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La Palma and Torino celebrate joint win at ACI Europe awards

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La Palma Airport in Spain and Torino Airport in Italy were named as joint winners in the ‘Under 5 million passengers category’ at this year’s Airports Council International (ACI) Europe’s Best Airport Awards.

The awards were announced at the 32nd ACI Europe Annual Congress and General Assembly, which took place in Rome from 22-24 June. The awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement across the entire portfolio of airport activities, including eco-innovation, human resources excellence and digital transformation. The judging panel comprised representatives from the European Commission, Eurocontrol, SESAR Joint Undertaking, the International Transport Forum and ECAC.

La Palma Airport was highlighted for its resilience not only during COVID-19 crisis but also during the Cumbre Veja volcanic eruptions, while Torino Airport was recognised for its significant recovery post-pandemic as well as its work on innovation and sustainability.

In the ‘5-10 million passengers’ category Valencia Airport took the win with the jury underlining the significant operations put in place to cope with the pandemic, including cargo and medical flights. The airport is also a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pioneer and is a test airport for Spanish airport operator Aena’s collaboration with Air bp. The airport received praise for its continued investment in quality of service improvements such as a new automatic border control system.

Eindhoven Airport was also highly commended in this category.

 

In the ’10-25 million passenger’ category Porto Airport came out on top, while Vienna Airport was named the winner of the ’25-40 million passenger’ category and Rome Fiumicino Airport won the ‘over 40 million passenger’ category. While London City was awarded the Digital Transformation Award, another UK hub, Bristol Airport, was awarded the eco-innovation award alongside Turking airport – iGA Istanbul Grand Airport. The latter also received this year’s Human Resources Excellence Award.

David Feldman, Managing Partner at Exambela Consulting was declared ACI Europe’s World Business Partner thanks to his active participation in committees, sharing of best practices and experience, research and special initiatives. Feldman was also tasked with chairing the conference session’s at this year’s ACI Europe Regional Airports Conference, which took place in Palermo, Sicily at the end of February.

In addition, a Special Recognition Award was given to Emanuel Fleuti, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Zurich Airport for his “outstanding leadership in advancing Airport Carbon Accreditation and airport sustainability.”

 

Header image: Joint winners – representatives from Torino Airport and La Palma Airport received their Best Airport Award from ACI Europe’s DG, Olivier Jankovec. 

La Palma Airport in Spain and Torino Airport in Italy were named as joint winners in the ‘Under 5 million passengers category’ at this year’s Airports Council International (ACI) Europe’s Best Airport Awards.

The awards were announced at the 32nd ACI Europe Annual Congress and General Assembly, which took place in Rome from 22-24 June. The awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement across the entire portfolio of airport activities, including eco-innovation, human resources excellence and digital transformation. The judging panel comprised representatives from the European Commission, Eurocontrol, SESAR Joint Undertaking, the International Transport Forum and ECAC.

La Palma Airport was highlighted for its resilience not only during COVID-19 crisis but also during the Cumbre Veja volcanic eruptions, while Torino Airport was recognised for its significant recovery post-pandemic as well as its work on innovation and sustainability.

In the ‘5-10 million passengers’ category Valencia Airport took the win with the jury underlining the significant operations put in place to cope with the pandemic, including cargo and medical flights. The airport is also a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pioneer and is a test airport for Spanish airport operator Aena’s collaboration with Air bp. The airport received praise for its continued investment in quality of service improvements such as a new automatic border control system.

Eindhoven Airport was also highly commended in this category.

 

In the ’10-25 million passenger’ category Porto Airport came out on top, while Vienna Airport was named the winner of the ’25-40 million passenger’ category and Rome Fiumicino Airport won the ‘over 40 million passenger’ category. While London City was awarded the Digital Transformation Award, another UK hub, Bristol Airport, was awarded the eco-innovation award alongside Turking airport – iGA Istanbul Grand Airport. The latter also received this year’s Human Resources Excellence Award.

David Feldman, Managing Partner at Exambela Consulting was declared ACI Europe’s World Business Partner thanks to his active participation in committees, sharing of best practices and experience, research and special initiatives. Feldman was also tasked with chairing the conference session’s at this year’s ACI Europe Regional Airports Conference, which took place in Palermo, Sicily at the end of February.

In addition, a Special Recognition Award was given to Emanuel Fleuti, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Zurich Airport for his “outstanding leadership in advancing Airport Carbon Accreditation and airport sustainability.”

 

Header image: Joint winners – representatives from Torino Airport and La Palma Airport received their Best Airport Award from ACI Europe’s DG, Olivier Jankovec. 
June 27, 2022

AviaDev Africa provides perfect platform to support connectivity to and within the continent

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While June has already been packed with aviation events, the end of the month will see airport and airline executives as well as suppliers heading to Cape Town for AviaDev Africa, which is set to deliver more than 300 route development meetings.

The event, which provides a perfect networking platform for airports, airlines and suppliers, such as Airbus, Swissport, Boeing, Embraer, SITA and Rolls Royce, is taking place at Century City in Cape Town, South Africa from 29 June to 1 July. This year will mark the sixth edition of the networking event which is themed: Connect. Collaborate. Change.

Commenting on the upcoming event Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO and Official Spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, noted, “We look forward to welcoming our industry delegates to Cape Town and the Western Cape. We thank AviaDev for the opportunity to showcase our world-class destination as a business hub at the forefront of essential conversations and collaborations, especially regarding increasing air connectivity within Africa.”

A comprehensive conferencing programme will be held alongside the route development meetings with sessions addressing the role of air cargo and diversifying airport revenues, building airline partnerships, financing African airlines and exploring the opportunities for OEMs. Meanwhile a pre-conference workshop specifically for airports and tourism authorities will focus on the skills needed to drive active route development and what airlines look for when placing a new route.

Underlining his support for aviation in Africa Jon Howell, CEO AviaDev Africa stated: “We have supported the industry through the pandemic with numerous digital engagements and will continue to do so, but it is clear the industry needs to meet and discuss future route development for Africa in person. AviaDev Africa provides the perfect mix between an educational programme, focused pre-arranged route development meetings and industry networking. We are confident that as a result of the event, new relationships will be forged that will deliver the connectivity that Africa deserves.”

June 22, 2022

Finavia appoints Amadeus for data-driven coordination across 20 airports

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The Finnish airport operator, Finavia, has begun modernising its operations with Amadeus’ cloud-based Airport Operational Database (AODB) at Helsinki Airport as well as 19 other regional hubs across Finland. The agreement also sees Finavia become one of the first airport companies to run its AODB from the cloud, with a multi-airport approach that manages operational changes across Finavia’s airports.

“Rolling out this new capability across Finavia’s airports will significantly improve our operational efficiency, helping us to better collaborate with our airline partners to improve on-time performance for passengers,” said Leyla Akgez-Laakso, CIO, Finavia.

The collaboration will see data-driven coordination of operations across all Finavia’s airports to enhance relationships with airline partners. Airports are incredibly complex operational environments. Refuelling trucks, buses, stands, gates and ground handling teams must all be intelligently allocated based on the unique characteristics of each aircraft, its arrival time and the onward connections of arriving passengers. With a cloud approach the AODB can be accessed from any device using a fixed, WiFi or mobile connection so ground handlers working airside can access up-to-the-moment information as and when its needed. Finavia’s management can access the real-time view of the groups complete operations from any device with an internet connections, while IT teams benefit from reduced maintenance and less on-site hardware.

The AODB is integral to contributing to good operational performance, on-time departures, and the efficient use of resources. Finavia’s airports will implement Amadeus’ single cloud-based solution that’s tightly integrated with airline systems to gain optimised airport operations. The airport operator will benefit from automated real-time updates to flight information as soon as airlines initiate changes meaning high accuracy levels. This will help airport stakeholders to better allocate resources and respond to the needs of airlines and passengers.

Yannick Beunardeau, VP Airport IT and Airline Operations EMEA, Amadeus added: ” Amadeus already manages data for about 95% of the airlines that operate at Finavia airports, so we’re in a unique position to provide Finavia and its stakeholders with access to accurate, real-time data about flight plans and passenger connections. This deployment is a great example of an ambitious airport company looking to digitally transform and deliver closer collaboration with its airline partners.”

Finavia’s transformation is already underway with the switch to Amadeus AODB planned to occur in a phased approach across all 20 airports in the coming year.

June 22, 2022

PTEParis: Vitra develops seating specifically for public spaces

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Vitra, the seating company, has launched its Soft Wait seating solution, which has been developed specifically for public spaces.

According to Pascal Berberat, Head of Airport Division at Vitra, airport furniture is subject to heavy use, so it has to be durable, adaptable and aesthetically pleasing.

“Finding that balance of the conflicting requirements between the airport operator and the passenger is challenging,” he said. “The key to good design is recognising the need to solve a problem and then provide a solution to that problem,” he added, explaining that all too often seating which is used elsewhere is then used in an airport setting where it simply doesn’t last. Vitra however designs its seating specifically to fit an airport or other public space’s stringent requirements.

Designed by Vitra and designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, the sofa-style system combines comfort and ergonomic seating that is suitable for heavy use and the exacting demands of the airport environment.

Each detail has been designed to be durable, easy to clean and simple to maintain, while the modular design allows for multiple configurations which can be modified and expanded on at a later date. It can be assembled into linear and curved formations, ensuring effective use of any awkwardly shaped interiors or dead spaces, for example around pillars.

In addition, the individual modules are equipped with power and data connections, and the metal parts – legs and armrests come in a polished or black powder-coated finish. Tables can be positioned between seats or at the end of benches.

June 15, 2022

PTEParis: Kusch+Co showcases stylish seating solution in the French capital

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With passenger traffic on the rise, airports are turning their attention to airport seating with seating manufacturers leveraging this growth at this year’s Passenger Terminal Expo.

Kusch+Co is showcasing its latest solution – Creva soft – at this year’s show. The seating solution has already been deployed at Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport in Germany, where it offers a multitude of distinct variations and options, according to the seating manufacturer.

Creva Soft is aligned with the rise in mobile working, allowing passengers to optimise their time at the airport by keeping up with work commitments. Featuring a comfortable armchair style seat with high back and textured walls, as well as a table top, passengers can catch up on work or talk on the phone undisturbed. USB ports and integrated sockets enable customers to charge their electronic devices.

June 15, 2022

PTEParis: Zoeftig enjoys the vista in Paris at Passenger Terminal Expo

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Seating manufacturer, Zoeftig, has unveiled its latest seating product at this year’s Passenger Terminal Expo in Paris – the Vista, which it describes as “changing the landscape for an ultimate concourse experience.”

The versatile seating system is modular in construction and designed to respond to the needs of modern airports and passenger demographics. It features an ergonomic design, ultra clean aesthetic and flexible construction. With its premium look and feel, it would be equally at home in lounges or at departure gates.

It can be arranged with inclusive social spaces, providing areas for passengers of all different profiles from the single business traveller to families and groups of all ages. It also offers protected seating areas for those who prioritise privacy and personal space. A stripped back bench runs with a clean and contemporary feel, while collaborative sections enable passenger interaction. Mains and USB power is available via multiple integrated locations to ensure seats are provided with convenient and easily accessible charging points.

The seating can be finished in a variety of materials and finishes so that it can be tailored to different environment and customer requirements.

Alongside other seating solutions Zoeftig is also showcasing its Zenky seating at this year’s PTE. The seating supplier has already partnered with various airports on its Zenky seating including Denver Airport as well as Salt Lake City Airport in the US where it has been well received by passengers and airport operations teams alike.

 

 

June 15, 2022

PTEParis: Zurich Airport collaborates with Materna IPS to deploy self drop installation

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Materna IPS, which is exhibiting at this year’s Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE) in Paris has completed the installation of its self bag drop installation at Zurich Airport in Switzerland. The installation will not only decrease the average passenger transaction time, but it will also significantly reduce waiting times during check-in.

A total of 20 self-service units are now available for passengers to use at the airport, which is a popular gateway both in and outside the country. The double units in front-loader design resemble regular counters with baggage placed on the belt from the front and the first airlines to make the new technology available to their passengers are SWISS, Edelweiss, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. Other carriers are expected to follow in the coming months.

“The self-bag drop service allows different airlines to operate at the same counter,” said Roman Jung, Project Manager Self Bag Drop, Flughafen Zurich. “This increases flexibility in the check-in process and enhances passenger convenience by providing additional bag drop points.”

The completion of this project at Zurich Airport marks a new chapter for Materna in improving the passenger journey at the airport and further demonstrates the airport suppliers expansion throughout Europe.

 

 

June 15, 2022

PTE22: Veovo partners with Swedavia to introduce environmental emissions incentives

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Swedish airport operator, Swedavia, has partnered with technology company, Veovo, to introduce environmental emissions incentives at Stockholm Arlanda and Gothenburg Landvetter airports.

Underpinning the operator’s strategic focus on sustainability, Veovo’s Revenue Management software will automatically calculate charges, using industry emission data sets and Swedavia’s innovative environmental charging approach. This will enable Swedavia to incentivise airlines to switch to more efficient aircraft and accelerate the transition to more sustainable aviation.

Following a Swedish Government requirement that airport charges should be differentiated for environmental purposes, Swedavia recently introduced CO2 and NOx Emission Charges. The charge adjustments incentivise the use of more efficient aircraft by penalising those with higher emissions while rewarding cleaner aircraft – with an overall airport revenue-neutral effect.

Swedavia credits the intelligent automation and flexibility of Veovo’s Revenue Management software with allowing it to rapidly introduce these emission charges while providing full confidence in the accuracy of the billing process. Calculations are kept transparent to the airlines through easy-to-understand invoices.

“The industry’s drive towards increased sustainability and carbon neutrality requires a toolkit of innovative technologies and approaches, including charging that rewards cleaner aircraft,” said James Williamson, CEO of Veovo. “We are pleased that our aeronautical billing engine with complete charge flexibility will support Swedavia in their initiative.”

Meanwhile, Swedavia’s Chief Sustainable Development Officer, Lena Wennberg, underlined the company’s commitment to adopting environmental innovations. “For many years, we have actively worked towards a transition to more sustainable travel via our airports. By the end of 2020, Swedavia became completely fossil-free in its airport operations. Foosil-free renewable HVO-diesel is now being fuelled at our airports. Within the Swedish Government’s initiative Fossil-free Sweden which we work within, there are also goals for domestic flights to be completely fossil-free by 2030. For international traffic, all planes taking off from Swedavia’s airports must be fossil-free by 2045,” she said.

June 15, 2022

SSP promotes John Clark to Senior Vice President of Development, Airports and Airlines

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SSP America has promoted aviation leader John Clark to Senior Vice President of Development Airports and Airlines. Clark will act as the key liaison with airport executives and industry associations, and will be the primary interface between American and Canadian airlines and SSP America.

Commenting on the new appointment, Pat Murray, SSP’s Deputy CEO said: “John’s leadership was particularly crucial during the last few years as the industry worked collaboratively through the Airport Retail and Restaurant Association to advocate for measures which mitigated the pandemic’s impact on our business. John’s expertise and steady leadership were crucial as we navigated the pandemic.”

Having been with SSP America since 2015 Clark is described as a highly accomplished, senior airport executive with extensive, firsthand knowledge of airport operations across North America having served as director and CEO of three US airports. He is an accredited airport executive, having served on the board of directors for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE); as chair of Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA), as well as on the Council’s board of directors; on the executive committee of Airports Council International’s (ACI) World Governing Board and as the chair of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC).

Michael Svagdis, CEO also weighed in on Clark’s appointment saying: “the North American aviation restaurant industry, and SSP America, have gone through incredible change in the last few years. John’s leadership and passion for our company are critical to making sure we work collaboratively with our industry partners. Our goal is to ultimately deliver a world-class culinary experience and create rewarding career opportunities for our team members, and Clark is a key part of our ability to achieve those goals.”

June 13, 2022

dnata invests US$100m in enhancing environmental efficiency

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Leading air and travel services provider, dnata, plans to invest US$100m in green operations over the next two years. The company’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, equipment and process improvement will support it to achieve its strategic objectives and reduce its carbon footprint by 20% by 2024, and by 50% by 2030.

“We’ve been making great progress on reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste and reducing energy and water consumption across our operations,” said Steve Allen CEO of dnata Group. “We will further increase our investments and efforts in strong cooperation with our partners to achieve our targets and preserve the environment for current and future generations.”

The company has recently invested in advanced technologies to optimise resources and improve operational efficiency across its facilities. It has installed solar panels, heat recovery units and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at its existing facilities in the UK, Singapore and Ireland. Dnata also plans to incorporate carbon reduction initiatives in the construction and operation of its new cargo centres in the Netherlands and Iraq.

Elsewhere, investments in electric and hybrid ramp, ground support (GSE) and forklift equipment are also being made, while existing GSE are being refurbished with technologies to further decrease emissions and update them to the latest safety and quality standards.

Dnata has also taken initiatives across its business units to conserve water consumption and recycle materials, such as paper, plastic, cardboard, wood, glass and mineral oils. It has also committed to reducing its waste to landfill by 20% by 2024. The catering team has been working closely with its airline partners to analyse consumption trends and is using predictive data to optimise the loading of F&B for in-flight catering.

By embedding its environmental framework across its travel businesses, dnata aims to empower customers to make better travel choices. Its corporate services include hybrid event solutions, sustainable travel policy and carbon emission monitoring and reporting guidance.

The company is also supporting its employees to make a positive difference. Earlier this year, in May, hundreds of dnata employees around the world teamed up and took part in a programme to clean beaches, rivers, canals and parks.

June 8, 2022