Electronic technology has a considerable effect on Manchester Airport as an organisation and also in individuals
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF MANCHESTER AIRPORT
Manchester Airport plc's vision is:
"Manchester airport aims is to be the airport of choice - internationally recognised by airlines and tour operators as the partner in the development of their business"
The vision includes working with others. This means customers, service partners and employees. It also means the local community. As well as regional and national bodies that have an interest in what the airport does. The airport also works in partnership with other companies and organisation, where appropriate, and where is added value to be gained. Many of this organization also deliver services to passenger.
Strategy /business plan
Manchester airport plc's strategy is aimed at continuning growth in its network of services. This wil include new destinations and added frequencies to provide the region with the best possible quality of services a competitive fares. The company places great emphasis on the development of ground and air feeder services, and on the provision of first class transfer facilities, so that they maximise its hubbing capability. The airport will argue for the removal of artifical constraints on its growth, such as the bilateral air services agreements. The airport will also pursue new business opportunities, where they have particular skills and a competitive advantage, and where they can make these profitable.
Key objectives
Manchester airport plc's key objectives for the next decade are to:
Increase passenger traffic by:
2 Developing domestic and short-haul international scheduled services
3 Protecting and increasing Manchester airport's share of the inclusive tour and charter market
4 Reduce charges to airlines
5 Increase retail revenue
6 Improve utilisation of capital assets.
BUSINESS ACITIVITY
The Product of Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is a service company. Its products are mainly the facilities it provides e.g. the runways and terminals and also the services it offers to its customers i.e. the airlines.
The Airport Company acts as landlord and guardian of the whole site - providing the infrastructure and main facilities e.g. roads, drains, phones, runways and terminals. Its income comes from the charges and costs for using the facilities e.g. airlines pay for the runway, handling agents pay for ticket desks and shopkeepers pay rent.
The Airport Company is also responsible for:
Marketing and promoting the Airport brand
2 Lobbying Government and other authorities
3 Environmental standards
4 Ensuring a safe and efficient Airport.
Products for Airlines and Tour Operators
Manchester Airport offers products and services directly to airlines and tour operators, and in other cases acts as landlord and regulator of services for the may private companies that make the Airport diverse.
Runways
Manchester Airport has two runways, each 3,050 meters in length. Runways need to be this length to enable aircraft of all sizes and weights to land and take off safely. They operate in segregated mode, which means one runway is used for take offs and the other for landings.
Passenger Facilities
In order to process passengers through the Airport, Manchester Airport plc provides facilities such as check-in desks, baggage handling systems and a number of high street retail outlets.
Security
With the exception of Hold Baggage Screening, Manchester Airport Aviation Services (MAAS) is responsible for the aviation security service at the Airport in areas of access control, searching and screening of passengers and baggage, and ensuring that the Airport complies with legislation and guidelines issued by the Department for Transport and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Hand baggage may be checked at any time within the Airport area, as part of the Airport's visitor security policy.
The US Federal Aviation Authority stipulates that all passengers on flights with US-based carries have an extra security screening. This may be carried out at check-in or at the gate immediately before boarding.
Aircraft Parking
Manchester Airport provides facilities for aircraft to park whilst on the ground. There are over 40 airbridges, providing easy access from terminals to aircraft for on loading and off loading passengers. There is also provision for embarkation and disembarkation on remote stands, accessed by airport buses, giving a choice of the standard of service to airlines.
To reduce the use of jets' auxiliary units there are fixed and mobile electrical ground power units available for the use of aircraft whilst in stand.
Changes are levied for aircraft parking according to weight and size of aircraft.
Air Traffic Control
The majority of air traffic control services in the UK are provided by National Air Traffic Services (NATS). The main centre for this is at Swannick in Hampshire. Although some Airports do employ their own Air Traffic controllers, this is unusual.
Manchester Airport us unique in the UK because as well as handling flights into and out of Manchester it's also the site of an area control centre which manages traffic flying over the region.
Office and Check-In Facilities
Most airlines at Manchester Airport use companies known as handling agents to check-in their passengers. The handling agent attaches a bar-coded luggage label to each piece of luggage, which contains information specific to the passenger and enables the bag to be loaded on the correct aircraft and tracked to its destination.
Check-in staff
Exmanie tickets and passports; weigh and label luggage to be stowed in the aircraft hold.
2 Check hand baggage is within the allowed dimensions and weight.
3 Allocate seats and issue boarding cards with the details ...
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Office and Check-In Facilities
Most airlines at Manchester Airport use companies known as handling agents to check-in their passengers. The handling agent attaches a bar-coded luggage label to each piece of luggage, which contains information specific to the passenger and enables the bag to be loaded on the correct aircraft and tracked to its destination.
Check-in staff
Exmanie tickets and passports; weigh and label luggage to be stowed in the aircraft hold.
2 Check hand baggage is within the allowed dimensions and weight.
3 Allocate seats and issue boarding cards with the details of each passenger's seat number.
4 Undertake initial security screening of passengers.
Linked computer software allows airlines and handling agents to identify, share and check information about passengers and baggage.
Work is currently being undertaken by Manchester Airport plc to enhance the facilites available to airlines and tour operators.
The Airport charges a passenger load supplement for the use of check-in facilities.
Baggage Handling
Manchester Airport's baggage handling system is one of the most sophisticated in the world. There are three systems running concurrently. These are:
Baggage reconciliation
2 Baggage sortation IATA code reading
3 The hold baggage security screening system.
£25 million has been allocated to upgrade operations over a number of years to ensure that the Airport has the facilities to handle the expected growth in passenger numbers.
Fuelling of Aircraft
the Airport has an underground fuelling network through which four companies fuel aircraft. All of the fuel is piped in directly from Stanlow Oil refinery, near Ellesmere Port. The Airport charges a fuel throughput charge for the use of its network.
Fire Service
As at any major airport the Fire service is an essential element pf support provided to airlines in emergency situations. Manchester Airport's Rescue and Fire Fighting Service is required to provide an instant response to incidents. The 130-storng Fire Service Team uses the most up-to-date fire fighting equipment available in the aviation world.
Aeronautical Engineering Hangars
The hangars provide space to enable airlines to maintain and repair their fleets; interestingly they are busier during the winter months than on the summer
Cleaning
Cleaning a site as large and complex as the Airport is a challenging task, which is subcontracted to specialist contract cleaners. There are currently three main contracts which typically run for three years, they are:
Terminal 3 - integrated cleaning and window cleaning contract
2 Terminal 1 & 2 and rest f site - cleaning only
3 Terminal 1 & 2 and remainder - window cleaning only
Information technology
Manchester Airport has always been a leader in the development and utilization of information technology to enhance al aspects of services to customers. The Airport Management and Operations Support System (AMOSS) is one example of the use of IT.
Commercial or Non-aviation Income
Only aviation income is regulated by the competition Commission and therefore, the Airport has more flexibility to develop other ways of increasing its income whilst at the same time improving the experience of its customers. For the public, travelling or not, other products are offered to ensure that their experience of the Airport is first class.
Income from commercial sources, such as shops has risen dramatically over the last few years and is not almost equal to that from aviation activities.
Retail Outlets
Manchester Airport hosts a huge variety of shops, from familiar names to exclusive retailers. Landside shops are open to everyone, but those beyond outbound security control are for passengers only, because they offer tax-free and duty-free goods.
Catering
Manchester Airport houses many catering outlets, including a number with household names such as Burger King and Harry Ramsden.
Advertising
There are many different opportunities available on site for advertising products, promotional campaigns for developing brand awareness. Airport Advertising manages the sites and charges a rent for the space.
Car Parks
The airport's only direct charge to the general public is through its car parks which provide a significant source of income.
Aviation Security Training
Manchester Airport has a world wide reputation for excellence in developing security training programmes.
Construction/New Development
The Airport must approve any new developments, such as hotels, and a fee is negotiated for use of the land.
Tour Centre
Manchester Airport has a Tour Centre in Terminal 1. This is managed by The Aviation Society and has staff of trained guides who lead educational tours for groups of all ages, providing a structured and informative introduction of life at the Airport .
Aviation Viewing Park
Spectacular views can also be seen from the Aviation Viewing Park, which is managed by the Bollin Valley Rangers.
Education
The variety of activities and vibrant of the Airport helps stimulate exciting ideas fir educational projects. Over the years, the Airport's educational officer has worked with many of the 3,000 schools and a large number of collages in the immediate catchments area of greater Manchester and Cheshire, as well as others through out the north of England and Wales.
NHS Walk-in Centre
This is a one-stop drop in centre for travellers, other visitors to the Airport and the local community to ask immediate health related questions.
Occupational health Unit
The centre provides pre-employment medicals for staff working at the Airport and CAA medicals for air crew as well as providing confidential support and advice to employees.
Petrol stations
The Airport owns and manages two petrol stations on site, these are part of MAVL
Ownership
Manchester Airport is a branded web site of Advanced Travel Partners (UK) Ltd (ATP), ATOL no 5017, ABTA no 54570 , IATA no. 9124901-2. This site, and each of its modules, is the copyrighted property of Advanced Travel Partners (UK) Ltd and/or its various third party providers and distributors. Much of the content found on this site is owned by third party providers and distributors. None of the content or data found on this site may be reproduced, sold, transferred, or modified without the express written permission of Advanced Travel Partners (UK) Ltd and/or its third party providers and distributors.
Level 2
It's extremely important to set aims and objectives for the business to make profit, to provide a service, to be charitable, to maximise profits, to win a larger share of the market by taking over a rival company and to ensure services reach those in most need.
Business need to strike a balance between their objectives. E.g. Manchester Airport aim is to provide a good service, with height levels of customer satisfaction and efficient use of resources. However, they must also meet tight financial targets as well as to be the Airport of choice.
Manchester Airport has been successful in achieving these aims as :
Level 3
Airports increasingly present a major infrastructure constraint to meeting the demand for air travel. Airport development often conflicts with other policy objectives and is becoming a highly contentious topic. This seminar aims to address a number of key issues of interest to airport planners and managers and those formulating airport policy.
I think they should have Measures to expand airport capacity, which will be considered in relation to both terminals and runways and the interaction with surface transport.
Economic and environmental issues will be interpreted. The implications of airline strategies for airports will be addressed, with particular reference to changing patterns of passenger demand and airline operations. In this way the Airport would attract more and more passengers to use the Airport.
The Use of ICT
Electrical Technology and Communication
The rapid rise in the development and use of electronic technology in recent years has affected communication system to a marked degree. At Manchester airport electronic communication systems are being increasingly used and the Airport has introduced computer system and electronic equipment to improve both internal and external communication.
Electronic Communication Methods used at Manchester Airport
Computer Reservation System
Contain information on customer details, availability of tickets, flights and accommodation.
Computer Network
Staff can access other computers or one central computer within the same network. It is possible for information to be centrally stored, such as advanced booking figures, so that other users can access this information. Also computer systems are also used to analyse customer comments, allocate check-in desks, and to provide a range of management information and statistics.
Airport Management and Operations Support System (AMOSS)
AMOSS is the only airport-wide IT system, which has been specifically developed for Manchester Airport. It is used to record details of all flight movements at the Airport.
Flight Information Display System (FIDS)
FIDS assembles information from AMOSS for distribution to the many staff and public display screens in and around the Airport. In the terminals this information is displayed on the monitors showing departures and arrivals times.
Public Address System
These are used to give information to passengers and employees on an as hoc basis or on programmed basis to communicate.
Access Control Systems
These are used to ensure only authorised personnel ate given access to various parts of the Airport.
Programmable Logical controller
This moves baggage form the check-in hall to the sortation hall.
Baggage reconciliation System
This is a security system that allows a positive check to be made, to ensure that if a passenger checks in with baggage the passenger actually boards the aircraft.
Baggage Sortation IATA Code Reading
This is a different system to baggage reconciliation and an approved global industry standard for baggage labelling and sortation. It provides for a unique barcode of each piece of luggage.
00% Hold Baggage Screening
A security automatically checks each and every piece of baggage for suspicious objects before it is loaded onto an aircraft.
Planned Maintenance System
This is used to control work, both planned and reactive of engineering maintenance staff (over 200 in number) employed by Manchester Airport Aviation Services (MAAS), as well as the activities of various sub contractors for building maintenance, cleaning, and window cleaning and insurance inspections.
Building Management System
This is used to monitor and control the condition of items of plant. This can be in the form of keeping the temperature at 21 degrees in a particular area, reading electricity meters and issuing bills or turning half the lights off at a set time to save energy. There are over 20,000 points on the system.
Manchester Airport Noise and Tracking Information System (MANTIS)
The Airport' Noise Monitoring System is designed to register all aircraft noise at 16 monitoring points around the Airport. Information is picked up by local microphones and relayed to the central computer where it is stored and compared with details of flight movement.
Automated Payment for Car Parking
This controls access and payment for the many car parks at the Airport. The system involves payment at automatic pay stations and the use of magnetic cards by Airport staff and contractors.
X-rays
X-rays are used to screen both hand and luggage and luggage to be stored in the hold of aircraft, to detect prohibited items.
Archway Metal Detectors
Passengers and employees walk through archway metal detectors (AMDs) when moving from landside to airside. They are calibrated at a level set by the department for Transport to detect metal. This helps to detect guns and any remote control bomb to avoid crashes and arrest criminals
SMS Flight Information Service
This service allows mobile phone users to receive real-time updates about their chosen flight directly to their phone by SMS text message. The service makes it easier for the customer to know more information about his flight.
The Impact of Electronic technology
Electronic technology has a considerable effect on Manchester Airport as an organisation and also in individuals within the organisation. These include:
Increase the speed of communications. The Airport uses the Flight Information Displays Screens to keep passengers up to date with flight information and the computer reservation system enable staff to give clients immediate confirmation of flight and hotel bookings.
2 Improved accuracy. The implementation of an innovative technology package now enables the Airport to trace baggage all around the world and the Airport's computer network enables accurate booking details to be sent to customers.
3 Improved reliability. Not only is there reliable information which can be accessed, such as in the computer reservation system, but answering machines and fax machines do not take sick leave and holidays and Email can be sent at any time.
4 Improved productivity. Bookings can be taken more speedily for the customer on the computerised reservation system on-line via the Airport website on the Internet and, therefore, savings can be made if there is increased productivity.
5 Improved access to information. The computer reservation system allows computer users, as part of the network, to access accurate and up-to-date information, via the website, more readily, and thus make the right decisions and be able to answer customer queries.
ICT support
Information Service Department has to serve IT requirement of the business and to work with all their customers, both internal and external. The department is also responsible uninterrupted, safe and successful operation.
The department major task is to ensure that new and existing IT infrastructure is running efficiently.
Manchester airport information system (MAISY), airport staffs are working closely with the supplier, jujitsu, to ensure a cost effective solution which meets the business need.
Projects like SMS, enables anyone with a moral phone to request information about a particular flight and receive text message on their phone about its current state.
Manchester airport intranet is available, via kiosks in rest rooms to all employees without immediate access to a pc
The airport has established specific standards for airport wide applications of
Hardware and software
It security
It has the responsibility for monitoring the physical and logical security of hard and soft ware.
Aviation security
The aim of aviation security is to safe guard passengers, creed, ground personal and the general public from acts of unlawful interference with civil aviation.
In the UK this is the responsibility of the Department for Transport (DFT). It establishes policy for UR civil aviation security promotes international standards and maintains the security of the British aircraft through out the world
The DFT uses security measures in 3 ways
Statuary issues which are enforceable by law.
2 Recommended guidelines, issued by the DFT
3 Advice circulars
Airport security passes
This is managed by MAAS, using specially adapted software, security passes are giving to all employees.
Security screening
Manchester airport has a state of the art system for the screening of bags for explosives devices; it is designed to ensure the maximum security within the shortest time.
In level 1, all bags pass through a screening devise which automatically takes an x-ray of the bag and its continents, the process takes 4 seconds. At this stage 65% of bags are cleared.
At level 2, bags follow a straight path to the next screening device which works similarly to the devise in the hospital, bags go backwards and forwards, so that the devise can take enough pictures of the bag and ensure that its safe. At this stage 25% of the remaining bags need a further inspection which will need the innovations of a human who will search the bag and make sure that it's safe. Operators are trained to look for certain signs of explosives, e.g. "heavy items". If the operator is unsure about the contents of the bag, a level 4 security occurs. Here the bag is removed and reunited with the passenger. A baggage is searched by an aviation security officer in the passenger presence. If the passenger doesn't come forward, then a level 5 internal explosives devise (LED) in bag procedure is put into effect and the bomb disposal team will be called
It is always assumed that the customers of any airport are the passengers, however in Manchester airport the main customers are the airlines with passengers. There are also some main customers in the customers chain, this may include:
* Tour operators
* Travel agents
* Service partners
* Employees
* General public
* Meters and greeters
The airport is used mainly for travelling. However customers in Manchester airport use the airport to shop and eat. Others use it as recreation facility, such as plane spotting.
Manchester airport has lots of competitors, the competitors can be the organization that offer a different form of travel destination of a different departure point. Examples of competitors are:
* Coach, bus and rail service offer competition to Manchester airport as they provide a different means of transport, people may prefer their service because it's cheaper. also most coach, bus and rail services have departure point in or around town or in city centre. Manchester airport offer speed, they work hard to provide easy access through bus, coach, rail facilities and metro link in the near future.
* In overseas competition, other airport organizations offer alternative routes to passengers, many other airlines espially other European airlines show a preference to London airports and therefore Manchester airport has to make a good case for airlines to fly into Manchester.
* The Manchester airport market service with the help of Greater Manchester Local Authorities Airport run international advertising and marketing campaigns with the hope of this would bring more passengers to fly to Manchester.
Economic condition can also have an effect on the airport's performance. The strength of the British currency, pound sterling, against other currencies convince people from UKto travel abroad. This is because they get more of the foreign currency and therefore their holidays would be easier and cheaper.
Employment conditions have a great effect and can be a greater factor in people's travel planes. In present time there is close to full employment in the UK and therefore people have more money to spend on travelling abroad.
The events of 11th of September had a great effect on the airports as more and more people were not willing to travel abroad at all because of the fear that the plane might get targeted by an anti air missile or the plane itself might be driven by a terrorist or somebody has a remote assistance over the plane. All theses reduced the number of passengers willing to travel abroad and so airlines' profit like Manchester Airport profit fell by a dramatic amount.
Growth at Manchester airport has been limited by the oppositions of the British Government to an open skies policy which affected the growth of Manchester airport . Manchester airport needs restrictions to be left by the government I order to be able to competieon equal terms with other airports. This issue is currently under consideration by the European parliament and European courts.
The airport's development strategy to 2015 sets out of land use efficiency. Limits have been placed on the physical spread of the airport site.