Airport Authorities Research Articles

Full Throttle: Reforming Canada's Aviation Policy

Federal government policies are a major cause of high costs throughout the aviation supply chain, often leading Canadians to waste time and money by seeking lower fares at nearby US airports, or not travel at all. High fuel taxes and onerous foreign ownership and airline-specific policies are harming the competitiveness of airlines. Meanwhile, airports have been transformed from the rundown state they were in when operated by the federal government to become world leaders in customer service and quality. However, Canada’s airports are now handicapped by federal government policies that result in otherwise higher costs for travelers. If Canadians are to have the most economically efficient aviation system possible – crucial for such a geographically vast country – the federal government should enact a comprehensive set of policy reforms across the aviation sector. The federal and provincial governments should reduce, or eliminate, remaining aviation fuel taxes. The federal government should also gradually loosen foreign ownership restrictions on Canadian airlines, eliminate both company-specific burdens and protection for Air Canada, and attempt to renegotiate open skies agreements with the United States and the European Union to open the right to operate on domestic routes to all international airlines. Twenty years ago, Canada was a global leader in moving airports from government to private operation. While the federal government still owns the major airports proper, it signed operating leases with not-for-profit airport authorities. These airport authorities make long-term commitments that the looming end of leases may soon jeopardize, necessitating Ottawa to take action soon. The federal government should sell its remaining interest in the leases at airports it owns either to the not-for-profit airport authorities that currently operate them or to for-profit corporations. Such sales could make investors, airlines, travelers, and taxpayers all better off.Rather than regulating privately owned airports, government policy should focus on increasing competition in the sector. For example, if the City of Toronto approves the extension of the runway at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Island Airport and allows jets of all types that meet noise requirements to operate there, that would benefit travelers by enhancing competition locally and beyond.Ottawa should treat airports and airlines like regular businesses, remove sector-specific taxes and ownership and operation regulations, and let our Canadian aviation companies compete on the world stage.

Common-use check-in counter reassignments with a variable number of service lines and variable length of time window

In the real world, there are a number of common factors that can cause perturbations at check-in counters, such as an airport closure, a temporary power failure, crashing of the counter computer, baggage conveyor belt malfunctions, and so on, forcing the airport authority to reassign flights to new check-in counters. In this study, we develop a model and a solution method to solve common-use check-in counter reassignment problems with a variable number of service lines and a variable length of time window. To test how well the proposed model and the solution method can be applied to the real world, we perform numerical tests based on a hypothetical incident in relation to a Taiwan airport’s operations. The test results show that the model and solution would be useful for the airport authority in actual operations.

Employee Motivation in Airports Authority of India

Employee motivation is the vital element in making employees get attached towards an organization. The main aim of this study is to identify the factors that influence motivational behaviour among employees in a public sector organization. The research design used in this study is descriptive in nature and thus 310 employees were selected for the study. The sampling procedure used in this study is unrestricted or simple random sampling. A well-structured questionnaire comprising of close-ended questions were used. Analysis and interpretation were drawn from the collected data. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher has drawn a few suggestions for consideration of the management and concludes the research with a positive note.

JetBlue and airline–airport partnerships

In its brief 15-year history, New York-based JetBlue Airways has evolved from mere concept to a strong, viable, low-fare alternative to America's legacy network carriers and a survivor in an industry littered with the names of defunct carriers. JetBlue's successful evolution through one of aviation's most turbulent times, moving from a niche player in New York to a leading airline across the Americans and a member of the Fortune 500, was enabled in large part by solid working relationships with airport authorities and government officials that recognised the competitive value an airline like JetBlue could deliver to communities. JetBlue's experience at three airports outlined here – Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – is illustrative of the key role those positive relationships can play in creating conditions for success across three stages of the carrier life-cycle: market introduction, expansion, and long-term sustainability. These are among the countless examples in which airports have recognised the tremendous benefit the carrier can bring to their facilities in the form of lower fares and increased traffic – and have seized on those opportunities to create an environment where all parties can thrive.

A Novel Approach to Study Regional Ionospheric Variations Using a Real-Time TEC Model

Since IGY (International Geophysical Year), through coordinated global observations, ionospheric research has been carried out by many countries. This effort primarily helped in the design and operation of HF radio wave communication systems. The Indian region covers a highly variable part of the equatorial electrojet and EIA (Equatorial Ionisation Anomaly) phenomena making its predictability difficult. With the advent of satellite communication and navigation, the need for accurate ionospheric TEC (Total Electron Content) models at global and regional scales has been stressed. The GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) project jointly undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) aims at effectively utilising the Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) to determine position coordinates accurately for aircraft precision landing applications. For this purpose the range errors are estimated by using a ground network of TEC stations spread over Indian region. The near simultaneous data collected from these dual frequency GPS stations can be used to generate the geo-referenced TEC values for various applications. The author has developed necessary algorithm and associated computer programmes for a real-time vertical TEC (VTEC) model based on TEC data collected from the GAGAN ground based network stations. The model has been tested and sample results presented here show that it adequately provides for the latitudinal resolution of 1° for the entire longitude span and also for two longitude blocks (73 - 83 & 83 - 93°E) separately. Cubic spline and bilinear interpolation techniques are used for filling up temporal and spatial data gaps. The model provides tabulated output of hourly average VTEC data with latitude for ready use, as well as graphical displays of VTEC maps and contours for monitoring purpose. The real-time model and its extensions are also being used for detailed scientific studies; examples of these show small day to day variability of VTEC without any change in solar activity and indication of the change in the shape of the VTEC diurnal curve with season. The present model will be used for further studies to derive the monthly average variation of the diurnal pattern and the relationship between VTEC peak amplitudes with changes in solar activity. The new information generated can be fed back to improve the real-time model so that eventually the dependence of such models on ground based network stations data can be minimised.

Outside the Fence II ‒ MSN Airport: Follow-up Study on Goose/Aircraft Strike Risk 2010 vs 2012 Before vs After Crop Habitat Modification

Five biweekly dawn-dusk observations of Canada goose movements near Dane County Madison Regional Airport (MSN) were made 10 October-15 December 2012 and results compared with similar 2010 data that had defined goose numbers, origins, and destinations for local goose flights within 10 miles of the airport across fall migration period dates. Following 2010 research suggestions, MSN airport authorities changed crop leases for lands they owned northeast of the airport to require immediate turning of corn crop residue following harvest. The affected area had been identified as a major attraction site leading to high risks of goose/aircraft strikes for Runway 21 ILS traffic in fall 2010. Following 2010 study protocol, geese were again visually tracked to observe origins/destinations for local flights and visual ground checks made to confirm locations attracting geese through airport patterns. In 2010, corn stubble fields northeast of the end of Runway resulted in observation of 696 geese entering that aircraft strike risk zone. This figure was extrapolated (total seen times 15 days for each cycle) to an estimated 10,440 risk geese entering/leaving there for the study duration. In 2012, only 31 geese were observed to fly in/out to feed there, an extrapolated value (465 geese for fall) representing a reduction of 97.1% in goose risk for that airport zone, despite average 6-fold increase in goose numbers observed at Warner Park roost area near the airport in 2012. Results indicated modification of agricultural habitat attracting geese to the airport vicinity can greatly reduce goose strike risk once attraction sites are identified. Needed changes were accomplished at no airport cost by having field leases require immediate disking of crop residue after harvest.

Airport parking: A US$2bn+ pot of gold?

This paper examines the parking revenue performance of leading US airports using published FAA data. It identifies a pattern of airports with under-performing parking revenues and by extension an opportunity for parking revenue growth. The research indicates a potential for annual growth in additional parking revenues of US$lbn to US$2bn. Experience suggests that many US airports are adopting a passive strategy while off-airport operators entice parking business from them. For these airports, this is a formula for disaster. The paper highlights key lessons for these airports based on the experience at Dublin Airport which has adopted a commercial business strategy to compete for parking business with the off-airport car park operators. The airport has turned declining market share from 70 per cent to +90 per cent through the rigorous application of its in-house revenue growth model. The key tactics employed by the Dublin Airport Authority include devoting resources to analysis of the particular situation at individual airports, undertaking customer behaviour and needs, research, segmenting the market, tailoring value products and services to meet these customer needs, and promoting and marketing these offerings to key target markets.

The Optimization of ACN-PCN Evaluation Method for Airport Pavement under Operation

The Aircraft Classification Number-Pavement Classification Number method is the main approach for evaluating the structure of the airport pavement. However, the weakness of exiting methods lies in the difficulty of obtaining the exact PCN of the airport from the Airports Authority. This paper investigated the attenuation behaviors of the pavement structure under the envrionment of aircraft operation, and then the improved evaluation method for airport pavement was presented. The improved method could provide the technical support for accurately judging the bearing capacity of the exiting pavement structure and supply the decision-making reference to the Airports Authority.

A time series analysis of the dynamic competition between major cargo airports

This paper models the dynamic competition between major cargo airports from the time series perspectives of long-term equilibriums and short-run dynamics. We first apply a unit root test to examine the stationarity of cargo throughput data. Airports are then analysed pairwise by region to test their equilibrium relationships through cointegration analysis. Meanwhile, we also utilise the error correction model to investigate the short-run impacts of cargo traffic between the airports. According to our findings, there are four positive long-term equilibriums, one positive short-run dynamic and three negative short-run dynamics in Asia. In addition, the airports in North America are found to have four positive long-term equilibriums, three negative long-run equilibriums, seven positive short-run impacts and three negative short-run impacts. As these dynamic relationships imply competition between cargo airports, our study can provide airport authorities with the reference to develop their long-term strategies and short-run operational plans.

Ground Handling Management at Airports with Fuzzy Information

In this communication the ground handling fleet management problem at airports is considered with the aim of improving aircraft service at arrival and departure while the operational cost of the ground service fleets is taken into account. The complexity of the considered problem, as well as, operational considerations lead to propose an on-line decentralized management structure where the criticality of each aircraft demand for service is evaluated using a fuzzy formalism. Then after detailing the proposed collaborative scheme between ground handling fleet managers, airlines and airport authorities, a heuristic approach is proposed to solve each fleet assignment problem. A case study considering a large airport is discussed.

Design of the Airport Perimeter Security System Based on Internet of Things

As an important part of the security system in a civil aviation airport, Airport Perimeter Security System construction has been paid universal attention by airport authorities. Sensor fencea novel, low-cost, low maintenance system that may be used on new or existing fences that results in an improved capability to detect, locate and classify intruders. By reviewing the concept and application trends of Internet of Things, features and applicability of different types of the airport perimeter security system are summarized. The Internet of Things is a kind of new technology that sensors and existing internet are integrated based on the technologies, such as RFID, wireless data communications. In this paper, the third generation of airport perimeter security system based on Internet of Things is proposed and designed.

User Requirement Analysis and IT Framework Design for Smart Airports

It takes a great deal of time for an airline passenger to go through the immigration process, security checks, and other airport-associated procedures. Furthermore, nowadays, large airports are competing to be hub airports, are striving to increase customer satisfaction, and wish to provide passengers with excellent travel experiences. When we reviewed airport processes in order to increase airport productivity and improve passenger convenience, we categorized passenger-related processes into three parts: passenger processing, guide services, and mobile services. In order to support a series of improvements in the process, a new paradigm, "Smart Airport Service Framework" is proposed to ensure faster service and greater convenience for passengers and improve work processes and resource utilization. As a part of this paradigm, and to meet the needs of passengers as regards mobile service, we reviewed a customer requirement analysis for smart phone applications using quality function deployment methodology. From this information, we drew the most necessary functions, such as the guide to airport amenities, and developed them, consequently enhancing passenger access to the airport IT systems, saving time, and increasing airport authority profits.

A hazard-based analysis of airport security transit times

Airport security screening, and the amount of time it costs travelers, has been a persistent concern to travelers, airport authorities, and airlines – particularly in recent years where changes in perceived threats have resulted in changes in security procedures that have caused great uncertainty relating to security transit times. To gain a better understanding of the factors influencing travelers' security transit times, determinants of security transit times are studied by using anonymous Bluetooth media access control address matching to determine the actual security travel times of individual passengers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. These transit-time data are then analyzed using a random-parameters hazard-based duration model to statistically explore the factors that affect airport security transit times. The estimation results reveal, as expected, that a wide variety of factors affect security transit times including the number of enplaning seats (reflecting flight schedules), weather conditions, day of week, as well as obvious variables such as traveler volume and the number of open security lanes. The detailed statistical findings show that current security procedures are reactive instead of proactive, and that substantial reductions in security transit times could be attained by optimizing security operations using a statistical model such as the one estimated in this paper.

I know who I am, but who do they think I am? Muslim perspectives on encounters with airport authorities

In this paper we report an analysis of individual and group interviews with thirty-eight Scottish Muslims concerning their encounters with authority – especially those at airports. Our analysis shows that a key theme in interviewees’ talk of their experience in this context concerns the denial and misrecognition of valued identities such as being British, being respectable and being Muslim. One reason why such experiences are so problematic concerns the denial of agency associated with being positioned in terms that are not one's own. The implications of these findings for understanding the dynamics of intergroup relations are discussed.

Dublin Airport trials facial recognition

A pilot of automated border control (ABC) gates is underway at Dublin Airport. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) joined forces with SITA for the pilot.

Airport gate assignments for airline-specific gates

The airline-specific gate, which is exclusively used by a specific airline, has been utilized in many airports. Differing from the traditional gate assignment, allocating flights to airline-specific gates is based on the perspective of the airline rather than that of the airport authority. In this study, we propose a new objective that results from an airline's perspective. Numerical tests, based on the operations of a Taiwanese airline, are carried out to assess the performance of the proposed approach.

A four-track approach to reduce the risk of wildlife strikes at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Bird strikes are a serious hazard to aviation just as much as other well-known hazards such as loss of control in flight, controlled flight into terrain and runway excursions. Bird strikes can and do present a risk that needs to be addressed and this is particularly the case at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The risk of a collision between geese and aircraft at this airport has increased in recent years. For this reason, governmental parties together with the Schiphol Airport Authority have taken measures to reduce the risk of bird strikes. This paper describes the measures that are being taken as well as the challenges being faced. At and around Schiphol, the focus is particularly on the approach to species posing a higher risk and the possible use of bird detection radar in airport operations.

Modified Importance - Performance Analysis of Airport Facilities- A Case Study of Cochin International Airport Limited

This study aims to measure passengers’ perception of the importance of the four factors of check-in facility, amenities, terminal facilities, and airport accessibility facility with regard to their visit to the airport and their perceived level of performance of the particular facility and the resulting gap. Using purposive sampling method, data was collected from the departing passengers of the Cochin International Airport Limited. A modified importance-performance analysis (IPA) method is developed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods with the help of structural equations for the purpose of this study. For the analysis, initially an input model was developed by using AMOS-7 graphics. This initial model is refined to reach the final model. An empirical case study of the perceptions of the passengers about the importance and performance of the facilities at the airport is provided in this paper to test the effectiveness and suitability of the modified IPA and gap analysis in the measurement of the level of performance of a facility. Result of the gap analysis shows that except the check-in facilities there is a gap between importance and satisfaction levels of passengers in respect of the facilities and, the airport authorities should give more attention to the facility management at the airport.

Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Healthy Risk Level Induced by Aircraft Pollutant Impacts around Soekarno Hatta International Airport

Aircraft pollutant emissions are an important part of sources of pollution that directly or indirectly affect human health and ecosystems. This research suggests an Artificial Neural Network model to determine the healthy risk level around Soekarno Hatta International Airport-Cengkareng Indonesia. This ANN modeling is a flexible method, which enables to recognize highly complex non-linear correlations. The network was trained with real measurement data and updated with new measurements, enhancing its quality and making it the ideal method for this research. Measurements of aircraft pollutant emissions are carried out with the aim to be used as input data and to validate the developed model. The obtained results concerned the improved ANN architecture model based on pollutant emissions as input variables. ANN model processes variables—hidden layers—and gives an output variable corresponding to a healthy risk level. This model is characterized by a 4-10-1 scheme. Based on ANN criteria, the best validation performance is achieved at epoch 28 from 34 epochs with the Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 9 × 10 −3 . The correlation between targets and outputs is confirmed. It validated a close relationship between targets and outputs. The network output errors value approaches zero. Further research is needed with the aim to enlarge the scheme of the ANN model by increasing its input variables. This is one of the major key defining environmental capacities of an airport that should be applied by Indonesian airport authorities. These would institute policies to manage or reduce pollutant emissions considering population and income growth to be socially positive.

Improvement of Position Accuracy with GAGAN and the Impact of Scintillation on GNSS

GAGAN is an Indian implementation of Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS), developed jointly by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is in final operational phase with all the required ground and space segments ready. With the availability of GAGAN signal-in-space (SIS), the improvement in position solution is investigated using the two collocated dual frequency GPS receivers. One of the receivers was configured as SBAS receiver and the other was kept as GPS stand-alone receiver. It is found that accuracy in position improved significantly in SBAS receiver due to GAGAN correction. The impact of scintillation on GNSS was also investigated in terms of position degradation and loss of lock of the satellite signals. The manyfold effects of scintillation on GPS and SBAS are discussed in detail. The results indicate ~15% reduction in number of measurements due to loss of lock during severe scintillation.