34 airpor ts of the world

32-35_Doha's Qatar Airways.indd 34 13/02/2015 14:43

 AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
 A view along bites are available; these change according
just part of the to the time of day. Passengers can relax
lounge gives an in partitioned areas furnished with stylish
idea of its scale. Italian design leather sofas and armchairs.
(Qatar Airways) Executive seating is on offer throughout
the lounge and each unit comes with a
 Chefs and private flight information display, a reading
waitresses provide
light and power/data outlets.
excellent service
On the other side of the pool there
in the mezzanine
is a ‘gardened’ section – a long and
level restaurant
which offers an slightly elevated feature with plants
impressive range of at both ends and organised into small
dishes from around partitioned relaxation areas. At the far
the world. end of this is the vast all-day food area,
fully staffed by waiters and serviced by
chefs preparing fresh à-la carte items,
club sandwiches and a wide range of hot
and cold dishes. For even more exotic
food options, flavours from around the
 Plenty of
seating options world are represented on the mezzanine
are available to level where guests can choose between a
travellers. continental or oriental brasserie, a global
deli or a patisserie, while a signature
 There are small bar serves some of the world’s finest
‘garden’ areas drinks including Krug champagne. Careful
at each end of a attention to detail is evident everywhere
raised seating area. – even down to the scrambled eggs on
(Qatar Airways) offer in the buffet area where they are
32-35_Doha's Qatar Airways.indd 35
DOHA
beautifully presented in individual terrines
A dedicated business centre, complete
with a conference suite, personal
internet workstations, printers and
scanners, along with private quiet rooms,
peaceful family spaces, games rooms
(offering PlayStation pods and an F1
driving simulator), several prayer rooms,
restrooms, a smoking area, a nursery
and shower rooms fitted with luxury
amenities and fine linens complete the
lounge offerings. Guests who wish to
stay connected and continue working can
cocoon themselves in one of the private
workstations equipped with personal
display screens and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Al Mourjan Business Lounge is open
to Qatar Airways and oneworld First and
Business Class passengers. Next up is
the Al Safwa First Class Lounge, which is
due to open in the coming months as part
of the airport’s phased development. It
promises to deliver a luxurious and classy
experience through the attentive care
and 5-star hospitality provided by its
highly trained staff, making any transit
at the new Hamad International Airport
a pure pleasure.
www.airportsworld.com 35
13/02/2015 14:43
 SNAPSHOT
DAKAR

Dakar
One of Air France’s earliest Airbus A300B4-2Cs, F-BVGH (c/n 023) arriving
at Dakar/Yoff International Airport. The carrier took delivery of the aircraft
on April 14, 1976. Twenty years later it was leased to Vietnam Airlines for
five months and was then sold to C-S Aviation Services and converted to
an A300B4-203C freighter. It was last reported as stored in 2003.

T
he Senegalese capital Dakar is the
most westerly city in Africa and
occupies the Cap-Vert Peninsular
on the Atlantic coast. It has always
been a busy trading port, with shipping
playing a vital part in its history since
the 16th century. Dakar’s Léopold Sédar
Senghor International Airport continues
the trading tradition and today welcomes
international flights from around the
world, including New York, Dubai and
several European cities.
Until October 1996 the facility was
called Dakar/Yoff International Airport,
and 20 years prior to that Ron Mak paid
a visit in November 1976 and recorded
several of the now classic airliners that
once frequented the airfield.

Air Mauritanie Douglas DC-4 5T-CAD (c/n 42939)

taxies to the runway in the heat of the African
sun. Delivered to Air France as F-BBDG on May
25, 1946, it was sold to Air Mauritanie in October
1963 and leased to Air Afrique between 1965 and
Iberia Boeing 727-256 EC-CAI (c/n 20592) prior to departure from Dakar on November 9, 1976. The aircraft was delivered to the 1968. It continued in service until 1977 before
carrier in April 1972 and eventually broken up in Madrid in January 1996. being stored at Nouakchott Airport in Mauritania.

Senegal Government Boeing 727-2M1 6V-AEF (c/n 21091) 'Pointe de Sangomar' was delivered only seven days prior to the author’s visit on November 9, 1976. In April 2002 the aircraft was
fitted with winglets, but is currently stored at Perpingnan/Rivesaltes Airport in the South of France.

36 airpor ts of the world

36-37_Snapshot.indd 36 13/02/2015 14:45

 SNAPSHOT
DAKAR

Air Afrique Sud Aviation SE.210 Caravelle 11R

TU-TCY (c/n 219) 'Yaounde' was handed over
to the carrier on July 17, 1967. It moved on
to Kabo Air as 5N-AWQ in 1984 and was later
sold to AeroSucre Colombia as HK-3288X in
September 1987. It crashed near Barranquilla
in Colombia on April 26, 1989.

Air Senegal Douglas DC-3D 6V-ACW (c/n 42959) made for a splendid sight at Dakar in November 1976. It was originally
delivered to Pacific Northern Air Lines as N37469 in February 1946 and was also used by Mackey Air Lines and Ivory Coast Africa.

Transportes Aéreos da Guiné-Bissau Douglas DC-3 CR-GBL (c/n 14161/25606) was originally delivered to the US Army Air Force as
a C-47B (serial 43-48345). It was subsequently used by the Royal Air Force as KJ822 before passing into civilian use with several
operators, including Air Senegal (as 6V-ACZ) and had just joined Transportes Aéreos da Guiné-Bissau when this image was taken.

Aeroflot Ilyushin Il-62M CCCP-86453 (c/n 1622323) was delivered to the Russian carrier in August 1976. It was reregistered RA-86453 in May 1993, sold to Kras Air in December 1995
and was last reported as stored.

www.airportsworld.com 37

36-37_Snapshot.indd 37 13/02/2015 14:46

 FEATURE
LILLE

Resurgent Lille
Lille Airport is bouncing back after a period of decline as it fights for its place
in the highly competitive Franco-Belgian border region of Northeast France.
Yinka Jan Sojinu investigates.

H
Airport Statistics istoric Lille is the main cultural
and economic centre of the
ICAO Code: LFQQ French-Flemish region and ranks
IATA Code: LIL as the country’s fourth largest
Location: 50° 33.48’ N, 003° 05.13’ E metropolitan area with a population of
Elevation: 157ft (48m) about 1.5 million. The city, also referred
Runway: 08/26 9,333 x 148ft (2,845 x 45m) to as Rijsel in the nearby Belgian-Flanders
district, is a major transport interchange
02/20 5,249 x 98ft (1,600 x 30m)
and home to several large corporations,
Frequencies: ATIS: 119.325
specialised industries and universities. It
Tower: 118.55 also has a thriving tourist industry.
Ground: 121.85 It is a hub for travel between the
Approach: 126.475 Netherlands, Belgium, France, UK and
Website: www.lille.aeroport.fr beyond, thanks to the French motorway
network and its strategic position on the
continental high-speed rail network. There
are strong cultural and economic ties across
the Belgian border, which is 5.3 miles
(8.5km) away, and these have led to the
establishment of the Eurométropole Lille-
Kortrijk-Tournai to promote inter-boundary
UK
Germany co-operation.
Lille Airport (LIL) is at Lesquin, 6
miles (9.6km) south-southeast of the
city, and plays an increasing part in the
France conurbation’s connectivity and is one of
France’s fastest growing airports.
History
The first flights near Lille occurred in 1907
when a grass field south of the city near
Ronchin and Faches-Thumesnil was used.
The site and others in the France/Belgian
border region saw extensive action in
World War One. The airfield near Ronchin
was commissioned during the 1920s for
commercial aviation and welcomed flights
from the UK and European destinations.
During World War Two the airfield was
‘moved’ by the occupying Germans when
a new site for a Luftwaffe base was
established about 1.5 miles (2.5km) to
the southeast in 1942. It had an extensive
network of concrete runways, taxiways and
aprons, which form the basis of the current
airport. When the Allies liberated the city
in September 1944, the airfield was mostly
intact. The French Air Force took control
and it was used by various NATO members
after the organisation was founded in 1949.
The French Army retained a helicopter unit
at the base until the 1990s.
The airfield began accepting civil traffic
in 1947 and the city’s metropolitan
chamber of commerce gave it full

 Air France, Volotea and Ryanair aircraft share the apron in front of Lille’s ultra-modern terminal. (Laurent Ghesquiere/Aeroport de Lille)

38 airpor ts of the world

38-45_Lille.indd 38 13/02/2015 14:47

 FEATURE
LILLE

The airport entrance adjacent to

car park number three.

HOP! Embraer ERJ-145 F-GRGF (c/n 145050) between flights at Lille.

(Not for airborne/
operational use –
Navtech Aerad)

www.airportsworld.com 39

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 FEATURE
LILLE

The main departures and arrivals hall. (Denis Paillard/Aeroport de Lille)

Destinations
Agadir Lyon
Ajaccio Malaga
Algiers Marrakech
Antalya Marseille
Barcelona Monastir
Bastia Montpelier
Biarritz
Nantes
Bodrum
Nice
Bordeaux
Olbia
Calvi
Oran
Catania
Oujda
Clermont-Ferrand
Corfu Palermo
Djerba Palma de Mallorca
Dubrovnik Perpignan
Faro Porto
Fes Rhodes
Figari Split
Fuerteventura Strasbourg
Geneva Tenerife
Heraklion Toulouse
Izmir Tunis Bar Jardins Pamplemousse is in the departures and arrivals hall
Kos Venice and is particularly popular. (All photos author unless stated)

40 airpor ts of the world

38-45_Lille.indd 40 13/02/2015 14:47


commercial rights in 1953. The next ten
years saw steady passenger growth which
led to the construction of a new terminal
during the 1960s. Traffic was typically
business passengers flying mostly with
Air France and Air Inter to domestic
destinations. The world’s first Novotel
opened near the airport in 1967, catering
primarily for LIL travellers.
Steady growth continued through the
1970s and was sufficient to inspire the birth
of a locally-based carrier – Flandre Air. It
began with a fleet of Beech 1900s, serving
mainly small domestic destinations. The
same decade a dedicated cargo terminal
opened and the airport was also used
as a testing facility for the Anglo-French
Aerospatiale/BAC Concorde.
During the 1980s regular services were
complimented by an increasing number
of seasonal long-haul flights to the French
Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and
Martinique, as well as scheduled links to
New York (1985). The airport’s fortunes
changed in 1994 after the opening of
the Channel Tunnel and the associated
high-speed rail station providing links
to Brussels, London and Paris. The fast
rail links were stiff competition for the
airlines and many domestic routes were
dropped, including the previously busy
one to Paris/Orly.
The airport operator, Socièté de gestion de
l’aéroport de la région de Lille (SOGAREL),
responded and invested heavily in facilities
and opened a new terminal in 1996. There
was also a shift away from serving business
travellers to a more leisure-focused market,
particularly holiday charters. Over time
this has paid off and in 2013 LIL registered
record passenger numbers of 1,661,741.
Today’s airport
Lille Airport occupies 1,112 acres (450ha)
and is bordered by five municipalities:
Lesquin, Fretin, Avelin, Templemars and
Vendeville, all part of the Lille metropolitan
area. The distinctive 96,878sq ft (9,000m2)
terminal was designed by French firm Denis
38-45_Lille.indd 41
FEATURE
LILLE
Sloan and can handle 2mppa. Departures
and arrivals share the same level which
creates a rather ‘cosy’ atmosphere, despite
the vast amounts of glass used to provide
a sense of openness.
The structure was refurbished in 2010
and is populated with several shops, a cafe,
restaurant (with views across the airfield),
car rental desks and an information point.
Airside there is a duty free outlet but
refreshments are limited to vending
machines. There are four airbridges,
supplemented by 11 further aircraft stands
accessed by foot. Other remote stands
are served by a fleet of buses. Within the
terminal are the SOGAREL offices and a
conference centre which is available to  An Air Algerie Airlines
rent for meetings and seminars. Airbus A330 arrives
Road access is excellent as LIL is close to from Algiers, as Aigle Azur
the A1 motorway to Paris and also has good viewed from the Air Algerie
connections to Belgium and regional cities Your’s restaurant. Air France
such as Valencienes and Dunkirk. Because easyJet
 A shuttle bus Hop!
of this, 57% of passengers arrive by car and
to the city’s two Jetairfly
there are five large car parks with spaces
railway stations Nouvelair Tunisie
for around 3,700 vehicles. An hourly bus prepares to leave
shuttle to the city’s Lille Flandres and Lille Pegasus Airlines
from the terminal. Ryanair
Europe (high-speed) railway stations takes
about 20 minutes. Tailwind Airlines
 Low-cost Thomas Cook Airlines (Belgium)
carriers, such as
Infrastructure Transavia.com (France)
easyJet, have
There are two runways, 08/26 is 9,333ft Tunisair
helped to boost
Volotea
(2,845m) long and is used for most traffic, passenger numbers.
Vueling
while 02/20 measures 5,249ft (1,600m).
The main runway is CAT III and capable
of handling aircraft up to the size of the Enthusiast Spot
Antonov An-124 and the Airbus A380 – LIL
is a diversion facility for Paris/Charles de Lille Airport’s panoramic restaurant Your’s is
Gaulle. Runway 08/26 has six exits linked usually open between 11:00 and the time
to a parallel taxiway and is crossed by 02/20 of the last departure and provides excellent
at its western end. Most General Aviation views across the terminal apron and Runway
traffic uses the shorter runway, winds 08/26. It is accessed via the departures/
permitting, and, if necessary, it can also be arrivals hall level. Photographers should
used by smaller passenger aircraft, such
 The main note the glass is tinted. Another vantage
as Embraer and Bombardier regional jets. point is on the elevated access road beside
apron can be
The airport’s fire and rescue station particularly busy the terminal. Off airport, there are various
and the Shell Aviation fuel supply depot, during the summer places to either observe or photograph
the airport's sole provider, are near the months. (Laurent
eastern end of runway 08/26. In addition aircraft around the perimeter and these can
Ghesquiere/
to its regular infrastructure, the airport be reached via the D145 road.
Aeroport de Lille)
www.airportsworld.com 41
13/02/2015 14:47
 FEATURE
LILLE

SOGAREL’s distinctive
headquarters is linked to
the airport’s terminal.

has two distinctive half circle concrete the Moroccan city of Fes.
taxiways with several parking stands on
Traffic Statistics The past two years have seen Belgian
the southern side of Runway 08/26. These Year Passengers Cargo (tonnes) Movements carriers Jetairfly (TUI group) and its
are mostly disused and are remnants of 2002 923,148 38,712 41,320 competitor Thomas Cook Airlines
the former World War Two airfield. 2003 873,600 45,053 35,153 (Belgium) added to LIL’s list of airlines,
both providing summer seasonal holiday
2004 848,037 55,787 30,612
Airlines flights. The two account for a large
2005 842,650 63,133 24,330
Air France and its subsidiaries have played a percentage of the airport’s charter
key role at LIL since the airport opened and 2006 936,032 63,039 32,203 traffic and serve an impressive list of
still provide the vast majority of domestic 2007 1,051,758 68,427 29,077 mostly Mediterranean destinations in
flights. The airline has rebranded and 2008 1,014,704 66,071 32,802 Greece, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Croatia,
restructured several times during the 2009 1,147,924 51,857 30,900 Tunisia, Egypt and the French Island of
intervening years. For example, Air Inter 2010 1,170,693 45,587 32,831 Corsica. These flights are also attracting
was integrated into Air France in 1997, 2011 1,164,631 36,997 17,355 passengers from neighbouring Belgium.
‘home carrier’ Flandre Air merged with 2012 1,397,637 41,445 17,320 Transavia established a summer seasonal
Proteus and Régional Airlines to become 2013 1,661,741 40,549 19,782 base at the airport in 2013 and currently
Régional in 2001, and Régional itself was flies to Venice, Djerba and Agadir,
combined with Britair and Airlinair in 2013
to become today’s HOP! Currently HOP!
serves up to a dozen (summer season)
domestic destinations, using regional jets.
Flights to Marseille and Nice now enjoy
mainline fleet A319s and passengers for
Paris are booked on to the high-speed rail
services from Lille Europe station.
The last 15 years have seen the meteoric
rise of LCCs and the budget formula
has progressively been introduced to
LIL, with easyJet, Ryanair, Volotea and
Vueling adding flights which has helped
to significantly raise passenger numbers.
Connections to North Africa, particularly
flights to Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia,
are popular because of extensive ethnic
populations within the local communities.
Algeria’s national carrier Air Algerie has
several flights a week to Algiers and these
are particularly busy during the summer
and winter peak holiday seasons. The
normal aircraft used to be a Boeing 737-
600 or -800, but demand has resulted
in increasing use of the carrier’s A330-
200s and occasionally 767-300s. The
airline also flies to Oran, while France’s
Aigle Azur competes on both routes with
A320s. Tunis Air and Nouvelair fly to
Tunis and Djerba while Ryanair connects

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The terminal interior does its best to emulate
the mood lighting concept now becoming
popular in aircraft cabins.
Marrakech and Oujda in Morocco. Other
charter carriers frequenting LIL include
Turkey’s Tailwind Airlines and Pegasus
Airlines flying to and from Antalya,
Bodrum and Izmir.
The airport occasionally handles long-
haul passenger charters, notably four
direct XL Airways France A330 services
to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
on behalf of tour operator Marmara. The
cruise ship company Costa occasionally
charters direct connections from Pointe-
a-Pitre to bring home disembarking
passengers from the Caribbean Island
of Guadeloupe.
Some annual charters also feature, such
as the Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150
38-45_Lille.indd 43
Polaris flights on behalf of the Canadian
National Vimy World War One Memorial
which runs in the spring, and the Saudia
747 Hajj flights to Jeddah. On June 9 last
year the airport hosted the Air France A330
departure carrying the French national
football team to Sao Paulo for the FIFA
World Cup.
Cargo
A cargo terminal is on the eastern side
of Runway 08/26, close to the fire and
rescue station and fuel store. It is open
24 hours a day, seven days a week and
the majority of freight is perishables. The
facility was refurbished and extended in
1994 and 2005.
FEATURE
LILLE
 Jetairfly has Occasionally special cargo charters
secured a good bring in types such as the Antonov An-124
foothold in the to collect heavy machinery for various
holiday market customers across the globe. To date
and competes the maximum annual tonnage has been
with Thomas Cook
68,427, which was achieved in 2007, before
Airlines (Belgium).
the effects of the global financial crisis
(AirTeamImages.
took hold. Since then freight traffic has
com/Rudi Boigelot)
struggled to recover, with 40,549 tonnes
handled in 2013.
Lille is home to France’s largest cluster of
automotive, railway and bio tech industries,
 Traffic climbs up and is also a major logistics and distribution
the approach road centre. Competition for cargo tonnage
to the terminal – comes from several large airports in the
57% of travellers region, some specialising in freight, such
arrive by road. as such as Luxembourg/Findel.
Other aviation activities
A General Aviation facility has been
established in the former passenger terminal
on the western side of the airport near the
ATC tower. It covers 8,611sq ft (800m2) and
has customs, border control, a VIP lounge
and a 516,668sq ft (48.000m2) apron.
The old passenger terminal also houses
a FedEx Express office, although local
packages are taken by road to its hub
at Paris/CDG. A maintenance hangar
for HOP! is alongside, handling repairs
and servicing for the carrier’s fleet of
Embraers and ATRs as well as for third
parties. The site occupies 46,285sq ft
(4,300m2) and has two hangars, the larger
of which can accommodate aircraft as
large as an A320.
At the northern end of Runway 02 are
hangars belonging to aircraft maintenance
company CIDRA which specialises in general
aviation aircraft. The site is also home
to Club Aérien Lille Métropole (CALM),
which is one of two flying clubs in the Lille
Metropolitan area, the other being UALRT,
based at the city’s grass airfield at Lille
Marcq-en-Baroeul in Bondues.
Opposite the CIDRA site, but separated
from the taxiway/apron network
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 FEATURE
LILLE

Travel Spot
The Chamber of Commerce
Lille is a city where the local French-Flemish and the country’s Useful Websites: Belfry in the centre of Lille.
national culture are conjoined. This is reflected in an historic www.lilletourism.com
city centre which features modern architecture and several www.eurometropolis.eu
museums complimented with numerous restaurants and cafés. www.northernfrance-tourism.com
Visitors will find many impressive buildings, including the www.transpole.fr
Chamber of Commerce with its 249ft-tall (76m) belfry, the old
Stock Exchange (La Vieille Bourse) and the Opera House in the
Grand Place (square). These structures date from the 17th to
the 20th century and in most cases complement each other’s
façades beautifully.
Other highlights are the Vauban Citadel fortification, Column
of the Goddess, Porte de Roubaix, and town hall in Place
Simon Vollant. Also worth a visit is the Gare Saint Sauveur
site, a converted railway yard with its own bistro and featuring
alternating exhibitions.
The Palais – des-Beaux-Arts de Lille is considered one of the
country’s greatest fine art establishments and the Le Maison
Natale de Charles de Gaulle are just two of a wide range of
regional museums. On a modern note, the Euralille shopping
centre, which opened in 1994, features around 130 shops and
covers almost the entire area between the city’s two railways
stations. It is surrounded by high-rise buildings and a park.

 Just one of many classic buildings to see in Lille is La Vieille Bourse

(Old Stock Exchange).

The French high-speed rail network

competes on journeys to many domestic
destinations, although passengers for Paris
are routed this way since flights from Lille no
longer go to the French capital.

44 airpor ts of the world

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is a hangar and landing apron used by
Hélicoptère Sécurité Civile (National Civil
Fire-fighter Helicopter) which flies the
Airbus Helicopters EC145.
Future prospects
Marketing and Development Manager, Pierre
Fernemont, explained to Airports of the
World that the majority of the facility’s
recent passenger growth had been down
to the success of attracting new LCCs and
more routes to the airport. Apart from the
remaining high frequency business routes
served by Air France and HOP!, the rise of
cheaper domestic services offered by LCCs
was providing stiffer competition to the
high-speed rail services, notably to southern
destinations such as Nice and Toulouse.
Further expansion of LCC point-to-point
traffic, along with enhancement of the
business and holiday markets, remain
SOGAREL’s priorities. A target had been set
38-45_Lille.indd 45
to achieve a throughput of 1.8mppa in 2018.  HOP! Embraer
Attracting a LCC to establish a permanent E-Jets are a
base at LIL would be the best outcome, common sight at
as this could potentially boost traffic to Lille. (HOP! – P
in excess of 2mppa. To facilitate this, the Dourlot)
terminal can be extended to accommodate
3mppa if required.
The airport’s management realises that as
seemingly easy these goals might appear at
first glance, the airport must compete with
several other facilities with well establish
 One of the
LCC bases – Brussels/Charleroi being a good
airside boarding
example – and the major hubs at Paris/CDG gate waiting areas.
and Brussels Airport.
This is probably why LIL doesn’t have
 The 'Your’s'
any flights to Montreal in Canada, despite
restaurant is an
the fact that eight other French cities ideal place from
do. The airport’s CEO Jean Christophe which to watch
Minot commented: “We can imagine that aircraft movements,
‘down the road’ some airlines will think though you are
seriously about such operation, but perhaps expected to order
the establishment of an overseas hub something!
FEATURE
LILLE
connection to Lille should be the first step.”
In an attempt to distinguish it from its
competitors, LIL has focused on the needs
of its passengers and airline customers,
provided good accessibility to the airport
and maintained a quality product suiting
its traditional (business) passengers. The
next few years will determine if LIL’s
ambitious passenger and route targets can
be achieved, but given its record so far, it
should rightfully feel confident.
Acknowledgements
The author thanks Jean Christophe Minot,
Lille Airport’s CEO; Pierre Fernemont,
Marketing and Development Manager;
Edouard Aulanier, Communications
Manager; and photographers, Laurent
Ghesquiere and Denis Paillard, for their
assistance in preparing this article.
www.airportsworld.com 45
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 AIRPORT ANALYSIS
DUAL HUBS

Divide and Conq

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nquer
Ulf Meyer delves into
the complex world
of ‘dual-hubs’ and
the rationale for their
existence.
T
raditionally in Europe and Asia (but
not North America) one big airline
has one big hub, often in the national
capital or the country’s largest city.
The pattern has changed and continues to
evolve. Many European and Asian airlines
have established one or more secondary
hubs to cater for strong traffic growth
worldwide and to overcome problems
caused by increasingly slot-constrained
primary hubs. In some places, such as
Australia, having more than one hub is a
necessity due to the great geographical
distances. Customers simply do not
enjoy backtracking to somewhere their
aircraft flew over an hour previously.
Matching demand with flights across two
or more hubs is, however, a highly complex
undertaking for airlines.
Geography vs demand
In densely built-up regions such as Europe
or East Asia, airline hubs can sometimes
be right next to one another. The distance
between Lufthansa’s Frankfurt and
Münich hubs is under 200 miles (320km),
for example, while in Asia the distance
between ANA’s hubs in Tokyo and Osaka
is less than 250 miles (400km). In these
cases, it is not so much the possible length
of backtracking but the fact that each city
has its own needs for a hub. Corporations
or industries sometimes create significant
demand for direct flights, so much so that
traditional hubs cannot grow fast enough
to meet the need. Secondary hubs are
sometimes created to cater for ‘overflow’.
Traffic division
How do airlines divide their traffic flows
between hubs? Do secondary or tertiary
hubs replicate the primary ones, or do
they carve out a niche for themselves?
Different airlines find different answers,
as is explained in the following examples
from the world’s top 50 airlines (excluding
US carriers, LCCs and one-hub airlines).
British Airways (BA) has run two London
hubs for many years, Heathrow (LHR) and
Gatwick (LGW). The airline currently uses
LGW primarily for leisure-oriented routes,
while business destinations are served
from LHR. There is much cross-over on
flights to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Nice,
Venice, Rome, Larnaca and Las Vegas, for
example. As a result, many destinations
are served from both facilities. Domestic
connections are limited but cities such as
Edinburgh and Glasgow are also linked to
both hubs. Several destinations served
from LGW, such as Dubrovnik, Alicante
and Málaga, plus Caribbean hotspots
including Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda,
Cancún, Port of Spain, Punta Cana, St
46-51_Dual Hubs.indd 47
AIRPORT ANALYSIS
DUAL HUBS
 Lufthansa is a
good example of
Kitts, St Lucia, Tobago and Kingston have
no links to LHR. Flights to North American
a major European
carrier running two
and East-Asian are almost solely offered
from Heathrow.
hubs. Its primary
one is at Frankfurt
On a smaller scale, Virgin Atlantic Airways
also has a similar division of flights between
and its aircraft the same two airports. From Gatwick,
dominate this
it serves the Caribbean (to Antigua,
view of Terminal 1.
Barbados, Cancún, Grenada, Havana, St
(Fraport)
Lucia, and Montego Bay). It also flies to
two North American cities – Las Vegas
and Orlando – both being primarily leisure
destinations. At Heathrow, Virgin connects
to Atlanta, Boston, Delhi, Dubai, Hong
Kong, Johannesburg, Lagos, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai
and Washington. It launched domestic
flights from Heathrow to serve Manchester,
Edinburgh and Aberdeen under the ‘Little
Red’ banner in March 2013 to feed into its
main LHR hub. It was not a commercial
success and they are due to cease this year.
Europe’s approach
Looking at continental Europe, how
does Germany’s Lufthansa divide
traffic between hubs at Frankfurt and
Münich? The pattern is much less
obvious than BA’s. The carrier has to
an extent replicated the route network
offered at Frankfurt since opening its
second hub in Münich in 1992. Both are
business/city-focused. Münich has larger
number of routes to Italy and the Balkans
but does not serve many of the long-
haul destinations that Frankfurt does,
including Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka,
Nagoya, Denver, Detroit, Dallas, Atlanta,
Philadelphia, Houston, Johannesburg,
Qingdao, Nanjing, Shenyang, Orlando,
Toronto, Seattle, Vancouver and also
cities in South America, Africa, the
Middle East, Russia and Central Asia.
Even within Europe, second-tier cities
such as Geneva, Basel, Gdansk, Poznan,
Wroclaw, Katowice, Riga, Vilnius, Tallinn,
Turin, Bologna, Stavanger, Bergen,
Billund and Gothenburg, Graz, Linz,
Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Birmingham,
Edinburgh and Aberdeen are only linked
 British Airways with Frankfurt which serves 95 more
is the dominant cities than Münich. Even some German
carrier at London/ domestic destinations, such as Dresden,
Heathrow, but the Leipzig, Stuttgart, Friedrichshafen and
airline still provides Nuremberg are only linked to Frankfurt
many flights from – at least for now. Münich has exclusivity
its smaller hub at on Lufthansa flights to Ankara, Antalya,
nearby Gatwick. Charlotte, Cologne, Izmir, Larnaca,
(Sam Chui) Montréal, Sarajevo and Tbilisi.
Lufthansa’s subsidiary Swiss International
 German carrier Air Lines (SWISS), with its dominant hub at
airberlin has hubs Zürich, serves around 20 destinations from
at Berlin/Tegel and its secondary hub at Geneva. Services are
Düsseldorf. The a replica of Zürich, with the exception of
former is used Porto, indicating the carrier is not seeking
mostly for flights to differentiate its hubs, but rather just
to Northern and serve local demand in the west of its
Eastern Europe;
home country.
Airbus A319-112
German carrier airberlin is another two
OE-LOE (c/n 3415)
departs on an inter- hub-airline with almost symmetrical bases
European service at Berlin/Tegel (TXL) and Düsseldorf
in April 2013. (DUS). The DUS hub provides flights
(AirTeamImages. to some leisure destinations that TXL
com/Dave Sturges) does not (including Cancún, Curaçao,
www.airportsworld.com 47
13/02/2015 13:48
 AIRPORT ANALYSIS
DUAL HUBS

Milan/Malpensa was once a major hub for Alitalia,

but today it has limited hub connections and some
long-haul flights for the flag carrier. During better
days, Boeing 777-243ER EI-DBM (c/n 32782) taxies
to the runway in September 2009. (AirTeamImages.
com/Jan Severijns)

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Varadero, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Fort
Myers – all in the Caribbean – as well
as Djerba, Florence, Ibiza, Lanzarote,
Marrakech, Marsa Alam, Miami, Naples,
Olbia and Sylt). From Berlin, the carrier
connects to several Northern European
cities, such as Gothenburg, Bergen,
Helsinki, Oslo and Stockholm, as well as
Eastern European destinations including
Bucharest, Budapest, Gdansk, Kaliningrad,
Kraków, St Petersburg, Sofia and Warsaw.
It makes TXL the airline’s hub focusing
on Northern and Eastern Europe. Unlike
DUS, Berlin also has direct flights to
Chicago, Miami, Paris/Orly and Rome,
as well as domestic destinations such
as Saarbrücken, Karlsruhe, Cologne,
Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
Air France and Dutch flag carrier KLM
merged in 2004, although both retain
their individual identities. Traffic is
concentrated on the airlines’ respective
hubs at Paris/Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and
Amsterdam/Schiphol (AMS). The case of
Air France-KLM is special because it is not
so much one airline serving two hubs, but
a double airline with one hub each. KLM
serves some destinations from AMS that
the larger hub at CDG does not. If you
want to travel to secondary cities in East
Asia such as Hangzhou, Xiamen, Taipei,
Chengdu, Manila or Fukuoka on the Air
France-KLM network, you will be routed
via AMS, since Air France does not offer
any of these destinations through its Paris
hub. The same is true for Norwegian
cities such as Bergen, Stavanger and
Oslo and the Danish cities of Aalborg
and Billund. Together with Helsinki and
Gothenburg, this makes Amsterdam the
Nordic and Scandinavian hub for the
two-airline-group.
46-51_Dual Hubs.indd 49
The important oil and gas industry
generates a considerable number of
flights to the Scottish cities of Aberdeen,
Glasgow and Edinburgh. All are served
direct from AMS, but not CDG. Other
exclusive destinations from AMS include:
Abu Dhabi, Accra, Almaty, Aruba, Bahrain,
Bonaire, Calgary, Cali Cape Town, Chicago,
Curaçao, Damman, Dar es Salaam, Bali,
Doha, Entebbe, Guayaquil, Havana, Kigali,
Kilimanjaro, Kuwait, Lagos, Muscat,
Nairobi, Paramaribo, Quito and Vancouver.
Air France offers many non-stop
connections to sub-Saharan Africa
that Amsterdam does not, including to
Abidjan, Abuja, Antananarivo, Bamako,
Bangui, Brazzaville, Conakry, Cotonou,
Dakar, Djibouti, Douala, Freetown,
Kinshasa, Lagos, Libreville, Lomé,
Malabo, Monrovia, N’djamena, Niamey,
Nouakchott, Ouagadougou, Port Harcourt
and Yaoundé. In Latin America, Havana,
Brasilia, Caracas and Montevideo are only
connected with CDG. In East Asia this is
true for Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City,
Tokyo/Haneda and Wuhan. In both France
and the Netherlands the vast majority
of domestic services route passengers
through their respective hubs, meaning
for some passengers two flights can
be required before joining a long-haul
connection.
In Southern Europe Alitalia has struggled
in recent years, both financially and
against increasing competition from LCCs.
Although no longer considered one of
the largest European carriers, it still has
three hubs. Milan/Linate, mostly serves
domestic destinations but also connects
with Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels,
Bucharest, London, Paris and Warsaw. All
of these cities are also served from the
AIRPORT ANALYSIS
DUAL HUBS
 China Southern main hub in Rome/Fiumicino. However,
Airlines Boeing people living in the wealthy north of Italy
737-81B B-2695 do not enjoy going south to the capital
(c/n 32923) shares to then ‘backtrack’ north. Consequently,
the apron with Milan/Malpensa offers a rather eclectic
Airbus A320 Family mix of Alitalia long-haul destinations,
aircraft at Shanghai/ including Moscow, New York, Tokyo and
Pudong Airport in
Tunis, but no European connections and
December 2012.
only one domestic route to Rome.
(AirTeamImages.
In Northern Europe, Scandinavian
com/Dave Sturges)
Airlines (SAS) is another multi-hub carrier.
The tri-national airline had three bases
– in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo
– from its outset and thus manages a
‘triple-hub’. These heavily compete with
one another. Today Copenhagen (CPH) is
the most important of the three for SAS
(even though the airline is headquartered
in Sweden), mainly because it is furthest
south and thus closer to the rest of
Europe. The Danish capital has a few
world-city connections that Oslo and
Stockholm do not. Most noticeable are the
long-haul destinations of San Francisco,
Shanghai, Tokyo, Washington and Beijing,
although some smaller German and Polish
cities are exclusively served through
CPH by SAS, such as Bremen, Hannover
and Stuttgart in Germany and Warsaw,
Wroclaw and Poznan in Poland. Other
‘exclusive’ SAS destinations reachable
from CPH are Athens, Bologna, Bucharest,
 Oslo/ Budapest, Leeds/Bradford, Luxembourg,
Gardermoen Newcastle, Palanga, Pristina, Tel Aviv and
is one of three Venice. Oslo (OSL) is the only SAS hub
Scandinavian hubs to have direct flights to Chania, Gran
used by SAS. It is Canaria, Nice, Prague, Reykjavík and
also of increasing Alanya. Stockholm is the only SAS hub
importance to that does not serve any destination the
resident carrier other two do not.
Norwegian Straddling the Euro-Asia border, Turkey’s
Air Shuttle. busiest airport is Istanbul/Atatürk, the
(AirTeamImages. primary hub for the rapidly expanding
com/Jorgen
Turkish Airlines. Istanbul’s second airport,
Syversen)
Sabiha Gökçen, is rapidly catching up and
already offers flights to Amsterdam, Baku,
Berlin, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt,
Kiev, Kuwait, London, Milan, Münich,
Paris, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Tbilisi, Sarajevo
and Vienna. Across both facilities
Turkish Airlines flies to 218 international
destinations in 107 countries, making it
one of the most geographically varied air
carriers in the world. It connects to 100
European destinations, 66 in Asia and
42 in Africa.
Asia/Pacific
In China three major airline groups
compete for the millions of customers.
All run more than one hub – in most cases
this is a necessity due to the vast size of
the country. China Southern (CS) serves
193 destinations in 35 countries from its
hubs at Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing
and Ürümqi. The carrier has 485 flights a
day from Guangzhou and 221 from Beijing.
The main hub is connected to a plethora
of Asian destinations as well as Frankfurt,
San Francisco, Amsterdam, Auckland,
London, Paris, Vancouver, Moscow,
New York and Los Angeles. The four
big Australian cities (Melbourne, Perth,
Sydney and Brisbane) are also directly
www.airportsworld.com 49
13/02/2015 13:48
 AIRPORT ANALYSIS
DUAL HUBS

connected to Guangzhou, the capital

of the Pearl River Delta and the world’s
busiest industrial corridor, Guangdong
Province. The airline’s secondary hub
in Beijing is linked to Amsterdam, Hong
Kong, Manila, Phnom Penh, Seoul and
Tashkent. In addition, international flights
are available from Dalian to Japan, South
Korea and Russia.
Air China officially has intercontinental
hubs at Beijing/Capital and Shanghai/
Pudong. From the Chinese capital it serves
dozens of Asian destinations as well as
14 cities in Europe (Athens, Barcelona,
Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, London,
Münich, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Paris,
Rome, Stockholm and Vienna) – by far the
best selection of European destinations
that any Asian carrier offers from its
hub(s). Add seven US-destinations plus
Melbourne, Vancouver, Sydney and São
Paulo and you have an Air-China mega-
hub that makes its own secondary hub in
Shanghai look small in comparison. From

50 airpor ts of the world

46-51_Dual Hubs.indd 50 13/02/2015 13:48


Pudong, the carrier only serves Europe
and Australia (Frankfurt, Milan, Münich,
Paris, Melbourne and Sydney).
China Eastern (CE) claims both of
Shanghai’s airports (Hongqiao and
Pudong) as its hubs. From Hongqiao,
which is a mainly domestic city facility, it
offers flights to Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul,
Taipei and Tokyo. From Pudong it flies an
extensive route network covering most
of Asia as well as Frankfurt, Honolulu,
London, Los Angeles, Moscow, New York,
Paris, Rome, San Francisco, Toronto and
Vancouver. The carrier also runs two
smaller hubs in Xi’an and Kunming (both
with flights to Asian destinations only).
All Nippon Airways (ANA) in Japan has
its main hub at Tokyo/Haneda Airport
(HND), but Osaka/Kansai and Tokyo/
Narita (NRT) are also important hubs
for its international flights. The airline’s
route network extends through Asia, the
United States and Western Europe and
focuses on business destinations; its
46-51_Dual Hubs.indd 51
AIRPORT ANALYSIS
DUAL HUBS
only remaining resort routes are from  Japan Airlines Singapore) and of course Sydney, which
both Tokyo airports to Honolulu. From Boeing 787-8 links to all of the same destinations
NRT it serves many Chinese destinations JA824J (c/n 34834) as Brisbane and Melbourne and also
as well as Chicago, Delhi, Düsseldorf, is pushed back to Bangkok, Dallas, Honolulu, Jakarta,
Los Angeles, Mumbai, New York, San at Tokyo/Narita Johannesburg, Manila, Queenstown,
Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Singapore on November 17, Santiago de Chile, Shanghai and Tokyo.
and Washington. Increasingly, though, 2012. The carrier Smaller rival Virgin Australia (VA) follows
more and more long-haul flights are being has hubs at both its larger competitor’s regional pattern and
Tokyo airports in
offered from HND, which is more popular also uses the same three hubs as Qantas.
competition with
because it is easier to reach for many All have connections to Auckland and
All Nippon Airways.
travellers, including links to Frankfurt, Christchurch in New Zealand, Denpasar
(AirTeamImages.
Hanoi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, com/Angelo in Indonesia and Nadi in Fiji – popular
Münich, Singapore and Vancouver. There Bufalino) spots for Australian tourists. Melbourne
does not seem to be any particular logic and Sydney both offer flights to Los
as to why some cities are served from  The 2004 merger Angeles and destinations in the Southern
Narita and some from Haneda, or in the of Air France and Pacific such as Honiara, Port Moresby,
case of five destinations (Paris, Bangkok, KLM produced one Port Vila, Queenstown (from Brisbane)
Beijing, Jakarta and Manila), from both. of Europe’s largest and Nuku’alofa (from Sydney). Virgin
Japan is an interesting case because carriers. Each Australia’s only connection to Europe is
both its major airlines use the same retains its own from Sydney, via Abu Dhabi.
two Tokyo airports as hubs. Just like identity with hubs
ANA, Japan Airlines (JAL) also uses at Paris/Charles Does it work?
HND, NRT and Osaka/Kansai as its three de Gaulle and While different airlines around the globe
Amsterdam/Schiphol
international hubs. Altogether, JAL have different ideas of how to differentiate
respectively. In
serves 33 international destinations, six their multiple hubs, in all cases the Latin
August last year
of them from Kansai (Bangkok, Honolulu, saying ‘divide et impera’ (divide and
one of KLM’s
Los Angeles, Seoul/Gimpo, Shanghai and last remaining conquer) has some relevance for the
Taipei) – a larger selection than rival ANA. McDonnell Douglas airlines’ strategies. Reasons and details
The primary long-haul service from HND MD-11s taxies for dual, triple or even quadruple hubs
is to London/Heathrow while from NRT, to departure may be very different but they all aim to
JAL offers a wide range of destinations at Schiphol. gain more customers than a single hub
including Boston, Chicago, Frankfurt, (AirTeamImages. ever could. Geography plays an important
Guam, Helsinki, Los Angeles, Moscow, New com/Jeffrey factor in many cases, such as in the US and
York, San Diego, Sydney and Vancouver. Schafer) Australia, where vast distances dictate
In addition Bangkok, Beijing, Ho Chi Minh the need for multiple hubs to serve large
City, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Paris and population centres. In Europe the case
Singapore are all served from both Tokyo  Qantas has
for multiple hubs is far more complex,
three hubs across
hubs. There is a lot of duplication in the with business connectivity, manufacturing
the vast Australian
Tokyo aviation market, both between centres, financial markets and population
continent, allowing it
carriers as well as between airports. growth driving the need for hubs to be
to offer connectivity
In Australia, just like the US and Canada, to the country’s much closer together.
one hub can never be enough for an major population For the most part it works, but as has been
airline that wants to serve the entire centres. One of the case in Milan, changing fortunes of one
nation. That is why Qantas uses three the carrier’s Airbus airline can quickly re-write an airport’s
hubs: Brisbane (with flights to Hong Kong, A330s comes in master plan, requiring a rapid shift in
Los Angeles, New York, Nouméa and to land at Sydney/ emphasis as it seeks to bring in new carriers
Singapore), Melbourne (serving Dubai, Kingsford Smith to serve existing markets, or branch out
Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles and Airport. (Sam Chui) into new ones.
www.airportsworld.com 51
13/02/2015 13:48
 MAIL ORDER
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Air Canada Boeing 777 Polar
Operations
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 FEATURE
LA PAZ
La Paz
Holding the High Ground
Sebastian Schmitz visits the world’s highest
international airport – El Alto in La Paz, Bolivia.
A
 A busy La landing at El Alto International
Paz apron in the Airport (LPB), 8 miles (13km)
late afternoon from and about 1,500ft (450m)
is overlooked by above the Bolivian city of La Paz,
Illampu Mountain, is a truly breathtaking experience. When
Bolivia’s fourth arriving from the east, aircraft overfly the
highest peak. (All city, which sits in a deep canyon. From the
photos author)
west, one may glimpse Lake Titicaca and
the beautiful and eerie landscape of the
Altiplano high plains, before seeing the
simple brick buildings and many small
churches in the not-so-wealthy suburb
of El Alto.
Thin air
After touchdown, it is a wise to take things
slowly due to the thin air. El Alto (which
means ‘the high one’) is the world’s highest
international airport – at an elevation of
13,325ft (4,061m). It was, for many years,
the highest airport in the world. The honour
now rests with China’s Daocheng Yading
Airport at 14,472ft (4,411m) above sea level.
During the 1980s, Lufthansa used to fly to
El Alto with Boeing 747-200s (and before
that the 707), although only on a shuttle
service from Lima. A now retired Lufthansa
purser and friend of the author remembers
vividly how both passengers and crew were
greeted by ground staff carrying oxygen
bottles as travellers arriving from sea level
would often collapse or feel very weak in the
rarefied air. Today, there is even an oxygen
bar in the terminal where passengers can
take a deep breath or two.
54 airpor ts of the world
54-58_La Paz.indd 54
The airport’s altitude has been a limiting
factor throughout its existence. Even
though its main Runway 10/28 is quite
long at 13,123ft (4,000m), non-stop long-
haul flights are out of the question for the
time being. Thin air prevents maximum
weight departures, meaning aircraft have
to carry less fuel. The high altitude can also
be a reason for unusual visitors. Aircraft
manufacturer Airbus chose LPB, along with
Cochabamba, for a series of high-altitude
tests of its new A350 in January last year.
Regional traffic
Although LPB is Bolivia’s busiest passenger
airport, the number of international routes
is limited, compared to Santa Cruz/Viru Viru
(VVI). The difference between the two is
almost 12,000ft (3,658m) of altitude. Being
much closer to sea level means VVI receives
the bulk of the country’s international flights.
However, some international traffic does use
La Paz, mostly to neighbouring countries.
The longest flight to LPB is American
Airlines’ daily service from Miami, flown
by a 757. The schedule is actually a Miami-
La Paz-Santa Cruz-Miami triangular one,
enabling the return flight to be direct from
Santa Cruz with no weight penalties. The
airport’s most important international route
is to the Peruvian capital Lima, around two
hours flying time. Between Avianca and
LAN, there are up to three daily flights to
Lima, some go via Santa Cruz purely for
commercial reasons. Avianca has a daily
Brazil
Peru
Bolivia
Argentina
Airbus A319 connection to its hub in Bogotá,
with an early departure time of 04:25. The
flight continues to Washington DC, using
the same flight number, catering for the
large Bolivian community living in Virginia.
Peruvian Airlines launched flights to La
Paz in October last year, offering a daily
737 connection from Cuzco and Lima. Two
carriers provide services to Chile; LAN from
Santiago de Chile four times a week (using
A320s), with a stop in Iquique in the north of
the country. Chile’s Sky Airline (see Airliner
World, April 2015) has a daily A320 service
which routes via Iquique and Arica, close
to the Chilean-Peruvian border. The only
Bolivian carrier offering an international
flight is locally based Amaszonas. It runs a
daily Bombardier CRJ link to the Peruvian
city of Cuzco which, on three days of the
week, goes via Arequipa.
Domestic network
Bolivia’s busiest domestic route is between
La Paz and VVI. Boliviana de Aviación
(BoA), which runs its international flights
from the latter, has nine daily weekday 737
flights between the two cities. Boliviana also
serves Cochabamba as well as Tarija and
Cobija. All remaining domestic destinations
can be reached via Cochabamba or
Santa Cruz. With the airline soon
introducing Chinese-built Xian
MA-60 turboprops, the number
of destinations and frequencies
is likely to grow.
13/02/2015 14:50
 FEATURE
LA PAZ

The terminal from

the apron on a clear
and sunny day. The
international departures
area is to the left and
the domestic gates to
the right.

 Passengers
Airport Statistics disembarking from
BoA Boeing 737-
ICAO Code: SLLP 3M8 CP-2552 (c/n
IATA Code: LPB 25041), which has
Location: 16° 30.48’ S, 68° 11.32’ W just arrived from
Elevation: 13,325ft (4,061m) Santa Cruz, the
busiest route served
Runways: 10/28 13,123 x 151ft by the airport.
(4,000 x 46m)
10L/28R 6,725 x 300ft  The main check-
(2,050 x 91m) in hall, with the
associated desks to
Frequencies: Tower: 118.3 the right, a luggage
Ground: 121.9 weighing service
Approach: 119.5 waiting for business,
Website: www.sabsa.aero and a popular
Subway outlet on
the left.

www.airportsworld.com 55

54-58_La Paz.indd 55 13/02/2015 14:50

 FEATURE
LA PAZ

 The waiting Small Trinidad-based carrier Aerocon is usually tolerated. The military carrier Until the extension is finished, the terminal
lounges offer great sends its Fairchild Swearingen Metroliners serves the cities of Cochabamba (up to four remains small and can become crowded at
views of the apron
to Potosi, Oruro, El Trompillo (see Airports times a day) and Cobija, Trinidad, Sucre peak times, especially in the international
and runway and the
of the World, issue 56, p78) and La Paz. and Rurrenabaque with between two and departure area. That said, amenities are
clear glass also allows
good photographs to Bolivia’s newest airline, EcoJet, offers flights six weekly frequencies. Aircraft types can modern and offer a good range of services
be taken. to Trinidad and Cobija (with connections vary, although the route to Rurrenabaque including refreshment outlets, shops, ATMs
from there) and Sucre using Avro RJ85s. is usually a good bet for an MA-60 or F27. and even a small ‘sleeping box’ hotel, the
 The entrance to Amaszonas offers a range of domestic flights Onkel Inn. Once through security, the
TAM’s small terminal. including multiple daily links on the trunk Facelift departure lounges give great views of the
The facility is mostly routes to Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, A series of modernisation and infrastructure apron and runway and the windows allow
used by the airline’s to the tourist hotspot Uyuni (with its projects is under way. Resurfacing the for good photographs to be taken. Free
turboprop flights. stunning salt lake, the Salar de Uyuni), runway, taxiways and apron is already wireless internet is available throughout.
Sucre, Rurrenabaque and Potosi. Transporte completed. A new wing is to be added to Bolivia is one of the few countries in the
 TAM Xian MA-60
Aéreo Militar (TAM), the passenger element the terminal, providing much-needed space world where airport taxes are not included
FAB-97 (c/n 0412)
parked in front of of the Bolivian Air Force, is popular with for more check-in counters and making the in the ticket price. Before proceeding to
the carrier’s small travellers as fares are usually very low. It is building more spacious. Once finished, the the boarding area, all travellers need to
terminal, just before also popular with aviation enthusiasts due rest of the terminal will be refurbished. Two visit the airport tax counter and pay their
leaving on a flight to to its fleet of 737-200s, BAe 146-200s, Xian airbridges were recently added, increasing $25 for international or just over $2 for
Rurrenabaque. MA-60s, Fokker 27s and its sole 727-200, the total to four. However, many flights domestic flights. There are frequent buses
which has now been retired. All jet flights are still accessed by foot across the apron. and minibuses connecting the airport with
 Aerocon Fairchild usually use the regular terminal while its The terminal extension will eat the city centre. Taxis are also available at
Swearingen turboprops use TAM’s own terminal at the into current car parking space and a a fixed rate.
SA-227DC Metro northern edge of the airport. Even when replacement area is to be built nearby. The airport has a second runway (10L/28R),
23 CP-2477 (c/n
not flying, a visit to this small terminal Looking ahead, there are plenty of unused parallel to the main tarmac, which is much
DC-830B) arrives at its
is recommended as it offers good views areas around the airfield which could be shorter and unpaved. It is used rarely and
parking stand in the
early morning. of the military apron and photography used for more facilities if required. not usually by scheduled flights.

56 airpor ts of the world

54-58_La Paz.indd 56 13/02/2015 14:51

 FEATURE
LA PAZ

 Former
Old-timers Transporte Aéreo
Parked piston engine aircraft on the grass near Militar (TAM)
Douglas C-47 TAM
the main apron are reminders of a time when
01 is displayed in
these classics came and went many times a front of the carrier’s
day. During the 1960s and 1970s, and even small terminal.
into the 1980s, a colourful array of airlines
used piston engine types on cargo flights to  British Aerospace
La Paz. Then, roads were poor and there were 146-200 CP-2634
(c/n E2096) is flown
hardly any trucks with a refrigeration system.
on behalf of the
Fresh meat had to be flown from the farms San Cristobal mine,
in Bolivia’s lowlands to La Paz. Many airlines which runs a shuttle
made good money with these meat hauling service from La
flights across the Andes Mountains in what Paz to the mine in
were often poorly maintained aircraft. Today, southwest Bolivia.
better roads and refrigerated trucks have made
such flights obsolete and just a few abandoned
aircraft remain at LPB as a reminder of those
glorious days. They include Convair C-131
CP-2026, Curtiss C-46s CP-1080 and CP-1655;
and ex-La Cumbre Douglas DC-6 CP-1282. All
are in pretty poor condition and will probably
be scrapped shortly.

 One of the Curtiss C-46s in storage at El Alto

is CP-1655. It is in much better shape than the
second example nearby.
 Former La Cumbre Douglas DC-6 CP-1282,
slowly rotting away in the grass.

www.airportsworld.com 57

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 FEATURE
LA PAZ

(Not for airborne/operational

use – Navtech Aerad)

Amaszonas Fairchild Swearingen SA227DC Metro 23 CP-2459 (c/n DC-847B) leaving a parking stand
close to the terminal, from where this picture was taken. The airline has since standardised on a fleet of
Bombardier CRJs and has disposed of its Metros.

Bombardier CRJ200 CP-2715 (c/n 7218) was the first of the type to be delivered to Amaszonas in 2012
and is one of seven now with the airline.

Bolivia’s busiest Group International. Ownership of SABSA

 Alexander is a Bolivian coffee chain which has numerous branches around
La Paz and one in the domestic boarding lounge at El Alto Airport.
 LAN Airbus A320-214 CC-BFE (c/n 5364) prepares to depart for a flight to
the Peruvian capital Lima.
For years, Santa Cruz’ VVI was number one
in Bolivia in terms of passenger numbers.
This changed in 2012, when LPB took over.
Viru Viru is used by 50% more international
travellers than El Alto, yet, the number
of domestic passengers is 40% higher at
LPB. In 2013, La Paz handled 1,793,866
travellers, 77,508 more than VVI and a
growth of around 14% compared with the
previous year. Having established an upward
trend and with the much-needed expansion
currently taking place, airport operator
SABSA is finally being rewarded for its
hard work and determination to improve
the passenger experience at LPB. The
company is responsible for running the
nation’s three international airports, Santa
Cruz/VVI, Cochabamba and LPB. The three
were privatised in 1997 when a 25-year
concession contract was signed with Airport
has changed several times and in 2013, when
the government decided to re-nationalise
SABSA, the company was owned by Spanish
firm Abertis. Today, SABSA is fully owned
by the Bolivian Government.
Because of its high altitude, La Paz will
never become an intercontinental hub.
Instead it will focus on regional
international flights and increasing its
domestic reach. With the new terminal
expansion and several smaller upgrade
projects, the airport will become more
attractive for travellers and hopefully be
able to encourage more airlines and flights
in the future.

58 airpor ts of the world

54-58_La Paz.indd 58 13/02/2015 14:51

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 FEATURE
GUERNSEY

Island
Kevan James travels
to the Channel Island

Delight
of Guernsey and
discovers its well-
equipped airport is
eager to welcome
more visitors from the
UK and Europe.

60 airpor ts of the world

60-65_Guernsey.indd 60 13/02/2015 13:43


M
 An aerial view ention the Channel Islands to
Airport Statistics of the airport taken most people and they tend to
ICAO Code: EGJB in September last think of tax exiles, the ’80s
year. (Brian Green/ TV detective Bergerac and,
IATA Code: GCI Guernsey Airport) perhaps, German occupation during World
Location: 49° 26.06’ N, 002° 36.07’ W
War Two – but there’s so much more to
Elevation: 336ft (102m)
discover.
Runway: 09/27 4,800 x 148ft Jersey is the largest of the seven
(1,463 x 45m) inhabited islands that are geographically
Frequencies: ATIS: 109.4 closer to France than mainland Britain and
Tower: 119.95 consequently has a distinct French flavour.
Ground: 121.8 They are not part of the UK, neither are
Radar: 118.9, 124.5 they in the European Union, but are Crown
Website: www.guernsey-airport.gov.gg Dependencies and thus Jersey has its own
government, as does the second largest
island, Guernsey, which is also responsible
for Alderney and the remaining smaller
islands, Sark, Herm, Jethou and Brecqhou.
While Jersey may sometimes get more
attention, Guernsey like the others, has its
charms – quaint houses, quiet roads, great
beaches and its airport. Once famous for
the dip towards the threshold of Runway 09
and its sloping parallel taxiway, Guernsey’s
airport (GCI) has had a makeover; more
than that, an almost complete rebuild,
to match the modern terminal opened
in 2004.
History
Guernsey’s airport has a long history,
having originally opened with four grass
runways on May 5, 1939. Being an island,
it’s not surprising that aviation has always
played a vital role here. The first passenger
arrived in October 1919 and in 1923 a regular
seaplane service began, using the bay off
the island’s capital, St Peter Port. Cobham
Air Routes arrived in 1935 using an earlier
airfield at L’Eree for Croydon-Portsmouth-
Christchurch-Guernsey flights by Airspeed
Envoy IIs. Being flood-prone, the field
was superseded by the current one at La
Villaize four years later. The airfield was
a prime target for the German occupation
forces when World War Two broke out – and
shortly after opening all civil flying ceased.
But after the conflict no time was lost in
re-starting services and in June 1945, His
Majesty King George VI and his wife Queen
Elizabeth arrived on an RAF Douglas DC-3
Dakota, to celebrate the island’s liberation.
It was the first time a Queen of England
had flown.
On June 21, 1945, just six weeks after
the end of the war-time occupation,
Guernsey Airways and Jersey Airways
(later merging to become Channel Island
Airways) began regular scheduled services
between Croydon, Southampton, Guernsey
and Jersey. British European Airways
(BEA) subsequently took over flights,
absorbing Channel Island Airways in April
1947, but caused some considerable disquiet
locally by using Junkers Ju 52 aircraft, the
type used on flights to the islands by the
Luftwaffe on a daily basis during the war.
Quickly replacing the Ju 52 with de
Havilland DH.89 Rapides, BEA went
on to introduce 22 services a week to
Southampton, 21 to Croydon, 95 a week
between Guernsey and Jersey and another
12 to Alderney. Flights to Dinard, France,
were also added and in 1954, BEA’s Croydon
60-65_Guernsey.indd 61
FEATURE
GUERNSEY
connection moved to London/Heathrow.
However, four years later all BEA links to
the UK capital moved again, this time to the
newly opened Gatwick. This was despite
considerable opposition from the islanders,
who objected to losing direct links to what
had rapidly become the world’s premier
international airport. Meanwhile, in 1956,
Jersey Airlines had taken over the Alderney,
Southampton and Dinard routes, and in
September that year the one millionth
passenger passed through the airport since
it opened in 1939.
Airfield upgrade
Towards the end of the 1950s, the grass
runways and terminal were limiting
the services that could be handled and
the decision was taken by the Island’s
government to build a hard surface runway,
with enough length to cope with larger,
heavier aircraft then entering service.
The new runway opened the following
decade after additional land to the west
had been acquired, with several houses
making way for the 4,800ft (1,463m) stretch
of tarmac. One of the challenges facing
the construction teams was a valley at
the western end which had to be filled in.
Even so, there was still a noticeable dip
just past the threshold and the taxiway
linking that end of the runway had an
even bigger slope, resulting in aircraft
disappearing from view completely when
looking out from the terminal and apron.
The other end of the runway also dropped
away slightly, giving it an undulating
profile that occasionally required careful
touchdowns and a boost of extra power
when going ‘up the hill’ in either direction,
on the taxiway. This feature remained until
the runway’s reconstruction in 2013, and
today the taxiway retains the same slope.
Traffic development
Throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, the
DC-3s commonly used at GCI were replaced
by Vickers Viscounts of BEA, British Midland,
Northeast and Cambrian, Handley Page
Dart Heralds of British Island Airways and
the ungainly Aviation Traders Carvairs
operated by British Air Ferries – enabling
cars to accompany passengers. These, along
with numerous smaller carriers, provided
frequent services, particularly in summer,
bringing holidaymakers from across the
UK to the island.
In 1969, BEA axed its Guernsey-Jersey
flights and these were replaced by the
newly formed Aurigny Air Services using
Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders, the small
yellow twin-engine aircraft being joined
in 1971 by its larger cousin, the Trislander,
with its tail-fin mounted third engine. More
than 40 years later, Aurigny is still providing
vital services. After 38 years of shuttling
around the Channel Islands, the Trislander
is nearing retirement, with the most well-
known example, G-JOEY (c/n 1016), still in
service, faithfully flying from Guernsey
until the arrival of the replacement type,
the Dornier 228.
In 1971, BEA set up its Channel Islands
Division, basing 12 Viscounts primarily
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13/02/2015 13:43
 FEATURE
GUERNSEY
in Jersey, but also serving Guernsey,
and in 1973 both islands were linked with
Amsterdam/Schiphol by the four-engine
turboprop aircraft. That same year saw
the merger of BEA and the British Overseas
Airways Corporation (BOAC), and British
Airways Regional became a familiar sight
at GCI, its stylised red tails replacing the
other carriers’ long-standing ‘Red Square’
logo and the shorter lived blue and red
‘speedjack’ fin design.
Since those heady days, mainline activities
have fluctuated; British Airways axed all
its Channel Islands routes except Jersey
to Heathrow and Manchester in 1980.
Some services were later restored only
to be dropped once again and the link to
Heathrow was awarded to what became
Blue Islands ATR 72 G-ISLI (c/n 529), at GCI on June 14 last year. The carrier serves Jersey as well as
Bristol and Southampton in the UK. (AirTeamImages.com/Simon Wilson)
62 airpor ts of the world
60-65_Guernsey.indd 62
Airport Director Colin Le Ray. (Guernsey Airport)
Air UK. In 1998 Air UK moved its London  An image from others, particularly Jersey. As a result
route from Heathrow to Stansted and 1960 – as the Kensington Taylor Architects was selected
subsequently abandoned its Guernsey hard runway was in 1999 to design a completely new terminal.
completed, the
connections altogether. Built by Hochtief (UK) Construction, the
dip was levelled
Over two decades, an array of airlines enough to allow new building opened on March 25, 2004,
had come and gone, including Dan Air, safe operations, but heralding a new beginning for GCI.
Intra Airways, Jersey Ferry Airlines, remained a feature With a price tag of £18m, the terminal
Brymon Airways and Guernsey Airlines. of the airport until offered a dramatic improvement in facilities,
By 2003 the two main carriers were the 2013 rebuild. with baggage belts, a larger departure
Aurigny and Flybe, being joined by what Note the taxiway lounge, enlarged duty-free outlet, a bigger
had started as Le Coq’s Airlink based was still much lower restaurant and bar, wheelchair and disabled
on Alderney, becoming Rockhopper and than the runway. access to all areas, lifts and a covered
known today as Blue Islands. (Guernsey Airport) walkway to aircraft parking stands.
The terminal was only the start; a long-
 The modern
Infrastructure improvements terminal opened
term plan for the airport’s development
Despite terminal extensions and culminated in 2013 with completion of
in 2004 and still
improvements taking place over several has plenty of the Airport 2040 project,
years, and runway re-surfacing and widening spare capacity to involving the
in 1974/1975, there was little doubt that the accommodate traffic
airport was lagging behind growth. (Author)
(Not for airborne/operational
use – Navtech Aerad)
13/02/2015 13:44

resurfacing of all aircraft parking areas
and most significantly, a rebuild and
extension of the runway and a realignment
of the taxiway serving it, enabling the
airport to handle larger, heavier aircraft.
Costing £80m, the scheme also converted
grass parking areas for private aircraft to
concrete to provide more apron space for
both commercial and private flying; there
were also upgrades to airfield lighting and
drainage. The most noticeable change to
the runway was a 492ft (150m) extension
at the western (09) end and reducing the
undulating profile by removing some of
the famous ‘dip’ and raising the height of
the 27 threshold to provide a more even
profile. Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs)
were also added at both ends.
The work was completed over a two-year
period and the airport remained open
throughout, with the exception of four
planned two-day closures for work that
could not be carried out overnight.
With the exception of Aurigny’s Embraer
195 aircraft, currently the largest to use
GCI, all other passenger flights are by
either Aurigny or Blue Islands ATR 42s and
72s, Flybe Bombardier Dash 8-Q400s, or
Aurigny’s ubiquitous Trislanders. Airbridges
are not appropriate for such small aircraft,
but a covered walkway provides access
to the eight stands fronting the terminal.
Director’s view
Airport Director Colin Le Ray said: “The
latest rebuild has been focussed on
condition, capacity and compliance. In
that respect the reconstruction activity
has facilitated larger aircraft to operate in
terms of runway and apron strength, both of
which had limited the use of larger heavier
aircraft (such as the E195) before works
were commissioned. The reconstruction
work has now facilitated regular scheduled
flights by the Embraer type, which has
been necessary to protect Guernsey’s
lifeline Gatwick route on an economically
sustainable basis. The terminal capacity is
unchanged at 1.25m passengers per annum,
and remains around 30% above current
annual passenger numbers.”
In position since the summer of
2003, when he worked on the terminal
redevelopment, Le Ray is well versed in
Guernsey’s aviation history and the peaks
60-65_Guernsey.indd 63
FEATURE
GUERNSEY
and troughs of commercial services to the
island. “Visitor traffic in the 1970s was
nearly three times higher than current
levels; however air travel was around
50% of its current levels. The majority
of visitors to and from Guernsey travelled
by sea,” he continued. “Visitor traffic in
2013 has been estimated at 302,000, of
this 198,000 travelled to and from the
island by air. Around 80% of visitors are
here for leisure, the remaining 20% for
business. Looking at total airport travel
(visitors + residents) then 78% is to and
from the UK, 21% is between Guernsey and
the other Channel Islands and the balance
is to and from Europe.”
With the airport having capacity for
extra services, Le Ray feels there is some
room for new entrants and the airport can
handle aircraft up to Boeing 737 size. “The
key route network is largely unchanged,
though carriers have come and gone.
The airport offers route incentives for
new or existing operators and the local
tourist department can offer assistance
on route marketing and other promotional
initiatives,” he continued. “A study of
new route development and a review of
strategic air links is currently under way.
It is fair to say that historically Guernsey
(with 62,000 residents) has punched
above its weight in terms of the number
and variety of destinations served. With
860,000 passenger movements to date
[autumn 2014] there is a high propensity
for travel and with only one airport we
have both a responsibility and opportunity
to benefit from that dependence on
aviation. The greatest potential for new
routes remains with the UK, however
opportunities for developing European
destinations are being considered. The
airport can handle up to three 737s and
five Dash 8s simultaneously on stands
adjacent to the terminal. Four additional
remote stands can accommodate aircraft
up to Dash 8 size.”
Although there is an obvious desire to
see key links strengthened, London’s
Heathrow is not amongst the destinations
Le Ray believes will be served. “Gatwick,
 The first floor
departure lounge
provides views of the
central apron and
the runway. (Author)
 Runway
resurfacing and
strengthening work
under way in 2013.
(Guernsey Airport)
 The check-in
area at a quiet time
of day. (Author)
 Tower controllers
Peter Thoume (left)
and Stephen Muir
(right). The cab
gives unobstructed
views of the entire
airfield. (Author)
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13/02/2015 13:44
 FEATURE
GUERNSEY
Manchester and Birmingham remain the
main hubs with direct connections to and
from Guernsey. The importance of these
links is not underestimated and the island’s
government is continuing to lobby for
[further] access rights to these airports.
It was for this reason that the government
subsequently purchased Aurigny in 2003
and in doing so obtained control of six
landing slots at Gatwick.
Flights to Heathrow ran until approximately
1998 and sat alongside Gatwick as a regular
destination for Guernsey passengers. The
value of Heathrow slots, combined with the
high price of flying that route led the then
operator to pull out and concentrate efforts
at Gatwick. No attempt has been made
to recommence that service and little or
no demand is being made for it. A recent
new service to London City has been less
well supported to date and this may imply
that other than interlining traffic there is
little business support in the island for a
Heathrow connection.”
Although the airport can handle a 737, Le
Ray also points out that, “passengers or
fuel weight would limit the range it could
fly due to the runway’s length. Operation
of the E195 is largely unlimited by either.”
A further runway extension would
overcome the issue and it’s not impossible,
despite land being limited for more physical
growth. Le Ray continued: “The likely future
demand for larger aircraft is governed by
economic realities, including population
control. The use of larger aircraft with
64 airpor ts of the world
60-65_Guernsey.indd 64
Airlines (November 2014)
Carrier Destinations
Aurigny Air Services Alderney, Manchester, Gatwick, London
City, Bristol, East Midlands, Dinard
Blue Islands Bristol, Jersey, Southampton
Flybe Birmingham, Exeter, Southampton
West Atlantic Bournemouth and Luton
 Frank McMeiken, island and the coast is not far away in
the airport’s ATC any direction. Consequently birds are an
manager, enjoys ongoing issue and Operations Manager
his favourite read Mark Luty and his team are frequently to
after talking to the be found patrolling the runway using bird
author. (Author) scaring equipment.
Snow is less of a problem, but the climate
 Aurigny Air
unlimited payload would require a runway is changing and recent winters have seen
Services’ most
extension to around 5,741ft (1750m) and snow becoming more of an issue. “The
well-known aircraft
the execution of the runway project has – Britten-Norman airport does have a limited amount of
endeavoured to future-proof this work, such Trislander G-JOEY equipment on site,” said Le Ray, “but relies
that it would be carried out only at one end. (c/n 1016) – on the on external third party plant operators who
A decision not to pursue this option was Guernsey apron on are able and willing to divert equipment to
made by the government in 2009, although a sunny summer’s the airport to maintain flights. The facility
the situation continues to be monitored day last June. is near the bay of St Malo, surrounded by
and reviewed. Whilst there remain some (AirTeamImages. sea and the instances of severe prolonged
relatively limited developments possible com/Simon Wilson) ice are limited. Short or sharp snowfall
within the existing airport boundary, these has proven more disrupting recently and
will be costly as they are generally in more  West Atlantic the airport has adjusted its equipment in
British Aerospace ATP
remote areas not directly linked to the light of experience. Fortunately the length
G-BTPG (c/n 2014)
runway or the main road network.” of disruption and the occurrences of it are
rests between cargo
and mail services still relatively few and rare.”
Other challenges to Bournemouth While tourism remains a major industry
One of the problems the airport does and London/Luton. for the Channel Islands, both Jersey and
have is a familiar one. Guernsey is a small (Author) Guernsey have, since the 1960s, become
13/02/2015 13:44
 FEATURE
GUERNSEY

major offshore financial centres similar

The airport’s fire and rescue service uses a pair of MAN VMA108 fire tenders. (Author)
Flybe Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 G-ECOJ (c/n 4229) squeezes its way
past the apron resurfacing work in 2013. (Guernsey Airport)
to the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.
Guernsey’s horticultural and greenhouse
activities have been more significant than
in Jersey, and Guernsey has maintained
light industry as a higher proportion
of its economy than the larger island.
Jersey’s economy since the 1980s
has been substantially more reliant
on finance, and both islands are now
heavily dependent on this sector. As
a consequence, freight handling is not
as significant as it once was, but West
Atlantic continues to provide cargo and
mail flights to Guernsey from the UK
mainland using British Aerospace ATP
aircraft, with links to Bournemouth and
London/Luton. Aurigny and Blue Islands
providing inter-island freight capacity.
As well as its commercial traffic, the
airport has a thriving private and business
sector, with FBO Aiglle Flight Support
providing a complete and – where required
– discreet service for business customers
in need of handling and hangar space.
In a hanger next to the fire station is
the Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS), a
volunteer-run organisation providing a
rapid response airborne search and rescue
service covering the waters surrounding the
Channel Islands and the adjacent French
coast. In addition, Aurigny also supplies
an emergency Air Ambulance capability
between the islands and the mainland.
Whilst it may not be the largest or busiest
airport, despite the undoubted challenges
of recent years Guernsey has risen to them
and redeveloped its facilities to the point
where, with a dedicated and enthusiastic
management team in place, the island
now has an airport fit to meet current and
future demand.

Acknowledgements
The author wishes to thank Colin Le Ray,
Airport Director; Kate Lawson, Commercial
Manager; ATC Manager Frank McMeiken;
Fire Services Manager Gareth Williams,
and Mark Luty, Operations Manager and his
team for their assistance and hospitality in
the preparation of this article.

www.airportsworld.com 65

60-65_Guernsey.indd 65 13/02/2015 13:45

 FEATURE
MONGOLIA
Mongolia Gateway
Sebastian Schmitz heads east to Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia and the city's Chinggis
Khan International Airport, which is soon to be replaced by a new, larger facility.
Russia
Mongolia
China
W
hen people think of Mongolia,
their typical vision is of a
vast, beautiful and unspoilt
country populated by horse-
riding nomads living in yurts – with little
else. While it is easy to find these things
in the land-locked nation today, Mongolia,
founded as the Mongol Empire by Genghis
(Chinggis) Khan in 1206, is evolving into a
modern country, particularly around the
capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Today, the country’s largest infrastructure
project is a new airport to serve the city, which
is expected to open next year. Until then,
the existing Chinggis Khan International
Airport (ULN) is the nation’s sole aerial
gateway to the outside world.
66 airpor ts of the world
66-70_Ulaanbaatar.indd 66
Centralised growth
Mongolia has boomed in recent years and
its economy has thrived, fuelled by the
exploration and export of its abundant
natural resources, as well as a blossoming
tourist industry to satisfy interest in its
abundant natural attractions. Ulaanbaatar,
its only major city, is home to almost half
of the country’s small population of just
under three million people. Mongolia is
geographically huge – bordered only by
China and Russia – and distances between
towns are considerable. Journeys are
prolonged due to poorly maintained roads.
Flying, for those who can afford it, is the
only suitable option for travel around the
country and ULN is not only Mongolia’s
international gateway but also the hub
for all domestic flying. The airport is
about 11 miles (18km) west of the fast-
growing capital, close to the suburb of
Buyant-Ukhaa, and opened for commercial
flying in 1961. In 2005 it was named after
Chinggis Khan in celebration of 800 years
of Mongolian statehood.
The airport has seen impressive growth
recently. In 2007 it handled 599,555
passengers, the figure almost doubling by
2013 to 1,106,704. Between 2010 and 2012,
growth rates were between 20 and 30%,
although they slowed to 0.7% between
2012 and 2013.
While cargo is less significant, the amount
of freight handled by the airport grew from
3,299 tonnes in 2007 to 5,825 tonnes
in 2013. Most of it is belly cargo carried
on passenger flights; ULN does not have
scheduled all-cargo flights.
The airport
Using ULN is a pleasant experience and
since Mongolia introduced visa-free travel
for many nationalities, immigration has
become fast and efficient. The terminal
dates back to 1986 and it is easy to see
Mongolia was a close ally of the Soviet
Union when it was built – its layout can be
confusing and there are several bottlenecks:
for example narrow staircases and small
security checkpoints.
Amenities include shops, a hairdresser and
a cafe offering free Wi-Fi. Check-in for both
domestic and international flights is on the
departures level. Domestic travellers then
proceed to a waiting lounge downstairs,
which is devoid of any facilities. From there,
they are taken to their remotely parked
aircraft by bus.
International travellers make their way
to their own departure lounge which
includes a few shops and a bar as well
as a duty-free shop on the floor above.
Departing Business Class travellers can
use a small lounge offering snacks and
beverages and more comfortable seats.
When boarding, passengers enter a walkway
leading to four airbridges. But, as arriving
and departing passengers use the same
walkway, separation is an issue, and there
can be confusion when two flights board
13/02/2015 14:53
 Airport Statistics
ICAO code: ZMUB
IATA code: ULN
Location: 47º 50.35´ N, 106º 46.01´ E
Elevation: 4,364ft (1,330m)
Runways: 14/32 – 10,170 x 197ft
(3,100 x 60m)  The airport’s
15/33 – 6,560 x 131ft small terminal.
(1,999 x 40m) The city has
been gradually
Frequencies: ATIS: 126.0
encroaching on the
Approach: 120.0 facility, one of the
Website: http://en.airport.mn reasons for building
a new airport 34
miles (54km) away.

 Aero Mongolia
Fokker 100 JU-8428
(now N994JM – c/n
11428), just prior to
being returned to its
lessor in 2011.

 The departure
lounge can become
crowded at times
and amenities are
limited.

 State-
owned MIAT
Mongolian Airlines
connects ULN
with international
destinations
including Berlin and
Frankfurt in Germany,
using the carrier’s
two Boeing 767-
300s – including
767-3W0 JU-1011
(c/n 28149).
(All photos author)

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 FEATURE
MONGOLIA

 The MIAT
Mongolian Airlines
headquarters at the
airport is fronted by
an Antonov An-2,
MONGOL-258.

 Hunnu Air’s pair

of Airbus A319-112s,
including JU-8888
(c/n 1706), have
been returned to
the lessor, meaning
the airline has had at the same time. Beijing. It has also served Berlin for many
to reduce its route Arriving passengers use the lower level years, usually via Moscow/Sheremetyevo,
network. of the terminal and, after picking up their catering to the demand of the many
bags and clearing customs and immigration, Mongolians living in both cities as well as
 Historic proceed outside where buses and taxis increasing numbers of German tourists.
Mongolian leaders await. The only way into the city is by MIAT also runs a seasonal summer route to
are exhibited on car or bus. Depending on traffic (which Frankfurt, flown non-stop by a 767-300 twice
the terminal wall, can be quite congested), the trip can take a week. The route has been a significant
reflecting the anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes. addition as Frankfurt is one of Europe’s
importance they largest hubs, offering onward connections
still have in the Airlines around the world. The carrier also runs
country today. State-owned carrier MIAT Mongolian charter flights to destinations in Japan, such
Airlines dominates at ULN and connects as Shizuoka and Tokyo/Haneda, Pyongyang
Ulaanbaatar to various Asian hubs – in North Korea, the South Korean island of
including Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Jeju, Vietnam and Myanmar.
Kong – with its fleet of Boeing 737-800s and International carriers at ULN include
767-300s. An Antonov An-2 sits in front of Air China, with a daily flight from Beijing;
its head office, just across the street from Aeroflot, daily from Moscow; Korean Air,
the terminal. six times a week from Seoul; and Turkish
Late last year the carrier launched a new, Airlines, three times a week from Istanbul
twice-weekly link to Singapore/Changi via (since 2012) with an intermediate stop in

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Air China Boeing 737-89L B-5423 (c/n 36742) parked at one
of the airport’s four airbridges after a flight from Beijing.
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The airline holds
traffic rights between Ulaanbaatar and
Bishkek, making it the only carrier to fly
between both countries.
Domestic market
Although MIAT ran domestic flights in the
past using Antonov turboprops, it has not
done so recently which has opened up the
small market to several private carriers.
As Mongolia’s economy expanded in the
past decade, so did demand for domestic
flights – but now, with slower economic
growth, it has declined.
As of early 2015, there are two airlines
flying domestic routes – Hunnu Air (see
Airliner World, December 2014) and Aero
Mongolia. Another privately-owned
carrier, Eznis Airways, stopped flying its
Avro RJ85s, Saab 340s and Bombardier
Dash 8-Q400s in August last year. Aero
66-70_Ulaanbaatar.indd 69
FEATURE
MONGOLIA
Turkish Airlines added Ulaanbaatar to its network in August 2012
and offers three-times-a-week flights from its hub in Istanbul. The
carrier’s Boeing 737-8F2 TC-JVA (c/n 40988) has just landed.
Mongolia serves six destinations: Khovd, Another Mongolian carrier, Blue Sky  Passengers
Dalanzadgad, Altai, Ulgii, Ulaangom and Aviation, provides charter flights using board a Hunnu
Oyutolgoi, between two and four times a Cessna Caravans. Air Fokker 50 prior
week. It also connects with the Chinese city to departure to
of Hohhot, six times a week; and Irkutsk in Challenging topography Murun, one of the
Russia, three times a week. The topography and weather conditions carrier’s domestic
Hunnu Air, which started services as the at ULN can be real obstacles. The airport destinations.
Mongolian Airlines Group in 2012 (changing has a single paved 10,170ft (3,100m) runway
 Aero Mongolia
its name to avoid confusion with the state- (14/32) capable of handling most aircraft
has a fleet of four
owned Mongolian Airlines) flying domestic types. Next to it is a short grass strip
Fokker 50s, among
routes, soon it added a pair of Airbus A319s (15/33) occasionally used by light aircraft.
them JU-8251 (c/n
to fly to regional destinations such as Hong But there are a number of limiting factors. 20251), which
Kong and Tokyo, and offered flights to Paris With very few exceptions (occasional is taxiing to the
in summer 2014. When the airline had to arriving turboprops), landings and take- departure runway
return the A319s to the lessor recently, most offs can only be made from and towards the in front of some
of its international routes were suspended north because of mountains to the south beautiful Mongolian
– except to the Chinese cities of Erenhot, of the airport – which can be a problem in scenery.
Hailar and Manzhouli, which are served southerly winds.
by Fokker 50s. Flights to the domestic Other factors are the runway’s 2.5% slope
destinations of Murun, Khovd, Choibalsan, and poor visibility during the cold winter
Ulaangom and Uliastai use the same type. months, when Ulaanbaatar becomes one
www.airportsworld.com 69
13/02/2015 14:53
 FEATURE
MONGOLIA

 A Boeing 727
tail in front of MIAT Scheduled Airlines
Mongolian Airlines’ Aero Mongolia
maintenance
hangar; a reminder Aeroflot
that the carrier once Air China
flew the type. Hunnu Air
Korean Air
 One of Hannu Turkish Airlines
Air’s two A319-
112s – prior to of the most polluted cities in the world: New airport it will have two runways and a passenger
them being returned many Mongolians fire up their old coal Capacity issues at ULN were unlikely to have capacity three times the 600,000 ULN was
to the lessor –
stoves, thick smoke from which sits in the been behind the decision to build a new originally designed to handle.
prepares to depart
air and makes it hard to breathe. It also airport as the terminal can easily handle More information about the new airport
to Paris/Charles de
reduces visibility significantly. current traffic levels. While reasonably can be found on the project website:
Gaulle, a route the
carrier no longer Ulaanbaatar is the only airport in Mongolia pleasant to use, ULN is clearly outdated www.nubia.mn
serves. with aircraft maintenance facilities. and, as Mongolia’s economy improved, Until the new facility opens next year,
Mongolian Airlines uses its own, and before building a larger, more capable airport passengers will continue using ULN, which
it ceased flying Eznis Airways set up a for the capital became a priority. The is closer to the city, but not the most
smaller hangar next door. Mongolian Government deciding in 2008 impressive of international airports. Its
 The terminal’s While some of Mongolia’s small domestic to go ahead with its construction. replacement on the other hand, should
architecture airports have seen upgrades in recent years, Japan provided the country with a loan to provide the opportunity to vastly improve
follows traditional the two nearest suitable diversion airfields finance the project and work on the New the passenger experience, and keep pace
Mongolian lines, for Ulaanbaatar are outside Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar International Airport (NUBIA) with the steadily increasing flow of
although its internal Ulan-Ude and Irkutsk in Russia, which have began in a valley 34 miles (54km) south of tourists eager to explore this fascinating
layout is not the better infrastructure. the city in 2013. Expected to open next year, country.

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 UK VISITORS
GALLERY

This section contains

a selection of images
of visiting aircraft from
airports around the UK.
For the most part, they are
commercial, but almost all
of them are either unusual
types, wearing new or
unique liveries, or first visits
Bournemouth by an airline or airliner to
a particular airport. So if
you are out and about and
London/Heathrow see something out of the
ordinary, please send in
your photos. As most of
the world now works with
digital media, photos
can be sent by e-mail
to mark.nicholls@
keypublishing.com. Please
ensure that you provide
details with any images,
especially the relevant
London/Heathrow
date, location, airline
names and aircraft identity.

 Former Monarch Airlines

Airbus A320-214 G-ZBAA (c/n
5526) was noted at Birmingham
on February 8 prior to delivery
to new owner Frontier Airlines as
N228FR. (Charles Cunliffe)

 Ukraine Air Alliance Antonov

 Kenya Airways An-12B UR-CAK (c/n 6343707)
Boeing 777-36ER departs London/Stansted bound for
5Y-KZY (c/n 41819) Algeria on January 17. (Ben Luck)
arrived at London/
Heathrow on January
19 after being diverted
from Amsterdam/
Schiphol due to fog.
(A J Best)

 Icelandair’s
colourful Boeing
757-256 TF-FIU (c/n
26243), made its first
appearance at London/
Heathrow wearing
its stunning Aurora London/Stansted
Borealis scheme on
December 20, 2014.
(A J Best)
Birmingham
 Worldwide
Aircraft Holding Boeing
747SP-21 VP-BAT
(21648) departs
Bournemouth Airport for
Doha as ‘World Wide
One’ on January 20.
The aircraft is based
at Bournemouth and
registered in Bermuda,
but is expected to be
replaced by a 747-8I
(VQ-BSK).
(Charles Cunliffe)

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 UK VISITORS
GALLERY

 Kalstar Aviation
Exeter
Embraer E195 G-FBEA
(c/n 19000029 –
ex-Flybe) at Exeter
on December 25,
2014. The aircraft
had arrived back from
Norwich Airport after
being repainted.
(Ian Simpson)

 Enter Air Boeing

737-4Q8 SP-ENA
(c/n 26320) departs
from Cardiff on a
positioning flight
to Birmingham on
December 16, 2014.
It had performed
a ‘Santa’ flight to
Enontekio in Lapland
two day previously.
(Phil Woods)

 TAM Linhas Aéreas

Airbus A330-223
PT-MVS (c/n 1112)
was used on the
carrier’s flight from
São Paulo to London/
Heathrow on January
19 in place of the
usual Boeing 777-
300ER. (Tom Smith) Cardiff

London/Heathrow

 Former Ikar Boeing

757-2Q8 VQ-BBT
(c/n 29443), wearing
Pegas markings,
arrived at Lasham for
storage on December
28, 2014. Due to the
worsening situation
for several Russian
carriers five other
757s were already
Lasham
stored at Lasham
and two more from
Nordwind joined
East Midlands them two days later.
(Richard Vandervord)

 Immaculate Vulkan
Air Antonov An-26B
EW-378TG (c/n
37313306) parked in
the sunshine at East
Midlands on February
9 (it arrived on the
5th). (Karl Nixon)

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 UK VISITORS
GALLERY

London/Luton

Glasgow/Prestwick  MNG Airlines Airbus A300B4-

622R(F) TC-MCC (c/n 734) touches
down at London/Luton on December
24, 2014. Although not a unusual,
they are rarely seen in daylight at
Luton. (Richard Vandervord)

 Iraqi Airways Boeing 737-81Z

YI-ASQ (c/n 40079) passed through
Glasgow/Prestwick on delivery to
the carrier on December 24, 2014.
(Michael McQuade)

 Denim Air Fokker 100 PH-LND

Birmingham (c/n 11320) at Birmingham on
December 24, 2014. It was taking
violinist and conductor André Rieu
and the Johann Strauss Orchestra to
Maastricht in the Netherlands after
a performance at the LG Arena the
previous evening. (Ian Johnson)

London/Heathrow

 Air India Boeing 747-

Manchester
437 VT-EVA (c/n 28094)
comes in to land at London/
Heathrow on December 14,
2014. Something of a rarity
in the UK since the carrier
acquired its 777s.
(Andrew Whitaker)

 The first visit to

Manchester by a HOP!
Embraer 170 took place on
February 5 when F-HBXP
(c/n 17000036) arrived
with a rugby charter.
(Nik French)

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 AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
ABU DHABI

Abu Dh
Airport-in-Wa

74 airpor ts of the world

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 AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
ABU DHABI

Dhabi
-Waiting

With the opening of Abu Dhabi International’s new

midfield terminal two years away, Luigi Vallero pays a visit
to see what’s being done to manage demand until then.

T
he Abu Dhabi Airports Company
(ADAC) has continued to invest in
Abu Dhabi International Airport’s
(AUH’s) existing infrastructure to
meet rapidly increasing demand, even
though its futuristic 30mppa Midfield
Terminal Complex (MTC) is due to be
finished in 2017.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based ADAC
reported an impressive 23.9% growth in
passenger numbers during September
2014 compared to the same month the
previous year, registering 1,696,651.
Aircraft movements rose by 14.9% year-
on-year to 13,070. Doha, London, Bangkok,
Manila and Mumbai were the busiest routes,
accounting for 15% of traffic.
Most of this has been driven by the
rapidly expanding Etihad Airways (see the
March issue of Airliner World) which has
recently introduced the Airbus A380 and
the Boeing 787 to its fleet. The carrier has
established an impressive list of partner
airlines, which is strengthening its vast
route network on top of new destinations
it plans to serve.
Meeting demand
The first buttress for the main structural
steel arches of the MTC were placed in
October 2013 and work is progressing
rapidly in the desert (see the February
issue of Airliner World). The vast project,
currently the largest construction job in the
Middle East, is a clear indication of ADAC’s
intent to rival its neighbour Dubai, but more
capacity will be required at the existing
airport until the MTC opens.
To achieve this ADAC established the
Capacity Enhancement Programme to enable
AUH to handle more passengers through
continuous enhancements to the existing  The Skypark Plaza
facilities, such as a new arrivals hall, which beside Terminal
opened at the beginning of 2013. Further 3 has welcomed
construction includes the remodelling of new tenants and
Terminal 1, which is being modified and now offers a wide
expanded to help to accommodate an range of services
as well as retail and
anticipated 20mppa by 2017.
refreshment options.
To improve the shopping experience for
(All photos author
passengers and the communities living
unless stated)
close to the airport, the range of customer
services in the Skypark Plaza beside  Etihad Airways
Terminal 3 has been supplemented by new is poised for rapid
tenants. Among the new amenities are expansion at AUH
more services and retail options, including once the new MTC
a spa, souvenir shop, optical and hair opens in July 2017.
dressing services, fashion and accessories Airport operator
outlets and even a supermarket. Retail ADAC has upgraded
space has also been reserved for the existing facilities
Khalifa Fund for Development to provide to cope until then.
support and retail space for Emirati (AirTeamImages.
entrepreneurs. com/BaoLuo)
Commenting on the Skypark Plaza,
Mohammed Al Bulooki, ADAC’s Chief  Construction
Commercial Officer, said: “Abu Dhabi work is well under
way on the seven-
Airports is delighted to welcome Starter
storey main terminal
Supermarket to Skypark Plaza. The team
building, which
believes there’s a growing demand for
will be larger than
quality convenience shopping in this London/Heathrow’s
location to serve the local community T5 when finished.
and so, in line with the company’s strategy
to expand Abu Dhabi International  With passenger
Airport’s retail offering and enhance its numbers rising at
customers’ experience, we’re progressing more than 20% a
with a variety of new ideas, concepts and year, the current
improvements.” infrastructure has
The supermarket is open between 06:00 struggled to cope.
and midnight, seven days a week, and is
stocked with a full range of items, fresh
produce, frozen foods and has its own
bakery. It is accessible to the public from
the Terminal 3 car park.

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 AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
ABU DHABI

 The renovated Al The Skypark Plaza is a pleasant place to

Reem Lounge was shop and pass the time and has a modern
unveiled in T1 on yet distinctly Arabic feel. Dining options
October 28 last year.
include a McDonald’s, a Hatam traditional
Iranian food outlet and an O’Brien Irish-
style fast food establishment.

Upgrades
Airport operator ADAC has entered a
partnership with Hong Kong-based Plaza
Premium Lounge Management Limited
(PPLML) for the renovation, management
and running of AUH’s airside hotel and
its lounges in T1 and T2. The newly
renovated Al Reem Lounge in T1 was
unveiled as part of the deal on October
28 last year.
The completely redesigned 4,500 sq
ft (418m2) lounge has a contemporary
look defined by designer Kinney Chan
 The on-airport of KCA Associates and occupies three
Premier Inn levels. Providing comfort and convenience
offers good value to travellers and aiming to deliver a
for money and luxurious ambience, the PPLML team
excellent views from has introduced detailed touches, such as a
its pool deck. large chandelier. An improved buffet area
offers meals ranging from freshly prepared
Arabic, Asian and Continental dishes. The
lounge also features free Wi-Fi, laptops
on request and a fully-serviced shower
room, and mainly caters for Business
Class passengers.
Elsewhere the Al Dhabi and Al Ghazal
 One of the first Lounges and the airside hotel will be
projects in the given a complete facelift. With continuous
airport’s expansion improvements aimed at satisfying even the
programme was the most demanding passengers’ requirements,
distinctive crescent- the ‘Abu Dhabi Travellers Welcome’
shaped air traffic advertising campaign aims to live up to
control tower. its claim.

Airlines at AUH
(summer 2014)
Aegean Airlines KLM
Air Astana Kuwait Airways
airBaltic Lufthansa
airberlin Middle East Airlines
Air France Nas Air
Airblue Oman Air
Air India Pakistan
Air India Express
International Airlines
Air Serbia
Philippine Airlines
Air Seychelles
Qatar Airways
Alitalia
Rotana Jet
Azerbaijan Airlines
Royal Jordanian
Biman Bangladesh
S7 Airlines
Airlines
British Airways Saudia
Cathay Pacific Shaheen Air
Airways International
EgyptAir SriLankan Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines Sudan Airways
Garuda Indonesia Turkish Airlines
Gulf Air Turkmenistan
Hainan Airlines Airlines
Jet Airways Uzbekistan Airways
Kenya Airways Virgin Australia
Kish Air Yemenia

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Hotel
Directly connected to Skypark, T1 and T3,
a three-star Premier Inn Hotel opened in
December 2013 under the watchful gaze of
ADAC Chairman His Excellency Ali Majed Al
Mansoori. The 300-room property features
food and beverage outlets – including a
Costa coffee shop and a Mediterranean-
style restaurant – conference and meeting
rooms for up to 75 people plus leisure
facilities including an outdoor swimming
pool on the seventh floor and a gym. Free
Wi-Fi is available in guest rooms and the
hotel is well appointed, despite offering
budget prices.
Another plus is the hotel’s close proximity to
Yas Island, home to the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand
Prix and several tourist attractions as well as
the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Abu
Dhabi Corniche recreation and shopping
area can be reached in less than half an
hour using a free hotel shuttle bus or by taxi.
On the opening day of the hotel chain’s fifth
property in the region, Darroch Crawford,
Managing Director of Premier Inn in the
Middle East, said: “We’re delighted to
be opening the first major hotel at Abu
Dhabi International Airport and drive
further growth for, and in collaboration
with, Abu Dhabi Airports. Premier Inn’s
successful formula, offering a hotel
service in prominent locations at value-
for-money prices, will ensure our customer
base, which includes both business and
leisure travellers, will continue to increase
74-77_Abu Dhabi.indd 77
dramatically in the region.”
Although the hotel rooms don’t offer
direct views across the airport apron – the
main building, being perpendicular to the
runway, affording only limited views of
the airport – the seventh floor swimming
pool is the perfect location for the aviation
enthusiast. Here, in comfort and with no
worries regarding security issues, you have a
superb view of AUH’s apron and runway and
can spend time watching the comings and
goings while enjoying a swim or a cool drink.
The pool opens between 07:00 and 22:00,
meaning night shots are also possible –
though a sturdy tripod is recommended.
Using a 300mm (or larger) lens, good
action shots can be taken of aircraft taking
off from Runway 12R/30L or 13R/31L, the
stunning crescent-shaped control tower
providing a dramatic backdrop. Morning
hours (between 08:00 and 12:00) or late
afternoon (17:00 to 21:00) are best as
they coincide with the two main Etihad
movement ‘waves’ providing almost
uninterrupted landing and take-offs. The
afternoon is usually very quiet.
The author found the hotel excellent value
for money with great, friendly service –
offering the aviation enthusiast and traveller
alike a high standard at a fraction of the
cost normally associated with airport hotels
– as low as 250 AED (€45) per night for a
twin room booked in advance. For more
details visit: www.premierinn.ae
AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
ABU DHABI
Rebirth
Other major infrastructure work has
already been completed. In 2009 the
13,450ft (4,100m) northern runway opened,
capable of handling aircraft up to the size
of an Airbus A380. The same year saw T3
finished, giving Etihad Airways a dedicated
terminal able to accommodate 5mppa.
In 2010, ADAC undertook a ten-month
refurbishment of T1 to improve the
customer experience and align its design
and operations closer to those of T3. A
year later, a new 360ft-tall (110m) air traffic
control tower was commissioned.
Preparatory work for the MTC, such as
piling and laying foundations, was finished
in 2011 and construction on the terminal
began in August 2012. Since then the
primary structure has risen from the desert.
Building work has progressed rapidly,
with around 15,000 personnel on the site
working split shifts of up to 20 hours per
day. The central part of the terminal is
advancing quickly and the steel framework
for the four piers is now in place.
Once finished the terminal will be larger
than T5 at London/Heathrow; it will have
165 conventional check-in counters, 48
self-service kiosks and is designed to handle
8,500 passengers per hour. The piers will
have 47 aircraft gates, giving the terminal
an overall capacity to handle up to 65 jets
at one time with an additional 14 remote
parking stands. Final fitting-out is
scheduled for 2016 followed by extensive  An impression of
testing prior to opening on July 17, 2017. the new MTC at Abu
Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways will then Dhabi International,
have a world-class facility with which to scheduled to open
compete in the Middle East aviation market on July 17, 2017.
– arguably the world’s most affluent. (ADAC)
www.airportsworld.com 77
13/02/2015 14:57
 FEATURE
GUAYAQUIL

Ecuadorian
Swansong

Sebastian Schmitz reports from Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International

Airport, a few years before its replacement by a new out-of-town facility.

G
 AeroGal is now uayaquil is Ecuador’s largest concession to run the airport in 2004. The
known as Avianca Airport Statistics city, a major commercial centre firm has stakes in more than 50 airports
Ecuador and is one ICAO Code: SEGU and a hub for transportation, around the world, including Argentina,
of three carriers although it is yet to achieve Uruguay and Armenia. A separate company
competing on the IATA Code: GYE
tourist attraction status. Yet, during a visit was established to run Guayaquil Airport –
lucrative route Quito. Location: 02° 09.26’ S, 79° 53.00’ W
to the country, travellers are likely to make the TAGSA (Terminal Aeroportuaria de Guayaquil
The airline’s Airbus Elevation: 19ft (6m)
acquaintance of Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de SA) and construction of the new terminal
A319-112 HC-CKL Runway: 03/21 9,154 x 151ft Olmedo Airport (GYE) and even more likely began immediately after the concession
(c/n 1866) is (2,790 x 46m) to find it a very pleasant experience. contract was signed. In 2008, the deal
prepared for its next Frequencies: ATIS: 115.9 was extended from 15 to 20 years, and now
flight. (All photos
author)
Tower: 118.3 A strong second place runs until 2024 when the new facility is
Ground: 121.9 Following major upgrades, Ecuador’s second due to open.
Approach: 119.3 busiest airport (after the new Quito Airport
Website: www.tagsa.aero which opened in 2013) is one of the most Today’s airport
modern in Latin America, with a well- The modern terminal opened in July 2006
appointed terminal and offering a wide range and replaced a much smaller structure at
of domestic and international connections. It the southern end of the airport, which was
Colombia is just over 3 miles (5km) from the city centre subsequently converted into an exhibition
so extremely convenient. However, as it is centre. To coincide with the new terminal
surrounded by homes and industry it cannot inauguration, the airport’s name was
grow at the current location. Plans for a new changed from ‘Simón Bolívar’ to ‘José
Ecuador airport outside the city are already in place Joaquín de Olmedo’, a famous Guayaquil-
and construction is set to start in 2019 with born Ecuadorian poet and driving force
a planned opening five years later. By that behind the country’s fight for independence
Brazil time, in spite of its impressive new terminal, from Spain (which occurred in 1830) and
Peru GYE will probably be operating beyond its who later became the Ecuadorian president.
design capacity. Although the terminal is already eight
Corporación América, an Argentinean years old, the building still has a ‘brand
holding company, was awarded the new’ feel to it.

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 FEATURE
GUAYAQUIL

Last August an extension of the domestic  During the early

part of the terminal opened, adding 107,642sq morning the check-
ft (10,000m2) of floor space to the previous in area gets very
538,213sq ft (50,000m2) and increasing busy although the
capacity to 7mppa. Three airbridges were departure hall is
added, bringing the total to ten. spacious enough to
Inside, passengers will find one big never feel crowded.
departure hall with check-in to the right
for domestic flights and left for international
destinations. Both sections have their own
security screening points and internationally
bound travellers pass through passport
control and the well-stocked duty free shop
before reaching the departure lounge. Both
landside and airside, the airport offers a
wide selection of cafes, restaurants and
shops. Plentiful full-height glazing provides  American Airlines
excellent views of the taxiway and runway is the only US carrier
and good opportunities for photographers. flying to Guayaquil.
One of its Boeing
For passengers arriving late in the evening
737-823s, N944AN
or early in the morning, there is a Holiday
(c/n 29535) is
Inn Hotel available just a few steps from
pushed back before
the terminal, although it also has a leaving for Miami.
complimentary shuttle bus.

Airlines and traffic

The airport welcomed 3.88 million
passengers in 2013, an increase of around
80,000 compared with the previous year.
Of this number, about two million travelled
domestically (most of them to and from
the capital Quito). While domestic traffic
 One of three
has declined during the past few years,
ATR 42-500s used
international passenger numbers have
by TAME Express,
risen steadily to just over 1.8 million in 2013. HC-CMB (c/n 849)
Apart from scheduled flying, General is used on thinner
Aviation plays an important role at GYE. domestic routes
Several flying schools are based at GYE within Ecuador.
to take advantage of the predominantly
stable weather conditions, however, small
General Aviation types have to share the
 The airport’s
single runway with commercial arrivals and modern terminal,
departures – as well as executive jets. The from the nearby
Ecuadorian Air Force has its Simón Bolívar Holiday Inn Hotel,
Air Base on the opposite side of the runway gives a good idea
from the passenger terminal. The base of how GYE is
generates the occasional movement with surrounded by urban
light aircraft and helicopters, but also development.

www.airportsworld.com 79

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 FEATURE
GUAYAQUIL

 One of the
souvenir shops in the
departure lounge.

 TAME Airbus
A319-132 HC-CGT
(c/n 2659)
awaits its last few
passengers before
departing to Quito,
Ecuador’s busiest
air route.

 The
domestic departure
lounge is often quite
busy, particularly
with passengers
flying to Quito.

larger aircraft such as Boeing 737-200s or Internationally, Madrid and Amsterdam

Hawker Siddeley 748s.
All Ecuadorian scheduled airlines serve GYE
with numerous daily flights. The undisputed
trunk route is to Quito and between the three
main carriers – TAME, LAN and AeroGal (now
Avianca Ecuador) – there are up to 25 flights
a day, most by Airbus 320 Family aircraft.
Another very busy route is to the Galápagos
Islands (see Airports of the World, issue 53,
(Not for airborne or p38), just under two hours’ flying from GYE,
operational use – and one of the top tourist attractions in South
Navtech Aerad) America. Flights to the Galápagos, although
often originating in Quito, usually stop in
Guayaquil and up to six a day are available to
the islands’Baltra Airport, and up to three a
day to the less busy facility at San Cristobal.
TAME is the only domestic carrier with
flights to destinations other than Quito or the
Galápagos Islands – it flies to Cuenca three
times on weekdays, Loja twice and the cities
of Latacunga and Esmeraldas once a day.
are the two best connected European
destinations. Iberia used to be a daily
visitor to Guayaquil, flying a triangular
Madrid-Quito-Guayaquil-Madrid route. Non-
stop departures to Europe were not possible
from Quito’s old airport, which prompted
the eastbound return flight to come via
Guayaquil. However, since the new Quito
Airport opened, Iberia is able to fly non-stop
and so just four out of seven weekly flights
now use GYE. LAN complements Iberia’s
Spanish connection with three 767 services
a week to Madrid.
However, Netherlands flag carrier KLM has
stuck with the triangular routing through
Quito to Guayaquil and back to Amsterdam
using a 777 on a daily flight. The busiest route
to North America is to New York, where a
large Ecuadorian diaspora lives. LAN offers
a daily 767 link to New York/John F Kennedy
Airport, while in competition TAME launched

A LAN Airbus
A320 parked
at one of the
domestic gates,
not all of which
are equipped with
airbridges.

One of the few TAME aircraft still wearing the

carrier’s old colours – Embraer 190 HC-CGF (c/n
19000137) – prepares to depart to Panama City.

80 airpor ts of the world

78-81_Guayaquil.indd 80 13/02/2015 15:01


widebody flights last year using its first A330
on its daily flight to JFK. There was talk of
moving this service to Quito, but for now it
continues to depart from GYE.
A second link between Guayaquil and the
US is provided by American Airlines’ two
daily flights to Miami. Depending on the
season these can use either a 737-800
or a 767. Until recently, AeroGal offered
widebody flights to the US using 757s and
767s. When the airline was acquired by
Avianca in 2009, the decision was made to
route all long-haul services through Bogota,
Columbia and strengthen the carrier’s main
hub. Avianca also serves its secondary hubs
in Lima and San Salvador with a daily flight.
A fierce competitor of Avianca, Copa
Airlines, offers four daily links to its hub
in Panama City and provides numerous
connections from there. The Peruvian capital
Lima is served daily by LAN, as are Santiago
de Chile (one flight a day) and Buenos Aires’
78-81_Guayaquil.indd 81
FEATURE
GUAYAQUIL
Ezeiza Airport with five flights. There are
currently no direct flights from GYE to Brazil.
New airport
The growth rates of GYE in recent years
mean it is only a matter of time before it
reaches its limits in terminal space and
runway capacity. Surrounded by urban
development, there is very little room for
expansion and so a site has been identified
for an entirely new airport for the city. The
new facility will be built in Daular,
approximately 20 miles (32km) to the
southwest of central Guayaquil. In a first
phase, it will have two parallel runways, the
longest measuring 13,451ft (4,100m). Until
it is available for commercial flights, GYE’s
operator TAGSA will continue to invest in
the existing airport to ensure it remains
modern and easy to use – two of the reasons
Panama hats (first developed in Ecuador) are popular
it is still one of Latin America’s most
with tourists and are on sale in several airport shops.
popular airports.
Charging stations for mobile
phones and other electronic
devices can be found
throughout the terminal.
www.airportsworld.com 81
13/02/2015 15:02
 NEXT ISSUE
ON SALE APRIL 23

(AirTeamImages.com/Carl Ford)

London/Southend
Celebrating 80 years
Brisbane – Australian hot spot Paris/Charles de Gaulle – French mega-hub
Belfast City – Remembering George Best Quito – Serving the Ecuadorian capital
Tinian – Pacific paradise Plus – All the latest airport news and much more

MAY – JUNE 2015 ISSUE ON SALE APRIL 23rd*

dB Decibel IACA International Air Carrier Association NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
We explain some of the abbreviations and
DfT Department for Transport (UK) IAP International Airport NBAA National Business Aircraft Association (US)
acronyms that regularly appear in the pages of
Airports of the World. These details will be updated DME Distance-Measuring Equipment IATA International Air Transport Association
NBC Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
and added to as necessary. EASA European Aviation Safety Agency ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization (warfare)
ERAA European Regions Airline Association IFALPA International Federation of Air Line Pilots OFT Office of Fair Trading (UK)
Associations
EROPS Extended-Range OPerationS PAPI Precision Approach Path Indicator
AAIB Air Accidents Investigation Branch (UK)
IFR Instrument Flight Rules
ETOPS Extended-range Twin-engine OPerationS PAR Precision Approach Radar
ACAS Airborne Collision-Avoidance System
ETS Emissions Trading Scheme ILFC International Lease Finance Corporation
ACI Airports Council International pax Passenger
FAA Federal Aviation Administration (US) ILS Instrument Landing System P&W Pratt & Whitney
ADR Accident Data Recorder
FAI Féderation Aeronautique Internationale IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions PPL Private Pilot’s Licence
AG Aktiengesellschaft (German: joint stock company)
FAR Federal Aviation Regulations INS Inertial Navigation System PR Public Relations
ALPA Air Line Pilots Association (US)
FBO Fixed Base Operator JAA Joint Aviation Authorities (European) RAF Royal Air Force
ANS Airborne Navigation System
FDR Flight Data Recorder LCC Low-Cost Carrier RFP Request for Proposals
APU Auxiliary Power Unit
ATA Air Transport Association (US) FL Flight Level (usually expressed in hundreds of feet) LCD Liquid Crystal Display RVR Runway Visual Range
FOD Foreign Object Damage LED Light-Emitting Diode
ATC Air Traffic Control SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
GA General Aviation localiser Steering guidance element of an LS system
ATP Advanced Turbo-Prop (BAe) SID Standard Instrument Departure
GAO General Accounting Office (US) LORAN Long Range Aid to Navigation
ATS Air Traffic Service STOL Short Take-Off & Landing
GAPAN Guild of Air Pilots And Navigators MD Managing Director
BAe British Aerospace (now renamed BAE Systems) TCAS Traffic alert and Collision-Avoidance
GDP Gross Domestic Product MLS Microwave Landing System System
CAA Civil Aviation Authority (UK)
GECAS General Electric Commercial Aviation Services MLW Maximum Landing Weight TSA Transportation Security Administration
CDA Continuous Descent Approach
GmbH Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung MoD Ministry of Defence UN United Nations
CEO Chief Executive Officer
(German: limited liability company)
CIS Commonwealth of Independent States MoU Memorandum of Understanding VASI Visual Approach Slope Indicator
GMT Greenwich Mean Time
c/n Construction Number MPPA Million Passengers Per Annum VFR Visual Flight Rules
GNS Global Navigation System
combi Aircraft which routinely carries both passengers MRO Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions
and cargo at same time GPS Global Positioning System
MTOW Maximum Take-Off Weight VOR VHF omni-directional range
COO Chief Operating Officer GPU Ground Power Unit (radio beacons)
NASA National Aeronautics and Space
CVR Cockpit Voice Recorder HQ Headquarters Administration WTTC World Travel and Tourism Council

82 airpor ts of the world *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date. Contents subject to change.

82_Next Issue.indd 82 13/02/2015 15:02

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