LsS27
Active Member
Going back to the Uber question and taxis at the airport. Uber are Private Hire Vehicles and not taxis and must be pre- ordered, and are not allowed to be hailed as a taxi.
Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]
- Thread starter Aviador
- Start date
- Tagged users None
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
OK guys (and any girls out there), here is my report following today's Airport Consultative Committee meeting. It was well attended and great to see the new CEO, Hywell Rees and the new Aviation Development Director, John Cunliffe, both there, both committing to attending future meetings as frequently as possible, and both spending a good amount of time talking to the meeting. I was fortunate enough to arrive early and spent a good 10 minutes talking to the CEO one to one, and can report that he seems a genuinely good guy with lots of suitable background. He spent 5 years at Heathrow working for BAA (but covering all BAA airports), he has previously been on the board at Melbourne Airport in Australia, and remains on the board of both Newcastle and Luton Airports in the UK, so it is fair to say he has a big role to play within the AMP airport empire. John Cunliffe, who replaced Chris Sanders when he retired 3 months ago, lives locally and has 10 years experience with Emirates, BA and Easyjet.
CEO update
Confirmed again that, as I reported only this morning, the terminal development project is currently at RIBA Stage 4 design, and whilst this is ongoing, he is taking the opportunity to consider the plans and satisfy himself that they meet the required criteria. This is the last stage at which LBA can make changes - as an example, issues such as whether or not the proposed 3 x double sized baggage belts are sufficient can be considered. Once the final costs are established and any final changes (there might not be any) are added, the next stage is to sign off on costs and then go out to tender for the contractor, who will then create the programme of works. Only at that stage will a start date for the building and a finish date be known. It remains anticipated that start on site will be later this year but no date is known yet.
The CEO confirmed that attracting new airline business and new routes is governed to a considerable degree by the airport product available to airlines, and, in a nutshell, at peak times, LBA is at over-capacity right now at these times. This can and does influence carriers who are approached by the airport. The terminal development will, when completed, improve this situation considerably, as will the proposed rail and road links to the airport. Nevertheless, LBA management are continuing to talk to new airlines at route conferences and have visited countries such as Pakistan with a view to securing a return of the Islamabad route in the future.
Confirmed that although Jet2 are withdrawing the 757s later this year, with all remaining aircraft being based at MAN, there will be no seat capacity reduction, the shortfall being made up with additional flights/aircraft.
The CEO recognises the considerable potential for freight operations at LBA, particularly in view of the availability of space in existing buildings in the vicinity, not least the old Avro Factory next door. He confirmed that talks are ongoing right now with regard to freight operations at LBA and with a view to clawing back freight from the region which is lost to other airports. There was no specific information given regarding the impending departure of the freight forwarding company at the airport, but clearly LBA management are dealing with the fallout from this.
The CEO spent time explaining that he is very focused on customer service and he has noted issues both internally and externally with cleaning standards - he particularly highlighted the amount of litter in car park areas. This needs to be improved.
He also acknowledged the bad press given to LBA, particularly from our local national newspaper, and the fact that previously little had been done to answer these criticisms. This needs to change and he wants relations with Social Media to be improved across the board - first step being the need for LBA to recruit someone to head up a media team.
Airspace Changes rejection by CAA
The rejection of the LBA plans came as a complete surprise to LBA management, as at all stages, they had been in constant contact with the CAA over the actions required in order to be fully compliant, yet when submitted, the airport was then criticised for non compliance with a different, new process to the one being followed. LBA management are talking to the CAA to try and understand what has happened - but it is not the intention to appeal or seek a judicial review. Instead they intend to take stock, re-consider what LBA needs to operate efficiently in the future, liaise again with the CAA and perhaps in time a further submission will be made. Worth noting that other airports, besides LBA, have had their plans rejected.
Route Development
Confirmed by John Cunliffe that the current aviation market was difficult, leading to the recent performance announcements by the likes of Easyjet and Ryanair, with other airlines ceasing operations. Against this background the marginal passenger figure increase at LBA is actually a good performance. Across the year it is anticipated that passenger figures will be 'broadly flat'. Other notable comment:
Talking to Jet2 about a further increase in their winter flights to Iceland, which is a growing market. Also talking to Jet2 about the possibly use of the Airbus A330 at LBA in the future, although it should be noted that the airport currently does not have the necessary equipment to handle an A330 on the ground. It was not known at this point what impact the removal of the 757 fleet from LBA will have on the Jet2 winter New York flights or what aircraft type would operate them. This is a matter for Jet2. However LBA are keen to ensure they continue to operate.
Stated that there will be some change in the balance of Ryanair flights in the winter, with less to the Canary Islands and more to mainland Spain.
LBA are talking to Flybe with regard to re-instatement of the Newquay route, with a view to it being retained as an all year round route. As suspected, the loss (as of now) of the route in winter follows the loss of the funding at Newquay to support new routes.
LBA have sent people to Pakistan to meet with airline executives with a view to securing a return of the Islamabad service (I assume once the terminal development is completed and LBA can better handle such flights). Also LBA remain committed to securing operations to the Middle East and USA. It was stated that the development of the new Airbus A321XLR could proved to be a game changer for LBA on such routes. It was recently claimed on this forum that LBA management are not interested in anything other than bucket and spade airlines - a claim I refuted at the time, and today LBA management confirmed that this is still very much on their agenda. In fact, the CEO confirmed at the start of the meeting that a broader spectrum of airlines and routes is required, and that the policy relating to this had not changed due to the change in CEO. It was also stressed that LBA will be seeking to secure more domestic routes and having only Heathrow and Southampton is inadequate.
LBA continue to talk to BA to try and secure a night stop aircraft. However, bearing in mind BA are giving up ex BMi slots at LHR (mainly to Flybe) and using other slots to fly long haul instead of short haul), it is a good thing that BA are committed to continuing the current operation.
LBA continue to talk to KLM with regard to securing additional capacity, as load factors are currently 'huge' (LBA words, not mine). The problem for KLM Cityhopper is aircraft availability and this is why we only have 3 flights per day at present. Larger aircraft would require a switch to KLM Mainline. I did point out that they operate to airports such as Aberdeen, with far smaller catchment areas than LBA - a point LBA management are very aware of.
Confirmed that there will be announcement in the next month or so regarding some news with regard to routes/capacity. Watch this space.
Airport Terminal - Commercial Lets
A new outlet, In Motion Electrics, will open within the terminal late July. The requirement for an electronics outlet was won by In Motion following a tender exercise.
Airfield Lighting,
In response to a question I raised, LBA confirmed that the airfield lighting scheme, which has been ongoing for the past 3 winters, is now completed. This has provided new cable ducting, new cabling, new approach masts, all new LED lighting (emitting a brilliant white, rather than yellow light) and new airfield power generators. The airport now also has all new design plans so that any faults can be identified and fixed much quicker. Approach lighting is much brighter and is likely to assist pilots in low visibility conditions to a greater degree. Significantly, the new lighting is much less expensive to operate, being LED, and since installation is proving to be very reliable. There are a few minor snags with the installation which the contractor will resolve overnight during November 2019, but otherwise the scheme is fully completed.
CEO update
Confirmed again that, as I reported only this morning, the terminal development project is currently at RIBA Stage 4 design, and whilst this is ongoing, he is taking the opportunity to consider the plans and satisfy himself that they meet the required criteria. This is the last stage at which LBA can make changes - as an example, issues such as whether or not the proposed 3 x double sized baggage belts are sufficient can be considered. Once the final costs are established and any final changes (there might not be any) are added, the next stage is to sign off on costs and then go out to tender for the contractor, who will then create the programme of works. Only at that stage will a start date for the building and a finish date be known. It remains anticipated that start on site will be later this year but no date is known yet.
The CEO confirmed that attracting new airline business and new routes is governed to a considerable degree by the airport product available to airlines, and, in a nutshell, at peak times, LBA is at over-capacity right now at these times. This can and does influence carriers who are approached by the airport. The terminal development will, when completed, improve this situation considerably, as will the proposed rail and road links to the airport. Nevertheless, LBA management are continuing to talk to new airlines at route conferences and have visited countries such as Pakistan with a view to securing a return of the Islamabad route in the future.
Confirmed that although Jet2 are withdrawing the 757s later this year, with all remaining aircraft being based at MAN, there will be no seat capacity reduction, the shortfall being made up with additional flights/aircraft.
The CEO recognises the considerable potential for freight operations at LBA, particularly in view of the availability of space in existing buildings in the vicinity, not least the old Avro Factory next door. He confirmed that talks are ongoing right now with regard to freight operations at LBA and with a view to clawing back freight from the region which is lost to other airports. There was no specific information given regarding the impending departure of the freight forwarding company at the airport, but clearly LBA management are dealing with the fallout from this.
The CEO spent time explaining that he is very focused on customer service and he has noted issues both internally and externally with cleaning standards - he particularly highlighted the amount of litter in car park areas. This needs to be improved.
He also acknowledged the bad press given to LBA, particularly from our local national newspaper, and the fact that previously little had been done to answer these criticisms. This needs to change and he wants relations with Social Media to be improved across the board - first step being the need for LBA to recruit someone to head up a media team.
Airspace Changes rejection by CAA
The rejection of the LBA plans came as a complete surprise to LBA management, as at all stages, they had been in constant contact with the CAA over the actions required in order to be fully compliant, yet when submitted, the airport was then criticised for non compliance with a different, new process to the one being followed. LBA management are talking to the CAA to try and understand what has happened - but it is not the intention to appeal or seek a judicial review. Instead they intend to take stock, re-consider what LBA needs to operate efficiently in the future, liaise again with the CAA and perhaps in time a further submission will be made. Worth noting that other airports, besides LBA, have had their plans rejected.
Route Development
Confirmed by John Cunliffe that the current aviation market was difficult, leading to the recent performance announcements by the likes of Easyjet and Ryanair, with other airlines ceasing operations. Against this background the marginal passenger figure increase at LBA is actually a good performance. Across the year it is anticipated that passenger figures will be 'broadly flat'. Other notable comment:
Talking to Jet2 about a further increase in their winter flights to Iceland, which is a growing market. Also talking to Jet2 about the possibly use of the Airbus A330 at LBA in the future, although it should be noted that the airport currently does not have the necessary equipment to handle an A330 on the ground. It was not known at this point what impact the removal of the 757 fleet from LBA will have on the Jet2 winter New York flights or what aircraft type would operate them. This is a matter for Jet2. However LBA are keen to ensure they continue to operate.
Stated that there will be some change in the balance of Ryanair flights in the winter, with less to the Canary Islands and more to mainland Spain.
LBA are talking to Flybe with regard to re-instatement of the Newquay route, with a view to it being retained as an all year round route. As suspected, the loss (as of now) of the route in winter follows the loss of the funding at Newquay to support new routes.
LBA have sent people to Pakistan to meet with airline executives with a view to securing a return of the Islamabad service (I assume once the terminal development is completed and LBA can better handle such flights). Also LBA remain committed to securing operations to the Middle East and USA. It was stated that the development of the new Airbus A321XLR could proved to be a game changer for LBA on such routes. It was recently claimed on this forum that LBA management are not interested in anything other than bucket and spade airlines - a claim I refuted at the time, and today LBA management confirmed that this is still very much on their agenda. In fact, the CEO confirmed at the start of the meeting that a broader spectrum of airlines and routes is required, and that the policy relating to this had not changed due to the change in CEO. It was also stressed that LBA will be seeking to secure more domestic routes and having only Heathrow and Southampton is inadequate.
LBA continue to talk to BA to try and secure a night stop aircraft. However, bearing in mind BA are giving up ex BMi slots at LHR (mainly to Flybe) and using other slots to fly long haul instead of short haul), it is a good thing that BA are committed to continuing the current operation.
LBA continue to talk to KLM with regard to securing additional capacity, as load factors are currently 'huge' (LBA words, not mine). The problem for KLM Cityhopper is aircraft availability and this is why we only have 3 flights per day at present. Larger aircraft would require a switch to KLM Mainline. I did point out that they operate to airports such as Aberdeen, with far smaller catchment areas than LBA - a point LBA management are very aware of.
Confirmed that there will be announcement in the next month or so regarding some news with regard to routes/capacity. Watch this space.
Airport Terminal - Commercial Lets
A new outlet, In Motion Electrics, will open within the terminal late July. The requirement for an electronics outlet was won by In Motion following a tender exercise.
Airfield Lighting,
In response to a question I raised, LBA confirmed that the airfield lighting scheme, which has been ongoing for the past 3 winters, is now completed. This has provided new cable ducting, new cabling, new approach masts, all new LED lighting (emitting a brilliant white, rather than yellow light) and new airfield power generators. The airport now also has all new design plans so that any faults can be identified and fixed much quicker. Approach lighting is much brighter and is likely to assist pilots in low visibility conditions to a greater degree. Significantly, the new lighting is much less expensive to operate, being LED, and since installation is proving to be very reliable. There are a few minor snags with the installation which the contractor will resolve overnight during November 2019, but otherwise the scheme is fully completed.
- Thread starter
- Admin
- #443
Great feedback as ever @White Heather Thank you once again for the time and efforts you put into this.
L
LBA8098
Guest
Thank you WH for a huge effort in compiling the feedback. Greatly appreciated.
jw2k
Member
- Mar 13, 2010
- 47
- 18
Many thanks for the comprehensive update @White Heather!
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
Why though? It isn't as though they can't fly one over the Pennines to LBA to fly the New York route is it? They will have 5 to choose from and it's unlikely all of them will be busy in November/December. Jet2 have built up a good product on the LBA to Newark route so it would be daft to stop the route when they still have aircraft capable of operating it.
- Moderator
- #447
As always, thankyou for the big update @White Heather it really is appreciated.
L
LBA8098
Guest
WH was there any mention of SOU ops being downgraded to a J41?
LBA4EVER
Elite-Member
thankyou for the info WH, reg the jet2 LBA-New York it would make sense to bring the jet2 A330 To LBA via MAN to operate them so withdrawing the 757 might get us the a330 during the new york season? Bigger aircraft with better performance and range.
louis_walton
Active Member
Always an absolute treat to read your report Heather! I think that LBA management are hinting that the new terminal will finally mean that airlines will consider LBA than instead noting the flaws.
Finger66
Well-Known Member
I too share everyone else's thanks WH. A great update and in the current aviation climate all sounds quite promising
Bigman
Well-Known Member
- Jan 14, 2009
- 2,083
- 183
Excellent report WH. Let's stick with the positives, especially the possible KLM increase in capacity. Surely a 737 night stopper can be arranged. I agree that the A321XLR would be a game changer. Would be nice if Jet2 could announce an order at the Paris Air Show.
- Thread starter
- Admin
- #455
Why via Manchester @fight2win
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
No. I seem to recall though that Eastern have changed equipment on this route frequently, and often with smaller aircraft during the summer holiday seasons, so it wouldn't surprise me to see the Saab2000 back in the future.
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
As per my summary of the meeting, LBA management have been talking to Jet2 about the use of an A330 out of LBA in the future, but I suspect it will only happen if there is a commitment for it to be a regular visitor, not just in winter to do the New York route, because LBA no longer has the ground equipment to handle aircraft such as the A330. We did in the past, so clearly someone took the decision to dispose of it. Chances are that right now, LBA isn't equipped to deal with any wide body aircraft for that reason. Then of course, even if agreement was reached to use the A330 at LBA, there will be issues over where to park it - probably requiring re-marking of stands.
The New York flights are in the winter with some flights departing / arriving prior to the ski season kicking off so surely if LBA had the right equipment, then the terminal should be able to cope with a single A330 movement bearing in mind how few departures we have on certain days.
Similar threads
Remove Advertisements
Subscribe to help support your favourite forum and in return we'll remove all our advertisements. Your contribution will help to pay for things like site maintenance, domain name renewals and annual server charges.
NEW - Profile Posts
If anyone would like to share their local airport news right here in our news area let me know so I can give you the correct permissions to do so. It only takes a couple of minutes to upload a news story with an accompanying image. The news items can then be shared on the site homepage by you. #TakePart #Forums4airports Bring the news to one place!
Well it looks like I'm off to Australia and New Zealand next year! Booked with BA from Manchester via Heathrow with a stop in Singapore and returning with Air New Zealand and BA via LAX to Heathrow. Will circumnavigate the globe and be my first trans-Pacific flight. First long haul flight with BA as well and of course Air NZ.
Trending Hashtags
-
#liverpoolairportWeight: 3
-
#Jet2Weight: 2
-
#GetUKDomesticFlightsMovingWeight: 1
-
#LiverpoolJohnLennonWeight: 1
-
#EasyJetWeight: 1
-
#LBAreviewWeight: 1