Organised in conjunction with the International Air Rail Organisation, the Conference is attracting participants from airports, rail operators and airlines to discuss the latest issues relating to air-rail operations and technology.

There have been significant changes in the regulations relating to passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs), both in Europe and North America. Ann Frye, who is Chair of the PRM Sub group of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) has many years experience in transport accessibility at UK and international levels will update delegates with a presentation entitled: “Seamless travel: Legal Requirements and Best Practice “.

The strategy of airlines and airports in handling PRMs will also be outlined in the conference. Mathias Quaritsch, Head of Communications at Hamburg Airport will explain the Airport’s PRM strategy, while Mike Welch, Field Director, Airport Customer Service at Delta Airlines, will present the airline viewpoint.

The design of transport accommodation for PRMs – for both the aviation and railway modes – has become increasingly important. Mark Walbrun Vice-President, Passenger Rail and Transit of US specialists Transystems, will compare and contrast the differing requirements and needs for air-rail links.

The Air//Rail 2009 Conference will open with a “Focus on Hamburg Airport”, with presentations on Hamburg Airport’s growth, intermodal developments and the planning, construction and operation of the S-Bahn which now connects to the Airport.

Session 2 will review air-rail passenger intermodal developments in Germany. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carsten Gertz, of the Institute for Transport Planning and Logistics at the Hamburg University of Technology will review “Accessibility planning for airports”, while Manfred Kuhne of the German Airports Association (ADV) will update delegates on “Passenger throughput and growth forecasts for German airports”. Marc Gelhausen, responsible for Air Transport and Airport Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), will present a paper on “Airport choice in Germany and the impact of high-speed intercity train access”, with a special focus on Cologne Airport.

Ticketing and information technology are key constituents of air-rail developments. Matthew A Coogan will report on a national demonstration project in the US, intended to develop new systems for getting ground access information to the cell phone and to the baggage claim area.

Making best use of existing assets is presently a topical strategy. Ingrid Bille, a Partner at Grimshaw Architects, will propose cost-effective rail/airport design solutions, with a case study on Zurich airport.

Other papers in the conference include a review of the UK Department for Transport’s research aimed at understanding the passenger journey experience through four major airports; and an update on the Prague Aircon PPP Project - how it was influenced by the political cycle and the position of stakeholders.

On the day before the Conference, Tuesday 23 June, delegates will be given a tour of Hamburg Airport on followed by a journey on the new line of the S-Bahn suburban rail rapid link transport system connecting the Airport with Central Hamburg. There will also be a Private Visit to Hamburg’s historic town hall, followed by a “Welcome to Hamburg” Reception for all participants.

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