If you could run an airport....

[Darcy]

Just thought I'd throw out a few questions. If you could run an airport, which airport would you choose to run? Why would you choose to run that airport? Which airlines currently operate out of your airport? Which airlines would you like to see at that airport? (**with a reasonable explanation for having those airlines serve the airport, NOT just because you'd like to see that airline because it would bring more variety to the airport**) What changes would you like to see at the airport? Which airline currently operates the most flights out of your airport? The purpose of this topic is for other people to get more info on your airport of choice, and possibly learn some facts which may not be known. If anyone wants to add more questions to this topic, go right ahead!

I'll start off with my choice, being Toronto's Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ). I've chosen YYZ because it's my hometown airport, and I'm most familiar with that airport, since I live so close to the airport. Right now, airlines operating out of Pearson International include Air Canada (including Tango, Jazz, and Jetz for sports charters), Air Transat, Skyservice, Jetsgo, Canjet, Westjet, American Airlines (along with American Eagle and American Connection), US Airways, US Airways Express (operated by Mesa Airlines) United, United Express (operated by Atlantic Coast Airlines), America West (America West Express, operated by Chatauqua), Northwest Airlines, Northwest Airlink (operated by Mesaba), Continental Airlines, Continental Express, Delta (along with ASA and Comair), Air France, Aeroflot, British Airways, KLM, Olympic, LOT, BWIA, CSA, Mexicana, Allegro, Cubana, TACA/LACSA, Cathay Pacific, Air Plus Comet, Austrian Airlines, ElAl, Korean Air, Martinair, My Travel, and LTU (I might have missed some others).

At this point, it seems like this airport is dominated by Air Canada, with many domestic flights, their flights operate to Montreal and Ottawa almost hourly, and they have many flights each day to Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. They also serve many International destinations, and since they're in the Star Alliance, this airport doesn't get as many International carriers as we'd like. With this being the case, I don't really see a need for too many other International carriers to enter the Toronto market, unless Air Canada would drop a route.

With the construction of the T-New in progress, the area around the airport looks just that - a construction site. I can't really suggest any new ideas for changes to the airport, until I see the new terminal up and running, after all this construction is done. The one thing I would like changed however, would be to have more spotting areas around the airport, as spotters are constantly harrassed by airport security telling photographers and spotters to move along because of security risks following September 11th - I agree with heavy security to be on the safe side, but YYZ security seems to over-do it just a bit.

I hope you found this post to be informative, and would be interested in hearing about other airports!

Regards,

Darcy Stevens

[Richard]

Excellent forum. Well, I live in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's airport is Chek Lap Kok International Airport. It's almost five years old and it is one of my favorite airports. So this will be my choice for operating. I also like Singapore's Changi Airport, however, I don't know as much about it as I do with CLK.

Chek Lap Kok is a great airport. It's modern, efficient, interesting, has many shops, and is HUGE. It's so big that one must take a train from one end of the airport to the other. But the great thing about it is the fact that it takes less than a half hour from the moment you enter the airport to boarding the plane. It's that efficient. There are also a lot of shops and restaurants. One can eat Mc D's, Super Sandwiches, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Snacks, there's even a pub. As for shops there are bookstores, clothes, toys, souvenirs, amentities (deodorant, perfumes, cologne etc...), alcohol, cigarettes, all the Duty free you'd find in in Heathrow, Singapore, Frankfurt, or Lester B. Pearson airport. The airport is quite a distance from downtown Hong Kong. Its a 40 minute drive (on highway). However, taking the train it takes a mere 20 minutes. The infrastructure is very good, they built a suspension bridge just to access the airport!!! The airport is built on an island formerly known as Chek Lap Kok. However this island was demolished and the rubble and rocks from the former island were used in the reclamation site for the airport. The airport project began in 1988 as a replacement for the infamous and aging Kai Tak Airport (i'm sure we all know about it's wacky approach) and was opened on July 7th 1998. The day after Kai Tak closed.

Cathay Pacific operates the most flights from Hong Kong (no shock). Cathay has a fleet of some 40-50 widebody aircraft and no single-aisled aircraft. These include B747-467s, B777-267, B777-367, A340-313X, A340-642, A330-343X. The A340-642s being the newest members of the fleet with only three aircraft thus far being used on regional flights. However, once Cathay's A340-642 fleet gains size, it is said that they will be used on Hong Kong-New York (JFK) non-stop flights. I look forward to this because I'm going to New York in July, maybe I'll get a direct flight with an A346. The aircraft registration for Hong Kong is B (the same as China and Taiwan). It was formerly VR (under British sovereignty). All Cathay Pacific aircraft begin with an H for registration. Example being B-HUI (B744), B-HXA (A343), B-HLM (A333), B-HQB (A346) or B-HNF (777).
Dragonair, a subsidiary of Cathay, operates from Chek Lap Kok mostly to mainland China. They operate a smaller fleet of A330-343Xs, A321s, A320s, and I think A319s. Dragonnair remain on regional Asia-Pacific flights venturing no farther than Malaysia to the south and Beijing to the north. It is the Taiwanese who fly to Hong Kong the most from abroad with China Airlines (Taiwanese) and EVA AIR flying frequent high-density flights between Hong Kong and Taipei. It is said that Taipei-Hong Kong is the busiest airway in the world in the sense that it carries the most people than any other city-city route. Other common and frequent visitors to CLK are Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, United, Northwest, Thai, Qantas, British Airways, Korean Air, Air China (the mainland PRC Airline), China Eastern, China Southern, Continental, ANA, and Lufthansa. Other common but not as frequent airlines are Virgin, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Garuda Indonesia, Malaysia, Swiss, Air France, Philippines, Japan Asia Airways (affiliate of JAL), KLM, and Emirates. Other rarer sights at CLK include Air India, Vietnam, Gulf Air, El Al, Alitalia, SAS and Finnair. One can see literally every aircraft imaginable at CLK (except the TriStars, 707s, 727s, and first-generation 737s and the smaller 100- passenger jets). It is the 747s, 777s and A330/340s that are most common at CLK.

CLK's terinal building resembles a Y attached to an upside-down T. There are two main runways on either side of the terminal building, one is used for takeoff, the other for landing. I'm sorry, I don't know the numbers. Cathay planes usually take off in a northerly direction on the east runway and land from the south on the west runway. Ajacent from the terminal (southerly direction) and between the runways is perched the control tower. Further south are the Hangars where we see predominantly Cathay Aircraft.

CLK is also a major logistical hub. With large carriers like Cathay Pacific Cargo, Dragonair Cargo, DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, Polar Air Cargo, Atlas Air, Gemini Air Cargo, and Northwest Cargo as the primary tennants of the cargo terminanals. Thousands of tons of freight are handled at CLK daily.

Cathay Pacific. is also headquartered on the airport premises known as "CX City". It comprises of offices, food preparation centers, hotels for transiting Cathay pilots, and training centers for pilots, cabin crew, ground crew, check-in people, mechanics, etc...

Interesting fact, if one were to take all four of Heathrows airport terminals and put them together, CLKs single terminal building would be 25% larger. In fact, the terminal is so big, that one must take a train from one end to another. Pilots with heavy 747-400s can easily land their planes safely with enough runway length left with minimal use of their thrust revers. There has been a single crash at CLK, this was in 1999. It was a China Airlines MD-11 during a typhoon. The plane was caught by a crosswind and subequently flipped over and lay upside down on the grass beside the runway, there where three fatalities. China Airlines is notorious for it's very poor safety record.

Chek Lap Kok is a great airport, I've been there dozens of times and I can gladly say, I've enjoyed every single occasion. I can never get bored of going to CLK and seing the huge variety of planes. For those of you considering visiting Hong Kong, I strongly recommend it. Hong Kong is a great city and it has a great airport and I hope that if you go, that you share my opinion.

[Tanuj]

I'd just like to say that i echo Richard. I too live in Hong Kong (i've just moved in recently), and was extremely impressed with the airport. i have visited Changi, but Chek Lap Kok simply outclasses it. As a result, if i were to run any airport, i'd run CLK.

As for airline (i know i sound like a parrot, repeating Richard), it would have to be Cathay Pacific. It is my ever favorite airline, because it has great aircraft, great inflight service, great airport facilities (its business class lounge is great), and super-efficient staff. It's always been a pleasure flying Cathay Pacific out of (and into) Chek Lap Kok, because that's where the airline is based and its done up its area superbly.

Cathay Pacific and Chek Lap Kok - awesome combo nod.gif clap.gif

[Avianca 757]

I live near Medellin, Colombia.
There are two airports here, Olaya Herrera (SKMD) which is regional and the biggest plane that comes is an Embraer 145.

The one I'd like to manage is Jose Maria Cordova International (SKRG).
The airport is like 50 mins from downtown via a very well mantained highway. Technically, there's a posibility to build a tunnel under the mountains (that's a government project actually), which would turn the downtown-airport trip to 10 mins. I would push for sooner completion of that project.

The airport was built in 1985, is kinda new.
It's architecture has won several awards.
It's a modern airport, both for the passengers as well for the pilots, it has an ILS System, full lights and all that things. It has runways 36 and 18, 36 is the most used both for landings and departures with an ocassional VFR landing on or departure on RWY 18. The runway is 3500 meters long.
The airport is 7028 feet.

I only see one flaw on airport design, it has almost no hangars, so airliners have to sleep in the gate with all the weather complications it could bring. I would try to build some hangars. Although I should need to study the terrain to adequate it.

Inside, I would try to update the board with the flights, as It doesn't have logos of new companies operating, so they don't appear on it.
I would reopen the observation balconies, which have had problems since a kid fell down to the runway (it would be like a 3 floor fall from an apartment building). They open them, but you never know when they close for "security reasons".

There are libreries, cafeterias, souvenirs stores, internet, food. Almost no clothes or stuff like that.

Commercial, there come Avianca, Aces, Sam (Alianza Summa), Aero Repúlica, West Caribbean Airways, Copa Airlines, American Airlines and ocassionally come Satena, Aires, ADA when SKMD is closed.

Aerolineas Universal and AeroPostal of venezuela are scheduled to begin operations to SKRG shortly.

Cargo, there come Tampa cargo (which main hub is in SKRG), Lineas Aereas Suramericanas, Atlas Air, Arrow Air, Aero Sucre, ocasionally comes Aerolineas ATC.

I would try to have a link with Europe, it would prove profitable I guess as there are so many European companies which have American branchs and production plants in Medellin, as well as lots of Europenas living here.
It could be Iberia or Lufthansa (Iberia for the people, Lufthansa for the companies)

I would try to move SKMD traffic to SKRG, as SKMD has proved very dangerous (some people including me call it "The Colombian Kai Tak", I would leave that airport for other use, and bring that traffic to SKRG. SKMD is in downtown, but with the under mountain tunnel there shall be no problem with the access time, and it would move the airport to it's real capacity as it's currently at 35%.

Normally operating planes are 757s, 767s, 737s, A320s, MD-81/83s, Fokker 50s, ATR 42s, DC-9-30s commercial.
More DC9s/MDs and A319s on Aeropostal and Universal beginning are scheduled.

Cargo are DC-8s, 727s, 737s and 747s ocasionally.

There have been two crashes of 2 Antonov 32s beginning approach, but there were proved pilot errors, it's a safe airport.

As I said, the airport is safe, efficient and there's the advantage that Colombian Aviation is rated category 1 from the FAA, so more routes could be opened to USA. (Actually there are 3 flights to Miami, two via ACES and one via American Airlines, and one to New York via Avianca).

In resume, more Hangars and some internal details that need to be modified, as well as the future access tunnel, SKMD traffic to SKRG and a link to Europe.


http://www.aerocivil.gov.co/Imagenes/ARion1.jpeg

In the image, from upside to downside you see the entryways (the two in the center are to the parking lots, the one in the left is the entrance to the terminal, the one in the right is the exit) from the highway, the parking lot, the tower, the offices and offical dependances (Aerocivil and airport internal management),the passenger terminal and the gates.
The cargo area is at Right, and is not shown on the photo.

[C-GEPA]

I'd like to be the manager of SYD Sydney Australia.
No de-icing, no snow clearing. Is it near the beach? images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Aussie767]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by C-GEPA:
Is it near the beach? :<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sydney Airport is near the beach evil2.gif images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[NWA_4_life]

At first I was going to say STL, because that Airport is in need of some major changes, but then I though about an airport closer near my home town, which is in need of major change. I think I’d like to run it, because I like challenges, and this airport really needs the change. The airport I am talking about is Trenton (TTN)

Many people do not realize this, but Trenton, New Jersey lies only an hour between two of the largest media markets in the world, New York City, and Philadelphia. In the Trenton region, are some of the worlds largest companies, and yet, there is no reliable passenger air service. This is clearly a city that needs a major airline.

Many start-up airlines have tried to have a go in Trenton, including Eastwinds Airline which was last there in 1999. They all failed because they were under budgeted, or served unprofitable routes. What I would do If I were In charge of TTN would to be to bring in Southwest airlines. I believe that they are a perfect fit for this region. Southwest has often talked about expanding here, and it would also be profitable because you would have two major markets contributing passengers.

That’s what I would do. It’s time for a change in Trenton.
Dave
clap.gif

[Stephen Toernblom]

Well my choice would be Long Beach Airport(LGB). Currently AA,America West,jetBlue,Horizon,Freedom Air,UPS,Fed Ex,Airborne are the current carriers. I would do whatever I could to create more slots and ask Alaska,Frontier,Spirit,Midwest Airlnes and Airtran to come and use the airport.

Stephen

[Legend_Airlines]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Darcy:
I agree with heavy security to be on the safe side, but YYZ security seems to over-do it just a bit.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I feel it's either over-done, or non-existant.
skeptical.gif

Oh, and great photos Darcy! hehehe

[Darcy]

I'd just like to say these are all great answers so far! Some really informative posts here! If anyone else has any more suggestions for this topic, I'd love to hear them!

And yes, Ian, sometimes it does seem like security can be non-existant inside the terminal - probably because security is so concerned about chasing away harmless spotters from the perimeter of the airport images/smiles/icon_mad.gif

Darcy Stevens

[Alessandro]

I would love to manage an airstrip on the Lake near Åre ski resort in Sweden, they
test landed and took foo with a SAAB340 on the ice there.

[Jbrewster1012]

I think LIT would be great to manage now, with all of the growth happening this year. It's gotten a new airline (F9) and 5 new n/s destinations (DEN, EWR, MSP, MCO, and then SLC was announced although it doesn't start until January), among many new flights all this year.

Stats about airport-
AE, COex, DL, F9, NW, USex, and WN operate there, with AE having the most flights, I think about 18 last time I checked.

The problem with the airport is that no more growth can happen until the airport expands. All gates and ticket counters are full. The airport doesn't need anymore airlines. We have 2 LCCs and they keep the prices fairly low.

[Simpleboy]

Id take SYD, Id hire some guy to do all the necessary crap (admin etc) and just sit at the runway with my camera.

[NWAirlinkCRJ@ERI]

I'd manage Erie Int'l Airport

Served by Delta Connection, US Airways Express, Continental Connection, Northwest Airlink and FedEx Feeder.

I would bring more flight in such as Air Canada Jazz to YYZ, American Eagle to ORD or DFW, Delta Connection to ATL, More US flights to CLT, Continental Express to EWR, United Express to IAD and/or ORD, and AirTran to ATL. I would also try to get mainline FedEx to MEM or IND.

All in all just try to get as much service as I can to the airport in addition to expanding the current facilities!!

Love my home airport...as you can tell ;)

-Pete

[matt1168]

Hmm ... how about SXM? :twisted:

I think that I'd like to manage TTN airport. The airport is in a serious downhill twist right now; the terminal needs to be renovated before it collapses (which of course is "in development", but for the past 5 years I have yet to see anything). Also, Pan Am (BMA) replaced US Airway's popular flights to BED, forcing US Air to pull out of the airport, including the PIT flights, so currently, TTN only has service on BMA to BED and Groton, CT. I think that TTN needs to get a reliable airline or two, and advertise and find ways to show the people of the region that TTN is a wonderful, centrally located alternitive to PHL and EWR, and serves millions of people in central Jersey, who don't even know they have an airport basically right in your backyard. I think a brand new modern terminal with jetways and modern amenities could really attract airlines and people, and make TTN a popular and well-known airport. Currently, the TTN terminal is a tiny building not much larger than a ranch house which looks like it hasn't even been renovated since the 1970's, and that is unacceptible.

[uy707]

Douala, the armpit of Africa , almost always clouded, but staffers who deserve much than they currently undergo.
Would make it the real African hub and spoke as I get evrything or can get it at short notice.
- two runways
- high ground control tower
- air con building and assorted jetways
- ample space
- dedicated maintenance area.
In addition to Air France (343), Air Gabon (733), Kenya Airways (737NG), non Cameroonian airlines which would upgrade to daily service will be
Air Ivoire (F.28) Bellview Airways(732, route is LOS-PHC-DLA&vv), Ethiopian Airlines and Hewa Bora (CongoDR).
Would ask them to add at least one frequency, and would obtain it outrght
- Swiss
- SN Bru
The airlines I would bring in
- Tunis Air (3/7 320)
- Afriqiyah (3/7 734/320)
- Air Sénégal (daily 737s)
- South African (at least 3/7 mix of 319/320/342)
- Emirates
- MEA
- Olympic
- Air India
The ones I would bring back
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
Alain