Top 10 Best Airports in the World

For travelers weary of long lines at security checkpoints and overpriced fast food, the idea that any airport could be viewed as “best” may seem laughable. However, for travelers lucky enough to have flights that originate or end at any of the airports listed below, the word “best” is totally appropriate. These outstanding airports received the most votes from more than twelve million travelers who participated in a survey administered by Skytrax. Awards for the 2013 World’s Best Airport and nine runners-up were announced at passenger terminal EXPO in Geneva, Switzerland. The winning airports were located largely in Europe and Asia, with only one representative from North America and none from Australia, South America or Africa.  The United States was also notably absent from the list of winners.

1. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport claimed top prize for the fourth time since the Skytrax awards were initiated, having last won the title in 2010. In addition to winning the top overall award, Singapore Changi Airport, which served more than fifty million passengers in 2012, was named Best Airport in Asia and Best Airport for Leisure Amenities.

2. Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea

Last year’s winner Incheon International Airport slipped to the second place. Still, the main airport serving the South Korean capital is no slouch. In addition to its overall second place finish Incheon received the Best Airport Staff Service – Asia and Best International Transfer Airport awards for 2013.

3. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands

For the first time since the Skytrax awards were issued, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands broke into the top three finishers, largely due to its highly-regarded and efficient self-service transfer process. Schiphol also earned top honors for Best Airport in Europe and Best Airport in Western Europe.

4. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong, China

A third-place finisher for 2012, Hong Kong International Airport slipped to fourth place in the overall voting for the 2013 World’s Best Airport. Nonetheless, Hong Kong International Airport remained a favorite among the voters. In addition to its overall fourth place finish, Hong Kong International airport ranked in the top five among all airports in six different categories.

5. Beijing Capital International Airport, China

Beijing Capital International Airport only began operations in 2008 and has added passenger traffic every year. Nonetheless, the airport maintained its fifth place overall position from 2012 to 2013, and was also named the best airport in China.

6. Munich Airport, Germany

For travelers who hate the dried out microwave fare many airports offer, Munich Airport in Germany features food offerings that are a treat to the palate. In addition to scoring sixth in overall voting for 2013, Munich Airport also earned the award for Best Airport in Central Europe and Best Airport Dining Experience.

7. Zurich Airport, Switzerland

If you have ever experienced lost luggage, you will appreciate the fact that Zurich Airport in Switzerland is a perennial winner in the category of Best Airport Baggage Delivery, in addition to scoring seventh place in overall voting in 2013. Zurich Airport also earned the 2013 award for Best Airport Staff Service – Europe.

8. Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada

Finishing in eighth place overall in the 2013 voting, Vancouver International Airportis the only North American representative on the list of World’s Best Airports. Moving up from its overall ninth place finish in 2012, Vancouver International Airport retained the award for Best Airport in North America.

9. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), Japan

A new entry in the top ten list of World’s Best Airports, Tokyo International Airportmoved up five places from its 2012 position.  Haneda took first place in the category of Best Domestic Airport, a new category for 2012, and also snagged the award for Best Airport Terminal Cleanliness.

10. London Heathrow Airport, England (Great Britain)

Rounding the top ten is London Heathrow Airport, earning its place on the list largely due to its highly-regarded Terminal 5, which opened in 2008. T5, as it is commonly known, also earned the award for Best Airport Terminal for the third year in a row. The entire airport has undergone an overhaul, with its efforts rewarded by Heathrow finally earning 4-Star Airport status in 2012.

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LA Airport to receive a half billion dollars renewal

Southwest Airlines helped kick-off construction of the $508-million Terminal 1 Modernization Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) today with a groundbreaking ceremony featuring Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Councilman Mike Bonin, City Councilman Tom LaBonge, Los Angeles Airport Commission President Sean O. Burton, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey, and Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs Bob Montgomery.

The modernization of the aging terminal, built in the early 1980s, is expected to transform the entire passenger experience from the curb to the gate, and will include a new 12-lane security screening checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; a new and expanded dining and retail collection featuring activated gate hold rooms with lounge-style seating; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; replacement of the passenger boarding bridges; renovations to airline support office space; modernized aircraft parking/apron pavement and hydrant fueling system; improvements to the building facade; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to the west end of the building to ease traffic congestion.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2018 and will be phased to minimize inconvenience to customers, employees, and guests.

"The Terminal 1 improvement project will bring a better passenger experience and 1,500 construction jobs to LAX," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "As part of our $7 billion investment in LAX, we're remodeling every terminal and creating 40,000 jobs. Because Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport."

“The partnership we have with Southwest Airlines will create the world-class experience we want for all LAX passengers,” LAWA Executive Director Lindsey said. “As our passenger base continues to grow and change, we are working hard to increase efficiency and accommodate their needs today and in the future.”

“The Modernization of Terminal 1 at LAX has long been in our sights,” said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Airport Affairs. “The renovation within our current space at Terminal 1 will allow us to better serve our customers today as well as provide the opportunity to expand our network options alongside any growth in Customer demand.”

When completed, the passenger’s journey from curb to aircraft boarding bridge will be transformed and designed to provide a more efficient and exciting travel experience. By reorganizing the interior uses of the building and shifting the ticketing lobby and main entrances to the west, passenger drop off and pick up areas are anticipated to improve, as well as congestion in front of Terminal 1 reduced.

Westfield’s new retail and dining collection in Terminal 1 will offer 24 spaces across 25,242 square feet—nearly double the existing program. Plans include full-service restaurants along with a variety of casual and grab-and-go food offerings, as well as new high-end retail and traveler essentials. The program will open in a phased approach, with the first Westfield developed spaces scheduled to open late Summer 2015.

Source and image: LAX

NATS postpones network changes relating to Gatwick

NATS has decided to postpone the submission of proposed high level network changes (above 4,000ft) relating to Gatwick Airport, which was part of Phase 1 of the London Airspace Management Programme (LAMP). This postponement follows the airport’s decision to undertake additional analysis in order to better understand their options and next steps for the low level airspace that they are responsible for (primarily routes below 4,000ft).

NATS remains confident that the proposals being developed for the higher level airspace network over the whole of the south east, including those for aircraft using Gatwick Airport, are robust and in line with CAA/DfT requirements.

NATS is still committed to delivering changes to the high level network, in phases, out to 2020; this programme of change will meet CAA requirements and is part of the Government’s Future Airspace Strategy (FAS).  The FAS constitutes the biggest change ever undertaken to UK airspace structures and modernising the airspace system is essential for the UK and Europe to remain competitive in the global market.

The FAS related changes to the route network will significantly reduce fuel and CO2 from aviation however, the delivery of these benefits for the network serving Gatwick will now be delayed.

Source and image: NATS

Avanti Air will start operations with the Fokker 100

Avanti Air GmbH & Co. KG based at Siegerland-Flughafen in Germany will start operations with one Fokker 100 aircraft in January 2015. In the last 5 to 6 years the aircraft has been operated by OLT Express and will be used by Avanti Air for wet-lease and charter flights.

With the choice for the Fokker 100 the economic competitiveness of the aircraft is again recognized, the aircraft is an excellent platform to be utilized for charter and wet-lease business.

Sinah Gotthardt, Manager Sales, Marketing, PR: 'We are delighted to announce our Fokker 100 acquisition, with planned entry into service in January 2015. We see a market for the hundred seated aircraft segment within Europe. The main focus is in operating new potential charter and wet-lease operations. We will continue to offer tailor made services to our client requirements and be sure to make them suitable with the Fokker 100, our first large jet aircraft in fleet. In Fokker we have gained another aircraft type that entirely expands our portfolio. The aircraft adds to our existing ATR fleet and allows us to offer aircraft from 60 to 100 seats to our customers for their requirements. With positive market acceptance we consider to add a second Fokker to our fleet.'

Heino van der Laan, VP Marketing and Sales at Fokker Services: 'We proudly welcome Avanti Air to the Fokker community. As the Type Certificate Holder for the Fokker types, Fokker Services will assist Avanti Air with the introduction of the recently acquired Fokker 100 into their fleet.'

Avanti Air founded 1994 with home base (EDGS/SGE) in Germany is an IOSA certified Airline currently operating ATR72. The company holds a german registred AOC (D079EG) with approval for worldwide operation. In addition they have an ATO and a Part 145 approval. Avanti Air is specialized in ACMI leases for short, medium and long term and has a high level of experience with ACMI contracts in and outside Europe for various airlines. Furthermore they offer individual ad-hoc charter flights according to the highest level of around the clock service.

Source and image: Fokker

Boeing to aggressively Increase 737 Production Rate

Boeing announced today that it will increase production on the 737 program to 52 airplanes per month in 2018 in response to strong market demand from customers worldwide. Once the increase is implemented, the 737 program is expected to build more than 620 airplanes per year, the highest rate ever for the world's best-selling commercial airplane.

"The 737 Next-Generation and 737 MAX airplanes offer our customers unparalleled efficiency and reliability," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "Whether for fleet growth or for replacement needs, the 737 enables market success for carriers due to lower operating economics and by providing a better passenger experience."
Boeing currently produces 42 airplanes per month at its Renton, Wash., factory, and the company previously announced plans to increase the production rate to 47 airplanes per month in 2017.

"This increase is a recognition of the teamwork that achieved record level production rates while improving safety, productivity and quality," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager, 737 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Strong efforts by Boeing employees, our suppliers and community support allow us to continue to build these fabulous airplanes in Renton for years to come."

The 2014 Current Market Outlook, Boeing's long-term forecast of air traffic volumes and commercial airplane demand, projects a need for more than 25,000 single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years, worth $2.56 trillion total market value.

"For over a decade we have seen resilient demand for the 737 and a rate increase to 52 per month reflects the appetite for airplanes like the 737 MAX and Next-Generation 737," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our thorough analysis tells us the single-aisle market continues to expand and is the fastest growing, most dynamic segment of the market."

Boeing's highly efficient and reliable 737 family is the proven market leader. To date, 266 customers worldwide have placed more than 12,100 orders for the single-aisle airplane – including more than 6,800 orders for the Next-Generation 737 and more than 2,200 orders for the 737 MAX. Boeing currently has more than 4,000 unfilled orders across the 737 family.
The production rate increase announced today is not expected to have a significant impact on 2014 financial results.

Source and image: Boeing

Boeing delivers first MH-47G Chinook helicopter to the U.S. Army

Boeing completed initial flight and delivery of the first, new-build MH-47G configured Chinook helicopter to the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command Sept. 29, 2014 – a full month ahead of schedule.

“It is an honor to be trusted to design, produce and deliver this advanced capability for the Army Special Operations customer,” said Steve Parker, vice president, cargo helicopters & H-47 program manager. “The advanced technology inherent in the new-build MH-47G ensures that the users and operators will have the superior mission capability that they require. This delivery also begins a new chapter that will carry the Chinook forward for many more decades and is the latest demonstration of Boeing and the wider Team Chinook’s commitment to delivering upon promises made.”

The new build MH-47G configuration incorporates a number of production improvements to include the digital advanced flight control system, more robust, improved monolithic machined-frames, and improved air transportability. The entire program, valued at approximately $300 million, calls for eight aircraft deliveries through 2015.

Source and image: Boeing