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Avinor
Multiple-airport operator Avinor has launched its first step towards setting up an aviation biofuel production centre for Norway. A tender has been put out to report on how this could be done in a commercially viable manner.
London City Airport
London City Airport has lauded social media as an important contributor to its customer satisfaction scores, which are at an all-time high. Citing a recent ACI EUROPE report on social media, the airport also drew attention to its innovative Twitter app, which allows passengers to get live flight updates to their mobile devices.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
On 19 October Amsterdam Schiphol Airport celebrated the arrival of its billionth passenger in October, with an impromptu festive welcome for Inge Serne, who arrived from New York. The airport, which opened in 1920, previously celebrated its 500 millionth passenger in June 2000.
Liege Airport
Belgium’s Liege Airport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, on 25 October. Liege Airport CEO Luc Partoune explained how the move would open up the world for the airport’s operators.
Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport opened its fourth runway on 21 October, which will ultimately raise the airfield capacity by 50% per hour. Opened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the runway should help the airport in the face on increased international competition, and is the fruit of a proposal first made back in 1997.
Warsaw Chopin Airport
Warsaw Chopin Airport was at the centre of a drama on 1 November, as a B767 was forced to land on its belly on the airport’s runway. Warsaw Airport’s response was commended by the aircraft’s pilot, and the public were kept well informed by the airport’s social media and other communications efforts.
Zagreb Airport
The competition to win the concession over the new Pleso Airport in Zagreb continues, with October seeing the field being whittled down to 6 contenders, and an announcement of the winning bid anticipated in March 2012. The victor will partly finance and operate the new terminal.
Varna Airport
Bulgaria’s Varna Airport is to temporarily close its doors for a major revamp, including terminal expansion, after the 2011 tourist season. The works are part of a 3 year project, over the course of which airport operator Fraport Twin Star Airport Management will pump in circa €85m, and create 1500 jobs.
TAV Airports Holding
TAV Airports is being put up for sale, with a €2bn price tag. Industry observers say the price is driven by TAV’s proven success in non-aeronautical revenue generation, as well as the company’s significant growth potential.
Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport (MIA) will give a 100% refund of landing fees to all scheduled airlines up to the end of March 2012 to stimulate traffic. MIA CEO Austin Calleja described the initiative as an investment to tackle the ever present issue of seasonality.
