JOIN USIn an interview with Bharti Nath of Deccan Herald, Hungerbuehler talks about the challenges to be met in the times of slowdown, when passenger movement has turned negative.
It’s going to be a year since the BIA opened for commercial operations. How has the year been?
There has been continuous improvement, from the first day till now. A culture of caring for the passenger and fulfiling their needs has been instilled in the staff. Every aspect of airport management - from technical to apron to passenger handling - has improved. We review the developments every month.
We have been able to successfully attract seven new airlines, including Dragon Air, Tiger Airways, Air Mauritius, Oman Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines and the new Bangalore – London connection by Kingfisher Airlines.
Have been able to silence your critics?
For us, the comments of the passengers and airlines matter. We are providing hassle-free services to passengers, and airlines are happy, as they are getting a cost-competitive environment to operate in. Over 80 per cent of flights leave on time; the average waiting time for delivery of the first baggage on the arrival belt is just seven minutes for both domestic and international arrivals - which, by international standards, is a good record.
Is BIAL able to manage peak-hour challenges now, with the existing facilities?
The passenger traffic for the year 2008-‘09 was 8.7 million - which is down by 14 per cent. Though the international traffic grew by 7 per cent on account of new airlines coming to Bangalore, there was a decline of 17 per cent in domestic traffic. There has been a downturn of 14 per cent in cargo handling as well.
Has BIAL reviewed its expansion plan, taking into consideration traffic growth, projected traffic, and investors’ interest in a recessionary climate?
Our plans to expand the apron, which now has place for 42 aircraft, has been approved in the recent board meeting. The expansion will be on the west side, and the capacity will be increased to 68. It will take one year to complete this project.
To build the second runway, the lead time of 54 months is required. At the moment, we are using only 60 per cent of the present runway. In the peak hour, there are 23 movements whereas the capacity is to go above 30 movements.
Hopefully, the traffic will start growing in one year’s time. With our estimate of traffic, we will be able to cope well till the year 2012.
Since its opening, has BIAL been a viable venture?
We are not doing very badly. We have to start repayment of loans, finance the future and a lot of investment is required for building the Airport City.
What is the traffic projection for the year 2009 -‘10?
Our projection is 9 million.
You were hoping for a review of the UDF. What happened to that?
We have recommended it to the government, and they are auditing it. We are hoping that something positive will come out of it, and the UDF will be revised soon. From July onwards, we will try to integrate UDF with domestic air tickets.
As CEO, you seem to have your task cut out for your two-year tenure...
During my two-year tenure I want to see that the partners work together. We aim to provide efficient service, which is customer friendly. This project will continue to be built in phases till the final master plan is realised. I have to ensure that step by step development continues, and that an Airport City is ready by September 2009.
Are you enjoying your stay here?
Yes. My wife and I love the place. I have been to Coorg, Ooty. Recently I visited Kabini in Nagarhole. I go for a walk on the weekends to University of Agricultural Sciences. So it’s quite cool.
Bouquets for BIA
Truly international
I am extremely thrilled and proud to see the new airport. I was taken aback when I landed at the new airport for the first time.Truly international! You make us believe that it is possible.”
Deepika Padukone,
Actor
We can be proud of BIA
The Bengaluru International Airport is world-class. I do not see any negative points or flaws in it. It is fantastic, because there is lots of stuff to do – there are so many shops and eating outlets to choose from. Initially people spoke a lot about the distance to the airport and how far it was to get from the city. But there’s a beautiful road to access the airport, and the availability of world-class public transport which doesn't burn a hole in the pockets of air travellers, has taken care of this aspect. HAL Airport was conveniently located, but did not have the capacity to handle Bangalore's burgeoning air-travel. BIAL is an airport all Bangaloreans can be proud of.
Pankaj Advani,
World billiards champion
Check-in, very user-friendly
Initially, the thought of travelling to the new airport actually worried me. I am a frequent flier and I find it easier to travel from the city. The airport is impressive ,and I must say the layout of the airport is awesome. I find the check-in very user friendly. Both the domestic and international lounge are well designed, and it’s fun to spend time . I find the staff very friendly and helpful, and I am proud of our BIAL”.
Roshan Isaac,
Actor and model