Turkish Airlines increases Algiers frequencies

Middle Eastern full service carrier Turkish Airlines has announced an increase in frequencies to Algiers from seven flights per week to 11, beginning 13th September, 2013. Find the details below.

Flight No.	Start	End	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK 651	31 March 2013	26 October 2013	Everyday	Istanbul	12:40	Algiers	14:15
TK 652	31 March 2013	26 October 2013	Everyday	Algiers	15:55	Istanbul	21:05
TK 653	13 September 2013	25 October 2013	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Istanbul	08:30	Algiers	10:05
TK 654	13 September 2013	25 October 2013	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Algiers	11:40	Istanbul	16:50

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IndiGo to increase Bangalore presence this month. Commences direct Guwahati flight.

As per a report in the Airline Route website, India's largest domestic carrier is undertaking an expansion of its domestic network in the next one month.

Bangalore will see increased services to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Bangalore will also see a new service direct to Guwahati and on to Agartala.

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Ahmedabad – Bangalore Service increases from 1 to 2 daily

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Bangalore – Guwahati – Agartala NEW 1 daily service
6E457 BLR0750 – 1050GAU1120 – 1215IXA 320 D
6E458 IXA1535 – 1630GAU1700 – 1955BLR 320 D

Hyderabad – Bangalore Service increases from 27 to 41 weekly
Mumbai – Bangalore Service increases from 5 to 6 daily

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Timeline and Fleet Matrix of Turkish Airlines expansion

by Vinay Bhaskara

Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines has been pursuing a strategy of rapid fleet and destination growth over the past few years. Already, they are the airline which serves the most countries in the world, and  they have already announced plans to start 41 new destinations over the next two years.

The following table details Turkish Airlines' expansion plans over the next two years. Of the 41 destinations, 26 have definite start dates spread across the end of 2012 through June 2013 while the rest have more nebulous timelines. Geographically, there are 16 new destinations in Africa, 11 in Europe, 7 in the Americas, 6 in the Middle East and Central Asia, and 3 in Asia proper. These new flights would add a grand total of 147 new weekly frequencies to Turkish Airlines' already massive hub in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Bangalore Aviation can also release the fleet matrix for Turkish Airlines' growth plans. Currently, the plan calls for Turkish Airlines to grow from a fleet of 192 aircraft today (37 widebody, 155 narrowbody) to a fleet of 220 aircraft (69 widebody, 151 narrowbody) by the end of 2017. With a current orderbook of 67 aircraft, this means that Turkish Airlines will be retiring more than 39 aircraft from the fleet (3 widbodies and 36 narrowbodies). The widebody fleet plans seem relatively definite, as the next generation Boeing 787 and A350 are sold out till past 2017. However, the fleet growth plans may change slightly, given that Turkish Airlines has expressed interest in ordering between 6-12 large widebodies (Boeing 747-8 intercontinental or Airbus A380). On the narrowbody side, Turkish Airlines will likely order both the 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo reengined products, but the majority of such deliveries would take place after 2017 anyhow given the current respective orderbooks. Turkish Airlines could also add a smaller type such as the Embraer E190 or the Bombardier C-Series and those would be available more quickly, changing the dynamic of the fleet plan considerably. In fact, Bangalore Aviation thinks that it is likely that Turkish Airlines will order a smaller narrowbody (probably the C-Series given its longer range) as it vanquishes current expansion paths and adds even-thinner new routes.

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Passenger information on Bangalore airport terminal expansion and caused disruptions

The operators of the Bengaluru International airport, M/s Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have commenced the expansion of Terminal 1.

Outline of existing terminal indicates the scope of expansion.
Click on image for high res. view.

See the walk-through video here.

BIAL has planned the expansion on both ends (east and west) of the existing terminal which are open spaces today, ensuring minimal disruption to the operating portion of the terminal. The old VIP terminal has been demolished and passengers will observe furious construction activity on the east side of the airport just beyond the boundary wall. There is similar construction activity on the west side of the terminal (towards the NH-7 highway).

The intent is for the expansion construction to be completed externally to the terminal, and remove the existing side walls of the terminal, which are just bolted on, at the last moment to complete the expansion in a smooth and seamless manner.

As a part of the enabling work for Terminal 1-A expansion, the following is in progress at the Bengaluru International Airport:

• Demolition of the eastern VIP terminal and the relocation of the VIP lounge from that terminal into the passenger terminal building has been completed, with the incorporation of a new baggage screening facility for ‘non-exempted’ categories.
• A fixed loading bridge serving the passenger boarding bridge for stand 20 (boarding gate 1) has been demolished and will not be in use. In addition, various other works are simultaneously being executed that are beyond areas accessible to passengers or visitors.
• Work on the outer curb has commenced. Construction will be done in phases and will begin from the eastern and western ends of the terminal building simultaneously. The eastern outer curb canopy will be removed.

The inner curb used for VIP and taxi movement has been partially closed. Except for the area adjacent to the barricades, the other two lanes will be fully-functional. The taxi buffer at the inner curb will either be completely removed or reduced in number, as may be required.

Beginning December 2011, the existing inner curb and the outer curb will be partially closed for the extension of the canopy in front of the terminal building. During this time, traffic will be diverted to a temporary curb, which is being constructed to the south of the existing curb and cutting across P4 & P5 parking areas.

Parking areas P4 (the 10-minute free parking) and P5 (premium parking) will be temporarily closed in phases during the construction of temporary curb. P5 users will be intimated and alternate arrangements will be made accordingly. Appropriate signage will be provided at the P5 entry to re-direct users to other parking areas.

To accommodate the temporary road construction work, the P4 and P5 pedestrian walkway will be closed in phases. During any such closure, all airport users will be requested to use the “central walkway” for entry or exit to the terminal building.

While there will be signage on disruptions and alternate routes, passengers and visitors are urged to visit the airport's website to keep abreast of the latest information, including parking information.

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You can help design Bengaluru International Airport terminal 1

After announcing the expansion of terminal 1, Bengaluru International Airport Ltd. (BIAL), the operators of the airport is seeking public opinion, primarily from the citizens of Bangalore, on what they would like at the airport.
In a first of its kind approach in India, BIAL will launch a campaign across the city called 'Smile Bengaluru'. The campaign features children as the main visuals and encourages citizens, passengers, employees and the larger travel community to give ideas on what they would like to see at the expanded terminal.

So go ahead, log in and give your thoughts at www.smilebengaluru.com.

All comments will be transparent and viewable by all, and readers can even vote for an idea that they liked. Ideas will be evaluated by BIAL and feedback posted on the ideas selected.

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Photos and Video: Bangalore airport terminal 1 to be expanded almost 100%

The operators of the Bengaluru international airport (BIA), Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), have announced a massive expansion of the existing terminal 1 which is expected to commence almost immediately, cost about Rs. 1,000 Crore (approx $222 million) and complete in about 18 months time.

Outline of existing terminal indicates the scope of expansion.
Click on image for high res. view.

(More high resolution photos below the fold)

Along with the terminal there will be an expansion of the airside. Expansion of the apron has already commenced which will take capacity from 42 to 64 Code C stands.

Announcing the expansion, BIAL Managing Director Mr. Sanjay Reddy admitted that despite BIA being adjudged as the best run airport in India, the current terminal was at capacity with a traffic of just 10.6 million.

The expansion would increase capacity to approximately 17 million passengers and while left unsaid, it is clear that GVK, the new owners of the airport have listened to the litany of complaints from political circles on the various short-comings of the airport, including the feeling that the terminal looks like an industrial shed. The "shed" complaint is being addressed by hiding the terminal with a new flowing canopy.

Designed by HOK the expanded T1 will take terminal floor space up 86% from 72,000 square meters to 134,000 square meters. Bangalore Aviation has always praised the smooth, uncluttered and efficient interior of the terminal and the general layout is being retained in the new expansion.

The contact stands i.e. boarding gates with aerobridges go up from the current 8 Code C (B737/A320) or 4 Code D/E (B777, A330, B747) to 15 Code C or 7 Code E and one Code F (A380). One the sidelines, Mr. Reddy confirmed to Bangalore Aviation that BIA airside including taxiways will be upgraded to Code F capability for A380 operations during this upgrade.

Check counters will increase from 53 to 83. Baggage reclaim belts will increase from 9 to 13 including 2 extremely large island type belts for international operations.

A constant complaint about the lack of adequate seating in the security hold area is being addressed with seating going up from 2,300 to 5,300 (excluding airline lounges and F&B outlets).

Bangalore Aviation was shown the floor plans. We have requested a copy which we will share with readers when obtained.

A new mezzanine is being added on both ends of the expansion. The western side (domestic) will be used for airline lounges, etc., and the eastern side will house a relocated and increased immigration area. The domestic security screening will be housed in the expanded western section and the international security screening will also be increased and re-aligned in the same direction as the current emigration counters. Additional bus-gate departure seating is being provided on the first level (ground floor) of the terminal.

What are your thoughts on the photos and the expansion? Post a comment.

Click on any image for a high resolution view

There is also this video walk-through on the new terminal for your viewing pleasure.

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Bengaluru International Airport to fast-track development of second terminal

Unable to resist the intense pressure across the city, the Board of Directors of the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the company operating the Bangalore airport today reviewed the Master Plan for expansion of the Bengaluru International Airport and decided on the following:

1. The process to start construction of a brand new terminal building T2 will be initiated on an immediate basis. The first phase of terminal T2 will cater to passenger traffic of 15 million per annum. The terminal will be further expanded in the next phase to eventually handle 36 million passengers per annum. Associated airside infrastructure will also be expanded to cater to the new terminal. Design for the new terminal building will be selected through a global bidding process involving world's leading architects.
2. To cater to the growth in passenger traffic, the existing terminal building will be expanded. Global architectural firm HOK has been appointed to design the expansion. This added development will take the annual capacity of the existing terminal to 15 million passengers annually.
3. A comprehensive landscaping master plan will be undertaken on the city side leading up to the airport to enhance passenger experience and do justice to Bangalore‟s reputation of being a 'Garden City'.
   

There has been significant political pressure for expansion, in the last few months. The recent 29% stake acquisition by GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd. (GVKPIL) in BIAL, has brought in desperately needed funds, a sense of urgency, and political clout. The statement of GVKPIL chairman Mr. GVK Reddy reflects the renewed zeal and vigour with which the expansion will be pursued as well as the goal of building an international airport of global standards.

“We intend to fast track implementation of the new master plan for Bengaluru International Airport. We are excited by the opportunity of creating a new landmark in the city of Bangalore and will ensure that the new passenger terminal combines the best in technology and processes with an iconic design that makes the people of Bangalore proud.”

GVK is the lead partner in Mumbai Airport International Ltd., the company operating India's busiest airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. With an aggressive expansion and modernisation plan underway at Mumbai, GVK has developed significant expertise and experience in airport development.

Earlier today, the Board of Directors of BIAL was reconstituted following acquisition of the 29% stake by GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd with three new directors of the board Mr. GV Krishna Reddy, Mrs. Indira K Reddy and Mr. GV Sanjay Reddy being appointed.

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AAI to invest Rs 1808 Crore expanding Chennai airport

By TBM Staff | Chennai

The development plans of Chennai Airport got the clearance of the Public Investment Board (PIB) today. It will now have to be approved by the Government (CCEA approval). The work is expected to begin by September 2008. Last year in April, the Government decided that the Chennai Airport would be developed by following international standards by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The AAI has developed a master plan and design of terminals through Global Architectural Design Competition. An Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) has approved the development plans. The plans focus on the enhancement of runway capacity, apron capacity and terminal building capacity.

The Tamil Nadu government has handed over about 130 acres of land to the AAI for the development of the secondary runway. Land has also been made available by the defence authorities. In a meeting chaired by the Defence Minister, held on July 24, 2008, it was decided to hand over 21 acres of defence land to the AAI for the expansion of the airport. The Expert Committee on Infrastructural Development is expected to give the environmental clearance to the expansion project shortly.

The existing international terminal at the Chennai Airport has a capacity of three million passengers and existing domestic terminal has a capacity of six million passengers. Additional capacity of four million is being added to the international terminal to enhance its capacity to seven million passengers. A new domestic terminal is being built with capacity of ten million in addition to the existing domestic terminal, to augment the capacity of the domestic terminal to 16 million. The construction and development work is expected to be complete by October 2010. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 1808.10 crore of which approximately Rs 1077.16 crores will be required for the new domestic terminal building and for the modernisation/extension of the international terminal and the face lifting of the existing international and domestic terminals. 80 per cent of the project will be funded through internal resources of the AAI and 20 per cent through commercial borrowings. No User Development Fee (UDF) or budgetary support is envisaged for this project.

The upgraded international terminal building, which will be able cater to seven million passengers a year, will have a peak hour capacity of about 4450 passengers, 109 check in counters, 35 immigration counters for departure and 39 for arrival, eight customs counters for departure and 26 for arrival, eight conveyor belts and eight aerobridges. This terminal is expected to be saturated in 2017-2018. The domestic passenger terminals which will be able to cater to 16 million passengers annually will have a peak hour capacity of about 5360 passengers, 99 check in counters, ten conveyor belts, nine aerobridges and is expected to be saturated by 2012-2013.

The pre-engineering and pre-qualification of the project have been completed. As per present estimates, work is expected to commence in September, 2008. Construction of runway, taxiway, parking bays is expected to be complete in 20 months and the terminal buildings in September 2010. Thus, the runway, taxiway, parking bays scheduled to be completed by April, 2010 and the terminal buildings by October, 2010.

Source : TravelBizMonitor.com

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