Industry News
Hartsfield-Jackson begins Phase 2 of modular Concourse D Widening Project
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has initiated Phase 2 of its Concourse D Widening Project.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta’s Concourse D Widening Project
Once completed, the modernized Concourse D will have holdrooms (gate areas) that are twice their original size, with seating increased to 6,400. Its corridor width will also be expanded by 8.8m and its ceiling height will be raised by 5.5m.
Additionally, the area of the boarding level of the concourse will increase by 75%, with new restrooms that are twice their original size and new building systems.
Fukuoka International Airport selects Smiths Detection scanners for newly renovated terminal
Smiths Detection is to supply Fukuoka International Airport with seven Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model S x-ray scanners complete with seven iLane A20 automatic tray return systems. The technology will be used in the newly renovated international terminal.
The Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model S is a smaller version of the company’s computed tomography (CT) passenger checkpoint scanner. It is 20cm narrower and 350kg lighter than the standard Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX. Both models produce high-resolution, rotatable 3D images.
More passengers, employees and technology makes 2024 a record year for TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recorded its highest passenger volumes and largest screening workforce in the agency’s history in 2024.
2024 in numbers
TSA screened 904 million passengers, a more than 5% increase from 2023 and an increase of 17% from 2022. In addition, 494 million checked bags and over two billion carry-on items were screened.
During 2024, TSA hired over 8,760 new Transportation Security Officers and Security Support Assistants across the country.
APCOA wins five-year parking services contract with London Luton Airport
APCOA has won a further five-year contract with London Luton Airport, continuing the management of parking-related services that it has overseen since 2008.
Extended management services
Alongside the existing responsibilities for parking lot management, priority parking operation (valet), enforcement services, customer service center support and management of bussing services, the new contract will further extend APCOA’s remit to encompass management of the central terminal area.
Long-standing partnership
Danny Williams, head of digital and car parking at London Luton Airport, commented, “London Luton Airport and APCOA have worked closely across all aspects of the airport’s car park management and operations since 2008, and we are delighted to now extend this partnership for a further five years.
EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: How is AI revolutionizing airports around the world?
PTW takes a look at some specific use cases that illustrate how airports and airlines are using AI to improve their operations and the passenger experience.
Airports continue to be transformed by AI in areas such as demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, autonomous equipment and vehicles, computer vision and biometrics, according to Bob Kwik, worldwide head of airports and ground transportation at Amazon Web Services.
“Brussels Airport started using AI to forecast passenger demand about five years ago,” says Kwik, who discussed the impact of generative AI on airports at last April’s Passenger Terminal Conference in Amsterdam.
Changi Airport refreshes ‘Millionaire Experiences’ luxury retail campaign and prize draw
Changi Airport has unveiled a refresh of its signature retail campaign which gives shoppers the chance to win luxury travel experiences and holidays.
Changi Millionaire Experiences to win
The year-long ‘Changi Millionaire Experiences’ campaign will see winners of the quarterly draws pick from one of five iconic destinations across the globe to visit with a companion. Each winner and their companion will be treated to a mix of gourmet dining, cultural immersions and luxury activities.
Rohde & Schwarz and Dormakaba extend people screening partnership
Rohde & Schwarz and Dormakaba are expanding their partnership from the airport business area to the critical infrastructure sector. The partners have developed a new people screening system that is designed to simplify security checks and increase capacity and efficiency. Pilot projects to test the system have been expanded and are currently taking place in the USA, Singapore and the Netherlands, with trial operations at Munich Airport in Germany expected to begin in January 2025.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson remained world’s busiest airport in 2024, OAG’s data confirms
OAG has unveiled its annual ranking of the world’s busiest airports for 2024.
The world’s busiest airport
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) continues to lead as the world’s busiest global (international and domestic capacity) airport with 62.7 million seats. The capacity at ATL has increased by 2% compared with 2023 but is still 1% below 2019 levels.
Global growth
Dubai International Airport (DXB) was recorded as the second busiest and also the leader in international capacity, increasing seats by 7% year-on-year to 6.2 million.