News
news updates between our biweekly newsletter editions
55 Major European Airports Now Into Carbon Emission Reduction Program
February 6, 2012
Fifty-five major European airports accounting for over half of all passenger traffic on the continent are now part of a program aimed at cutting carbon emissions, Airports Council International said.
Airports are changing airport vehicles and buses to electric or hybrid power, and installing solar panels to generate the airport's own electricity, among other measures. Specific taxiing techniques are used to reduce fuel burn, and ground power is provided to parked airliners instead of having them leave their engines running.
The industry group said participating airports include London's Gatwick and Heathrow; Frankfurt; Munich; Amsterdam; Brussels; Zurich; Geneva; as well as both airports in Paris and Milan.
The program known as Airport Carbon Accreditation was adopted in 2008 and aims to cut emissions from all operations with the ultimate goal of having the airport become carbon neutral. There are over 400 airports in Europe, but most of them account for very small percentages of overall passenger traffic on the continent.
TAV attract bidders for stake in Turkish airport operator
February 5, 2012
French construction group Vinci and a partnership between US private equity firm Carlyle Group and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) are the leading bidders in a race for a near 40 percent stake in Turkish airport operator TAV Havalimanlari Holding, three sources close to the deal have told Reuters.
TAV shareholders construction firm Tepe Insaat and Akfen Holding are selling 18 percent stakes each, sources said.
Minority shareholders holding 3.52 percent of the shares will also sell their stakes in a deal which values the firm at around $2bn, the sources said. "We know that Vinci is leading because TAV shareholders prefer a strategic investor," said one source, while another said: "Vinci is leading, but they also talk to others. They also talk to Carlyle and (the) Qatari partnership and they are also very keen."
Budapest Airport loses its home town airline
February 3, 2012
The Hungarian national airline Malev has ceased operations after its financial situation became unsustainable. It came after the European Commission ordered Malev to repay various forms of state aid received from 2007 to 2010. The sums involved amounted to 38 billion forints (EUR 130m), a sum equal to its entire 2010 revenue. The carrier employs 2600 people and is responsible for close to half of all air traffic at Budapest Liszt Ferenc airport.
Heinemann Travel Value Fashion Shop opens at Oslo Airport
February 2, 2012
The new Heinemann Travel Value Fashion Shop at Oslo Airport unites a range of exciting brands under one roof. From Ray Ban, Oakley and Armani to Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger and van Laack, the 230 m² store on the International Pier has been greeting air travellers with a variety of big-name products since opening on 1st of February. The Heinemann Travel Value Fashion Shop also uses three promotional areas to display seasonal products. The opening weeks are a treat for outdoor fans, who can browse the latest in Helly Hansen jackets, shoes, sweatshirts and much more besides. In the spring the Drykorn and Belstaff brands will be presenting the highlights from their latest collections, whilst Columbia’s range of summer leisurewear will be taking to the stages in June and July. To top it all off, the Heinemann Travel Value Fashion Shop offers both its promotional items and standard range at especially attractive prices. Anyone with a valid boarding pass can shop at the new Heinemann Travel Value Fashion Shop.
Boston Airport Adjusts Parking Rate to manage Car volume
February 2, 2012
The Massachusetts Port Authority is proposing parking rate adjustments to boost high occupancy vehicle use, fund Boston Logan International Airport infrastructure improvements and improve airport accessibility.
The centerpiece of the proposal is a USD 3 increase in the rate for central parking – up to a maximum of USD 27 per day. This will be combined with a USD 4 decrease in the daily rate charged at Massport’s four suburban Logan Express lots. The rates for Logan’s economy parking and the first two hours in central parking will not change. If approved by the Board at the Feb. 16 meeting, the rate changes could go into effect as soon as March 1.
Reducing the number of airport passengers and employees who drive to the airport is critical, especially when the growing number of Logan passengers strains the airport’s parking inventory. In 2011, Logan set a passenger record with 28.9 million. In the last two years, Logan has seen the number of parking exits increase by nearly 200,000, almost four percent year-over-year growth.
Agreement Reached on Four-year FAA Reauthorization Bill
January 31, 2012
The US House and Senate negotiators have reached an agreement on a long-term FAA reauthorization bill covering the remainder of FY 2012 through FY 2015. The bill provides an average of USD 15.9 billion per year, and reportedly authorizes USD 3.35 billion per year in Airport Improvement Program funding.
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