NewsairportSolo Travel Booms As United Shares Tips, Destinations, And App Features For Adventurers
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INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
Feb 14, 2025Solo Travel Booms As United Shares Tips, Destinations, And App Features For Adventurers
Posted: 14 February 2025 | | No comments yet
United Airlines highlights solo travel growth with tailored tips, destinations, and app features for confident adventurers planning trips for National Solo Vacation Day.
Solo travel is on the rise, with United Airlines highlighting tips, popular destinations, and app features to celebrate National Plan a Solo Vacation Day on March 1. Google searches for “solo travel” have increased by 223% over the past decade, and solo flights with United grew by 5% in 2024 compared to 2023. David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer for United, emphasises, “When you travel with United, you have access to more unique international destinations than any other U.S. airline and the self-service features in our app mean you can explore a new city with confidence knowing that no matter where you are in the world, United has your back.”
Solo travel peaks from January to May, and again from September to November. Gen Z leads in solo travel (70%), followed by Millennials (65%) and Boomers (57%). Popular solo destinations include China, Korea, Brazil, India, and Nigeria, with United serving nearly 70 exclusive international locations.
To support solo adventurers, United offers various tools for seamless travel:
With United, solo travellers are empowered to explore with confidence.
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Aircraft, Airlines, Airside operations, Economy, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Route development, Tourism
United Airlines
David Kinzelman
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Airport Information
Katowice Airport New Hangar Construction ProjectNot availableairport
13 March 2025
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
Seven Adani Airports Reach Over 6.8 Million Digiyatra Transactions Since Launch In August 2023Posted: 13 March 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Adani Airports Holdings Limited expands DigiYatra to Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, boosting seamless travel and biometric verification at seven airports.
Credit: Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL)
Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) has announced the integration of Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram International Airports into the DigiYatra initiative, bringing the total number of AAHL airports offering DigiYatra to seven. This move aligns with AAHL’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience through seamless, contactless travel. DigiYatra, launched on 15 August 2023, was first introduced at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Guwahati airports. Now, passengers at all seven AAHL airports can benefit from the convenience and security of this initiative.
Jeet Adani, Director of AAHL, commented, “Offering DigiYatra at Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram Airports underscores AAHL’s dedication to adopting innovative technologies that enhance passenger convenience and security. We have seen a significant rise in DigiYatra adoption, with some airports showing up to 37% daily utilisation.”
DigiYatra, which uses facial recognition technology, aims to provide passengers with a paperless, hassle-free travel experience. By eliminating the need for physical documents and streamlining airport entry through biometric verification, DigiYatra improves security while reducing wait times at checkpoints. The initiative also supports AAHL’s goal of transforming the aviation sector through cutting-edge technology.
Since its rollout, DigiYatra has experienced consistent growth, with an average month-on-month increase of 14% in transactions over the past nine months. Utilisation at AAHL airports ranges from 25% to 30%, with the highest single-day usage reaching 37.1% at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on 20 January 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the adoption of digital technologies in Indian aviation.
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Airport development, Data, Digital transformation, ePassports, Innovation, New technologies, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Safety, Security, Social responsibility, Terminal operations, Workforce
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mangaluru International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
Central and South Asia
Jeet Adaniairport
13 March 2025
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
European Airports Surpass Pre-Covid Passenger Numbers, But Finland’S Recovery Remains SlowPosted: 13 March 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
European airports exceeded pre-COVID passenger volumes in 2024, with Finland’s recovery lagging due to geopolitical challenges and slower domestic growth.
Credit: Finavia
In 2024, European airports surpassed pre-COVID-19 passenger levels for the first time, with a 7.4% increase in air travel compared to the previous year. Overall, passenger volumes in Europe were 1.8% higher than in 2019, with many airports, especially in Turkey, Italy, and Spain, experiencing significant growth. However, Finland’s recovery has been slower. Passenger volumes in Finland remain 25% below 2019 levels, and the country is lagging behind its Nordic counterparts, where Norway’s airports saw 95% of 2019’s numbers, and Sweden’s were at 81%.
Finavia’s 20 airports served 19.6 million passengers in 2024, with Helsinki Airport accounting for 16.3 million of that total. Despite an overall increase in European passenger traffic, Finland’s air traffic recovery is hindered by the closure of Russian airspace, which affects both Asian flights and transfer passengers. Petri Vuori, Finavia’s Senior Vice President, noted that Finland’s air traffic recovery has been particularly slow, impacted by geopolitical factors.
International traffic in Finland saw growth of 8.8% in 2024, while domestic travel rose only 2.5%, remaining 6.3% below pre-pandemic levels. The growth in international traffic reflects a broader trend, with international routes expected to drive stronger growth in the future, both globally and in Europe. Globally, ACI World expects passenger numbers to grow significantly, reaching 17.7 billion by 2043 and 22.3 billion by 2053—almost 2.4 times the number of passengers in 2024.
Leisure travel has been a significant factor driving air traffic growth. European airports, particularly in tourism-driven destinations like Malta, Croatia, Italy, and Greece, saw a rise in passenger numbers. In Finland, leisure travel, particularly to Lapland, has been a key driver. Rovaniemi’s passenger numbers grew by 29% in 2024, with strong increases at other Lapland airports like Ivalo (+12.8%) and Kittilä (+9.9%). This shift toward leisure travel is evident in Finland, where Christmas season passenger numbers in Lapland airports are up 50–65% compared to 2019, while business travel is recovering slower, reaching only 50–60% of pre-pandemic levels.
The top five airports in Europe by passenger numbers in 2024 were London Heathrow (83.9 million), Istanbul (80.1 million), Paris Charles de Gaulle (70.3 million), Amsterdam (66.8 million), and Madrid (66.1 million). In Finland, the top five airports were Helsinki (16.3 million), Rovaniemi (948,000), Oulu (580,000), Kittilä (412,000), and Turku (255,000).
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Airport development, COVID-19, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Passenger volumes, Route development, Social responsibility, Sustainability, Terminal operations, Tourism, Workforce
Adolfo Suarez Madrid – Barajas (MAD), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Helsinki Airport (HEL), iGA Istanbul Airport (IST), Kittilä Airport (KTT), London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Oulu Airport (OUL), Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), Turku Airport (TKU)
ACI Europe, ACI World, Finavia
Petri Vuoriairport
13 March 2025
Airport Improvement
Msp Airport Accelerates To Next Phase Of Concourse G ExpansionProject will expand gate areas, add restrooms, improve sustainable operations
The expansion of MSP’s Concourse G will feature a new light-filled atrium near gate G8. Conceptual rendering courtesy of
the Metropolitan Airports Commission
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. — The next phase of expansion on Concourse G at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is moving into high gear to improve operations and advance sustainability initiatives while greatly enhancing the passenger experience in Terminal 1.
The first Concourse G expansion phase was completed in 2022 — adding 50,000 square feet between gates G17 and G22. This next phase will add 157,000 square feet of new public space between gates G8 and G13. The project will build up and out from both sides of the terminal, including the infill of space between two gate pods. This will allow for a wider central corridor, a 52% increase in gate seating, and a two-story square atrium featuring high-level windows for more natural lighting. The expanded space also provides more restrooms and concessions venues. Additionally, international arrivals access will be extended to 13 gates from the current 10, with other improvements to Customs and Border Protection passenger processing spaces. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2028.
“The expansion will improve gate utilization and overall operations for our airlines to accommodate more passengers, larger aircraft, and more flights from our growing network of international destinations,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP. “Beyond an expanded footprint that supports more spacious gate seating, restrooms and concessions, the project mirrors other recent interior renovations in Terminal 1 that include terrazzo flooring, modern finishes, and improved amenities inside and outside the gate areas.”
The $305 million project began with utility and foundation improvements in advance of this concourse expansion, which will include relocating non-public tenant spaces below and above the main public level of the concourse along with numerous building system upgrades that improve efficiencies and maintenance for all users. The project is focused on integrating sustainable technologies and processes into the building.
“The MAC is pursuing LEED Gold certification for this project as we drive for more sustainable infrastructure,” said Bridget Rief, MAC vice president of planning and development. “From using responsibly sourced and low-emitting building materials to expanding water reclamation and adopting enhanced refrigeration management, the MAC is incorporating new designs, systems and best practices to strategically reduce our operational impact within these spaces.”
The project’s inclusive design will also feature a unique space that furthers MSP’s expanding accessibility program. A new sensory space will provide a calm area that reduces the stress and sensory overload that sometimes accompanies travel, ensuring a more positive experience for those who need it. The MAC is partnering with Minnesota-based nonprofit Fraser and its naming partner, Central Roofing Company, to design the sensory room in Concourse G and another location in Terminal 2.
An expansion of art spaces will offer another enhancement to the passenger experience. The Arts@MSP program will curate installations of permanent translucent glass murals at the entrances of the new restrooms, and more art cases will be added to the Concourse G Colonnade Gallery for rotating exhibits.
MSP is ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among mega airports by J.D. Power. It is the 18th busiest U.S. airport by total passengers, serving 37.2 million travelers in 2024.
About The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports. The MAC’s airports connect the region to the world and showcase Minnesota’s extraordinary culture to millions of passengers from around the globe who arrive or depart through MAC airports each year. Though a public corporation of the state of Minnesota, the organization is not funded by income or property taxes. Instead, the MAC’s operations are funded by rents and fees generated by users of its airports. For more information, visit www.metroairports.org.airport
13 March 2025
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
Malta International Airport Becomes First Eu Airport To Achieve Iso 45003 Certification For Workforce WellbeingPosted: 12 March 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Malta International Airport has achieved ISO 45003 certification, becoming a pioneer in safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of its workforce.
Credit: Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport (MIA) has become the first EU airport to achieve ISO 45003 certification, recognising its efforts to safeguard both the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of its workforce. ISO 45003 offers guidelines for managing psychological risks in the workplace, making the airport a pioneer among its peers. The airport has also attained ISO 45001 certification, which focuses on health and safety, including mental and emotional support for employees, particularly during major projects.
“Both ISO certifications stand as a testament to Malta International Airport’s unwavering commitment to health and safety excellence. Beyond simply reflecting the high standards that our company upholds, this achievement underscores our commitment to cultivating a workplace where employees and stakeholders feel valued and supported, which ultimately contributes to a safer, more seamless journey for every passenger,” said Lead Health and Safety Officer Daniela Borg.
Peter Cain, Country Manager of Bureau Veritas Malta, praised the management’s commitment to employee wellbeing. With ongoing infrastructure projects, the airport ensures risk assessments, protocols, and continuous staff training.
Alexia Aquilina, Head of People and Culture, emphasised that safety, wellbeing, and professional growth are deeply connected, fostering a positive work environment that attracts and retains talent. “When employees feel that their wellbeing is valued, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work,” Aquilina said.
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Airport development, Safety, Social responsibility, Sustainable development, Terminal operations, Workforce
Malta International Airport (MIA)
Bureau Veritas Malta
Europe
Alexia Aquilina, Daniela Borg, Peter Cainairport
12 March 2025
Airport Information
Noida Airport To Open In June 2025Not availableairport
12 March 2025
Airport Industry News
Future Of Airport Operations To Take Centre Stage At Inter Airport Southeast Asia ConferenceFrom 25-27 March 2025, the 8th edition of IASEA is expected to gather over 4,000 attendees, 150 notable global brands and some 50 industry experts as speakers at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Setting the stage for this conference on Day 1 (25 March) is the fireside chat titled ‘Reshaping Global Airport Operations’ by Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI), an industry leader with nearly three decades worth of aviation experience. Moderated by Glory Wee, Senior Director, Aviation Development Group, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS), the session will discuss solutions that improve operational efficiencies and lay the foundation for resilient and future-proof airports.
This will be followed by keynote sessions led by two of the top 5 airports according to Skytrax’s World Top Airport List 2024. The first keynote, ‘Airports of The Next Decade & Beyond’ with Shinichiro Motomiya, General Manager, Narita International Airport Corporation, will provide insights into the master plan of Narita International Airport – a case study of the airport of the future, and ‘Airport in Brief: Incheon Airport’ with Soonil Hwang, Deputy Director of Fast Travel Team, Incheon International Airport Corporation, will cover a deep dive into the airport’s Digital Transformation Project.
To ensure that airports can keep up with this surging demand in air traffic today, it’s become paramount for the industry to accelerate conversations on what will make airports sustainable, improve operational resilience and passenger experience. Take the ‘New Narita Airport’ expansion project as a case in point, which we will share about during the keynote session. The airport development project for the 2030s is looking at consolidating terminals and building a new cargo area to allow for the expected increase of passenger capacity from 57 to 75 million and cargo capacity from 2.4 to 3.5 million tons at Narita International Airport.
We should not shun away from the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies, especially in the aviation industry. At Incheon International Airport, we believe that technology will strike a fine balance between passenger experience and operational efficiency. Hence, we’ve analysed customer demands and drawn a Persona Journey Map to design solutions around it. As we complete Phase 4 of the transformation of Incheon International Airport, it is my pleasure to share at the upcoming IASEA how we’ve identified values such as ‘Convenient Journey’ or ‘Time’ and utilised them to elevate the customer experience.
The morning of the opening day will also see Nguyen Dang Minh, Head of Airport Operations Department, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) spearhead the next keynote, ‘Vietnam Airport Development Masterplan 2030′. Vietnam stands as a leader in the aviation landscape, aiming to expand its airport network to 30 airports by 2030 and a long-term vision extending to 2050 that includes upgrades to increase annual passenger capacity by over 80%. As new airports are being built and existing ones upgraded, Minh will cover the solutions needed to address challenges in ground management, security, and resource allocation that will enable airport operations to evolve alongside Vietnam’s expanding aviation network.
Day 2 of the conference will open with the keynote ‘Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursion’. With safety as a top priority for the aviation industry, and runway incursions as one of the top five high-risk categories of aviation risks, the session will be led by Mitch Fox, Director, Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety, Flight Safety Foundation, who will cover recommendations from the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (GAPRI) that go beyond simple regulatory compliance. Aside from safety, efficiency and sustainability are the next priorities to drive airports of tomorrow. Brad Moore, CEO, APAC, Swissport International AG, will lead the next keynote ‘Redefining Ground Support Excellence in Asia Pacific’ to examine how transformative technology, greener practices, and strategic innovation are unlocking new opportunities for ground handling – a critical backbone of the aviation system.
Aside from these mastermind keynotes, other industry experts and thought leaders from the airport industry will join the conference, sharing their groundbreaking strategies for transforming terminal and ramp operations to address the challenges of today’s demanding and rapidly changing aviation landscape.
Some of the conference highlights include:
The full list of speakers can be found here.
As the reference point for the future of airports, IASEA 2025 will stand as a platform to unveil the latest aviation technologies aimed at streamlining workflows, improving sustainability and elevating operational capabilities.
Automation will continue to play a pivotal role in ever-growing passenger expectations. SITA’s 2024 Baggage IT Insights reveal that 80% of airports and 66% of airlines have put touchless self service baggage handling in place, and more investments will continue in 2025. Aligned with this transformation, industry expert Smith Detection will introduce to the Asia market the SDX 10060 XDi, a ground-breaking X-ray scanner, offering highly accurate material discrimination and substance identification based on an object’s molecular structure. Separately, biometrics and digital identity leader NEC will showcase its facial recognition technology, ranked the world’s most accurate in a benchmark test conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2024. ADB Safegate Singapore, who recently clinched awards for Environmental Initiatives, Innovation, Safety, and Business Expansion at the Airport Technology Excellence Awards 2024, will present their award-winning airport management software.
Aviaco GSE, CIAS, Colibri Energy, Cobus Industries, Datalogic, ewo, FAAC, Fastcharge, FibreFENCE by Fibre Net Spa, FLEX Industries, GRP Iluminacion, Honeywell, ITW GSE, Japan Radio Co., LEONARDO, Mallaghan, Mototok, NEC, OCEM Airfield, Oshkosh AeroTech, Poltrona Frau, Roypow Technology GmbH, SICK AG, ShinMaywa, Thales, TCR, TLD Asia, Toyota Industries Corporation, TREPEL and Weihai Guangtai.
All registered professionals for inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 will be granted free access to exhibition and conference floors. For the latest information on inter airport Southeast Asia, please visit the event website, LinkedIn, or Facebook pages.
This article was originally published by RX Global.airport
12 March 2025
AIRPORTS INTERNATIONAL
Japanese Airports Signs Disaster AgreementThis agreement aims to enhance disaster response capabilities by providing the necessary space at Kansai International Airport and Osaka Itami Airport to deploy temporary medical facilities for aeromedical transport (Staging Care Unit/ SCU) in the event of major disasters in Japan. By setting up SCUs at the airports, it will be possible to conduct triage and treatment of patients near the aircraft and transport them to medical institutions outside the disaster area. This will enhance the medical relief system during disasters, especially for patients who cannot be easily transported to nearby medical facilities during large-scale disasters.
Kansai Airports Group will continue to prioritise safety and security in airport operations and work with related businesses to create a better environment, it said.
Vinci Airports and Orix Corporation are core members of the Kansai Airports consortium.
Osaka Itami is a domestic airportairport
11 March 2025
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
London Heathrow Airport Marks Record Passenger Traffic And Progress Towards Net-Zero Goals Amidst Growing DemandPosted: 11 March 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Heathrow continues to grow with record passenger numbers, highlighting its commitment to decarbonisation and expansion plans while supporting the UK economy.
Heathrow, T5A, airside, view of airfield from T5A Departure Lounge, Feb 2019. Credit: London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) continues to progress towards its net-zero goals as demand grows, with February marking a record month for passenger traffic. The airport served over 5.7 million passengers, including a 7% increase in traffic to the USA and Canada. This was the busiest February ever, with daily passengers exceeding 200,000 for the twelfth consecutive month. Winter sunseekers flocked to destinations like the Caribbean, Italy, and Greece, while business hubs such as Delhi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Riyadh saw high load factors.
LHR remains committed to supporting the UK economy while reducing its environmental impact. The 2024 Sustainability Report highlighted a 7.5% reduction in carbon emissions in the air and 15% on the ground since 2019, keeping it on track for its 2030 targets. The airport also aims to reach 3% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage this year, surpassing the Government’s target by one percentage point.
Further strides in decarbonisation include reducing noise exposure by 18% compared to 2019, and a decrease in late flights, despite record traffic. Air quality monitors around the airport continue to meet UK pollution limits. LHR’s expansion plans are also moving forward, with proposals for a privately funded expansion set to be reviewed by the Government this summer.
In February, LHR, in partnership with the Department for Transport and Transportation Security Administration, launched a One Stop Security pilot to streamline transfers for North American passengers, further strengthening the UK’s aviation hub.
LHR CEO Thomas Woldbye commented: “Even during a traditionally quiet month for aviation in February, we saw sustained and growing demand to fly and export through Heathrow. As the UK’s gateway to growth, we must meet this increase in demand and do it without compromising our strategy to decarbonise and reduce noise impacts.”
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Airport construction and design, Airport leadership, Cleaner, Greener Airports: Making Aviation More Sustainable Series, Economy, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Passenger volumes, Social responsibility, Sustainability, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Sustainable development, Terminal operations
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Department for Transport
United Kingdom and Ireland
Thomas Woldbyeairport
11 March 2025
METROPOLITAN AIRPORT NEWS
Blade Air Mobility To Partner With Skyports Infrastructure To Offer Flights Between Downtown Manhattan And Jfk AirportBlade Air Mobility, Inc., and Skyports Infrastructure (“Skyports”), a leading provider of ground infrastructure for advanced air mobility, announced an alliance today to launch a pilot program that will expand Blade’s existing by-the-seat helicopter transfer service, connecting the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK”).
The new service will fly passengers transferring to and from flights at JFK, in addition to Long Island and Queens residents commuting to or from Manhattan for business or leisure on weekdays.
The facility, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, close to Wall Street, is an important New York City hub for short distance aviation.
The pilot program aims to gather data on consumer demand, flier experience, and logistics specific to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. These insights will help accelerate and derisk the launch of Electric Vertical Aircraft (“EVA” or “eVTOL”) operations at the facility. These quiet, emission-free aircraft are ultimately expected to replace helicopters.
Nathan Alexander, Vice President of Rotorcraft for Blade, stated, “EVA’s quiet and emission-free design will support the expansion of convenient landing zones while reducing commuter costs. From logistics, passenger experience, booking, ground crew, and even flight time, EVA services will be nearly identical to Blade’s current helicopter offerings, but using next-generation aircraft.”
This collaboration follows Skyports’ recent appointment by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (“NYCEDC”) as the operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport via their Downtown Skyport JV with Groupe ADP, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing urban air mobility in New York City.
Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure for Skyports, added, “Skyports and Blade are committed to transforming the Downtown Manhattan Heliport into one of the leading Electric Aircraft vertiports in the world. This alliance with Blade will serve to meaningfully accelerate this common mission to unlock the skies for eVTOL flights.”
This service is scheduled to commence in April of this year. Flights will be offered on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Customers can purchase by-the-seat flights starting at $195, or from $95 with a Blade Airport Pass or a Commuter Pass for those flying between home and work.
Blade and Skyports are dedicated to providing efficient, sustainable, and cutting-edge urban air mobility solutions, enhancing connectivity, and reducing travel times for passengers navigating one of the world’s busiest cities.airport
11 March 2025Airport Improvement
Atkinsréalis To Manage San Francisco Airport’S Airfield Improvement ProgramMontreal: March 11, 2025 – AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (TSX: ATRL), a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, announced today that it has been awarded a Project Management Support Services contract to oversee the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Airfield Improvement Program, 2024-2029 Phase.
“Airports are the gateways to global connectivity and economic development,” said Ian L. Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRéalis. “As a full-service provider delivering runways, taxiways and terminal design and overall management for the world’s top airports, we help clients create remarkable facilities that maximize their investments while providing a safe and efficient air travel experience.”
Under the contract with the City and County of the San Francisco Airport Commission, AtkinsRéalis’ program management services will support SFO’s continued growth, improved airfield safety, and infrastructure maintenance to accommodate air traffic demand in California’s Bay Area region. AtkinsRéalis will provide program design and construction management, project controls, quality control and assurance, program and project reporting, coordination and stakeholder engagement for the next phase of SFO’s airfield improvement program, including reconstruction and rehabilitation of runways and taxiways, and other related airfield improvements.
SFO is the 13th busiest1 airport in the United States and was recently named the Best Airport in North America2. It accommodated more than 50 million passengers3 in 2023, an increase of nearly 35 percent over the previous year. In addition to airfield upgrades, SFO’s US $11 billion Capital Improvement Plan4 calls for infrastructure improvements to help it achieve net zero energy and net zero carbon for airport-controlled emissions targets by 2030.
“Our airport team’s deft experience of successfully navigating improvement programs through funding, construction phasing and constructability challenges have enabled us to deliver important airfield projects from inception through closeout at 15 of the busiest airports in the US and seven of the top ten airports around the globe,” said Steve Morriss, President, U.S., Latin America, and Minerals & Metals, AtkinsRéalis. “Clients trust our seasoned professionals to maintain existing levels of service while completing complex land constrained airfield projects, like the ones at SFO.”
AtkinsRéalis has lent its end-to-end world-class aviation expertise to all 50 of the top airports in the US. The Company has managed more than 50 new runway and extension projects as well as 60+ taxiways and apron programs in America, including recent projects at San Diego International Airport, Miami International Airport and Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport, among others. Landside, AtkinsRéalis’ passenger-first approach to airport design, including streamlined baggage handling and systems integration solutions that enable an exceptional passenger experience, making for facilities that are sustainable, welcoming, efficient and future ready.
About AtkinsRéalis
Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
References in this press release to the “Company”, “AtkinsRéalis”, “we”, us” and “our” mean, as the context may require, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. or all or some of its subsidiaries or joint arrangements or associates. Statements made in this press release that describe the Company’s expectations or strategies constitute “forward-looking statements”, which can be identified by the use of the conditional or forward-looking terminology such as “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “may”, “objective”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, “will”, “likely”, or other variations thereon. Forward-looking statements also include any other statements that do not refer to historical facts. The Company cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and that its actual actions or results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Company’s current objectives, strategic priorities, expectations and plans, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Company’s business and anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on a number of assumptions believed by the Company to be reasonable as at the date hereof. The assumptions are set out throughout the Company’s 2023 annual management disclosure & analysis (“MD&A”) (particularly in the sections entitled “Critical Accounting Judgments and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty” and “How We Analyze and Report our Results”) filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company’s website at www.atkinsrealis.com under the “Investors” section. If these assumptions are inaccurate, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. In addition, important risk factors could cause the Company’s assumptions and estimates to be inaccurate and actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Those risks are identified in the Company’s 2023 annual MD&A (particularly in the section entitled “Risk and Un certainties”), as may be updated from time to time in the Company’s interim quarterly MD&A, are not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements herein reflect the Company’s expectations as at the date of this press release and are subject to change after this date. The Company does not undertake to update publicly or to revise any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable legislation or regulation. The forward-looking information and statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.airport
11 March 2025Airport Industry News
Canada Explores Private Investment In National AirportsThe Government of Canada has issued a policy statement to encourage private investment in National Airports System (NAS) airports operated by airport authorities.
This initiative aims to enhance airport infrastructure and services by attracting private sector participation.
The policy outlines three primary avenues for private investment:
Subleases with Private Investors: Airport authorities can enter into sublease agreements with private entities to develop airport lands. This approach allows investors to undertake projects on airport property, benefiting both their businesses and the airports.
Subcontracting Airport Services: Private entities can be contracted to provide specific airport services, such as facilities operations and maintenance. This method enables airport authorities to leverage external expertise to improve operational efficiency while retaining overall control of airport operations.
Investment through Subsidiaries: Airport authorities can establish subsidiaries, including for-profit entities, to collaborate with private investors. This structure allows for joint ventures or partnerships, facilitating the development of new facilities and services at NAS airports.
To further facilitate private investment, the government intends to explore extending airport authority ground leases. This measure aims to provide greater certainty to investors and encourage long-term development projects on airport lands.
However, concerns have been raised regarding increased private sector involvement in airport operations. Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, has expressed opposition to airport privatization, citing potential negative impacts on workers and the public. The union argues that privatization could lead to higher costs for the public, lower-paying jobs, and reduced public oversight.
Unifor has previously welcomed decisions to halt airport privatisation studies, emphasising the importance of maintaining public ownership to ensure security and service quality at Canadian airports.
Notably, the government’s policy statement does not propose full privatisation but seeks to attract private investment within the existing governance framework of NAS airports. The objective is to balance the benefits of private sector participation with the need to maintain public interest and oversight in airport operations.airport
11 March 2025Airport Information
Iloilo International Airport Privatization And Upgrade ProjectsNot availableairport
11 March 2025Airport Improvement
Long Beach Airport Introduces New Online Flight Planning ToolLong Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB) is now offering the FlyMyAirport search tool, an online feature that allows passengers to more easily search for and find nonstop and connecting flights to and from LGB.
“This dynamic tool on Long Beach Airport’s website will help travelers see all the available flight options for coming into and out of our award-winning Airport,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Centrally located in the heart of Southern California, LGB is a first choice for passengers looking for a first-class travel experience.”
Available on lgb.org and on the airline destinations webpage, the FlyMyAirport search tool provides a seamless way to search flights, compare options, and even explore special travel packages, including hotel and rental car deals. The search tool is powered by KAYAK and is a product of Airport One, LLC.
This new tool will simplify the flight planning process by making it easier for travelers to explore LGB’s extensive travel options and more. Currently, LGB offers nonstop flights to 23 airports nationwide, including Hawaii, with one-stop service to nearly 400 cities around the world. For example, Delta Air Lines offers one-stop access to major European cities such as Amsterdam, London and Paris; Hawaiian Airlines provides convenient connecting flights to Tokyo, Seoul, and Sydney; and with just one stop, Southwest Airlines travelers can reach Liberia (Costa Rica), Puerto Vallarta and Reykjavik.
By avoiding the stress and complexities of other major airports in the region—plus enjoying LGB’s relaxed atmosphere and quick curb-to-gate access—travelers may find it more convenient to depart from LGB, even when a connection is required.
“This new search function makes it easier than ever for travelers to efficiently plan their journeys from LGB to almost anywhere, not just to the nonstop destinations offered by our major air carriers,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “This tool reflects our commitment to enhancing the customer experience and making LGB the preferred gateway for Southern California travelers.”
Officially trademarked as america’s coolest airport™, LGB provides a distinctively stress-free journey and a first-class customer experience conveniently located at a central position between Los Angeles and Orange counties. To start planning your next journey with the new search tool and learn more about LGB, visit lgb.org.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.airport
11 March 2025INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
2024 Asq Airport Experience Awards Recognise Global Excellence In Passenger Service Across Top AirportsPosted: 11 March 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
The 2024 ASQ Awards celebrate the world’s best airports for passenger experience, with nearly 700,000 surveys shaping global standards.
Credit: ACI World
Airports Council International (ACI) World, in partnership with Amadeus, has announced the winners of the 2024 ASQ Airport Experience Awards, celebrating the best in airport customer experience, determined exclusively by passengers. The ASQ Awards are based on a comprehensive global measurement program that gathers real-time feedback from travellers via live surveys at airports worldwide, ensuring fair comparisons across airports.
The 2024 ASQ Awards were a milestone, with nearly 700,000 surveys completed and over half of the world’s travellers passing through an ASQ-rated airport. A record-breaking 181 awards were presented to 95 airports globally, recognizing their dedication to exceptional passenger service. Categories included Best Airports by Size and Region, Most Dedicated Staff, Easiest Airport Journey, Most Enjoyable Airport, Cleanest Airport, and Top Airports for Arrivals.
Regional winners included Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (Africa), Beijing Daxing and Singapore Changi Airports (Asia-Pacific), Milas-Bodrum and Rome Fiumicino Airports (Europe), and Gerald R. Ford International Airport (North America), among others.
Additionally, 10 airports were inducted into the ACI World Director General’s Roll of Excellence for their consistent excellence over the past decade, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Salalah Airport.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci stated, “In today’s fast-evolving world, where passenger expectations are higher than ever, airports must continually push the boundaries of service to stay ahead. The 2024 ASQ Awards honor airports that create memorable, seamless experiences that transform the entire passenger journey and help shape the future of air travel.”
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Airport development, Economy, Food and Beverage (F&B), Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Retail, Terminal operations, Tourism, Workforce
Beijing Daxing International Airport, Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport, Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Jenderal Ahmad Yani International Airport, Juanda International Airport, Milas-Bodrum Airport, Rome Fiumicino Airport, Salalah Airport, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport
Airports Council International (ACI World), Amadeus
Justin Erbacciairport
11 March 2025AIRPORTS INTERNATIONAL
Japanese Airports Sign Disaster AgreementThis agreement aims to enhance disaster response capabilities by providing the necessary space at Kansai International Airport and Osaka Itami Airport to deploy temporary medical facilities for aeromedical transport (Staging Care Unit/ SCU) in the event of major disasters in Japan. By setting up SCUs at the airports, it will be possible to conduct triage and treatment of patients near the aircraft and transport them to medical institutions outside the disaster area. This will enhance the medical relief system during disasters, especially for patients who cannot be easily transported to nearby medical facilities during large-scale disasters.
Kansai Airports Group will continue to prioritise safety and security in airport operations and work with related businesses to create a better environment, it said.
Vinci Airports and Orix Corporation are core members of the Kansai Airports consortium.
Osaka Itami is a domestic airportairport
11 March 2025Airport Improvement
January 2025 Passenger, Cargo Traffic At Austin-Bergstrom International AirportAUSTIN, TEXAS – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) passenger traffic growth for January 2025 was down 5.38% compared to January 2024 with 1,396,839 passengers flying during the month.
January 2025
Passenger Activity: Total passenger traffic for January 2025 was 1,396,839, down 5.38% compared to January 2024. January 2025 enplanements totaled 682,885, down 5.89%.
Southwest Airlines passengers totaled 564,699, down 6.6%; American Airlinespassengers totaled 262,780, down 27.3%; Delta Air Lines passengers totaled 212,013, up 13.2%; United Airlines passengers totaled 195,936, up 9.2%; Alaska Airlinespassengers totaled 50,801, up 4.9%; Frontier Airlines passengers totaled 21,738, up 457.5%; Spirit Airlines passengers totaled 20,463, down 14.4%; British Airwayspassengers totaled 14,090, up 10.7%; Allegiant Air passengers totaled 11,867, down 26.6%; Aeromexico passengers totaled 8,047, up 63.8%; JetBlue Airways passengers totaled 5,678, down 68.1%; Air Canada passengers totaled 5,328, up 37.6%; Copa Airlines passengers totaled 5,259, up 28.2%; Hawaiian Airlines passengers totaled 4,918, up 36%; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines passengers totaled 4,561, down 0.7%; Lufthansa passengers totaled 4,530, down 1.8%; VivaAerobus passengers totaled 3,377; and Sun Country Airlines passengers totaled 754, up 22.4%.
January 2025 air cargo totaled 20,346,270 lbs., down 12.14% compared to January 2024.
International air cargo totaled 1,424,380 lbs., down 6.45%.
Air Transport International carried 7,771,498 lbs., down 7%; Federal Express carried 3,772,459 lbs., down 30.3%; United Parcel Services carried 2,431,340 lbs., down 0.2%;Sun Country Airlines carried 1,482,770 lbs., up 16.4%; and Atlas Air carried 1,410,848 lbs., down 33.8%.
Air Services transferred 414 lbs. of mail, down 99.77%; and 2,555,079 lbs. of belly freight, down 3.81%.
Aircraft Operations: General Aviation operations totaled 3,306, up 9.69%. Combined operations (including commercial and military) totaled 18,977, down 3.75%.airport
10 March 2025Airport Improvement
Southwest Florida International Airport Launches New WebsiteFORT MYERS, Fla. (March 10, 2025) – The Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) has launched a newly redesigned, modern and responsive website – flylcpa.com – for Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers, Florida. With more than 1.8 million unique visitors in 2024, the airport website is a powerful resource that provides passengers, the community and those who want to do business with LCPA important information and airport news at home or on-the-go.
The content on the airport’s website has been reorganized with a fresh, clean look, intuitive wayfinding and provides general airport information, travel alerts, terminal maps, flight information, parking options, shopping and dining choices, an interactive route map, employment information, current news, hangar waiting lists and much more.
“A big part of our strategic plan is to enhance the customer experience and the new website will help us connect with travelers in a more efficient way,” said Steven C. Hennigan, C.M., A.C.E., executive director and CEO of the Lee County Port Authority. “We have increased the functionality of our website to offer RSW passengers a smoother travel experience, community and regional business partners the information they need to work with LCPA and Page Field users more about our general and business aviation airport.”
The Lee County Port Authority partnered with Fruition, a Denver, Colorado-based digital agency, to design and build the new website. Renowned for building user-friendly, award-winning, secure, high-performance applications and websites for airports, Fruition has successfully led several website redesign projects, including notable work with Denver International Airport (DEN) and Ontario International Airport (ONT).
Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 11 million passengers in 2024 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.airport
10 March 2025Airport Improvement
Metropolitan Airports Commission Selects Aaron Call As Chief Information Security OfficerMAC chief information security officer Aaron Call. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MINN — The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has selected Aaron Call as its new chief information security officer. Call will manage computer security functions with oversight over information networks, data privacy issues and regulatory compliance for the MAC, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities.
Call has a 17-year history managing and developing secure computing environments in both the private and public sectors. He joins the MAC after serving as deputy chief information security officer for Old Republic Title in Minneapolis and chief infrastructure and security officer for WPS Health Solutions, based in Madison, Wisconsin. Call also served the State of Minnesota from 2014 to 2019, the latter years as the state’s chief information security officer. Across those positions, Call has managed the development of secure enterprise systems, championed risk management strategies, and pursued innovative technologies to optimize operations and improve efficiencies.
“Safeguarding airport systems is essential to maintaining the trust of our millions of travelers and the many tenants and partners operating across our system,” said MAC Chief Information Officer Eduardo Valencia. “Aaron Call brings a history of high-level leadership, bringing together people and technology to protect data resources and advance information technology strategies.”
Call holds a doctorate in law and a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Southern Illinois University. He’s a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and holds the Certified Ethical Hacker accreditation from the International Council of E-Commerce (also known as EC-Council), as well as Project+ and Security+ certifications from CompTIA. Call is also a member of the CompTIA Subject Matter Expert Technical Advisory Council and serves as chair of the board of directors for the Germanic American Institute.airport
10 March 2025INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
Major Disruptions Expected At Munich And Berlin Airports As Strike Action Hits Flight OperationsPosted: 10 March 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Strike action at Munich and Berlin Airports on March 10 will cause widespread flight cancellations and delays, with travellers advised to check for updates.
Air travellers in Germany are bracing for significant disruptions this week as a series of strikes by ground service workers, security staff, and other airport employees are set to cause widespread flight cancellations and delays. The service union Ver.di has called for full-day warning strikes at both Munich and Berlin Brandenburg Airports on Monday, March 10, 2025, with a major impact expected on flight schedules.
At Munich Airport, the strike will involve workers from a range of service providers, including security companies, ground handling firms AeroGround and Swissport Losch, and other essential staff. The union has warned that due to the high level of participation expected, the disruption will be significant, affecting around 820 scheduled flight movements. Although the full extent of the impact is yet to be confirmed, travellers are urged to prepare for a greatly reduced flight schedule and potential delays. Airlines are working on special flight plans, and passengers are advised to check their flight status with the airlines directly. In the event of cancellations, the airport and airlines have assured that up-to-date information will be available on their websites.
In Berlin, the strike will see similar disruptions at Brandenburg Airport, with the ground service providers responsible for handling baggage, check-ins, and boarding services taking part in the action. As a result, no regular flight operations will take place on March 10, and all planned arrivals and departures will be affected. Berlin Brandenburg Airport has advised passengers to reach out to their airlines or travel agencies to explore alternative travel options and rebooking arrangements. While the strike will cause inconvenience, the airport expects regular operations to resume by Tuesday, March 11.
The strikes are part of a broader industrial action by Ver.di, which is pushing for improved pay and working conditions for airport staff. This includes demands for an 8% wage increase or at least €350 more per month, additional days off, and higher bonuses for those in high-stress roles. The union argues that airport workers, including those involved in security, baggage handling, and customer service, play a crucial role in ensuring air traffic safety and deserve better compensation.
This upcoming strike follows a similar industrial dispute at Munich Airport just a few weeks ago, when a 48-hour warning strike from February 27 to 28 led to widespread flight disruptions. Over 830 flights were cancelled or delayed as workers demanded better conditions, further highlighting the strain on the aviation sector due to staff shortages and increased workloads. During that strike, travellers were entitled to compensation for cancellations or delays over three hours, as well as full refunds under EU law.
Negotiations are set to continue, with the next round scheduled for March 14. However, Ver.di has indicated that further strikes are possible if no agreement is reached.
Travellers are strongly advised to stay informed about their flight status and to contact airlines or travel providers for updates on potential cancellations or rebooking options.
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Airport development, Baggage handling, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Terminal operations, Workforce
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Munich Airport (MIA)
AeroGround, SGM, Swissport Losch, Ver.di
Europeairport
10 March 2025