A new stream of non-aeronautical revenue began flowing for Vancouver International Airport (YVR) when an upscale outlet shopping center opened on airport property in July. The landside development includes 65 stores for designers such as Coach and Armani, and is located just two stops from YVR on Canada's popular rapid transit system.
Despite extra challenges from a mid-project military event and an unusually large pool of stakeholders, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) finished a $13.6 million runway reconstruction project last year - on time, on budget and without any interruptions to commercial airline service.
An emphasis on sustainability helped land Cofely Services a $21 million, five-year facility management contract as a strategic partner overseeing the Consolidated Rental Car Center at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Emergency crews at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can now train without the omnipresent danger of blazing flames and structural collapse. There's no smoke and mirrors involved, just a customized aircraft firefighting and rescue (ARFF) simulator that safely replicates actual emergency situations with virtually no risk to equipment or personnel.
After nearly three years of construction, crews completed the $53 million terminal renovation at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) in April, and the improvements are already receiving international recognition. Passengers ranked the Saskatchewan airport number one in North America for comfortable waiting spaces in gate areas via the quarterly Airport Service Quality awards administered by Airports Council International.
Spokane has a rich aviation/aerospace history, and the entity that owns and operates its airports is relying on that background to grow. Plans for growth, however, extend well beyond airport facilities and traffic to include the overall economy of Eastern Washington.
Airports Council International (ACI) forecasts that existing airport capacity will need to double by 2031 to handle more than 12 billion passengers and 136 million aircraft movements per year. The collective price tag for capital expenditures needed to service the increased traffic is estimated at more than $1 trillion. Yes, that's trillion with a "t."
Memphis International (MEM) is embarking on an ambitious, multi-faceted plan to right-size its passenger terminal for a better fit with present and future traffic. The current priority, however, is airside enhancements.
Recently, I had a spirited discussion with a friend about a particular airport. After quite a bit of back and forth about what is good and not so good about the facility, my friend finally said, "I don't know what the big deal is. It's very functional."
The airport community universally agrees that customer service excellence is a critical component of an airport's success. We further concur that exceptional customer service can generate revenue not only from air travelers, but also from those sending off or greeting passengers.
The $229 million renovation of Terminal 5 in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) wrapped up this summer on time and on budget, with optimism high about how it will enhance the travel experience for about 6.6 million domestic passengers who use the facility each year. With Delta Air Lines as the terminal's sole airline tenant, the initiative was cooperatively funded by Delta ($11.2 million to renovate its proprietary areas and equipment), a TSA grant ($25 million for inline baggage screening) and nearly $193 million by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which owns and operates LAX, Los Angeles Ontario International and Van Nuys Airport.
The ticketing lobby at Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is once again more open and spacious. Gone are the seven SUV-sized explosives detection system machines that invaded the entry space after 9/11 changed screening requirements. And travelers no longer have to maneuver their luggage to the large, intimidating machines.
"Airports are more than simply points of departure and arrival. They are complex businesses in their own right," said Angela Gittens, director general of Airports Council International World, at this year's Airport Service Quality Awards ceremony.
There's no denying it: cell phones, laptops and tablets are officially ubiquitous. According to SAP, there were more mobile devices than people on Earth at the end of 2013.
"Going Green" is more than a slogan at Burlington International (BTV); it's a literal description of the Vermont airport's recent environmental project. The 500-kilowatt solar array BTV installed on top of its parking garage last year includes a verdant rooftop garden - a fitting feature for the busiest airport in the "Green Mountain State."
