London City airport has applied for planning approval to increase the number of aircraft stands and improve runway capacity at the airport as part of a general expansion which is likely to cost more than £30 million ($42.7 million) over the next few years. The moves are part of plans to increase passenger numbers at the inner city airport from today's level of 1.6 million to between 3.5 million and 4 million a year by 2010. Five additional aircraft stands and an aircraft holding area at the end of the runway should be in service by 2003, if planning is approved. The infrastructure improvements will enable London City to fully utilise its ability to double annual aircraft movements to 73,000. Other capital plans for the next three years include expansions of the arrival and departure facilities, new departure piers and a direct rail link. Amsterdam Schipol airport has revealed it is to spend at least €1.36 billion ($1.16 billion) over the next few years to increase capacity. It aims to be able to handle 55 million passengers by 2004 against 34 million today. The cash will provide a new terminal building and enlargement of the existing terminal to provide a total of 112 gates. A fifth runway has already been approved. Despite the political and environmental problems which continue to dog Milan Malpensa airport, operator SEA is now evaluating construction of a third runway. SEA could have a proposal ready for approval early next year. Several options are being considered, ranging from extending a 2,400m (7,850ft) runway up to 3,500m. Adelaide airport in South Australia has moved a step closer to building a new terminal following agreement with airlines over the general user terms. Work is due to start next February for completion by late 2002. Rotterdam airport has started a large-scale renovation of the terminal building. Work is scheduled to be completed by mid-2001.
Source: Flight International
