Airside International talked exclusively to Ing. Ľubomír Krupár, Executive Director of Airport Sliač Inc, to find out more about the airport’s development plans and associated infrastructure budgets to meet predicted higher traffic demands.
Q: Sliač airport was reopened for civil air traffic in June 2011 after two years of renovation work. Can you briefly outline what work was carried out?
A: There were two phases of renovation works at the airport. The first focused mainly on upgrading the runway, tower control and navigational lighting systems. Following completion of the initial phase, under the auspices of both NATO and the Slovakia Ministry of Defence, the second phase concentrated on the civilian infrastructure of the airport, e.g. public parking areas (extension to 150 spaces), building foundations for the new passenger departure terminal and refurbishment of the Apron.
Q: As part of this infrastructure activity, was there any specific investment and activity in terms of the ramp, airside and airfield operations at Sliač?
From 2009 to 2011, investment was made in renovating and extending the Apron area, which resulted in two additional aircraft stands. As a result, specific rules were also introduced for combined military and civil flying operations. The Apron surface was refurbished and extended so we could provide ground handling services for four large aircraft simultaneously. This represented the central investment activity although navigational lighting systems also benefited from restoration. Regrettably there was insufficient investment available to improve our Ground Support Equipment (GSE), which is a limiting factor for our development aspirations.
Q: As holiday charter flights are the main focus, rather than scheduled services, can you provide any passenger numbers that departed Sliač during 2011?
A: After the airport reopening, we recorded a historical success in both passenger numbers and aircraft movements. During the 2011 charter summer season, which lasted from 16 June to 21 September, we provided handling services to 3 airlines covering a total of 55 flights. Compared to the most successful charter season in 2007, this represents a 100% growth increase, which is impressive. During the summer months, there were over 15,000 passengers handled by our airport flying on aircraft such as A320, B737-800, B737-400 and MD82. It was a busy but successful season!
Q: Compared to 2011, what traffic growth are you expecting in 2012?
A: Looking at the success of last year, we have started to execute our proactive marketing plans relating to our 2012 traffic growth forecast. We have already scheduled slots for 120 charter flights to two new destinations so we are again predicting a steep rise in traffic, perhaps by as much as 100%. We recognise that we need to schedule flight services in winter to cater for ski tourism in Slovakia as well as operating regular flights to some of the aviation hubs in the EU. There is no doubt that further potential exists, such as Sliač – Vienna, but unfortunately this routing proposal failed to materialize for a number of reasons.
Q: Do you manage ground handling services directly or is it contracted out?
A: Airport Sliač Inc directly manages handling services for air carriers, as part of our operations.
Q: Typically, what is the range of aircraft you support on the ground? And is this on a 24/7 basis or not?
A: During a charter season we mainly support A320, B737-800 or B737-400. Beside these we support all types of aircraft within general aviation. Our operations are assessed and certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Slovakia. At present, we provide ground handling support from Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1800. All other days and times can be satisfied, if requested by airlines.
Q: In general terms, looking at 2012 and your ramp, airside and airfield operations, will there be any increase in procurement budgets?
A: Our procurement budget has been increased which will help to expand our capacities and infrastructure. With the help of the Ministry of Transport of Slovakia, there will be a new build departure terminal (scheduled completion in July 2012) as well as a second refuelling tank, new dollies, belt and water-toilet tank for emptying aircraft.
Q: Overall, if the number of flights and traffic are increasing, presumably that has a knock-on effect on the ramp, airside and airfield operations/levels/numbers as well as infrastructure and the surrounding areas?
A: That is a good question. We believe that is the case given the Apron extension and the new departure terminal, which will expand our larger aircraft handling. This positions us well to easily manage traffic growth during the next two years. However, we have identified that we need to provide additional information and services for passengers, as well as extra parking spaces and renovating our GSE and emergency fire equipment.
We are planning further growth during the next two years that will enable the departure terminal to handle 600 passengers. There are possible options in EU structural funds, which may yield financial support.
Q: How many hi-lifts and loaders do you have? Are these mainly for catering, baggage and cargo?
A: We mainly use two forklifts for baggage and cargo. Catering loads are handled by an external company and although there were no major delays last charter season, we would like to add supplementary loaders for the new season to ensure a smooth uninterrupted service.
Q: Do you prefer buying, leasing or renting loaders?
A: We are open to all options but historically secondhand equipment was purchased. Our objective is to source the best and not the cheapest option.
Q: Are you planning to procure more GSE in 2012?
A: At present, we are assessing our GSE inventory. Our aim is to ensure that our operations are deployed safely and ideally without delays.
Q: Are there any specific operational/performance criteria that influence your procurement choices?
A: We work within established aviation business rules but specifically we target the following: achieving Airport Handling Manual (AHM) requirements; contract price and contractor authorisation to provide GSE business in EU.
Q: What is the daily schedule for runway sweeping and does this change with different weather conditions? Does the runway surface demand any special treatment or type of sweeper?
A: Sliač consists of a runway, parallel and connecting taxiways. The runway, comprising a cement-concrete surface, is 2400m long and 57m wide. Sliač is a joint civilian/military airport operated under the framework of a contract between the Airport Authority and the Ministry of Defence. As the Air Force has its base at Sliač, it is responsible for runway sweeping in line with ICAO requirements deploying standard equipment and operation.
Our Airport company sweeps only one taxiway (200x22m) and Apron (136x145m, 8 stands) with common equipment and treatment.
Q: What are the worst months for snowfall and are runways ever closed during winter?
A: The Slovakian winter lasts from December to mid-March; the worst month is January. Because the airport is both civil/military, there are very strict rules and conditions to keep runways clear throughout the year (24/7) for military traffic.
Q: How many snow sweepers do you have?
A: We have one sweeper; one heavy snow plough; two light snow ploughs connected to tractors; one snow blower and one de-icing chemical detergent tank sprayer.
Q: Do you prefer buying outright, leasing or renting?
A: Given that the price of snow equipment is very expensive and that winter in Slovakia lasts for three months, we would prefer leasing.
Q: Are you planning to add more snow equipment this year?
A: We are planning to buy two new multi-functional heavy tractors with the option to be coupled to a snow blower and de-icing tank sprayer. A second tractor would have the capability to deploy both a snow plough and snow sweeper.
Q: Are you planning to procure more airfield signs in 2012?
A: There are no current plans.
Q: In terms of Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL), any upgrade plans in the pipeline?
A: Yes there were previous plans to upgrade both taxiway and apron edge lights in March 2012. However, initial steps are already underway so the upgrade is now progressing. Our main supplier company is Transcon Ltd from the Czech Republic.
Q: Is the AGL authorised for CAT I or II?
A: Our airport is certified for CAT I with precision instrument landing system.
Q: Can you provide a brief description of the current AGL set-up?
A: In terms of RWY 36: Portable Airfield Light Set (PALS), Flashing Lighted Guidance Tube (FLG LGT), Runway Edge Lights (REDL), Runway Threshold Lights (RTHL), Runway End Lights (RENL), threshold identification flashing lights, vertical lighting marks of distance to the end of RWY in multiple of 1000ft, vertical lighting marks of place and direction TWY A,C,D,E.
Information vertical lighting marks (black dot on yellow background) location of Barrier Arrestor Kit – BAK12.
The following apply to RWY 18: Short Approach Lighting Systems (SALS), REDL, RTHL, RENL, vertical lighting marks of distance to the end of RWY in multiple of 1000ft, vertical lighting marks of place and direction TWY C,B, A.
Information vertical lighting marks (black dot on yellow background) location of Barrier Arrestor Kit – BAK12.
Q: How long has the baseline AGL been in operation? Who was the supplier?
A: The baseline AGL has been in operation since 2009. The supplier was selected by the Ministry of Defence following a public tender as a component part of runway reconstruction during 2009 – 2010.
Q: Are there any specific operational factors that influence your AGL infrastructure?
A: The service is divided between our airport company (RWY C and Apron) and the Ministry of Defence (RWY, TWY A, B, D). The power supply is sourced from a common point including an alternate power supply.
Q: Do you prefer buying AGL outright?
A: Given the basis of co-operation between military and civilian operations, we do prefer an outright purchase.
Q: Do you operate any electric vehicles?
A: We have two electric aircraft steps for passengers and two electric towing vehicles for baggage trolleys.
Q: How do you source these vehicles?
A: We are currently working with a Slovak company which is reconstructing and renovating older electric equipment, some of which is more than 10 years old. This company is well-known and they offer the benefits of flexibility and realistic costs.
As I said earlier, given the traffic growth forecast this year, it is clear that we require more equipment. We have no option but to acquire a set of towing passenger steps, as well as renovating and reconstructing our current two pairs of steps to be compatible within the limits of the AHM. The top platform requires enlargement to enable sufficient width and depth to open and close the aircraft door without obstruction and with safety rails deployed.
Q: Finally, what are your environmental objectives in 2012?
A: Our plan this year centres on four targets: 1. To only source environmentally friendly de-icing chemical detergents. 2. To only use environmentally friendly materials in snow conditions. 3. Following the Soviet Army’s legacy of chemicals left in the ground, we will conduct certificated procedures in soil remediation. 4. Infrastructure modernisation of new departure terminal to include energy saving initiatives.
