Here is a summary of today's ACC. I have 4 pages of A4 notes, so this is very much a summary, or I will still be typing on this phone at midnight.
* Airspace Change Programme
LBA has finally got past stage 2 and has now started on phase 3. They are buying in the services of expert consultants 'Trax' at a cost of 750k to wade through the CAA process. Various options will now be whittled down to the final few then subjected to public consultation. Up to 6000 responses are likely. This will be mid to late 2027 with all phase 3 completion early 2028.
* Bus transfers/ Aircraft stand towing
A query was raised as to why aircraft are being moved off stand to remote stands after unloading and vice versa. This is to maximise the use of stands within walking distance of the terminal as both passengers and airlines prefer that. Vince Hodder stated that the day before the terminal extension opened, there were 92 bus transfers in 24 hours. The following day, using current procedures, there were just 6. He confirmed the transfer buses were operated by the airport and its staff, not by ground handling teams.
* LBA Regen
The red crane on site is removing old HVAC equpment and lifting new platforms and HVAC machinery etc into place.
Two new double size elevator pits have been created ready for the installation in due course.
The new World Duty Free area is now being fitted out by WDFs own contractors. Started 1st June. It us due to open Sept 2026.
The old Saltaire Bar is now completely removed. The new Montys Bar and Starbucks will go here.
Latest opening dates
Starbucks. July 2026
WH Smith. TBC
World Duty Free. Sept 2026
Montys Bar. .Sept 2026
Other retail units. May 2027
2nd WH Smith. June 2027
Upper Crust. May 2027
Juniper Bar. June 2027
New CSZ. Sept 2026
UK Border Force. May 2027
Domestic Baggage. Aug 2027
Int baggage comp. Sept 2027
* Aviation Report, Declan Maguire
Forecast pax throughput 2026/7 is 4.59m.
This is seen as good progress but less than previously expected due to the loss of some carriers and routes due to instability caused by rising aviation fuel prices and the impact on bookings.
Sun Express withdrew and consolidated via a reduced programme ex MAN due to fuel costs and their need to cut costs. I asked if this was a temporary suspension and if they would be back. Despite LBA having a large untapped market to Turkiye the current situation is that Sun Express will NOT be returning in the forseeable. As a result Declan is now holding discussions with other carriers. Think Hull City shirt sponsors.
Wizz Air and Easyjet were both said to be more exposed to the impact of the middle east war as theiy had not hedged fuel costs as far ahead aa Jet2 or Ryanair. Wizz have already made cuts at BHX and GLA and are considering their stategy out of the UK relative to Wizz Air Hungary and Malta. Apparently Wizz UK, based at LTN, are unlikely to be impacted. LBA are in regular discussions with them with a view to ensuring our routes are not lost but this is about UK ops generally.
Easyjet have also taken action to remove marginal routes at non base airports including Leeds. Geneva will not operate this winter and both PMI and AGP are axed. The loadings were acceptable but this is a cost saving measure. However, it was stated that in the longer term, there are still 'plans' for Easyjet at LBA. Until then, they will continue operating Belfast, Paris and Barcelona.
Ryanair seat capacity is up 9 5% on last year.
Jet2 new routes announced (see Jet2 thread)
KLM doing really well with the newly introduced E295 services and LBA will seek to have additional rotations in future.
TUi doing well with their flights to Palma, Corfu and Dubrovnik to connect with cruises.
Aurigny doing well.
Not mentioned but presume Aer Lingus/Emerald also doing well.
BA not interested in operating to LHR. They are not convinced the loadings on an A320 would justify it (they are phasing out the A319s)
Admitted this winter could prove to be a difficult time as many airlines reduce capacity due to rising ticket costs due to high aviation fuel costs.
* Fuel availability
No shortages for next month. Beyond that there is no clear picture, but nothing is known currently to suggest there will be any shortages irrespective of what goes on in the Strait of Hormuz. UK refineries have increased jet fuel refining from 10% to 30% of output, whilst greater imports are incoming, but supply and demand dictates high prices, translating to reduced demand, and airlines consolidating to reduce costs.
Business Update. Vince Hodder
Vince confirmed the May outcome relating to the night movement CLEUDs but that G***A have indicated an intention to seek a Judicial Review. They have until midnight today to do so and if so their case is against LCC.
The big news however is that if they do not seek the JR, LBA will be submitting a Planning Application to LCC by the end of July, with a view to sorting out the remaining night issues, ie:
- night time hours seeking 2330-0600
- a shift away from movement limits to average noise exposure with associated noise insulation schemes.
Both are in accordance with Government guidance.
If G***A do seek a JR, the planning application will be delayed until the outcome is known as it is based on the planning approval as confirmed by the CLEUD.
* Police
West Yorkshire Police are seeking to increase their charges by circa £1m with 24/7 cover and a resident police inspector, despite LBA being closed overnight in winter. Their claim is based on published charges imposed by LBA on non regular airlines, which are not charged to the airlines using LBA regularly. LBA are seeking discussions but these requests are being refused. LBA has therefore referred this dispute, which started in 2024, to the Dept for Transport. Their report on the issue is overdue. This has not, and will not, impact on policing at LBA.
* AENA
AENA completed the acquisition of 51% of LBA on 7th May. A new Board of Directors has been set up consisting of 5 x AENA, 2 x LBA and 2 x Infrabridge Capital. AENA said to be very good to work with and very focussed on LBA achieving all targets, both aviation and environmental. The first board meeting was yesterday, in London.
* Fire Evacuations
The new system is now operational and when a call point is activated, it is supposed to allow a 6 minute period to investigate and decide if a full evacuation is needed. Due to a programming issue this delay has not happened and a full evacuation was triggered 4 times in a week after call points were activated. The programming fault has, they are told, been identified and will be rectified. The call points were activated 3 times by passengers (not necessarily with malicious intent) and once by a contractor.
* Security Screening queues
The average queue time this summer is 10 minutes. Longer queues have only occurred as a result of equipment failures or other things going wrong.
* Airside seating.
More seating has recently been added and there will be more as and when works complete in the intended seating areas.
Thats all.
