The Joy of FLYING

METRO SPECIAL
The Joy of FLYING
Indians, so far used to dull transit lounges at airports, can expect something special from Bengaluru International Airport in terms of facilities and comforts. Swati Anand & Anshul Dhamija describe BIAL’s features


After April, air travel in India will never be the same. The Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL) will change the way India looks at flying and airports. By promising efficient services and multiple avenues for travellers to chill out, BIAL will arguably create India’s first world-class airport, comparable to, say, those in Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Bengaluru, so far a trendsetter in IT, can become a beacon in India for the way it looks at flying. Far from being a dowdy place where travellers seethe over snags and inconveniences, airports in India can become zones of release. Let us see how BIAL plans to make travel, domestic and international, a hassle-free experience for the 10.5 million passengers who will use it annually.
CHECK-IN
To avoid congestion during check-in, an integrated kiosk system has been put in place. Apart from the 53 manned check-in counters, BIAL will have 18 self-service kiosks. These self-service kiosks, called CUSS, or common use selfservice (CUSS) kiosks, will offer passenger services like check-in, ticketing, baggage tracking and other allied services. Passengers can use any kiosk to avail the services of any airline.
As in other international airports, passengers can use the kiosks to get a print-out of their ‘bag tag’ for check-in luggage, after which they would have to drop their luggage off at the express baggage drop-off points. However, this service will only be available for passengers on international flights.
“CUSS will deliver a common self-service platform to support individual airline processes, and reduce airport counter requirements and costs,’’ said an industry expert. At present, airlines have their own kiosks at metro airports, but no Indian airport sports integrated kiosks.
The check-in hall will have a Cafe Coffee Day outlet and a restaurant, which will be accessible to travelling domestic and international passengers (both arriving and departing).
LOUNGE BARS AND CAFES
Have no fears if you have to kill time at the airport. There’s lots to drink and be merry. HMS Host will operate a Kingfisher Sports Bar and restaurant, which would also include Pizza Hut, delicacies from ITC’s Kitchens of India range, and Illy caf from Paris in the ‘international departures’ area.
A free-flow Indian food concept area will be in place. The cuisine would include the best from Mysore to Manhattan. The F&B business will be managed by HMS Host at the domestic and international departures.
TRAVEL AND RETAIL SPACE
As in other international airports, shopping is a major pastime for passengers. The average spend per passenger at some of the most vibrant airport commercial centres (such as Singapore, Dubai, Zurich, Hong Kong) is in the range of $35-45 per trip. However, the sales figures would be higher in the case of luxury goods such as Bvlgari Jewellery, Omega watches or Armani fashion-wear.
A lot of the retail design has been inspired by some of the prominent landmarks in Bangalore, sorry Bengaluru. “The inspiration for the design of layouts and outlets in the retail area comes from the flowers and leaves of the famous Lalbagh Gardens,’’ said an official spokesperson of BIAL.
With international retailers Nuance tying up with the K Raheja group’s Shoppers’ Stop, there will be 30,000 sq ft of retail space — splurge or window-shop, the choice is yours.
The international departure section will have on offer international liquor, tobacco, luxury and premium perfumes, cosmetics, souvenirs, gifts, arts and crafts from local artisans, exclusive electronics outlets, books, music, local and international fashion, apparel, jewellery and accessories.
Domestic departures will include a Shopper’s Stop department store, a Crossword book store, electronics outlets, a confectionery store that will sell sweets and chocolates from across India, books, music, fashion, apparel, jewellery and accessories.
The arrival duty-free outlet would offer liquor and tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics outlets and accessories. With growing security regulations, the arrival duty-free will be an instant hit for passengers.
According to Vivek Mathur, VP (corporate planning), Shoppers’ Stop, the company has spent at least two to three times more in setting up its retail footprint here than it has on a departmental store of a similar size. “With just a few minutes to grab customer attention, the importance of display and design is magnified,’’ he says. UK-based design house Portland is incharge of retail design.
The footfalls evidently are exciting. “Bangalore sends more than 50% of its international passengers to the US and Europe —-mostly IT professionals. In the domestic sector, over 60% are business travellers, while the others are on personal or leisure travel. This categorization clearly shows the mix of passengers who’re the best target segment for an exciting retail environment,’’ said Stephan Widrig, chief commercial officer of BIAL.
While business travellers tend to splurge on branded retail, leisure travellers are known to shop more in their holiday destinations and their spend at airports is largely restricted to food and beverage.
MEDICAL FACILITY
For those hit by jet lag or air sickness, an airport hospital run by Columbia Asia has been put in place. Columbia Asia Hospital will operate a 24 x 7 medical centre at the airport equipped with medical facilities, catering to all passengers and visitors.
AIRPORT HOTEL
Within walking distance from the terminal building, a 321-room airport hotel is coming up. The hotel, due to become operational towards the end of the year, will be managed by the Oberoi Group, under its Trident brand. It will sport conference facilities, restaurants and a spa. The hotel will have a check-in counter at the airport terminal building. Likewise, guests can check in from the hotel.
AIRPORT CITY
Along the main access road to the terminal building, BIAL has approximately 215 acres for real estate development. Plans are afoot to build an ‘Aerotropolis’ here — a so called airport city with shops, entertainment facilities, hotels, and office complexes.
Experts in the field are of the opinion that airports will shape business location and urban development in this century, as did seaports in the 18th century, railroads in the 19th century and highways in the 20th century.
CHOPPER TERMINAL
With everyone looking to beat the traffic from the airport to the city centre and helicopter services taking wing, there might be a dedicated chopper terminal. According to well-informed sources, BIAL is looking at opening a separate terminal building for helicopters, with its own check-in and check-out facilities and a lounge area.
Passengers who want to avail of chopper services will be able to use a shuttle service from the aircraft to the chopper terminal building.