Airports

Dubai, UAE, March 21, 2023 VPorts, the world leader in the design, construction and operation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) Airport to build and operate a first vertiport in RAK designed to establish the UAE as a world-class global AAM hub. ‘‘With the support of the Department of Civil Aviation of Ras Al-Khaimah, we are excited to build and operate the first vertiport at Ras Al Khaimah Airport. This project will enable all AAM partners to accelerate the adoption and deployment of advanced air mobility in RAK and throughout the UAE,” said Dr. Fethi Chebil, President and Founder of VPorts. “This project is aligned with RAK’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy 2040 and with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, to achieve at least a 30% savings in electricity consumption and a 20% contribution from renewable energy by 2040,” said His Highness Eng. Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al-Khaimah. “We are committed to supporting the VPorts project and to enable AAM-related innovation and technology and know-how capacity building in the UAE and in RAK.” VPorts’ initial growth strategy is based on the regional transportation of goods, tourism and the efficient movement of patients, organs for transplants and medical equipment. The RAK vertiport, which will be established on a 10,000-square- metre site, will be designed for all types of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. VPorts’s vertiports will be opened for all eVTOLs manufacturers. Ralf Schustereder, CEO, Ras Al-Khaimah Airport stated that “Ras Al Khaimah Airport is pleased to sign this agreement with VPorts to set up a vertiport in our airport. RAK Airport is aiming to be a leading enabler of RAK’s economic and tourism growth. This project will position RAK Airport as part of a development plan and key player in advanced air mobility in RAK. We will provide VPorts with our full support to ensure its success and prosperity.” The first vertiport in RAK is aligned with VPorts’ strategy in the UAE and in the world By 2030, VPorts plans to extend its vertiport network to all major industrial areas across the UAE, providing a sustainable transportation solution via eVTOL aircraft. The network will focus on locations that optimize multimodal transportation connectivity, including Ras Al-Khaimah, Dubai South, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. “We look forward to collaborating with each and every emirate to define the location of dedicated vertiports as well as safety and security regulations, flight corridors, urban integration and business community engagement for this important undertaking,’’ said Dr. Chebil. In December 2022, VPorts announced the signing a 25-year exclusive lease agreement with the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), renewable for a further 25 years, to establish a state-of-the-art integrator centre on a 37,000-square-metre site within Dubai South. Development and construction of the centre will start in 2023; it is expected to begin operations and conduct its first flight test in 2024. With the support of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the world’s first AAM integrator world centre in Dubai will feature a dedicated flight-testing airspace and innovative new technologies . “With our partners, we aim fostering the global growth of the international AAM industry and the certification of eVTOL aircraft,” said Dr. Chebil. VPorts will deploy its Vertiport Operation Control Centre (VOCC) as part of the AAM integrator world centre in Dubai with the support of the MBRAH and the GCAA. The VOCC will have the capacity to manage air traffic integration and set up communication protocols between eVTOLs, vertiports and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP). As part of this major undertaking, VPorts will work with an extended partner network to engage with key strategic poles of expertise, including eVTOL manufacturing, flight simulation and training, regulators, air navigation service providers, technology service providers, operators, electric charging manufacturers and urban planners.

Mumbai, March 06, 2023: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is proud to announce that it has been adjudged as the ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers’ for the year 2022 in Asia Pacific region by Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. CSMIA has been recognised with this prestigious title of ‘Best Airport’ for six years in a row. The ASQ Awards are highly regarded in the airport industry, as they are based on passenger feedback and are considered a testament to an airport’s commitment to providing an outstanding customer experience. ASQ Awards recognises the successful efforts & CSMIA’s dedication towards delivering superior customer experience and increased satisfaction for its passengers. This award is a result of CSMIA’s resolute commitment to always providing exceptional facilities and offerings. The achievement is a symbol of the passenger recognition of the efforts undertaken during the last year, such as: * Brought in path-breaking innovation with the introduction of ‘Integrated Security Check Point’ for domestic and international passengers. * Launched first-of-its-kind Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) & Solar PV system. * Transitioned to become a 100% sustainable green energy consuming airport. * Achieved Level 4+ “Transition” of ACA program of ACI, which is the highest accreditation. * Set up Electric Vehicle (EV) fast charging stations and inducted over 45 EVs * Unveiled the all-new renovated General Aviation terminal facility for private jets and redefined luxury travel through Mumbai. * Launched ‘FASTag car park’ for ease in parking payment system and to reduce the dwell time * Installed Reverse Vending Machines to promote recycling of single-use plastics * Celebrated with airport’s Shop & Win lucky draw for all passengers. * Hosted a 45-day Summer Carnival for its passengers. * Facilitated a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience by Air Charter Service India (ACS) for 27 brave and young cancer patients. * Installed 2D Barcode readers to expedite passenger movement. All these initiatives are a result of CSMIA’s dedication and commitment towards its passengers and their ever-changing demands. Commenting on the occasion, a spokesperson of CSMIA said, “We are delighted to yet again receive the 2022 Airport Service Quality Award for ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers’ category in Asia-Pacific. We would like to thank our passengers for their valuable feedback and assure them that we will continue to strive for excellence in customer service. This adds as a feather in the cap for CSMIA which reflects the airport’s dedication to creating a seamless, eco-friendly travel experience for its passengers while maintaining its position as a leading airport in the world.” The ACI ratings continue to be one of the most prestigious laurels in the aviation segment that recognize the best airports in the world. The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) surveys are conducted worldwide across airports where passengers are interviewed to rate airport services on the day of travel. The scientific methodology and strict quality control procedure following global standards undertaken by the organisation is a proof of the award’s fairness in identifying the airport’s excellence in service parameters that go beyond satisfying the needs of travelers. ( News Published unedited based on the press release)

Bengaluru, March 07, 2023: Achieving yet another significant milestone, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, also known as BLR Airport has been recognized as the ‘Best Airport at ACI’s ASQ Arrival Survey Globally for the year 2022’, by the Airports Council International (ACI) World.This honor has added yet another feather to the cap of BLR Airport, affirming its standing as a customer-centric airport. Being one of the busiest airports in India, BLR Airport is contributing to India’s aviation growth story by facilitating connectivity to non-metro cities and serving as a preferred transfer hub for Southern India. Efficient deboarding procedures, streamlined immigration and customs processes, organised baggage claim services and the availability of infrastructure such as transit hotels and AI-powered assistance robots, aid passengers with a smooth arrival experience at BLR Airport. With the vision to deliver superior customer experience and improve operational efficiency to handle growing passenger volumes, the airport aims to become the new gateway to India. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International AirportLtdsaid, “We are truly honored to receive the Best Airport at ACI’s ASQ Arrival Survey Globally for the year 2022. This recognition comes as a testament to the hard work, dedicationand commitment put forth by our team. We would like to thank the government authorities – the Immigration, Customs & CISF; for their cooperation in enabling seamless arrival process. We would also like to thank our passengers for their unwaveringtrust and confidence in us.This award further motivates us to continue to strive towards excellence and reinforce our position as one of the leading airports.” Congratulating BLR Airport on the recognition, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General, ACI World said, “Selected by passengers, these awards are powered by the airport community, which includes airport employees and a range of other stakeholders. I congratulate the whole team at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru on their success in the Airport Service Quality Awards.” ASQ is the world’s leading airport customer experience measurement which is based on live research via surveys gathered at the airport from the travellers and rating their satisfaction on the day of travel. This survey is conducted in over 340 airports worldwide and is considered the industry standard for measuring airport service quality. BLR Airport emerged as the winner among 15 participating airports worldwide, marking a momentous achievement. BLR Airport has been consistently innovating to provide a hassle-free experience to passengers. In the past, the Airport has received numerous recognitions and awardssuch as the ‘Voice of the Customer’ recognition by Airports Council International (ACI), Customer Obsession Award by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Best regional airport in India and South Asia by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022 to name a few. ( News published unedited based on the press release)

27th February 2023,Shivamogga: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Shivamogga Airport along with various development projects that cost over Rs 3,600 crore in Shivamogga, Karnataka. The new airport is developed at a cost of around Rs 450 crore. The Passenger Terminal Building of the airport is spread over 4340 sq. meters and can handle 300 Passengers per hour. With opening of this airport, the govt focus on enhancing air transportation throughout the country received further reinforcement. “The new airport is going to open doors of development for Shivamogga, the land of nature, culture, and agriculture”, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister elaborated upon the policies of the government that have led to an unprecedented expansion of the aviation sector. The Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia said, “ Shivamogga Airport has given a new height to civil aviation in the country and has opened new doors of prosperity in Karnataka. It is a unique gift for Shivamogga and the entire region on the birthday of the former Chief Minister of the state Shri BS Yeddyurappa ji. It is a matter of pride for the entire country that where there were only 74 airports in the country until 2014, today, after the inauguration of the Shivamogga airport, the number of airports has doubled. Now the total number is 148, which means there has been a 100% increase in the number of airports in the last 9 years.” The Shivamogga Airport is designed like a lotus flower, and it is built at a cost of Rs 450 crore. It is suitable for A-320-type aircraft. This airport is spread across 758 acres of land. The night landing facility is also available at this airport which will start after some time.” Shivamogga Airport is the 9th domestic airport in Karnataka.  The other operational airports of Karnataka are located at  Bengaluru, Mysuru, Ballari, Bidar, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, Belagavi and Mangaluru. Among these, Bengaluru and Mangaluru airports are the two international airports in the state.

Mumbai, February 28, 2023: Enhancing passenger’s travel experience, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) introduced new facility that allows for ease in transfer for passengers with connecting domestic flights from Terminal (T2).CSMIA, is one of India’s first airports to bring an initiative to make transit experience convenient and hassle free for travellers. Travellers with domestic flight connections at CSMIA can now easily transfer with reduced transit time. With rising passenger footfall for domestic as well as international travel, this new Domestic-to-Domestic (DTD) addition to CSMIA’s transfer offerings will further make the airport experience much smoother. With an endeavour to smoothen passenger travel experience, this dedicated space has pre-embarkation security checks. This transfer area will considerably cut down the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) for transfer passengers and crew members, thereby enabling passengers with a shorter time gap between connecting flights. Besides, it will add flexibility to the airline operators in planning their flight schedule and rostering of crew members as they will now be able to accommodate passengers with a lesser time interval between their connecting flights. This enhancement will make the journey seamless for our passengers who otherwise would earlier exit & re-enter the terminal and further wait for their onward flight will now be able to reach domestic departure concourse without undergoing the process of re-entering the terminal building. Commenting on the development, CSMIA spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to launch the new DTD facility at Terminal 2 of CSMIA, which is a significant step forward in improving the travel experience for our passengers and strengthening CSMIA as a transfer hub.The new facility is designed to provide passengers with a more efficient and seamless transfer process, faster processing times, and direct access to the departure concourse, ultimately leading to a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.”

New Delhi, 12th January, 2023: Airports Authority of India has undertaken the expansion work of Trichy Airport which includes Construction of a New Integrated Passenger Terminal Building, a new Apron, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, and upgradation of Air side facilities to cater the growing passenger traffic and reduce congestion during peak hours at the airport. The new terminal building being constructed at the cost of Rs.951 Crore has been designed to process 2900 passengers during peak hours. Equipped with 48 check-in counters and 10 boarding bridges, the terminal will be an energy efficient building with sustainable features. With an area of 75000 sq m, the new terminal building has been designed as an iconic structure of dynamic and dramatic building form with majestic roof. The interiors of the building reflect the colors and culture of the city through materials and textures in a contemporary manner. The intuitive form of the new terminal will create a unique architectural identity in southern region and will add a new dimension to the terminal design. Strong references to the local culture and traditional architecture will be expressed by the building’s architecture. Arriving and departing passengers will sense this identity and reference to the place. The airport expansion project also includes, new apron, associated taxiways, isolation bay to make the airport suitable for Multiple Apron Ramp System i.e. five wide-body (Code E) or 10 narrow body aircraft (Code C).Other than this, construction of a Control Room, supporting Equipment Rooms, Terminal RADAR, RADAR simulation, Automation facilities, VHF, AAI offices and Meteorological offices are also the part of the project. Project also includesfour-lane elevated access road connecting the Terminal Building tothecity. More than 85% of the construction work for terminal building is completed and the project will be ready by June, 2023. Trichy is the third largest airport of Tamil Nadu in terms of passenger Traffic after Chennai & Coimbatore. Development of Aviation Infrastructure will ensure enhanced air connectivity for the travelers of Trichy and surrounding area in Tamil Nadu.

New Delhi, 04th January, 2023: To cater the growing population of the Fourth largest city in the state of Gujarat and increasing flow of air traffic in this region, Airports Authority of India has undertaken the work for construction of New Greenfield Airport at Rajkot in Gujarat. With the project cost of Rs. 1405 crores, the new airport is envisioned to be a transportation hub for people traveling abroad from the state. Spread over 1,025 hectares, a new greenfield airport has been developed with modern facilities and conveniences for the travellers. The location of the new airport is approximately 30 kms from Rajkot city and on Rajkot-Ahmadabad highway. With total built-up area of 23,000 sqm, the terminal building of this new airport will be capable to handle 1800 passengers during peak hours. The terminal of the airport will be equipped with state-of-the-art passenger facilities, four passenger boarding bridges, three conveyor belts and 20 check-in counters along with modern firefighting and fire alarm system. With 3040 m long runway, the airport will be capable to serveAirBus-321 type of aircraft and the apron will be suitable for parking of 14 aircraft.The city side area of the airport is also being developed for adequate parking facilities for car, taxi and buses along with landscaping The façade design of the terminal building is influenced from the existing Palaces of Rajkot like the Ranjit Vilas Palace, integrating traditional elements into a contemporary form. The terminal building will depict various art forms including dandiya dance through its dynamic external façade and splendid interiors. Rajkot is famous for its golden jewellery and filigree work and that has inspired the exterior panel work at drop-off area of city side kerb. Runway and other pavement works along with more than 95% of earth work have been completed.The work for terminal building is in progress and the airport will be ready for operations by December, 2023.