All articles by Laura Cook
Laura Cook
Hot topic: oil price pressure
With fuel now forming up to 40% of airlines’ operating budgets, profit margins are vulnerable to fluctuating oil prices. Future Airport gauges the boardroom view on how the industry is responding.
Small player on the rise
Capacity constraints at Europe’s transport hubs are opening doors for smaller competitors, such a Turkey’s Antalya. Yasar Döngel of airport operator ICF tells Rod James how the global economic downturn and regional political unrest have done little to halt the progress of both the area and the country at large.
The aviation industry 2011: great expectations?
ICD Research provides an in-depth account of growth expectations of the aviation industry in 2011 and beyond.
Room for discussion
The World Route Development Strategy Summit is taking place in Berlin on 2-3 October. This inaugural event, co-located with the 17th World Route Development Forum, will provide a great platform for global route development and aviation stakeholders to learn, debate and shape the future of aviation transport.
Trip the light fantastic
The potential cost and energy savings promised by LED technology could spell the end for traditional incandescent lighting. However, there remain many hurdles to overcome before it us installed across all airport runways and taxiways. Dr Nadarajah Narendran of the Lighting Research Center tells Jim Banks that the performance of this promising technology depends on the product rather than the principle.
Plane talking
After its successful debut in Vancouver, Routes Talks will be even bigger and better in Berlin. The networking village, a unique space for briefings, presentations and discussions, will feature three theatres each with its own individual theme: tourism, social media and cargo.
Safe and sound: full-body scanners
The failed 2009 Christmas Day bombing in the US once again propelled airport security to the top of the global agenda. Mike Fazackerley, security director at Manchester Airports Group, talks to Jim Banks about the airport’s decision to install full-body scanners and the advantages the technology offers to passengers and staff.
Show business: inter airport Europe
Major players in the airport industry are about to rub shoulders at this year’s inter airport Europe in Munich, Germany. Exhibition director Nicola Hamann explains how the event covers everything from cutting-edge aviation design and technology through to airport security, sustainability and emergency management.
Pole position: Q&A
Poland has seen rapid growth in its air traffic following the nation’s entry into the EU.
To keep pace with this increase and further drive air travel expansion, there are plans to develop Poland’s airport infrastructure in line with the best in the world. Michal Marzec, director general of Polish Airports, tells Mark Brierley how the country intends to do this.
Speed and safety in refuelling
Aircraft must refuel swiftly to ensure planes depart on time, but it can be hazardous without stringent safety precautions. Dennis Burchell of FMGI tells Jim Banks why giving safety and efficiency equal priority requires up-to-date equipment, training, experience and, most importantly, communication.