A list of short and long term measures to help improve the quality and efficiency of regional aircraft and passenger…
A list of short and long term measures to help improve the quality and efficiency of regional aircraft and passenger handling, particularly at larger airports, has been agreed by airline and airport members of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA). The list of issues was agreed at the ERA High Quality Handling Forum held in Cologne on the 25 February.
Regional aircraft make up a large part of the operations at many of Europe`s airports. However, many of these airports do not have dedicated procedures, infrastructure or equipment to handle regional aircraft. The purpose of the one day Forum was to examine ways of improving the handling of regional aircraft to ensure a consistent level of quality is delivered irrespective of aircraft size.
Whilst the focus of the event was on operations at larger airports, many of the issues identified are applicable at smaller airports and dedicated regional airports.
Some of the key short term issues agreed are:
- The use and development of direct aircraft to aircraft transfers – subject to national security laws.
- Development of shorter regional aircraft operator minimum connecting times.
- Enhanced regional passenger processing within the terminal building.
- A review of possible improved handling procedures and use of new technology.
- An assessment of the short term impact of new security legislation on regional handling.
- A review of handling charges and their structure to enable better transparency.
- Ensuring the best use of existing infrastructure for regional and larger aircraft.
- Improvements in passenger and baggage transfer quality between the aircraft and terminal (and vice versa).
- Investigation into short term technical solutions to allow the use of air bridges (piers) by low sill height aircraft.
- Greater use of power-on power-off stands.
The full list, which includes both long and short term measures, will be further developed by the ERA Directorate in consultation with members, into simple, workable and realistic guidelines.
The group recognised that some of the issues identified would incur additional costs to airports and airlines and that a careful assessment of costs and benefits would be needed. Additionally, it was accepted by participants that there is no one size fits all solution to regional aircraft handling and that any guidelines would need to reflect this.
Mike Ambrose, Director General, ERA stated: Airlines and airports have worked together to identify these issues which would not only improve the quality and efficiency of regional aircraft handling, but will greatly enhance the passenger experience for anyone who flies on regional airlines from larger airports.
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