Billion Dollar Airport Upgrades, Qantas’ New Jets and Edinburgh’s Tourist Tax
Skift Take
Key Points
- Airports are making major tech upgrades to manage increased passenger traffic, including JFK, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh.
- Qantas introduces Airbus A321XLR to replace Boeing 737s, allowing for longer domestic and short-haul international flights.
- Edinburgh approves Scotland's first tourist tax to fund local projects, raising concerns about its effect on tourism.
Summary
Airports worldwide are investing significantly in tech upgrades to handle a projected increase in passenger traffic, with notable examples including JFK, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh airports enhancing their terminals. Qantas has unveiled its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, set to replace their existing Boeing 737s, which will enable longer flight ranges for domestic and short-haul international routes. Meanwhile, Edinburgh's city council has approved Scotland's first tourist tax to fund local infrastructure and services, sparking concerns among tourism businesses about its potential impact on the city's competitiveness.
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Episode Notes
Airports worldwide are investing large amounts in tech upgrades for a projected huge increase in passenger traffic. Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes profiles five U.S. airports making upgrades.
JFK Airport shared plans earlier this year for its new terminal 6, which will include digital concierge services as well as a self check-in and bag drop. The airport said its new terminal 1 would feature a state-of-the-art baggage handling system. San Francisco International Airport has started working on a $2.6 billion project to modernize terminal 3, which will include automated bag drop stations and new security checkpoints.
And Pittsburgh International Airport is building a new terminal with more streamlined ticketing stations and baggage claim systems.
Next, Qantas unveiled details about its all-new aircraft on Thursday. Airlines Editor Gordon Smith takes a look at the Airbus A321XLR, which the Australian carrier will start receiving next April.
Qantas says the aircraft — which Airbus has coined the “XLR” or “Xtra Long Range” — will open up direct domestic and short-haul international routes. It’s a direct replacement for Qantas’ existing Boeing 737s, which are due to leave the carrier’s fleet over the next decade. The XLR can fly around 1,500 nautical miles further than the outgoing 737s.
Finally, Edinburgh’s city council recently approved a proposal to levy Scotland’s first tourist tax. Local officials are worried the tax could make the city less competitive, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.
The “Transient Visitor Levy” will charge guests staying at paid accommodations in Edinburgh 5% per room night. Capped at seven consecutive days, the tax will go into effect in 2026. Edinburgh officials will use the funds for affordable housing, infrastructure and destination management, among other areas.
Habtemariam notes some tourism businesses are concerned the new tax will make the Scottish capital more expensive for tourists. Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, described Edinburgh’s new tax as a contentious matter, citing concerns about the possible impact on future bookings.
Photo Credit: A bus full of tourists in Edinburgh. Pixabay
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