Airport Industry Review is the essential reading material for decision-makers in the airport

industry, bringing you the latest news and insights in a convenient digital format that can

be read online in the web browser of any device. Published monthly and free to read online,

this magazine offers analysis of key issues affecting the industry as well as the latest

technological and business developments, including airport design and construction, routes

and destinations, ground operations, air traffic management, passenger and cargo handling,

safety and security, environmental issues and retail operations.

The interception of Ryanair flight FR4978 – which was diverted to Belarus to arrest a

journalist that opposes the regime of President Lukashenko – was severely condemned by

the international community.

While the increase in security measures and passenger controls post-9/11 has helped with

threats such as hijacking, the incident showed that vulnerabilities to interference with

flights remain. We find out what procedures are in place for airports to respond to such

incidents, and whether the response can be improved.

To combat aviation pollution, Munich Airport has recently launched refuelling with green

kerosene. We speak to the airport operator about the project and explore the potential

benefits of this aviation fuel. 

We also catch up with some of the airports leading the way in automated baggage handling,

find out how airport and airline operators can protect themselves from cyberattacks, and

ask what the downgrading of Mexico’s safety rating by the US Federal Aviation Authority

means for the country’s aviation sector. 

Plus, we catch up with Medical Detection Dogs about a project using sniffer dogs to detect

Covid-19 cases and the potential of this new role for sniffer dogs in airport security.

Don’t forget to follow us @Airport_Mag and let us know your thoughts on this issue.

COVID-19

The UK Government is reportedly lifting quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated

travellers coming from the EU and the US.

From 2 August, travellers who are fully vaccinated with the US and EU-approved vaccines

will no longer need to quarantine for ten days after arriving in England. However, these

visitors are still required to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test, as well as a PCR test shortly

after they arrive in England.

The leasing of restrictions for the US and EU is aimed at easing access to some of the UK’s

biggest markets for visitor volumes. The new quarantine rule applies to England, though it

is still unclear whether it will apply to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

The UK Government also said that visitors from France will continue to undergo quarantine

due to the presence of the Beta variant.

inci Airports deploys customised airfield pavement management solution

Vinci Concessions’ subsidiary Vinci Airports has installed a new tailor-made tool, the

Airport Pavement Management System (APMS), to enhance the monitoring of its airport

pavements.

Vinci Airports teams and infrastructure management software provider AgileAssets have

jointly developed this solution. APMS unifies the data on pavement condition monitoring.

RAD to supply six ROSA180 units for major US airport authority

US-based Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices

(RAD) has secured an order for responsive observation security agent (ROSA180) units

from a ‘major’ US airport authority that owns and runs more than one airport. The

undisclosed client will receive six ROSA180 units.

The testing centre is located in the terminal before security on the first floor, with services

open to both the passengers and the local community.

BIAL partners with IBM for digital transformation of Bangalore Airport

India’s Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of Kempegowda

International Airport, has entered a ten-year partnership with IBM to support the digital

transformation of the airport.

IBM and its spin-off Kyndryl will offer IT solutions for setting up a new ‘Airport in a Box’

platform to improve the travel experience for passengers at the Bangalore airport

SA permits three airports to sign agreements with Amazon Air

The US Department of Homeland Security agency Transportation Security Administration

(TSA) has allowed three airports to enter into security agreements with Amazon.com

subsidiary Amazon Air.

This approval will enable Amazon to execute security functions and help in its planned

hiring at the airports.

The airports permitted to enter Exclusive Area Agreements with Amazon Air are

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International

Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Chicago Rockford International Airport.

Usually, the agreements are used when a complete airport terminal is maintained by only

one aircraft operator.

With this exemption, Amazon will be able to obtain physical control of some airport access,

undertake ’employee vetting functions that the airport authorities would otherwise be

required to conduct’, and manage ID issues.