Ground Handling International articles from October 2003

Ground Handling International archives from October 2003

WFS acquires Miami Aircraft Support.(1999)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has announced the US$66.4 million purchase of Miami Aircraft Support Inc (MAS), in a move that is expected to raise Worldwide's expected revenues in 1999 to $300 million. MAS provides ground services at 31...

Wing makers come down to earth.(2000)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Retractable access floors are making wing construction a safer process, thanks to the new line of products from UpRight UK Ltd. In consultation with Airbus UK engineers, the project contractor approached UpRight UK for a solution to an...

Planes handled.(2001)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Crossair, the Switzerland-headquartered European regional carrier, has awarded Plane Handling Limited a contract to handle all the airline's cargo and courier express requirements at Heathrow airport, with effect from September 1. This major...

Cargo goes paperless.(Ground Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... For St. Petersburg's 300th anniversary, the Pulkovo Customs and Cargo Terminal has introduced a new technological procedure for international cargo registration. All required information exchanges between Cargo Terminal Pulkovo and Pulkovo...

Important outsourcing move.(Ground Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Swiss International Air Lines and Swissport recently concluded a landmark Memorandum of Understanding following extensive bilateral discussions. The forward-looking agreement, which is valid until the end of 2006, will enable the partners to...

Getting there.(Ground Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... In mid-August, Iraq granted permission to six airlines to use Basra airport for both passenger and cargo traffic. The six in question, namely Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian, Qatar Airways, SAS, Emirates and LOT, were looking to begin operations at...

Perishable power.(Ground Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Hydro Air, the specialist South African cargo airline, is now operating two regular weekly flights between Johannesburg and Vitoria in northern Spain, via Lagos. The aircraft, a B747-200F, arriving on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, delivers...

Pourshins' portions.(Ground Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... This summer, Pourshins confirmed three major contracts with airlines and in-flight catering suppliers, reaffirming its position as Europe's number one travel catering logistics supplier. The first, a three-year contract, has been agreed with...

From September 2003, the Ultra Electronics business Ferranti Air Systems Limited (FASL).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... From September 2003, the Ultra Electronics business Ferranti Air Systems Limited (FASL) will be known as Ultra Electronics Airport Systems (UEAS).

July saw Lufthansa Cargo moving into a new cargo terminal at New York's John F Kennedy Airport.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... July saw Lufthansa Cargo moving into a new cargo terminal at New York's John F Kennedy Airport. Cargo Building 23, one of the most technically advanced facilities in the world, will be officially opened in the presence of the New York City...

Menzies Aviation Group and Universal Weather and Aviation have established a joint venture.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Menzies Aviation Group and Universal Weather and Aviation have established a joint venture known as Ocean Bridge Handling, a Shannon, Ireland-based aircraft ground handling facility.

JALCARGO in Paris has appointed Paris-based ground handler France Handling for France.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... JALCARGO in Paris has appointed Paris-based ground handler France Handling for France. The airline currently operates a daily B747-400 passenger flight between Tokyo and Paris as well as a twice a week Osaka flight.

Swiss WorldCargo, the air cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines, has concluded a General Sales Agent agreement with KALES Group.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Swiss WorldCargo, the air cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines, has concluded a General Sales Agent agreement with KALES Group. The new accord covers Poland, the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. KALES...

Gas--naturally.(Group Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Proof that the changes in motive power oil the ramp are not just confined to articles in this magazine can be evidenced in Mineta San Jose International airport's new CNG Fuelling Station, which went into operation in August. This is, in...

Honing the skillbase.(Group Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Groundstar has launched a new training initiative designed to improve the skills and expertise of its supervisors and managers. Groundstar's ramp training and standards manager, Gerry Rodden, is implementing a "Principles of Management"...

A secure service.(Group Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Menlo Worldwide's Regional Logistics Hub, the first and only operationally ready logistics facility at the Airport Logistics Park of Singapore, has been awarded a Class 'A' security certification--the highest possible rating--from the...

New lamps for old?(Group Handling News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Olympic Airways looks likely to be restructured and fly again under the name of Olympic Airlines, following draft legislation submitted by the government to the Greek parliament. The government has confirmed that the carrier's business plan...

Swissport.(Industry moves)(Appointment of Malcolm Mackay)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Swissport has appointed Malcolm Mackay to the new position of Vice President Swissport Aviation Security Services. His objective is the establishment of Swissport as a major provider of integrated aviation security services and to open up the...

Atlantic Coast Airlines.(Industry moves)(Bill Brown and Steven Westberg receive appointments)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Atlantic Coast Airlines has announced the appointment of Bill Brown to the position of Senior Vice President of Maintenance and Operations. Meanwhile, Steven Westberg has been promoted to tire newly-created position of Vice President,...

World Airways.(Industry moves)(Randy Martinez and Jeff Mackinney)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... World Airways has announced that Randy Martinez, Executive Vice President Marketing and Administration, will become President and Chief Operating Officer with effect from November 1, replacing John Ellington, who will be retiring. Jeff...

Groundstar.(Industry moves)(Peter Rhodes )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Groundstar has named Peter Rhodes as its new Birmingham International station manager. Formerly Rhodes was in charge of the Go/easyJet handling operation for Groundstar at Stansted.

PRMs: for the record.(Industry moves)(United States Department of Transportation requires from airlines reporting of complaints from disabled passengers.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... With effect from next year, US and foreign airlines will be required to report complaints they receive from disabled passengers. This is according to the US Department of Transportation and the new ruling is set to ensure that airlines submit...

British Airways World Cargo.(Industry moves)(Baba Devani and Steve Cassidy)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... British Airways World Cargo has announced that Baba Devani has been appointed as the new Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He will be taking up his new role with immediate effect. The appointment follows Steve...

PrivatAir.(Industry moves)(Peter Kotysch)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Detlef Schroeder has been appointed Ground Operations Manager at PrivatAir. Peter Kotysch, a PrivatAir Airbus A319 Captain with 21 years' flying experience, has been appointed Head of Training at PrivatAir.

After seven years with Equity. Aviation, Bob Gurr has stood down as Executive Manager Marketing and Client Care.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... After seven years with Equity. Aviation, Bob Gurr has stood down as Executive Manager Marketing and Client Care. His replacement will be announced in due course.

At US Airways Eilif Serck-Hanssen has been named Vice President--Finance and Treasurer, with responsibility for treasury, tax and fuel.(Industry moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... At US Airways Eilif Serck-Hanssen has been named Vice President--Finance and Treasurer, with responsibility for treasury, tax and fuel. Serck-Hanssen joins the company from Northwest Airlines, where he served most recently as Managing...

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, the Mexican airport operator of Cancun International airport.(Industry moves)(Manuel Gutierrez Sola)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, the Mexican airport operator of Cancun International airport and eight other airports in the southeast region of Mexico, has appointed Manuel Gutierrez Sola to the position of Chief Commercial Officer.

Dragonair.(Industry moves)(Gerard Ter Bruggen, Stuart Holland, Bob Wetherill)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Dragonair has appointed Gerard Ter Bruggen as Regional Manager, Continental Europe, and Stuart Holland Country Manager, UK & Ireland. The appointments, which were effective in August, are part of a restructuring following the retirement...

USAirports.(Industry moves)(John E. Wilson Junior)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... USAirports has named John E Wilson Jr as Senior Vice President. Wilson will be responsible for managing all aviation operations at USAirports including Flight Support FBO, Air Charters, and Air Cargo. Wilson moves to USAirports after 26 years...

A Cemil Erman, who has worked as Chairman and Executive Board Member at one of the Zeytinoglu Group is the new CEO at Celebi Ground Handling.(Industry moves)(Yesim Ucak assigned to role of Commercial Director)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A Cemil Erman, who has worked as Chairman and Executive Board Member at one of the Zeytinoglu Group is the new CEO at Celebi Ground Handling. Also, after spending many years in the ground handling sector in Turkey, Ms Yesim Ucak has been...

Virgin Atlantic Airways.(Industry moves)(John Riordan, Chris Rossi)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Virgin Atlantic Airways has confirmed the promotion of John Riordan to Vice President, Customer Services and Chris Rossi, to Vice President Sales and Marketing, in a move to strengthen the company's internal structure around its core business...

Trans States Airlines.(Industry moves)(Richard A Leach will become President and Chief Operating Officer)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Trans States Airlines has confirmed that Richard A Leach will assume the additional title and responsibilities of President, Chief Operating Officer. Hulas Kanodia will continue to serve as Chairman of the airline's board of directors and...

American Airlines.(Industry moves)(Carlo de Haas)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... American Airlines has appointed Carlo de Haas as European Perishable Sales Manager.

Rites of passage? Roger Briton looks at the recent changes affecting travelling to the U.S.(Legal Column)
October 1, 2003... As a large part of the US's ground handling industry is owned by European companies, whose executives must frequently travel to the US, US immigration law has become a factor that must be considered in company operations. Several recent...

Best laid plans.(IT News)(Sabre Airline Solutions)
October 1, 2003... Having the right resources, in the right place, at the right time, is critical to the success of any ground handling operation. Getting this accomplished requires effective upfront planning and forecasting. Kamal Qatato, of Sabre Airline...

Keeping one step ahead.(IT News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... US Transportation Security Administration has chosen US-based Maximus to lead the effort to field test various technologies that will result in a "common and universally recognised" Transportation Workers Identification Credential for all...

When in Rome ...(IT News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), which was established in 1974, operates the two airports which serve Rome: Leonardo Da Vinci airport, located in Fiumicino and G.B. Pastine airport, located in Ciampino. The company's activities include airport...

AirSP launch.(IT News)(Lufthansa Systems offers technology solutions to arline and aviation industries)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... At a time when the aviation industry arguably needs it most, Lufthansa Systems, one of the world's leading providers of proven, leading-edge IT solutions for the airline and aviation industry, is offering its AirSP Application Service,...

DHL Danzas Air & Ocean, the freight forwarding arm of DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... * DHL Danzas Air & Ocean, the freight forwarding arm of DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, has selected Syntegra, BT's global consulting and systems integration business, as its solution provider for Phase 2 of IATA's...

Team Telecom Group has acquired Speedwing Mobile Communications (SMC) and established AirRadio Ltd under which SMC will now trade.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... * Team Telecom Group has acquired Speedwing Mobile Communications (SMC) and established AirRadio Ltd under which SMC will now trade. After a short transition phase SMC will completely re-brand itself with a new corporate identity for AirRadio.

To coincide with the launch of its modernised fleet of 25 Scania Omni City buses at Heathrow on the Connect2Work operation, Menzies has also introduced a new IT system that provides real-time vehicle tracking and monitors the number of passengers on each bus.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... * To coincide with the launch of its modernised fleet of 25 Scania Omni City buses at Heathrow on the Connect2Work operation, Menzies has also introduced a new IT system that provides real-time vehicle tracking and monitors the number of...

Under the wing activity.(GHI Awards)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... At about 14.00 on a hot summer's day, a commercial B747-400 aircraft was undergoing ground servicing by Miascor at Manila International airport. Ground servicing was about to be completed and the equipment operator coupled an empty baggage...

Tyre troubles.(GHI Awards)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Beijing Aviation Ground Services tells the story of aircraft tow truck operator Wang Zheng. Wang was going about his usual routine of parking the tow truck in front of the aircraft to await instructions for pushback one day in January....

On strike?(GHI Awards)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... While finishing the loading of passenger bags, the DALGlobal Services ramp service team in Anchorage, Alaska, noticed a strong sulphurous smell which seemed to be coming from a passenger's bag. When they removed it and opened the bag they...

The 5th Annual Conference: 1-3 December 2003.
October 1, 2003... What's driving the global handling business? ISSUES TO BE COVERED The carrier's viewpoint Speaker: Clive Clemson, Emirates Airline Are you ready to handle the A380? Speaker: Gerhard Baumgarten, Lufthansa LEOS Airport...

Europe: has there been any good news over the last 12 months?(World Analysis)
October 1, 2003... On the face of it, 2002 provided us with little cheer. Indeed, the Association of European Airlines' annual study paints a picture in which the negative features strongly. Total financial losses for the year amongst member airlines are put at...

Inter airport Europe 2003: the 2003 show unfolds in Munich, October 7-10.(Inter Airport Preview)
October 1, 2003... Despite the difficult times in the aviation industry, the 2003 Inter airport Europe show has attracted a significant number of exhibitors, all intent upon lifting the sector out of the doldrums. Here we take a look at those of interest to the...

In-or out? When Swissport's management wanted to realise a dream they approached an equity investor for help.(Financial Focus)
October 1, 2003... Management buy outs (and buy-ins, come to that) never seem far from the headlines in these financially uncertain times. And whilst most readers will be familiar with the phrase, how many actually understand what is involved--and perhaps more...

Pigs, parking ... and procedures: are the words "safety" and "ramp" becoming mutually exclusive?(Ramp Safety)
October 1, 2003... Regular readers elf this magazine probably take more than a passing interest in the incidents that we record within the Flight Safety pages. Personally, I feel sure that there is an clement of Schadenfreude in all this: in general, people are...

FedEx ex: we caught up with Bernard Mercier, new CEO of Servisair/GlobeGround, during a rare moment on terra firma.(Industry Interview)(Interview)
October 1, 2003... GHI: What were your initial thoughts on taking up the post at Servisair/ GlobeGround? Did you see the move as a logical career step or as something opportunistic? BM: I was with FedEx for 14 years, finishing as VP Southern Europe and...

In the flow; this year we take a look at developments at one US refuelling company-and learn of better RJ refuelling procedures.(Refueling)
October 1, 2003... Frankly, the name ASIG requires little introduction here: it currently handles around 12.5bn US gallons of aviation fuel a year throughout its network, a figure that speaks for itself. With that kind of commitment to the aviation industry it...

Of mice ... and men.(Flight Safety)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A missing mouse grounded a European airliner for more than a day recently, forcing airline officials to find it and kill it. The mouse, being transported to a laboratory from Mexico, escaped Dora its container during the flight. To...

Bridging the (age) gap.(Flight Safety)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The aircraft had come on stand, the airbridge had been positioned and the passengers were disembarking through door 1L quite normally. Among the last off was a family with their 3-year old child who was, like most 3-year olds, more interested...

All tooled up.(Flight Safety)
October 1, 2003... As a follow on to a story in the August issue, and as a reminder that everybody who has access to the ramp should be on their guard, this story is worth telling. A first-class passenger recently discovered a knife blade in the magazine...

Brake--or bust.(Flight Safety)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Running around the ramp may be all in a day's work hut a little thought can prevent the unthinkable from happening. Basic drill for any GSE driver includes applying the vehicle's brakes--especially when the GSE is left unattended. The...

Striking out.(Flight Safety)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A very, fortunate incident passed over my desk this week. It was a report that a ramp worker in Latin America had been killed and a colleague injured after being struck by lightning. The airport had experienced a shutdown due to lightning...

Finally, remember that even the most innocuous hinder your operation, as an MD-11 found out recently.(Flight Safety)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Finally, remember that even the most innocuous hinder your operation, as an MD-11 found out recently. It was parked at its stand but that didn't stop a baggage cart striking its No. 3 engine nacelle. Happily, there were no injuries to...

Tractors dollies & ULDs.(Ramp Basics)
October 1, 2003... Has it been a quiet year for the manufacturers? Amid doom and gloom, it is the supplier who is at the sharp end of the equation. But whatever the economic climate, airports require tractors, dollies and ULDs. And innovation has not been...

Phew, what a scorcher!(Airport Services)
October 1, 2003... There have been record temperatures here in Geneva this summer, which started back in May and kept on running through August. It was cooler in Muscat when I was there in July than it was in Geneva! It was humid, though, and I really noticed...

A first for TLD.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... TLD has announced the sale of three TPX-500S towbarless aircraft tractors to Airbus Industries. TPX-500S provides Airbus with the ability to tow Airbus' latest aircraft, the A380, around the company's facilities. The first TPX-500S is...

L-3 communications has announced that its Security and Detection Systems division has received certification for the eXaminer 3DX 1000 Explosives Detection System (EDS).(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... L-3 Communications has announced that its Security and Detection Systems division has received certification for the examiner 3DX 1000 Explosives Detection System (EDS). The certification means that the Transportation Security Administration...

Houchin Aerospace, specialist manufacturer of GPUs.(Ground Processing Unit)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Houchin Aerospace, specialist manufacturer of GPUs, fixed systems and airstarts, has announced that it has been assessed by BSI Quality Assurance and is now authorised to ISO9001: 2000 standard

Vehicle for intelligent sortation.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Fabricom Airport Systems has announced that it has won a 2.1m [euro] (US$2.2m) contract to supply a Telebag IDCV (Intelligent Destination Coded Vehicle) based hold baggage screening system for Montpellier airport. The Montpellier order...

Sydney airport prioritises safety a checked bag screening study.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Airplan)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Specialist Airport and Aviation consultancy firm, Airplan, is helping Sydney airport with the introduction of upgraded baggage screening systems for its international and domestic terminals. The Australian Government has mandated the...

Safety first.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Ohio-based Tronair, a developer and manufacturer of GSE whose products are retailed globally, recently announced a brand new theft deterrent system designed to secure aircraft whilst they are parked on the ramp. The system, which can lock...

Tags on bags.(Machinery & Equipment Update)
October 1, 2003... Delta Air Lines is currently pursuing innovative ways with which to track passenger baggage through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Delta plans to test RFID on selected flights from Jacksonville through its Atlanta hub this...

Swissport's container venture.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Swissport has acquired a majority shareholding in Unitpool, the container and palletising specialist. Zurich-based Unitpool, which was established in April 2002, is one of the world's market leaders in the international cargo container...

Reel power.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Metool Products has designed a special cable reel for Dabico's new 400Hz motorised cable retriever, which supplies power to aircraft whilst on stand. The Dabico cable retriever can be mounted either on a freestanding pedestal or under a...

All change.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Fabricom Airport System has changed the names of its member companies throughout Europe to identify them more with the parent company. As of now, Logan Fabricom, based in Hull, will be known as Fabricom Airport Systems (UK) and...

GRP's expanding role.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Traditionally, GRP is well known for the production of refrigerated van conversions and insulated box bodies. However, more recently, the company has developed its vehicle body building skills even further with the expansion of its cargo...

Security upgrade for Cardiff.(Machinery & Equipment Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Conveyor and baggage handling specialist Geo Robson has installed a new high-speed automated explosives detection system and baggage handling and screening equipment at Cardiff airport. The contract, worth some 350,000 [pounds sterling], is...