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Here to help
The most recent report by the UK Civil Aviation Authority shows that, while accessibility at airports remains a challenge for those with mobility issues or disabilities, provisions are rapidly improving. Nowhere is that more evident than Edinburgh, which has climbed from the bottom of the rankings to the top. Tim Gunn discusses the turnaround with Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive officer, Gordon Dewar.
Blue sky thinking
Our skies are set to become busier as passenger numbers continue to grow, and sophisticated and connected systems are required to keep everything flowing smoothly. Grace Allen talks to Melissa Matthews, acting manager of the FAA’s System Wide Information Management (SWIM) programme, on how to implement joined-up thinking across aviation, and the benefits the programme offers for airports and their users.
On the horizon
Seeking to compete with larger, more established operations, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian have greatly expanded their long-haul routes to the US and Asia in recent years. And yet, with traffic numbers beginning to stall, how sustainable is their approach? Greg Noone talks to Philipp Goedeking, managing partner at consultancy Avinomics, and Karl Sandlund, SAS’s chief commercial officer, to see what lies ahead for both airlines.
A force of nature
Day-to-day airport operations provide enough challenges, but in some locations this is complicated further by extreme forms of weather that cause earthquakes and flooding. As the effects of global warming cause temperatures to soar and water levels to rise, some airports look increasingly vulnerable. Will Moffitt speaks to Angela Gittens, director general at Airports Council International (ACI World), and Doug Yakel of San Francisco International to discuss the plans in place to manage extreme weather.
United airlines
Europe’s skies are seeing a trend towards consolidation as smaller operators struggle for success – recent casualties include WOW Air, Flybmi and Azur Air. The process could lead to fewer empty seats and possibly higher profits, but will there be costs in terms of service? Kerry Taylor-Smith investigates with Brian Pearce, IATA’s chief economist.
An international affair
Industry experts from around the world gathered to exchange knowledge on the future of airport innovation at inter airport Europe 2019, held at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany on 8–11 October, 2019.
Capital gains
Airports can provide a traveller with their first impression of the city and culture they are visiting, but all too often fail to convey a sense of identity cohesive with their location. With London City Airport’s £480 million expansion and regeneration project well under way, Tim Gunn talks to director Neil Dillon and designer Kevin Patience about how the city’s most central terminal plans to make the most of its position.
Picture perfect
Airports are developing from transitional spaces to destinations in their own right, with breathtaking design marking some as must-see locations. Emily Moore hears from Jens Hassler of Munich Airport and Ivan Tan of Singapore’s Changi Airport on how they can be designed to supplant functionality with excitement and entertainment.
Stay in control
Recent events in the US have shone a spotlight on human factor issues in air traffic control. Joe Baker hears from National Air Traffic Services’ head of human performance, Neil May, and human factors expert Stefano Bonelli to examine the procedures that are in place to manage a controller who has become incapacitated, and how air traffic control service providers can ensure that their controllers are able to handle new sources of stress as technology develops.
Off to a flying start
The 15th European Route Development Forum will see airline CEOs and industry authorities discuss the most pressing issues facing the aviation community. IATA has predicted that, by 2037, the total market size for the region will be over 1.9 billion passengers. Volatile fuel prices, growing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions are among the factors threatening to disrupt this continuous market growth.