Airport 24/7

1 00:00:00,960 --> 00:00:04,880 BORDER CONTROL: I've got a bit of activity here this morning 2 00:00:04,880 --> 00:00:07,320 It's a flight arriving into Melbourne from Denpasar. 3 00:00:07,320 --> 00:00:09,840 Just on this side of the line on the floor there for me, please. 4 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:12,480 Bali, you know, reasonably well-known 5 00:00:12,480 --> 00:00:16,800 that it is an area for marijuana and other narcotic use. 6 00:00:16,800 --> 00:00:17,960 Just continue on. Thank you. 7 00:00:17,960 --> 00:00:20,400 So, these detector dogs that are working today 8 00:00:20,400 --> 00:00:21,720 are narcotics-trained, 9 00:00:21,720 --> 00:00:24,200 and they'll be looking for methamphetamine, cocaine, 10 00:00:24,200 --> 00:00:26,120 heroin, marijuana. 11 00:00:27,120 --> 00:00:30,240 And just stay where you are. He'll do another pass. OK? 12 00:00:30,240 --> 00:00:31,440 Just wait, please. Just... 13 00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:32,440 Excuse me. 14 00:00:32,440 --> 00:00:33,440 Sir? 15 00:00:33,440 --> 00:00:36,960 Sir, put your bag down on the floor and wait, please. 16 00:00:40,400 --> 00:00:41,840 NARRATOR: In Australia 17 00:00:41,840 --> 00:00:45,720 'just down the road' can mean hundreds of kilometres... 18 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:51,040 ..so, to keep everyone connected, we rely on planes. 19 00:00:51,040 --> 00:00:52,520 Hello! 20 00:00:52,520 --> 00:00:54,560 And lots of them. 21 00:00:56,960 --> 00:01:00,800 Crucial to this highway in the sky is Melbourne Airport. 22 00:01:02,920 --> 00:01:05,080 Melbourne Airport - expect the unexpected. 23 00:01:06,080 --> 00:01:08,600 It's the busiest airport in the country 24 00:01:08,600 --> 00:01:11,280 that operates 24 hours a day... 25 00:01:11,280 --> 00:01:13,440 They might not have experienced something like this before. 26 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:15,560 ..seven days a week. 27 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:19,000 We've had fog, we've had rain. So, tonight we've got to get it done. 28 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:22,800 With unprecedented access... 29 00:01:22,800 --> 00:01:24,200 The team are always on alert. 30 00:01:24,200 --> 00:01:25,880 ..from the control tower... 31 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:26,880 First aid call. 32 00:01:26,880 --> 00:01:27,920 ..to the tarmac... 33 00:01:27,920 --> 00:01:28,920 It's all about speed. 34 00:01:28,920 --> 00:01:32,040 ..to the airport's 24-7 nerve centre. 35 00:01:32,040 --> 00:01:34,240 Even if there's an incident, we're the ones scrambling, 36 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:35,760 and passengers still have a smooth journey. 37 00:01:35,760 --> 00:01:38,440 We're going behind the scenes... 38 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:40,720 We're looking at the cameras now. 39 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:44,160 ..to places very few people get to see... 40 00:01:45,560 --> 00:01:46,560 What's inside that? 41 00:01:47,560 --> 00:01:52,160 ..all to keep Melbourne Airport running smoothly, safely... 42 00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:54,200 Suspected firearm still in the chamber? 43 00:01:54,200 --> 00:01:55,920 ..and on time. 44 00:01:55,920 --> 00:01:57,400 Two down, one to go. 45 00:01:57,400 --> 00:01:59,360 At a 24-7 airport... 46 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:00,360 (SNORTS) 47 00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:01,360 ..every... 48 00:02:01,360 --> 00:02:02,880 I don't want this kangaroo jumping anywhere. 49 00:02:02,880 --> 00:02:04,320 ..second... 50 00:02:04,320 --> 00:02:05,400 ..counts. 51 00:02:05,400 --> 00:02:07,200 It's 10 to 6. We're on scene. 52 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:09,040 We've got a green light. We're good to go. 53 00:02:13,480 --> 00:02:15,760 (ENGINES WHINE) 54 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:21,960 Of all the aircraft flying in and out of Melbourne... 55 00:02:21,960 --> 00:02:24,400 (CONTROLLER SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY OVER RADIO) 56 00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:28,840 ..there's nothing quite like the mighty Airbus A380. 57 00:02:31,560 --> 00:02:34,280 It's the world's largest passenger plane. 58 00:02:37,280 --> 00:02:39,800 Longer than three cricket pitches... 59 00:02:41,120 --> 00:02:43,000 ..and with two decks, 60 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:46,640 it's as tall as an 8-storey building. 61 00:02:49,080 --> 00:02:51,720 COORDINATOR: Very big plane. Quite impressive. 62 00:02:51,720 --> 00:02:54,400 This particular aircraft that comes to Melbourne 63 00:02:54,400 --> 00:02:56,800 will carry around 480 passengers. 64 00:02:57,800 --> 00:02:59,120 (CHUCKLES) 65 00:02:59,120 --> 00:03:03,120 Diana works with the Dubai National Air Travel Agency, 66 00:03:03,120 --> 00:03:06,200 otherwise known as DNATA. 67 00:03:06,200 --> 00:03:09,920 From check-in to catering, 68 00:03:09,920 --> 00:03:13,760 cargo to ground handling, 69 00:03:13,760 --> 00:03:16,840 it's a one-stop service for airlines, 70 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:18,880 and it's Diana's job 71 00:03:18,880 --> 00:03:22,840 to get the A380 in and out of Melbourne without a hitch. 72 00:03:22,840 --> 00:03:25,120 My role here is a turnaround coordinator, 73 00:03:25,120 --> 00:03:28,880 so, what I do is oversee the arrival and departure 74 00:03:28,880 --> 00:03:31,000 of the Emirates airline aircraft. 75 00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:35,680 The A380 is the biggest plane to come through the airport, 76 00:03:35,680 --> 00:03:38,480 and, from the moment it arrives on the gate... 77 00:03:39,760 --> 00:03:41,880 ..Diana has just three hours 78 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:45,480 to prepare this giant of the sky for departure. 79 00:03:45,480 --> 00:03:48,000 Heading off to Gate 11. 80 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:52,440 Now, this aircraft here is 14 in first, 76 in business, 81 00:03:52,440 --> 00:03:54,480 56 in premium economy 82 00:03:54,480 --> 00:03:57,720 and 338 in economy. 83 00:03:57,720 --> 00:03:59,840 So, a lot of food, a lot of catering, 84 00:03:59,840 --> 00:04:01,920 a lot of cleaning needs to be done. 85 00:04:01,920 --> 00:04:04,720 It becomes challenging, and that's where it becomes exciting. 86 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:07,000 It's 6:00PM... 87 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:10,800 ..and tonight's flight bound for Dubai 88 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:12,920 is not only full of passengers... 89 00:04:14,200 --> 00:04:15,960 ..but cargo too. 90 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:19,120 Oh, there's some more... There's some more guys coming in. 91 00:04:19,120 --> 00:04:22,400 Khalid and his team are in full swing, 92 00:04:22,400 --> 00:04:26,280 packing freight for the scheduled 10:30PM departure. 93 00:04:26,280 --> 00:04:28,880 Just push the boxes in. Push this in. 94 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:33,840 The A380 can hold nearly 17,000 kilos of air freight, 95 00:04:33,840 --> 00:04:36,080 and in every load 96 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:37,880 there's a surprise. 97 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:43,200 You transport blood, vaccines, hearts, liver, organs, 98 00:04:43,200 --> 00:04:46,200 live animals like cats or dogs, 99 00:04:46,200 --> 00:04:47,920 alpacas, live goats, 100 00:04:47,920 --> 00:04:49,360 Tassie lobster. 101 00:04:49,360 --> 00:04:52,040 So, seafood - abalone, fish. 102 00:04:52,040 --> 00:04:55,040 Meat carcases. Seasonal fruit. 103 00:04:55,040 --> 00:04:57,520 Oh, and cars as well. We do cars as well. 104 00:04:57,520 --> 00:04:59,600 There was one Ferrari, I forgot what... 105 00:04:59,600 --> 00:05:01,040 ..but there was only three in the world. 106 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:02,360 $30 million. 107 00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:04,240 Mate, the sky's the limit. 108 00:05:04,240 --> 00:05:05,560 (ALERT BEEPS) (HORN HONKS) 109 00:05:05,560 --> 00:05:07,920 When you're loading, it's like a jigsaw puzzle. 110 00:05:07,920 --> 00:05:10,480 Just fill it up. Fill up the gap. You're wasting too much. 111 00:05:10,480 --> 00:05:11,560 Go. Go. Go. 112 00:05:11,560 --> 00:05:14,960 You gotta imagine all this freight going into that unit. 113 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:17,640 Now, this is to balance... It's gonna drop. 114 00:05:17,640 --> 00:05:19,880 Remember - it's going up in the aircraft, 115 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:22,800 it's not gonna stop up there and you're gonna say re-strap it again. 116 00:05:22,800 --> 00:05:24,080 Once it's up, it's up. 117 00:05:24,080 --> 00:05:26,800 At the end of the day it's gotta hug. 118 00:05:26,800 --> 00:05:29,640 There's no gap. There's no movement. 119 00:05:29,640 --> 00:05:33,720 The final items to be freighted have just arrived... 120 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:36,240 ..four dogs. 121 00:05:37,240 --> 00:05:39,520 But Khalid has a problem. 122 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:42,280 I don't know. I don't think they'll fit all on the PLA, mate. 123 00:05:43,360 --> 00:05:44,720 They're big dogs, man. 124 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:48,960 The dimension of the actual PLA won't fit four live dogs. 125 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:50,600 Anything over 30 kilos. 126 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:51,960 There's one. 127 00:05:51,960 --> 00:05:56,120 Khalid will need to change the pallet size for the pups. 128 00:05:56,120 --> 00:05:58,320 They are much bigger... 129 00:05:58,320 --> 00:06:00,200 This guy's an elephant. 130 00:06:00,200 --> 00:06:02,520 ..and heavier than he was expecting. 131 00:06:02,520 --> 00:06:04,440 67 kilos. 132 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:10,880 We've just one hour to go before the cargo is due out on the tarmac, 133 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:15,320 Khalid will need to solve his puppy-pallet problems quickly. 134 00:06:17,040 --> 00:06:18,680 Back on the gate... 135 00:06:22,640 --> 00:06:28,080 ..Diana is prepping one of the three aerobridges that attach to the A380. 136 00:06:29,080 --> 00:06:31,440 What I'm doing now is moving the bridge 137 00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:34,200 to go onto the upper deck of the aircraft. 138 00:06:34,200 --> 00:06:37,440 For Emirates, all their first and all their business 139 00:06:37,440 --> 00:06:39,080 are on the upper deck. 140 00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:40,960 So, we've got our green lights. 141 00:06:40,960 --> 00:06:43,720 So, everything's set and in position, ready for the aircraft. 142 00:06:45,080 --> 00:06:49,320 The aircraft is waiting for a tow from the other side of the airfield. 143 00:06:53,040 --> 00:06:55,200 Melbourne Delivery. Tug purple two. 144 00:06:57,040 --> 00:06:59,000 And time is ticking. 145 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:00,960 OK, what have we got? 7:27. 146 00:07:00,960 --> 00:07:02,360 Hopefully they tow soon. 147 00:07:02,360 --> 00:07:07,120 Permission to relocate Emirates A380 from Delta 15 to Delta 11. 148 00:07:09,360 --> 00:07:12,920 Give way to the Qantas 737. Tow approved. Purple two. 149 00:07:15,960 --> 00:07:21,080 Corey's been towing aircraft across this tarmac for two years, 150 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:23,840 but, weighing over 500 tonnes, 151 00:07:23,840 --> 00:07:27,560 towing this monster requires nerves of steel. 152 00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:30,320 You definitely feel how big it is when you're towing it 153 00:07:30,320 --> 00:07:32,040 compared to a smaller aircraft. 154 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:36,960 With an 80-metre wingspan, you've got to really watch, 155 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:39,480 making sure that there's no obstacles, 156 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:42,640 there's nothing in your way, no buildings, 157 00:07:42,640 --> 00:07:44,480 and just take your time. 158 00:07:47,160 --> 00:07:48,320 So, we just stopped, 159 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:51,120 and now we're reversing it onto the gate. 160 00:07:56,040 --> 00:07:59,080 We do a mix of looking at the camera and looking behind us. 161 00:08:00,080 --> 00:08:04,920 Reverse parking an aircraft worth over US$400 million 162 00:08:04,920 --> 00:08:06,800 is not for the faint-hearted. 163 00:08:06,800 --> 00:08:08,280 We just want to go slow 164 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:13,160 just 'cause there's a lot more things that could be in our way. 165 00:08:14,720 --> 00:08:18,400 There's lines on the ground for every aircraft type, 166 00:08:18,400 --> 00:08:21,760 and we want to park it on the A388 right there... 167 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:23,960 ..right there. 168 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:29,880 Now the plane's on the gate 169 00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:33,160 Diana can connect the first aerobridge. 170 00:08:34,760 --> 00:08:38,400 Driving a narrow bridge we get quite close to the wing. 171 00:08:39,880 --> 00:08:42,120 You may think we're gonna hit the wing. 172 00:08:42,120 --> 00:08:43,720 I do go over the wing, 173 00:08:43,720 --> 00:08:46,480 but I've actually got a bit of distance, and I know that. 174 00:08:46,480 --> 00:08:51,560 But I've still got to be mindful of my surroundings around me. 175 00:08:53,960 --> 00:08:55,080 One down... 176 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:57,000 We'll go downstairs and do the other two. 177 00:08:57,000 --> 00:08:59,680 ..and two to go. 178 00:08:59,680 --> 00:09:01,920 Now we're moving. (CHUCKLES) 179 00:09:02,920 --> 00:09:04,800 It's nearly 8:00PM. 180 00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:07,080 To get the aircraft out on time 181 00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:09,880 everything needs to run smoothly from here. 182 00:09:09,880 --> 00:09:11,960 If something happens to this aircraft tonight 183 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:13,880 and we have a delay, 184 00:09:13,880 --> 00:09:16,760 the roll-on effect will sort of carry on to Dubai. 185 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:22,920 80% of the flight has got another destination to go to from Dubai. 186 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:26,040 Are they gonna make it? Will they be late for that flight? 187 00:09:26,040 --> 00:09:28,520 So, there is a roll-on effect. 188 00:09:28,520 --> 00:09:30,240 (TAPS EQUIPMENT) 189 00:09:30,240 --> 00:09:32,080 Of course, this doesn't work. 190 00:09:36,640 --> 00:09:39,400 The sensor on the aerobridge is not working. 191 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:47,074 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm 192 00:09:48,240 --> 00:09:51,040 Corey's waiting for the bridge to be in place 193 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:55,040 so he can attach the ground power and start loading the plane. 194 00:09:55,040 --> 00:09:57,200 I think this one has broken down at the moment. 195 00:09:57,200 --> 00:10:00,840 If they can't get this one to fix, we might have to change bays. 196 00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:02,200 So, if we have to change the bay, 197 00:10:02,200 --> 00:10:05,800 we're gonna have to push it out again and take it to another bay. 198 00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:07,520 And... 199 00:10:07,520 --> 00:10:09,640 Yeah, adds time. 200 00:10:09,640 --> 00:10:10,760 Adds a lot of time. 201 00:10:10,760 --> 00:10:11,760 No. 202 00:10:13,720 --> 00:10:15,080 They could slow down the boarding 203 00:10:15,080 --> 00:10:16,880 and have a potential delay on the flight. 204 00:10:16,880 --> 00:10:20,880 I'm unable to select manual control on the aerobridge 205 00:10:20,880 --> 00:10:23,800 to move the bridge on to the aircraft. 206 00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:35,360 the largest passenger plane in the world 207 00:10:35,360 --> 00:10:37,080 is getting ready to depart. 208 00:10:38,480 --> 00:10:40,760 But with just two hours to take-off... 209 00:10:42,040 --> 00:10:44,760 Hi, Lisa. Diana calling from DNATA at Emirates. 210 00:10:44,760 --> 00:10:47,720 ..the aerobridge is not playing ball. 211 00:10:47,720 --> 00:10:51,800 I'm unable to select manual control the aerobridge 212 00:10:51,800 --> 00:10:54,440 to move the bridge on to the aircraft. 213 00:10:54,440 --> 00:10:57,120 With a technician troubleshooting, 214 00:10:57,120 --> 00:10:59,440 Diana is asked to try logging on again. 215 00:11:02,720 --> 00:11:03,880 It's working. 216 00:11:03,880 --> 00:11:05,640 OK. Thank you! 217 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:06,640 Bye. 218 00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:07,920 Stroke of miracle. 219 00:11:07,920 --> 00:11:09,240 It's working. 220 00:11:12,240 --> 00:11:15,400 All she had to do was turn it off and on again, 221 00:11:15,400 --> 00:11:18,240 and Diana's back in the driver's seat. 222 00:11:19,720 --> 00:11:23,520 Once all three aerobridges on, we get the cables. 223 00:11:25,360 --> 00:11:28,440 With the aerobridges now on, 224 00:11:28,440 --> 00:11:31,480 ground power can be attached to the plane. 225 00:11:31,480 --> 00:11:32,480 Beautiful. 226 00:11:32,480 --> 00:11:34,600 Using the airport's power 227 00:11:34,600 --> 00:11:38,600 now means the plane conserves its fuel for the flight. 228 00:11:40,920 --> 00:11:44,160 Having lost time with the aerobridge malfunction, 229 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:47,520 the race to departure in two hours is on. 230 00:11:47,520 --> 00:11:48,800 Crunch time! 231 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:52,360 In the terminal 232 00:11:52,360 --> 00:11:54,840 check-in is well underway. 233 00:11:57,720 --> 00:12:01,760 480 passengers take time to process. 234 00:12:03,160 --> 00:12:05,160 And so do their bags. 235 00:12:15,200 --> 00:12:18,520 My guess would be we're looking at around 530 bags probably. 236 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:20,600 Baggage handler Chloe 237 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:24,920 is loading and delivering them to the aircraft in stages. 238 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:31,960 With the A380, it will take a lot more cargo. 239 00:12:31,960 --> 00:12:33,560 it'll take a lot more baggage cans, 240 00:12:33,560 --> 00:12:35,960 so, it just means you need more manpower. 241 00:12:39,720 --> 00:12:41,840 And it can be quite a challenge some days. 242 00:12:43,560 --> 00:12:48,080 While Chloe's got another 15 containers to load in the Bag Room... 243 00:12:49,760 --> 00:12:51,240 ..over in Cargo... 244 00:12:51,240 --> 00:12:53,080 Two straps this way. 245 00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:54,560 And one on each strap. 246 00:12:54,560 --> 00:12:59,040 ..Khalid's found a pallet to fit the super-sized pooches. 247 00:13:00,200 --> 00:13:02,120 One, two, three, four 248 00:13:02,120 --> 00:13:03,880 and then two up there. 249 00:13:03,880 --> 00:13:04,880 OK? 250 00:13:04,880 --> 00:13:06,560 Because I don't want none of them moving. 251 00:13:06,560 --> 00:13:10,200 There you go. Two, four, six. And then two PMCs and a PLA. 252 00:13:10,200 --> 00:13:12,560 That's done. Let's go. Get the tags. 253 00:13:13,720 --> 00:13:17,360 As the 10:30PM departure draws closer... 254 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:18,440 Is there tags? 255 00:13:18,440 --> 00:13:21,520 ..Khalid and the team have to shift it up a gear. 256 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:27,680 If we don't get this out in time, it could delay the actual plane. 257 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:31,200 Then it will be a cost-on back on us. 258 00:13:32,280 --> 00:13:34,040 THAT we don't want to see. 259 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:40,080 Delivering the cargo to the tarmac is next. 260 00:13:40,080 --> 00:13:42,080 Hopefully we get there in 10 minutes. 261 00:13:45,760 --> 00:13:47,320 Beautiful plane. 262 00:13:51,400 --> 00:13:53,720 When they're ready to open the doors, 263 00:13:53,720 --> 00:13:55,120 then they start loading it, 264 00:13:55,120 --> 00:13:56,760 loading the aircraft. 265 00:13:56,760 --> 00:13:58,800 That's all us from Cargo. 266 00:14:04,280 --> 00:14:06,760 Load supervisors Corey and Colleen... 267 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:09,360 We'll just lower it and turn it off. 268 00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:12,640 ..have just finished inspecting the hold. 269 00:14:12,640 --> 00:14:14,240 The aircraft is empty. 270 00:14:14,240 --> 00:14:15,880 We're ready to start loading. 271 00:14:15,880 --> 00:14:17,640 We've got cargo all here. 272 00:14:18,640 --> 00:14:19,840 Just got to wait for a load plan. 273 00:14:21,800 --> 00:14:25,560 A load plan is one of the most important pieces of information 274 00:14:25,560 --> 00:14:27,520 for any flight. 275 00:14:27,520 --> 00:14:29,720 It's the mathematical blueprint 276 00:14:29,720 --> 00:14:33,160 that ensures the correct centre of gravity for the plane. 277 00:14:33,160 --> 00:14:37,600 The aircraft is balanced on the weight. 278 00:14:37,600 --> 00:14:39,880 If we put anything in the wrong spot, 279 00:14:39,880 --> 00:14:41,480 anything could happen. 280 00:14:41,480 --> 00:14:44,400 And that doesn't sound good. 281 00:14:44,400 --> 00:14:49,040 All weights, including cargo, baggage and the number of passengers, 282 00:14:49,040 --> 00:14:52,360 need to be in before the load plan can be issued. 283 00:14:52,360 --> 00:14:57,400 The aircraft leaves in an hour-50. 284 00:14:57,400 --> 00:14:59,760 Yep. Hour-50, hour-45. 285 00:14:59,760 --> 00:15:02,440 So, hopefully it gets released soon. 286 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:06,480 While Corey and Colleen head to the office to wait for the load plan... 287 00:15:07,480 --> 00:15:12,320 ..upstairs Diana is monitoring progress on check-in. 288 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:18,800 So, it's quite full in all cabins bar a few empty seats. 289 00:15:18,800 --> 00:15:20,640 But still quite busy. 290 00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:24,160 A full plane means there will be more to do, 291 00:15:24,160 --> 00:15:26,320 and time is running out. 292 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:27,320 (PHONE RINGS) 293 00:15:27,320 --> 00:15:28,360 Hello? Di. 294 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:31,720 Yeah, we're all on. 295 00:15:31,720 --> 00:15:33,600 So, bridges are on. Crew arrived? 296 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:38,680 Oh, that's odd. 297 00:15:38,680 --> 00:15:41,880 With just over 90 minutes to departure... 298 00:15:41,880 --> 00:15:43,360 The crew haven't turned up. 299 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:45,920 ..and passengers now arriving at the gate... 300 00:15:46,920 --> 00:15:49,680 ..Diana needs the crew to turn up soon 301 00:15:49,680 --> 00:15:53,200 so that pre-flight checks can be done in time. 302 00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:55,400 I'll give it another 5, 10 minutes. 303 00:16:00,800 --> 00:16:05,640 Melbourne Airport is the busiest 24-7 airport in the country. 304 00:16:06,840 --> 00:16:12,840 Every day around 100,000 people pass through these terminals... 305 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:17,840 ..each one with their very own travel story. 306 00:16:19,480 --> 00:16:22,120 Everyone's going somewhere but me. (LAUGHS) 307 00:16:22,120 --> 00:16:27,600 Taking it all in is airport CEO, Lorie. 308 00:16:27,600 --> 00:16:30,920 My favourite part of the airport is International Arrivals. 309 00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:34,240 I just love the fact 310 00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:37,880 that everyone that's here is excited to meet a loved one, 311 00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:41,320 you know, they could have maybe not seen their family in years 312 00:16:41,320 --> 00:16:42,960 and they're waiting with anticipation 313 00:16:42,960 --> 00:16:45,080 for people to come walking through those doors. 314 00:16:46,520 --> 00:16:48,840 (GASPS) Oh, my god! 315 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:51,240 Seven months. Seven months old?! 316 00:16:52,240 --> 00:16:55,200 I always say to my team, "If you're ever having a bad day, 317 00:16:55,200 --> 00:16:57,800 "you just need to pack yourself up from your desk, 318 00:16:57,800 --> 00:17:01,400 "hop on down here, have a seat, watch everyone around you," 319 00:17:01,400 --> 00:17:05,200 because your heart HAS to be full when you come watch these arrivals. 320 00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:09,600 And soon moments like these will increase. 321 00:17:10,600 --> 00:17:12,560 Melbourne's growing population 322 00:17:12,560 --> 00:17:14,680 means that by 2040 323 00:17:14,680 --> 00:17:16,120 annual traveller numbers 324 00:17:16,120 --> 00:17:20,960 are expected to hit a whopping 76 million every year. 325 00:17:20,960 --> 00:17:22,600 And, to meet demand, 326 00:17:22,600 --> 00:17:26,000 Lorie has some grand plans for the airport. 327 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:28,320 I've always been excited about progress. 328 00:17:28,320 --> 00:17:29,880 People would be surprised to know 329 00:17:29,880 --> 00:17:31,880 that we're four times the size of Heathrow, 330 00:17:31,880 --> 00:17:34,240 so, we have a very big land bank. 331 00:17:34,240 --> 00:17:37,640 This precinct can sustain growth for the next 50 years, 332 00:17:37,640 --> 00:17:40,880 and I feel a real obligation to make sure we deliver that. 333 00:17:40,880 --> 00:17:43,520 So, our third runway approval we had recently 334 00:17:43,520 --> 00:17:45,520 makes Melbourne more reliable 335 00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:49,520 and it continues to make Melbourne an attractive city to come to. 336 00:17:50,520 --> 00:17:52,400 The third runway will operate 337 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:54,840 in a north-south direction. 338 00:17:54,840 --> 00:17:56,840 A series of taxiways 339 00:17:56,840 --> 00:17:58,320 will connect the runway 340 00:17:58,320 --> 00:18:01,240 with the existing airfield network. 341 00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:03,600 The $3 billion plan 342 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:06,240 will take six years to build. 343 00:18:07,920 --> 00:18:09,680 This evening 344 00:18:09,680 --> 00:18:14,440 a critical phase of construction on a new taxiway begins, 345 00:18:14,440 --> 00:18:16,320 and program manager, Ben, 346 00:18:16,320 --> 00:18:21,200 has arranged to have the east-west runway shut for 36 hours. 347 00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:22,880 BEN: Closing the runway 348 00:18:22,880 --> 00:18:26,000 takes a lot of careful planning with our airline customers 349 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:28,760 and our operations staff. 350 00:18:28,760 --> 00:18:31,920 We started planning for these closures 12 months ago. 351 00:18:33,280 --> 00:18:37,880 With planes coming and going every 60 seconds during peak periods, 352 00:18:37,880 --> 00:18:42,680 it's much more complicated than your average bit of road work. 353 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:47,080 You've got about 90 trucks working on this project daily. 354 00:18:47,080 --> 00:18:48,920 They all need to be escorted out 355 00:18:48,920 --> 00:18:52,240 to the taxiway system across live taxiways. 356 00:18:56,320 --> 00:18:59,200 So, we've just started our 36-hour closure. 357 00:18:59,200 --> 00:19:01,800 Tonight the construction crew are removing all the old concrete 358 00:19:01,800 --> 00:19:05,160 that's been down here for 45 years now. 359 00:19:08,240 --> 00:19:11,080 We've got over 100 people working on site. 360 00:19:11,080 --> 00:19:13,200 We've probably got about 35 trucks operating, 361 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:16,600 with about six excavators working at the same time. 362 00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:21,320 Tomorrow morning we'll be laying 650 cubic metres of concrete. 363 00:19:21,320 --> 00:19:23,560 So, it's all done to a very tight timeline. 364 00:19:25,280 --> 00:19:27,440 While they're short on time... 365 00:19:29,160 --> 00:19:30,960 ..the taxiway they're building 366 00:19:30,960 --> 00:19:33,320 needs to last over many years 367 00:19:33,320 --> 00:19:35,040 and must be strong enough 368 00:19:35,040 --> 00:19:39,040 to withstand the weight of hundreds of aircraft each day. 369 00:19:39,040 --> 00:19:42,200 The high-strength, early-curing concrete that we're using here 370 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:43,200 will be strong. 371 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:44,760 Within the next week 372 00:19:44,760 --> 00:19:47,600 we could run aircraft over this concrete. 373 00:19:47,600 --> 00:19:49,280 But with all this digging... 374 00:19:49,280 --> 00:19:50,640 It's weird, isn't it? 375 00:19:50,640 --> 00:19:51,960 It's like a cleaning pit they've put in 376 00:19:51,960 --> 00:19:53,880 but put a grate on it for some reason. 377 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:55,800 ..there are some discoveries. 378 00:19:57,320 --> 00:20:01,200 So, we've got a random drain pipe that comes out to this grate, 379 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:04,680 and it flows down to the east. 380 00:20:06,120 --> 00:20:09,160 But if we leave it at this level there, 381 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:12,360 it won't be to grade for the edge of the runway. 382 00:20:12,360 --> 00:20:15,720 But with now only 30 hours to fix the drainage issue 383 00:20:15,720 --> 00:20:18,720 as well complete all the scheduled work, 384 00:20:18,720 --> 00:20:20,240 the pressure is on. 385 00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:23,440 So, if we didn't open this on time at 6:00AM on Monday morning, 386 00:20:23,440 --> 00:20:25,520 we would have aircraft delays. 387 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:27,000 A 10-minute delay on one aircraft 388 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:29,680 turns into a 20-minute delay on the next aircraft, 389 00:20:29,680 --> 00:20:31,920 and all day they bank up. 390 00:20:31,920 --> 00:20:35,840 It would be a disaster not to hand back the runway at 6:00AM on Monday. 391 00:20:43,240 --> 00:20:44,640 DIANA: See you soon. Bye-bye. 392 00:20:44,640 --> 00:20:49,040 ..A380 turnaround coordinator Diana has a problem. 393 00:20:49,040 --> 00:20:52,640 The crew haven't turned up at the check-in counters, 394 00:20:52,640 --> 00:20:54,720 so, 29 in total. 395 00:20:54,720 --> 00:20:58,600 They should be arriving shortly hopefully at the check-in counters, 396 00:20:58,600 --> 00:21:01,400 drop off their bags, get their paperwork 397 00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:03,600 and come through to the gate. 398 00:21:04,760 --> 00:21:06,920 It's nearly 9:00PM, 399 00:21:06,920 --> 00:21:09,320 just over an hour to departure, 400 00:21:09,320 --> 00:21:12,960 and the window for avoiding a delay is closing. 401 00:21:15,200 --> 00:21:17,080 Down in baggage services... 402 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:21,560 ..it's a masterclass in time and motion, 403 00:21:21,560 --> 00:21:26,040 and handler Chloe has every minute accounted for. 404 00:21:26,040 --> 00:21:28,400 So, once it's checked in from upstairs, 405 00:21:28,400 --> 00:21:30,920 it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get to us, 406 00:21:30,920 --> 00:21:31,920 and then roughly, 407 00:21:31,920 --> 00:21:33,560 depending on how many have come down at once, 408 00:21:33,560 --> 00:21:35,800 it will take us maybe 10 minutes to clear this whole belt. 409 00:21:41,080 --> 00:21:43,640 So, we're currently 9:05. 410 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:45,800 We've roughly got about 20 minutes to go 411 00:21:45,800 --> 00:21:47,520 before they'll close the check-in, 412 00:21:47,520 --> 00:21:49,840 and we're still missing 30 bags. 413 00:21:51,680 --> 00:21:53,360 Over in ground ops... 414 00:21:53,360 --> 00:21:56,320 Yeah, cutting it a bit tight with time. 415 00:21:56,320 --> 00:21:57,760 ..Corey and Colleen 416 00:21:57,760 --> 00:22:01,480 are still waiting for the load plan to come through from Dubai. 417 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:03,880 (OVER RADIO) Hey, I'm printing AL edition 2 418 00:22:03,880 --> 00:22:05,960 and the debrief sent to the printer. 419 00:22:05,960 --> 00:22:07,520 Copy. Edition 2, thank you. 420 00:22:07,520 --> 00:22:10,840 It provides clear instruction for ramp staff 421 00:22:10,840 --> 00:22:13,040 of where to load cargo and baggage... 422 00:22:13,040 --> 00:22:14,960 Yep! Let's go! 423 00:22:14,960 --> 00:22:19,400 ..so that the plane's centre of gravity is not compromised. 424 00:22:19,400 --> 00:22:21,160 Here's the load plan, we're on edition 2. 425 00:22:21,160 --> 00:22:24,320 On the flight, we've got cargo in the front AND the back. 426 00:22:24,320 --> 00:22:26,840 We've got animals AVI in 11. 427 00:22:26,840 --> 00:22:29,760 Whoever's driving that, just be careful. 428 00:22:29,760 --> 00:22:31,280 We've got water for them. 429 00:22:31,280 --> 00:22:34,280 I'll check all the weights now, and then we'll start loading. 430 00:22:34,280 --> 00:22:35,560 OK, let's go. 431 00:22:35,560 --> 00:22:38,840 Loading the largest passenger plane in the world... 432 00:22:38,840 --> 00:22:40,040 Hi. 433 00:22:40,040 --> 00:22:41,600 ..in such a short time 434 00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:44,880 seems nearly impossible. 435 00:22:44,880 --> 00:22:47,680 So, the aircraft departs in an hour. 436 00:22:47,680 --> 00:22:53,400 For efficiency, the crew load the front and the back at the same time. 437 00:22:53,400 --> 00:22:55,160 Bags are going on the front. 438 00:22:57,240 --> 00:22:59,600 We've got more cargo to load on the back. 439 00:23:00,600 --> 00:23:02,040 (OVER RADIO) Is the back end good to go? 440 00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:05,320 Affirm back end's good to go. 441 00:23:05,320 --> 00:23:07,840 With passengers still checking bags in, 442 00:23:07,840 --> 00:23:09,600 the race is on. 443 00:23:11,680 --> 00:23:13,920 If the passengers don't check in on time, 444 00:23:13,920 --> 00:23:17,080 then the bags will come out late and could delay the flight. 445 00:23:18,080 --> 00:23:19,840 EK ramp, Bag Room. 446 00:23:19,840 --> 00:23:23,840 Late check-ins are the enemy of all ground crews, 447 00:23:23,840 --> 00:23:27,200 and Chloe is starting to feel the pressure. 448 00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:29,120 Check-in should be closing roughly in about 10 minutes. 449 00:23:29,120 --> 00:23:30,800 We are missing quite a few passengers, 450 00:23:30,800 --> 00:23:32,680 so, we'll probably be a little bit over today. 451 00:23:33,960 --> 00:23:35,520 We've still got a lot to go. 452 00:23:37,440 --> 00:23:39,640 At 9:20 453 00:23:39,640 --> 00:23:42,560 the crew have finally arrived on the gate. 454 00:23:44,760 --> 00:23:46,800 Hello! How are you? 455 00:23:46,800 --> 00:23:48,200 All good? Yeah. 456 00:23:48,200 --> 00:23:51,080 Ready to go on? Yeah? Good. Thanks, guys. Come through. 457 00:23:51,080 --> 00:23:54,600 The countdown to departure is now on. 458 00:23:55,880 --> 00:23:57,400 Yep! 459 00:23:57,400 --> 00:24:00,840 Arrivals, is anyone doing the 404 bridge for tow? 460 00:24:02,000 --> 00:24:04,440 It's 45 minutes to take-off. 461 00:24:05,920 --> 00:24:08,960 Check-in is now officially closed. 462 00:24:08,960 --> 00:24:11,120 They've closed check-in. 463 00:24:11,120 --> 00:24:14,520 We've got the last cargo unit to load. 464 00:24:14,520 --> 00:24:16,720 But, at the last minute, 465 00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:20,480 a few latecomers have been allowed to check in for the flight... 466 00:24:20,480 --> 00:24:22,000 (OVER RADIO) Not sure if you're aware, 467 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:25,400 but there's a lot of bags up here waiting to be checked out. 468 00:24:25,400 --> 00:24:27,560 ..so, the team aren't off the hook yet. 469 00:24:27,560 --> 00:24:29,680 Did you have a rough number on what's left for check-in? 470 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:41,160 Tonight work continues on a new taxiway for the airport. 471 00:24:43,280 --> 00:24:46,200 And program manager, Ben, has come up with a solution 472 00:24:46,200 --> 00:24:51,040 to fix an uneven surface due to an unexpected drain pipe. 473 00:24:52,600 --> 00:24:55,280 BEN: We need to raise it up a bit and put a plate over it, 474 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:56,920 then we'll come and fix it permanently 475 00:24:56,920 --> 00:24:58,480 once we can get back in here 476 00:24:58,480 --> 00:24:59,480 with a small closure, 477 00:24:59,480 --> 00:25:01,840 not a 36-hour closure, but a small one. 478 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:05,000 Elsewhere on the site... 479 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:07,840 So, this one here, blocks are all out now. 480 00:25:07,840 --> 00:25:10,080 ..the team are making some headway... 481 00:25:10,080 --> 00:25:11,560 So, that's roughly sitting 482 00:25:11,560 --> 00:25:14,360 at about 45 minutes to an hour ahead of schedule. 483 00:25:14,360 --> 00:25:17,760 ..with everything timed out to the minute. 484 00:25:17,760 --> 00:25:20,960 So, this is already ready for CT now. 485 00:25:20,960 --> 00:25:23,680 Progress hinges on the concrete pour, 486 00:25:23,680 --> 00:25:25,160 which has to be dry 487 00:25:25,160 --> 00:25:29,200 before this section of the taxiway can be used on Monday. 488 00:25:29,200 --> 00:25:30,800 It was slotted for 1 o'clock, 489 00:25:30,800 --> 00:25:32,280 but we have brought them in early 490 00:25:32,280 --> 00:25:34,600 'cause we're thinking that, if we're gonna make up time... 491 00:25:34,600 --> 00:25:36,200 Yeah, yeah. ..it's better to have them there. 492 00:25:37,200 --> 00:25:39,880 The team still have a lot of work to do 493 00:25:39,880 --> 00:25:42,560 to prepare for tomorrow's concrete pour. 494 00:25:42,560 --> 00:25:45,400 But for now Ben is calling it a night. 495 00:25:45,400 --> 00:25:47,400 I'll get up in the morning, I'll come back out, 496 00:25:47,400 --> 00:25:49,360 watch the concrete being laid. 497 00:25:49,360 --> 00:25:52,240 Once the concrete's placed, I'll be feeling in a good spot. 498 00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:55,720 But if there IS a problem with the concrete pour, 499 00:25:55,720 --> 00:25:59,400 all flights out of Melbourne Airport will be affected. 500 00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:01,120 Huge deadline. 501 00:26:02,840 --> 00:26:09,400 NARRATOR: At Melbourne Airport 502 00:26:10,480 --> 00:26:12,000 We've got clearance. 503 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:14,600 Wait for the iO to come on. 504 00:26:14,600 --> 00:26:18,360 Once the iO is boarded, start your pre-boards and then follow through. 505 00:26:18,360 --> 00:26:19,600 (OVER RADIO) Copy. 506 00:26:20,680 --> 00:26:23,440 EK-Delta, Minav. Di. 507 00:26:23,440 --> 00:26:26,880 The plane is due to depart at 10:30. 508 00:26:28,840 --> 00:26:33,280 Downstairs the baggage services have finally received the last bags 509 00:26:33,280 --> 00:26:35,400 from those pesky late check-ins. 510 00:26:36,400 --> 00:26:40,280 BAGGAGE SERVICES: And the total, 594 bags. 511 00:26:40,280 --> 00:26:41,800 Which is insane. 512 00:26:41,800 --> 00:26:44,440 So, that's quite a mammoth flight for us. 513 00:26:45,680 --> 00:26:47,160 A huge effort, 514 00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:51,000 considering other long-haul aircrafts, like the A320, 515 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:54,640 only have capacity for around 200 bags. 516 00:26:54,640 --> 00:26:56,120 So, what we're doing now 517 00:26:56,120 --> 00:26:58,240 is we're just taking the last little bits of baggage out, 518 00:26:58,240 --> 00:27:00,440 which we call the bulk, 519 00:27:00,440 --> 00:27:03,080 and then we hand over to the ramp staff. 520 00:27:03,080 --> 00:27:05,400 They finish this last bit and then that's it. 521 00:27:08,080 --> 00:27:09,840 Hey, I'm bringing out the bulk now. 522 00:27:09,840 --> 00:27:12,400 There's a total of 10, including one gate. 523 00:27:12,400 --> 00:27:13,600 We're all clear. 524 00:27:18,840 --> 00:27:22,160 OK, this is the last bag can to be loaded! 525 00:27:26,680 --> 00:27:28,280 It's an enormous flight. 526 00:27:28,280 --> 00:27:31,400 Until you're the small person looking up at an A380, 527 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:32,960 you really don't know. 528 00:27:32,960 --> 00:27:34,240 It makes you feel quite small. 529 00:27:38,440 --> 00:27:40,160 That's it for the front AND the back. 530 00:27:40,160 --> 00:27:41,920 (ALERT BEEPS) 531 00:27:41,920 --> 00:27:43,760 As time is ticking... 532 00:27:44,760 --> 00:27:49,120 ..Diana begins boarding, starting with the VIPs. 533 00:27:50,400 --> 00:27:51,720 Clearance? Yeah. 534 00:27:51,720 --> 00:27:52,720 Alright. 535 00:27:52,720 --> 00:27:54,960 EK-Delta, we've got clearance. 536 00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:58,000 We'll start with your pre-boards. 537 00:27:58,000 --> 00:28:00,360 OK. We've got a very important passenger on tonight. 538 00:28:00,360 --> 00:28:02,640 He's going to be boarding first. 539 00:28:05,560 --> 00:28:08,600 We have 271 passengers to go. 540 00:28:11,120 --> 00:28:14,840 Boarding such a huge plane in just 20 minutes... 541 00:28:14,840 --> 00:28:17,600 Yeah, come down this way. That's fine. Come down this way. 542 00:28:17,600 --> 00:28:21,080 ..Diana has to make sure it all goes smoothly... 543 00:28:21,080 --> 00:28:23,120 230 to go. 544 00:28:24,280 --> 00:28:28,080 ..while also receiving final documentation from Dubai. 545 00:28:28,080 --> 00:28:29,560 What I've just printed up now 546 00:28:29,560 --> 00:28:31,560 is just all the paperwork for the purser. 547 00:28:31,560 --> 00:28:33,200 So, it's all the manifest details. 548 00:28:34,200 --> 00:28:36,040 It's quite lengthy. 549 00:28:38,560 --> 00:28:41,040 As the 10:30 departure looms... 550 00:28:42,680 --> 00:28:45,920 ..the whole team is working down to the wire. 551 00:28:47,880 --> 00:28:50,160 We're just taking off the ground power now 552 00:28:50,160 --> 00:28:52,160 so we can get ready for departure. 553 00:28:52,160 --> 00:28:53,800 Thank you. 554 00:28:53,800 --> 00:28:56,440 So, we're all done. 555 00:28:56,440 --> 00:28:58,320 We're just waiting for them to finish boarding. 556 00:28:58,320 --> 00:29:01,720 Still a few more passengers on that bridge. 557 00:29:03,840 --> 00:29:06,680 With 15 minutes to departure... 558 00:29:06,680 --> 00:29:09,080 Minav, how many more have we got to go, buddy? 559 00:29:09,080 --> 00:29:11,760 ..40 people still need to board. 560 00:29:11,760 --> 00:29:13,720 Is first and business done? 561 00:29:13,720 --> 00:29:16,480 But with all three aerobridges operating... 562 00:29:16,480 --> 00:29:18,120 We've got everyone. 563 00:29:18,120 --> 00:29:19,840 ..it happens quickly. 564 00:29:19,840 --> 00:29:21,400 See ya. Thank you. 565 00:29:21,400 --> 00:29:24,360 Finally, it's time to close the doors... 566 00:29:24,360 --> 00:29:27,240 Door closed - EK 24. 567 00:29:27,240 --> 00:29:28,800 ..and the hold. 568 00:29:31,200 --> 00:29:33,440 With two minutes to go... 569 00:29:33,440 --> 00:29:35,560 Affirm door closed - 24. 570 00:29:36,800 --> 00:29:40,200 ..Diana just needs that aerobridge to cooperate. 571 00:29:54,280 --> 00:29:56,160 Alright. Done. We've done it. 572 00:29:58,160 --> 00:30:00,920 The brakes are off and now we're good to push. 573 00:30:13,920 --> 00:30:17,600 The tow's just being disconnected as we speak. 574 00:30:21,120 --> 00:30:24,560 And then the pilot will take pretty much command. 575 00:30:30,360 --> 00:30:33,160 After the push back on time, it's a great feeling. 576 00:30:33,160 --> 00:30:34,480 It's a great feeling. 577 00:30:37,200 --> 00:30:40,680 Getting this aircraft off the ground, it's a big deal. 578 00:30:40,680 --> 00:30:43,120 It's a lot of people and a lot of work. 579 00:30:45,400 --> 00:30:47,320 Once I see her take off, 580 00:30:47,320 --> 00:30:50,920 I'm quite content and happy that she's on her way. 581 00:30:52,560 --> 00:30:54,280 And I always get a bit of a tickle in my stomach 582 00:30:54,280 --> 00:30:56,720 because it's just one of those things I love seeing. 583 00:31:00,680 --> 00:31:03,680 (ENGINES WHOOSH) 584 00:31:07,440 --> 00:31:09,120 When night becomes morning... 585 00:31:11,440 --> 00:31:14,640 ..Melbourne Airport changes gear. 586 00:31:16,080 --> 00:31:20,360 One runway is still closed for today's important concrete pour... 587 00:31:22,120 --> 00:31:25,360 ..but elsewhere vital work must go on. 588 00:31:26,840 --> 00:31:29,960 On the apron the taxiway work is ongoing. 589 00:31:30,960 --> 00:31:35,040 Melbourne is part of a worldwide aviation network 590 00:31:35,040 --> 00:31:39,160 and, so, has to pull its weight in border security. 591 00:31:41,400 --> 00:31:45,000 Border Force has a really important role in protecting our community. 592 00:31:45,000 --> 00:31:47,640 At the International Terminal 593 00:31:47,640 --> 00:31:50,640 Australian Border Force are the first line of defence 594 00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:53,840 against illegal drugs and goods entering the country. 595 00:31:53,840 --> 00:31:56,880 Organised crime groups will look for any opportunity 596 00:31:56,880 --> 00:31:59,720 to bring contraband into the country, 597 00:31:59,720 --> 00:32:01,400 whether that's narcotics 598 00:32:01,400 --> 00:32:05,280 or dutiable goods and cigarettes and tobacco. 599 00:32:05,280 --> 00:32:06,560 This morning 600 00:32:06,560 --> 00:32:09,640 team leader, Karl, is in charge of operations. 601 00:32:10,640 --> 00:32:14,120 We've got a bit of activity here this morning on flight 46. 602 00:32:14,120 --> 00:32:16,560 It's a flight arriving into Melbourne from Denpasar. 603 00:32:19,200 --> 00:32:22,600 Our focus here today will be looking at baggage. 604 00:32:22,600 --> 00:32:24,640 Coming in from Bali, 605 00:32:24,640 --> 00:32:28,200 it's reasonably well known that it is an area for marijuana 606 00:32:28,200 --> 00:32:29,920 and other narcotic use. 607 00:32:38,960 --> 00:32:40,720 NARRATOR: At Melbourne Airport 608 00:32:40,720 --> 00:32:42,200 it's 11:00AM... 609 00:32:43,200 --> 00:32:46,640 ..and the Border Force team are looking for illicit drugs 610 00:32:46,640 --> 00:32:49,960 on a plane just in from Denpasar. 611 00:32:49,960 --> 00:32:51,760 It's a 737 aircraft, 612 00:32:51,760 --> 00:32:54,960 so, all the bags are manually loaded onto the aircraft. 613 00:32:54,960 --> 00:32:57,400 That is a vulnerability for us. 614 00:32:57,400 --> 00:32:59,280 There's lots of manual handling involved. 615 00:32:59,280 --> 00:33:01,760 The more manual handling there is 616 00:33:01,760 --> 00:33:04,840 the more opportunity for crime. 617 00:33:04,840 --> 00:33:07,320 We're predominantly here looking at airport workers 618 00:33:07,320 --> 00:33:10,520 that have a trusted position on the tarmac space 619 00:33:10,520 --> 00:33:13,960 and are taking an opportunity to perhaps engage in criminal activity. 620 00:33:16,000 --> 00:33:18,480 Make sure you're looking at all the baggage tags, OK? 621 00:33:19,920 --> 00:33:22,880 The baggage-tag system has a lot of information on it... 622 00:33:23,880 --> 00:33:26,320 ..and maybe coming from South America 623 00:33:26,320 --> 00:33:30,080 and be connecting through to Melbourne via Denpasar, 624 00:33:30,080 --> 00:33:33,840 it's identifying those and looking at what might be a risk to us. 625 00:33:35,360 --> 00:33:37,560 Weight of baggage is a risk factor for us. 626 00:33:37,560 --> 00:33:40,080 How heavy is the bag? Is that normal? 627 00:33:40,080 --> 00:33:42,880 Smaller items - why have they been checked in 628 00:33:42,880 --> 00:33:47,160 as opposed to carried on the flight within the cabin? 629 00:33:47,160 --> 00:33:49,480 Helping Karl and the team today... 630 00:33:50,480 --> 00:33:52,000 ..are the detector dogs 631 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:54,240 who have a nose for drugs. 632 00:33:54,240 --> 00:33:56,200 These detector dogs that are working today 633 00:33:56,200 --> 00:33:58,320 are narcotics-trained, 634 00:33:58,320 --> 00:34:01,320 and they'll be looking for methamphetamine, cocaine, 635 00:34:01,320 --> 00:34:03,160 heroin, marijuana. 636 00:34:05,240 --> 00:34:08,920 And Border Force not only scrutinise passenger luggage... 637 00:34:10,120 --> 00:34:12,720 ..they also investigate the plane's hold. 638 00:34:13,880 --> 00:34:16,680 So, within an aircraft there's lots of opportunities and voids 639 00:34:16,680 --> 00:34:19,920 for items to be concealed and hidden. 640 00:34:19,920 --> 00:34:23,560 So, our job at this point is to call the area clear 641 00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:25,200 and have complete confidence 642 00:34:25,200 --> 00:34:27,360 that there's nothing in here that shouldn't be in here. 643 00:34:28,480 --> 00:34:32,400 The 737 that we're on now - fairly simplistic in its design. 644 00:34:32,400 --> 00:34:35,880 There's not a lot of opportunity for easy concealment. 645 00:34:35,880 --> 00:34:39,120 Areas like this would require tools and quite a bit of time 646 00:34:39,120 --> 00:34:42,480 to be able to remove this panel and place an item in there. 647 00:34:42,480 --> 00:34:45,640 We're more looking for an opportunity for a quick hide, 648 00:34:45,640 --> 00:34:49,120 something to be placed in there during the normal flight operation 649 00:34:49,120 --> 00:34:51,520 and then quickly removed at this end. 650 00:34:52,520 --> 00:34:54,440 With the all-clear, 651 00:34:54,440 --> 00:34:57,840 the plane can now prepare for its next departure... 652 00:34:59,440 --> 00:35:04,080 ..while Karl and the team quickly move on to the next arrival. 653 00:35:04,080 --> 00:35:06,080 We're now approaching Gate 5, 654 00:35:06,080 --> 00:35:09,640 which is a Malaysian Airlines flight arrival coming in from Kuala Lumpur. 655 00:35:11,320 --> 00:35:14,120 We have to work with teams like our cleaning teams and things like that 656 00:35:14,120 --> 00:35:16,160 that have to service the aircraft as well. 657 00:35:16,160 --> 00:35:17,680 Yeah, give us five, guys, OK? 658 00:35:17,680 --> 00:35:19,320 Probably don't want this anyway, yeah? 659 00:35:20,320 --> 00:35:22,480 Team one, please. 660 00:35:23,480 --> 00:35:25,600 Straight down to the back, please. 661 00:35:25,600 --> 00:35:29,120 There's lots and lots of opportunities here 662 00:35:29,120 --> 00:35:31,160 to conceal and hide goods. 663 00:35:31,160 --> 00:35:37,080 Obviously, there's around 300 passenger seats on this aircraft. 664 00:35:37,080 --> 00:35:40,360 There's overhead cabinets. There's lots of storage areas. 665 00:35:40,360 --> 00:35:43,320 There's lavatories. There's catering galleys. 666 00:35:43,320 --> 00:35:46,480 So, all risk areas for our team to assess 667 00:35:46,480 --> 00:35:48,640 and sort of identify the risk. 668 00:35:50,800 --> 00:35:53,280 The demand for narcotics in Australia is high. 669 00:35:54,600 --> 00:35:57,280 Price for narcotics in Australia is the highest in the world. 670 00:35:58,640 --> 00:36:00,720 So, there is certainly a temptation there 671 00:36:00,720 --> 00:36:04,000 for crime groups to base themselves in Australia, 672 00:36:04,000 --> 00:36:06,720 where the reward for effort is much higher. 673 00:36:09,280 --> 00:36:10,560 In 2024 674 00:36:10,560 --> 00:36:15,720 the ABF seized more than 33.7 tonnes of illicit drugs 675 00:36:15,720 --> 00:36:17,520 at Australia's borders. 676 00:36:17,520 --> 00:36:20,720 Methamphetamine is rife at the moment, 677 00:36:20,720 --> 00:36:23,280 so, there's lots of methamphetamine coming into Australia. 678 00:36:24,280 --> 00:36:29,200 Some of which was found on passenger planes in hidden compartments. 679 00:36:29,200 --> 00:36:30,680 Quantities can be anywhere 680 00:36:30,680 --> 00:36:33,720 from, you know, 100g up to, you know, 20kg or 30kg. 681 00:36:36,480 --> 00:36:38,400 That was a really effective search for our team, 682 00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:39,520 very efficient as well. 683 00:36:39,520 --> 00:36:43,760 So, we were able to accomplish that task in around 10 minutes. 684 00:36:45,160 --> 00:36:46,880 The focus for the next arrival 685 00:36:46,880 --> 00:36:48,800 is the passengers themselves 686 00:36:48,800 --> 00:36:50,920 and their hand luggage. 687 00:36:50,920 --> 00:36:53,920 OK, just on this side of the line, on the floor there for me, please. 688 00:36:53,920 --> 00:36:57,400 Karl's arranged to meet the dog unit at the Arrivals gate. 689 00:36:57,400 --> 00:36:58,880 Just continue on, thank you. 690 00:36:58,880 --> 00:37:00,800 Take your backpacks off when you're in line. 691 00:37:00,800 --> 00:37:05,080 This is United Airlines UA60 arrival from San Francisco. 692 00:37:05,080 --> 00:37:08,560 What we'll be conducting today is a funnel of travellers, 693 00:37:08,560 --> 00:37:12,000 so, travellers continuing through in a single file. 694 00:37:12,000 --> 00:37:14,960 That gives us the opportunity to run our detector-dog unit, 695 00:37:14,960 --> 00:37:17,080 pass the travellers and their carry-on luggage 696 00:37:17,080 --> 00:37:20,240 to make assessments if anyone might be carrying narcotics today. 697 00:37:21,240 --> 00:37:22,360 Thanks, guys. Excellent. 698 00:37:22,360 --> 00:37:24,520 Just get you to stand nice and still for me, thanks. 699 00:37:24,520 --> 00:37:27,880 Officers are looking to see if the dogs show particular interest 700 00:37:27,880 --> 00:37:29,600 in any of the bags. 701 00:37:29,600 --> 00:37:32,080 And just stay where you are. He'll do another pass. OK? 702 00:37:33,440 --> 00:37:35,200 Just wait, please. Just... 703 00:37:35,200 --> 00:37:36,320 Excuse me. 704 00:37:36,320 --> 00:37:40,040 The dogs have reacted to the luggage of a couple of travellers. 705 00:37:40,040 --> 00:37:41,040 Sir? 706 00:37:41,040 --> 00:37:43,960 Sir, put your bag down on the floor and wait, please. 707 00:37:43,960 --> 00:37:46,080 Have you got your travel documents there for me? 708 00:37:46,080 --> 00:37:47,480 Who are you travelling with today? 709 00:37:47,480 --> 00:37:49,080 My husband. A husband? Alright. 710 00:37:49,080 --> 00:37:50,320 Yeah. It's a good choice. 711 00:37:50,320 --> 00:37:51,720 Where are you travelling from, guys? 712 00:37:51,720 --> 00:37:53,800 We've just come from the US. 713 00:37:53,800 --> 00:37:55,920 San Fran. San Fran. Is that where you were? 714 00:37:55,920 --> 00:37:57,880 We were.... We left Dallas. 715 00:37:57,880 --> 00:38:00,640 You didn't want to travel on the Qantas direct flight from Dallas? 716 00:38:06,920 --> 00:38:08,880 NARRATOR: At Melbourne Airport 717 00:38:08,880 --> 00:38:11,400 the dog unit have reacted to the hand luggage 718 00:38:11,400 --> 00:38:14,800 of some recently returned travellers from the US. 719 00:38:14,800 --> 00:38:16,720 That's a detector dog, so, it's looking for narcotics. 720 00:38:16,720 --> 00:38:17,920 It was very interested in you. 721 00:38:17,920 --> 00:38:19,360 Why would that be? PASSENGER: I don't know. 722 00:38:19,360 --> 00:38:20,520 The recent spike 723 00:38:20,520 --> 00:38:23,520 in the movement of narcotics via the passenger stream 724 00:38:23,520 --> 00:38:24,880 has been really alarming. 725 00:38:24,880 --> 00:38:26,480 Definitely don't have any narcotics. 726 00:38:26,480 --> 00:38:27,640 Right. OK. 727 00:38:27,640 --> 00:38:30,640 A couple of years ago we were probably looking to find 728 00:38:30,640 --> 00:38:33,880 maybe a concealment of, you know, half a kilogram of narcotics 729 00:38:33,880 --> 00:38:36,080 within a passenger suitcase. 730 00:38:36,080 --> 00:38:38,920 Now we're finding upwards of 20 kilos. 731 00:38:38,920 --> 00:38:40,880 These dogs are trained in a few things. 732 00:38:40,880 --> 00:38:42,960 So, do you mind if the dog just goes past your bag again? 733 00:38:42,960 --> 00:38:44,920 Yeah, yeah. That's fine. Yeah. Yep. 734 00:38:46,200 --> 00:38:49,480 There's no look that a passenger has. 735 00:38:49,480 --> 00:38:52,800 There's no rules about who might be a narcotics courier. 736 00:38:52,800 --> 00:38:55,960 So, you do have to be flexible and really open-minded 737 00:38:55,960 --> 00:38:59,920 and afford everyone the opportunity to allay that suspicion. 738 00:38:59,920 --> 00:39:02,120 Even after a second pass 739 00:39:02,120 --> 00:39:06,120 the dogs are still showing interest in the travellers' hand luggage. 740 00:39:10,040 --> 00:39:13,880 So, Karl and the team need to conduct further investigations. 741 00:39:16,480 --> 00:39:18,000 We'll move down to the bags hall. 742 00:39:18,000 --> 00:39:19,920 We'll wait for the travellers to collect their luggage, 743 00:39:19,920 --> 00:39:23,360 and then we'll assess their checked in luggage in the hall. 744 00:39:23,360 --> 00:39:25,280 Alright. Hello, team. 745 00:39:28,880 --> 00:39:31,080 Where do you want to start? (LAUGHS) Alright. Is this your card? 746 00:39:31,080 --> 00:39:33,160 Yep. This is that? 747 00:39:33,160 --> 00:39:34,880 It's now mid-afternoon... 748 00:39:36,160 --> 00:39:38,920 ..and the passengers have a flight connection. 749 00:39:40,200 --> 00:39:43,160 They are now flying to Adelaide on a domestic flight, 750 00:39:43,160 --> 00:39:45,440 which leaves in about an hour and a quarter time. 751 00:39:45,440 --> 00:39:48,920 So, we've now got multiple officers assessing those bags. 752 00:39:48,920 --> 00:39:52,240 Border Force inspect each suitcase thoroughly. 753 00:39:52,240 --> 00:39:54,800 They've travel through the US, 754 00:39:54,800 --> 00:39:59,600 travelled pretty much from Vancouver right across to Niagara. 755 00:40:01,360 --> 00:40:03,080 They take a swab 756 00:40:03,080 --> 00:40:04,920 and run it through a scanner 757 00:40:04,920 --> 00:40:08,840 that's so sensitive it can detect trace amounts of drugs. 758 00:40:14,280 --> 00:40:16,680 The results are negative, 759 00:40:16,680 --> 00:40:18,320 but, to be sure, 760 00:40:18,320 --> 00:40:20,640 officers still need to check the bags. 761 00:40:20,640 --> 00:40:23,480 Obviously there's something there that the dogs are reacting to. 762 00:40:30,560 --> 00:40:33,200 After conducting a thorough search, 763 00:40:33,200 --> 00:40:36,520 there's no physical evidence of narcotics. 764 00:40:38,520 --> 00:40:40,360 Their baggage may have been in close proximity 765 00:40:40,360 --> 00:40:42,360 to other baggage which did contain narcotics 766 00:40:42,360 --> 00:40:45,640 somewhere on their what was a very extensive travel trip. 767 00:40:45,640 --> 00:40:46,800 (INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE) 768 00:40:46,800 --> 00:40:48,000 All good. 769 00:40:48,000 --> 00:40:50,600 We reached the point where we were 100% satisfied 770 00:40:50,600 --> 00:40:53,600 they weren't carrying anything illegal with them today. 771 00:40:53,600 --> 00:40:55,080 What flight are you travelling with now? 772 00:40:55,080 --> 00:40:56,440 Qantas or Virgin? Virgin. 773 00:40:56,440 --> 00:40:58,240 Do you know where to go once you head out here? 774 00:40:58,240 --> 00:40:59,760 Yep. Yep. Straight to the right here. 775 00:40:59,760 --> 00:41:01,000 Very next building. 776 00:41:02,400 --> 00:41:03,840 So, once we made that assessment, 777 00:41:03,840 --> 00:41:06,560 we packed up their goods and made sure they had plenty of time 778 00:41:06,560 --> 00:41:09,160 to go and catch their domestic flight to Adelaide. 779 00:41:14,040 --> 00:41:15,360 In the coming years 780 00:41:15,360 --> 00:41:18,000 Melbourne Airport is set to grow, 781 00:41:18,000 --> 00:41:20,400 and the first stage of its transformation 782 00:41:20,400 --> 00:41:22,520 is close to completion. 783 00:41:22,520 --> 00:41:23,880 Hey, mate. How are ya? 784 00:41:23,880 --> 00:41:24,880 Good. 785 00:41:24,880 --> 00:41:28,120 Hey, so, can you give the lights on the concrete for us? 786 00:41:28,120 --> 00:41:29,480 Yeah, no worries. Thank you. 787 00:41:29,480 --> 00:41:33,960 Ben has been overseeing the construction of a new taxiway. 788 00:41:33,960 --> 00:41:35,480 To accommodate work, 789 00:41:35,480 --> 00:41:39,520 the east-west runway has been closed for 35 hours... 790 00:41:40,680 --> 00:41:44,080 ..and it's due to open again within the hour. 791 00:41:48,600 --> 00:41:50,960 We've been working for the best part of two days, 792 00:41:50,960 --> 00:41:53,840 pulling out the concrete, reinstalling new concrete, 793 00:41:53,840 --> 00:41:56,720 pulling out the airfield lighting, reinstalling them. 794 00:42:00,760 --> 00:42:03,400 It's all nice and clean, rolled nicely. 795 00:42:03,400 --> 00:42:04,840 Edges are good. 796 00:42:04,840 --> 00:42:06,040 Line markings finished, 797 00:42:06,040 --> 00:42:07,760 just waiting for that to dry, by the looks of things. 798 00:42:09,320 --> 00:42:13,160 Now Airside Safety needs to give the all-clear 799 00:42:13,160 --> 00:42:16,880 before the runway reopens at 5:30AM. 800 00:42:18,960 --> 00:42:21,280 AIRSIDE SAFETY: There's a lot of vehicles, a lot of machinery, 801 00:42:21,280 --> 00:42:23,040 so, a lot of hand tools get used. 802 00:42:23,040 --> 00:42:25,960 It's so easy for something just to come loose, 803 00:42:25,960 --> 00:42:28,600 leave a nut, you know, a bolt on the runway. 804 00:42:28,600 --> 00:42:33,520 We just make sure everything like that is taken out of the situation 805 00:42:33,520 --> 00:42:35,640 so it's all safe for aircraft to land. 806 00:42:37,360 --> 00:42:40,080 And, with Rod's inspection complete, 807 00:42:40,080 --> 00:42:42,840 there's only one thing left to do. 808 00:42:42,840 --> 00:42:45,800 Melbourne Ground, this car 2. 809 00:42:45,800 --> 00:42:49,560 All the works have been completed on Runway 09-27. 810 00:42:49,560 --> 00:42:51,120 Runway's been inspected. 811 00:42:51,120 --> 00:42:54,120 Runway 09-27 returned to you. 812 00:42:54,120 --> 00:42:57,360 (OVER RADIO) Runway 09-27 released back to me. Thank you. 813 00:42:57,360 --> 00:42:58,840 Cheers, bud. 814 00:42:58,840 --> 00:43:00,480 Well done, boys. 815 00:43:00,480 --> 00:43:02,000 Thank you. Great effort this weekend. 816 00:43:02,000 --> 00:43:03,000 Cheers. 817 00:43:03,000 --> 00:43:05,200 From a personal point of view, 818 00:43:05,200 --> 00:43:08,080 I've been leading this project for the best part of two years, 819 00:43:08,080 --> 00:43:11,760 to see this key requirement for the airport be finished, 820 00:43:11,760 --> 00:43:13,720 it's just an excellent feeling. 821 00:43:13,720 --> 00:43:15,880 (OVER RADIO) CA-78, wind calm. 822 00:43:15,880 --> 00:43:17,360 Runway 27 clear to land. 823 00:43:17,360 --> 00:43:19,480 (ENGINES WHINE) 824 00:43:28,600 --> 00:43:30,600 Captions by Red Bee Media 825 00:43:31,305 --> 00:44:31,570