Airports / Airport Hotels
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: Redefining Air Travel
Jun 18th
by Subhasish Chakraborty
With the successful completion of the construction of phase I of the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted permission to officially begin operations from 00:01 hours on the 23rd of March 2008. The government notification also meant that the old airport at Hyderabad’s Begumpet will no longer cater to commercial flights.
The day 23rd March 2008 is a red-letter day in the history of India’s civil aviation industry as it is for the first time that a mega airport project has been successfully completed with a private-public partnership.
This gem of an airport, which is well spread out over an area of 5,500 acres was designed and constructed by GMR-HIAL – a joint venture of GMR Infrastructure Ltd., which has a 63% stake. Apart from GMR, the other stakeholders are the renowned Malaysian Airports Holding Berhad (11%), Airports Authority of India (13%) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh (13%). The airport which is located in the Shamshabad neighborhood of Hyderabad, immediately became the centre of attention for the international aviation fraternity.
The launch of this futuristic airport couldn’t have come at a better time, particularly when the city of Hyderabad was then as it is now, on a roll with international IT giants like Microsoft, Deloitte, HSBC, Oracle, GE along with their Indian counterparts like Infosys, TCS, Wipro and Satyam, all of whom have their presence in the city of Charminar, and literally ruling the global IT landscape with their billion dollar turnovers.
Another fact worth remembering is the strategic position of the city of Hyderabad. All the metropolitan cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata can be reached within 2 hours while the aviation hubs in the Middle East and South East Asia can be reached within 4 hours traveling time. This geographical advantage hasn’t been lost by the global aviation biggies like British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates etc…
A high level delegation of British Airways representatives paid a visit to the new airport shortly after it was officially opened and were full of praise for the infrastructure and other miscellaneous facilities that have been made available for the discerning world traveler. BA officially commenced operations on the Hyderabad-London sector on 27th October 2008. Other renowned international airlines like KLM, Kuwait Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air Lanka, Thai Airways etc…. too, had keen interest for Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
The popularity of the new airport has remained phenomenal and it can be gauged from the fact that in little over the first month’s time, the RGIA had recorded a 16% increase in air traffic and a whooping 13% increase in passenger flow as compared to last year’s statistics.
With the successful launch of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, many seasoned international travelers are of the opinion that ultimately Hyderabad has come of age as a truly world class business destination and if things continue to move in the right direction, in the years to come, the RGIA is going to play a pivotal role in the hugely competitive global aviation landscape.
From the get-go, Hyderabad was a much preferred aviation hub of Southern India and aviation experts are of the opinion that in the long run the RGIA will considerably reduce travel time as well as the fuel costs. Already this relatively new airport has handled over 1,90,000 passengers of which 30,000 were international and the rest 1,60,000 domestic.
My first brush with RGIA was on 25th March 2008 and I had gone to receive my aunt who was scheduled to arrive at the RGIA airport by a Malaysian Airlines flight. At first glance I couldn’t believe such a hi-tech airport could be built in India.
I knew a guy from Calcutta who worked for the Malaysian carrier and was based at Hyderabad. I contacted the Malaysian Airline counter and inquired about my friend from Calcutta only to be politely informed by the smart looking Reservations Asst. that he was on -leave. But being a thoroughbred professional that she was, the slender looking Reservations Assistant asked whether I needed any further assistance. Once she got to know that my aunt was scheduled to arrive by the Malaysian Airlines flight, which was still a good 1.5 hour away and that I was keen to have a look at this futuristic airport she herself escorted me and gave me a virtual tour of this stunningly beautiful airport.
Nafisa, the Reservations Asst. from Malaysian Airlines was my guide and we began our exploration of the airport right from the scene of action – the Terminal Building. I was told that there were 12 boarding bridges, which in itself is commendable apart from the 30 odd remote stands and hundreds of Common User Terminal Equipments. I was most impressed by the easy availability of self check-in kiosks.
On my frequent visits abroad, I like many others of my ilk were most embarrassed with the state of affairs at the Immigration Desks in Indian airports. Earlier, one had to queue up and bide his time until his call came from the mischievous clerk at the Immigration counter. The RGIA has changed all these and I was amazed at the pace at which the Immigration counters disposed off the cases. In all there are as many as 46 Immigration counters and at no point of time is there any likelihood of inordinate delays. Nafisa also came out with a startling revelation that the RGIA was the first airport in India to introduce the cutting edge Airport Operational Database (AODB) Technology.
As far as the design and layout of the airport is concerned, it is undoubtedly very user-friendly and the architects have kept things simple. The Terminal Building is conspicuous by its sense of space that aids in free movement. The building is well spread out covering an area, which is all of 100,000 Sq. meters. The innovative manner in which the architects have designed the Domestic and International terminals is commendable as there is enough provision of space interconnecting the two terminals thereby facilitating smooth transit.
After circumnavigating this incredible airport, I needed some rest and some breathing space to fathom all that I had seen. Seeing me perspire in the hot and humid Hyderabad afternoon, Nafisa and I decided to check into a signature restaurant. And what restaurants!!! The leading international brands like Café Coffee Day, Hard Rock Café, Cookie Man, HMS Host were all there, lined up to pamper anybody who took the trouble of stepping inside their respective premises. We were spoilt for a choice but ultimately settled for Café Coffee Day. I simply couldn’t stop admiring the hi-tech features of the airport and kept on eulogizing the marvelous work that the engineers and architects have put in to Nafisa, all the while munching my Chicken Sandwich and Cold Coffee.
After the brief siesta, Nafisa and me proceeded to inspect the Lounge facilities on offer at RGIA. The absolutely gorgeous Lounge area is under the supervision of Plaza Premium. The sheer class and elegance of the Lounge area with a few discerning world travelers relaxing in the soothing ambience of the Lounge made for a truly professional airport service, which would be at par with the best anywhere in the world.
The Lounge facilities at the RGIA is accessible to both Domestic as well as International passengers. I have seen the impeccably maintained Lounges at Changi Airport as well as the ones at Bangkok, but somehow the facilities on offer at RGIA like the exclusive Business Center, Gymnasium, Baggage Pick up and Delivery, Shower Facilities, exclusive napping areas and that rejuvenating massage therapy seemed far classier. The Limousine service is especially top-notch.
As far as Duty Free shops and retail outlets are concerned, the RGIA has already roped in one of the best retail consortiums – “Shopper’s Stop” to cater to the exacting demands of the new age world traveler. According to Nafisa, there will be an exclusive retail zone that is being designed by a leading UK based architectural firm with years of exposure in the designing of global retail marts.
The need for a world-class hotel in close proximity to the airport is a perennial need of any tourist destination. One of the world’s foremost hotel chains – the one and only NOVOTEL, has that taken care of.
As far as state-of-the-art communications is concerned, the RGIA has left no stone unturned and the big names like BSNL and Tata Teleservice Ltd. provides both Voice and Data based services, in complete compliance to the exacting international telecommunication standards. PCO’s and Internet kiosks dot the entire stretch for the convenience of the passengers.
As far as Foreign Exchange is concerned, two of the trusted names in the domain of Foreign Exchange – Travelex India Private Limited and Weizmann Forex Ltd, have been roped in to provide truly world-class money exchanging facilities. And there is no dearth of ATMs. The big names like Axis, HDFC, Kotak, Vijaya, Canara and ING Vysya have all made their presence felt with their exclusive ATM counters at strategic points of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
On the technical aspects of this futuristic airport, there is adequate provisions for parking aircrafts on the stands, which in turn are connected to the boarding bridges thus enabling a majority of the passengers to use the gates. Unlike other Indian airports, the state-of-the-art Ramp Handling equipments are strategically positioned in close proximity to the pier. What is more, there are provisions for smaller aircrafts to be transported to the terminal pier without causing any interruption on the adjacent apron taxiway. An innovation at the RGIA has been the introduction of the Fuel Hydrants, which is connected through underground pipelines from the principal Fuel Farm.
As far as the connectivity to the airport is concerned, it is very efficient to say the least. There are multiple ways of reaching to the airport. Be it the 4 lane NH-7 to the West, the 4 lane Srisailam Highway to the East, the 4 lane P.V. Narasimha Rao Elevated Highway or the proposed 8 lane Outer Ring Road, the choice is yours.
I was personally advised to travel to the airport by the all-new Aero Express instead of the self-drive option that I had previously thought of by my close door Banjara Hills neighbor. I was circumspect at first but the moment I hopped into the luxurious coach all my preconceived notions were swept away.
This unique airport shuttle facility is the first of its kind in India. On can board the Aero Express at neighborhoods like Begumpet, Secunderabad, Charminar, Mehdipatnam and the HITECH city.
The prices have been kept competitive and is pegged at Rs.95/ at the time of my writing. The best thing about the Aero Express is that the air-conditioned buses are non-stop with no halts midway whatsoever.
The airport has also introduced a novel method of hassle free travel from airport to Hyderabad city by way of Radio Taxi service. This air-conditioned cab service is provided by the renowned Meru group and operates on the meter system. Each of the taxis that operate on the Radio Taxi domain are licensed taxi/cab operators issued by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and are reliable. The minimum fare up front is Rs.30/-.
For those who rely on the self-drive option, the car parking facilities at RGIA is very well planned. At any point of time the RGIA parking bay can cater to 3000 vehicles. The parking area is fully automated and the state-of-the-art parking automated system is provided by the renowned Skidata-AG of Austria.
The parking charges vary with the grade. There is Economy Car Parking, Premium Car, Parking for buses and coaches and exclusive parking bays for motorcycles and two-wheelers.
Post liberalization, the successful construction of the RGIA is by far the biggest achievement of India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. The ball was set rolling ever since the Ministry of Civil Aviation floated a global tender notice to develop and operate the Greenfield international airport at Shamshabad and the rest as it is known is history.
Today, thanks to the Government of India’s liberalized civil aviation policies with regard to private participation in the development of airports, it is hoped that many new airports in India would be developed with the private-public mode of operation. India is blessed with incredible natural beauty in terms of tourism but there was always a feeling that India with all its technological prowesses could do better in terms of a few hi-tech airports.
One has to remember that it is the airport, which is the first point of contact for the discerning global traveler. Thus, the airport plays a huge role in determining the perception of a country – negative or positive, by the jet set global traveler.
With each round of my “Reconnaissance Mission” of the airport with Nafisa, I hardly had any remarks to make. It was all admiration. Admiration of an India on the rise. Admiration of an India as one of the world’s most exotic tourist destination and admiration for an India which is on its way to achieving aviation glory.
As I put my earphones one last time before I went to receive my Malaysia -based aunt who was scheduled to arrive any moment, the patriotic song – “Sare Jaha Se Accha. Hindu Sita Hamara” never felt this patriotic before.
Twenty five tips for the traveller
Nov 21st
by Barbara Kingstone
1. For the habitual traveller, there’s nothing more exciting than planning and packing. Yet for others, organizing for that long-awaited trip becomes a stress-filled ordeal. The trick is in knowing what to pack that will cover every imaginable social function and climate change. The seasoned traveller has learned, by trial and error, that it’s often the ordinary household articles tucked into the bottom of the case or a shoe for that can turn into a lifesaver. Wise travelers have discovered how to make clothes do double chores.
2. For instance, for women, the now fashionable pashminas can be worn over a coat or jacket for extra warmth, or on their own for evening on coolish nights or chilly restaurants and also double as a great blanket on the plane.
3. If insomnia is your problem buy an eye mask since these once freebies are not being passed around as they once were – a cost saving device for the companies. Don’t laugh, I even carry a pepper mill. I can’t enjoy a meal without the freshly ground stuff and small mills are available.
4. One of my all time travel favorites is a long oversized T shirt which I stuff into my carry-on. It’s a just in case sort of item. Just in case- the luggage gets lost and I’m going to a beach, I have a cover up. Just in case- I’ve forgotten my nightgown or sleep wear, voila, the perfect item.
5. And along with these strange must-haves, is my invaluable invisible tape or even more practical is double sided tape which is perfect for that hem or cuff that suddenly drooped and the answer for a leaking lotion bottle. In a pinch it also takes off lint and if you break a nail, it’s a fast fixer upper. There’s more to tape. For instance if that front piece of curl just won’t stay down, use transparent tape a few minutes and you’ve mastered a hair do. You can depend on tape.
6. For people with chronic neck aches, I find that a down-filled neck-roll pillow is very useful and easily stuffed into your carry-on, especially if you’re traveling in economy. It’s not unusual that some flights don’t offer them or often run out of pillows or blanket e.g.. the above mentioned pashmina.
7. Carry-on necessities should include eye drops and facial mineral water spray for the dryness on the plane. I know a very social woman who never leaves home without an easily fold up silk dress and necklace, fresh underwear and a scarf- an entire day’s wardrobe- which she packs in her small carry-on bag. She tells me that she actually managed for five days interchanging the pant suit she was wearing and the carry on outfit when her luggage was lost.
8. With the demands of removing shoes at security stations, wear shoes that slip on easily. For women, ballerinas are the answer, for men loafers can do the trick. These shoes are also easily removed during the flight.
9. And being practical, I always take plastic zip closing bags, one with damp towelettes to wipe the drop down table which isn’t always cleaned or for your face and hands. The other empty plastic bag could be for whatever usage I may need it for e.g. a wet bathing suit. And if I don’t have any major use for it, it’s perfect for your foreign coins. And it’s no big deal if they are not used at all. Just keep a few in you luggage for the next trip.
10. And don’t leave home without a pen that’s placed where you can get to it at all times. These days there are more forms to fill out then every before.
11. A good tip is to remember your passport number, the date it was issued and expires. Saves you from having to dig around in your seat which may be to narrow for squirming.
12. Since luggage handlers don’t have the time to worry about your name tags, it’s important to have your name, address, country, phone number, email address taped inside your luggage. It could even be stuck on the inside side of your bag.
13. I’ve learned as a woman who often travels alone to do a few very important things. Wear a wedding band, don’t make eye contact and in countries where women aren’t usually visible without a guardian, it’s wise after 5PM to eat at the hotel, or a nearby restaurant only after the concierge or receptionist makes a reservation with the information that you’re on your own or go to one of the local market during the day and purchase your evening meal. It’s fun, informative and a learning experience.
14. Make sure that your luggage stands out. Tie a bright bow onto it, or if you’re purchasing a new piece, stay away from black. They all look the same on the carousel.
15. Make sure that you photocopy your passport’s first page and also the back and front of all your credit cards. Carry one copy with you and place the other in your luggage. It can come in handy if you happen to be near a pickpocket. They won’t go for a piece of paper but will aim for your wallet.
16. Although I once had a double duty watch that told me the time of my destination and that of my home city. But now I just set my watch to the time of the country I’m visiting and try to remember to eat at that time shown on the watch, take any pills that are prescribed when you usually take them and try to sleep.
17. And talking about medication…always, and I emphasis always, carry your meds with you as well as an extra pair of glasses.
18. On long trips consider wearing travel socks that ease the plane’s pressure factor and don’t take for granted the on-flight advice in every in-flight magazine, about exercising your legs and body. Almost all flights have a few pages of how and what to do.
19. It goes without lingering on the subject. Drink water since your body will dehydrate at twice the normal rate. It’s suggested that you avoid caffeine (for me that’s a calamity) and liquor. At least try to resist and continue to drink H2O.
20. If you need to make a connecting flight, don’t rush off to the gate that was given on your boarding pass before you left. Gate changes happen so check as soon as you land to avoid any upsets and extra walking.
21. It will save you energy and aggravation if you download, on- line, your boarding pass and even make seat changes if necessary, at least 24 hours before departing.
22. If you happen to find that you’ve either lost or left you money somewhere and can’t find any cash, then there are usually bank machines at the airport but there are charges or wait until you get to the hotel . Be prepared to pay for all transactions.
23. Most countries won’t allow entry unless there’s 6 months left before the passport expires. Get a new passport when you get close to that time.
24. Always make sure there’s one blank page in your passp0rt for officials to place their stamp.
25 Although you can’t take water through security, it’s a good idea to have a small empty plastic bottle which is light and doesn’t take much space in your carry on. You’ll be happy to have it during your days of touring especially in third world countries and if you’re flying economy, the air attendants will refill it during the flight.
The Joys of flying. Flying high at Schiphol is a pleasant surprise
Oct 27th
by Barbara Kingstone
Is it a mall, maybe Las Vegas or even a culinary village. Ah, it’s Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. With over 40 million travelers each year, and rated fourth busiest airport in Europe, the airport authorities were ahead of the pack when they created a mini village as far back as mid 60s. Since then there have been many expansions relating to the needs of the peripatetic person.
To be stranded here is not a hardship. Schiphol could be considered a destination. Here’s a scenario. You’ve missed your connection, or maybe there isn’t one until next morning which means an overnight and you certainly don’t feel like trekking into Amsterdam since it’s too late and departure is early.
If a shower will revive your spirits, put you into a better mood, go directly to The Mercure Hotel in Terminal 3, ticket and passport in hand. They will have to see both as it’s located within the airport complex. Although rooms are usually pre booked, showers can be had for about CDN$15, towels and soap included. If you’re lucky enough to get a room for the ½ day or overnight, prices are reasonable, approximately $50-$70.
Still feeling cranky? Right in the main corridor to the various gates, is an area filled with chairs and ‘Back to Life’ centre where you can be stretched and massaged without undressing. Or try the aqua massage, in the same zone, using water pressure and pulsation frequency with 36 water jets. Again, you stay dressed for this ultra distressing machine and never get wet. Circulation is increased, aching muscles are revived and stress is reduced. Finally, you feel ready to take on the world? So just a few metres away for culture vultures is a small branch of the renowned Rijksmuseum which is located on Holland Boulevard between the E and the F pier. On permanent exhibit are Dutch masters of the Golden Age- Jan Steen, Jacob van Ruisdael and of course Rembrandt, are only a few. Temporary exhibits change every 3 months. (no admission charge). Just below on the main floor, is the museum’s gift shop so if you’ve forgotten to buy a little something, you’ll find high quality merchandise from the museum right here. Art at Schiphol is one big gallery. The red and white blocks called Meeting Place by Dennis Adams, Sigurdur Gudmundsson’s Beyond Good and Evil is humorous, the spiraling work of de Goey’s, Travellers, relates well to the airport and those are only a few of the public sculptures.
That done, feeling much better, head over to Holland Casino where there are tables and slots. And if have the kiddies with you, there are play rooms. For toddlers and up the attractions include slides and swings. Teenagers can play video games until they become blearry eyed. And for really little ones, there’s dimly lit room with cribs, perfect for them and for you. However, none of these rooms are supervised. The caveat is that parents must stay in attendance.
Although there are many restaurants and food stalls, La Brasserie ( second floor) is quite posh with white linen clothes and napkins and Mediterranean menu. The food court, of course, has everything from hamburgers to wok offerings. But when in Holland, eat herring. And on the departure level, my favourite counter has a variety of herring a choice of other seafood. There are tables nearby to sit and enjoy. Sushi lovers will be surprised by the excellence provided by the trained sushi makers. I found myself creating a pathway between the two stands.
Now for amusement with a difference. If you’re ready for an adventure, go to the toilets with A Smile at the entrance.. The Dutch aren’t known for being eccentric, but an elderly local collected miniature ceramic toilets for decades which was purchased and perfect for the witty concept that the airport authorities had in mind. Ninety ceramic ‘johns’ were bought for display and encased in plastic in both the ladies and gents. These bathrooms are really creative works of art. Another which brings a smile to even the grouchiest traveller, is for men who will be doubly amused to find city buildings painted on the walls “It’s the only place in Amsterdam where you can’t get arrested for urinating in front of a building,” my guide Marianne, tells me. After insuring ourselves that there was no one in the space, we snuck in to see the famous bees etched in the urinals. “Nobody misses their aim with this insect,” Marianne laughs. Meanwhile on the other side is the women’s which is also a delight. – soft ocean sounds, real grass and huge mural of sea and sand.
Since Schiphol is a hub for business people, the communication centre is fully equipped. For those who want complete privacy, small offices can be rented out.
Nearby is the Meditation Centre. Muslims, Jews and Christians can have services or meet with a minister of their faith.
After one very frustrating with several delayed departures, I finally arrived and had a long lay over until my next flight. After showering, ( this in the business class lounge of KLM), I needed a new top and pants to get me to South Africa and discovered that shopping is made for the tireless consumer. There’s everything from high tech to high fashion, diamonds to deli, cigars and wine. This one stop shopping has something for every one.
And I stepped off the plane in Johannesburg gleaming, well rested and fresh as a new born baby.
Fly in, Fly out, Meet in the Middle at The Sheraton Gateway Toronto
Oct 22nd
The Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport is the only hotel directly connected to the airport and it now offers a meeting package so delegates can fly in for a meeting and then easily fly out the same day. Whether it’s to firm up the last quarter for 2011 or get a head start on 2012 planning, the Sheraton Gateway Toronto is the most convenient place to connect.
Planners can book meetings at the hotel starting from $94 per person, per day. This offer includes the cost of the meeting room space at the hotel, which recently renovated over 10,000 square feet of their space. The meeting package includes an indulgent and energizing breakfast, lunch as well as morning and afternoon breaks. Wireless Internet connectivity in the meeting room is included. For guests looking to come in the night before, rooms are available with the best rate guaranteed!
To book this offer for your upcoming meeting at the Sheraton Gateway Toronto call 416-814-1299.
The Sheraton Gateway Toronto has received a four diamond designation from CAA/AAA ever since the hotel opened in 1991. The hotel recently completed the enhancement to Sheraton Club Lounge – one of the most popular Sheraton signature amenities. Sheraton Club Lounges brand-wide are now open seven days a week in response to increased demand from premium corporate and leisure guests.
Recent refurbishments at the hotel also include the expansion of the health club and renovations to the swimming pool. The hotel also recently became the first hotel in Toronto to introduce the Ettractions ExploreBoard. The interactive ExploreBoard lets guests find things to do and places to go with lots of detailed information, images and videos.
The Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport offers 474 whisper-quiet guest rooms and is the only hotel located directly within the airport grounds. Guest rooms feature Sheraton’s signature Sweet Sleeper BedSM.
Sheraton Club Level rooms offer upgraded amenities and exclusive access to the penthouse Club Lounge for complimentary breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres. The lobby’s Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoftensures guests can stay in touch with the people and things that matter most. In addition to complimentary printing of your boarding pass the hotel features arrival and departure screens with flight time status. Relax and enjoy a meal or beverage in the casual atmosphere of Mahogany Restaurant and Bar. Don’t miss a workout with complimentary access to the health and fitness centre – enjoy 24-hour access with a guest room key. For more information on the hotel please visit www.sheraton.com/torontoairport.
