Kimberley Young, Author at Regional Gateway

Birmingham Airport invests in customer feedba..

By Kimberley YoungFeatured, UncategorisedNo Comments

Birmingham Airport has invested over £100k in a bespoke customer feedback system which is to be available throughout the site.

The airport has partnered with realtimeknowledge.com, a company which specialises in operational reporting, to create the system named the ‘Voice of the Customer’. It is aimed at improving and innovating the airport’s customer feedback process, enabling the customer experience team to resolve any trends of issues. Overall, it is expected to highlight problems that need immediate improvement.

“We’ve been focused more than ever on making improvements to the passenger journey. Ensuring our passengers have the best experience possible is a priority for us – we want passengers to remember Birmingham Airport for all of the right reasons,” said Stuart Haseley-Nejrup, Head of Customer Experience of Birmingham Airport. “The Voice of the Customer system will help us to do just this, allowing us to delve much deeper into feedback, quicker than ever before.”

Feedback gathered through the Voice of the Customer system will be directly sent to the customer experience team who are able to react to passengers concerns and comments immediately. This investment will allow feedback to be submitted through mediums including 59 instant feedback touch screens, 10 QR codes for mobile or tablet devices, or written feedback posted in any of the 10 designated post boxes. Written feedback will be manually entered into the system so it can be analysed with other responses. These feedback points will be located in key passenger touchpoint such as check-in desks, security, departure gates, washrooms, lounges and on-site car parks.

Since its introduction in January, the system has gathered 47,000 pieces of feedback compared to an estimated 1,000 a year through previous written surveys. Haseley-Nejrup commented, “The uplift in feedback since implementing the system has given us invaluable information to create great experiences for our customers, as well as highlighting any friction points across the customer journey for us to make improvements to.” As the system is live, it enables passengers to react in the moment so areas in the terminal that potentially fail can be attended to faster than it may have before.

Recent improvements supported the airport’s score of 90% through the CAA’s departing passenger survey, as well as other awards on customer service. The airport hopes to use the gathered information to create “a frictionless customer journey, which is easy and accessible for all.”

February 25, 2020

Hobby Airport introduces facial comparison te..

By Kimberley YoungFeatured, UncategorisedNo Comments

Houston-based William P. Hobby Airport has become the first in Texas to use facial comparison technology for international arrivals and departures.

The technology launched at the airport on 19 February 2020 and is set to reduce wait times at security checkpoints.

Upon arrival, an international traveller will pause for a photo at the primary inspection point. CBP’s facial matching technology will then compare this photo with archived images that the traveller previously provided to the government such as passport and visa photos. In the cases where travellers cannot be matched, they will be manually processed by a CBP officer. New photos of US citizens will be deleted within 12 hours; photos of foreign nationals will be stored in a secure DHS system.

Simplified Arrivals is expected to cut the wait times at US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by half, whilst aiming to “enhance the travel experience” for the one million international passengers that go through Hobby Airport annually.

“Hobby Airport has taken a big leap into the future of travel…This is an important step to realise our goal of becoming a 5-star airport,” said Houston Aviation Director, Mario Diaz.

Houston Airports (HAS) are working with CBP and Southwest Airlines, after the success of the biometric exit process was introduced in November 2018. “CBP is committed to working with our partners to ensure that the travel system is secure and efficient,” said Houston Director of Field Operations, Judson W. Murdock II. “The speed, accuracy and reliability of facial comparison technology enable CBP officers to confirm a traveller’s identity within seconds while further enhancing the customer experience.”

Passengers are provided the opportunity to opt out of the biometric process where they will instead be processed manually, consistent to existing requirements for entry to the US. CBP has used facial comparison technology to intercept more than 250 imposters attempting to gain access to the US since September 2018, by using another person’s travel documents.

February 25, 2020

Wizzair announces route between Sweden and Po..

By Kimberley YoungFeatured, UncategorisedNo Comments

Hungarian airline, Wizzair, has launched a new route between Skellefteå in Swedish Lapland and Gdansk, Poland.

This route is the airline’s only service to the Northern part of Sweden and will operate twice a week, beginning 4 June 2020. At the time of writing, Wizz Air is the only airline to provide this direct route from Gdansk.

The addition of Skellefteå to the airline’s network will be a gateway to the Swedish Lapland. This connection is expected to benefit the tourism and business communities of the region which is “constantly growing”.

“Given the wealth of attractions Lapland has to offer and our great fares, we are sure customers will enjoy visiting this beautiful Swedish region,” said Andras Rado, Corporate

February 25, 2020

Prescott Regional Airport breaks ground for n..

By Kimberley YoungFeaturedNo Comments

Prescott Regional Airport – Ernest A. Love Field, in Arizona, has begun construction of a new $13.9 million new passenger terminal, expected to be complete by spring 2021.

The airport is partnering with Willmeng Construction and DWL Architects to replace the current 1940’s terminal with a new $13.9 million, 18,000 square-foot facility. The designers suggest further expansion will be “easy” as air service grows.

“The airport is a major economic driver for this entire region and as we see the economy continue to grow, there is great opportunity for more economic development around the airport,” said Greg Mengarelli, Mayor of the City of Prescott. “This new terminal is only the beginning as we look at future expansion.”

Prescott Regional Airport has seen a boost in passenger utilising commercial air service following the introduction of United Express (operated by SkyWest Airlines) in August 2018. Since then, over 73,000 passengers have used the service.

The new terminal will be constructed along with the development of a commercial service apron, baggage handling system, vehicle parking and roadway. It is hoped that these additions will enhance the travel experience for all passengers.

The airport has received funding and support from the FAA and state partnerships to begin this project. Dr Robin Sobotta, Airport Director of the City of Prescott commented, “An economic generator is happening to our community. Thank you to our engineering, design and construction partners who turn dreams into reality, you’ve done it for us! I’m glad we’re building our first terminal together.”

The airport has said construction will not interfere with flights or airport activity.

February 25, 2020

London Luton Airport welcomes rail proposals

By Kimberley YoungFeaturedNo Comments

London Luton Airport (LLA) has welcomed East Midlands Railway’s proposal to introduce a new Express service, anticipated to commence December 2020.

The timetable would introduce a non-stop service every 30 minutes between London St Pancras and London Airport Parkway, operated by electric trains. This express service would run from 06:00 to 22:00 with additional late night and early morning services to compliment airport departures. The service would also be separately branded.

Half hourly service from Corby and other East Midland stations to London Luton Airport would also be introduced under the proposals, allowing passengers quick transport between destinations.

LLA’s campaign for an express rail has been supported by groups such as easyJet, the CBI and Federation of Small Businesses. The airport suggests a direct rail link would bring new benefits to the local community and national economy, and would see a reduction of up to 70,000 car journeys to the airport annually.

Network Rail are expected to make a final decision on the proposals in late spring, with the new timetable to commence from December 2020. The potential introduction of a Luton Airport Express Service will be enhanced by the developments of the Direct Air-Rail Transit (DART) service, which is to be completed the following year. The investment would result in a fixed link between the airport and the station, allowing passengers to travel from central London to the airport in 30 minutes.

“We fully support EMR’s proposals to introduce express services, which are vital to encourage more passengers to travel to the airport by rail,” said Alberto Martin, CEO of LLA. “I look forward to working with Abellio as the new franchise operators throughout their franchise term, to see how we can further enhance the service with more trains and direct access to major cities in the North.”

February 25, 2020

Cornwall Airport Newquay appoints new Managin..

By Kimberley YoungUncategorisedNo Comments

Cornwall Airport Newquay is appointing Pete Downes as its new Managing Director from 4 May 2020.

Downes will be moving from his position as Aviation Director at London City Airport where he “has been instrumental” in route development and airline growth, delivering passenger traffic in excess of five million per year. It is hoped that his experience in the industry will support the airport’s continued strategic growth and enhance its contribution to the Cornish economy.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the team at Cornwall Airport Newquay, building on the airport’s impressive track record of delivery for the region,” Pete Downes commenting on his appointment by saying. “Having spent several years working in the South West of England previously, I’m looking forward to returning and working together with our airlines, partners and stakeholders to create an exciting future for aviation in Cornwall.”

This appointment comes at a time of network developments at the airport, including connections to Aberdeen, Newcastle, Glasgow, London Gatwick and Amsterdam, expected to launch in the spring of 2020. Cornwall Airport Newquay flies to over 20 destinations with its eight airline partners.

Chairman of Cornwall Airport Newquay, Tim Jeans said, “As we reach more destinations by air than ever before from Cornwall, Pete is ideally placed to boost the future of the airport and the vital role it plays to connect visitors and businesses with our region.”

February 24, 2020

Malta airport reveals “radical expansion”..

By Kimberley YoungFeaturedNo Comments

Malta International Airport (MIA) has announced its development and innovation programme to create the “best airport experience in Europe”.

The plans for expansion were launched to address continued traffic growth, with the airport recording a passenger growth of 7.4% in 2019. The expansion is expected to include a major increase in floorspace particularly within the check-in hall, security area, departure and check-in area. This adaptation is hoped to enhance passenger flow, incorporating a more effective passenger journey through the terminal.

New developments will take place across the airport estate including the construction of another business park (SkyParks II), a new hotel and development of the Apron. MIA is also to see the introduction of a new building management system, enabling energy and water management optimisation to support the development of an energy-efficient building.

MIA is partnering with The Design Solution and consultancy Pragma to carry out the €100million development project.

“The Terminal Expansion Project will equip us with the capacity to handle further traffic growth and enable us to offer a 5-star airport experience. This will be achieved through a combination of increased operational space, a superior F&B and retail offering, a stronger sense of place and the use of cutting-edge technologies,” said Alan Borg, CEO of MIA.

The terminals will be developed to make the passenger journey more effective with promotion of F&B and retail offers. Airside developments and landslide zones will aim to incorporate retail and catering for those arriving and departing the airport.

The design of the extended terminal “will capture the spirit of the Maltese islands” the airport suggest, utilising traditional patterns, materials and colours, to reflect the sea and skies of the destination and “celebrating the spirit, heritage and natural beauty of Malta.”

February 24, 2020

Cork Airport retains ‘most punctualR..

By Kimberley YoungFeaturedNo Comments

Ireland-based Cork Airport has again been named the most punctual among Irish international airports in 2019, according to OAG research.

The airport offers over 50 routes across the UK and Europe, along with multiple long-haul worldwide connections through major European hub airports. It managed to hold an on-time performance of 83.7% in 2019, a +3.5% increase in punctuality on the previous year. A total of 2.6 million passengers passed through Cork Airport in 2019.

2020 marks the fifth year of consecutive growth for Cork Airport, with an expected growth of 5% in passenger numbers to 2.7 million passengers. The addition of two new routes are expected to help the airline reach this goal. A daily flight to Amsterdam Schipol will offer connections to 170 destinations worldwide and is planned to launch 30 March. Also, a direct flight to Zadar, Croatia is to commence in April 2020.

“With Cork Airport continuing to grow strongly year-on-year, it is fantastic to see that we have retained our status as the most punctual airport in the country,” said Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport. “It is key that we maintain the aspects that the public love about Cork Airport – ease of access, convenience, award-winning customer service and minimal wait times.”

February 24, 2020

Regional Gateway - SkyWork Airlines ceases operations

Bern Airport looks ahead to flyBAIR launch

By Kimberley YoungAirportsNo Comments

Bern Airport subsidiary flyBAIR, has formed a co-operation agreement with regional carrier Helvetic Airways, ahead of its summer launch.

flybair The start-up Swiss company plans to launch in May 2020, offering flights from Bern to Jerez, Crete, Kos, Mallorca, Menorca, Olbia, Preveza and Rhodes – as well as from Sion to Mallorca.

The airline has been supported by crowdfunding and has attracted a total of 1,398 shareholders to support the ‘virtual airline’. Flughafen Bern AG holds 15.3% of the share capital as the largest shareholder of the regional company. The airline will operate through a model whereby flyBAIR will be responsible for the marketing of operations, working with partners operating the flights.

Helvetic Airways will carry out flyBAIR’s planned flight connections from Bern and Sion using an Embraer E190-E1 aircraft, with Urs Ryf, delegate of the flyBAIR board of directors, commenting, “With Helvetic Airways we have found a partner that represents the Swiss values that also identify flyBAIR.”

Originally German Airways and Lions Air were set to operate the flights but could not keep the existing contract. Ryf explained that in Helvetic Airways flyBAIR has found a partner “Who knows regional airports very well,” and knows the Swiss market.

Bern Airport has faced a challenging few years following the bankruptcy of SkyWork Airlines in August 2018, and the resulting loss of scheduled flights.

SkyWorks was one of two airlines operating from Bern Airport and also had a base at the airport, operating flights to 19 European destinations.

In July 2019 the airport revealed it had faced a “difficult” financial year since the grounding, reporting that “the company closed that fiscal year with an annual loss of almost one million Swiss Francs.”

On the reveal of the flyBAIR project in 2019, André Lüthi, Board of Directors of the new airline called it a “Berner project for Berners” adding, “Now we all have a unique chance to show that we have sensible and ecologically justifiable public traffic in Bern want: as a tourist region, as a federal capital with a hub connection to the world.”

February 24, 2020

Groupe ADP to acquire 49% stake in GMR Airpor..

By Kimberley YoungAirports, FeaturedNo Comments

Airport developer and operator, Groupe ADP, has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 49% stake in the Indian group, GMR Airports.

The agreement has been made at a total purchase price of 107.8 billion INR (approximately 1,360 million euros).

The agreement is subject to certain conditions and will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will be carried out in the days following the announcement for a 24.99% stake, with a second phase for 24.01% subject to regulatory conditions – notably, obtaining the customary regulatory approvals for this type of project, particularly from the Reserve Bank of India. This will be concluded in the upcoming months.

Once completed, GMR Airports will be jointly owned with GMR Infrastructure Limited, which will retain a 51% stake and control over the company, and Groupe ADP which will be granted highly extended governance rights.

Groupe ADP suggested the acquisition is in line with the company’s international development strategy, based on the acquisition of airport clusters in dynamic regions. Air traffic in India is expected to rise by 6.5% per year on average between 2018 and 2038, with international traffic alone expected to grow at an average pace of 6.7% per year.

Augustin de Romanet Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aéroports de Paris SA-Groupe ADP said: “This acquisition comes with a robust industrial partnership and enables Groupe ADP to build, only two years after taking control of TAV Airports, a unique worldwide network of airports with a solid industrial expertise and strong development capacities. Medium and long term growth driver, this acquisition is a transforming position for the group in one of Asia’s most dynamic and promising countries.”

GMR Airports has a portfolio of seven airports in India, Philippines and Greece, and a subsidiary specialised in project management. Three of the airports are currently operated by GMR Airports including Delhi International Airport and Hyderabad International Airport in India, and the Mactan-Cebu Airport in the Philippines.

The remaining four airports are either under development (including Goa and Heraklion) or have been added to the portfolio after a bidding process (Nagpur and Bhogapuram) and will be operated by the group once works are completed.

GM Rao, Chairman, GMR Group commented: “The partnership with Groupe ADP is in line with GMR’s business direction to become a global airport developer and operator. We have been on a journey of defining airports of the future with key focus on passenger experience by leveraging enhanced technology and offering superior amenities. With Groupe ADP, GMR will have smoother access to global markets, opening up newer avenues of business growth.”

During the financial year 2019, GMR Airports recorded a total revenue of 715 million euros and reported an EBITDA of 205 million euros.

Through the acquisition, Groupe ADP will be granted extended rights including the presence of board members at GMR Airports’ board, equal to that of GMR Infrastructure Limited board members. It will also have the right to appoint predetermined executives within GMR Airports.

Image: Delhi Airport.

February 21, 2020

Kimberley Young

Keep track of the latest industry news