Halifax Stanfield International Airport Developments

[halifaxboyns]

Originally Posted by RyanNS

Has Continentals YHZ-EWR route ceased to operate?

No, it's still operating with Embrarer regional jets. I'm just wondering if they will continue it with the Continental/United Merger (since I United doesn't use Newark as a focus or hub city). But according to wiki, it will become a United Hub, so I guess we'll have to see.

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

No, it's still operating with Embrarer regional jets. I'm just wondering if they will continue it with the Continental/United Merger (since I United doesn't use Newark as a focus or hub city). But according to wiki, it will become a United Hub, so I guess we'll have to see.

Yeah for what it is worth, there was an ad on the side of a metro transit bus today advertising this route.

[halifaxboyns]

From the Chronicle Herald Website...


US Airways arrives here, will depart 3 times a day
Service begins with Halifax-Philly flights
By BILL POWER Business Reporter
Wed. Jun 2 - 4:53 AM


PREMIER DARRELL DEXTER welcomed US Airways to Nova Scotia on Tuesday, and said the arrival helps the province secure its place as Canada’s east coast gateway to the world.

An inaugural flight received a water cannon salute at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Airline officials promised an aggressive move into the market, beginning with three flights daily to Philadelphia with a 50-seat regional jet operated by partner Air Wisconsin.

"When it comes to serving as a gateway, there is more to Nova Scotia than our ports. We have excellent air connections as well," Dexter said in an interview.

Year-round flights operated by Air Wisconsin will depart Halifax daily at 7:40 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 5 p.m.

These are excellent departure times out of Halifax for business and leisure travellers heading to Philadelphia, said Michael Schmeltzer, the airline’s managing director of passenger sales.

He said US Airways is adding Halifax to its schedule as the U.S. air travel industry is beginning to show increased health after the recession.

"The economy is getting better in general. Our corporate bookings are up about 30 per cent over this time last year, so we’re pretty happy with the way things are going."

Schmeltzer said US Airways is the largest carrier operating out of Philadelphia, meaning there are lots of amenities for travellers waiting for any of the estimated 426 connecting flights offered daily by the airline out of its northeast U.S. hub facility.

Philadelphia is the airline’s international gateway, and there are connecting overseas flights available.

"The fact you have U.S. Customs pre-clearance in Halifax will make trips through Philadelphia very smooth," Schmeltzer said.

The Philadelphia connection comes as the industry in Nova Scotia is also beginning to show signs of improvement.

"We’re registering an increase in passenger growth of two per cent over last year. We are seeing the recovery happening," said Jerry Staples, vice-president of marketing and development for the Halifax International Airport Authority.

Michelle Mohr, a spokeswoman for the airline based in Charlotte, N.C., said sample fares were not prepared for the Halifax-Philadelphia service as there can be dramatic fluctuations depending on departure date.

"The best thing to do is visit the usairways.com website, since there can be significant fare changes for people in a position to change their schedule," she said.

( bpower@herald.ca)

Link to CH website

[halifaxboyns]

From Westjet's news release section, selected excerpts of their July 7th Press Release:

"CALGARY, July 7 /CNW/ - WestJet today unveiled its winter schedule for 2010-2011, featuring three new destinations, 10 new routes and expanded service on more than 30 others - and at everyday low fares all year-round.

Beginning in November, WestJet will launch seasonal, non-stop service to New Orleans, Santa Clara (Cuba) and Grand Cayman Island, all from Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
WestJet will extend its non-stop service from seasonal to year-round between the following cities:


<<
- Ottawa and Halifax
- Ottawa and Vancouver
- Toronto and Bermuda
- Toronto and Samana, DR
- Toronto and Puerto Vallarta
- Montreal and Punta Cana.
>>

This winter schedule is a measured, balanced and strategic approach to domestic, trans-border and international growth," said Hugh Dunleavy, Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Planning. "Along with our high-value frequent guest program we launched in March, additional service to and from Ottawa expands upon our growing business travel offering. And, the introduction of new southern destinations from more Canadian gateways offers our guests more choices for their winter vacations."

"We are also pleased to announce seasonal, non-stop service to three new destinations from Toronto's Pearson International Airport," continued Hugh Dunleavy. "Our valued relationship with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority is a key building block to our ongoing, strategic approach to growth from Toronto."

"WestJet's continued commitment to growing services for the benefit of passengers using Toronto Pearson has been shown again by the announcement of these new routes," added Pamela Griffith-Jones, Chief Commercial Officer for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "We will continue to work with WestJet to support their needs and to help offer more choice and more routes for the communities we serve.""

Westjet website

This means more competition in the Halifax to Ottawa market. Hopefully more competition will some come to the Halifax to Montreal and St. John's markets. Either way; more passengers at the airport, more gate utilization and land fees. All good!

[halifaxboyns]

Just noticed this on HSIA website; very interesting.

Airport Embarks on Next 10-Year Capital Plan
Includes bond issue and change to Airport Improvement Fee

Halifax, N.S. – As part of its planning for the next phase of improvements to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the Halifax International Airport Authority is developing its next 10-year Capital Plan (2011-2020) to improve passenger safety, help reduce flight delays, develop new revenue streams, and continue to upgrade its facilities to expand current services and enhance the passenger/visitor experience.

“Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA) is one of the most critical pieces of transportation infrastructure in Atlantic Canada,” says Tom Ruth, President & CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA). “Over half of all the air passengers and air cargo that move in our region pass through our airport. We’ve accomplished a lot since the airport was transferred from the federal government 10 years ago but there is more to be done to ensure HSIA continues to be a key driver in regional economic growth.”

HIAA’s comprehensive new 10-year Capital Plan will be finalized this fall, although its development has already identified several major infrastructure improvements, including:

the purchase of several new pieces of state-of-the-art snow and ice control equipment to significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of this crucial element of airfield safety management;
Terminal Building expansion of domestic/international check-in hall creating a higher volume, more efficient check-in process; expansion of the Terminal Building at the north end in anticipation of additional flights from European Union nations under Canada’s liberalized air access agreement with them, and additional U.S. preclearance flights; expansion of the south end of the building to accommodate additional jet bridges; expansion of retail/food & beverage locations post-security; and
the phased development of commercial, revenue-generating lots on airport property between the Terminal Building and Highway 102.
“These improvements are required to meet the needs of our current and future passengers and visitors, allowing us to compete effectively for new business anticipated from Canada’s “Blue Sky” initiative with the European Union, and to adapt to the long-term needs of our airline partners,” says Ruth.

There are three ways major Canadian airports like Halifax Stanfield can fund necessary capital improvements – reinvest operating surpluses, borrow, and use the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). Like other airports, HIAA uses all three. Operating surpluses will continue to be reinvested; a bond issue is planned for later this year; and the AIF is being changed to $20 from $15, effective January 1, 2011. This change will be reflected on airline tickets sold on or after October 1, 2010 for Halifax passengers whose flight departs on or after January 1, 2011.

Like 50 other Canadian airports, HIAA uses the revenue from the AIF to help fund its airport improvement program. Projects at HSIA to be funded by the AIF are determined through a consultation process with the airlines that serve Halifax. The AIF, which is added to the price of each originating airline ticket, is collected by the airlines.

“Responsible, effective management of the growth and development of the airport is essential to ensure its long-term financial health,” says Ruth. “We are committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, both as Nova Scotia’s principal air connection to the world and as a huge economic engine for our community. This new 10-Year Capital Plan will help us fulfill these responsibilities.”

“Management of this critical asset requires that we budget and manage our resources to create modest annual surpluses, allowing us to maintain moderate aeronautical fees charged to airlines to enhance our competitive position; maintain our A+ credit rating; and maintain a debt per enplaned passenger ratio that is below the average of the other major airports in Canada,” adds Ruth.

(from HIAA.ca)

[fenwick16]

There has been talk about extending the main runway. I wonder if they will do this in the next 10 years? I sometimes wonder if the main runway had of been longer if it would have saved the 747 cargo plane from crashing a few years ago (I think that 7 people were killed on the cargo plane).

[halifaxboyns]

QUOTE=fenwick16;4936998]There has been talk about extending the main runway. I wonder if they will do this in the next 10 years? I sometimes wonder if the main runway had of been longer if it would have saved the 747 cargo plane from crashing a few years ago (I think that 7 people were killed on the cargo plane).[/QUOTE]

No it wouldn't have. I asked the same question of a pilot friend of mine when I was out doing my Thursday night Kareoke (not singing - enduring) with some friends, one of whom flies for Westjet.

As he explained it to me (from his understanding of what happened); the aircraft actually had fully rotated and so was airborne at the time that the straps holding the cargo snapped. So while it was at the typical take off angle; the cargo let go and shifted so significantly that it changed the aircrafts angle of take off and shifted the plane causing the crash. So a longer runway wouldn't have mattered because the aircraft was airbourne by the time it reached taxiway charlie - so extra room wouldn't have mattered.

Airfield Diagram

[fenwick16]

No it wouldn't have. I asked the same question of a pilot friend of mine when I was out doing my Thursday night Kareoke (not singing - enduring) with some friends, one of whom flies for Westjet.

As he explained it to me (from his understanding of what happened); the aircraft actually had fully rotated and so was airborne at the time that the straps holding the cargo snapped. So while it was at the typical take off angle; the cargo let go and shifted so significantly that it changed the aircrafts angle of take off and shifted the plane causing the crash. So a longer runway wouldn't have mattered because the aircraft was airbourne by the time it reached taxiway charlie - so extra room wouldn't have mattered.

Airfield Diagram

I don't want to sound disagreeable but the Transportation Safety Board indicated pilot error in entering the load so the plane did not reach sufficient speed to take off - http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia...lines-tsb.html . I remember reading witness reports (airport staff) who saw the tail of the plane dragging on the runway as it tried to lift off. I also remember reading that the throttle setting was set to too low a value as it tried to take off (82% of maximum thrust is what sticks in my mind but I can't be sure of that number). But even at this throttle setting, if there had of been a longer runway it might have gained enough speed to take off. However, the pilot should have set the throttle to higher power but didn't because he entered a cargo weight that was mistakenly low. However, we will never know for sure since the black box was destroyed in the fire.

[halifaxboyns]

I prefaced my post that we were at Kareoke; so we were drinking
That may be - but if the tail was dragging already; I'd guess that if it didn't get off the ground, it probably wouldn't have gotten off the ground no matter how long the runway was.

[alps]

Sorry for the odd look to the images -- was in a hurry and brought the wrong lens. The first two were taken in the connecting bit between the arrivals/baggage area and the big atrium with the Tim Hortons. You know, it used to be a low-ceilinged, windowless hallway lined with arcade machines and ATMs? The renovation is great. It's very airy-feeling and the wall opposing the windows is lined with paintings by local artists.

The wood laminate looks a little bit cheap but makes the place feel warm.

[fenwick16]

Thanks for the images. The renovation is a big improvement.

[halifaxboyns]

I think the wood panelling looks rather good - it gives a very maritime feeling to the airport (since much of the maritimes is wooden homes).

That's the one thing I will give the HIAA credit for: they really made a huge effort of making the interior of the airport have a maritime feel and vibe to it. They could've easily made it like any other airport, huge with glass and steel and now real style or 'feel' to it, but they didn't. It's hard to really describe a 'maritime feel' unless you read into the materials more meaning; which I think is there. Wood and wood accent looking back on our past (many homes made of wood); steel for modern feel (but also in a way an odd to ship building) and the big sweeping window to let in lots of light because our sky is beautiful.

This is the kind of thinking used in BC; when they talk about BC Earth, Sea and Sky (like how they designed the Canada Line Station at YVR). If we ever get an LRT/skytrain type of system - I'd like to see similar style used for any at grade or above ground stations.

Btw; I too remember when the arrivals area was this very low ceiling cramped area. If you had about 200 people in there (which was more than typical at Christmas) it felt like you'd be crushed. If I look back on my thoughts of the airport then and now; I never would've dreamed this airport would've grown like this. I look forward to the next expansions of the airport. As it turns out, my friend Benji and his dad are the architects behind much of the airport's current design. They have it on their website - which isn't really well designed but has a slide show of their work. They designed the new domestic arrivals area - where you come down the escolator onto the ground floor - which is so lovely with it's natural light!

Nycum & Associates

[macgregor]

Year Six of Airfield Restoration Program Starts Monday

August 6, 2010

The 2010 portion of the Airfield Restoration Program at Halifax Stanfield International Airport is set to begin Monday, August 9, 2010. The project will be completed in phases to minimize the impact on airfield operations.

This is the sixth year of Halifax International Airport Authority’s Airfield Restoration Program and will focus on three of the airport’s taxiways. The work is vital to maintaining the integrity and operation of these taxiways that have reached the end of their lifecycle, and the improvements will help improve safety and reliability.

Due to the location of the work on the taxiways, Runway 05/23 will be unavailable weekly from Monday at 7 a.m. until Saturday at 4 p.m. from August 9 until October 3, with the exception of the Labour Day long weekend. Runway 14/32 will remain fully operational during this time.

Following extensive research, consultation and weather analysis, the construction schedule was developed to minimize the risk of impacts on flights from weather conditions such as high winds or low visibility. The work is planned through to mid-October when the risk of weather impacts is reduced. However, unusual weather conditions may occur that would have the potential to impact flight schedules and create delays.

Phase 1 – August 9 to September 3 – Taxiway Delta (short)
This phase of construction on Taxiway Delta will include milling asphalt surfaces, removing slate fill, reconstructing base materials and asphalt paving; reconstructing existing stabilized shoulders; replacing edge drainage system; and replacement of the taxiway edge lighting system.

Phase 2 – September 7 to October 2 – Taxiways Echo, Foxtrot and Golf
During this phase of construction on Taxiways Echo and Golf, work will include milling asphalt surfaces, removing slate fill, reconstructing base materials and asphalt paving; reconstructing existing stabilized shoulders; replacing edge drainage system; and replacement of taxiway edge lighting and centerline inset lighting. Although no work will be done on Taxiway Foxtrot, it will be closed during this construction phase because of its proximity to Echo and Golf Taxiways.

Phase 3 – October 4 to 16 – Taxiways Echo, Foxtrot and Golf
Work will continue on portions of Taxiways Echo and Golf that will enable Runway 05/23 to reopen, although Taxiway Foxtrot will remain closed.

Not all work originally planned for year six will be done in 2010. Restoration work on taxiways Delta (long) and Foxtrot will be deferred until 2011 to facilitate a NAVCANADA project completed this summer to replace the instrument landing system on Runway 14/32. The remaining work to be done next year on the taxiways will have minimal impact on airport operations.

Following a competitive tendering process, this year’s work was awarded to Dexter Construction Company Limited, part of the Municipal Group of Companies of Bedford, Nova Scotia. Total funding for the 2010 program is $7 million.

[fenwick16]

I wonder when they will start the actual 4/23 runway extension - they plan to extend to about 10,000 feet (that would leave more room for safety for jumbo jets). It was mentioned in the allnovascotia a few weeks ago and is in their masterplan - http://www.hiaa.ca/images/pdf_files/...%20Summary.pdf . From what I remember reading, I think that they are trying to get some federal funding for it through the Atlantic Gateways funding.

I wish Hiaa would go back to their old website format - the new one just seems cluttered and information is difficult to find without thoroughly searching. It seems like many organizations change their website just for the sake of making changes - kind of like Microsoft - once a software application becomes too easy to use then they change it to something that is frustrating to use.

[halifaxboyns]

I have to say that one of the joy's of coming home to Halifax (when I visit) is the airport. So many big city airports don't seem to have a theme or a sense of the community. Yes, you can have volunteers dressing a certain way (like here in calgary with the volunteer's in white hats); but it's more than people in a tartan vest.

Halifax's airport has a sense of it's community, at least for me. It uses what seems to be a growing architectural theme in Halifax, certain wood accents (such as the panels) and large flowing glass to enjoy the sunlight.

Vancouver has done a good job of that by using the idea of earth, sea and sky and having native art included as well. I'm not sure if native art could be added to HIAA, but I would enjoy it. While I hope that YHZ will continue to grow, I don't want it to grow too big and turn into huge over the top airport that has no real sense of connection with the city it serves!

[planarchy]

Originally Posted by halifaxboyns

I have to say that one of the joy's of coming home to Halifax (when I visit) is the airport. So many big city airports don't seem to have a theme or a sense of the community. Yes, you can have volunteers dressing a certain way (like here in calgary with the volunteer's in white hats); but it's more than people in a tartan vest.

Halifax's airport has a sense of it's community, at least for me. It uses what seems to be a growing architectural theme in Halifax, certain wood accents (such as the panels) and large flowing glass to enjoy the sunlight.

Vancouver has done a good job of that by using the idea of earth, sea and sky and having native art included as well. I'm not sure if native art could be added to HIAA, but I would enjoy it. While I hope that YHZ will continue to grow, I don't want it to grow too big and turn into huge over the top airport that has no real sense of connection with the city it serves!

I get your point, but YHZ still misses the mark. Big improvement yes, but still not a great renovation. Everytime I come through, I find all the finishes look really cheap - especially in international arrival/customs area.

We should be looking to Scandinavian airports for inspiration. They do a great job of using warm tones through wood and stone, as well as mimicking traditional building forms.

Copenhagen Airport:

[Source: [http://www.worldchanging.com/]


[Source: http://www.prettypop.net/photos/]


Keflavik International Airport in Iceland:

[Source: Flickr]


[Source: Flickr]

[halifaxboyns]

I guess the issue you'd need to look at is what exactly is Halifax's style? We'd need to define it better than just certain materials, colours and forms.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by planarchy

I get your point, but YHZ still misses the mark. Big improvement yes, but still not a great renovation. Everytime I come through, I find all the finishes look really cheap - especially in international arrival/customs area.

We should be looking to Scandinavian airports for inspiration. They do a great job of using warm tones through wood and stone, as well as mimicking traditional building forms.



[Source: Flickr]

I hope our library interiors turn out like these ^

However unlikely this may be.

[fenwick16]

Originally Posted by planarchy

I get your point, but YHZ still misses the mark. Big improvement yes, but still not a great renovation. Everytime I come through, I find all the finishes look really cheap - especially in international arrival/customs area.

We should be looking to Scandinavian airports for inspiration. They do a great job of using warm tones through wood and stone, as well as mimicking traditional building forms.

Again you make an ideological statement that is completely devoid of any consideration of cost. I believe Iceland is essentially bankrupt - is this the model that you feel the HRM should follow? I think that the HIAA did a great job by getting the most for the budget that it had available. Their objective was a financially responsible design, not revolutionary design at any cost as it seems is your desire.

The Copenhagen Airport design that you show is, in my opinion, an expensive waste of available space and money.

[halifaxboyns]

I don't know if I full agree or disagree with you on this one Fenwick.

One issue I notice when I fly home during the Christmas rush is there the hold rooms are getting cramped; especially during peak times. It also seems (it might just be perception) that the walking areas are a little cramped too. So I don't think having more room for people to walk from the gates etc. is a bad idea.

Certainly Toronto's terminal is an example of a huge space with such a huge roof on the central domestic concourse. Does Halifax need something like that? Maybe in the future if the airport keeps growing - but probably not now.

Cost will always be a factor for a project and they need to get the most bang for the buck. I suspect as the airport grows, it will change with that growth. But for me; I rather enjoy the fact that it has a particular Nova Scotia charm to it, at least for me. I still miss driving out with friends for a coffee and watch the airplanes. Yeah, I can do that here in Calgary (and see bigger aircraft) but it's not the same without my pals back home.