Airports

Airports Authority of India, in its continuous endeavor to link under-served and un-served airports through RCS routes, is developing the civil enclave at Bareilly for commencement of civil flight operations for Lucknow and Delhi under Regional Connectivity Scheme. Bareilly is the eighth largest metropolis in Uttar Pradesh, and the 50th-largest city in India. Bareilly also figured amongst the PM Narendra Modi’s ambitious 100 Smart City list in India. It is located on the Ramganga River and is the site of the Ramganga Barrage built for canal irrigation. Bareillyairport belongs to the Indian Air Force(IAF)and AAI has developed a New civil enclave with interim Terminal Building of area 525 sqm along with apron for parking of one ATR 72 type of Aircraft. The Interim Terminal Building will be utilized for commencement of RCS operations.Bareilly will be connected to Lucknow and Delhi under the UDAN scheme of central government. Flights from Bareilly to Delhi or Bareilly to Lucknow are expected to start by December 2020. Other major development works at Bareilly Airportthat have been undertaken by AAI include construction of Pre-engineered regular Terminal building along with associated facilities, construction of apron and Taxi track for operation of two ATR 72 Type of Aircrafts. The total cost of these work is expected to be around Rs. 70 Crore. The Pre-Engineered regular Terminal Building, with an area of 2520 sqm, will be able to handle 150 passengers(75 Arrival and 75 Departure)during peak hours. Equipped with six check-in counters, the airport will also have car parking facility for 90 cars. More than 80% of the work is completed and soon airport will be ready for civil operations. The city is a center for furniture manufacturing and trade in cotton, cereal and sugar. With the operationalization of Bareilly Airport, demand of business class of the region for air connectivity will be fulfilled. (News feed from Corporate Communications Directorate, AAI HQ)

Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) witnessed the addition of new destinations and airlines to its roster between the period of June-September 2020. The airport introduced 33 new destinations, including 27 International and 06 domestic. This increase in connectivity and operations at CSMIA adds a major boost in connecting Mumbaikars to the world, during these uncertain times. New Destinations Domestic International Dibrugarh, Gaya, Imphal, Agartala, Silchar, and Trichy Aden, Auckland, Stockholm, Atlanta, Cebu, Jakarta, Chongqing, Entebbe, Ankara, Rome, Bishkek, Glasgow, Mattala, Djibouti, Johannesburg, Lagos, Lusaka, Mombasa, Melbourne, Manila, Chicago, Yangon, San Francisco, Ho Chi Minh City, Tbilisi, Wuhan and Vancouver   The inclusion of new destinations at the airport, through the Vande Bharat Mission and Air Bubble programmes initiated by the Government of India is a step ahead in welcoming the new normal and offering passengers direct routes to desired destinations. CSMIA has witnessed a surge in travel to the Middle East with the region capturing 55% of the passenger traffic at the airport. This is closely followed by Europe, North America, Africa and Asia Pacific with shares of 26%, 11%, 6% and 2% respectively between June to September 2020. Furthermore, during this period, the airport identified the various airlines catering to the highest number of passengers in each market. Air India catered to over 15,550 passengers through approximately 98 flights in the North American market as well as to over 21,110 passengers through an estimated 170 fights in Europe. Indigo airlines catered to approximately 26,070 passengers through over 330 fights to the Middle East. Air Tanzania catered to the African region by handling over 3,360 passengers through approximately 27 fights while Air India transported over 17,620 passengers through 153 fights in the Asia Pacific market. Moreover, in the period of June-September 2020, CSMIA witnessed a total of over 7,150international ATMs with over 21 international airlines flying approximately 2,49,320 international passengers to 26 destinations. In the same period, the airport registered over 16,886 ATMs in domestic operations with over 15,55,700 passengers flying to 53 destinations across the country through 10 domestic airlines. CSMIA has also observed a rising growth in both international and domestic air travel during this period. June 2020 September 2020 International Over 38230 passengers across 1640 ATMs Over 77590 passengers across 1860 ATMs Domestic Over 223810 passengers across 2590 ATMs Over 652620 passengers across 6640 ATMs   (News based on Press Release)

THREATENED BY DRONES? BUT WHO DEFENDS THESE THREATS? XPELLER – WE BRING IT DOWN Monitoring the airspace is an important task. Even more so when dangers are becoming smaller and smaller: The use and circulation of small drones has increased substantially over recent years and months. While some regulatory frameworks exist, their implementation has proven difficult in practice. Airports especially are high-risk areas, as a collision between drones and airplanes – whether intentional or not – may result in accidents and even deadly crashes. Added to that the risk of drones employed as weapons by dropping explosives, biological or chemical substances, it becomes clear that airports and other critical infrastructures must be continuously monitored, secured and have access to means of intervention in cases where drones may enter their airspace. Andleeb Shadman ,Managing Director of HENSOLDT Pvt. Ltd in an interesting conversation with Markus Wolf , Head of Sales & Business Development at HENSOLDT Ventures, responsible for the Xpeller CUAV System. AS: Could you describe global threat perceptions for which global customers buy Counter UAV Systems and what are the key criteria that influence their choice in selecting the System? MW: Hostile UAVs are becoming one of the biggest threats is recent years. They are cheap, easy to operate, available everywhere, almost invisible and usable for a variety of attacks. Several incidents within the last few years have revealed that there is a rapidly emerging threat caused by small, cheap and commercially available drones. In 2016 alone there were 70 reported near misses at Heathrow. Recent incidents like the lethal drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s largest petroleum company and arms dropping by UAVs in Punjab, India from across the India-Pakistan border has alerted Indian security and intelligence agencies. It is estimated that India has over 6 lakh rogue or unregulated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and security agencies are looking for pragmatic solutions. Whether they are used for trafficking, industrial espionage, sabotage, terrorist acts or even unintentional this phenomenon is an emerging threat that must be countered. To do so, it is key to detect and identify the drone and assess its threat potential at ranges from a few hundred meters up to several kilometres of distance from the sensitive area. Practical Counter UAV solution (CUS) should maximize true positives and minimize false negatives.We have observed globally that key customer criteria for choosing a Counter UAV solution is influenced by local threat perceptions, i.e. typeand mission of UAV, legal, regulatory or practical constraints in installing radar and/or selection of counter measures and contentment of collateral damages etc. AS: Could you please describe Xpeller system? MW: The Xpeller approach towards countering the UAV threat is based on a multi sensor/effector layer and a three step workflow: 1. Detect the potential threat with the best possible probability of detection. 2. Identify the potential threat as an actual threat with the least possible false alarm rate. 3. Act on the threat by raising alarms, or engaging the threat with a counter measure. Xpeller is highly efficient, modular and scalable counter UAV system designed for civil and military domains. The system allows combination of radar, electro-optical and RF signals, all integrated in operational software for an optimized detection of unauthorized drone threats. The resulting signal domination allows an optimized usage of countermeasures such as intercepting signals to defeat the drone threat successfully. AS: What is the USP of HENSOLDT Solution? MW: The Counter UAV solution market has been consistently growing with increasing in threats due to terrorism and illicit activities across the world and rising incidences of security breaches by unidentified drones. There are been numerous players in the market acting locally and globally offering variety of solutions. The key differentiating factors for HENSOLDT solution are: 1. Mature and already in-service 2. Scalable and modular solution framework catering to different needs of customers 3. Man portable, Vehicle mounted and Fixed installations 4. Catalogue of sensors and effectors to pick and chose 5. Very high probability of intercept and very low false alarm rate 6. Limited Interference with friendly use of air-space and spectrum. 7. Complete solution available based on Inhouse-products with no third-party interdependency AS: How mature is the solution? Are there success stories? MW: In 2018, HENSOLDT demonstrated its Xpeller counter-UAV system at the Airbus airfield in Hamburg.During the demonstration, Xpeller detected UAVs approaching from a number of locations and was able to identify a variety of UAVs, including small recreational models, from a distance of several miles away. Among our most recent successes is supporting the German Armed Forces in the protection of their forward operating bases in their operational areas. The Xpeller modules are used as part of container-based drone defence systems within the GUARDION overall system of ESG Elektronik system- und Logistik-GmbH and its partners for a total of five drone defence systems. “The Spexer2000 3D radar is characterized by outstanding detection capabilities, especially against asymmetric threats. The Z:NightOwl M camera was specially developed for high ranges. With it, we support drone defence against so-called Class I drones, that is, unmanned aircraft weighing up to 25 kg. In addition to permanent deployment, customers also use the system for temporary protection of major events. A recent example was the deployment of Xpeller during the Dutch Day of Remembrance in Amsterdam in May 2020, marking the successful introduction of Xpeller as a service. AS: How do you see Indian market for counter drone solution? What are your plans to offer this solution to Indian customers? MW: India is the vast country with challenging security situations. There have been several instances related to drone threats in civil and military areas. We are also cognizant about India’s uncompromising focus on Military self-Reliance through “Make in India” policy. Our proposed approach is to offer complete Xpeller solution framework to Indian customers.Through a Joint development we could realizean Indigenous Counter UAV solution in the most practical and incremental way, for example in supporting Indian capabilities like Sensors or 3rd Party Hard Kill effectors with selected Xpeller modules. We offer following three

Daniel Bircher CEO, Zurich Airport International (Asia) NIAL will set a new benchmark as a Digital Airport… With the signing of concession agreement between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a SPV developed by Zurich Airport International AG to commence and develop Noida International Airport at Jewer, all roads are now clear for the much-awaited mega airport project of the Delhi-NCR. The airport to be developed under PPP model has been initially granted licence for 40 years. In an exclusive interview, Vishal Kashyap Managing Editor, Aviation World speaks with Mr Daniel Bircher, CEO, Zurich Airport International (Asia) about details of the upcoming project, operational timelines, viability, passenger facilitation and much more. Excerpts…   What kind of infrastructure is being planned in phase one for Noida International Airport? Zurich Airport has been top ranked by the World Travel Award, the Skytrax Award, ACI ASQ Award and the Air Cargo Excellence Award over the last 10 years. We see this as a result of our well-functioning processes and passenger flows, our focus on passenger service, our dedication to have a clean and efficient airport with Swissness. Accordingly, we will put our customers first as we plan and design the airport. We have identified the needs of passengers, airlines and logistics partners for cost-effective, flexible and scalable infrastructure with a specific focus on digitalization and sustainability. Thus, we challenge all our planning premises to ensure that we will be able to provide quick, efficient and simple processes at the best possible value. Developing the 21st century Greenfield airport, we will make sure to leverage digital possibilities as much as possible. In addition, we are developing a sustainable airport ecosystem the will aims at net zero carbon emissions. We see Noida International Airport as complementary and an efficient alternative to Indira Gandhi International Airport which is set to reach its peak capacity of 110 million in the next six or seven years. How much passenger and number of flights are being projected under phase 1? We will develop this Airport on 1334 hectares of land. The airport’s first terminal is expected to be ready by 2024 and will open with one runway, generating an additional passenger capacity of 12 Million annual passengers. The project which will fuel the economy and generate 3000-5000 direct and indirect job opportunities in NCR, Greater Noida and the state of Uttar Pradesh. We will work in close and forward-looking collaboration with the Govt of UP for development of DNIA and meeting the project timelines. How much area is being dedicated for both aeronautical and non-aeronautical purpose? We are planning the airport as per Concession agreement for a capacity of 12 Million passengers. This will include the required aeronautical infrastructure as well as commercial offers and services for the passengers, meters and greeters, visitors and the airport community. Additionally, the airport has been allocated 24 hectares of land for city side developments. We are currently analysing the optimal use and development forms for this area. We want to make the airport a destination with attractive retail, F&B and entertainment opportunities for weekend getaways and for travellers to Agra and other important tourist destinations in the area.   The total investment for this airport seems to be huge in number. If we notice revenue patterns of India’s two major airport operators GMR & GVK, it seems to be a challenging affair for you as well. How are you prepared for such scenario? The project will be constructed with an initial investment of around INR 4,500 crore for the first phase. The initial investment will be firmed upon finalisation of the airport master plan. The Delhi Noida international airport will be a visionary airport for Delhi NCR, NOIDA and Western UP; which will activate the catchment area and connect it to other metropolitan areas in India and the world offering huge potential. We are even optimistic that the location will help in drawing more traffic towards the airport from connected regions, once operational in 2024. We have a global legacy and experience of over 70 years in building and operating world class airports. We will leverage state of art technology to aid cost-efficient aeronautical processes & commercial offerings across all segments. Customer-focussed processes and infrastructure design will offer quick, efficient and excellent value for passengers, airlines and shippers. The fully-digital Greenfield airport will not only enable contactless travel experience but also accelerate cost-savings across functions. The sustainable airport ecosystem will help us keep the costs low, while extending benefits to partners and customers. Additionally, we will build the airport and nearby infrastructure as the best go-to destination for travel, leisure, business, shopping, entertainment and stay in the country, which shall contribute additional revenues. Finally, there are several factors that determine that final proposal for a concession. We are convinced about the Indian growth story and we are willing to contribute to the government’s plan to create a 5 Trillion Dollar economy. Disposable income, propensity to travel, economic development in the catchment area and expected growth in air travel are some of these factors. We are also convinced that Delhi, as one of the largest Metropolitan areas on this planet, requires additional airport capacity.   With per passenger fee of Rs 400.97, is this airport going to be bit costly for passengers as well as airlines? We are keen to work with airlines in India and will offer low-turnaround costs, excellent connecting times and seamless transfer facilities basis state of the art and proven technology for cost-effective aeronautical processes. The airport has been envisaged to provide a congestion-free environment, offering fast connecting time for passengers and airlines and options to optimise fleet utilisation and turnaround timings, supporting airlines with their growth in India and in international markets. The techno-economic feasibility report by PWC mentions that by 2050, NIA will cater to over 10 crore passengers and around 37 domestic and 31 international destinations. How do you see these projections? We’re envisaging an airport with two parallel