Helsinki Airport named as the best airport in Europe

Passengers have selected Finland’s Helsinki Airport as the best airport in Europe in terms of customer experience in the 15–25 million passenger size category. The ASQ Award (Airport Service Quality) given to airport company Finavia is based on an annual international survey involving 400 airports in 95 countries.

“We are extremely grateful for this award and proud that our work for a first-class customer experience is recognised internationally. We have succeeded in raising the level of customer satisfaction at Helsinki Airport over the long term, and the ASQ survey result for 2023 is the best in the airport’s history,” says Finavia’s CEO Kimmo Mäki.

Customer experience was at the heart of the most extensive development programme in the history of Helsinki Airport, which resulted in the airport being completely revamped. Finavia successfully completed the ten-year development last year, when, among other things, the amount of liquids allowed through security control was increased to two litres, a total of 26 shops, restaurants and cafés opened at the airport, and baggage logistics was modernised with new equipment and facilities.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Board of Airline Representatives in the Netherlands (BARIN) agree to the publication of the Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) by the Ministry of Infrastructure & Wat

In a letter to the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management today, KLM and BARIN (which represents 50 airlines in the Netherlands) approved the publication of the Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA), which they commissioned jointly with the Royal Schiphol Group last year. The study was commissioned to ensure a better understanding of the various policy choices that would come into play if flight numbers are cut at Schiphol.

It was agreed at the time that the report would only be published jointly and with the consent of all the respective parties. It has since emerged that the contents of the report have already been made public. This has understandably led to questions being raised. Transparency is very important to KLM and BARIN, which is why they have now agreed to the publication of the SCBA by the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management.

KLM and BARIN initially chose not to publish the report, because they have many reservations about the methodology used and the conclusions drawn. As a result, the findings are incomplete and lack balance. The objections boil down to the following:

In the Social Cost-Benefits Analysis, the effects on climate are calculated at a global level, while the negative effects for passengers and the airline industry are calculated for the Netherlands only. Consequently, the positive outcomes predicted in the Environment & Noise Variant are greatly exaggerated and do not present a realistic scenario.

The report does not consider the effects of air traffic moving away from Schiphol to other airports in the world.

The report ignores the risks that the proposed scenario (Environment & Noise Variant) poses to the future of the airline industry in the Netherlands, to employment, the business climate, and to the continued existence of KLM. None of these important factors are sufficiently reflected in the report's calculations and conclusions.

KLM and BARIN will continue to work hard to strike a balance between the airline industry and the environment. KLM has emphasized this in its sector plan “cleaner, quieter and more efficient” and in the “10 Commitments” that KLM and 30 other industry parties and research institutes have signed up to. Together, these highlight the need for greater improvement and a further toughening of measures across the airline industry, which should be implemented globally, or at the very least at a European level.

The Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management is expected to submit the SCBA to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands in the near future. The letter and attachment from KLM and BARIN to the Ministry are enclosed as a download.

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Bahrain Airport Services launch investment programme to renovate ground service equipment.

Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has confirmed a significant investment of BHD 4.5 million for the renovation of its ground service equipment (GSE) fleet over 3 years. This substantial commitment marks a milestone for BAS and underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional services to its esteemed airline and cargo partners, by enhancing the process of developing Bahrain International Airport’s operations, as BAS is one of the only companies that provides ground handling services.

The fleet renovation project for GSE was carried out in two phases by the Central Support Division. Phase 1, which was completed earlier in 2023, included a successful assessment of over 1386 equipment. These GSE underwent evaluations on technical competency, training & development, maintenance practices, technology and tools, fleet conditions and asset valuation.

As a part of the replacement program, BAS awarded bids for over 220 new ground support equipment, some of which have already started operation, whilst others shall arrive in early 2024. The equipment included: Lower Deck Loader LDL & Electrical Push Back Tugs, Catering High Loaders, Conveyor Belts, Passenger Buses, Electrical Forklifts, Electrical Golf Carts, Baggage Carts, and Dollies. The addition of the new equipment will bolster BAS’s operational capacities, resulting in elevated service standards and heightened operational effectiveness and sustainability.

Lithuanian Airports seeks international retail convenience store operator for growing commercial space

Lithuanian Airports, the company that manages Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga Airports, is launching an international lease tender to attract a new retail convenience store operator. The selected partner will operate convenience stores at all three of the country’s airports.

Lithuanian Airports served more than 6 million passengers in 2023, which is 12% more than in 2022. The number of flights also increased during the past year, with an annual growth of 4.5%. With 4.4 million passengers served, Vilnius Airport attracted the biggest number of travellers last year. Kaunas Airport served a record-breaking 1.3 million passengers, while Palanga Airport welcomed 307 thousand travellers.

Currently, strategic infrastructure development projects are underway at both Vilnius and Kaunas Airports: a new departure terminal is being built in Vilnius; while the reconstruction and expansion of the passenger terminal has started and the Northern apron is being enlarged in Kaunas. 

By 2025, it is projected that Lithuania's airports will complete their infrastructure expansion stage, allowing them to handle a total capacity of 10 million passengers annually.

High potential for commercial partners

The large-scale growth of Vilnius and Kaunas Airports will also open up more commercial potential for partners and service providers.

According to Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė, Head of the Commercial Department at Lithuanian Airports, the company will be paying a lot of attention to the search for strong and reliable partners, as it will soon be serving twice as many passengers as it does today.

"We are getting ready now – the first lease tender will specifically focus on the retail convenience category. This sector is very important for airports, as it helps to ensure fast shopping before flights, the number of which is growing every year at our airports," said Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė.

The plan is to lease about 515 sq. m of retail space to the operator, for three stores in Vilnius, two stores in Kaunas and one store in Palanga Airport. In Vilnius, the stores will be located in the new departure terminal, as well as in the current arrivals terminal and in the area of the current departure terminal behind the security checkpoint. One store at Kaunas Airport will be located on the first floor, next to the arrivals hall, while the other one will be on the second floor, beyond the security area. The store at Palanga Airport will be located next to the security checkpoint.

JetBlue and Empire State Development unveiled the newly rebranded Skywalk at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in New York

New York's self-titled 'hometown' airline JetBlue and Empire State Development marked a significant milestone yesterday as they unveiled the newly rebranded Skywalk at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in New York. 

The Skywalk serves as a crucial link within Terminal 5, seamlessly connecting millions of travelers to and from parking garages, AirTrain services, and the broader NYC-metro area to the heart of JetBlue’s operations at JFK. The redesign and installation of the updated Skywalk were generously funded by Empire State Development, further underscoring the state’s commitment to enhancing travel experiences in partnership with JetBlue. The revitalized Skywalk, from its design to production and installation, was a collaborative effort involving the teams at Prophet and Jack Morton.

JetBlue takes pride in its role as New York’s Hometown Airline and celebrates the success of this partnership alongside Empire State Development and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The new Skywalk branding incorporates innovative panels designed to enhance visual appeal while showcasing JetBlue’s distinctive and dynamic visual identity. In addition to serving as a functional pathway, the branding offers travel tips and destination insights, encouraging JetBlue customers to explore the diverse offerings of New York State. This commitment to New York is evident throughout the redesigned branding, reflecting JetBlue’s dedication not only to facilitating seamless travel but also to fostering a sense of pride in the state among its customers.

London Gatwick cuts its own vehicle (Scope 1) emissions by 90% after swapping diesel for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is a sustainable and lower-carbon option to fuel diesel vehicles  

All 300 diesel vehicles, 85% of London Gatwick’s fleet, will now be powered by HVO 

The swap to HVO is another step towards the airport’s commitment to being net zero for its own Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 

London Gatwick has cut carbon emissions from its diesel vehicles by 90% by swapping the fuel for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The switch means London Gatwick will save more than 950 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum. 

HVO is a low-carbon biofuel made from plant waste, oils and fats making it a more sustainable and lower-carbon alternative to diesel. 

All 300 diesel vehicles, 85% of London Gatwick’s fleet, are now powered by HVO until they are retired from use. They will then be replaced by electric vehicles as part of the airport’s sustainability policy, Decade of Change.  

Some of the vehicles that are now powered by HVO include all the airport’s fire engines, airside operations vehicles and snow ploughs. An extensive trial concluded that HVO had no impact on the performance of the vehicles, meaning the fire engines still have the capability to respond to callouts anywhere on the airfield within three minutes.  

Steve Kelso, Head of Engineering, at London Gatwick, said: “The implementation of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil to power our 300 diesel vehicles is an exciting milestone for London Gatwick’s sustainability journey and a big step in our fleet transition. It is vital we invest in sustainably sourced HVO to reduce emissions in all areas as soon as possible on our journey to reach net zero for our own Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.  

NextGen Ground Handling Service expands to Austin, Portland, Richmond and Seattle

NextGen GHS, a provider of ground handling services for the airline industry, has announced it has expanded to four new locations, adding operations in Austin, Texas (AUS); Portland, Oregon (PDX), Richmond, Virginia (RIC) and Seattle, Washington (SEA). Combined with its existing operations in Billings, Montana (BIL) and Providence, Rhode Island (PVD), NextGen GHS now offers its ground handling services in six airport locations.   

NextGen GHS specializes in comprehensive, efficient operations that integrate all phases of ground handling. It provides a full range of services, from package sorting to ULD consolidation, deconsolidation services to aircraft loading and unloading to meet the unique needs of its clients. In addition, NextGen GHS offers a Ground Service Equipment (GSE) fueling service that provides fast, efficient and reliable fueling.

To serve the needs of passengers, the NextGen GHS offers ancillary services staffed by its expert team, providing ticketing, baggage check-in, and security services. Its security escort service is staffed with experienced professionals that provide safe and secure transportation of passengers, crew or outside vendors to and from the aircraft or within the defined work area of the airfield.

“We understand that ground handling is an essential component of airline operations, and work closely with our clients to customize our solutions to meet their specific requirements, ensuring that their operations run smoothly and on schedule,” said Ozgur Yesiltepe, President of NextGen GHS. “We are proud to bring our services to four additional airports, serving some of the most respected names in the Airline industry.”

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East Midlands Airport upgrading taxiways and runway....

Most people visiting East Midlands Airport (EMA) won’t give a second thought to its runway and taxiways, but that doesn’t make them any less important for the smooth and safe running of operations.

  

That’s why EMA is carrying out upgrades to a section of its airfield that is the equivalent of 100 football pitches of tarmac, as part of its £120m investment programme over the next five years.

A dedicated team of airfield engineers, designers, project managers and contractors work tirelessly all year round to ensure these crucial surfaces are maintained to the highest standards. These projects are among the largest, most intensive and potentially disruptive works that airports undertake. They are meticulously planned to ensure little or no disruption to passengers and cargo operators at the airport, using short periods of closures for contractors to carry out the work.

The latest work in the improvement programme has been completed on a section used by cargo aircraft known as Taxiway Bravo, which was first laid using large concrete slabs 24 years ago. These have become due for replacement over time due to continuous use and exposure to the elements. Cargo operations at EMA have been growing, as has the size and weight of cargo planes, prompting the need to replace 400 tonnes of the concrete slabs with a more flexible asphalt surface.

Kansas City International Airport wins civil engineering award

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has named the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport as one of 11 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award winners in 2024. The program honours projects across the globe that represent significant advancements in the engineering profession and enhance their local built environments.

Kansas City International Airport is the largest single infrastructure project in the region’s history. Encompassing 1.1 million square feet, its structure is separated into 14 independent parts, each calibrated for aesthetic appearance and function. The majority of the terminal is designed in an efficient series of 30-foot-by-30-foot grids—minimizing the use of materials and allowing for column-free interiors that will keep the airport flexible for future change. In the headhouse, the terminal’s signature space, a series of Y-shaped columns support a cantilevered roof over the roadway—making the architecture and the structural engineering one and the same.

Among the honorees, the overall winner and medalists will be named at the ASCE 2024 Convention in October.

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City of Derry / London Heathrow route secured

Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently confirmed that funding to protect the continuation of the flights from the City of Derry Airport (CoDA) to London Heathrow is assured.

The route, which is jointly funded by the Department for Transport and the Department for the Economy, provides critical connectivity from the north-west to London. The funding of £1.018m begins on 1 April 2024 for one year, with airline Loganair set to continue operating 20 return flights a week.

The Minister said:  “Funding this route between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow was an early priority for me as Economy Minister. The route connects the North West to London which helps thousands of people to travel to work and conduct business. This investment also protects jobs for airport workers and their families.

I look forward to working with the airport and my colleague, the Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd, to develop CoDA as part of building the North West economy.”

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said:   “Our ports and airports play a vital role in our local economy and are important regional drivers of economic growth. I am committed to working with the Minister for the Economy to listen to the case brought forward by Derry City and Strabane District Council for support for CoDA, and to working together with the rest of the Executive to identify ways to support our airports.”

Welcoming the announcement Steve Frazer, City of Derry Airport Managing Director said:  “Continuation of this connectivity from City of Derry Airport to London Heathrow is vital for the Northwest region to support our economic growth, improving both our business and tourism opportunities. Coupled with the fastest and most convenient access to central London, the route also provides onward connectivity to 119 destinations across 56 countries. With this core route now secured thanks to Minister Murphy’s announcement today, improved regional connectivity will help drive our inward investment and growth opportunities across the Northwest.

We also very much welcome the visit of Minister O’Dowd, and look forward to working with his department to finalise a support package which will ensure the airport continues to contribute to the economic growth of our region for some years to come, something which has not been possible to achieve without Ministers in place.”

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Unique Northern Lapland is attractive in every season – learn more about Ivalo Airport

Ivalo is the northernmost airport in Finland. The airport provides passengers with smooth connections to the ruggedly beautiful Lapland.

Ivalo Airport in Northern Lapland has been serving passengers for more than 80 years. The beautiful rugged scenery of Northern Lapland attracts tourists both from Finland and abroad.

In 2023, a total of 220,000 passengers travelled via Ivalo Airport. The airport is the busiest in winter, and in December there are about seven scheduled and chartered flights a day.

The airport’s terminal offers a unique experience for tourists. Reindeer can also often be spotted in the vicinity of the airport!

Currently, there are direct flights to Ivalo from four European destinations: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Paris and Zürich. There are also domestic flights to Ivalo from Helsinki.

The Airport Manager’s tips for Ivalo

From Ivalo, you can travel smoothly to Northern Lapland’s unique attractions all year round. Ivalo Airport Manager Jarmo Pyhäjärvi shares his travel tips for the Ivalo area.

Popular tourist destinations, such as Lake Inari and Saariselkä, are within easy reach of Ivalo Airport. There are also many other great destinations and holiday villages in Northern Lapland – for example, igloo hotels are popular among tourists.

The fells and the atmospheric polar night of Northern Lapland delight tourists during the winter season. In the summertime, you can experience the magic of a nightless night in Ivalo, and in the autumn you can enjoy the colourful autumn foliage.

Learn more about Ivalo Airport

Year of establishment: Ivalo Airport was established in 1943.

Employees: The airport employs a total of 12 people, and that figure goes up to almost 50 during the high season.

Number of passengers: In 2023, there were 220,000 air passengers.

Flight connections: Ivalo is served by direct flights from four different destinations in Europe. Air traffic is at its busiest during the winter season.

 Ivalo • Finavia

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Facilities include:

Airport Cafe Ivalo - restaurant in the airport gate area

Opening hours:   Open according to scheduled departures.

In the café, you can enjoy a variety of stuffed breads as well as sweet pastries.

You can choose refreshments or a tasty cappuccino as a snack button.

The café also has A-rights. Most products you can take with you on board as takeaway portions.

Airport Cafe Ivalo Shop

Open according to departure schedules.

Buy fabulous souvenirs, sweets and cosmetics from the store in the gate area.

Fireplace, Ivalo

Lounge area.

Sit back in the Ounas chair and relax in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate.

The sleek wooden chairs are produced by the Rovaniemi-based company Treeform.

Rocking chairs, Ivalo Airport

Location: Terminal, gate area

Opening hours:  During terminal opening hours

The calming effect of rocking chairs is known to many, which is why we have brought them to your use. The aim is also to increase coziness and create calmer spaces where you can spend your own time.

Ivalo, Design Center Shop

Location: Terminal, gate area

Opening hours:  Open according to departures.

The store has a comprehensive selection of Finnish design brands.

A wide range of everyday beauties to delight as a memory of the beautiful landscape of Ivalo.

Pharmacy, Ivalo

Location: Terminal, gate area

Opening hours:   Open according to departures

The Ivalo pharmacy service point is located in the gate area and serves departing passengers. The selection includes over-the-counter medicines, wound care products and other items that may be needed while travelling. The products are sold by the Airport Cafe Ivalo restaurant.

Unique Design Finland Oy, Ivalo

Location: Terminal 

Opening hours:  In accordance with air traffic schedules

Design Center, where we mainly sell Finnish design: Marimekko, Iittala, Pentik, Aarikka and our own women's clothing collection, ArcticQueen.

ArcticQueen was born on cold windy winter days when the draught was on its feet. Pirjo made long colourful leggings out of wool fabric. That's where it started and soon expanded: bracelets, collars, ponchos, and the patented Hallcape.

Ethiopian GODE UGAAS MIRAAD Airport Terminal Project Receives a Grand Inauguration

Passengers in Somali Regional State of Ethiopia can now travel between  Gode and Jigjiga more Comfortably 

 

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, is pleased to announce the finalization of Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway construction Project. The new state-of-the-art airport terminal has been opened for service in a grand inauguration in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Prime  Minister of Ethiopia and H.E Mustafe Mohammed Omer President of the Somali Regional  State. 

The project which took three years for completion has unveiled a new terminal building having a total built-up area of 3,500sq, a new apron having a capacity to handle four De  Havilland Q400 or B737 aircraft at a time, ancillary buildings such as airport rescue and firefighting station, water reservoir, and parking areas among others.  

Regarding the inauguration of the new passenger terminal, Ethiopian Airlines Group  CEO Mr Mesfin Tasew said, “We are truly pleased with the launching of Gode Ugaas Miraad  Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway construction project as it will upgrade the airport experience of our passengers travelling to/from the city of Gode. It is also a step forward in the work we do to elevate our domestic airport facilities to a higher level. The inauguration of this new terminal showcases our commitment to enhance our domestic operations alongside our international ones. Gode will neither be the only nor the last airport we will work on constructing and/or renovating. Construction of similar airport terminal is progressing well at Jinka, Kombolcha, Goba/Robe and Bahir Dar airports. It is with great honour and pleasure that  we work on these projects and play our part in our country’s tourism and socio-economic growth.”  

The new state-of-the-art airport terminal is equipped with the latest technology airport facility amenities including a solar system to allow for a smooth and convenient travel via the airport.  

Ethiopian Airlines plays a significant role in regional connectivity with its more than 22  destinations in the country. Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to/from Gode. Gode being the third airport in Somali Regional State next to Jigjiga and Kebridahar, passengers can travel between Jigjiga and Gode directly without having to transit via Addis Ababa.  Gode Airport has been among the airports that Ethiopian has taken a project on to enhance the facilities.  

Since the acquisition of the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise by Ethiopian Airlines Group as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in 2017, Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken over the administrative role including construction and renovation projects of airports in the country. 

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Reflecting on a fantastic year of the Aviation Council

Chief Executive Officer at London Gatwick, Stewart Wingate has shared some reflections on 2023 as the Co-Chair of the Aviation Council. 

Ahead of this month’s meeting of the Aviation Council, I wanted to thank Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Ministers, officials and fellow industry colleagues for coming together this past year and committing their time and attention to the issues we face as an industry. The Aviation Council was formed last year by Ministers and officials following the publication of Flightpath to the Future, and particular thanks has to go to Baroness Charlotte Vere for her diligence and tenacity in getting the Council airborne. We all look forward to working with Minister Anthony Browne MP in his capacity as Chair of the Aviation Council. 

I was delighted to be asked to be Co-Chair last year to represent our industry. I passionately believe that the UK is an aviation superpower, having spent the last fifteen years as Gatwick’s CEO; seeing the best (record passenger numbers in 2019) and the worst (the Covid-19 pandemic) of the sector during that time. We are nearly back to that trajectory of growth and the decade ahead contains the promise that the UK will be a world-leading aviation sector in all aspects of the term, including sustainability and managing our environmental impacts. 

Looking back at the discussion we had in that inaugural Aviation Council twelve months ago on the priorities for the year ahead – airspace modernisation; skills, recruitment and retention; and slots –I’m pleased to say we have made progress against all of these areas.

Airspace Modernisation – An Industry Working Group was formed to consider the challenges to delivering Airspace Modernisation, including areas such as resourcing and process implementation. As a direct result of this work, we hope to move forward with a new framework for delivery – the Single Design Entity – supported by a dedicated project team with open and transparent governance and engagement. If the SDE is successful, it could be used in other areas of the UK’s airspace to support accelerated delivery. We also saw a refreshed CAP1616, which will lead to a more streamlined and proportional guidance for the approval of airspace change. 

Skills, recruitment and retention – Organisations of all sizes and shapes across the sector worked hard to ensure that the airport operation, airlines and ground handlers were sufficiently trained and resourced for the busy summer season. Council members collaborated closely on improving operational performance and sharing best practise on recruiting and retaining the talent that keeps all of our airports and airlines moving. We also saw a Ground Handlers Association formed, with the immediate focus of the group on security and vetting processes in the wider context of resilience. 

Gatwick fire service spells out special message.....

George Treadwell, a crew manager at London Gatwick's Fire and Rescue Service enlisted the help of his teammates to spell out a special message to a special passenger on an Emirates Airlines A380 jet. 

 

Under the bright lights of the airport's fire station, George and the team held huge letters spelling out a special question, just as the huge double-decked passenger jet taxied by. The meticulously planned surprise was only made possible following a massive collaboration between the fire service, other airport departments and Emirates. 

 

Air101 is happy to learn, Jen said yes.  Congrats to both and best wishes for a long and happy life together. 

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New Eurowings designed gate at Dusseldorf Airport

Eurowings passengers travelling to Berlin and Hamburg enjoy faster access to security checks and shorter distances to the gates at Dusseldorf Airport with ‘Wings Express’. In addition, the flights are always positioned at the same, nearby gates in Pier A so that only a few steps are required for boarding even after the security check. 

From now on, this is also visible from the outside at gate A25: this gate, branded in Eurowings design, is located just a few meters behind the security checkpoints and is reserved for Eurowings flights to Berlin and Hamburg. Travellers who have already checked in online in advance can reach their flight within 40 minutes.

Stuttgart Airport: new Senator Comfort Area

From now on, waiting will be even more comfortable for Miles & More passengers with Senator status at Stuttgart Airport: Whether travelling on business or on holiday, the new Senator Comfort Area offers free snacks and drinks at every seat, as well as power sockets at every seat and a view on the apron that invites you to linger. It is located in the security area of Terminal 3, level 4 near gate 310 and is available exclusively to all authorized passengers on Lufthansa Group flights between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day.

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Record breaking January at London Stansted

London Stansted kicked off 2024 with another strong passenger performance to record the airport’s busiest-ever January.

Stansted welcomed 1.95 million passengers in January 2024, up 6.9% on the same month last year, and beating the previous best of 1.93 million passengers set in January 2019.

The number of passengers using London Stansted in the 12 months ending January 2024 reached 28.1 million, an increase of 14.8% on the previous year.

The top three most popular countries during the month were Spain, Italy and Poland, while the busiest routes were Dublin, Istanbul and Edinburgh.

Operational performance in January remained strong, with 99% of departing passengers passing through security in 15 minutes or less, and with an average queue time of under four minutes during the main departure peaks.

Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:  “I’m really pleased we were able to deliver yet another the strong passenger performance last month, welcoming more passengers in January than ever before at London Stansted, and coming hot on the heels of a record-breaking December.

I’m also delighted our passengers continue to experience a smooth and efficient security operation when flying from the airport, which we aim to maintain as we welcome more passengers when they head off on half-term breaks this month, and as we build-up to what we anticipate will be a very busy Easter next month.

The year ahead looks really exciting for everyone connected with London Stansted, and the millions of passengers who will continue to take advantage of the extensive choice, great value and convenience we are able to offer.

We have a host of new routes launching this year, including Royal Jordanian’s new service to Amman next month, British Airways flights to Nice, Florence and Ibiza plus new routes from Ryanair, Jet2.com and Sun Express.   

And we will also continue driving forward our investment plans to transform the airport experience and operation. This will include the opening of a new EV charging forecourt, the commencement of work on our 14.3MW solar farm as well as finalising design details of our terminal extension ahead of the first phase of construction later in the year."

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Innovations at Kaunas Airport: passengers' hand luggage is already being checked by the latest generation of aviation security scanners

Aviation security screening at Kaunas airport has become faster and more convenient for passengers, as three modern three-dimensional computer tomography-based aviation security scanners have been enabled at full capacity. During the check-in procedure, passengers no longer need to remove any electronic devices and liquids from hand luggage - new devices analyze the contents of the luggage in a three-dimensional space.

Electronics and liquids will remain in your luggage

The first passengers were screened with the new equipment in Kaunas last November when the testing phase took place, and the system was put into full use in February of this year, after all tuning work was completed.

"New technology solutions at Lithuanian airports first of all ensure a higher level of aviation security, but at the same time improve passenger experience. Passengers no longer need to take liquids and electronic devices out of their bags, suitcases or backpacks - everything can stay inside the luggage. As a result, the screening process becomes more efficient, faster and of higher quality. In addition, certified devices are capable of automatically identifying even particles of explosive materials when checking all baggage," says Vidas Ksanas, Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports.

He adds that next year, seven of the same scanners will start operating in the new departure terminal at Vilnius Airport, which will be the most modern in the Baltic States.

Lithuanian Airports purchased the new generation aviation security scanners during an international public procurement. It will be released in 2022. Polish company Dimark S.A. won the procurement. The value of the entire project is 5.8 million. euros (without VAT). Devices of the well-known German manufacturer Smiths Detection are being installed in Lithuanian airports.

The requirement for the volume of liquids in luggage is not changing

According to V. Ksanas, the innovations also facilitate the work of security screening inspectors, as they can rotate the 3D image generated by the scanners on their screen at various angles and easily identify items placed in hand luggage. Even liquids do not need to be removed, it is just important that they are properly packed, in accordance with the requirements up to now: liquids carried in hand luggage must be in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml, and the total volume of liquids per passenger cannot exceed 1 liter (1000 ml).

The Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports points out that for the time being, airports in Europe and the world apply different practices regarding the transportation of liquids in hand luggage. However, the expert hopes that the broad international discussion of airports will turn into common decisions and uniform rules for the entire aviation sector, which will allow the current order to be changed and the advantages of modern security technologies to be fully exploited.