Airports ...

[verbatim9]

[verbatim9]

https://youtu.be/AyarL_iTGl0

I went through this new technology prior to boarding a flight at Newcastle a couple.of weeks ago. A lot faster

[verbatim9]

[STB]

https://youtu.be/AyarL_iTGl0

I went through this new technology prior to boarding a flight at Newcastle a couple.of weeks ago. A lot faster

I'm a rather concerned about these full body scanners - I've got a body that naturally has traits of both male and female, and don't identify as either gender - the scanners in order to work needs to the officer to select a male or female gender prior to scanning.

Kinda feel like I'd rather take the train interstate now rather than fly.

[ozbob]

https://newsroom.bne.com.au/record-breaking-year-for-passengers-at-brisbane-airport/

Record-breaking year for passengers at Brisbane Airport

Passenger numbers at Brisbane Airport (BNE) exceeded 24.1 million for the first time, with Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) recording the strongest international and domestic growth amongst Australia's major gateway airports in 2019.

More > https://newsroom.bne.com.au/record-breaking-year-for-passengers-at-brisbane-airport/

[verbatim9]

[red dragin]

Testing on the new runway & taxiway lighting is scheduled from Feb to late May, so the new runway may open in June.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane Airport's second runway will open on July 12

After eight years of construction, Brisbane Airport has announced the date its second runway will finally open. It comes after it was revealed the project, that will provided "unlimited opportunities" for the city, came in hundreds of millions of dollars under budget.

BRISBANE Airport's new $1.1 billion parallel runway will open on July 12, after coming in $200m under budget.

Brisbane Airport Corporation chief executive officer Gert-Jan de Graaff said the runway had been eight years in construction and would offer "unlimited opportunities for our city, region and state".

"The new runway is so much more than asphalt; it is an enabler for growth across all facets, with an estimated 7800 new jobs created by 2035 and an additional $5 billion in annual economic benefit to the region," Mr de Graaff said.

"We are seeing first-hand that the new runway is bringing more flights, destinations and choices for the travelling public, and this growth will only strengthen from July 12.

"While we recognise the benefits of the new runway and the airport will be felt right across our city, state and country, we are conscious of our community and the potential impact of new flight paths in relation to aircraft noise.

"We encourage everyone residing in Brisbane to visit the dedicated Flight Path Tool, available on Brisbane Airport's website, which allows you to search any address to find out specific information in relation to aircraft volume forecasts and the expected noise footprint for the current and future flight paths."

The final line marking has begun, with more than 6780 litres of paint being used to mark more than 120km along taxiways and the runway.

The airport is planning a weekend of community events on the runway before it opens for flights, including a 5km runway fun run.

[red dragin]

Testing on the new runway & taxiway lighting is scheduled from Feb to late May, so the new runway may open in June.

I wasn't too far off! 

[ozbob]

 

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1230745024008077316

[ozbob]

https://newsroom.bne.com.au/brisbanes-new-runway-launch-date-announced/

Brisbane's new runway launch date announced

Friday 21 February 2020:

With the eight-year construction programme all but complete, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) is proud to confirm the date on which the first historic flights will take off and land on Brisbane's new runway (BNR) – Sunday, 12 July 2020.

Timings of the first arrival and departure have not yet been confirmed.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC Chief Executive Officer, said today's announcement was a significant milestone for Brisbane given the new runway has been part of long-term planning for more than forty years.

"I am proud to have been part of an iconic project that will transform and provide unlimited opportunities for our city, region and state.

"Today is a culmination of eight years of physical construction, many years before that in planning, and foresight from nearly half a century ago for one of the most exciting projects in Brisbane's history.

"It's surreal to think we are just months away from seeing the first aircraft land and depart on this infrastructure masterpiece.

"The new runway is so much more than asphalt; it is an enabler for growth across all facets, with an estimated 7,800 new jobs created by 2035 and an additional five billion in annual economic benefit to the region.

"We are seeing firsthand that the new runway is bringing more flights, destinations and choices for the travelling public, and this growth will only strengthen from 12 July 2020," Mr de Graaff said.

"While we recognise the benefits of the new runway and the airport will be felt right across our city, state and country, we are conscious of our community and the potential impact of new flight paths in relation to aircraft noise.

"BAC has always been incredibility proactive in keeping our community informed about the project and aircraft noise, and we will continue our extensive community engagement program well after the runway itself opens, generating honest and informed conversations about the new flight paths.

"We encourage everyone residing in Brisbane to visit the dedicated Flight Path Tool, available on Brisbane Airport's website, which allows you to search any address to find out specific information in relation to aircraft volume forecasts and the expected noise footprint for the current and future flight paths," Mr de Graaff said.

The tool also shows noise mapping, highlighting areas that will experience aircraft noise of 70 decibels or more. Visit https://flightpathtool.bne.com.au/bac/map

Before the runway becomes operational, community members will be given a rare opportunity to participate in two special events held on the runway site.

Planning for a five-kilometre 'runway fun run' and a free Community Open Day is currently underway.

Attendance at these events will be strictly limited, with people urged to visit www.bne.com.au/takeoff to subscribe for updates in regards to the ticket release.

In addition to today's exciting announcement, the line marking of the new runway and accompanying taxiways commenced this week, marking the final component of the construction programme for this monumental project.

Over the next four to six weeks, more than 6,780 litres of paint will be placed on the runway and taxiways, spanning 120 kilometres in length. With two coats of paint used, there is enough paint to create a straight line between Brisbane and Hervey Bay.

The largest paint strip for the project is the two aiming points located at each end of the runway, which each measure 60 metres long by nine metres wide.

The paint for the taxiways will incorporate more than 1.3 tonnes of glass beads - tiny balls that help make the paint reflective.

Allstate Line Marking, subcontracted by Skyway, will complete the line marking with the help of Tiny Surveyor, an innovative robotic tool supplied by geospatial solutions provider Position Partners.

Tiny Surveyor negates the need for surveyors to manually set out the runway lines by foot saving considerable time while also improving safety on site.

Following the completion of the line marking, the detailed commissioning process for the new ground lighting, navigational aids and control tower systems will commence.

Brisbane's new runway is expected to be brought to completion under budget at a cost of $1.1 billion, marking a saving of $200 million.

[verbatim9]

Just looking at the Bne departure board. There are still quite alot of departures for today. A few cancellations, but flights still going to HNL, LAX,  DXB and AKL. A lot of domestic routes running today too

[Arnz]

COVID-19 related: A Virgin 777-300ER (Registration: VH-VPF) had just landed in BNE for storage.

Some of the Qantas aircraft has started positioning to AVV for storage as well.

[verbatim9]

Will head out there for photos in a few days. There will be lots of planes.

[verbatim9]

If the reductions in Qantas' and Virgin's domestic flights last nine months the amount of carbon emissions released by the industry would be 13.2 million tonnes less than over the same period last year. https://t.co/peck4BQr96

https://twitter.com/smh/status/1245272059258843137

[kram0]

Give me the emissions and the normal(ish) world we had in December any day over this absolutely dire global situation we find ourselves in.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/BrisbaneAirport/status/1245546540279660546

[verbatim9]

Qantas and Virgin Australia are close to signing off on a multi-million dollar funding package with the government to help the airlines maintain operations and keep flight fares affordable.

https://t.co/5AtcZWvJSw

https://twitter.com/SkyNewsAust/status/1249821847702474753

[verbatim9]

[ozbob]

Empty Virgin Australia check-in terminal at Brisbane Domestic Airport.

Couriermail --> Aviation industry monopoly fears as Virgin told to request shareholder support

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has said Virgin Australia should be relying on the support of shareholders and not the public purse to avoid collapse, with fears its insolvency could cause an Australian aviation industry monopoly.

Virgin Australia should first turn to shareholders and not taxpayer dollars for financial support to avoid collapsing during the coronavirus pandemic says Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

The Treasurer said he was aware of reports Virgin was hiring insolvency experts but said the Federal Government remained focused on support for the entire aviation sector, not one particular private airline.

It is feared if Virgin becomes insolvent Australia's aviation industry will become a monopoly with only Qantas serving domestic travel.

"Australia is a country of 25 million people and I understand that two airlines have served us well, but, at the same time, our approach has been sector-wide support and that's critical to understand," Mr Frydenberg said.

"We've announced more than $1 billion worth of support measures which help Virgin, which help Qantas, which helps some of those regional airlines."

Mr Frydenberg said Virgin Australia should first turn to its shareholders for financial support. "Their first point of call is their equity holders, and they've got some big equity hold there, as you know, not just Virgin globally, but there's Etihad, there's Singapore, there's two China-related companies who are stakeholders," he said.

"I know that they're doing a lot of work.

"The government (has) had open lines of communication with Virgin as we have had with Qantas and as you would expect us to do." ....

[verbatim9]

The Federal Government could potentially own 10% of Virgin stock.giving them a seat on the board Could be a good outcome.

[AnonymouslyBad]

^ As security maybe, but 10% of Virgin Australia stock is almost worthless compared to the funding they need. I think any bailout would still need to be structured as a loan.

A very, very risky loan.

Airlines are such a crap business

[verbatim9]

The Federal Government could potentially own 10% of Virgin stock.giving them a seat on the board Could be a good outcome.

^ As security maybe, but 10% of Virgin Australia stock is almost worthless compared to the funding they need. I think any bailout would still need to be structured as a loan.

A very, very risky loan.

Airlines are such a crap business

Breaking both Virgin and Qantas will get support for domestic flights

[ozbob]

News.com.au --> Virgin, Qantas and Jetstar announces plans to resume domestic flights from today

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have announced they will resume limited flights across the country, however social distancing will be in place on board.

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia will resume flights on a limited domestic schedule starting today but with social distancing on board.

In an email sent to customers on Thursday, Virgin confirmed a deal had been struck with the Australian Government.

"Virgin Australia is pleased to respond to a request from the Australian Government to resume flying an underwritten, minimal domestic schedule, to transport passengers and keep important freight corridors open during the COVID-19 pandemic," the email read.

"The schedule will commence Friday 17 April 2020 and run for a period of eight weeks, until 7 June 2020."

Domestic flights are expected to go on sale in addition to international repatriation flights already operating from Australia to Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

News.com.au understands passengers will be eligible to fly if they need to return home or are an essential traveller.

Qantas and Jetstar will also form part of the "minimum domestic and regional network" the government is supporting.

A Qantas spokesman said passenger flights will increase from 105 per week currently to 164 per week to all capital cities and 36 regional destinations.

"While travel restrictions mean most passenger flights are not commercially viable at the moment, there remains a need for some essential travel – particularly given the distances between most Australian cities.

"These flights will also provide critical freight capacity, which has fallen significantly as commercial air networks have shrunk. Much of the bellyspace on these flights will be used for mail and other urgent shipments, including medical equipment.

"The temporary regional network focuses on towns that are more than two hours' drive from key transport hubs."

Qantas said it appreciates the Federal Government support and the risk of people contracting the virus on flights is low, however, "social distancing has been put in place across all flights."

"Similarly, on-board service will be a scaled-back version of what would normally apply, with cabin crew focused on in-flight safety and they will wear personal protective equipment.

The limited domestic schedule will include as many as seven flights a week each way between Australia's major capital cities.

It comes after Queensland Health was tracing those on board a Sydney to Brisbane flight on Easter Monday where a passenger was infectious with COVID-19.

Regional airports including Rockhampton and Mackay will also be serviced.

It follows doubts about the future viability of Virgin Australia amid pleas for a $1.4 billion bailout from the government.

Fares can be booked as normal but will remain subject to state quarantine rules.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government would not budge on independent financial support for the airline, and that any assistance will be provided on a sector-wide basis.

"I'm aware that there are many market-based options that are currently being pursued, and I would wish those discussions every success," Mr Morrison said when questioned about the Virgin bailout on Thursday.

[verbatim9]

[verbatim9]

This was unexpected in the Alice.

An aviation parking lot is growing in Australia's Red Centre tonight. For the very first time an Airbus A380 will be touching down in Alice Springs joining more than a dozen grounded planes gathering dust. https://t.co/VZ3A1cpmr5 @angelacox7news #7NEWSi https://t.co/yKjv3wCFKS

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1254324868104896512

[verbatim9]

Another SQ aircraft going into storage in NT at ASP.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1255871443503439872

[verbatim9]

Brisbane Airport's second runway is almost ready for take-off... and so is our new flight path plan.

We're breaking down the suburbs that will be affected by the changes. @R_DAlessandro9 #9News https://t.co/pPgAG09n0M

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1262300396673880065

[verbatim9]

Queensland now has a new international standard runway set to pave a path to recovery for our struggling tourism and aviation industries. @anniepullar #9News https://t.co/vVRbkBogIM


https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1272082575557890048

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1282031368986193920

[ozbob]

ABC --> Brisbane Airport to open second runway despite COVID-19 aviation shutdowns

[techblitz]

https://www.facebook.com/heraldsun/videos/4124222707648914/

Watch live as Qantas farewells its final Boeing 747.

Takeoff at 3.21pm...

[techblitz]

https://www.flightradar24.com/QFA7474/2500f1e0

[ozbob]

^  nice farewell move. 

[verbatim9]

Couriermail.com.au-->Brisbane Airport to slash a quarter of roles as COVID-related travel crisis continues

More than 100 positions have been axed by Brisbane Airport Corporation as the COVID-related travel crisis continues, but the corporation's CEO says there is a "glimmer of hope".

BRISBANE Airport Corporation has cut a quarter of its workforce, hit hard by COVID reductions in travel, as well as wrapping up construction of its new $1.1 billion parallel runway.

More than 100 positions have gone, with BAC saying they include "a large number of vacant positions that will not be filled" as well as redundancies.

"The majority of roles were vacant and will not be filled, some were contracts that will not be renewed, and there were some redundancies," BAC said in a statement.

"We emphasise that we have not cut 25 per cent of the existing staff but it is indeed 25 per cent of the number of roles we would have expected to have had by the end of this year.

"A recruitment freeze was put in place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant more than 30 roles were not filled.

"Of the rest of the BAC workforce, we have had a 15 per cent reduction with nearly half of these taken as voluntary redundancies."

There will be no impact on passengers or other airport users, BAC says.

"The successful completion of our new runway, our largest ever construction project, has seen a natural attrition of project staff engaged specifically to deliver the project," the airport says.

"We also re-scaled our planned capital works program to reflect lower passenger forecasts for the coming years. And the immediate impact of COVID-19 in passenger numbers has also had an impact.
"The reduction in positions at BAC will not impact customer service, safety or security."

Announcing BAC's passenger numbers for the 2019-20 financial year last month, chief executive officer Gert-Jan de Graaff said Brisbane and other airports had been hit hard by COVID.

Pre-COVID, the busiest day at the Domestic Terminal October 4 2019, was a record high of 63,525 arrivals and departures. At the height of border closures and travel restrictions, the Domestic Terminal recorded its quietest day on April 12 with only 31 passengers.

"While we are seeing a glimmer of hope with slowly growing schedules and passengers, full recovery to pre-COVID passenger numbers will take many, many years," Mr de Graaff said then.

"While COVID continues to present much uncertainty in terms of border closures and travel restrictions, there is one thing I am certain of, the resilience of the aviation industry, and the adaptability of our team.

"We have kept the lights on and our airfield fully operational during the darkest of days, ensuring essential health, repatriation and freight flights could continue.

"With the recent opening of our new runway giving us the most efficient runway system in Australia, Brisbane Airport is without a doubt the most important driver and catalyst for the city and state as we move together towards industry and economic recovery."

[verbatim9]

My Gold Coast---->Gold Coast Airport to get a second entry, on the NSW border – myGC.com.au

[verbatim9]

Closed food outlets with in the International Terminal are being replaced with ready meal vending machines.

Vending machine for ready-made meals introduced at Brisbane Airport

Vending machine for ready-made meals introduced at Brisbane Airport
With current passenger numbers unable to warrant the reopening of food and beverage retailers in the terminal, Brisbane Airport has installed ready-made meals in vending machines.

Brisbane Airport has partnered with snapfresh to deliver a food retail solution – a ready-made meals vending machine. 

It's no secret that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the Australian and global aviation industry. From airlines, airports, airline service providers and in-terminal retailers, the effect has been felt across the board.   

With approximately 28 weekly international flights scheduled at Brisbane Airport, there is demand for food and beverage – but not enough for the in-terminal retailers to remain open.

Martin Ryan, Executive General Manager Commercial, Brisbane Airport Corporation said the machine is a great addition to the International Terminal at a time where passenger numbers are down 98 per cent. "Not only does it ensure there are additional food options available for travellers transiting through our airport, but our staff and employees within the airport can also access delicious ready-made meal solutions." 

Hiranjan Aloysius, dnata catering Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are excited to be able to deliver our high-quality ready-made meals created by world class chefs, to consumers utilising industry leading technology. With six meal varieties on rotation, the machine dispenses a hot, ready-to-eat meal in 70 seconds, or a cold meal to heat and eat later, almost simultaneously".

[verbatim9]

Couriermail----> Brisbane Airport's new $1 billion terminal will be built inside the two runways

Bac goes ahead with new terminal

[verbatim9]

International terminal to be replaced by 2032 or earlier if Brisbane is granted Olympics
Brisbane Times---->Brisbane Airport's international terminal to close, with new facility planned

^^Oh! I didn't realise that was going to happen. I thought they would retain it still. But obviously not fit for purpose any longer.

It's a major shift in operations in respect to moving to a cross operational model, but I agree this is a good idea.

The new terminal sounds like it will be state of the art rivalling the world's best.