Centreline

Birmingham Airport a European Hub

Birmingham Airport in the UK has commenced construction of a new terminal specifically designed to act as a major European hub. The 2. 5m people per annum (mppa) terminal is backed by six partners namely, British Airways, the airport authority, National Car Parks, Trusthouse Forte and the district councils of the West Midlands. Such a joint venture is almost unique in the European airport industry and perhaps is sign of things to come in a soon to be deregulated Europe.

British Airways will be the primary user with other feeder services being offered by Brymon Airways and Birmingham European Airways.

A New Airport for Hong Kong

After many months of planning and investigation, the Government has decided to build a replacement for congested Kai Tak at Chek Lap Hok. The development, the largest ever undertaken in Hong Kong, will have two runways and a capacity of up to 80mppa which will position it as a direct competitor to Changi and Don Muang as a major regional hub complex.

The airport will be connected to high speed surface transport modes and, when complete, will allow Kai Tak to be redeveloped thereby reducing noise affecting some 350,000 people and allowing building height restrictions in Kowloon to be lifted.

Chek Lap Hok will be planned, constructed, managed and operated by a new airport authority, meanwhile upgrading works for Kai Tak will proceed with the introduction of new aircraft stands and additional cargo facilities.

Towing Technology

The French manufacturer Tracma has unveiled the TAPR 260 aircraft tow tractor which has the capability of towing aircraft from the stand to the runway threshold. This has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption and enginE;J wear. The towbarless TAPR 260 lifts the nosewheel of the loaded aircraft off the ground and then transports it to the holding point at a normal towing speed. During pushback operations any stresses on the aircraft are controlled and adjusted according to the type of aircraft.

The tractor took five years to develop with funding assistance from Air France who have bought the first two models built so far.

The cost of the equipment is not known; however, given that towbarless tractors are considerably more expensive to operate and maintain than conventional tugs, airlines, handling agents and airports will need to evaluate the claimed savings on fuel and manpower very carefully.