FEATURE | SLIAC AIRPORT
Sliacˇ Airport aims high to meet increased traffic
Airside International talked exclusively to Ing. L’ubomír Krupár, Executive Director of Airport Sliacˇ Inc, to find out more about the airport’s development plans and associated infrastructure budgets to meet predicted higher traffic demands.
Q: SLIACˇ AIRPORT WAS REOPENED FOR CIVIL AIR TRAFFIC IN JUNE 2011 AFTER TWO YEARS OF RENOVATION WORK. CAN YOU BRIEFLY OUTLINE WHAT WORK WAS CARRIED OUT?
A: There were two phases of renovation works at the airport. The first focused mainly on upgrading the runway, tower control and navigational lighting systems. Following completion of the initial phase, under the auspices of both NATO and the Slovakia Ministry of Defence, the second phase concentrated on the civilian infrastructure of the airport, e.g. pub- lic parking areas (extension to 150 spaces), building foundations for the new passenger departure terminal and refurbishment of the Apron.
Q: AS PART OF THIS INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVITY, WAS THERE ANY SPECIFIC INVESTMENT AND ACTIVITY IN TERMS OF THE RAMP, AIRSIDE AND AIRFIELD OPERATIONS AT SLIACˇ ? A: From 2009 to 2011, investment was made in renovating and extending the Apron area, which resulted in two additional aircraft stands. As a result, specific rules were also introduced for combined military and civil flying operations. The Apron surface was refurbished and extended so we could provide ground handling services for four large aircraft simultaneously. This represented the central investment activity although navigational lighting systems also benefited from res- toration. Regrettably there was insufficient investment available to im- prove our Ground Support Equipment (GSE), which is a limiting factor for our development aspirations.
Q: AS HOLIDAY CHARTER FLIGHTS ARE THE MAIN FOCUS, RATHER THAN SCHEDULED SERVICES, CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY PASSENGER NUMBERS THAT DEPARTED SLIACˇ DURING 2011? A: After the airport reopening, we recorded a historical success in both passenger numbers and aircraft movements. During the 2011 char- ter summer season, which lasted from 16 June to 21 September, we pro- vided handling services to 3 airlines covering a total of 55 flights. Com- pared to the most successful charter season in 2007, this represents a 100% growth increase, which is impressive. During the summer months, there were over 15,000 passengers handled by our airport flying on air- craft such as A320, B737-800, B737-400 and MD82. It was a busy but suc- cessful season!
16 AIRSIDE INTERNATIONAL | MARCH 2012
“After the airport reopening, we
recorded a historical success in both passenger numbers and aircraft movements”
Q: COMPARED TO 2011, WHAT TRAFFIC GROWTH ARE YOU EXPECTING IN 2012? A: Looking at the success of last year, we have started to execute our proactive marketing plans relating to our 2012 traffic growth forecast. We have already scheduled slots for 120 charter flights to two new des- tinations so we are again predicting a steep rise in traffic, perhaps by as much as 100%. We recognise that we need to schedule flight services in winter to cater for ski tourism in Slovakia as well as operating regular flights to some of the aviation hubs in the EU. There is no doubt that further potential exists, such as Sliac
ˇ – Vienna, but unfortunately this routing proposal failed to materialize for a number of reasons.
Q: DO YOU MANAGE GROUND HANDLING SERVICES DIRECTLY OR IS IT CONTRACTED OUT? A: Airport Sliac
ˇ Inc directly manages handling services for air carri- ers, as part of our operations.
Q: TYPICALLY, WHAT IS THE RANGE OF AIRCRAFT YOU SUPPORT ON THE GROUND? AND IS THIS ON A 24/7 BASIS OR NOT?
A: During a charter season we mainly support A320, B737-800 or B737-400. Beside these we support all types of aircraft within general aviation. Our operations are assessed and certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Slovakia. At present, we provide ground handling support from Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1800. All other days and times can be satisfied, if requested by airlines.
Q: IN GENERAL TERMS, LOOKING AT 2012 AND YOUR RAMP, AIRSIDE AND AIRFIELD OPERATIONS, WILL THERE BE ANY INCREASE IN PROCUREMENT BUDGETS? A: Our procurement budget has been increased which will help to expand our capacities and infrastructure. With the help of the Ministry of Transport of Slovakia, there will be a new build departure terminal (scheduled completion in July 2012) as well as a second refuelling tank, new dollies, belt and water-toilet tank for emptying aircraft.
Q: OVERALL, IF THE NUMBER OF FLIGHTS AND TRAFFIC ARE INCREASING, PRESUMABLY THAT HAS A KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON THE RAMP, AIRSIDE AND AIRFIELD OPERATIONS/LEVELS/NUMBERS AS WELL AS INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS?
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