AirTrain Newark, the new direct rail link from New York Newark airport to New York City and points across New Jersey, has been averaging 1,500 passengers a day since its opening three months ago. Two million passengers are expected to use the service this year, and this number is expected to eventually increase to more than three million annually. The construction of a second runway at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is being accelerated at the instruction of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). It is now due to be completed in early 2005, after the government's investment was increased by 210 million yuan ($25 million) to 2 billion yuan. Amsterdam Schiphol airport will reduce landing fees for aircraft of over 20t by 4.5% from 1 April to help airlines cope with difficult times following the 11 September terrorist attacks. An 11.5% increase of the Passenger Service Charge had already been postponed on 1 November and this will be continued through 2002 to stimulate travel by air. The main runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has been extended to 2,800m (9,180ft). The next phase of development will see the runway widened by 14m to 60m. The parliament in Belgium has passed a bill allowing the government to privatise the Brussels International Airport Company (BIAC) which runs Brussels Zaventem airport. BIAC is to become a limited company which will allow private capital to participate. The airport real estate, estimated to be worth between g200 and g250 million, will be sold by the government to BIAC. BIAC may buy shares in its future main user Delta Air Transport but BIAC participation would be low key. The construction of India's first private sector international airport has moved a step closer, with the conclusion of a shareholders' agreement paving the way for signing of the final contract. The airport will be located at Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bangalore and is due to be completed in 2005.
Source: Flight International
