The high life

Daniël Eijgendaal answers our questions on security in the aviation industry, and tells us what the future holds.

Having an organizational level that meets the demands of complex logistics is key to airport success. What are the risks associated with a design that fails to do this?
Daniël Eijgendaal. In all our projects we aim to identify, specify and get implemented, the technical infrastructure that best supports the objectives and processes of our clients. In our designs technology always plays a role. Technology, simple or complex, is however only a means to an end. When designs fail to fully support the processes, the people involved have to fill the gap. It is interesting to see how the flexibility of motivated and trained staff can compensate for less than perfect facilities and systems. Obviously there are limits to what even the best people can do. On the other hand, supporting such staff with properly designed systems and infrastructure will really allow them to shine and make big improvements in efficiency and level of service. Airports that consistently get high marks from passengers always have the combination of great staff and well-designed facilities and systems.

How has the issue of airport security intensified over the last 10 years? What has this increased focus meant for your business?
DE. The aviation industry has responded to a series of incidents by introducing stricter checks, both of passengers and their baggage, and of staff and goods. Examples are mandatory baggage screening as required in the EU from 2003 and the tightened regulations on carrying liquids gels and aerosols in hand luggage. These measures, and the changed perception of threats, have spurred innovation and necessitated system upgrades on many airports.

Incorporating new technologies in existing airports and ensuring these security measures don’t impact operations and efficiency has been, and we expect will continue to be, a factor in many projects. Equally important is that it has helped us to differentiate our role as consultant from that of suppliers and contractors. We look at the bigger picture, at our clients’ real operational needs, not just at systems and equipment. But by making sure our consultants are fully aware of what is available in the market we can translate those operational needs into practical designs. We bring concepts to life.

With advanced technical possibilities, the impact of an airport on the environment can now be significantly reduced. What are you doing to promote environmentally conscious airport designs?
DE. Many of our clients are committed to reduce the environmental impact of their airport. Often they find it difficult to translate their ambitions into practical, and economically sound, measures. The built environment is a major energy user worldwide and airports are no exception. We find we can really help our clients in this area. It is often surprising to see how much can be achieved with standard measures. Reductions in total energy consumption of between 15 percent and 50 percent are possible without having to use advanced technologies. In many projects we use rating systems like LEED or BREEAM. Even where these systems don’t fit the local conditions or standards they help to get all project partners aligned and improve team and stakeholder communication.

What are some of the recent projects have you been involved with? What can you tell us about the technologies currently being optimized in modern-day airport management systems?
DE. Some recent projects include new terminal buildings in Sofia (Bulgaria), Cairo (Egypt) and Gabarone (Botswana). A major current project is the new midfield terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport (UAE). In our home market we have a continuous stream of projects at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a client with a clear vision on continuous process improvement and sustainable design. We have been, or still are, involved in large and small projects in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Russia and Gibraltar.

In many of the terminal building projects IT infrastructure and information and management systems are an important part of our scope of work. Information Technology has been a key driver in bringing down operating cost of airlines and this is reflected in modern airport terminal designs. The Simplifying the Business (StB) initiative is at the core of this.

What do you think the future trends for the aviation industry are likely to be? What challenges are associated with such trends?
DE. Two major drivers in the industry in the last decade have been increased security and cost reduction. We expect these factors to continue. The challenge is to ensure increased security, with all the additional equipment required to achieve that, assists in improving (operational) efficiency. Opportunities definitely exist to achieve this, think of combining biometric ID documents with internet based reservation systems. Using technology to create a seamless travel experience for the passenger whilst at the same time reduce cost for the stakeholders and improve security becomes a real possibility.

And although the current economic crisis and low oil prices mean energy efficiency general and sustainability in general are not first on peoples’ minds, we are convinced this will change very quickly. Running a sustainable business, minimizing carbon emissions, will be an equally strong driver in the next decades.

Daniël Eijgendaal is member of the Board of Directors of Deerns Consulting Engineers and Manager of the Airports Department. He has an in-depth knowledge of aeronautical systems (CNS), airfield lighting and airport management & information systems.