Category

Non-aeronautical

Stansted welcomes five new F&B concessions with contracts valued at €190m

By Airports, Featured, News, Non-aeronauticalNo Comments

HMSHost International, a travel hospitality specialist, has extended its presence in the UK securing the addition of five new stores and the extension of one store, for seven years at London Stansted Airport. The contracts are valued at just over €190m.

Alongside a recently opened Comptoir Libanais, Sunny Side Cafe, Perch and Terracotta, the company brings an additional LEON store, positioning the company as the largest food & beverage (F&B) operator at the London hub.

With a focus on fast service, a variety of menus and “instagrammable moments”, the five new stores are expected to be well received by passengers travelling through the UK’s fourth busiest airport, with Sytze van der Aa, Regional Managing Director Europe at HMSHost International saying: “Our new development at London Stansted shows how well we work with our partners; teaming up with Manchester Airports Group, listening to their wishes and combining this with our deep knowledge of travellers, resulting int eh delivery of a sensational food & beverage experience for our guests, and bringing global partners Comptoir Libanais and LEON, amongst others to the table. We can’t wait to see all our stores open and deliver travellers with a memorable F&B experience at London Stansted as we continue to create places to be.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Martin, London Stansted’s Retail Director, said: “As one of the fastest recovering airports in the UK, the £12m investment to provide passengers with a greater choice of contemporary and innovative places to dine, with fresh and varied menus, will really help create a buzz of excitement and a very positive airport experience. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of teams at HMS Host and here at the airport, these amazing new concepts are now ready to be enjoyed by the millions of people taking to the skies from London Stansted this summer.”

In addition to the five new stores, HMSHost UK has been busy redeveloping their existing stores. Travellers can already enjoy a drink at the newly opened concept Burnells, which has had a long awaited reveal after its pre-covid redevelopment. The original LEON will also enjoy a well-earned redevelopment, mirroring the newest store.

July 27, 2022

AIPUT makes £38m acquisition of industrial trade park

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The Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust (AIPUT) has announced the acquisition of Trade City Luton, which forms part of the Kingsway Industrial Estate located in the heart of Luton and just four miles from London Luton Airport.

The new industrial park offers a range of units between 5,000 and 27,000 sq. ft. and is positioned to appeal to first and last mile logistics companies making the most of the Luton’s growing status as a rapidly expanding commuter town and multi-modal logistics hub in close proximity to the airport, as well as rail connectivity to the rest of the UK, including a number of major regional gateway ports.

Trade City is proving to be a popular location for a wide range of business sectors, having attracted three new lettings already in 2022 and only two units currently vacant.

“This latest addition to AIPUT’s industrial real estate asset portfolio represents our first investment in Luton, an incredibly well-connected but supply-constrained South-East town that is making huge strides in building back better following the brutal challenges of recent times,” said Nick Smith, Fund Manager at AIPUT.

“Our goal is to leverage every opportunity [at Trade City Luton] to use our asset management skills to unlock real long-term value for people and businesses, as much as working to enhance the bottom line. Key will be promoting and plugging into the greener transport of goods and people through Luton’s extensive multi-modal supply chain networks,” he added.

AIPUT’s acquisition of Trade City Luton follows swiftly on the heels of the fund’s recent acquisition of Tesla’s Crawley HQ and the nearby 95,000 sq. ft. GIA Fleming Business Centre, both located in close proximity to Gatwick’s Airport.

June 6, 2022

Doncaster Sheffield welcomes Enterprise Rent-A-Car

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The UK’s Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has partnered with Enterprise Rent-A-Car as part of its ongoing mission to offer an easy, friendly, relaxed experience to its customers.

Enterprise is recognised as a household name for frequent travellers and road trippers and its new branch at the air transport hub is the latest to join more than 450 branches across the UK. The car hire outlet will offer a range of vehicles and will create six jobs including four Management Trainees who are part of Enterprise’s award-winning graduate training programme.

“We’re delighted to welcome Enterprise Car Hire as a great addition to our customer offering ensuring a great end-to-end experience for passengers that travel through Doncaster Sheffield Airport,” said Ian Smith, Commercial and Passenger Experience Director, DSA. “This world-renowned brand shares our aspirations for exceeding customer expectations, and we are pleased to welcome them aboard.”

Describing Doncaster as one of the UK’s fastest growing airports, Thomas Worwood, Enterprise Manager added: ” We share very similar cultural ambitions to nurture new talent, foster innovation and deliver exceptional customer service, so DSA is a great fit for the brand.

“We are looking forward to a busy summer welcoming inbound and outbound tourists after such a long time without international travel. We hope that our combined expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction will lead to a bumper summer season ahead.”

Header image: Left to right – Tom Drury and Jake Coy of Enterprise with Ian Smith, Commercial and Passenger Experience Director, DSA open up the new branch of Enterprise Rent-A-Car with Enterprise Branch Manager Tom Worwood.

 

April 20, 2022

Copenhagen Airport sets precedent for other air transport hubs as largest EV charging site in Denmark

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As part of a long-term agreement, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure supplier ABB will play a key role in helping Copenhagen Airport to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2030.

The next 10 years will see ABB provide energy group EWII with 1,350 EV chargers for installation for Copenhagen Airport making it Denmark’s largest site for EV charging. The first 180 AC chargers and 15 DC fast chargers will be installed in 2022.

“We are pleased to support Copenhagen Airport in their sustainable transition with our broad portfolio of quality and professional charging solutions,” said Frank Muehlon, CEO of ABB E-mobility.

“We are convinced that it will not only serve as inspiration for other airports in Denmark but also in other countries and that it will again demonstrate the possibilities and benefits of clean, quiet and flexible electric mobility,” he continued.

With Copenhagen looking for a holistic EV charging solution for its more than 80,000 daily travellers and employees parking on site, the solution also needed to serve vehicles in need of faster charging including taxis dropping off travellers and businesses operating inside the airport handling transportation, luggage and catering.

To meet this demand, EWII  teamed up with a number of partners, including ABB to supply the 1,350 charging points.

EWII’s Head of Wholesale, Jesper Nicolaisen, added: “With ABB as our e-mobility partner, we are assured access to a wide range of solutions that can charge everything from cars to buses and trucks. Additionally, it was crucial for us and the airport that the charging stations be both reliable and of the highest quality. As an experienced global partner, which helps to drive innovation in EV charging infrastructure, ABB performs on all parameters.”

Header image: Copenhagen Airport
April 19, 2022

Self-driving shuttle bus takes to the roads around Birmingham Airport

By Airports, Featured, Ground handling, Non-aeronauticalNo Comments

As part of trials underway in Solihull in the UK, a state-of-the-art self-driving shuttle bus will take to the roads around Birmingham Airport over the next six weeks. The trial is part of a council-led project to test how Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) might be integrated into the area’s local transport network in the future.

The zero emissions self-driving shuttle was initially demoed at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) last Autumn, where it operated autonomously on Solihull roads for the first time, while carrying carrying passengers.

This latest deployment will see the shuttle, which will be limited to a top speed of 20 mph, transporting passengers around a longer and more complex route at the airport, while interacting with other road users. The trial route will provide airport staff with a new temporary service linking the departures entrance to one of the car parks. As well as airport staff the bus will also be available for members of the public to use.

Nick Barton, Chief Executive, Birmingham Airport said: “Autonomous technology promises enormous benefits to airports and the service companies that support them, with the potential to transform the way we work and improve efficiency and safety, for passengers, staff and other airport users.
“We are really excited to be working with Solihull Council on this trial, which will provide us with invaluable insight into how we can start to safely incorporate CAVs into our vehicle fleet. This trial of fully electric vehicles, and testing their capabilities on site, is making sure we are working towards our net zero carbon target by 2033.”

The success of this trial at Birmingham Airport will provide further knowledge and experience of self-driving vehicles in a real-world environment providing the evidence to support the technology being rolled out at scale across Solihull in the future.

Describing his delight at working with Solihull council and Birmingham Airport, Miles Garner, Sales and Marketing Director at autonomous shuttle manufacturer, Aurrigo, added: “Aviation is a major opportunity for Aurrigo, with a genuine desire to find new technologies that can improve the passenger experience. This could be through our driver-less shuttles, our Auto-Sim modelling software or it could be through our Auto-Dolly cargo/luggage dolly that can replace the traditional tugs that are commonplace in airports all over the world.

“We’ve recently completed projects at Changi Airport in Singapore and Gerald R. Ford International in North America, putting the UK on the global map for autonomous technology deployment.”

March 28, 2022

ACI World issues guidance on strengthening non-aeronautical revenue streams

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With air travel set to increase following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions around the world, Airports Council International (ACI) World has launched a new series of guidance material dedicated to helping airports strengthen their non-aeronautical (commercial) revenue to improve the traveller experience and contribute to the recovery of the sector.

The airport trade body highlights that the economic impact of the pandemic on the financial health of airports underpins the importance of non-aeronautical revenue in the recovery of the airport business and the long-term sustainability of the entire aviation ecosystem.

“As transportation options evolve and the preferences of customers change, airports must respond to meet the needs of their primary customers—both passengers and employees,” said ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira. “This requires airports to improve operating procedures, offer enhanced technologies, and upgrade infrastructure—particularly as travel picks up with the easing of travel restrictions.”

This he said, might include increased digitalisation, electric vehicle charging stations, the amount of available curb space, number of public parking spaces, need for remote parking lots, and the infrastructure required for bicycle access, for instance. “When managed correctly, airports can enhance the customer experience and their revenue by effectively working with their service providers while striving to provide an exceptional customer experience.”

He added: “I encourage airports to leverage the Optimal Integration of Airport Ground Access Services Handbook, and the Sustainable Airport Ground Access Policy Paper, as well as the upcoming guidance in support of non-aeronautical activities and revenues, to improve the traveller experience and contribute to the sector’s recovery.”

The publications have been developed by ACI World’s new sub-committee on Airports’ Non-Aeronautical Revenues and Activities (ANARA). The first set of available guidance focuses on airport ground access and includes the Optimal Integration of Airport Ground Access Services Handbook and the Sustainable Airport Ground Access Policy Paper. The rest of the series will include the launch of timely guidance in the areas of concession agreements, duty free, digital transformation and food and beverage.

March 9, 2022

VolkerFitzpatrick awarded runway refurb contrat for Gloucestershire Airport

By Airports, Design, Featured, News, Non-aeronauticalNo Comments

Gloucestershire Airport has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick, one of the UK’s leading engineering and construction companies, to deliver a Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) approved upgrade to Gloucestershire Airport in 2022.

The work will be carried out in four phases, with the primary focus being the resurfacing of the crosswind and main runways. There will also be new runway lighting and upgrades to signage and drainage, as well as the installation of below ground infrastructure in readiness for a new radar system.

One of the airport’s three runways will remain open while works are carried out, albeit operating at reduced capacity. When all work is complete, the airport’s existing ‘north/south’ runway will permanently close to make way for the development of the new business park, CGX Connect.

Starting in January 2022, the first phase will see the crosswind runway resurfaced with work taking place through the night to avoid any disruption to operations. Phases two and three will follow in Spring 2022, with work taking place during the day and throughout the night. This phase will see the resurfacing of the main runway, new runway lighting installed, upgrades to signage and draining, and the installation of below ground infrastructure.

Phase four will be the testing and commissioning phase of the project in readiness for anticipated completion and resumption of normal operations by Summer 2022.

“We’re well versed in working on projects like this, having completed similar works at Glasgow, Birmingham and Gatwick Airports. These upgrades will place Gloucestershire Airport firmly at the top end of aviation standards and technology, which will help unlock numerous opportunities and benefits for the airport and surrounding area,” commented Kevin Berry, VolkerFitzpatrick Operations Director.

“These are transformational times for Gloucestershire Airport,” continued Karen Taylor, Gloucestershire Airport Managing Director. “These upgrades are essential to the continued smooth running of operations and, along with CGX Connect, will really elevate the quality and status of the airport, along with its profile as a ‘gateway for growth’ for all those significant developments being brought forward across the region.

Ridge & Partners LLP will work alongside VolkerFitzpatrick, providing project and commercial management services for the runway upgrade. Justin Wright, Senior Project Manager at Ridge & Partners LLP explained how the work will be carried out.

December 23, 2021

Isle of Man Airport takes delivery of three Oshkosh Striker ARFF vehicles

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Oshkosh, which manufactures aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles has delivered three of its Striker 6×6 ARFF vehicles to the Isle of Man Airport near Castletown in the UK.

The Strikers will enter front line services in the first quarter of 2022 to support operations at the airport, which is also know as Ronaldsway Airport and serves around 800,000 passengers annually.

“This delivery represents the first Oshkosh Strikers for the Isle of Man Government and the vehicles will provide essential advancements in acceleration, maneuverability, firefighting capabilities, and safety technology for the fleet,” said Jack Bermingham, business unit director for Oshkosh Airport Products. “Supported by Terberg DTS UK, IOM will have convenient access to critical service support for the aftermarket care of their Striker ARFF vehicles.”

Equipped with 50-foot snozzle high reach extendable turrets, water capacity of 3,170 gallons and a foam capacity of 444 gallons, the new Striker 6×6 ARFF vehicles are also equipped with a Snozzle HRET strobe light, dual LED tip spotlights, mounted thermal camera, piercing tip color camera, and an air aspirated bumper turret with a discharge rate of 1,585 gpm (6,000 L/m).

December 22, 2021

More building rights up for sale at Goteborg Landvetter Airport

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In line with its vision for Airport City Göteborg, Swedavia has sold the last building rights available in Logistics Park 1 at Göteborg Landvetter Airport in Sweden to Nordiska Galleriet Properties AB – Swedens’ largest retailer of furniture, lighting and interior furnishings in the premium segment.

To meet the strong demand for logistics properties at the airport, work has now begun on Logistics Park 2, which will be twice the size of the original logistics park.

The sale of the building rights to Nordiska Galleriat Properties includes three land-owning companies with an underlying property value of around 17.4 million Swedish kronor. The transfer of ownership took place on 7 October.

“Naturally we are pleased that Nordiska Galleriat Properties and thus another operator has chosen to take part in the development of Airport City Göteborg,” remarked Stefan Stenburg, CEO of Swedavia Real Estate. “we are now seeing the rapid growth of a new hub for transport and logistics at the airport. The logistics properties now being planned will have easy access and good exposure next to the entrance to Göteborg Landvetter Airport.”

With Logistics Park 1 covering a total of 300,000 sq.m. some 95,000 sq.m. of new premises for warehouses and logistics have already been completed. A further approximately 20,000 sq.m. of office, business and warehousing premises will be created as a result of the recent sales over the next two years.

Stenberg added that there continues to be strong interest in establishing logistics operations adjacent to the optimal transport hub that the airport constitutes. “To meet this demand, Swedavia is now beginning work on Airport City Göteborg’s second logistics area, which will have twice as much space as Logistics Park 1,” he pointed out.

Located on the west side of the airport and covering around 700,000 sq.m. work on the zoning plan for the new logistics area will start in 2022. The goal is for the first building in the area to be completed in 2025.

“Our furniture operations in Molndal have seen very strong growth recently, and it feels good that we are now expanding our peroperty holdigns and gaining access to more storage capacity, which will facilitate continued growth for Nordiska Galleriet in the Gothenburg region,” said Per Sköld, CEO of Nordiska Galleriet Properties.

October 18, 2021

George Best Belfast City Airport partners with Danske Bank to open digital hub

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George Best Belfast City Airport has opened a new digital hub, known as the Drop Zone and sponsored by Danske Bank to help passengers stay connected.

Designed by Off the Wall and featuring 16 charging points, the Drop Zone offers passengers the chance to sit down while charging their personal electronic devices and using the airport’s free Wi-Fi.

Commenting on the new Drop Zone, which is located in the airport’s departures lounge, Mark Beattie, Operations Director at George Best Belfast City Airport, said: “Its prime location means that each person travelling out of Belfast City Airport, whether it’s for business or leisure, will be able to avail of the comfortable seating area and charging points.”

Belfast City Airport currently serves 18 destinations across the UK and Europe with its seven regional and blue-chip airline partners, including Aer Lingus, British Airways and KLM. The new facility will help the airport’s passengers keep up with work, access entertainment or simply stay connected during their journey.

“We’re really pleased to see the Danske Drop Zone come to life at George Best Belfast City Airport,” said Shaun McAnee, MD of Corporate & Business Banking at Danske Bank. “It is the latest initiative in our mission to help Northern Ireland grow again and provides an opportunity for anyone travelling for work or leisure to stay connected. As the economy opens up again it is important that we make it as easy as possible for our local business people to do business in other parts of the UK and beyond,” he continued.

October 11, 2021