Delta looks to streamline passenger processing

Delta has just launched the initial phase of a test programme that is designed to enhance the gate experience and streamline the boarding process for its travellers at T Concourse at Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International. As part of this three-month pilot project, Delta customers will encounter a number of features when travelling through gatesT1, T2 and T3.

Passengers will see mobile agent pods that have a smaller footprint compared with traditional gate counters: these will be opening up space for more efficient boarding and create additional customer seating. Handheld Nomad devices will allow gate agents to make seat changes, check bag status and perform other functions, while also freeing up agents to engage with customers rather than standing behind a traditional gate counter. The deployment of boarding pillars will create four parallel lanes, not only enhancing organisation at the gate but also providing customers with a clear path to boarding, thereby improving traffic flow. Finally, there will be E-Gates that enable passengers to seamlessly and efficiently self-board by scanning their smart phone or boarding pass.

Delta Cargo on a roll
Delta Cargo posted the highest average NFD percentage for total airport-to-airport shipments amongst North American carriers over last 12 months at 81.31%, according to figures just released by the carrier. This continues the improved operational reliability trend which has seen Delta Cargo lead the North American carrier domestic belly carrier market in average NFD performance for total airport-to-airport shipments over the last three quarters. 

Part of this improvement has been down to the fact that Delta Cargo has made significant investments in its technology systems and infrastructure. Its Atlanta warehouse has been transformed, with process, layout and structural changes that have improved efficiency and cargo processing. The addition of nearly 30,000 square feet of warehouse space at its JFK warehouse will also aid the forthcoming warehouse redesign and again improve the operational efficiency. Additionally, Delta and KLM have moved to a single roof shared warehouse in Salt Lake City.

New FBO for San Juan

Jet Aviation marked the expansion of flight services in the Caribbean on July 13 with the grand opening of a new fixed base operation in San Juan, at the Luis Muñoz Marin International airport.

More than 150 guests, including customers and industry members, attended the event. “Jet Aviation San Juan now delivers industry best FBO and flight management services to customers at this increasingly busy destination and one of the most convenient airports for international travel in the region,” commented David Paddock, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Jet Aviation Regional Operations USA.

The new FBO facility features a modern design that includes 20,000 square feet for offices, meeting space, an executive passenger lounge, flight planning workstations and a pilots’ suite. An expanding aircraft parking ramp offers capacity for increased traffic and room for additional hangar facilities, as needed. Jet Aviation is managing the recently completed FBO through an agreement with Pazos, which has built a tradition of FBO excellence with an experienced, trained and professional staff over the last 25 years. The facility is a long standing member of the Air Elite global network of exceptional FBOs.

LEKTRO wins supplier recognition

LEKTRO was recently named Equipment Provider of the Year by Southwest Airlines.

The airline utilises LEKTRO’s model AP8950SDB-AL-200 towbarless pushback tractors, which made their first appearance in 2014 and which are certified to move every aircraft in Southwest’s inventory. This model utilises a proprietary limiter system that adjusts the braking and acceleration characteristics of the tug, ensuring a smooth pushback.

The award was presented to LEKTRO in recognition of fulfilling Southwest Airlines’ expectations for equipment reliability, customer service, parts support, training and overall value. Larry Laney, Southwest Airline’s Ground Support Director noted: “Since Southwest Airlines started purchasing equipment from LEKTRO in 2014, LEKTRO has met or exceeded the (award) criteria and has earned the respect of the entire GSE Leadership Team. Currently Southwest Airlines owns 45 LEKTRO towbarless tractors and has been an outstanding partner and definitely deserved the award.”

CAPTION  (Left to right): Larry Laney, Ground Support Director for Southwest Airlines and Eric Paulson, President of LEKTRO

 

Workers set to strike five US airports

Wage unrest is bubbling up again in the US airport sector.

A swathe of airport staff, including cabin cleaners, baggage handlers and wheelchair attendants, have threatened strike action this week at a number of US airports. JFK, Philadelphia, Newark, La Guardia and Denver are the targets and the action has been prompted by growing dissatisfaction with United Airlines and American Airlines.

The unrest has been occasioned by the reluctance of the latter to negotiate on wages; and dissatisfied staff have highlighted unfair labour practices arising from any attempts to unionise.

Citing having to work in a hostile environment, the affected staff are not alone: strike action over wage demands in various locations has been making the headlines regularly in the past 24 months.

New mini differential pressure gauge

A recent addition to Gammon Technical Products is the Mini Gammon Gauge: this is essentially a smaller version of the established Gammon Gauge. The Gammon Gauge is a popular tool for differential pressure reading and is used on aviation fuel filters in refineries, fuel terminals, airport fuel systems and refuelling vehicles.

Gammon Technical Products noted that there was a need for a smaller, even less expensive differential pressure indicator for more modest operations and so the Mini Gammon Gauge was developed.

Filtration standards for the refuelling industry, from the refinery to the aircraft, are set by the EI. They used to be set by the API, but because of litigation issues, the API turned this over to their UK counterpart, the Energy Institute.

The new Mini is aimed at the smallest airports, flowing no more than 125 gpm/400 lpm.

It is worth recording that Gammon did not include all the psi markings on the instrument, at the request of the EI. This latter desired the operators of these filters to change elements based on the colours, namely green, yellow, red, and not the psi indication. These, though, are available for non-aviation usage.