Facility Management service providers ensure the smooth functioning of critical infrastructure and facilities like terminals, runways, security systems, and HVAC units. These services are meticulously rendered while adhering to prescribed safety standards to provide a positive experience for passengers. In this dynamic environment, facility service providers oversee various aspects of maintenance, including preventive maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Rakesh Tripathi, CEO of Tenon FM elaborates on the intricacies of FM services.
Core Areas of Essential FM Services in Airports
The vast expanse of area in an airport comprises businesses that require FM services. However, this depends on the nature and size of the business. The requirement of FM services for the airport operator is the greatest, as they are custodians of the entire estate and are responsible for the upkeep of all the facilities so that the passengers and staff working at the airport, have a safe, comfortable, & hygienic experience when they are at the airport premises (both inside the terminal and in the facilities in the city side). The airport requires large manpower and adequate machines including heavy ride-on machines servicing round the clock. “Hygienic maintenance of washrooms and lounges for both passengers and staff are critical. Although Tennon FM is not currently into façade cleaning, they hope to foray into this challenging space soon.”
Factors Impacting New Airport Projects
The design of the airport needs to be user-friendly and all the facilities should be easily accessible by all users of the airport, including passengers with restricted mobility. The quality of fixtures and fittings should be durable and able to withstand heavy usage. The airport needs to be sustainable and must focus on ESG. Nowadays, the consumables procured for cleaning are more eco-friendly and there are ESG-certified vendors to vet these products.
Hygienic maintenance of washrooms and lounges for both passengers and staff is critical
Challenges of Servicing Design-intensive Facilities
The ecosystem of the airport is different as it is a high-security and sensitive zone. The entry of man & equipment is controlled, and access is given after necessary checks and verification by authorized agencies. Hence all permissions and permits must be valid at all points to have smooth operations.
In the case of new airport projects, the intricacy of design elements used proves to be challenging for maintenance. Continuous training of manpower is important in process, behaviour, service excellence, safety, and emergency drills. Imparting soft skill training is necessary as manpower is deployed at passenger touchpoints and they engage in human interactions; the prestige of the airport needs to be maintained. With regards to safety training, the staff is trained on the operation and maintenance of machines, and the usage of chemicals. They also undergo mock & emergency drills.
FM Involvement at Design Stage
FM can play a supporting role in maintaining the upkeep of an airport facility. As part of the project management team, the concerned FM service provider can give input on any visible wastage observed and thus help plug unnecessary cost escalation.
As new airports lean towards offering world-class services by adopting international airport models, the FM team benefits from working side by side from inception, to provide end-to-end solutions successfully.
Services including, the upkeep of infrastructure and facilities, and managing security and cleanliness, improve the overall efficiency and functionality of airports. By addressing maintenance needs promptly, FM services provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for travellers and airport personnel.
Moving ahead, continuous investment and innovation like using robotics in facility management will be essential to meet the rising demands of ever-evolving demands of modern airports.