ICAO symposium underscores importance of global capacity development initiatives.
IATA initiative to accelerate transition to enhanced GSE.
TSA is prepared for busiest summer travel season ever.
GAMA applauds confirmation of NTSB Chair Homendy.
Emirates returns to Nigeria from 1 October.
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport begins concourse D Upgrade.
Accidents and incidents
Bonus Video - Beech 18 and DC3 to SAAF Museum AFB Swartkop Airshow 2015
AIRLINES AIRPORT & AIRPORTS NEWS
ICAO SYMPOSIUM UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF GLOBAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
The 2024 ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), held under the theme "Optimizing Aviation Capacity: Strategies for Safe Skies, Sustainable Future," concluded last week after a successful three-day run. The event was generously supported by the Government of the Dominican Republic and hosted by its Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC). GISS 2024 brought together over 900 delegates from 88 Member States, industry leaders, and international organizations to collaborate on critical implementation initiatives.
GISS 2024 served as a platform for forging crucial partnerships and agreements. A total of 19 significant agreements and letters of pledge were signed, solidifying commitments to capacity building and sustainable aviation development. The agreements and pledges focused on areas such as training, expertise sharing, and project implementation.
A high-level Ministerial Roundtable, themed "Building Capacity to Achieve an Effective and Sustainable Air Transportation System for our Future," convened 21 ministers and senior officials. The discussions underscored the importance of balancing aviation's economic and social benefits with environmental responsibility. The roundtable emphasized the need for increased investment in infrastructure, training programmes, and targeted capacity-building initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
Building on the momentum from the Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels, GISS 2024 placed a strong emphasis on sustainability. The event highlighted the crucial role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and other clean technologies in achieving aviation's environmental goals.
Dedicated FINVEST sessions explored innovative financing mechanisms to support aviation infrastructure development and the transition to a greener industry. The proposed ICAO Finvest Hub was also a key topic, highlighting the need for greater partnerships and increased engagement between the aviation industry and financial institutions. These discussions also touched on the crucial role of innovative financing in supporting the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and achieving the long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of reducing international aviation emissions.
As the curtain closes on GISS 2024, the aviation community eagerly anticipates the next edition of this impactful event. The United Arab Emirates will host GISS 2025, building on their strong commitment to sustainable aviation practices and innovation. Their successful hosting of the Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels demonstrates their dedication to advancing the industry's environmental goals.
IATA INITIATIVE TO ACCELERATE TRANSITION TO ENHANCED GSE
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched a program reinforcing the industry's aim of increasing the use of enhanced ground support equipment (Enhanced GSE). Presented at IATA's Ground Handling Conference (IGHC), the IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Program aims to accelerate the introduction of Enhanced GSE technologies into daily operations, by recognizing those ground handlers who are leading this modernization of their vehicle fleets. The first ground handlers to obtain this recognition at various stations are HACTL and Menzies Aviation.
The program is the latest action to facilitate the transition to Enhanced GSE. It follows the publication in late 2022 of the IATA Ground Damage Report: The Case for Enhanced Ground Support Equipment which identified safety and sustainability benefits that could be gained from this transition.
Enhanced GSE uses anti-collision and inching technology, which improves vehicle control, and increases docking accuracy. Additionally, most Enhanced GSE is electrically powered, thereby delivering sustainability gains over most non-Enhanced GSE.
"The Enhanced GSE Recognition Program is another pillar of IATA's efforts to reduce ground damage by transitioning to Enhanced GSE fleets. The transition has been slow, despite well-documented gains in safety, cost-reduction and sustainability. By recognizing those companies leading the evolution, we aim to accelerate this critical industry transition," said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA's Director of Ground Operations.
The Program
Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs) participating in the program will have the opportunity for their fleets to be assessed. Those achieving a ratio of Enhanced GSE to non-Enhanced GSE that exceeds a predetermined threshold will receive a recognition stamp valid for two years. Participation in the program will be voluntary and free of charge, as part of IATA's commitment to achieving industry-wide safety improvements without imposing financial burdens on GHSPs.
IATA estimates that the annual cost of ground damage could reach $10 billion by 2035 unless preventive action is taken. However, transitioning 75% of the global fleet of belt-loaders, cargo-loaders, passenger stairs and passenger boarding bridges to Enhanced GSE, would reduce the current expected ground damage cost per turn rate by 42%.
The IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) already advises on the design and use of Enhanced GSE as a best practice. The program will serve as an add-on to the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), which will include the integration of Enhanced GSE into operations as of 2025.
The program will be deployed in several phases, initially focusing on assessing the three types of GSE most associated with ground damage incidents: belt loaders, ULD loaders, and passenger stairs. Over time, it will expand to include lifting and elevating GSE that docks at aircraft doors and GSE that couples to aircraft.
TSA IS PREPARED FOR BUSIEST SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON EVER
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer's travel season, which begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day. TSA forecasts Friday, May 24, to be the busiest travel day of the long Memorial Day weekend, anticipating nearly three million passengers. From May 23 to May 29, the agency expects to screen more than 18 million passengers and crew, representing a checkpoint volume increase of approximately 6.4% compared to the same period in 2023.
"In close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer's increased travel volumes," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "We are also continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they've ever been."
TSA is continuing to modernize airport security checkpoints across the country with a focus on enhanced detection methods to best secure the aviation system. This summer, airline passengers can expect to encounter some of those latest checkpoint technologies and recommends several important travel tips. These include:
Tip 1: Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance. TSA is using the second generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), which features the same capabilities as the CAT, confirming the authenticity of a passenger's identification credentials with their acceptable photo identification credential along with their flight details and pre-screening status, but with an added camera feature. The passenger may voluntarily agree to have a real-time photo taken of them to verify their identity using their TSA-acceptable identification credential. The facial recognition technology TSA utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Keep your boarding pass tucked away. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology. Passengers who do not want their photo taken may ask the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) for a manual ID check without penalty and losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see TSA's Privacy Impact Assessments, Fact Sheet and biometrics technology webpages.
Several airports have installed Computed Tomography (CT) units. These units significantly improve scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. CT units give TSOs the ability to review a 3D image of passengers' bags and reduce the need to physically search the contents of the bag. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Passengers are also reminded to bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening.
To date, TSA has deployed 2,050 CAT units to 223 airports. Among those, 238 CAT units represent the second generation (CAT-2) technology and are located in 84 airports nationwide. Additionally, TSA has deployed more than 820 CT units to more than 240 airports nationwide.
Screening protocols may vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment, so it is important for passengers to follow the TSO's directions.
Tip 2: Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with a firearm, but it must be secured in the passenger's checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter.
TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, the TSO will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck® eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties.
Tip 3: Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule. When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool to know what is prohibited. If you're heading to the beach, you may wonder how to pack your sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.
Tip 4: Make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver's license to fly within the U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if you have a REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. For questions on acceptable IDs, go to TSA.gov.
Tip 5: TSA PreCheck® members: Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation. With nearly 20 million TSA PreCheck members, it is essential that airline reservations have the passenger's correct KTN, full name and date of birth so they can truly "Travel with Ease." Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time they travel. TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. TSA's wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes.
If you are not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck and appreciate faster passenger checkpoint screening, we encourage you to enroll with one of TSA's enrollment providers starting at $77.95 for a five-year membership. Most new enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term starting at $68.95. Visit TSA PreCheck at www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information about enrolling or renewing in TSA PreCheck and to find enrollment locations and pricing information for all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers.
Tip 6: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel will be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check in with your airline and drop your bags and prepare for the security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.
Tip 7: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the transportation system are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.
Tip 8: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or assistance. Contact TSA by sending a text directly to 275-872 ("AskTSA") on any mobile device or over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24/7. Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSO who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something®. Those traveling abroad for the summer should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation. For those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly videos for children packing for their upcoming trip.
GAMA APPLAUDS CONFIRMATION OF NTSB CHAIR HOMENDY
This week, the U.S. Senate approved the confirmation of Jennifer Homendy to serve a second three-year term as Chair and another five-year term on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce, released the following statement regarding the confirmation of Chair Homendy
"GAMA congratulates Chair Homendy on her confirmation and reappointment to serve as NTSB Chair.
The NTSB plays an essential role in protecting the U.S. transportation system and the Senate's sustained bipartisan and unanimous support of Chair Homendy is a testament to her devotion to public safety and recognition of her powerful leadership.
Chair Homendy has been a staunch advocate and champion for a safe and secure transportation system, and we look forward to continuing to work with her and her team to further enhance safety."
EMIRATES RETURNS TO NIGERIA FROM 1 OCTOBER
Emirates will resume services to Nigeria from 1 October 2024, operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai, and offering customers more choice and connectivity from Nigeria's largest city to, and through, Dubai.
The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1520hrs; the return flight EK784 will leave Lagos at 1730hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0510hrs the next day. Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com or via travel agents.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, "We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria. The Lagos-Dubai service has traditionally been popular with customers in Nigeria and we hope to reconnect leisure and business travellers to Dubai and onwards to our network of over 140 destinations. We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route and we look forward to welcoming passengers back onboard."
With the resumption of operations to Nigeria, Emirates operates to 19 gateways in Africa with 157 flights per week from Dubai, with further reach to an additional 130 regional points in Africa through its codeshare and interline partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Air, among others.
As a major economic hub in Africa, Nigeria and the UAE have built strong bilateral trade relations over the years, headlined by Lagos as the nation's commercial centre. With the resumption of daily passenger flights, the airline's cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, will further bolster the trade relationship by offering more than 300 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity, in and out of Lagos every week.
Emirates SkyCargo will support Nigerian businesses by exporting their goods via its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai, into key markets such as the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain, among others with key anticipated commodities such as Kola Nuts, food and beverages, and urgent courier material. Emirates SkyCargo will also import vital goods such as pharmaceuticals and electronics as well as general cargo from key markets such as the UAE, India and Hong Kong. Keeping trade flowing seamlessly, these goods will be transported quickly, efficiently, and reliably via the airline's multi-vertical specialized product portfolio.
The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER serving Lagos will operate with 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 seats in Economy Class. Offering the best experience in the sky, passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can tune in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, in addition to series and other content on ice, Emirates' award-winning inflight entertainment system.
ATLANTA'S HARTSFIELD-JACKSON AIRPORT BEGINS CONCOURSE D UPGRADE
WSP, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, joined airport, city and federal leaders, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, for the start of a long-awaited expansion of Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
"This $1.4 billion project is one of many planned at Hartsfield-Jackson in the coming years and is aimed at increasing the 44-year-old Concourse D's footprint, widening it from 60 feet to 99 feet and extending its overall length by 288 feet," said Todd McClendon, senior vice president of aviation at WSP and area director responsible for several ATLNext Capital Improvement Program projects.
WSP is serving as project manager for the Concourse D project on behalf of the client, the City of Atlanta's Department of Aviation. In this role, WSP, along with joint venture partners H.J. Russell & Company and Turner & Townsend Heery, provides multiple services, including program management, project management support, sustainability management, design management, project controls, contract administration, document control, invoice compliance, contracts, finance, design reviews and supplier diversity outreach, and monitoring and reporting.
"The terminal expansion is a combination of modular construction and traditional construction," said Edmund Ramos, vice president project management at WSP and deputy Concourse D project director. "We saw a real efficiency in building the modules on a remote site at the airport, while, at the same time, working on the needed foundation and utility relocation works at the concourse.
The module placed ahead of the April 26 ceremony is the first of 19 scheduled to be set in place as part of a multi-phased construction schedule. This method will keep as many gates open as possible during construction. Modules are moved to the concourse within a three-hour window (1-to-4 a.m.) on the same day each week, using the same process each time.
Japan, west of Amami Islands: An All Nippon Airways' flight from Naha to Tokyo/Haneda, a Boeing 787-8, suffered No.1 engine over heat message after take-off. The flight returned to Naha where a safe landing was carried out at 16:00 LT. No injuries reported. Flightradar24 data suggests the flight began descent just after reaching to FL310.
India, Bengaluru (Bangalore) International Airport (BLR/VOBL): An Air India Express flight IX1132, an Airbus A320-216, suffered an engine fire on departure from Bengaluru International Airport (BLR). The flight returned to land and was evacuated on the taxiway after vacating the runway.
Beech 18 and DC3 to SAAF Museum AFB Swartkop Airshow 2015
