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Fraport Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Lima Airport Concession

Win-win Privatization Project: Over $270 Million in Airport Investments and Over $700 Million in Payments to Peru Since 2001 – Passenger Traffic Surges 17 Percent in 2010 – Skytrax “Best Airport in South America” 2009 & 2010

FRANKFURT, Germany, February 3, 2011 — Last night in the Peruvian capital, Fraport AG and its majority-owned Lima Airport Partners (LAP) joint venture company celebrated the 10th anniversary of the successful Jorge Chavez International Airport Lima concession, which began in February 2001. The event was attended by Peru’s first vice president Luis Giampietri and other high-ranking business and political leaders — underscoring the airport’s significance as a key gateway for the country. Speaking at the event, Fraport AG’s executive board chairman Dr. Stefan Schulte said: “We are proud of this win-win airport privatization concession which benefits not only travelers worldwide but serves as a strategic aviation gateway for Peru and the region.”

“We have demonstrated our dedication and long-term commitment to this project. Traffic has grown from less than 4 million passengers in 2001 to more than 10 million in 2010. Jorge Chavez was the first airport to achieve investment grade status in the region. Lima Airport has won numerous awards because of its commitment to quality and high service standards. And, Lima Airport Partners has transferred more than $700 million to the Peruvian government since the beginning of the concession,” Schulte added.

Lima Airport (LIM) welcomed about 10.3 million passengers in 2010, surging by 17.0 percent year-on-year. Since Fraport took over operations a decade ago, LIM has recorded a 10.8 percent compounded annual rate of growth in passenger traffic. Last year, passenger growth was driven, in particular, by additional frequencies on domestic routes. LIM handles well over 90 percent of the country’s international traffic. More international routes are expected in 2011, including several European destinations. Cargo throughput also advanced last year by 17.0 percent to nearly 272,000 metric tons, while aircraft movements climbed by 14.8 percent to more than 120,000 takeoffs and landings. Thus, LIM continues to strengthen its position as a regional air transportation hub for Latin America.

LAP took over the operation of Lima Airport on February 14, 2001. Fraport has a 70.01 percent shareholding in Lima Airport Partners, followed by International Finance Corporation (IFC) with 19.99 percent and AC Capitales Safi of Peru (Fondo de Inversion en Infrastructura, Servicios Publicos y Recursos Naturales) with 10.0 percent. Under the 30-year airport concession (with a 10-year option to extend) Fraport assumed the contractual role of airport manager and is responsible for operations, security, planning, maintenance and other activities.

Since 2001, Lima Airport Partners (LAP) has invested $272.5 million in modernizing and expanding the passenger terminal as well as improving airside infrastructure, computer and communications systems, and enhancing customer service. Milestones have included redevelopment of the terminal complex, the new Peru Plaza shopping mall in 2005, new gates and passenger loading bridges, various other airside improvements, implementation of SAP computer applications and Red Gigabit – an advanced computer communications network for LAP and other users of the airport community.

“For the future, we see further growth and development. Jorge Chavez International Airport will continue to be a very important part of the Fraport Group family, and we will continue to develop the airport’s capacity – as the main gateway to Peru and the leading gateway to the region,” added Schulte.

Fraport AG’s know-how has played a significant role in modernizing and expanding Peru’s international air transportation gateway during the past decade. Along with implementing high international aviation standards, LAP offers passengers a world-class and economically successful airport. LIM http://www.lima-airport.com) serves as an attractive calling card for this fascinating Andean country and the surrounding region. Peru’s vast tourism and economic potential and its strategic geographic location are important advantages for further developing Lima as a leading Latin American gateway.

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    American Way Magazine Commemorates 45 Years of Publication With a Full Redesign


    FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — American Way, the award-winning inflight magazine of American Airlines and American Eagle, commemorates 45 years of publication with a redesign which debuts with the first issue of 2011, onboard planes now.

    “American Way is still the only inflight magazine published twice monthly, which is a great service to our frequent travelers,” said Susan Gordon, American Airlines Publishing President and Group Publisher. “We pride ourselves on consistently delivering an industry leading magazine to our customers, so it makes sense to redesign the magazine as our culture changes.”

    Most notable will be the new American Way masthead, inspired by the typeface on a 1930s-era American Airlines DC-3. Redesigned departments include the combination of UpFront and DownLow to create a new super-department called Itineraries, as well as the addition of Briefs, which highlights both a celebrity and a destination.

    “The goal was to bring a more contemporary and graphically pleasing palate to the magazine, while continuing to serve our readers as an invaluable source of information and entertainment,” said David Radabaugh, American Way Design Director.

    Other changes include the addition of new maps and helpful widgets, the organization of stories in a more reader-friendly format, and incorporating an unconventional approach to original photography and illustration. Every issue can be found online in its entirety at www.americanwaymag.com.

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    IATA: Avoid Spanish Air Traffic Control Strike

    Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged AENA, the Spanish air navigation service provider, and the Spanish air traffic controllers to take all measures possible to avoid strike action. Specifically, Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO urged Spain’s air traffic controllers to accept AENA’s offer to enter into an arbitration process to resolve their differences.

    “This is not the time for strikes. Arbitration is a fair, open and balanced means to settle the differences between AENA and the air traffic controllers. And it would avoid debilitating disruption to Spain’s economy,” said Bisignani.

    “The global financial crisis and Europe’s ongoing debt crisis are challenging governments, employers and employees to change in order to build stronger and more robust economies. With 20% unemployment, Spain cannot be a spectator. The economy is weak and it can ill afford the devastating effects of an air traffic control strike on Spanish business, especially tourism,” said Bisignani.

    “This is not just theory. When much of Europe’s air space closed for a few days as a result of the ash crisis, airlines lost $1.8 billion in revenue and the cost to economy is estimated at over $5 billion. Even the threat of a strike is seeing people changing plans to avoid Spanish destinations, airports and airspace. That’s lost money for the economy and puts Spanish jobs at risk. Agreeing to arbitration would remove the threat of a strike and restore passenger confidence,” said Bisignani.

    After decades of discussion, Europe is finally moving forward with some key elements of the Single European Sky. Uniting Europe’s air space is critical. Each year, the efficiencies generated will save over EUR 5 billion in costs, reduce delays by millions of minutes and reduce CO2 emissions by 16 million tonnes. Many of the changes under contention between AENA and the air traffic controllers are associated with the preparations for Spain to benefit from the Single European Sky.

    “Over the last decade, every industry has been challenged to change and to improve efficiency. Airlines improved productivity by 63% but, as the bankruptcy of Mexicana proves, the industry is fragile and even more change is needed. Changes in telecoms, automobiles or pharmaceuticals have all been massive, often times painful, but absolutely necessary to survive. AENA too must change to ensure that Spain has cost-efficient air connectivity to power its economy. The burden of this change includes the controllers,” said Bisignani.

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    Diversion forum

    Press Release:

    In preparation for the upcoming winter storm season, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt are convening a Forum on Wednesday, November 30 to find better ways to manage aircraft diversions. Participants in the forum will review a series of proposed steps to improve travel for passengers who are diverted from their destination because of bad weather.

    “During severe weather situations, we want to do everything we can to make sure passengers are flown to airports that are ready and prepared and where passengers can get off the plane quickly,” said Secretary LaHood.

    The forum will take place in Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. and will include air traffic controllers, pilots, aircraft dispatchers, airport operators, and officials from other government agencies and the aviation community.

    The participants will discuss all of the factors that influence diversion decisions and airport capacity in bad weather situations, including the status of navigation equipment, aircraft parking and gate availability, Customs capacity, refueling and de-icing assets, jetway and air stair access and general ramp operations and security.

    “We can’t control the weather, but we can improve the way diversions are handled,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

    The FAA is asking forum participants to bring ideas and best practices to the discussion. The FAA is proposing a new, web-based airport status tool that would present real-time information about each airport during a severe weather event to help airlines make fully informed decisions about where to divert. The FAA is also proposing including more airports in daily strategic planning conference calls during severe weather events to improve the information flow about which airports can accommodate diversions and would encourage airport contingency plans.

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    Akron-Canton Airport Commissions Runway 5/23

    The Largest Capital Improvement Project in Airport History

    REEN, Ohio, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — What does ten years and $60 million get you? How about a dream runway at the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). At 11:20 a.m. this morning, we will commission the single largest capital project in airport history, the extension and safety upgrade of runway 5/23. The mammoth project is the centerpiece of the airport’s comprehensive capital improvement program — CAK 2018. More than 120 guests will witness the inaugural departure of an AirTran Airways Boeing 737 jet after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony on the runway.

    “This is a very special day at the Akron-Canton Airport,” said Rick McQueen, president and CEO. “This runway signifies more than just new pavement, it provides a path forward; to new destinations and new opportunities for decades to come. The improved 5/23 truly is our crown jewel and a vital piece of aviation infrastructure for the region.”

    The improvements to Runway 5/23 include an additional 800 feet of runway length and a vital safety upgrade on the end of Runway 5. The project was born in 2000 as part of a nationwide Runway Safety Area improvement mandate. After careful consideration and a needs justification, the airport and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decided to include the extension; adding to the project’s impact and regional significance. After various federal approvals, construction began in late 2005. The total runway project cost $60 million. Most of the funding to support the Runway 5/23 project came from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program funds. The airport contributed five percent of the total project cost out of operating revenue. No bonds or other financing tools were used to finance the project.

    5/23 Project
    Overview:

    August 2000: FAA determines both ends of 5/23 require runway safety area upgrade.
    April 2004: Runway Safety Area Study that outlined the most effective method to accomplish the upgrade and justify the extension is completed.
    December 2004: Environmental Assessment approved by the FAA.
    October 2005: First grant was received and work began in October.
    March 2006-Oct 2009: Earthwork to extend south end of runway.
    March 2010: FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt delivers our last grant ($16 million).
    November 2010: Runway commissioned and open for business.

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    Air Transport Association Congratulates Senate on FAA Bill Passage That Furthers NextGen and Creates Thousands of U.S. Jobs

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today congratulated Chairman Jay Rockefeller, Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison and the Senate for passage of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act (S.223), which will help create jobs and modernize the air traffic control system. A modernized air traffic management system will improve operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and lower airline operating costs.

    “This bill moves the United States toward our goal of enabling a safe, sustainable and profitable airline industry that provides good value to customers and promotes global competitiveness,” said ATA President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “We applaud the leadership and significant work to pass a bill that reflects a continued commitment to safety and modernization of the air traffic control system by requiring that FAA establish and track performance metrics.”

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    IATA Checkpoint of the Future

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled the first mock-up of a Checkpoint of the Future, designed to enhance security while reducing queues and intrusive searches at airports, using intelligence-driven risk-based measures.

    IATA’s Checkpoint of the Future is being shown to delegates attending the Association’s 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, in Singapore.

    “We spend $7.4 billion a year to keep aviation secure. But our passengers only see hassle. Passengers should be able to get from curb to boarding gate with dignity. That means without stopping, stripping or unpacking, and certainly not groping. That is the mission for the Checkpoint of the Future. We must make coordinated investments for civilized flying,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

    The main concepts of the Checkpoint are (1) strengthened security by focusing resources where risk is greatest, (2) supporting this risk-based approach by integrating passenger information into the checkpoint process, and (3) maximizing throughput for the vast majority of travelers who are deemed to be low risk with no compromise on security levels.

    “Today’s checkpoint was designed four decades ago to stop hijackers carrying metal weapons. Since then, we have grafted on more complex procedures to meet emerging threats. We are more secure, but it is time to rethink everything. We need a process that responds to today’s threat. It must amalgamate intelligence based on passenger information and new technology. That means moving from a system that looks for bad objects, to one that can find bad people,” said Bisignani.

    How does it work?
    The Checkpoint of the Future ends the one-size-fits-all concept for security. Passengers approaching the checkpoint will be directed to one of three lanes: ‘known traveler’, ‘normal’, and ‘enhanced security’. The determination will be based on a biometric identifier in the passport or other travel document that triggers the results of a risk assessment conducted by government before the passenger arrives at the airport.

    The three security lanes will have technology to check passengers according to risk. “Known travelers” who have registered and completed background checks with government authorities will have expedited access. “Normal screening” would be for the majority of travelers. And those passengers for whom less information is available, who are randomly selected or who are deemed to be an “Elevated risk” would have an additional level of screening.

    Screening technology is being developed that will allow passengers to walk through the checkpoint without having to remove clothes or unpack their belongings. Moreover, it is envisioned that the security process could be combined with outbound customs and immigration procedures, further streamlining the passenger experience.

    Next Steps
    Through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 19 governments, including the United States, are working to define standards for a Checkpoint of the Future. IATA is also coordinating closely with the US Department of Homeland Security’s Checkpoint of Tomorrow program which has similar goals.

    “We have the ability to move to the biometric scanning and three-lane concept right now. And while some of the technology still needs to be developed, even by just re-purposing what we have today, we could see major changes in two or three years time,” said Bisignani.

    For more information, please contact:
    Director Corporate Communications
    AGM Media Centre Tel: +65 6688 2734
    Email: corpcomms@iata.org

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