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News, views and reviews from ACI’s regional and global World Business Partners.
MELBOURNE’S NEW CT SECURITY SCREENING TECHNOLOGY
Melbourne (MEL) has become the first major Australian airport to permanently adopt Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray screening technology following the installation of new state-of-the-art Smiths Detection equipment at the security checkpoints in Terminal 4.
The technology allows laptops and liquids to remain in bags and has been a huge success with travellers since Melbourne Airport first ran a trial in 2018.
The domestic terminal currently features four new security lanes made up of carry-on baggage scanners, HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, automated tray return system, iLane.evo, and screening management platform, Checkpoint.Evoplus, all of which are designed to improve the speed and security of the checkpoint screening process.
Two additional units in T4 and another seven in T2 will be added shortly.
“Our pilot programme with Smiths Detection was a huge success with passengers, giving us the confidence to enhance our security screening operations using CT technology based systems that are compliant with the Australian government regulations,” said Melbourne Airport’s chief of aviation, Andrew Gardiner.
While the airport’s head of security and emergency, Scott Dullard, said: “The introduction of CT Technology at screening checkpoints is a great example of technology enabling two strategic focus areas for Melbourne Airport: security outcomes and passenger experience.
“The new technology allows analysis of 3D images, improving security outcomes by providing security staff with greater detail, and functionality to conduct their assessments. The solution also benefits passengers, as CT allows everything to stay in your bag, including laptops, resulting in a quicker screening process.
“Overall, we are seeing a 50% reduction in passenger journey times, down to a little more than a minute.”
Each piece of the integrated checkpoint uses leading-edge technology designed to increase security, improve passenger convenience and increase operational efficiency.
WOLFGANG PUCK RESTAURANT OPENS IN HONG KONG
Celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, made a flying visit to Hong Kong in October to open his latest airport eatery, the Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Restaurant in the Arrivals Hall of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Opened in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, his new restaurant promises to deliver a Californian-inspired interpretation of global comfort fare using high-quality seasonal ingredients.
“We are thrilled to have the very first Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Restaurant landing in HKIA as they reflect the best in restaurant hospitality,” enthuses the airport’s general manager for retail portfolio, Alby Tsang.
While Lagardere Travel Retail’s CEO for North Asia, Eudes Fabre, says: “Opening the first Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Hong Kong, here at HKIA, is a reflection of our confidence in the future potential of this leading air hub and our support for Airport Authority Hong Kong’s ambitious improvement and expansion plans.”
While Puck himself notes: “I have always been intrigued by the cultural and culinary diversity of Hong Kong. It is a very special city and I am excited about opening my restaurant here.”
DAIFUKU ACQUIRES SCARABEE AVIATION GROUP
Scarabee Aviation Group is confident that its acquisition by the listed Japanese company, Daifuku, will allow it to expand its strategic position within the airport industry.
The Dutch company is best known for its self-service baggage check-in solutions and white security lanes at Amsterdam Schiphol, while Daifuku is the global market leader in material-handling systems, focusing on end-to-end solutions for self-service, baggage handling, operations, security equipment and digital technology.
Boudewijn Wellink, CEO of Scarabee Aviation Group, says: “The acquisition by Daifuku offers new perspectives. It allows us to expand the product and services portfolio for our existing clients. Moreover, it gives us the opportunity to market our innovative technological solutions, which we have developed over the years in close co-operation with such partners as Schiphol, worldwide, via Daifuku’s commercial network.
“The new structure also gives Scarabee the financial strength required to continue our level of innovative developments and explore new markets at the same time. With this strategic step, we will remain a pioneer in developing passenger security solutions.”
PLAZA PREMIUM GROUP OPENS FLAGSHIP HOTEL AT BEIJING DAXING
China’s new Beijing Daxing International Airport boasts its own in-terminal hotel, Aerotel, operated by the Plaza Premium Group.
Located in the Northeast pier of the new airport, the two-storey hotel has 215 guest rooms spread across 9,000sqm.
“We created Aerotel to take care of travellers needing a space to rest right at the terminal with no constraint on check-in time,” says Song Hoi-see, founder and CEO of the Plaza Premium Group.
“Because of our uniqueness, inside four years we have established the brand’s footprint in Asia, the Middle East, South America and Europe.
“We welcome this precious opportunity to become an integral part of Beijing Daxing International Airport with our 20 years of experience in airport hospitality to make travel better for international travellers visiting the Chinese capital.”
As the flagship property and a first for Aerotel, the hotel houses two meeting rooms – Xijin House and Jibei House – and one VIP room, Guji House, all taking the ancient names of Daxing.
Equipped with audio and visual systems, the multi-functional facilities are said to provide the “perfect venues” for meetings, private dinners and intimate social gatherings for up to 36 guests.
Talking about the company’s global expansion plans, Song says: “Years 2019 and 2020 will mark a big leap forward for Plaza Premium Group as we are committed to serving over 16 million travellers by the end of 2020, a 10% increase compared to where we are now.
“In addition to expanding in the US, China and Indonesia as part of our $100 million investment in the coming years, we continue to strengthen our leading position in the existing markets by creating a holistic departure, transit and arrival experience.”
WBP PROFILES
ENGIE Cofely Middle East
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Contact: Abu Olid Quddus
W: www.cofely-besix.com
ENGIE Cofely is a regional and international leader in providing low-carbon energy and innovative integrated facilities management solutions in various sectors such as transport, retail, commercial, infrastructure, industrial, residential, educational and healthcare. By using innovative smart technology, efficiently managing assets and optimising labour and resources, ENGIE Cofely delivers energy-efficient focused solutions to meet their client’s specific demands, ensuring long-term asset value. Current clients include Abu Dhabi Airports.
NIPPON KOEI
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contact: Haruhiko Kanai
W: www.n-koei.co.jp/english/
NIPPON KOEI was founded in 1946 as the first independent consulting firm established in Japan and is an independent company 100% owned by corporate and individual shareholders, including the firm’s executives and key personnel.
ADB SAFEGATE
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Contact: Jean Luc Devisscher
E: jeanluc.devisscher@adbsafegate.com
W: www.adbsafegate.com
ADB SAFEGATE is a leading provider of intelligent air traffic handling and guidance solutions that deliver accelerated airport performance from approach to departure. Its products tackle every aspect of air traffic handling, from approach, runway and taxiway lighting to tower-based traffic control systems and intelligent gate and docking automation. Advanced airfield technology includes energy-efficiency LED airfield lighting and guidance signs, power systems and computer systems for control and monitoring of the airfield.
