Airports

*The show presented a variety of the solutions defined by a strong focus on contactless technologies, Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, electronic bag tags and offsite processing *New technologies and clean mobility solutions ensuring hygiene and safety of passengers were also showcased prominently DUBAI, 26 May 2021: The 20th edition of the Airport Show concluded in Dubai after three days of successful run as key decision-makers from major airports in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) met reputable exhibitors at the first international event of this nature since the outbreak of COVID-19 and bid goodbye with a renewed sense of optimism and positivity about regaining the lost tempo of growth and expansion. As the landmark edition of the show took place in the hybrid format — physical and digital format, it also showcased unique solutions and latest technologies that can help the aviation industry overcome the COVID-19 crisis. The show presented a variety of the solutions that were defined by a strong focus on contactless technologies, Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, electronic bag tags and offsite processing. New technologies and clean mobility solutions ensuring hygiene and safety of passengers were also showcased prominently. The Airport Show reflected the resilience of the important players in the Middle East aviation sector who also demonstrated willingness to adapt to the changing travel pattern and adopt new technologies to come up to the passengers’ expectations in the post-COVID-19 world. The overwhelming response to the show simply reflected the observation of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Soon after opening the show, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said, “The aviation industry has a history of successfully bouncing back from crises and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. The setback is temporary and it will again be on the tracks of transformation. As in the past, Dubai will in the future continue to lead in the industry’s resurgence through collaborations and cooperation.” Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, which organises the trend-setting trade show, said that the exhibitors had significant meetings with representatives of various organisations from the UAE, other GCC countries as well as from the Middle East region. It was quite encouraging to note people’s zeal to return to normalcy as soon as possible and use the current period to get ready to meet the demand as the situation improves. He said, “It was challenging to organise the show at such a critical juncture when the aviation industry has just started to show signs of recovery. But several national and international companies as well as regional buyers showed confidence and came in significantly big number considering the travel restrictions around the globe.” Supported by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), dnata, Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), Dubai Police and GAL ANS and sponsored by emaratech, Ground Handling Logistics (GHL), Indra, Honeywell, Hog Technologies and Saab, the three-day exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) Halls 7 and 8 witnessed the participation of more than 95 exhibitors from 21 countries, 100-plus Hosted Buyers from over 20 countries and 36 exhibitors at five country pavilions by Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and the UK. “Everyone who came to the show was outstandingly happy to meet each other again.There were a lot of important conversations during the face-to-face meetings.Business-wise too it was quite encouraging. The exhibitors got good business leads that may soon turn into agreements,” said Qureshi. Rocco Marcuccio, Managing Advisor of Air Tech Italy (ATI), the leading Trade Association representing Italian companies specialised in supplying products, technologies and services for airports and air-traffic control, said the participating companies were overwhelmed by the response received from regional aviation players during the show, which reflects the region’s eagerness to improve the situation. “It is quite an interesting time for the aviation sector. The global situation is improving slowly but Middle Eastern countries are showing eagerness to get ready for the future. The show was successful as it brought international players to Dubai who wanted to create synergy with the local and regional players,” he added.

New Delhi, 24th May 2021: After facing the devastation of Cyclone Tauktae, Eastern Coast of India is now bracing for Cyclone Yaas. Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India are closely monitoring the situation with regular Review Meetings. Sh. Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation today chaired a meeting to take stock of the preparedness of various airports that may likely be impacted by the cyclone. The virtual meeting was attended by Sh. Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, Member (Ops) and Member (Planning), Regional Executive Director (Eastern Region), AAI, Director (Eastern Region), Indian Meteorological Department, Station Commander and SeniorMeteorological Officer, Indian Navy and Airport Directors of airports from Eastern and Southern Regions. Due to heavy rain and winds of 20-25 knots gusting up to 35 knots, scheduledcivil flight operations at the Port Blair Airport in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been suspended for today, 24th May, 2021. Senior management at AAI, along with IMD, is consistently monitoring the situation at all other airports in Southern and Eastern India. Secretary (Civil Aviation) instructed that all preventive measuresbe in place at all airportsthat are likely to be impacted by the Cyclone, to minimize any damage. Keeping safety of airport infrastructure, manpower and safe flight operations in mind, airports have been advised to ‘anticipate, plan and protect’ to safeguard the airport infrastructure and civil aviation services. As per the latest Weather Bulletin issued by IMD, after laying practically stationary over East-central Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Yaasis very likely to move slowly north-northwestwards, intensify further into aSevere Cyclonic Storm during next 24 hours and into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm duringsubsequent 24 hours. It would continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further andreach Northwest Bay of Bengal near north Odisha and West Bengal coasts by 26th May earlymorning. It is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagarislands around noon of 26th May as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm. Chairman, Airports Authority of India, along with the senior officers, is closely monitoring the situation with regular Review Meetings. While flights operations at Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Jharsuguda and Durgapur Airports are likely to be impacted by the Cyclone; Ranchi, Patna, Raipur, Jamshedpur, Bagdogra, Cooch Behar, Vizag and Rajahmundry Airports have been instructed to be on alert in case the cyclonic winds change path. News Source: AAI Press Release

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of most important airport due to its gateway to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico and across the United States. Being the hub for IT sector, flight to this airport is always in high demand. Aviation World highlights key development project and health steps implemented at SFO to make it more passenger friendly airport. Travelling across the airports has completely changed as one has to adhere to strict safety protocols. All, this is done to keep passengers safe throughout their journey. In this feature, we have highlighted San Francisco International Airport which is a very important destination for Indians to enter United States. The official website www.flysfo.com proudly mentions; Ready? So we are. Let’s Go There. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the most important and busiest airports in the United States as it connects maximum parts of North America and also functions as a major gateway to Europe and Asia. With the United States easing lockdown rules, various airports in the country including SFO is enhancing its operations in accordance with the govt. health guidelines. Health Protocols As per the recent directive, face masks are still required for air travel, including at airports and onboard aircraft in the US all times till September 13, 2021 regardless of vaccination status. The strict efforts to maintain health guidelines have earned SFO an Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) World. The program evaluates new health and safety measures and procedures introduced at airports worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, SFO also organised three-day onsite COVID vaccination clinic from 11th to 13th May, initially created for airport workers and family later on expanded to all travellers. At present, COVID testing center is functional at Level 1, Courtyard A to Level 3, at the Aisle 6 ticket counter in the Edwin M. Lee International Departures Hall. SFO opened the first onsite rapid testing at the airport in July 2020, initially for airport workers only. In October 2020, the site expanded to offer testing to United Airlines passengers to Hawaii, and then more airlines were added. Terminal connectivity with AirTrain As part of the development program, SFO has recently completed a project to extend the AirTrain electric people mover system to Long-Term Parking. With this accomplishment, the AirTrain now provides seamless connectivity between all terminals, all parking garages, the on-airport hotel, BART station, and Rental Car Center. As transportation to Long-Term Parking was previously provided by shuttle bus, this move is expected to eliminate 600,000 miles of trips annually. “This is the culmination of the long-held ambition for SFO,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “When the AirTrain opened in 2003, we always envisioned a future project to create this extension to Long-Term Parking. Completing this construction means easier access for travelers, less roadway congestion, and more clean-energy transportation around our Airport. My thanks go out to the entire project team for achieving this milestone in our history.”

New Delhi, 06th May 2021: Amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, Airports Authority of India country in collaboration its subsidiary AAI Cargo Logistics & Allied Services Company Ltd (AAICLAS) isplaying a key role in facilitating the rapid and safe delivery of large volumes of doses of vaccines, oxygen containers and other medical equipment needed for the hospitals and towards the vaccination campaigns across the country. AAI Airports Cargo terminals have become an important hub for the storage, processing and transportation of vaccines and other essentials. Approximately95 million dosages of vaccines have been handled till now while taking utmost precautions through AAI Airports. Along with AAICLAS, Standard Operating Procedures were made in consultation with The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for safe delivery of vaccines through airports across the country. Jointly working with airlines,various state administrations and other stakeholders AAI Airports are ensuring that there is no time wasted in unloading of these vaccine consignments and they are handed over to State Health Department in the shortest possible time to maintain the cold chain. The average delivery time is between 3 to 20 minutes and all arrangements are in place for immediate clearance on priority and delivery to the respective department. This so that the Cold Chain that is vital for the safe delivery of the vaccines are maintained. So far, the Vaccines Consignment weighing approximately 281,000 Kgs has been transported across 40 airports through more than 400 flights by seven domestic airlines.An Operations Control Centre(OCC) has been set up at the AAICLAS CHQ in Delhi where the movement control of the vaccines is coordinated. The shipments of Oxygen cylinders transported by IAF are also being facilitated by AAI Airports, ensuring smooth and quick delivery to the consignee with efficient terminal operations.Oximeters &Oxygen concentrators were dispatched to different locations across the country through AAI`s Kolkata and Chennai Airport. Apart from this, AAI Airports spread across the country are taking part in the nationwide vaccination drive by organizing vaccination camps for all the frontline workers and stakeholders working at the airport including airlines, and ground handling agencies. While our nation is fighting against the alarming Covid19 surge, AAI continues to be at the forefront during these tough times. As the nation strives to achieve a CovidFree environment, AAI Airports are working diligently towards ensuring safe and secure travel experience with strict compliance of necessary protocols. (Aviation World Online News)