WBP News

The latest news and views from ACI Asia-Pacific’s World Business partners.

ENHANCING THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE AT BLR’S TERMINAL 2

The new Terminal 2 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) continues to impress visitors with its state-of-the-art technology and unique garden aesthetic, designed to reflect Bengaluru’s status as India’s ‘Garden City’.

Based on the success of a previous collaboration for its self-service solutions in Terminal 1, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) commissioned Materna IPS to equip the new terminal with 34 Self Bag Drop systems in a bid to optimise the passenger journey.

And BIAL’s commitment to constantly looking to enhance the passenger experience at BLR led to Materna IPS’ Flex.Go systems being put into operation in the first half of 2023, with AirAsia India and Air Vistara becoming the first airlines to offer the technology to their passengers.

The SBDs (Self Bag Drop) are said to be equipped with artificial intelligence-based dimensional and “conveyability detection” to ensure smooth and secure a baggage drop.

Other features, such as biometrics, can be added at a later stage depending on the airport’s requirements. The integration of an excess baggage payment solution is in progress.

Dr Georg Oschmann, managing director of Materna IPS, said: “Everyone involved is absolutely honoured to take our collaboration with Bangalore International Airport further and we want to thank BIAL for their continued trust in our products.”

NEW LOOK DUTY FREE OUTLETS AT KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Heinemann Duty Free Malaysia has officially launched its redeveloped stores at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Terminal 2 (KLIA Terminal 2).

As a result, it claims that passengers travelling through KLIA Terminal 2 departures can now look forward to a “refreshed and inviting store across all categories, further enhancing the overall airport experience”.

The new store design is said to be guided by Heinemann’s vision of Malaysia as a proud, dynamic and innovative nation. Along with the Heinemann Duty Free retail brand, Heinemann has also launched its web shop and click-and-collect service for KLIA Terminal 2 passengers, which it hopes will provide a more convenient way to shop as part of its ambition to turn travel time into valuable time.

As part of its contract renewal and store redevelopment, it has also taken over gate retail space at the airport, a move which has increased its total footprint at KLIA Terminal 2 to 1,686sqm.

NUCTECH ATTENDS ICAO SYMPOSIUM

Nuctech was invited to take part in the ICAO Global Implementation Symposium in Seoul, South Korea, earlier this year, which showcased the latest aviation technologies such as its advanced security inspection solutions for screening passengers and baggage.

These included its WooKong series stationary CT baggage inspection systems; CTitan Air Cargo CT inspection system; and MW1000AA Millimetre-wave Body Scanner.

BAR WITH BEST VIEWS OF AIRFIELD OPENS AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Hong Kong International Airport’s Sky Bridge has its own cocktail bar after the June 15 opening of ‘Intervals’ by the Plaza Premium Group (PPG).

PPG boldly promises that the first-of-its-kind concept will offer “an unparalleled world-class cocktail and dining experience”. Indeed, it describes Intervals as being a destination-in-its-own right, offering “a creative concept that elevates the airport experience with a unique food and drink programme on the Sky Bridge”.

At 200 metres long and 28 metres high, Sky Bridge is the world’s longest airside bridge, its unique vantage point offering visitors spectacular views of the entire airfield.

Mei Mei Song, PPG’s brand and product transformation director, said: “Our commitment is to make travel better and we are grateful that Hong Kong International Airport has always offered a platform for us to drive new concepts to uplift the passenger experience.

“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, it is fortuitous that we’re able to work together again to introduce a new experience by creating a world-class airport bar that is a destination in itself. We hope everyone can take a moment and treat themselves to their favourite tipple, over some good food with spectacular views of the airport, giving passengers a new way to spend their time at the airport.”

Alby Tsang, head of retail and advertising for Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: “We are delighted to welcome Intervals, which offers passengers with an elevated dining experience. Sky Bridge is the world’s longest airside bridge and it is aspired to be the iconic feature at HKIA and we hope passengers could enjoy the stunning view of airport during their visit at Intervals.”

TOP AWARD FOR HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AVIATION ACADEMY

Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) has been awarded Platinum Training Centre of Excellence status in ICAO’s TRAINAIR PLUS Programme (TPP), the progamme’s highest recognition.

It is just the second organisation in the world to receive the prestigious ACI-ICAO recognition. By providing a methodology that streamlines and standardises aviation courses, the TRAINAIR PLUS Programme aims to support civil air transport in sustaining a safe, secure and steady development.

Simon Li, president of HKIAA, said: “We are honoured to receive the advanced recognition from ICAO. The Academy has provided a diverse range of programmes and courses to over 230,000 local, Mainland China, and overseas participants since 2017.

“We are glad that our continuous efforts are acknowledged. Looking ahead, we shall further innovate and expand our courses for regional aviation talent. We will strive to be the pioneer incubator to nurture and enrich industry specialists to serve the ever-growing aviation industry.”

HUGE NEW INDIAN AIRPORT TECHNOLOGY DEAL FOR SITA

SITA has been awarded a landmark deal by the Airports Authority of India to provide technology to 43 of India’s biggest airports.

The deal will see improvements at over 2,700 passenger touchpoints, paving the way for the adoption of “new-age solutions” to meet the modern passenger’s expectations.

Initially deployed across 43 airports, the technologies are scalable to an additional 40 airports over the next seven years. Over 500 million passengers are expected to be processed during this period.

The roll-out of new cloud technology will enable Indian airports to shift to common use passenger experiences where multiple airlines can leverage the same infrastructure, such as check in counters, self-service kiosks, and boarding gates.

Sumesh Patel, SITA’s president for Asia Pacific, said: “The number of airports in India is expected to increase from 148 today to 220 by 2025. The new airports will bring closer together India’s almost 50 cities with populations exceeding one million people, creating substantial economic value in the long-term.

“By connecting these cities better, air travel and transport will help unlock the full potential of India’s economic growth too. Ensuring efficient and fluid operations and a seamless passenger experience at these airports will be critical to delivering on India’s air transport industry opportunity.”