BIAL is a functional airport

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) CEO Albert Brunner has said that airport capacity is not measured by passengers per annum but by passengers per peak hour.

“Currently, we handle an average of 24 ATMs (Air Traffic Movements) during peak hours and about 303 a day. The ATC figures estimate it to be 30 ATM an hour. This calculated in passengers term result in 11 million passengers annually. BIA can easily handle 30 million passengers a year. You can play with capacity. It is always measured by peak hours. The AAI does not allow more than 30 ATM’s an hour” Mr Brunner said.

On the growth in air traffic, he explained that there has been a drop in overall air traffic since 2007, with the current growth staying put between 10 to 12 percent and a 25 to 30 percent year on year growth, during the last three years.

The construction of the second terminal building will take between two to three years to construct, while the second runway would be completed in three to four years from now.

Expansion plans

“It is not possible to construct it earlier. As far as the immediate expansion plan, we would begin construction of a ‘Terminal at Low Costs’ and not a low cost terminal. It has to be fast, simple and easy to build and should be ready in the next 12 to 15 months. The costs of the expansion are being factored into” he noted.

On the frequent comparison of the BIA with the GMR operated international airport in Hyderabad Brunner said, “Our aim was not to build an architectural marvel, but a world class a functional and operational airport. The Hyderabad airport is 30 percent bigger, but we are functionally superior”.

He added that the airport was conceived during a time when India, was not ready for a privatisation process in airport infrastructure. “Between 2000-02 there was much turbulence in the design aspects and projected air traffic growth. We increased our investment from Rs 1412 crores to Rs 2470 crores. Lufthansa Consulting that did the estimates for us put 2018 for a need of a second runway. We are ahead and would have it in 2012. They might be better in the exterior, but our airport is better inside.o addressed complaints on cleanliness and doubled the number of toilets,” said Mr Brunner.

Emphasising the necessity to convince public and industry leaders on a one airport concept, Brunner said the City will lose out on air traffic if the old airport is opened.

“Airlines would not want it. Aviation growth in the South will be hit. Cities the world over that have two airports have a greater volume of air traffic. What will we tell our concessionaires who have invested Rs 1000 crore” he said.

‘Green Pledge’ on I-Day

Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) on Wednesday unveiled ‘The Green Pledge’ on the eve of Independence Day.

A release issued by BIAL here said, akin to the aircraft taking off from its runway, the spirit at the Bengaluru International Airport is also soaring with patriotic fervour.

To commemorate Independence Day, the airport is all geared up to get the employees of the airport and the passengers to pledge - Independence from litter and a promise to keep the environment clean and green. For every pledge received, BIAL (Bangalore International Airport Limited) will plant a tree.

‘The Green Pledge’ campaign will run for one week beginning today. Albert Brunner CEO of BIAL said “We are asking all passengers who visit BIAL to sign a pledge that they will keep it clean. And for every signature we get, we’ll plant a tree. The significance of every tree is that it triggers off a healing chain reaction that improves the health of our planet. ”Additionally, symbolic of 61 years of Indian Independence, 610 trees will be planted by BIAL in the city at two locations - The Prakruthi Township in Babusapalya and at the Anugraha Ashram (School for Street Children) in Jaladamarada Doddi.

The essence of the campaign is making the city and the airport greener while sensitising the public to keep our environment litter and pollution free.

By carrying forward the philosophy behind Bengaluru International Airport’s identity that reflects the flowers and trees of our Garden City, BIAL will now actively engage the public in this noble cause. This is just the start of a sustained activity which will continue long into the coming months added the release.

Source : DH News Service