Category: Aviation

BEUMER Group will be showing its range of automated handling systems for airports at ACI this year, including SECTRO – a new centralized screening solution to replace conventional linear security screening lines (SSLs). Designed to optimize flow, improve security and reduce the organizational pressures involved in keeping passengers and their cabin baggage safe, the SECTRO solution takes full advantage of the latest baggage automation technologies to optimize operations and enhance the passenger experience.

“Airports are under pressure to make the passenger experience as efficient and stress-free as possible, but to achieve this they need to address multiple logistical, operational and staffing challenges,” says Gernot Pöchgraber, BEUMER’s system expert on the topic. “A major annoyance for airports and passengers alike is today’s screening area, which is synonymous with queuing and requires passengers to follow manual divest and reclaim procedures that are not always intuitive. This outdated and very manual approach is inefficient and labor-intensive: none of which makes this mandatory part of flying a pleasant experience.”

SECTRO rethinks screening

BEUMER Group has applied its specialist baggage handling automation knowledge to develop the SECTRO solution, with a focus on eliminating delays and minimizing risk to deliver significant benefits for passengers and airport operators alike. Providing an automated solution for today’s airport, SECTRO re-introduces flow to eliminate inefficient queuing, minimizes the risk of lost possessions during check-in, and reduces organizational pressure to keep passengers and their cabin baggage safe. Its compact design also makes the system simple to integrate into existing terminals. One module can handle peaks of around 1000 passengers per hour.

The SECTRO solution totally rethinks the passenger screening experience. It replaces multiple linear security screening lines (SSLs) with an automated process to guide people seamlessly through passenger and cabin baggage separation. Passengers divest their baggage at one of the self-service stations. A touch screen guides them through the simple procedure to connect their biometric data with their baggage, which then enters a sealed and automated system. While it is being checked, the passenger proceeds through the body scanner to reach the information point. Another screen here shows when their baggage is ready for collection using their unique biometric ID. If the automated baggage checks raise any issues, the passenger is directed into a re-check isle where staff can assist.

The SECTRO solution is very flexible and can easily handle peak flows. It allows slower passengers to be overtaken, preventing bottlenecks. The automated baggage checking process is fully centralized, designed to optimize flow, and can achieve up to 30 percent savings in operational resources for the airport. BEUMER Group estimates that the cumulative benefits will save airports millions of euros over the next decade.

To date the FAA has awarded over 25 airports with more than $465 million in grant funding for the replacement or upgrading of baggage handling systems. 

This unique funding program was made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and gives airports the opportunity to make improvements and modernize facilities for a more efficient passenger experience at a moment when some systems are 30 years old and nearing the end of their usefulness.
 
For example, the Denver International Airport in Colorado was recently awarded $124 million to replace the baggage handling system with a more energy efficient system to accommodate additional passengers. 
 
With record air travel this month and passenger growth predicted for years to come, the Biden-Harris Administration’s focus remains on investments that can directly improve the passenger experience.
 
“We’re helping travelers reunite with loved ones quicker, start vacations sooner, and make crucial appointments,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E., on the importance of maintaining and modernizing baggage handling systems. “The last thing anybody wants is the stress of a luggage delay.”

Other examples of airports receiving grants include: 

$639,000 to La Crosse Regional Airport in Wisconsin: This grant funds rehabilitating the existing terminal building baggage handling equipment to allow for the efficient movement of baggage.
 
$7.4 million to Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado: This grant funds replacing the existing terminal building baggage handling system that has reached the end of its useful life to provide for more efficient and reliable movement of baggage.

$4.4 million to Lawton-Fort Still Regional Airport in Oklahoma: This grant funds completing the final phase of the terminal modernization and expansion project which includes a new baggage claim area. The terminal modernization and expansion project includes a building expansion with a new baggage claim and meeter-greeter areas, a new and expanded security checkpoint and hold room expansion that accommodates two airline gates. This award will provide funding to complete the final phase, which includes an expanded airline counter, office spaces, conveyor systems for departures, a passenger boarding bridge, and curbside area updates. 
 
$6.4 million to Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds replacing the baggage handling system with energy efficient components. Additionally, it includes the replacement of drive motors, automatic tag readers, and photo-sensors, with more energy efficient technology.
 
Funding for this grant comes from the Airport Terminal Program or Airport Infrastructure Grant program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $12 billion of funding has been made available to airports across the country though both programs. Learn more about the full $25 billion in the infrastructure law for airport improvements by visiting faa.gov/bil.
 
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness by rebuilding America’s roads and bridges, upgrading and expanding public transit and rail, and modernizing the nation’s ports and airports. To date, the Administration has announced over $461 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for over 60,000 infrastructure projects across the nation and has mobilized over $898 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States.  
 

The U. S. government seized a plane used by the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro. The seizure was prompted by violations of sanctions and export control laws, according to the Justice Department.

Officials in the U. S. allege the aircraft was illegally purchased and smuggled out of the U. S. Maduro is accused of using the aircraft for foreign travel. The Dassault Falcon 900 EX was then flown to Florida. It had been used essentially as “Air Force One” for Maduro, it is alleged.

To date the FAA has awarded over 25 airports with more than $465 million in grant funding for the replacement or upgrading of baggage handling systems. 

This unique funding program was made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and gives airports the opportunity to make improvements and modernize facilities for a more efficient passenger experience at a moment when some systems are 30 years old and nearing the end of their usefulness.
 
For example, the Denver International Airport in Colorado was recently awarded $124 million to replace the baggage handling system with a more energy efficient system to accommodate additional passengers. 
 
With record air travel this month and passenger growth predicted for years to come, the Biden-Harris Administration’s focus remains on investments that can directly improve the passenger experience.
 
“We’re helping travelers reunite with loved ones quicker, start vacations sooner, and make crucial appointments,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E., on the importance of maintaining and modernizing baggage handling systems. “The last thing anybody wants is the stress of a luggage delay.”

Other examples of airports receiving grants include: 

$639,000 to La Crosse Regional Airport in Wisconsin: This grant funds rehabilitating the existing terminal building baggage handling equipment to allow for the efficient movement of baggage.
 
$7.4 million to Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado: This grant funds replacing the existing terminal building baggage handling system that has reached the end of its useful life to provide for more efficient and reliable movement of baggage.

$4.4 million to Lawton-Fort Still Regional Airport in Oklahoma: This grant funds completing the final phase of the terminal modernization and expansion project which includes a new baggage claim area. The terminal modernization and expansion project includes a building expansion with a new baggage claim and meeter-greeter areas, a new and expanded security checkpoint and hold room expansion that accommodates two airline gates. This award will provide funding to complete the final phase, which includes an expanded airline counter, office spaces, conveyor systems for departures, a passenger boarding bridge, and curbside area updates. 
 
$6.4 million to Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds replacing the baggage handling system with energy efficient components. Additionally, it includes the replacement of drive motors, automatic tag readers, and photo-sensors, with more energy efficient technology.
 
Funding for this grant comes from the Airport Terminal Program or Airport Infrastructure Grant program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $12 billion of funding has been made available to airports across the country though both programs.

The Federal Aviation Administration referred 43 more unruly passenger cases to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal prosecution review during the past year.  

The FAA has now referred more than 310 of the most serious cases to the FBI since late 2021 under a partnership aimed at ensuring unruly airline passengers face criminal prosecution when warranted. When the FAA refers incidents to the FBI, the FBI works closely with law enforcement partners and appropriate agencies to conduct an investigation if applicable. 

“Dangerous passengers put everyone at risk—and the Biden-Harris Administration has been clear that those who disrupt flights will be held accountable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Unruly travelers face stiff fines from the FAA and possible criminal prosecution too.” 

“There’s absolutely no excuse for unruly behavior,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “It threatens the safety of everyone on board and we have zero tolerance for it.” 

The new referrals include the following incidents:  

• March 3, 2024: Tried to breach the flight deck. 
• Feb. 18, 2024: Physically assaulted and was verbally aggressive toward a fellow passenger and crewmember. 
• Feb. 13, 2024: Exhibited sexually inappropriate behavior toward a crewmember. 
• Jan. 31, 2024: Physically assaulted a crewmember and exhibited disruptive behavior. 
• Jan. 13, 2024: Exhibited disruptive behavior. 
• Jan. 1, 2024: Physically assaulted his travel companion. 
• Dec. 30, 2023: Sexually assaulted and exhibited inappropriate behavior toward a fellow passenger. 
• Dec. 18, 2023: Physically assaulted a crewmember. 
• Dec. 1, 2023: Physically assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• Nov. 22, 2023: Physically assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• Nov. 9, 2023: Tried to breach the flight deck. 
• Oct. 15, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger, exhibited aggressive behavior. 
• Aug. 11, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• Aug. 2, 2023: Assaulted and threatened to assault crewmembers. 
• July 29, 2023: Inappropriately touched a minor passenger. 
• July 29, 2023: Inappropriately touched a minor passenger. 
• July 21, 2023: Physically assaulted a minor passenger. 
• July 9, 2023: Sexual misconduct. 
• July 4, 2023: Assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• July 4, 2023: Assaulted a flight attendant. 
• June 22, 2023: Inappropriately touched a fellow passenger. 
• June 21, 2023: Inappropriately touched a minor passenger. 
• June 14, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• June 13, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• June 3, 2023: Exhibited aggressive and threatening behavior. 
• May 31, 2023: Assaulted a flight attendant. 
• May 2, 2023: Exhibited aggressive behavior and tried to trip a flight attendant. 
• April 30, 2023: Sexually assaulted and harassed cabin crewmembers. 
• April 20, 2023: Tried to breach the flight deck. 
• April 18, 2023: Assaulted and threatened to assault a flight attendant. 
• April 14, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• April 6, 2023: Acted aggressively and threatened to harm crewmembers and passengers. 
• April 5, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger. 
• April 3, 2023: Exhibited aggressive and threatening behavior. 
• March 30, 2023: Threw a backpack at a flight attendant. 
• March 24, 2023: Assaulted crewmembers and fellow passengers, tried to open exit doors during flight. 
• March 20, 2023: Exhibited aggressive and threatening behavior.  
• Feb. 13, 2023: Tried to breach aircraft doors, physically assaulted a crewmember and a fellow passenger. 
• Jan. 29, 2023: Sexually assaulted a minor passenger. 
• Jan. 17, 2023: Threatened to harm everyone on board and crash the aircraft. 
• Aug. 5, 2022: Displayed aggressive and threatening behavior. 
• July 12, 2022: Displayed aggressive and threatening behavior. 
• Nov. 15, 2021: Physically and sexually assaulted flight attendants and fellow passengers. 

The FBI has created a Crimes Aboard Aircraft section on their How Can We Help You page, with information about the types of crimes it investigates and how people can report them.

The rate of unruly passenger incidents has dropped by over 80 percent since record-highs in early 2021 but unacceptable behavior continues to occur. Airlines have reported more than 1,240 unruly passenger cases in 2024. 

The FAA pursues legal enforcement action against any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crewmembers, and can propose civil penalties up to $37,000 per violation.

Intelligent power management company Eaton announced it won a contract to help Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) build its innovative electric Central Utility Plant (eCUP). The project aims to help DFW achieve its ambitious net zero carbon emissions goal by 2030 and is supported by partial funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Eaton’s equipment contribution to the project is valued at nearly $10 million and expected to be installed in the spring of 2025.

The central utility plant is planned to be fueled primarily by electricity the airport purchases from 100% renewable sources and will provide additional capacity to address future heating and cooling demand as the airport grows.

“We’re proud to be part of this pioneering sustainability project that demonstrates how to simultaneously expand a critical building’s footprint while reducing environmental impact,” said Angie McMillin, president of Energy Solutions and Services at Eaton. “There’s substantial federal support for infrastructure investments enabling far more resilient and sustainable energy systems. Providing the solutions, services and expertise needed to help the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport make this project a reality showcases our ability to help customers reduce emissions while improving reliability and return on investment.”

Eaton is providing DFW with the electrical infrastructure, services and expertise needed to help safely construct the central utility plant, including:

– Vital power distribution equipment, including medium- and low-voltage assemblies, panelboards, medium-voltage transformers, busway and more to establish a safe, reliable electrical backbone for the utility plant

– Engineering services and consultation to safely startup equipment and perform essential power system, electrical safety studies

– Experienced support as a longtime government contractor to meet the federal government’s funding requirements for infrastructure projects

Eaton says it is helping customers simplify compliance with federal guidelines for critical infrastructure projects. To streamline this project, Eaton helped DFW demonstrate compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Project (AIP) funds and domestic preference requirements. Learn more about Eaton’s solutions for federal clean energy, stimulus and infrastructure initiatives.

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening, and a business of Smiths Group, announced a major step forward in aviation security technology. Working in partnership with SeeTrue, a provider of AI-based threat detection software, Smiths Detection has successfully integrated
and tested SeeTrue’s technology into their advanced CT security checkpoint systems with the
combined solution now ready for immediate implementation pending certification.

SeeTrue’s Prohibited Items Detection Software (APIDS ready) engine has been fully integrated,
tested, and is now ready for implementation with Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX to
provide advanced carry-on baggage screening using Computed Tomography (CT). Combining
Smiths automatic explosives detection algorithms with SeeTrue’s prohibited items detection
algorithms will provide unparalleled levels of security and operational efficiency for
customers. The combination of the SeeTrue algorithmic solution with Smith’s HI-SCAN 6040
CTiX will undergo ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) testing in the upcoming months.
The collaboration was undertaken as part of Smiths Detection’s Ada Initiative . This is our
official process which effectively ‘onboards’ new suppliers to ensure that hardware, software,
and algorithms from various products and suppliers work together seamlessly according to
responsible Open Architecture principles.

“Smiths Detection’s partnership with SeeTrue is a key step in advancing the Open Architecture
(OA) initiative. We completed interoperability testing with SeeTrue’s AI threat detection
software and our systems, ensuring it aligns with the principles of the Ada Initiative. This is
Smiths Detection lead initiative which seeks to speed up OA adoption without compromising
performance,” said Cymoril Metivier, global director digital market, Smiths Detection. “This successful integration highlights Smiths Detection’s commitment to offering customers
more choices while ensuring third-party technologies work seamlessly with our devices. This
step not only strengthens the capabilities of Smiths Detection’s X-ray screening equipment but
also offers customers the freedom to choose from different detection software, X-Ray, and CT
machines”

Assaf Frenkel, Co-Founder & CEO, SeeTrue added: “The high pace, zero downtime requirement of CT checkpoint environments demands tight collaboration between vendors to provide a seamless experience. As we scale our business, this collaboration is timely, enabling us to provide customers worldwide with a unique and impactful solution tailored to the growing needs of airport security.”

Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced plans to build Africa’s largest airport in Abusera – a critical element of Ethiopian’s 15-year strategic plan to become one of the most competitive aviation groups in the world.

The airport’s location allows for progressive growth, empowering the airline to meet the International Air Transport Association’s forecasts of more than 200% growth over the next decade – growing beyond Bole International Airport, which offers no possibilities for significant expansion. Abusera’s lower altitude will elevate aircraft take-off performance, while an express rail link to Addis Ababa facilitates connectivity.

In its first phase scheduled for 2029, the airport will have capacity for 60 million passengers annually – almost three times Africa’s current busiest airport – creating thousands of jobs to serve Ethiopian’s expanding customer base and fleet. Ultimately, the airport will serve 110 million passengers annually – four times the capacity of Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian’s CEO Mesfin Tasew stated: “With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation.”

To deliver this transformational new project, Ethiopian Airlines awarded a consultancy contract to a consortium led by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Pascall+Watson Architects, Landrum&Brown, and TY Lin.

Dar, TY Lin, and Landrum&Brown belong to Sidara, a global collaborative that ranks 1^st in aviation (Engineering News Record 2023). ZHA brings award-winning design capabilities and a global track-record of acclaimed airport projects, while Pascall+Watson Architects has successfully completed over 2,000 aviation projects across 70 airports.

Collectively, these companies will cover technical advisory, engineering, project management, and construction supervision services for 600,000 m² of passenger facilities, 126,000 m² of airline support facilities, two Code 4E parallel runways along with associated airfield infrastructure, and other major airport facilities and infrastructure.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced its TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler program surpassed 20 million active members, setting a new record for the program that launched in December 2013. This brings the total number of vetted airline passengers for DHS Trusted Traveler programs, which includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry expedited screening, to over 40 million.

“More travelers than ever are using TSA PreCheck because of its value, ease and efficiency,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “TSA PreCheck continues to be one of our most innovative risk-based security solutions, providing the benefit of shorter wait times of under 10 minutes, greater checkpoint efficiency and improved security. Additionally, the cost of TSA PreCheck continues to go down for both new enrollments and renewals. The consistent growth of the TSA PreCheck program is a testament to its popularity and success.”

TSA PreCheck enables low-risk travelers to enjoy a secure and efficient screening experience at more than 200 airports without compromising security standards. TSA’s wait time benchmarks for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes. TSA PreCheck members are able to wear their shoes, belts and light jackets through screening, and they may keep their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags. 

TSA PreCheck is available for eligible travelers when departing from a participating airport or when connecting on domestic flights after returning to the U.S. from an international airport. Travelers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. lawful permanent residents may apply for TSA PreCheck and are able to pick any enrollment provider based on cost, location and additional benefits. Costs for enrollment vary by provider.

Enrolling or renewing in the TSA PreCheck program is easy:

• Step 1: Visit tsa.gov/precheck to begin your enrollment and choose one of TSA’s authorized enrollment providers starting as low as $77.95 for a five-year membership: CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos.
• Step 2: Submit the online application in as little as five minutes.
• Step 3: For new enrollees, visit a nearby enrollment location to complete enrollment in 10 minutes with your chosen provider. This process includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. Once approved, most enrollees will receive a unique Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, which must be added to their airline reservation to make them eligible to use TSA PreCheck lanes. The TSA PreCheck indicator (such as TSA PRECHK or TSA Pre✓®) must be on their boarding pass before approaching a TSA checkpoint to confirm they are eligible for TSA PreCheck screening.

TSA PreCheck members may renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term starting as low as $68.95.

Be aware: Any website that claims to allow consumers to register for TSA PreCheck that does not end in “.gov” is not an official TSA PreCheck website. Individuals who are applying for TSA PreCheck for the first time cannot pay the application fee online; they must complete their application and pay in-person at a TSA enrollment center. First-time applicants are not asked to provide payment information online.

Teenagers, aged 13-17, may accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening lanes when traveling on the same airline reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction.