Study Quantifies Detroit Airport’s Economic Impact

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) generates more than 86,000 jobs and $10.2 billion in total economic impact throughout Michigan, according to a study released January 21st by the University of Michigan–Dearborn and the Wayne County Airport Authority (see the Airport Cities feature profiling the Detroit Region Aerotropolis in the March 2012 issue).

“This study illustrates that the air transportation infrastructure we build and maintain locally has a measurable and beneficial impact throughout southeastern Michigan and beyond,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Thomas Naughton in a press release. “The continued success of our vital airports translates to economic growth and business development that reaches far beyond our terminal walls and runways.”

• DTW annually serves approximately 32 million passengers, including 3.1 million business and leisure travelers who stay in Michigan, benefiting the state’s economy.
• Visitors to the Detroit metro area annually spend about $1.7 billion after arriving through DTW, resulting in an economic impact on the area of $3.2 billion.
• Visitors to Michigan annually spend about $2.7 billion after using DTW as their gateway, which has a $4.9 billion impact on the state’s economy.
• Air transportation creates an economic impact that exceeds $5 billion for Michigan, with $1.7 billion in earnings that support more than 35,000 jobs.
• About 660,000 people travel through DTW to arrange the purchase or sale of Michigan products or services.
• For the 10-county area around metro Detroit, there is a total economic impact of more than $8 billion, which supports more than 72,000 jobs and earnings to these workers and Michigan business owners of more than $2.6 billion.

Paris Orly Development Gets Under Way

Construction began in late 2013 on the Askia building, the first office building at Cœur d’Orly, an urban development project 12 km. (7.5 miles) south of Paris. Aéroports de Paris is the overall project planner and an equal joint investor in the office and retail project with Altarea Cogedim and Foncière des Régions. Phase 1 of the project calls for construction of 160,000 sq. m. (1.7 million sq. ft.) – 70,000 sq. m. (753,480 sq. ft.) of which will be office space. The rest will house retail and lodging tenants. Askia will be 19,500 sq. m. (209,900 sq. ft.), including 1,000 sq. m. (10,760 sq. ft.) of ground-floor retail shops.

Cœur d’Orly is in the 8,400-hectare (20,750-acre) "Orly pole" area and its workforce of 132,000, 28,000 of whom work at Paris Orly Airport. According to its developers, Cœur d’Orly is designed to become a multimodal trading platform on an international scale. It benefits from the influence of nearby centers of excellence and competitiveness clusters and will incorporate Greater Paris, a vast urban development project of national, social and economic importance, combining the main strategic territories in the Île-de-France region.

SFO Recognized for Job Creation

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was named as the winner of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s annual Excellence in Business Awards, known as “Ebbies,” on October 3, 2013. The Airport was honored with the 2013 Kaiser Permanente Economic Development Award for job creation in the area.

“SFO is a powerful economic engine for the region, supporting over 150,000 jobs related to airport activities,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “We are proud to be recognized by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce for our contribution to local economies.”

SFO recently released the results of a study into the airport’s economic impact in 2012, demonstrating that SFO directly accounted for $5.4 billion in business activity supporting 33,580 jobs at the airport. When off-site business activities directly dependent on airport services are included, SFO contributed $31.2 billion in business sales with 153,000 jobs.

In May 2013, SFO unveiled a Capital Improvement Plan, which is expected to generate an additional 36,000 new jobs over the next 10 years. It includes a new control tower, a rendering of which appears below courtesy of Fentress Architects.

New Mumbai Airport Inaugurated

On January 10th, India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and dignitaries and representatives from the private developer, GVK, inaugurated Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2, the new air hub designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Located in the heart of India's financial capital, the new hub adds 4.4 million square feet of space to accommodate 40 million passengers per year operating 24 hours a day.

The new terminal combines international and domestic passenger services under one roof, optimizing terminal operations and reducing passenger walking distances. Inspired by the form of traditional Indian pavilions, the four-story terminal stacks a grand "headhouse," or central processing podium, on top of highly adaptable and modular concourses below. Rather than compartmentalizing terminal functions, three symmetrical concourses radiate outwards from a central processing core and are therefore easily reconfigured to "swing" between serving domestic flights or international flights.

Just as the terminal celebrates a new global, high-tech identity for Mumbai, the structure is imbued with responses to the local setting, history, and culture. "We designed an airport that is intimately connected to its surroundings," explains Roger Duffy, FAIA, Design Partner at SOM. "By subtly incorporating regional patterns and textures at all scales, Terminal 2 resonates with a sense of place and serves as a spectacular symbol for India and Mumbai."

Solar Power To Save KLIA
2.1 Million RM Annually

Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, the operator and manager of Malaysia's 39 airports, and SunEdison, a leading solar technology manufacturer and provider of solar energy services, announced on January 28th the launch of Malaysia's first airport solar power system at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The 19-MW installation — the largest in Malaysia as of interconnection — combines ground-mount, parking canopy and roof-top systems to maximize electricity savings and return on investment while minimizing the use of space.

The solar power installation is expected to save the airport approximately 2.1 million RM (~US$627,000) annually based on current energy costs.

Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad, Malaysia Airports' Managing Director, said, "Malaysia has an ideal climate for solar power and therefore we are taking steps to generate clean energy which will be beneficial to everyone in Malaysia. We are working with SunEdison to ensure our efforts produce the results we expect."

Pratt & Whitney Marks Opening of New MRO and Engineering Facility at Singapore Seletar Aerospace Park

Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp., officially opened Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions, the company's new repair and engineering facility at Singapore's Seletar Aerospace Park, on Feb. 10th. The new flagship facility performs certain PW4000 engine component repair and will house various office support departments, including the company's recently established regional office, and Global Services Engineering – Asia, which provides highly skilled aftermarket repair design for the company's businesses in the Asia Pacific region.

The new Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions unit forms part of Pratt & Whitney's US$110 million investment in Seletar Aerospace Park, where the company is also building a new 180,000 square-foot (16,700-sq.-m.) manufacturing facility to manufacture PurePower® engine hybrid aluminum fan blades and high pressure turbine disks.

"This opening marks a major milestone for Pratt & Whitney and demonstrates our commitment to such an important region for our business," said Pratt & Whitney President Paul Adams. "Pratt & Whitney is proud of its long-standing presence inSingapore, which continues to grow today thanks to its highly trained, technically skilled workforce, and close proximity to our many customers in the Asia Pacific region."

"Singapore has been very proud to work closely with Pratt & Whitney for many years," said Singapore's Minister for Trade & Industry Lim Hng Kiang. "We will continue to support Pratt & Whitney's drive to deliver dependable engines to the rest of the world. We have had more than 30 years of friendship with Pratt & Whitney, and we look forward to many more."

"We warmly welcome Pratt & Whitney's latest investment in Singapore, which marks yet another significant milestone in the partnership which has spanned over 30 years. Singapore is strongly committed to the aerospace industry, and we will continue to invest in talent and infrastructure to support the industry's growth here," said Yeoh Keat Chuan, Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

The latest investments in Seletar bring Pratt & Whitney's presence in Singapore to a total of nine businesses, making the island-state home to the company's most comprehensive aftermarket presence in one location.

Gogo's Business Aviation Group Relocating to Larger Facility Later This Year

Gogo’s business aviation division, Aircell, will relocate its headquarters to a new, leased facility in the Interlocken Advanced Technology Park in Broomfield, Colo., later this year.

With 112,300 square feet (10,430 sq. m.) of space at the new location – more than double that of existing facilities in Broomfield – the move will play a key role in supporting the company's recent and anticipated future expansion. The company has nearly 200 employees in its business aviation group today. More jobs are expected to be added to support the company's anticipated growth in the coming years.

Aircell, a Gogo company, is a leading provider of in-flight connectivity and entertainment services to the business aviation market. From its base in Broomfield, the company serves more than 6,000 business aircraft operators all over the world. Through a full range of services that include voice, high-speed Internet, cockpit data, entertainment and more, Aircell increases the productivity, safety, and enjoyment of the business aviation travel experience. The company's products and services are factory options at every major business aircraft manufacturer and installed on the world's largest fractional ownership fleets.

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said, "We are pleased that Aircell and Gogo recognized the benefits that Colorado offers to companies, including our location, highly skilled workforce and collaborative business climate. Companies like Aircell are innovative leaders in technology and will continue to be a critical part of our growing advanced industry networks."

"We're pleased to have finalized plans on our new facility. We've been in Colorado since the mid-1990's and the new location will be great for our employees and customers alike. Since the new location is so close to our current facilities in Broomfield, we expect the transition to be very smooth," said John Wade, Aircell's Executive Vice President and General Manager.

Securaplane completes
expansion in Oro Valley

Securaplane Technologies, a leading supplier of avionics products for business, commercial and military aircraft, has made the move from its former location at Foothills Business Park in Tucson, Ariz., into a newly constructed 55,000-square-foot (5,100-sq.-m.) facility that will house 180 employees in Oro Valley's Innovation Park. Securaplane's strong market growth has made it necessary to increase the size of its operations to support production programs for business jet, air transport, rotorcraft and military customers.

"We are pleased to see Securaplane join word-class leaders Sanofi and the Roche Group's Ventana Medical Systems along our bioscience and high-tech corridor in Innovation Park," said Oro Mayor Satish I. Hiremath. "We're also proud that Securaplane was the first business to benefit from the Economic Expansion Zone."

The Economic Expansion Zone, which Oro Valley Town Council approved on October 3, 2012, is an overlay district that streamlines the process and reduces the time required to establish or expand a business in that area.

"Nearly nine months ago, we broke ground at the site in Innovation Park, and now the dream is real. The Securaplane team and the construction team, along with the Town of Oro Valley, accomplished a remarkable feat of completing the construction and transitioning our operations flawlessly – on-time, at cost, and with impeccable quality. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the special care we received from the FAA office in Phoenix, our AS9100 certification agency, and, most of all, our customers, all of who helped us succeed in this endeavor. I am sure this new facility will be key for Securaplane to continue its growth trajectory through innovation, customer satisfaction, and top-talent recruitment and retention."

A grand opening celebration was held March 20, 2014, with federal, state, and local officials along with key Securaplane stakeholders.

Securaplane is an operating subsidiary of Meggitt PLC. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Meggitt PLC is an international group operating in North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for its specialized extreme environment engineering, Meggitt is a world leader in aerospace, defense and energy markets.

Glenbeigh Inaugurates AED 25 Million (US$6.8 million) UAE Facility in Dubai World Central

Ireland's premier records management company estimates AED 75 million UAE revenue in next five years

Glenbeigh Records Management (GRM) has officially opened its facility at Dubai World Central (DWC), the world's first purpose-built aerotropolis, in January, the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, and the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who was visiting the UAE as part of a trade mission to the Middle East. The event took place during the Enterprise Ireland Trade and Investment Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: "The UAE and Ireland have excellent business relations and what makes our partnership with Glenbeigh even more significant is that it represents a decisive step towards strengthening business and economic ties with Ireland as a whole. We aim to encourage more Irish enterprises to discover the wealth of opportunities that await them in DWC, the Dubai and the whole of the UAE."

The firm has invested AED 25 million (US$6.8 million) in a 70,000-sq.-ft. (6,500-sq.-m.), purpose-built facility located in DWC, designed and built by its sister company Glenbeigh Construction. The site offers state-of-the-art storage solutions and advanced security systems guaranteed to protect corporate information assets.

Philip Earle, Founder and Chairman, Glenbeigh Group, said: "We are very pleased to continue our international growth with the official launch of our Dubai operations, and honoured to receive the support of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed and Prime Minister Enda Kenny in our efforts."

Commenting on the impact the UAE location will have on local and international employment, Earle added: "We expect to see significant growth in revenue over the next few years, enabling the company to create jobs for the local Emirati population, as well as generate an anticipated 25 jobs in Ireland as a result of our Middle East expansion. We have already been able to hire a number of new Irish employees across the wider Glenbeigh Group who have been involved in the design and construction of the DWC facility and we look forward to further developing ties between the two countries."

Speaking at the official opening of Glenbeigh's new headquarters in Dubai, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "It is very exciting to see an Irish company like Glenbeigh Records Management achieve so much in such a competitive market. This company continues to impress and grow their business, expanding their client base and broadening their market reach. I greatly welcome their success and their commitment to creating new jobs in Ireland. I extend every good wish to them for continued success."

"Dubai World Central is a vital component for the long-term social and economic development of the emirate. Being chosen as the venue for Expo 2020 has further enhanced its position as an integrated global city providing strategic links with the international markets. The partnership with Glenbeigh Records Management will enable them to tap into the region's growing trade and business, and will find several opportunities not only with the companies establishing their base at DWC but even beyond," Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation.

GRM specializes in offsite document storage, scanning and imaging solutions, offsite media storage, vault storage, document destruction, and consultancy, all designed to support businesses in managing and safeguarding their data.

Lockheed Martin's Archbald Facility Named One of America's Best Plants by IndustryWeek Magazine

Lockheed Martin's Archbald, Pa., facility was selected in January as one of IndustryWeek magazine's "Best Plants" for 2013. Each year, IndustryWeek's Best Plants program recognizes facilities on the leading edge of manufacturing and operational excellence, with ongoing efforts to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction, and create stimulating and rewarding work environments.

"The 2013 IndustryWeek Best Plants winners are shining examples of the operational excellence that thrives among North American manufacturers," said IndustryWeek Senior Editor Jill Jusko. "We applaud the commitment of leadership and team members at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Archbald, Pa., to excellence today and continued improvement going forward."

The approximately 420 employees at Missiles and Fire Control's Archbald facility design and manufacture precision-guided weapon systems and nuclear systems for military and civil customers. A key factor contributing to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's Archbald Operation's recognition was a highly motivated workforce focused on continuous improvement using lean principles. The plant's use of integrated program teams to keep employees engaged; provide them with the knowledge, training, and tools to perform; enable them to assess performance against goals and objectives; and empower them to implement improvements, was also a contributing factor.

"This award recognizes the Lockheed Martin Archbald team and their commitment to excellence in support of our customers," said David Opalka, acting site director for Lockheed Martin's Archbald facility. "In military and nuclear energy environments, lives depend on our products working each and every time. Our culture of continuous improvement ensures that our manufacturing teams maintain the high level of quality and performance that our customers require."

In addition to the Archbald facility, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Troy, Ala., Camden, Ark., Orlando and Ocala, Fla., and Lufkin, Texas, have received IndustryWeek's Best Plants award. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control was a 2012 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence as well.