Leeds Bradford: General Airport Discussion & Updates

[rmac]

I personally cannot be bothered with these sites and generally dismiss them. One site had several people
complaining about a hotel, 4 *, and I wondered whether I had made a mistake. In the end the hotel was super and we would go again anytime. The same goes for airports. One comment about Edinburgh was that access was very poor due to the fact that it did not have a dual carriageway right up the terminal from the A8. Utter nonsense.

 

[White Heather]

LBA used to have little smiley (or frowny) face buttons dotted around the terminal for passengers to press to indicate if they were happy or not - and they reported that the vast majority were happy smiley faces. As stated, it is a sad fact that many people only go on these sites to be negative and nobody tends to do the same to be positive. I can only speak from my own experiences at LBA and that is that I have never had a problem with rude staff. Even in security they have always been helpful. Not exactly smiling but still pleasant enough and helpful

 

[Britannia94]

The smiley face podiums are still in use white heather, one is just before security to ask customers about there experience in check in, and the other after security, about the security experience.

 

[Tarn Spotter]

Have to say been through 4 times since the alterations started and although the staff were being asked every minute about the changes (surprised no visible information about the new/additional gate numbers), they were still proactive and helpfull.
Its interesting someone mentioning a long walk to stand 11/12 etc, as LBA expands its stand numbers the walks are going to increase in length, this is a measure of the airports expansion. When you look at the distance to walk at other airports, LBA can treble the existing walking distances without a concern.
The walk to the new gates 10/11 is even further and I do think the airport management could have updated all airlines to inform passengers what this new walk was in distance/time and allow passengers especially disabled to adjust their departure arrangements, did note in March that there were signs stating the walking time to these new gates, you only read them as you set off on the route, no information before..
I have to accept staff in security are not friendly, I have great difficulties with the large trays, I have only one workable arm so loading the tray takes a while and lifting the large tray impossible, yet when you ask staff to help you lift the tray on the rollers its not done willingly, they make you feel its not their job.

 

[Seasider]

I went through security at 5.15am in 5 mins this morning and everyone was nice and cheerful. I like the new Saltaire Bar a lot more spacious.People shouldn't complain about the walkway at least it is covered in. I am at EIN at the moment and their walkway is totally open, thank god it was fine.

 

[Aviador]

Tarn Spotter

Walking distances apper to be a constant gripe for some people so here's for those who need a reminder. All European Union airports are required by law to provide assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. (we are still in the EU for the time being) Anyone wanting assistance should contact the PRM team in advance of travelling or through the flight bookings process.

https://www.caa.co.uk/Blog-Posts/Air-passengers-with-disabilities

 

[lbaspotter]

Tarn Spotter

Walking distances apper to be a constant gripe for some people so here's for those who need a reminder. All European Union airports are required by law to provide assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. (we are still in the EU for the time being) Anyone wanting assistance should contact the PRM team in advance of travelling or through the flight bookings process.

https://www.caa.co.uk/Blog-Posts/Air-passengers-with-disabilities

The airport recently issued the following press release where they were praised for the efforts in the way they actually work with organisations regards providing assistance for its passengers with reduced mobility. It even got covered by the Yorkshire evening post.

Source : http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/media/2611/19062017.pdf

PRESS RELEASE Issued: Monday 19th June 2017
Disability groups work closely with LBA to help deliver best possible service

Leeds Bradford Airport is working closely with a range of support organisations across Yorkshire to ensure the airport is as accessible as possible for people with disabilities.

For around a year, team members at LBA have worked closely with several organisations and the people they support to hear their views of passenger assistance requirements and to lead behind the scenes tours.

This has given organisations and their members the chance to experience first-hand the assistance they would receive when travelling through LBA; as well as give them the opportunity to pass on their feedback as to what improvements could be made.

In addition, the airport has worked closely with on-site passenger assistance company OCS and has delivered training to operational team members about how best to support people with disabilities and ‘hidden’ disabilities, such as autism, travelling through the airport.

Organisations working closely with LBA include Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Leeds Autism Services, William Merritt Centre, Little Hiccups, Aspire and AVSED.

Helen Pearce, Head of Passenger Services at LBA, said:
“Customer service is incredibly important to us and we are continually looking at ways to improve the passenger journey for all customers. We have learnt a huge amount from all of the organisations we have worked with over the last year and their time has been invaluable. I’d like to say a big thanks to all involved in the Disability Awareness work undertaken so far.

“Our aim is to make the passenger experience as smooth as possible for everyone and that very much includes people with all disabilities requiring assistance when travelling through the airport. We have listened to all feedback and have implemented everything possible in order to reduce anxieties around travelling, which can seem daunting to those who have a disability, especially when that disability may be ‘hidden’. We are the start and end point for passengers and we want to ensure they have a great journey from start to finish.”

A range of information tools are available at www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/specialassistance for passengers who may require further information ahead of travelling, including:

 Autism awareness guide.
 Assistance dog information.
 Details on the Changing Places room in the departure lounge.
 Information on all the work undertaken so far

Debbie Linford, Engagement Officer for Guide Dogs for the Blind, said:

“I have been working with LBA for around a year and it’s great to work together. These familiarisation visits are valuable for both the owners and their dogs; getting everybody used to the airport environment. This helps to take away some of the unknown. Just because somebody has lost their sight, it doesn’t mean they have to lose their holidays and this partnership really does help people feel at ease.”

Elizabeth White, of Baildon, visited the airport with her guide dog, Mary, and they will soon both fly for the first time together. She said:

“It’s just been such a great opportunity to experience everything in the airport that we will come across; it’s put us at ease. It’s been good to chat with the staff at LBA about everything – they have given us so much time to walk us around everything and explain processes.”

Katherine Rowley, of Cookridge, visited the airport with her guide dog Domino. She said:

“I have flown before but not with a guide dog, so it’s been good to come with him and check he will be okay with the airport. It has been really good to visit and we will travel together around Christmas.”

Pete Hughes, of Leeds Autism Services, said:

“Leeds Autism Services were invited by Leeds Bradford Airport and OCS to help make the airport friendlier to people on the autism spectrum. We were honoured to be asked and hope that the work we are undertaking helps to enable people to fly who would not otherwise have felt comfortable doing so. “People with autism related conditions may find new or unusual situations anxiety inducing. A big step to overcoming these anxieties is to furnish people with clear accurate information on what to expect, and this is what we have initially focused on. Leeds Autism Services are looking forward to working with Leeds Bradford Airport and OCS in future to continue trying to ensure a positive flying experience for those on the autism spectrum.”

Ella Baxter, Activity Support Worker at AVSED, said:

“AVSED became involved with Leeds Bradford Airports work around Disability Awareness. A group of AVSED Members and Volunteers visited the Airport to experience the support that is available.

“Throughout the visit, members had the chance to discuss their concerns about travel - especially using airports/planes and look at the support that is available to travellers who may have a disability, including accessible facilities, accessible parking, providing wheelchairs and individual support etc.

“Throughout the tour we were able to look at some of the changes that have already been put in place and hear about future plans. Our members and volunteers had a wonderful time whilst at the airport and found it to be a very positive experience. We are looking forward to continued work alongside Leeds Bradford Airport and supporting the Disability Awareness Project.”

Sophie Pinney, Occupational Therapist at the William Merritt Centre, said:

“The William Merritt Centre has been working closely with Leeds Bradford Airport over the past year to provide practical assessments and advice on flying with a disability. The William Merritt Centre has a ‘Try b4 u Fly’ service where visitors are provided with advice about flying and can try out supportive specialised seating, harnesses and positioning systems in a plane fuselage. The Centre is looking forward to future work with Leeds Bradford Airport and OCS to engage with more people with disabilities and raise awareness of flying with additional needs.”

Vanessa Butcher, Area Manager at Aspire CBS, said:

“We are a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and we have been working with Leeds Bradford Airport for around six months. LBA staff engaged with the people we support in a variety of ways; they experienced the full airport, from check-in to security

“The people we support gave feedback via a questionnaire and the experience has given many people the confidence to book the assistance service before they fly and indeed overcome the fear of flying. We look forward to more work with Leeds Bradford Airport.”

Image
Members of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association with LBA and OCS staff after a behind-the-scenes tour.

View attachment 5603

 

[Tarn Spotter]

Avaidor: Most people who require special assistance know their home airport well. Its a matter of communicating changes so you can adjust your plans.
When you book SA you have to state what assistance you need, this we did for our first visit of this year in March, to find we had not booked support in relation to changes in the LBA layout, we were not the only ones caught out.
On our subsequent visits in April, May and June it is obvious not enough SA staff to cope with the increased SA load due to the new layouts. Planning on requirements is only done for those booked, not those who find they cannot manage with say the increased walking distances.
I saw no details on either the airport web site or through airline web sites of changes and it was only through this forum, I became aware of new gates etc , on ringing was informed wheel chair access available this was incorrect information..
In both May and June a request had to be made to members of the general public to push wheel chairs as no staff available, we were asked if we would sit in the Jet2 booking hall and try and find someone to push us to security etc..
Fortunately we arrived 3 hours before our flight, but others were within one hour of flight time and this is when Jet2 staff etc became hands on unless their customers stranded
Its not a happy situation when your reliant on others to move, yet you have contacted the airport within the last 3 days to ensure a smooth passage.

 

[imagineif]

With more and more regional/non hub airports picking up these new North Atlantic ETOPS services (Birmingham / Belfast / Edinburgh) - with aircraft such as the 737-8 MAX and A321 NEO/LR, will we finally see the return of a service to Canada or new scheduled service to the NYC area from LBA.

The airports line in recent years has consistently been that runway extension is not necessary as modern aircraft won't require it.

Well - we are now in an era of new narrow body aircraft for niche mid-haul routes and ETOPS but personally I have my doubts that the A321 NEO/LR will be viable out of Leeds. Certainly the current generation of A321's are very runway hungry.

It will probably fall to a Boeing 737 MAX operator to give it a go, despite the aircraft now in service I cant seem to find take off performance data for it. The general spec seems to suggest it can do 3,500nm with 160"ish passengers but off what runway length?

I really hope it is doable as I think this aircraft is the only reasonable chance LBA has of securing these kind of routes in the near future. The -7 MAX would have no problem but the yield from 130 seats would not be commercially viable.

With a new MD in place who seems ambitious I am really hoping the next few years will see this come to fruition. Leeds - the second biggest financial district outside of London - surely we can sustain a twice weekly NYC area service - an airport like Newburgh would also be ideal to keep costs down.

Thoughts?

 

[White Heather]

LBA have released the attached press release today regarding the passenger numbers over the first weekend of the holiday period and over the last week. 51,000 pax over the weekend and 113,000 in the last 7 days. I am also advised that, subject to confirmation, the June pax figure was in excess of 450,000. If that is correct, I will be surprised given the above figure - but you never know! I am also told that the passenger figures for LBA have been with the CAA for a couple of weeks now so maybe they will get around to publicising them soon. According to their website, the next review will be published on Friday 28th July.

 

[Seasider]

LBA have released the attached press release today regarding the passenger numbers over the first weekend of the holiday period and over the last week. 51,000 pax over the weekend and 113,000 in the last 7 days. I am also advised that, subject to confirmation, the June pax figure was in excess of 450,000. If that is correct, I will be surprised given the above figure - but you never know! I am also told that the passenger figures for LBA have been with the CAA for a couple of weeks now so maybe they will get around to publicising them soon. According to their website, the next review will be published on Friday 28th July.

LBAspotter gave the figures for May & June in post 971 in the CAA Provisional passenger figures thread.
Very Good News indeed, I am hoping for 500k in August.

 

[AirBingley]

And now for some positive news - 5 of our big airlines made it to the top 5 last night on watchdog in terms of punctuality - i.e. % of flights with more than 15 minutes delay:

Flybe – 13.7%
Jet2 – 13.8%
Monarch Airlines – 14.0%
Ryanair – 14.2%
Aer Lingus – 14.6%

Bizarrely LBA did not feature as well in the league table - article link below:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4T4mLNR0Wbx5K6ZLstL6jk6/airport-and-airline-delays

 

[White Heather]

Doesn't really make sense does it? If nearly all our airlines do so well, and LBA last year won an award for the airport with best timekeeping, how can over 25% of LBA flight arrive or depart late? My experience is that LBA is generally one of the better airports for on time performance.

 

[Britannia94]

Recently a few of the flights departing late has been down to Air Traffic Control and slots. Due to how busy airspace is at the moment some flights, even though fully boarded and on time for departure, are having to wait 30 minutes, an hour or even in some cases 90 minutes due to ATC slots. Not the reason for all of them obviously but could be the reason for a few. Hope this helps

 

[White Heather]

Recently a few of the flights departing late has been down to Air Traffic Control and slots. Due to how busy airspace is at the moment some flights, even though fully boarded and on time for departure, are having to wait 30 minutes, an hour or even in some cases 90 minutes due to ATC slots. Not the reason for all of them obviously but could be the reason for a few. Hope this helps

Wouldn't that affect all airports though? Unless LBA is being affected more than others are, it shouldn't result in such a poor outcome. Mind you, I personally wouldn't take anything that Watchdog says as gospel.

 

[lbaspotter]

Looks like the Airport new CEO David Laws has allowed the local rag in
I know I would not normally advise this now-a-days but starting from todays edition running until end of week "Yorkshire Evening Post" are said to be publishing some positive reporting with a special in-depth behind the scenes articles about Leeds/Bradford Airport.

Today issue starts with a front page headline and article titled "How our airport gets us up and away" on page 9 along with an interview with Keith Wakefiled chairman of the "West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transport Committee".
Other the next few days articles are to be published which includes interviews with LBA's head of Air traffic services Alan Siddoway. Emily Bramley, LBA's passenger services manager and LBA's Commercial Manager, Richard Aldridge.

Ps; I dread to see next week's readers letter pages....

 

[Tarn Spotter]

Maybe we all send in positive letters, there is certainly plenty of good news, huge increase in x-ray scanners over the last few years, more seating, extra gates, new frontage, increased passengers, increased flight numbers, etc.
Accept unfortunatley people only put pen to paper usually to be negitive, rather then praise.
The future with a possible rail station, link road, better bus services, more car parks, more apron space etc looks bright as well.
No point bleating about the weather or the runway, or the lack of long distance flights, LBA caters for a niche market and does it well.

 

[Finger66]

Looks like the Airport new CEO David Laws has allowed the local rag in
I know I would not normally advise this now-a-days but starting from todays edition running until end of week "Yorkshire Evening Post" are said to be publishing some positive reporting with a special in-depth behind the scenes articles about Leeds/Bradford Airport.

Today issue starts with a front page headline and article titled "How our airport gets us up and away" on page 9 along with an interview with Keith Wakefiled chairman of the "West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transport Committee".
Other the next few days articles are to be published which includes interviews with LBA's head of Air traffic services Alan Siddoway. Emily Bramley, LBA's passenger services manager and LBA's Commercial Manager, Richard Aldridge.

Ps; I dread to see next week's readers letter pages....

Considering what will be no more than probably a few dozen letters of complaint this represents a very very small percentage of the annual pax. Best part of 4m pax can't be wrong! As has just been posted by Tarn Spotter he is absolutely right that people will only be negative and not positive in response to any YP articles. It's the way of the world. New management deserve time and a chance to succeed. LBA has so much to offer compared to a few years ago so it is all going in the right direction. Just not perhaps as fast as the cynical amongst us would ideally like. I say lets all just be a little more patient and we may just see even more positivity!!!

 

[White Heather]

Another sign of a new regime under David Laws at LBA and long may it continue. At the last meeting we advised him of the animosity displayed by the YEP and others and advised him that this is something that needs to be addressed - and he agreed. In the past, the view was to just let them get on with it and not get drawn into arguments through the newspapers. On another matter - although I am not yet able to say much, I did write to LBA regarding Loganair and my email was referred on to David Laws who took time out from his holiday abroad to provide me with a very helpful reply. I suspect that much of what he said is Commercial in Confidence so I have asked if he can clarify what I can pass on and what I can't. I await his reply, but all I will say on that matter is that there are apparently 2 or more sides to this story.

 

[leedslad]

New CEO stating in the YEP that an A380 could already land at LBA?!