Infrastructure – 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.

This Is How Increased Rideshare Use Is Affecting Airports

September 20, 2019September 3, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Infrastructure, Passengers, Programs, Technology, Transportation, Vehicles

Across the country, people are noticing a problem at airports that only seems to be getting worse: traffic. This traffic derives from a number of different factors, not least of which is the record number of travelers. However, another driving force is the increasing use of ridesharing apps. Most airports were designed with lines for taxis to facilitate movement in and out of the airport, but ridesharing circumvents this design, causing more congestion. Many airports are trying to address this issue by making key changes in traffic flow, such as creating separate areas for rideshare vehicles, larger off-site parking lots where drivers can wait, and express lanes for particular types of travelers.

Rideshare companies are also responding to this issue by changing the ways in which they provide service to airports. For example, there are now “rematching” options (available through both Uber and Lyft) that help to link rideshare drivers who just dropped off a rider to another potential rider, cutting down on the time spent circulating and waiting at the airport. On the more extreme end, Uber even offers non-land service to some airports.

However, these measures are not enough, and operational staff at airports in major metro areas are scrambling to keep up with changes. Part of the issue is that rideshare demand skyrocketed in a relatively short period of time, so there has not been much time to respond.

A Growing Problem in the United States Since 2014

One of the first airports to recognize the issue caused by rideshare traffic is San Francisco International Airport, which served 58 million travelers in 2018, up from 47 million in 2014. Unfortunately, the airport has a freeway on one side and a bay on the other, so there are no options for expansion.

Recently, models showed that to increase traffic flow, officials would have to set the speed limit at the airport at 15 mph, up from the current 10 mph. However, achieving that goal means they would first have to reduce rideshare traffic by 45 percent. The airport has instituted a number of measures to do so, such as incentivizing riders to get dropped off in the parking garage, but these measures have not panned out. More recently, the airport decided to force almost all rideshare traffic to the top floor of the garage in a desperate attempt to ease traffic; this appears to be working, at least temporarily.

At the same time, the “rematch” option mentioned above, which has worked well at other airports, does not work at San Francisco International. The current location of the pickup area prevents this option from being implemented.

Because of this issue, rideshare companies have become more creative with their solutions. After all, it is in their best interest to work with airports to make everything run more smoothly. Both Lyft and Uber have launched a new program in which riders get a code and then get into the vehicle of any rideshare driver. The code then directs the driver to the rider’s destination. First introduced for large events like concerts, the system has valuable applications for airports. Namely, it eliminates the need for riders to search for drivers and find the designated car, a major source of congestion.

The Value and Downside of New Construction as a Solution

In the long run, however, these solutions will likely not prove adequate. Some airports have already begun working toward more permanent solutions. For example, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has invested $30 billion in transforming its three main airports. These upgrades include infrastructure changes that will help to handle rideshares. At the same time, these construction solutions create short-term issues such as adding more vehicles to the mix and potentially shutting down some of the lanes in the airport as they work on expansion. Thus, facilities need to be strategic with the infrastructure changes that they make. These changes should also focus on more than just rideshare structures and seek to provide more lanes and overall space for cars to move.

The real question with these major projects is who will pay for them. If rideshare apps are necessitating the construction, it is not out of the question to hold these companies somewhat responsible. Airports already do this by charging facility fees to drivers, which are typically passed on to passengers. But this has already resulted in some tension as airports continue to raise the cost of these fees. According to a recent report out of Canada, Uber has pulled out of service at Ontario Airport due to a hike in the fees instituted at the facility. Moving forward, figuring the payment issue out may prove the biggest hurdle to reducing the traffic burden.

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.

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.

This Is What You Need to Know about Airports and Rideshare Helicopter Services

July 23, 2019July 11, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Amenities, Infrastructure, Regulation, Technology, Transportation, Vehicles

Around the country, airports are quickly adapting their policies and traffic flows to accommodate the growing popularity of rideshare apps. However, airports may soon need to rethink once again how the services of these companies will integrate into the flow of the airport.

Recently, Uber announced its newest product, Uber Copter, which will launch by offering helicopter rides between lower Manhattan and John F. Kennedy Airport. The flight last about eight minutes and will cost between $200 and $225 per person each way. This price includes private ground transportation on both ends of the trip to make for a door-to-door experience.

While we are probably far from seeing such services available standard at every airport, Uber Copter could quickly expand to other major cities. This is what you need to know about how airports may need to change to accommodate rideshare helicopter services:

Uber Expands Offerings with Aerial Airport Transportation

Uber first started promoting aerial services a few years ago with Uber Elevate, which made the service sound more like flying cars than helicopters. Indeed, the company is still working on flying-car technology and hoping that customers will settle for Uber Copter in the meantime.

Individuals can book the new service directly on the app, just as with any other ride, to save time and frustration when it comes to getting to JFK. The airport is not directly linked to Manhattan by public transit and may people rely on taxis and rideshare apps to get them to their flights.

However, when traffic gets heavy, such a ride can take two hours or more. A helicopter flight is a much more time-efficient option that may actually grow in popularity quite quickly despite its large price tag. With ground transport, the total travel time should average out to about 30 minutes.

Already, Uber is planning to bring Uber Copter to more cities across the country, and even across the world. However, the company is not planning to do so in the immediate future. Instead, Uber will use this new product to learn more about aerial vehicle operation and how such a service can work efficiently and effectively. This information will help the company ensure feasible expansion.

In the beginning, the service will only be available to Platinum and Diamond members, the two top tiers of the Uber Rewards loyalty program. However, it could open up to more customers shortly. Customers can book Uber Copter on demand or have a flight reserved up to five days in advance.

At first, the helicopters will only run Monday through Friday during the afternoon rush hour when getting to JFK is most daunting. Each helicopter accommodates up to five people. Individuals board with a pass issued directly through Uber.

The Logistics of Uber Copter Between Manhattan and JFK

In Manhattan, helicopters use the heliport near the Staten Island Ferry to land and depart. Passengers are picked up by car to be transported to this location. At Kennedy, Uber has access to the helipad near Terminal 8. Once passengers have landed at JFK, a car picks them up at the tarmac and takes them to the correct terminal or vice versa.

The company HeliFlite, based in Newark, will operate the flights and two pilots will be present on each journey. Passengers will also need to watch a short safety video before taking off so that they know what to do in the case of emergency.

One of the foreseen problems with the service is the lack of space for large bags. Passengers will be limited to a personal bag and a carry-on bag of 40 pounds or less.

Several Competitors Are Entering the Helicopter Taxi Sector

The current quoted price is between $200 and $225. However, the final cost of the flight will largely depend on demand and the price will vary depending on how many people are requesting rides, just as with ground vehicles. While this price may sound high, individuals often pay $200 to get to JFK from Manhattan in an Uber Black car during rush hour. The service is aimed mostly at executives and wealthy travelers.

The price could also start to change as other companies launch similar services. Voom, a company owned by Airbus, has launched similar services in the San Francisco Bay Area. Flights between San Francisco, Palo Alto, Hayward, Oakland, and San Jose airports range in price from about $150 to $300 depending on the distance. Another startup called Skyryse is also aiming to enter the air-taxi business.

Another competitor is Blade, which has small plane and helicopter services in cities across the United States. This past March, the company debuted Blade Airport, which provides helicopter service from Manhattan to Kennedy, Newark Liberty, and La Guardia. At all three airports, Blade already has its own private terminals, which makes it easy for these services to expand.

The question looming over Uber Copter is what will happen to airports if this service becomes more popular. Will airports eventually need to create new areas for helicopters to land, or will space and air traffic prove a limiting factor in the number of flights that can be offered? Furthermore, what kind of charges will airports levy to use their land and airspace? This latter question will become increasingly important as airports struggle to get the income they need to modernize and expand.

What You Need to Know about Airport Facial Recognition Technology

July 16, 2019July 11, 2019 by James Gill, posted in Airports, Information Systems, Infrastructure, Security, Technology

Airports across the United States are quickly adopting new technologies to make the experience of flying as simple as possible for passengers. One of the technologies that is being adopted rather quickly is facial recognition, which has led some people to become rather hesitant about the implications of this technology. On the surface, facial recognition seems like a great way to speed up the process of flying. Already, on some flights you do not need to present any form of identification or even a ticket because a computer system verifies your identity based on your face alone.

A number of different airlines and airports are piloting this technology. JetBlue, for example, has already scanned 150,000 faces and used this information to verify international travelers on their flights. Delta has created a biometric terminal in Atlanta that uses facial recognition at check-in, baggage drops, security, and boarding. With this technology, flights are able to board nearly 10 minutes faster due to the time saved per passenger. While the convenience of this technology is obvious, the hesitation comes with the fact that the technology is largely unproven and involves storing personal information that could possibly be stolen in the future.

Technology Could Be Used to Increase Security and Make Flights Safer

Facial recognition is an opt-in technology at airports that is only used for international flights. In other words, American citizens do not need to consent to having their faces scanned if they do not wish to do so. At the same time, trading in this personal information for an easier experience at the airport, which is already a stressful environment, sounds very alluring so it would not come as a surprise if passengers decide to jump at the chance to get through security faster. In the future, it is possible that such technology could be used to increase security and make flights safer, which would offer more reasons to participate, but as of right now the main question is one of convenience.

The fears of many people were confirmed recently when US Customers and Border Protection (CBP) announced that photos taken of travelers had been compromised in an attack on the organization. Officials said that the images stolen included ones of people’s faces, as well as their license plates. The attack was actually launched on a federal subcontractor, but it raises the question of how airports can implement technology like facial recognition if there is no guarantee that personal information, including a face scan, remains protected. The images stolen in this event were taken as part of border defense. While no passport nor travel document images were compromised, the event has raised concerns when it comes to facial recognition and travel.

How the Current Facial Recognition Model Works

Currently, facial recognition at airports occurs in a different way than it does with the technology that initially put it in the public spotlight: the iPhone. When someone uses Face ID, the process occurs internally over your iPhone, and Apple never receives any information. However, at the JetBlue e-gates, individuals can put their feet on blue markers and look toward a box that takes a picture and transmits it to CBP, which then reports back about whether or not the individual is cleared to board. The system has photos of travelers stored that it compares against photos taken at the gate, and these stored images come mostly from passports and visa applications. For this reason, the technology is only employed on international flights.

At present, the technology is perhaps not as reliable as it should be. While the research about it has been unofficial, it shows that a significant portion—up to 15 percent of passengers—were not approved when they should have been. Furthermore, one passenger was allowed through even while wearing sunglasses when they were trying to test the system.

Some of the Kinks That Need to Be Worked Out

At the same time, people who do not match simply go through the normal process of having their passports checked by an agent, which is not a major disruption. However, this issue could become a bigger one if facial recognition is employed in many different places in an airport. Perhaps the real lesson here is that facial recognition software just needs to improve before it is more widely implemented at airports, particularly for domestic flights.

Another issue that still needs to be worked out is one of security. Given the recent data breach, it is possible that pictures used for convenience could become stolen. Technological improvements are only beneficial when security keeps pace with them and ensures that the convenience offered does not come at a price. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how the conversation goes in the months and years ahead and what kinds of solutions are offered in terms of keeping data safe, as more airlines begin to adopt the technology.

Category: Infrastructure