Industry Blogs

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The naked truth

Introduction of new millimetre wave scanners by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has generated a wave of protest by civil liberties groups, because they provide images of passengers 'without clothes'. Aviation correspondent Keith Read, asks whether the technology has passed the point of reasonable acceptance.  Click here to read more

Keith Read, aviation correspondent

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Privatization proceeds

There was once a time when privatization in the US was a dirty word when it came to infrastructure - particularly airports - which were deemed of high strategic importance. Not so now, says aviation correspondent Michael Sterling, as airports and airlines alike face an uncertain future. Click here to read more

Michael Sterling,aviation correspondent

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Airport expansion – is it really necessary?

With the impact of rising oil prices being felt throughout the industry, future air passenger numbers will fall, calling into question the need for airport expansion, claims charity and environmental pressure group, WWF-UK. Click here to read more

World Wildlife Fund UK (WWF-UK), research by MTRU

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Japanese takeaway

Japan's airports face a dilemma, with high costs and outdated management hampering development. Increased foreign investment could provide a way forward, claims aviation consultant Michael Horta, but the country must first overcome its traditional suspicion of foreign influences. Click here to read more

Michael Horta aviation consultant

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Yesterday's paper

In the rush to adopt e-ticketing, we must remember to cater for the many passengers who have not embraced new technology, warns aviation correspondent Keith Read. Click here to read more

Keith Read, aviation correspondent

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Feeling the pinch

As the airlines grapple will the effects of oil price inflation, the credit crunch and recession, aviation correspondent Michael Sterling warns there are difficult times ahead for airports. Click here to read more

Michael Sterling, aviation correspondent

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A blessing or a curse?

Air transport policy in the UK is based on disputed evidence and could undermine climate policy decisions, claims the UK government’s Sustainable Development Commission (SDC). In a report published this week with the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), it suggests how best to determine the true costs and benefits of aviation. Click here to read more

The UK Sustainable Development Commission

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Relaxation could lead to stress

National ownership of airlines may be up for grabs in the not-too-distant future if negotiations between the US and the EU over aviation deregulation this week find common ground, argues transport correspondent Michael Sterling. Click here to read more

Michael Sterling, transport correspondent

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Bill stickers

This week the US Senate failed to approve a bill that would have freed up much needed federal money to finance airport infrastructure improvements. Charles Barclay, president of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), explains why the bill is needed and how US airports are suffering from the delay.  Click here to read more

Charles Barclay, president of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)

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Security constraints

China has spent huge sums preparing its airports for this summer’s Olympic Games, which begin in less than 100 days. Cheng Jie, Passenger Terminal Today’s Beijing correspondent, considers whether the country will be ready. Click here to read more

Cheng Jie, Passenger Terminal Today’s Beijing correspondent

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BAA is running out of options

This week’s interim report from the Competition Commission appears to herald the end of BAA’s dominance of airports in the UK, but aviation consultant Michael Horta questions whether the airport operator can afford to sell. Click here to read more

Michael Horta, aviation consultant

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Merge hazard ahead

This week’s merger announcement between Delta and Northwest marks the start of a wide reaching consolidation of the aviation industry in the west, predicts aviation consultant Michael Sterling. Click here to read more

Michael Sterling, aviation consultant

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Pilots blame BA managers for Terminal 5 woes

With delays, cancellations and lost baggage continuing to affect Heathrow’s new Terminal 5, the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has placed the blame on managers at British Airways. On Monday 7 April 2008, BALPA general secretary Jim McAuslan, published an open letter to the UK government and financial institutions calling on them to end support for BA’s senior management team. Click here to read more

Jim McAuslan, BALPA general secretary

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Cancel and be damned

Low cost carriers and airports receive a lot of negative publicity for flight cancellations. Aviation correspondent Willem-Jan Zondag, argues that, rather than a headache, cancelled flights provide an opportunity for airports and airlines to work together to improve the experience for customers. Click here to read more

Willem-Jan Zondag, aviation correspondent

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To 'e' or not to 'e'?

With IATA setting a deadline of 1 June for 100% e-ticketing, Rob Drotar, head of Airline Sector Management, SITA, discusses whether this is achievable, what challenges remain, how easy it is to switch for those who haven't yet done so and how 100% e-ticketing will lead to additional operational benefits for airports. Click here to read more

Rob Drotar, head of Airline Sector Management, SITA

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Placing consumers first

This week the UK Civil Aviation Authority responded to criticism of its decision to allow BAA to raise its flight charges well ahead of the rate of inflation (see: Airlines anger at BAA fee settlement), by publishing its proposals for regulatory reform. We include their proposals here. Is the CAA on the right lines with its proposal, or is a much more radical reform required? Click here to read more

The UK Civil Aviation Authority

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Open skies, closed minds

With the open skies agreement between Europe and the US due to start at the end of this month, transport correspondent Saul Wordsworth asks whether anyone has considered the negative consequences. Click here to read more

Saul Wordsworth, transport correspondent

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Auckland - an awkward acquisition

Few airport acquisitions have dragged on for so long or featured so many twists and turns as that involving Auckland International Airport. However, last Monday's change in foreign ownership rules by the New Zealand government, was the most dramatic development yet, says aviation correspondent Keith Read. Click here to read more

Keith Read, aviation correspondent

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Outsourcing airport property management

Property specialists CB Richard Ellis hit the headlines this week (see: CB Richard Ellis wins Beijing contract) when it was announced the company would provide consultancy services for Beijing’s enormous new Terminal 3. Eric Chan, senior director of asset services for CBRE in China, explains how property consultants can assist airports to make the most of their assets. Click here to read more

Eric Chan, senior director of asset services for CB Richard Ellis in China

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Sustainable baggage handling

Sustainable measures in airports have traditionally centered on heating, lighting and water services, but new techniques are now helping to reduce the environmental impact of less obvious  operations, such as baggage handling, as Marco A. Oropeza of Siemens explains. Click here to read more

Marco A. Oropeza of Siemens

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Sorry, we’re full

With passenger growth far outstripping government projections, is the UK in danger of stumbling into an aviation capacity crisis? Aviation correspondent Saul Wordsworth argues the prospects are not looking good. Click here to read more

Saul Wordsworth, aviation correspondent

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Plea from a frustrated passenger

Flying may be more popular than ever before, but airports and airlines need to show more imagination and empathy for their customers if they are going to fulfill their potential, claims John Weinthal. Click here to read more

John Weinthal is an ex-pat and frequent traveler based in Malaysia.

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Taming the tyranny of the ticket printer

Advances in passenger check-in enable airlines and airports to cut costs yet still offer improved service. These technologies are ready to be rolled out at airports equipped with common use check-in, and David Taylor at ARINC explains how it can be done. Click here to read more

David Taylor, director of airport systems product management, ARINC

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Set standards to relax security

Security restrictions at UK airports are being eased following an announcement by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. Neil Parkey, acting chairman of the Airport Operators Association, calls for clarity in the changes. Click here to read more

Neil Parkey, acting chairman of the Airport Operators Association

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Congestion suggestions

More than 40% of flights in the New York region are subject to delays, a situation that has prompted US Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to threaten to force cuts in schedules on airports and airlines. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is convinced there are more effective ways to deal with the problem and established a Task Force which has now published its recommendations. Click here to read more

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

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Designing for seamless security

Following 9/11 many of the world's airports have become places where we have to endure long security lines, overcrowding and delays. Former US ambassador Richard N. Swett, of international architecture, planning, engineering, interior design, and program management firm Leo A Daly, explains how good design and new technology will bring enjoyment back to air travel. Click here to read more

Richard N. Swett, FAIA, is vice president and managing principal of the Washington, DC office of international architecture, planning, engineering, interior design, and program management firm Leo A Daly

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Cool for cats?

When the New York Port Authority announced plans to trap hundreds of feral cats running free at JFK International Airport, there was a furore from animal welfare groups and local residents. Bryan Kortis, executive director of Neighbourhood Cats, argues how airports should handle our feline friends. Click here to read more

Brian Kortis, executive director of Neighbourhood Cats

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Handling baggage

Bad behaviour by employees can be found in any industry, but the proportion of baggage handling staff practising ‘self-service’ instead of customer service appears alarmingly high. What has caused this problem and what is the solution, asks European aviation correspondent Willem-Jan Zondag? Click here to read more

Willem-Jan Zondag, European aviation correspondent

(1 comments) click here

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Flying matters

Three weeks ago we carried a comment from environmental pressure group Plane Stupid about why they oppose short haul flights (see: Short haul under fire). Michelle Di Leo, director of Flying Matters, responds on behalf of the aviation industry. Click here to read more

Michelle Di Leo, director of Flying Matters

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Ceiling your green credentials

Increasing numbers of airports are adopting environmentally friendly techniques to minimise their impact on the environment. But aside from the more obvious approaches, such as recycling programmes and the use of alternative power, what other, less obvious techniques are open to airport managers? Norah Lally, consultant to Ceilings Plus,  describes a shrewd new approach at  Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Click here to read more

Norah Lally, consultant to Ceilings Plus

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Mobile check-in

Earlier this month IATA finalised a global standard for mobile check-in, which eliminates the need for paper flight documents. IATA’s bar code project manager Eric Leopold explains why this is good news for airports as well as passengers. Click here to read more

Eric Leopold, IATA bar code project manager

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Short haul under fire

Last week demonstrators closed a departure gate at Manchester Airport in the UK to protest against domestic flights (see: Climate protesters block Manchester departure gate). Richard George, co-founder of the pressure group Plane Stupid explains why they are shooting at short haul. Click here to read more

Richard George, co-founder of Plane Stupid

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Better buy biometrics

ICAO-member countries were this month given a deadline of April 2010 to introduce machine-readable passports. Yet next-generation ePassports, which feature biometrics for added security, are already providing a host of additional benefits to airports, airlines and security officials. Mauricio Siciliano of ICAO explains the advantages of taking the biometric option. Click here to read more

Mauricio Siciliano of ICAO

(1 comments) click here

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Devil is in the detail

With less than three weeks till the first commercial flight of the Airbus A380, how ready is the airport industry to ensure that passengers have a positive experience, asks Richard Scrase, web editor of www.passengerterminaltoday.com? Click here to read more

Richard Scrase, web editor of www.passengerterminaltoday.com

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Credit where credit is due

Aviation is in danger of following the motor industry’s lead and becoming a soft target for environmental campaigners and governments. Yet airports and airlines are leading the way in many environmental initiatives. We are simply failing to take the credit. Aviation correspondent Keith Read suggests how best to fight back. Click here to read more

Keith Read, aviation correspondent

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At the art of the community

In an era of ever-more-strident environmental protests, airport operators must strengthen ties with their communities. Betsey Sanpere, of Creative Airport Solutions, explains how well-planned arts and activity programmes are proving an effective tool in building understanding, supporting communities and improving the travel experience for millions of passengers. Click here to read more

by Betsey Sanpere, principal with Creative Airport Solutions, a consultant to airports in the areas of community outreach and public relations.

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Buy in to Dubai?

Dubai World Central International Airport will take the crown as the world’s biggest regional hub when it opens next year, but Andreas Schwimm, director of economics at the Airports Council International (ACI), questions whether it will prove a good investment. Click here to read more

Saul Wordsworth, aviation writer

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Air Traffic con-trick?

An unholy trinity of conspirators is preventing greater efficiency in air traffic movements, opening the whole industry to criticism from environmental campaigners, claims Kim O’Neil, director of Advanced Aviation Technology. Click here to read more

Kim O’Neil, director of Advanced Aviation Technology

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Personal security, luggage and the war on terror!

Thankfully, the vast majority of air passengers are law abiding, co-operative, moderate people who just want to get from A to B with the least amount of hassle at reasonable cost. So says Barry Jenkins, director of BroomeJenkins. Click here to read more

Barry Jenkins, director of BroomeJenkins

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Food for thought – and flying…

A comprehensive survey of what passengers dislike about air travel, and all that it entails, would make interesting reading. Indeed, earlier blogs on this website go some way to establishing a list, with security, delays and luggage problems emerging as candidates for top-of-the-league honours. But what sort of reading would a list of likes about air travel make, wonders aviation correspondent Keith Read? Click here to read more

Keith Read, aviation correspondent

(1 comments) click here

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Air travel: Is it all worth it?

I recently travelled to JFK from Heathrow, says aviation journalist Saul Wordsworth. When I say recently, specifically speaking it was the day a man drove his car into Glasgow Terminal 2 and car bombs were discovered in London. My early arrival at Heathrow T3 with the intention of doing a spot of duty-free shopping and having something to eat was thus instantly nullified. Click here to read more

Saul Wordsworth, aviation writer

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Why your passport should wear a tin hat

There’s little doubt that RFID tags are revolutionising security practice in airports. From merchandise to baggage to passports, RFID chips are becoming an essential part of the security matrix. They are relatively cheap to manufacture, easy to deploy and can also carry details about an item or individual. Click here to read more

Ken Munro, managing director, SecureTest

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Security access commodification revisited

It's all about business and service. After 9/11 we all began paying the so-called 9/11 tax as a means for the newly created TSA to begin providing the government service that you refer to in your opening paragraph. The problem is, as with so many government-provided services, the quality and efficiency of the product is often compromised by the very mechanism that provides it — the Federal Government. Click here to read more

Roger Foster, frequenttraveler

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The commodification of airport security access

Just a few thoughts concerning the recent trend to sell priority access to federal screening at US airports. Whether we're talking about airline sponsored preferred customer lanes or new 'Registered Traveller' arrangements, both seem to be selling the same thing, priority access to a government-provided service we all pay the same for. Click here to read more

Stephen Irwin

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The case for better air fare

Food is one of the pleasures of life, a statement to which my ever-expanding waistline will attest. I try my best to avoid bad food but it's something that, as a regular traveller on trains and motorways, I am exposed to often. Yet it is something I increasingly find myself having to suffer in airports as well. Click here to read more

Iain Mottram, program support specialist

(1 comments) click here

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Airport security and the DC shuffle

“I have noticed that nothing I have never said ever did me any harm” – Calvin Coolidge. Notwithstanding our former president’s sage advice, I couldn’t help but notice that some of the alphabet groups representing our industry are frantically trying to stave off recently proposed new federal legislation. Click here to read more

Stephen Irwin, A.A.E., Aviation Security Consultant

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What direction?

A few weeks ago I fell over a small but interesting local East Anglian news story about town signage. This was not about signing the latest sports stadium or municipal building, but about taking the signage down – actually removing it! Click here to read more

Steve Thomas-Emberson

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US airport security - it's time to be honest

US airport security - it's time to be honest
In March of this year a crack team of covert security testers known as The Red Team smuggled a succession of bogus liquid explosives and imitation IEDs (improvised explosive devices) past customs officials at Denver International Airport. I say a succession – it was actually 90 percent. Click here to read more

Saul Wordsworth, writer for Passenger Terminal World magazine

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Is smaller better?

The travelling public associates large airports with large hassles. At bigger airports, parking is more expensive and roadways are more congested. Walking distances are longer – both outside over tarmac and inside through long terminal corridors. Many savvy travellers avoid the biggies and often find cheaper tickets at small airports nearby. Click here to read more

Lawrence Fabian, consultant

(1 comments) click here

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Focus on passenger needs versus level of service

The recent evolution of passenger processing technology is fostering a new school of thought in airport passenger terminal planning and design. Current design paradigms separate passengers by arrivals and departures rather than segmenting services and facilities by the individual needs of passengers. Click here to read more

Andrew Kirchhoff, Corgan

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How to bring some fresh thinking into the terminal world?

As a regular traveller I have been to very many airports around the world. I love travelling and I mostly like airports but they often frustrate me, as much as they fascinate me. Why? Because I discover unusual or different features that are innovative or imaginative and I think, that’s really interesting or fun or sensible… but in the next moment, I think, why don’t other airports do that? Click here to read more

Derek Osborn, consultant

(1 comments) click here

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A lot of hot air

According to reports from various environmental groups who like to report on these types of things, airports and the aircraft that serve them contribute to as much as 3.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the current growth in the industry, this number is expected to increase to more than 10 percent over the next 20 years or so. Click here to read more

Roddy Boggus, NCARB, AIA

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e-business and airport systems integration

I don’t know why ‘it’ has been bugging me other than the fact that ‘it’ is prevalent at almost every major gateway airport I have had an active business interest in. Prevalent in that many airport owners, major tenants, and many, many, many consultants seem oblivious to the fact that ‘it’ is a pivotal factor and determinant in the financial and operational efficiencies so necessary in an airport system. Click here to read more

Edward G. O’Rourke A.A.E., President, ASMI

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