Facilities – Jim Gill's Blog

Heathrow Rolls out 3D Scanners to Streamline Airport Security

October 11, 2019September 19, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Administration, Airports, Amenities, Facilities, Information Systems, Infrastructure, Security, Technology

Airports and airlines are employing new technologies to cut down on the wait times associated with air travel, from getting through security to lining up to board. One of the biggest time sinks that people usually experience at the airport is moving through the X-ray scanners in the security line. Now that many countries require people to remove most liquids from their carry-ons and have rules about how much someone can carry, these lines often get congested as travelers make sure they abide by restrictions and open up their luggage to remove items that need to go through separately.

3D Scanners Make It Easier to Process Checked Luggage

Luckily, airports may have a new strategy for streamlining the entire process. London-Heathrow Airport, the largest airport in the United Kingdom with more than 80 million passengers each year, recently introduced a 3D scanner as part of the baggage screening process at Terminal 5.

Terminal 5 handles about 60,000 bags each day. The baggage screening process, which is now completely automated, starts after a bag is dropped at departure. During the sorting process, bags go through an imaging process that essentially eliminates the need for human hands while remaining completely secure. Formerly, 2D images would necessitate significant human intervention to check through bags manually and ensure that no dangerous items are within, a process that also potentially puts employee lives at risk.

The new scanners work much like computed tomography (CT) scanners used in hospitals. The machine is essentially an X-ray scanner that takes many images at all angles to provide a 3D depiction of the contents of a bag. Using image recognition and human supervision, the machine flags suspicious items within a bag, and any flagged baggage is removed for further inspection before it makes it to the aircraft. Meanwhile, algorithms make it possible to identify explosives and other threats automatically.

The infrastructure at Heathrow had to be updated to accommodate the new machines, which are larger and twice as heavy as the former ones. This was difficult to carry out in a live airport, especially since floors had to be lifted and changed to support the new weight. In fact, it took Heathrow four years to update the 29 screening machines, largely because the majority of work could only be done during the four hours at night when flights do not occur.

How the New Technology Will More Directly Benefit Travelers

Unfortunately, this technology may not exactly excite passengers, as they do not see the differences happening behind the scenes. What will benefit passengers more is bringing this 3D imaging technology directly to the security line, which is the project that Heathrow has taken on since the completion of Terminal 5.

Heathrow plans to use the same CT technology to scan hand luggage, which would eliminate the requirement of taking liquids out of carryon luggage. The technology makes it possible for staff members to zoom in on and rotate images of the contents of luggage for a more thorough inspection. The scanners can also effectively identify the specific liquids contained within the luggage.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently called upon airports throughout the United Kingdom to implement 3D scanners in airports by the end of 2022 in an effort to cut down on lines and wait times. The United Kingdom has restrictions on flying with fluids similar to those in the United States. If the new initiative significantly helps move passengers through the airport, as predicted, it would not be surprising to see the same technology adopted more widely in the United States in the coming few years. Already, O’Hare in Chicago and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta have begun using the technology. Heathrow is the first airport in the United Kingdom to begin implementing CT scanners in security lines, a project that will cost approximately $61.5 million USD and take several years to complete.

The Potential Downsides of New 3D Scanning Technology

While the price tag may sound shocking, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has asserted that aviation companies, rather than taxpayers, would collectively cover the costs of implementing this technology. However, there is always the possibility that airlines will increase their ticket prices to offset the cost. Some passengers may not mind paying a premium on their tickets to save themselves time spent waiting in line, but the technology meant to speed movement through the airport could also hurt overall sales, at least in the short term.

It is also worth mentioning that the new technology does not eliminate the ban on traveling with liquids in excess of 100 milliliters—instead, it prevents the need to remove the bottles from a bag. However, travelers would no longer need to house their bottles of liquids in transparent plastic bags.

A Look at the Recently Completed $1.3 Billion Jewel Changi Project

October 4, 2019September 19, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Amenities, Facilities, Infrastructure, Locations, Programs, Technology, Transportation

One of the airports often recognized among the best in the world is Singapore’s Changi Airport, which recently received a $1.3 billion upgrade via the Jewel extension. Changi Airport has become ingrained in the identity of Singapore with its distinctive amenities, which include a butterfly garden and rooftop swimming pool. Last year, 65 million travelers passed through the airport, making it one of the busiest in the world. The Jewel extension was completed earlier this year and was designed by Safdie Architects as an attraction unto itself, with the intention of attracting both foreigners and locals. More than half of Jewel’s visitors come from Singapore, partially because of the unique design, which is meant to uplift passengers and reduce the stress of travel through features that encourage repeat visits.

The Jungle at the Heart of the Jewel Changi Expansion

At the heart of Jewel Changi is a tropical jungle that encompasses five stories and 270 square feet. More than 100,000 shrubs and 2,000 trees were planted in the area, which is accessible any time of the day via trails or nets that stretch above the treetops. Guests can also walk across a glass canopy bridge that is 75 feet above the ground. The whole feature is topped with a domed glass roof made from 9,000 different panels. Small gaps between the panels provide air circulation to reduce heat indoors while letting in natural light for the plants. One of the most impressive features of this central space is its openness. To prevent columns from blocking views, the architects built a single base of clustered columns that slowly stretch apart like a fan as they move toward the ceiling.

The tropical garden also features a waterfall that sends mist into the air to help moderate the temperature. The entire building is shaped somewhat like a circular donut; rainwater is collected through a central opening to feed the waterfall, which is known as the Rain Vortex. The system pumps 500,000 liters of water from the basement to the top of the dome. When there’s no rainwater to feed the waterfall, the water is recirculated to keep it running. In addition, an animated light show projects onto the cascading water to add even more drama. The show was engineered by former Disney employees. To prevent spectators from getting wet, an acrylic column sits at the base of the building to collect water and protect against splashes.

Outside of the Main Garden Area

Outside of the indoor jungle, travelers will find many other attractive features throughout Jewel Changi. Many people have praised the retail complex attached to the facility, which contains 200 stores. Several of these retailers are the first or biggest in the region; Jewel Changi is home to the largest Nike store in Southeast Asia and the very first Pokémon Center in Asia outside of Japan. Diners have their pick of nearly 100 restaurants, ranging from fast food and fast-casual outlets to high-end eateries like Violet Oon, which serves traditional Singaporean food; and Shang Social, a standalone restaurant from the Shangri-La hotel group.

Travelers frequently choose to bring their food up to the top floor of Jewel Changi to enjoy the outdoor dining terrace. This area can hold up to 1,000 people, so even when the airport is busy, there is usually space to sit and enjoy a meal outside. However, the top floor has other attractions beyond the terrace. Travelers should not miss the towering four-sided sculpture, which also acts as group of playground slides for a few moments of fun before or after a meal. There’s even a hedge maze—a fun and active way to spend some time while waiting for a flight.

The More Practical Side of Jewel Changi

Not all the features of Jewel Changi are designed simply for the amusement of travelers. The extension was also created to move travelers to their flights as efficiently and pleasantly as possible. For example, the airport worked with more than 20 airlines to place early check-in stations throughout Jewel Changi. These stations allow travelers to drop off their bags early so that they aren’t forced to carry them through the new area. Furthermore, a train easily and quickly connects travelers to all the terminals while providing a calming view of the jungle garden and waterfall. Furthermore, travelers don’t have to worry about parking—the new facility expanded the parking garage to five levels with the capacity to house 2,500 cars.

The architects and airport leaders also installed amenities for travelers connecting to other modes of transportation. A luxury lounge caters to passengers who will eventually connect to cruise ships or ferries. This feature could help drive new partnerships with other travel companies. In addition, Jewel Changi provides an option for weary travelers who need rest during long, multiple-flight journeys. A YotelAir hotel offers 130 different cabins that visitors can book by the hour when they need a nap or just a quiet, private room in which to relax.

Featured Image by 郭瑞霖 | Flickr

Chicago Revives Idea of Building New Airport in South Suburb

September 20, 2019August 30, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Facilities, Infrastructure, Locations, Planning, Transportation

Cities around the world are realizing the need for additional airports to serve an increasingly travel-oriented population, not to mention growing global business. In the United States, one city that has again begun thinking about building a new airport is Chicago. Currently, the Midwest metropolis is served by two main airports: O’Hare and Midway. Now, a plan has been reintroduced to create a suburban airport that would not only facilitate more flight options, but also potential grow e-commerce in the Chicagoland area and potentially attract giants like Amazon. The proposal calls for a new airport in Peotone, a suburb about 44 miles south of Chicago. This proposal has been hotly debated for decades now.

In the latest Illinois state budget, Governor J.B. Pritzker included a $162 million allocation for infrastructure improvements in the area around the airport. This money would connect the I-57 freeway to the proposed site of the airport and cover the costs of an environmental review and the creation of a master plan for the new facility. The fact that the state is now willing to invest money in the airport suggests that it might actually be built. In addition, corporate support for the airport would likely be strong, given the boost that it could provide for e-commerce companies with large distribution centers south of the city. Politicians and business leaders seem to be coming together in support of the project as well.

The Potential Drawbacks and Benefits of an Airport in Peotone

At the same time, the plan still has a decent number of opponents, such as local environmentalists and farmers in the surrounding areas. These individuals point out that other regional airports still have capacity for more traffic, namely those in Rockford and Gary. Plus, the new airport would consume thousands of acres of land that could otherwise be devoted to agriculture. Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, the deputy director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center pointed out that the new airport would likely cause extensive development in the area and perhaps relocate people from South Chicago even further south, which would have a significant environmental impact. Even if this does not occur, the state would still have wasted hundreds of millions of dollars, in his view.

However, other people see the job creation as a clear positive and a way to keep the Illinois economy growing. Across the nation, e-commerce companies are looking for greater transportation and logistical support, and industry experts believe that many more airports will open to serve this need. A spokesman for the Illinois Department of Transportation told the Tribune that Chicago should be at the center of this new growth, especially given the tenuous economic situation in the city’s south side and surrounding suburbs, which were hit hard by the loss of the steel industry and other manufacturing jobs. In addition, the private sector has already expressed interest in getting involved and offering services through the airport.

Political Struggles Surrounding the New Airport Project

Politicians have been debating an airport in Chicago’s southern suburbs for decades. Plans to build the airport in Peotone were started in the 1980s, and the Illinois Department of Transportation officially started purchasing land in Will County for the airport in 2002. Currently, the state owns about 5,000 acres for the airport, which makes up the vast majority of the proposed 6,000-acre facility. The project stalled under former governor Bruce Rauner, who had little interest in pursuing it. This year’s budget, however, received support from dozens of mayors and lawmakers, including the speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.

The major logistical hurdle that the airport now faces is a lack of transportation connectivity. The I-57 connection would solve this problem and remove one of the major barriers to carrying the plan forward. At the same time, there is still the question of connecting utilities to the site, which is in a rural location. Gas, water, and electricity lines must be built.

So far, no preliminary engineering or design work has been done to connect the site to I-57, though the plan currently centers on Eagle Lake Road south of the nearby town of Monee. Now that the state budget is in place, the upcoming multiyear plan should hopefully address these specifics.

Flights Potentially Starting from Peotone in Five Years

Advocates say that if all goes according to plan, flights could be leaving Peotone in five years. But the pushback against the airport is significant enough that the plan could still falter. Perhaps not surprisingly, Chicago Rockford International Airport is opposed to the project and has said that it has room to expand. Meanwhile, Gary International Airport is also focused on growth, while O’Hare has significantly boosted its cargo capacity in recent years and will add another 800,000 square feet of cargo processing space by 2021.

Supporters of the Peotone airport say that these airports still will not be able to keep up with the region’s growing air traffic. The Gary airport has little room to expand, for example, and significant expansion at Rockford could interfere with O’Hare traffic. One thing is certain, however: it will be fascinating to watch this project as it progresses.

Fentress Architects Names 5 Winners in Futuristic Airport Design Contest

August 30, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Facilities, Infrastructure, Locations, Technology, Transportation

The best airports in the world push the boundaries of both functionality and design to deliver an experience unlike any other. Earlier this year, the design firm Fentress Architects issued its 2019 Fentress Global Challenge, which asked architecture students to design an “airport of the future” for the year 2075. The competition is based on the idea that modern architects can continue to push boundaries and design public infrastructure that is both visually stunning and highly functional. This year, aspiring architects from more than 50 countries submitted their terminal designs; Fentress received upwards of 500 applications.

In late July, Fentress Architects announced the winners of its contest. These winners were chosen based on their overall concept, as well as the contextual orientation of their vision and the boldness of their final design. Applicants were asked to focus primarily on the terminal buildings and to consider what the future of aviation holds for air travelers. They were also tasked with creating a space that makes it easier and safer to fly. To do so, the applicants had to think about mobility, technology, urbanization, and feasibility. The jury included a Fentress executive, an air safety specialist, a representative from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and professionals from the Harvard University School of Design, NASA Johnson Space Center, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, among others.

The Three Top Winners of the 2019 Fentress Global Challenge

The winning design was the “Infinity Airport” by Daoru Wang, a student at North Carolina State University. His design aims to improve airport efficiency, and he undertook an intensive study of aircraft traffic flow to think about how one might create a “drive-through” airport. To enhance accessibility, the design pays special attention to how the airport weaves into the existing transportation infrastructure in an urban environment. The physical shape of the building borrows from the torus knot, a design similar to two overlapping infinity symbols. Thus, the airport has a circular concourse system, which makes it possible to streamline the loading and unloading process to improve efficiency and get flights in the air as quickly as possible.

Submitted by New Jersey Institute of Technology student Samantha Pires, the “Newark Airport Biophilic Headhouse and Community Nexus” took home the second-place prize with an entirely different approach. Pires took inspiration from the economic analyst John Kasarda, who wrote a book called Aerotropolis. This book challenges the modern concept of the metropolis by putting the airport at the very center of an urban area. Kasarda imagines a future in which airports serve as the nexus of social and economic development within a city. Pires intended her design to show how airports can serve as a point for community engagement and neighborhood growth by creating new job opportunities. Her design is fully integrated into the community through a rail network.

The third-place title went to “LondonHeathrow2075” by Christopher Johnson of the University for the Creative Arts in the UK. Johnson’s design explored the idea of smart cities and other technologies designed to connect people. He examined the existing infrastructure and land use at Heathrow and imagined how it could be changed to increase efficiency. Already, technology is reducing the use of physical passports, and the security and immigration processes are becoming more digital. Johnson’s design takes this reality into account and envisions an “international zone” around the airport that allows visitors to roam freely. The airport is the center of a real destination, not just a transportation portal. LondonHeathrow2075 also features a drive-through area below the airport that could reduce aircraft traffic wait times.

Winners of the 2019 Fentress People’s Choice Awards

While these three winners were chosen by the jury, Fentress also posted the project proposals on social media, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to see and comment on the ideas. Two winners were chosen for the 2019 People’s Choice Awards based on the overall number of likes the designers were able to secure. Overall, these designs are perhaps more futuristic and conceptual than the winners of the juried competition, but they still offer intriguing food for thought and visual excitement.

With nearly 3,000 votes, the winning design for the People’s Choice Award was “Y3M,” by Chai Yi Yang and Ng Yi Ming of the University of Malaya. Their project offered an extremely futuristic take on the airport by deriving the design from an Elon Musk hyperloop tube system. The airport—including runways—is built on a series of high platforms connected by hyperloop rail. Instead of a centralized mass, the airport would essentially take the form of a “vessel-like network” to cut down on turnaround times and labor. In addition, passengers would enjoy a seamless transition from rail to flight. This design also had the added benefit of requiring less land than traditional airport.

The runner-up for the People’s Choice Award received more than 2,500 votes. This design by a group of Tel Aviv University students was called “Six Lane City” and takes into account the large amount of unused land usually associated with airports. For example, O’Hare International Airport in Chicago extends over 12 square miles, yet much of this land is not exploited. The designers proposed a new form of city that would be built 650 feet above ground, on top of the airport infrastructure, to transform the airport into its own metropolis. In this way, the design offers new residential space and additional economic opportunities.

Airlines Are Using These New Technologies to Improve Boarding

August 22, 2019August 1, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Facilities, Information Systems, Passengers, Personnel, Technology, Transportation

The airport experience is full of potentially annoying processes, from standing in line to check a bag to moving slowly through a security line. However, administrators often forget about the boarding process when they are trying to improve the airport customer experience. Social norms can collapse during boarding: passengers often willfully ignore boarding zones to cut the line or argue loudly with gate staff about their bags.

The boarding process could be improved in a number of ways, yet few people have focused on ways to do so until recently. Today, several companies are building technologies that could make boarding simpler and more efficient for all passengers.

RFID and Paperless Travel Could Help Improve Boarding

One technology that could solve a particularly annoying piece of this puzzle is RFID (radio frequency identification). Many flyers are reluctant to check their carry-on bags because they fear that the luggage will not be waiting for them at their destination. Furthermore, with the institution of fees for checked bags, many passengers simply want to save money, so they insist on bringing their luggage on board. The issue with this is the lack of storage space on most flights. Not every traveler can bring a full-size carry-on and personal item on the plane—there’s simply not enough space. Delta began using RFID to track bags in 2016, and British Airways recently made waves with TAG, a reusable digital bag tag that provides a means of tracking baggage throughout a flight.

In the near future, RFID may become much more common on airlines as a means of avoiding issues caused by gate checks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) voted a year ago to create an RFID standard for use with luggage and more recently passed a plan to require that airlines and airports around the world use RFID to track luggage. However, there is no plan for implementing the technology yet.

Another technological advancement that could ease the boarding process involves travel documents. Paperless travel is becoming more popular and can significantly streamline boarding processes, not to mention eliminate the waiting time involved in printing boarding passes and other documentation. The World Economic Forum recently announced an initiative called the Known Traveler Digital Identity program, which allows passengers to store passport information on a mobile phone rather than on the chip contained within a physical passport. The project uses interoperable digital identity and other new technologies to make this process safe, secure, and seamless for passengers, and it would not be surprising to see it adopted widely in the coming years. At launch, the program is allowing travel between Canada and the Netherlands without the need for a passport.

Biometric Technology and Its Potential Complications

Another technology that could simplify the boarding process has received a great deal of criticism, which has highlighted some important issues that need to be addressed before it is adopted more widely. This technology is biometrics. Some people fear that the implementation of biometrics, such as facial recognition technology, will lead to tracking systems that violate civil liberties. The World Economic Forum says that there are measures to limit the storage of such information, which has become a contentious issue with recent data breaches of large organizations. Consent should be required each time data is sent, for example. This rule would give travelers more control over their personal data than they currently have with a passport.

Already, several airlines are experimenting with biometrics to confirm passengers’ identities and make boarding easier. Norwegian Air has introduced such technology at Los Angeles International Airport, and Air France-KLM recently announced a biometric boarding pilot project at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. These airlines’ experiences may reveal solutions to the problems in implementing biometrics and lead to technology that is both secure and efficient for travelers. Around the world, JetBlue, Qantas, British Airways, and Delta are also testing biometric boarding. Airports themselves are investing in biometrics as well. Boston Logan International Airport recently adopted CLEAR biometric technology to shorten security lines.

Non-technological Strategies for Improving Boarding

Of course, not all efforts to improve the boarding process are digital. United Airlines, for example, recently introduced a two-color system as a complement to its five boarding areas. The colors are determined by frequent flyer status. So far, it seems that the new system has improved average boarding times and helped create more satisfied customers.

Delta, likewise, has investigated how it could redesign the boarding process to be more efficient. The airline has discussed removing the podium altogether, as well as boarding lines, by created designated chairs for passengers. Gate agents would serve more like hosts than ticket-takers to focus on relationships between customer and airline, rather than have passengers sort themselves out. For this to work, however, the airline will need to radically shift how people think about boarding and create trust that this new system is truly efficient.

Port Authority Enlists Munich Airport to Manage Newark’s New Terminal

August 15, 2019August 1, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Facilities, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology, Transportation

Widely regarded as one of the worst airports in the world, Newark Liberty International Airport has undertaken a massive project to revive the facility and improve the experience for customers. Part of this project involves the construction of Terminal One, a completely new facility designed to provide modern accommodations for travelers, at a total cost of $2.7 billion.

Recently, the Port Authority announced that it has partnered with the operator of one of the best airports in the world, Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI), to operate and maintain the new terminal. Port Authority has brought in this experienced organization to help develop a world-class experience for passengers in the new Terminal One.

The Agreement between Port Authority and Munich Airport

EWR Terminal One LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MAI, will oversee all operations at the new terminal, from maintenance to concession functions, once construction is complete. Terminal One will take the place of the outdated Terminal A and is scheduled to be complete in 2022. MAI will also play a role in improving processes in Terminal A until the new facility is operational. For 12 of the past 14 years, the Munich airport has been called Europe’s Best Airport by Skytrax, an organization that ranks the performance of international airports. These accolades offer hope that the partnership will allow Newark to improve its reputation among international travelers.

MAI’s reach in the New York City area extends beyond Newark, however. MAI is also involved in Reach Airports, a joint venture that will oversee a new project at John F. Kennedy International Airport that is also called Terminal One. Like Newark, JFK has a fairly poor track record and a tarnished reputation with ample room for improvement. The Port Authority has committed itself to distinguishing New York-area airports and bringing all facilities up to the level expected by the modern traveler. Because the region is an international transportation hub, it’s particularly important for its airports to provide a superior customer experience and to operate according to global best practices.

Terminal One and Its Impact on Northern New Jersey

MAI brings experience in both operational excellence and customer service to Newark, as well as JFK. Terminal One in Newark is a major project for northern New Jersey that will create new jobs and business opportunities, so it is critical for the facility to have excellent management. Travelers today demand exceptional customer service, curated food and shopping options, and top-notch amenities, which is exactly what the partnership will bring to Terminal One. The project is the largest of its kind in New Jersey history, and its regional economic impact will exceed $4.6 billion. The facility and its construction should create more than 23,000 jobs and more than $1.9 billion in wages.

Newark’s Terminal One is slated to encompass about one million square feet of space, a significant increase from the current Terminal A. The Port Authority has promised that Terminal One will feature cutting-edge digital technology to support travelers and make the experience a truly 21st-century one. Experts have estimated that about 13.6 million passengers will pass through the terminal annually. The new structure will have three levels and 33 gates for common use—five more than Terminal A now has. In addition, the new gates will be able to accommodate larger aircraft. Passengers will also enjoy modernized check-in and security areas, as well as upgraded baggage claims.

Major Improvements at Other New York Airports

The Port Authority is spearheading projects at other facilities throughout New York, with about $28 billion split between the region’s three major airports. This financing has come from both public and private sources. LaGuardia Airport is being rebuilt, and the new facility will become the first new airport constructed in the United States in 25 years. Last December, LaGuardia opened Terminal B, its first new concourse, which features large gate areas and a spacious, open design that lets in natural light. Travelers enjoy local dining and retail options as well. Delta Air Lines is now working on LaGuardia’s new Terminal C, which will replace the airport’s current C and D terminals later this year.

Meanwhile, JFK is receiving a $13 billion facelift that was announced by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo late last year. The new facility is designed to serve as a proper gateway to the United States, as the airport provides the first experience of America for many travelers. Two new international terminals on the south and north sides of the airport will add more than four million square feet of additional space and increase JFK’s overall capacity by about 15 million people each year.

The Port Authority has also taken on other initiatives that will benefit all the airports it oversees. These projects will provide free WiFi, better taxi access, and real-time information on security and transportation wait times. In addition, the Port Authority is introducing mobile-optimized airport websites for tracking flights, booking trips, and paying for parking.

What You Need to Know about the New Solidarity Warsaw Airport

August 8, 2019August 1, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Amenities, Facilities, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology, Transportation

When thinking about the biggest and best airports in the world, Chopin Airport in Warsaw, Poland, is probably not the first that leaps to mind. However, Poland is moving forward with a new airport project that could become one of the largest facilities in the world. Chopin has experienced incredible annual growth in terms of passenger numbers in recent years and is drawing close to capacity. Rather than expanding the existing airport, officials are opting for a completely new project tentatively called Solidarity Warsaw Airport. According to current plans, the new facility will require an overall investment of about $10 billion to construct and will not open until 2027. The final structure is projected to handle about 45 million passengers upon opening, with plans to expand enough to accommodate up to 100 million in the future.

The Need for a New Polish Airport to Serve Europe

One of the motivating factors behind the construction of the new airport is the growth of LOT Polish Airlines. The company hopes to triple its passenger numbers in the coming years by increasing long-haul services to both Asia and the United States, according to a recent interview with CEO Rafal Milczarski. Passengers from Central and Eastern Europe must often transit through Western Europe to connect to longer flights, with hubs in Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam as the most popular options. The downside is that most trips to Asia and the United States include at least one stop—often more. While more than 60 airports in Western Europe have direct flights to long-haul destinations, only 16 in Central and Eastern Europe do.

The other option for individuals living in Central and Eastern Europe is to fly through Moscow, with Sheremetyevo International Airport offering the most long-haul connections.

A new Warsaw airport would allow passengers from Central and Eastern European to fly directly from Poland to anywhere in the world. This is important because these regions of Europe, particularly Slovenia and Estonia, have experienced the highest growth in passenger traffic of any part of Europe. Chopin Airport has recorded the highest growth of any facility in Europe, with an increase in passenger volume of 23 percent in 2017. At the same time, with a maximum capacity of just 20 million, Chopin is still one of the smallest airports in all of Europe.

The new airport promises not just a new facility, but also improvements to infrastructure. The building is set for construction about 40 kilometers from Warsaw, so plans include extension and reconfiguration of the rail network to improve connections. Also, roads in the area will get some improvements to help handle the additional traffic. Furthermore, some officials have proposed the construction of an entirely new city just next to the airport site to help provide services to travelers.

According to the current plan, all functionality at Chopin would be ceased once Solidarity opens and becomes fully operational, which would free some real estate within the city limits of Warsaw. This location is what has prohibited the expansion of the current airport and led to the proposal for an entirely new space. Construction is slated to begin in 2021, and it will continue far beyond the 2027 proposed opening as new terminals and runways are added.

Moving Forward with the New Airport

Some opposition to the airport has arisen in the past year or so. The Polish government endorsed the project in 2017 and then officially ratified the plan in 2018. Since then, many people have expressed concern about the effect that closing Chopin Airport will have on Warsaw’s economy, especially given that the new facility is not close to the city. Furthermore, many residents who face compulsory purchase orders for their land and homes have also protested.

At the same time, others argue that the new airport could bring more tourism to the country and boost the economy in other ways, especially with the proposed growth of LOT. While LOT is the 19th-largest airline in Europe, the prospect of tripling flights would help it emerge as one of the primary airlines on the continent. Other airlines, such as Wizz and Ryanair, are also expected to expand operations in Poland in the coming years.

So far, the design of the airport has not been finalized. The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure announced that it would hold an international competition between architectural firms for the design, setting a decision deadline for the end of this year. So far, 17 different architectural concepts have been received, all of which are radically different from each other. Some of the concepts pull from existing airports, such as Jewel Changi in Singapore, while others have a more ambitious and unique design with features like translucent roofs and live vegetation. One proposal even creates a massive “airport city” larger than Manhattan. This idea could work well with plans to build a new city adjacent to the airport by transforming the facility itself into a massive community.

What You Need to Know about the Upcoming Opening of Beijing Daxing

August 1, 2019August 1, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Amenities, Facilities, Infrastructure, Locations, Technology, Transportation

One of the most exciting airport projects of the last few years has been the massive new facility planned for Beijing. The new airport now has an official open date right on the eve of China’s current government’s own 70th birthday. The so-called Beijing Daxing International Airport cost billions of dollars to construct and has a design meant to resemble a starfish with enough space to accommodate the extensive projected growth for the city, as well as China in general.

China has experienced a massive growth in its air traffic in recent years and the new airport will provide space for even more with the potential to become the busiest facility in the entire world. Official work on the airport recently ended and the inauguration is scheduled for September 30.

Growing Excitement around a Brand-New International Airport

President Xi Jinping has scheduled a large military parade to take place through the center of Beijing. This will celebrate the new airport as a futuristic hub embodying the future of China, as well as the creation of the People’s Republic, which took place on October 1, 1949.

The airport is situated less than 50 kilometers from Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing, and set for exponential growth, although full capacity operation is not expected to start until 2025. With four runways, the airport has the potential to serve 72 million passengers each year.

Beijing Airport — Image by keso s | Flickr

However, expansion will not end there. By 2040, the hub may have up to eight runways, including one designated for military use. When this plan is completed, the airport will accommodate 100 million passengers annually.

At this point, the airport would become the largest in the world in terms of traveler capacity. The Atlanta airport can currently receive more than 100 million passengers each year, but it operates across two different terminals. Daxing will achieve its massive size with a single terminal.

The current Beijing Capital International Airport actually already comes in as the second-largest in the world with slightly more than 100 million passengers each year. However, traffic needs have exceeded this capacity due to increases in living standards. This has inspired a newfound desire to travel.

Market analysts believe that China will surpass the United States to become the world’s biggest aviation market by the mid-2020s. According to the International Air Transport Association, China will see 1.6 billion flights annually by 2037. By 2025, more than 170 million passengers per year will travel through Beijing in one of the two airports.

A Facility Designed for Both Beauty and Convenience

When it opens, the new airport will certainly be quite a draw for passengers due to its unique and gorgeous design, not to mention its sheer size. Coming in at 1.03 million square meters, the facility is about the size of more than 140 soccer fields. Thus, the airport will be counted among the largest terminals in the world.

Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid designed the structure. It was brought to life despite the designer’s untimely death in 2016 through the engineering of Aeroports de Paris. The structure has been called “The Golden Phoenix” because of its design, which includes a bright orangish yellow exterior that resembles the mythological bird.

Inside, individuals will notice the flowing, curved lines complemented by light that seems to flow down from the top of the building to the lower levels through carefully planned openings in the roof. These openings create a rather dramatic effect for travelers.

The design also takes into account convenience for travelers. Beneath the airport is a train station and a metro line to take individuals closer to their final destinations without even having to leave the facility. Ultimately, travelers will be able to reach the center of Beijing from the airport in a total of about 20 minutes using public transportation.

Altogether, the project cost $23.6 billion for the facility alone. It cost more than three times this amount when the rail and road links to the new airport are factored into the final price. However, this investment may prove worthwhile as it offers the critical infrastructure needed for the Chinese air industry to continue flourishing.

The Path forward for Two Massive Airports in Beijing

According to the most recent plan, the SkyTeam Alliance brands will take over the new airport and abandon their current places at the old facility. These brands include Delta, Air France, and KLM, the Dutch airline. Furthermore, their partners, including Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, will also become tenants of the new facility.

Meanwhile, Air China, which has emerged as the third-largest airline in the country, will maintain its place at Beijing Capital International Airport and presumably expand its number of flights to fill in the space left by the airlines that transfer to the new facility. This transfer should also provide some relief to congestion felt in the current airport. In the meantime, before the facility opens, six simulation exercises are planned to put everything to the test so that no surprises await travelers after opening.

Spotlight on the Best Airports in the World

July 9, 2019June 21, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Facilities, Infrastructure, Passengers, Technology, Transportation

More people are choosing air travel than ever before, and airports are increasingly focused on ensuring that they have a pleasant experience. The quality of service offered by an airport is an important consideration. When travelers have greater access to information about an airport, they can make more informed decisions when preparing for their trip and planning their itinerary. Understanding this, Fodor’s recently launched its Travel Awards program and published the results. The awards recognized domestic and international airports in various categories.

The Best Airports in the United States

The airport declared to be the best in the United States was Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). While Fodor’s acknowledges that the airport does not have a lot of flash or even state-of-the-art technology, it is reliable and located in an ideal geographic location. The most important consideration was the fact that moving through the airport is easy and comes with very few, if any, hiccups. BUR offers lots of affordable parking with shuttles that run on time and terminals that are simple to navigate. Furthermore, the airport has excellent food options that are not the standard chain restaurants, even though the airport runs so well that people do not need to show up hours early for a flight. This nomination points to how important the most basic elements of service are.

Fodor’s nominated Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) as its American runner-up due to its live music, wonderful food choices, and rotating museum exhibitions right in the terminal. Plus, the airport has approved a plan to add 32 more gates by 2040 to keep up with the growth of the city that promises to keep the airport easy to navigate. Jackson Hole Airport was listed as the best tiny airport, largely due to the breathtaking views that it offers, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport was the runner-up due to its unique, rustic design. Newark Liberty International was recognized as having some of the best food choices of any airport in the world, largely because it has attracted many of New York’s top chefs.

The Best International Airports

In terms of international airports, Fodor’s voted Singapore Changi Airport as the best, which is not surprising given that the facility is consistently named among the top choices. The airport offers excellent shopping and dining options, and it recently underwent an impressive facelift with new gardens, mazes, and more. Passengers can actually check in early to explore the new garden area, including its gorgeous waterfall. The new area, which is actually known as Jewel Changi, is intended primarily as an attraction to improve the customer experience by making the facility feel less like an airport. The renovation has secured the airport’s place among the very best the world has to offer.

Seoul Incheon International was the runner-up and has become almost as impressive as Changi due to its array of activities for people with long layovers. In addition to shops and restaurants, travelers can head to one of seven indoor gardens and even an ice rink. Also, there is an associated golf course nearby and several relaxation centers. A number of other international airports were also mentioned for their specific features, such as the shopping at London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda, as well as the food at Hong Kong International.

Improving the Customer Experience

In addition to showcasing the aforementioned airports, Fodor’s highlighted the challenges faced by the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the fourth-busiest airport in the world. For instance, its design requires that one travel at least 30 minutes to get from the airport entrance to the right terminal, which can take time due to the fact that no public transportation options exist for getting to the airport and the issue of constant construction. Due to this construction, some passengers must check their bags at one terminal and go through security at another, which subjects them to the traffic a second time.

The construction has resulted, at least in part, in efforts to improve the airport, and there are plans to connect the facility to the delayed Crenshaw Metro Line. The train is now set to open in 2023, and other plans for expansion could help to get people through lines more efficiently. LAX is also set to do something with the Theme Building, a structure that resembles a metal spider and has become emblematic of Southern California Midcentury Modern style. While the building is mostly empty at this point, potential plans for converting it into a conference center and hotel have recently surfaced. No on-site hotel now exists, and offering this simple amenity could also help to cut down on traffic to and from the airport.

What You Need to Know about the LaGuardia and JFK Renovations

July 2, 2019June 21, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Facilities, Infrastructure, Technology, Transportation

Various technology developments, from autonomous vehicles to rideshare apps, have changed the ways in which people interact with airports. However, especially in the United States, airports have not evolved alongside this technology. As a result, many American airports appear extremely outdated, a problem that is not helped by the fact that overall income for these institutions hasn’t increased. Due to this issue, government organizations have had to step in, which is what is currently happening in New York. With 31 airports, all of which are woefully outdated, the state needs to do something quickly to address the failing infrastructure. Recently, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced $23.6 million in state funding for airport modernization throughout the state, which includes key airports in New York City’s LaGuardia and JFK.

The Serious Issues That Have Haunted LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia, located in Queens, first began serving travelers in 1939 and has since emerged as the 21st busiest airport in the country, with more than 30 million travelers walking its terminals last year alone. About 4 million of these individuals used LaGuardia primarily as a connecting airport. Despite these impressive numbers, the airport has received little attention since its initial opening and has created a reputation for being not just shabby, but also downright unable to handle the number of passengers that pass through it on a daily basis. Even Vice President Joe Biden once quipped that LaGuardia is a “third-world country.” While this is an exaggeration, it serves to highlight the dire need for upgrades and improvements at the airport. Though plans to renovate LaGuardia date back to 2016, they have only recently begun to be implemented.

The central nexus of LaGuardia remains Terminal B, also known as the Central Terminal Building, which opened in 1964 and was called the “air gateway to America” because of its central role in air traffic for decades. However, the poor condition of the terminal, and the airport as a whole, has led to the slight downfall of LaGuardia, which is now surpassed by both JFK and Newark in terms of usage. However, this issue also relates to the design of the airport. With sporadically planned terminals, plane movement is hindered, resulting in constant gate delays.

The Vision for a Massively Improved LaGuardia Airport

Governor Cuomo and his Airport Advisory Panel have created a strategic plan for revitalizing the airport, which includes demolishing and rebuilding the Central Terminal Building and establishing more connections to public transit. All four terminals are set to be linked through the new building, which will actually be placed close to the highway to create more room for airplanes to move around and reduce related gate delays. The revitalization includes a new parking structure and a different roadway map. Public transit proposals include ferry service to the Marine Air Terminal and an AirTrain that will connect to the metro system.

Addressing the Poor JFK Experience with a Strategic Plan

JFK is not in a much better position than LaGuardia. The airport consists of several disjointed terminals, and delays affect 25 percent of flights. Furthermore, the roadways to the airport create massive amounts of traffic, and the security lines are often frustratingly long. The proposed plan for dealing with this mess will cost $13 billion but has the potential to transform the JFK experience radically.

The plan lays out two modern international terminals that will serve as the cornerstones of the airport. To compete with other major airports around the world, the new terminals will offer a number of amenities, including cultural exhibitions, a play area for children, and free Wi-Fi. Importantly, the plan also allows for growth as JFK is expected to serve 80 million passengers a year by 2035, significantly more than the 66 million it saw in 2018.

JetBlue Airways will construct one of the new terminals, while four foreign airlines have agreed to work collaboratively to build the second. During construction, New York’s Port Authority has pledged to spend $1 billion on improvements to roadways as a means of relieving the congestion that plagues the airport. Currently, a number of different roads cross the main loop that connects the six terminals that comprise JFK. The plan hopes to streamline these streets and also help to interconnect all passenger facilities more effectively to reduce reliance on these roadways. Furthermore, the plan aims to increase the capacity of the AirTrain system linked to the Long Island Rail Road to encourage more use of public transit in getting to the airport.

Some of the Issues Raised in Relation to the JFK Plan

Problematically, the JFK plan does not address some of the core problems plaguing the airport. While it provides two luxury terminals that may impress international travelers, there is currently no strategy in place for dealing with the perpetual delays at the airport. One way to do this would be to add more runways. Transportation experts have long called for at least one additional runway at the airport, and the Regional Plan Association called for two more last year during a regional survey of transportation needs. Many are also disappointed that there is not a better public transportation solution, namely that there is no direct route to JFK from Manhattan. At the same time, dealing with congestion is a critical first step to improving the overall customer experience.