Further Growth in 2023 Stable Flight Operations

Fraport is making targeted preparations for the imminent summer peak in particular

To ensure stable operations as passenger traffic grows, Fraport is working in close cooperation with all of its process partners to make the best use of the available resources. Fraport has an extensive set of measures to achieve this. The main priority is to further optimize processes at check-in, at security checkpoints, and in aircraft and baggage handling. The recruitment and especially the rapid training of staff continue to be a focus.

Frankfurt Airport fared well in the Easter and summer peak, which was the first endurance test of the year. During the summer vacation period, Fraport saw up to 200,000 passengers a day. 

By gradually raising the declared number of aircraft movements per hour, the system load can be increased in a controlled and coordinated manner.

Declared hourly movement rates define the available number of take-offs and landings every hour. These figures allow the Flight Scheduling Coordinator of the Federal Republic of Germany to assign slots for take-offs and landings. The declared hourly movement rates are determined on the basis of the capacity that is technically available:

• What capacity is available from the existing infrastructure (runway system, taxiways, terminal infrastructure, approach and departure routes) while ensuring smooth and orderly flight operations?
• The higher the declared rate is, the more aircraft movements are possible.  

The current rate of potential aircraft movements per hour is 104, while the actual number of available slots is currently 96. The strong growth in traffic after the coronavirus crisis has presented considerable challenges for the entire airport system and many process partners. Fraport responded by reducing the available capacity for aircraft movements starting from summer 2022.      

This year, FRA again expects to see strong traffic growth and corresponding operational challenges. In response, Fraport applied to the responsible transport ministry for a time-limited reduction in the available capacity until October.  With this reduction having been approved, the declared hourly movement rate (also known as the target capacity) was 94 potential take-offs and landings until June, 96 in July, 98 in August, and 100 in September.  The declared hourly movement rate of 104 will be usable in full again starting from this October.

This move establishes a buffer against negative external influences and relieves the burden on the overall airport system. The aim is to prevent short-term reductions or flight cancellations and ensure safe, orderly and stable operations with the appropriate level of quality. The gradual increase in small steps provides the necessary moderate buffer in the event of external influences, such as congested airspace, strikes or extreme weather, leading to further disruption to the overall airport system that could otherwise result in a massive loss in quality.

Fraport uses digital technology and automated processes to make travel quicker and more comfortable

Fraport is working hard in various areas to ensure a safe, quick and more stable travel experience this year:

The performance of the airport team

Frankfurt Airport is and remains a fascinating place to work. It is Germany’s gateway to the world and brings the world to our region. As a workplace, it is almost unique in terms of the diversity of its people and the areas of activity.

However, the skills shortage is also making its presence felt at the airport and at Fraport AG. This is primarily due to demographic developments and the constraints of the German labor market, with this situation having been exacerbated further by the coronavirus pandemic.

We are also feeling the strain at the airport. Applicants have an extensive range of available jobs to choose from.

In addition to new employees for the apron, we are looking for employees in various areas of activity and with different requirements and conditions, such as the medical and rescue services, IT, and various technical professions.

The requirement profiles of the people we are looking for are similarly varied.

Recruiting: The Fraport subsidiary FraGround has been making new appointments again since summer 2021. Recruiting activities take place across various channels.

Increase in qualification and training capacity: More qualifications are being offered than ever before (training hours in 2023 more than 70 percent higher than in 2019). This upward trend is being facilitated by a continuous expansion in training capacity. We are also completely realigning our training organization and working with new methods (train the trainer, language-sensitive occupational training for the transfer of knowledge to people with limited German skills, VR training, new e-learning, etc.).

Personnel redeployment: Employees are reassigned to other areas where demand is greater. This can be easily implemented in baggage and aircraft handling or driving activities, for example.

Cross-qualification: Employees are given flexible training in other activities so that they can provide support in areas where there is current demand. For example, baggage handlers are additionally qualified as cargo transportation drivers.

Personnel assignment: Personnel assignment has become more efficient thanks to workforce expansion and updated software (such as a new planning tool). 

Adjustments to work schedules and personnel availability: Fraport is making use of the available scope under the contractual conditions and the provisions of employment law, e.g. extended working time. 

IT support and other planning processes: New IT features for personnel assignment, intensified cooperation with the IT department

More efficient driver training: Fraport offers driver training across two days. Since mid-March 2023, the first day of training has involved theory training and the theory test, while the second day includes practical training and the practical test. Where necessary, a repeat test can take place on the second day. This change means employees can be deployed more quickly after they have completed the training.