Brussels Airport (BRU) infrastructure: future

[convair]

Like in many modern airports, long-term parking lots a little further from the terminal isn't too bad, as long as there is a short-term one very close to it for (very) frequent travelers.

A multi-story one closer to the ring would be acceptable provided a fast 24/7 and free-of-charge (automatic?) shuttle brings pax straight into the main terminal building (e.g. above the crowd inside the departure hall).

That shouldn't be impossible to create.

[sn26567]

In my view, the airport has taken the wrong approach. Instead of building offices almost next to the runway and looking now to create remote parking lots, they should have done the opposite.

Imagine the Deloitte building replaced by a parking lot: the current parking problems would be instantly solved (this morning again, it was almost impossible to find a parking space and people were parking in many unauthorised spaces, clogging the traffic). Deloitte could as well have built their offices at 1 km from the airport: it's only 10 min walking!

[convair]

In my view, the airport has taken the wrong approach. Instead of building offices almost next to the runway and looking now to create remote parking lots, they should have done the opposite.

Imagine the Deloitte building replaced by a parking lot: the current parking problems would be instantly solved (this morning again, it was almost impossible to find a parking space and people were parking in many unauthorised spaces, clogging the traffic). Deloitte could as well have built their offices at 1 km from the airport: it's only 10 min walking!

I agree with you but I assume BRU gets more money from selling/leasing its land to Deloitte than it would get from parking lots. BRU's first objective is obviously to make money and more money, not to take care of its pax.
My suggestion of a shuttle is valid for both options,imho.

[sn26567]

The works at the future A380 gate: the current status. Bridges at gates B31 and B33 have been removed and concrete is being poured into trenches.

[JOVAN]

Finally!

Brussels Airport to renovate iconic Sky Hall



Brussels Airport is about to launch a renovation programme for the emblematic Sky Hall, which dates from 1958. In a first stage, the airport is investing around 2.6 million euro in the renovation of the façade.

In 1958, the opening of a big commercial airport was of strategic importance for our country. That enormous investment in a modern airport infrastructure underscores the economic importance of an airport of international allure for both Belgium and Brussels.

The Sky Hall, in fact a transit hall, and the associated terminal buildings were constructed in record time to welcome the visitors to the World Exhibition in Brussels in 1958. The existing infrastructure in Melsbroek could not handle the number of guests expected.

The Sky Hall was designed by the Belgian architects Brunfaut, Bontinck and Moutschen and is considered one of the classic examples of modern Belgian architecture. Between 1958 and 1994, countless Belgians have welcomed or waved off family and friends there.

"As airport operator, we are very proud to return this iconic building to its former glory.The Sky Hall is not only important for the Belgian architectural heritage, it is also a symbol of the importance of commercial aviation in Belgium. Once the renovation of the Sky Hall has been completed, the hall will be given a new purpose. At the moment, this has not yet been decided," explains Arnaud Feist, CEO Brussels Airport Company.

The building will be renovated with full respect for the original design. Brussels Airport will be starting the complex renovation in early 2017. The first stage will concentrate on the glass and steel structure of the façade.

https://www.aviation24.be/airports/bruss ... hall-1958/

About time! When your plane was parked here and you looked outside the window it was as if you arrived in the Soviet Union...



They say the building would be given a 'new purpose'. I wonder: would it be possible to use it for passengers again?

How about this Sky Hall today ?

Any recent pictures ? Also from outside ; how does it look like ( I always fly from Pier A so cannot see how it looks now)

will Sky Hall be accessible for public ?
Would be a waste of money not to use it for flight related activities (= as an extra terminal )

[sn26567]

All I know is that the building at the right of the Skyhall on the picture has been destroyed.

[convair]

You see the 3 light grey vertical panels in the middle of the lower floor in the picture above, with the slightly darker vertical panel a little further left? That was the first Tax-free shop (all of it!) at the time. It was later extended by smaller shops (for not so Tax-free goods) on both sides of the passageway to the right (when looking towards the apron), leading to the South pier, and another one was created in the center of the round pavillion when it was added (in the 70's?).

The pax weren't forced through them at that time!!!

There was a café/coffee-shop (at the corner of the hall and the passageway) on your left side of the passageway when going to the South pier. Also, later on, a more sophisticated (if I remember correctly) restaurant next to it.

I assume BRU management and some pax still have photos taken at that time; it would be nice if they would publish them!

[Homo Aeroportus]

....
That was the first Tax-free shop ...
The pax weren't forced through them at that time!!!

....

Indeed but when leaved the free-shop, you had to fight your way out as it was blocked by the queues to immigration desks (yes, already back then )

H.A.

[sn26567]

....
That was the first Tax-free shop ...
The pax weren't forced through them at that time!!!

....

Indeed but when left the free-shop, you had to fight your way out as it was blocked by the queues to immigration desks (yes, already back then )

At a time when you had to show your passport even for going to neighbouring country France: there was not yet a free circulation of persons and goods in the 6-country European Community of that period.

[luchtzak]

Not really infrastructure, but part of the handling: Brussels Airport has ordered 30 electric buses from Chinese BYD, a big blow for the two Belgian bus manufacturers.

https://www.aviation24.be/airports/bruss ... inese-byd/

[crew1990]

But is it Brussels Airport or the handling companies like swissport and flightcare?

[luchtzak]

But is it Brussels Airport or the handling companies like swissport and flightcare?

I think that Brussels Airport has to provide transport in case of an arrival at a remote position as passengers need to be brought to the terminal. Like axxicom is providing free assistance to passengers in need of any.

[Magiktrix]

But is it Brussels Airport or the handling companies like swissport and flightcare?

It was Swissport and Aviapartner.
It was easy to spot the different busses.
But that changed a couple of month ago.
The service is again operated by BIAC.

[sn26567]

The service is again operated by BIAC.

And suddenly it becomes OpenTours

[JOVAN]

Not really infrastructure, but part of the handling: Brussels Airport has ordered 30 electric buses from Chinese BYD, a big blow for the two Belgian bus manufacturers.

https://www.aviation24.be/airports/bruss ... inese-byd/

Let us hope the buses will work well.

If not, the people who made the decision should be made responsible for their mistake.

30% Cheaper must certainly have an influence on the quality of the materials and systems used by this manufacturer.

Remember the FYRA train . Was also cheapest offer.......

[Shengenzone]

Not really infrastructure, but part of the handling: Brussels Airport has ordered 30 electric buses from Chinese BYD, a big blow for the two Belgian bus manufacturers.

https://www.aviation24.be/airports/bruss ... inese-byd/

Let us hope the buses will work well.

If not, the people who made the decision should be made responsible for their mistake.

30% Cheaper must certainly have an influence on the quality of the materials and systems used by this manufacturer.

Remember the FYRA train . Was also cheapest offer.......

In Hong Kong they selected BYD and one problem after the other.
Tyre problems, malfunctioning brakes, so on...
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/econ ... ine-months

[Mavke]

hi all,

i also heard that the de-icing of aircraft should go to BIAC , not this year but in the future ...

[Shengenzone]

E-misery at Brussels airport.
http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws.engli ... /1.3090694

[luchtzak]

Brussels Airport has designed the spotters area, for 2040 ....

https://www.aviation24.be/airports/bruss ... area-2040/

Good news, the airport just announced that the environmental permit for the spotters platforms in Steenokkerzeel (near the transit centre) and in Zaventem (Vliegbos) was granted.

Depending on weather conditions, the spotters platform will be completed by April 2018.

https://www.aviation24.be/plane-spotting ... pril-2018/

[Boeing767copilot]

Looking ahead, Léon Verhallen explains that Brussels Airport would like to continue its successful Asia growth strategy of the last few years.

“After Beijing, Bangkok, Tokyo, Mumbai, Shanghai and Hong Kong, we still see Delhi, Singapore, Seoul, Taipeh, Manilla and Vietnam as short- and mid-term targets. In North America we still search for a flight to the West Coast, such as San Francisco, while also Boston and Houston offer good opportunities.

“In Latin America it is Sao Paulo and Bogota, and in Africa Johannesburg and Lagos. The latter would complement the already unique network that we offer to sub-Sahara Africa.”

Verhallen stresses that Brussels is now firmly focussed on the future. He concludes: “From now on, we want to look forward again, and our recently published ‘Brussels Airport Vision 2040‘ sets the path to the development of Brussels Airport to 40 million passengers in 2040.”

https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/br ... b-20171117