Archive for category Airports
Marcellus Shale and Airports: New Economic Opportunities
Posted by in Airports on September 23, 2011
There is little doubt that Marcellus Shale exploration offers great economic opportunities for businesses and developers throughout the Marcellus Shale play. Oil and gas producers and support companies are investing a great deal into leases, drilling, development and other infrastructure improvement. Airports must be prepared to take advantage of these opportunities as well.
Airports: Focal Point for Economic Development
Because airports are typically located on large tracts of land and are near major highways, they are ideal properties on which to locate Marcellus Shale drilling or related support facilities. Natural gas companies also typically fly their employees into the region on a regular basis, making the airport a prime focal point for other developmental activities. These companies may need land for the development of hangars and corporate office space, and airports can offer that land and the capabilities to aid the natural gas companies in their development plans. These opportunities could lead to hangar construction and other related development such as small business parks on or near an airport property, with the airport as the central focus area.
For airports to succeed in capitalizing on the Marcellus Shale industry, they must successfully balance plans for airport operational needs with the designation of land that could be used for Marcellus Shale development or drilling.
While most airports have an approved Airport Layout Plan, it is very doubtful that the Plan took into account non-aviation related development such as those that will be required as a part of the Marcellus Shale boom. An Airport Business Plan is essential to help the airport manage its existing assets while taking advantage of any development opportunities. An Airport Business Plan can provide development guidelines, sample leases, minimum standards and other required information to ensure a level playing field for all types of development.
Additional Help Exists for Airports
Working with a professional aviation consultant can help airports navigate the many obstacles that can come with Marcellus Shale development. Aviation consultants can work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the State Department of Aviation to ensure that all Sponsor Grant Assurances are being met while helping the airport meet the needs of the developer. It is extremely important to involve the consultant and the funding agencies early on in the process to ensure a smooth, stress-free process to improving the airport’s revenue stream through Marcellus Shale drilling and/or development. When choosing a consultant, look for the following capabilities:
* Airport business planning
* Funding agency coordination and approvals
* Marketing plan initiatives
* Aviation development plans
* Regulatory compliance to expedite permit approvals and minimize project delays Read the rest of this entry »
Traveller Guide to Luxor and Alexandria Airports
Posted by in Airports on September 23, 2011
Travelling to Egypt is something that can be gone about in a number of different ways. Given its geographical location there are many ports – meaning it is easily accessible as part of a cruise or a ferry crossing from Europe – and additionally, there are plenty of airports. Which one you land at will depend very much on where you fly from. For people travelling either to Luxor or Alexandria, it is worth checking ahead to see whether you are near an airport that has flights to your chosen city – or whether you will need connecting public transport.
Borg El Arab Airport
Alexandria has two airports, although at the time of writing Alexandria International Airport is closed to the public while undergoing a major renovation. However, the other, larger aiport – known as Borg El Arab airport – has taken on the traffic that was handled by the Alexandria International. At present, flights into Borg El Arab come mostly from other predominantly Muslim countries, so you may have to change at Istanbul, Dubai or another airport if flying from outside.
Borg El Arab itself has recently undergone an overhaul similar to that which Alexandria International is seeing now – it is now one of the best equipped airports in the region and can handle 1.2 million visitors a year. Its terminal contains a duty-free shop, a franchise food court. Its location is approximately 25 miles, or forty kilometers, from Alexandria city center, a journey which can be undertaken by taxi or by a shuttle bus which takes you directly to the center of Alexandria.
Luxor Airport
Luxor has become one of Africa’s primary tourist destinations over the years and is seen as one of the ideal places for a world historian to visit. As such, it is one of the best-served cities in terms of air transport. Luxor International Airport is capable of handling up to eight million visitors each year, and can be accessed directly from a range of European airports as well as others in the Arabic world. There are also numerous charter airlines which fly into the airport, including one which is based at Luxor itself.
As well as being well-served in terms of flights, Luxor Airport is also well-appointed for the passenger with a range of restaurants and cafes as well as a duty-free shop, a gift shop and a tabac/newsagent among other stores. The airport is located just four miles outside Luxor city center, and the public transportation links available include a 15-minute taxi ride and a shuttle bus service. The bus is known to get crowded at busy times, so you may prefer to take a taxi. However, as is the case throughout the world it is a good idea to negotiate the price with your taxi driver before setting off, for the avoidance of any nasty shocks.
For more information on the history, tourism and attractions of the wonderful country of Egypt, visit Egypt Online Guide. Read the rest of this entry »