Leeds Bradford: Airport Consultative Committee Questions & Responses

[White Heather]

Very interesting.

It would seem people are as quick to jump to conclusions on here as they are on the SaveDSA page about Wizz flights from LBA.

The airline is still very new to LBA. If the move was a disaster for them they would've already pulled their entire operation from Leeds like they did at Cardiff.

It seems sometimes that whenever there is good news, some seem to instantly look for something negative. I prefer a glass half full outlook.

 

[gcoabc1]

Airport Consultative Committee update from 20th December 2023.

Aviation Director (Nicola McMullen) update.

A very good year, particularly the first half of the year. There has recently been a marked reduction in intended capacity due mainly to a) the delay in deliveries of aircraft to Ryanair, resulting in a number of planned services no longer operating, and b) the loss of NEO aircraft available to Wizz Air due to the Pratt& Whitney engine issues which has resulted in a reduction in services and frequency.

Nevertheless, passenger figures in October were (approximately) 386,000, November 224,000 and for December 218,000 is expected. Total passenger figures annually are expected to be +15% on pre Covid levels .

Jet2 load factor performance not as high as usual over summer due to their pricing policy .She was confident that this will improve going forward so presumably prices will be 'adjusted'.

Considerable growth with Ryanair but not as fast as expected or planned due to the aforementioned delays in delivery of new MAX airframes.

Wizz Air - Wroclaw cancelled due to inadequate passenger traffic so left to Ryanair to fullfil. Katowice cessation is temporary due to aforementioned aircraft shortages and as I previously suggested, this was due to the proximity of Katowice to the already well served Krakow.

LBA Re-Gen

This is the name now given to the terminal works, apron and runway works.

Phase 1 - Extension - Contractors now on site remodeling the embankment , delivering equipment and cabins. Full mobilisation after Christmas and construction due to commence in January.
Completion due March 2025.

Phase 2 will commence early 2025 and complete mid 2026. No contractor for this phase and will go to separate tender.

Phase 3 (aircraft stands) will be constructed as needed dependent on success in securing new routes and operators. Location of stands is confirmed and up to an addition 10 stands will be constructed .

Confirmed again the following key details re the terminal works.

* 100,000 sq feet, over 3 levels.
* Eliminates clash points within terminal.
* Eliminates need to traverse length of terminal several times.
* Provides new central screening area with 6 lanes each of 28m length, compared to 4 lanes of 12m length now.
* Three new upgraded body scanners for every 2 lanes, so 9 in total.
* Multiple escalators/lifts from Central Screening to Airside on 1st floor.
* Relocation of domestic baggage reclaim to enlarged area at Eastern end if existing terminal .
* 77% increase in international baggage belt capacity within a spacious air conditioned area. Each belt will have a dedicated baggage dolly drop off area in the undercroft, accessed via a ramp and one way road system.
* 10 Immigration desks, all wired ready for E-gate installation when Border Force are ready.
* New accommodation for Border Force staff.
* Queuing space for Immigration increased by 300% and air conditioned.
* All toilets refurbished/enlarged and new large facilities throughout the extension area.
* Dedicated lift and departure gate for passengers with restricted mobility.
* 3 additional departure gates.
* 2 new lounges at Eastern end, one Executive, one General. Enhanced product and facilities.
* Second duty free area within extension to departure lounge.
* Bus shelter walkway reduced in length. The replacement of this does NOT form part of the project but the intention is to replace with a permanent two level pier with holding lounges, which will require planning consent!! 🤔
* New digital wayfinding signage throughout terminal.
* Further increase in size of check in hall A by 30% once central screening has relocated to the current baggage reclaim area.
*83% increase in customer seating.
* 76% increase in number of eateries and bars
* Direct jobs to increase by 1600 to 3600 in total by 2030.
* Indirect jobs increases to 8500 by 2030.
* Contribution to local economy 940m by 2030.

*In addition - runway improvement works underway which will take 8 years (winter seasons) at a cost if £50m.
* All airfield lighting to become LED
* New ground handling equipment charging facilities throughout airfield apron and undercroft.
*. Replacement of one of the two existing air bridges. The extension provides no additional airbridges, as only KLM at LBA wishes to use them, BUT the 3 additional gates will be designed to be easily converted to airbridges should airlines be secured that demand these facilities (eg Lufthansa, Air France).

Although not legally required, LBA are introducing a new Master plan in 2024.

CEO Update

Really good first half year with highest passenger throughput, highest turnover and highest profit . Second half of year impacted by Ryanair and Jet2 aircraft shortages .

Average queue time at central screening across summer was 6 minutes with 98% through in under 20 minutes.

Previous 'poor' CAA rating for passengers with restricted mobility now marked as Very Good, the highest rating.

Current operational challenge in central screening due to delays in installation of new X Ray machines. This installation is compulsory per Government by summer.
Having started on schedule, removing two lanes the manufacturer then amended the software, which requires Government sign off. This has delayed manufacture of the new machines and the two out of use lanes will now remain out of use until February at which point the other two lanes will be taken out of use. Still expected all lanes will be upgraded by end of February.
Extended queue times have resulted in 3 Jet2 flights being delayed by a maximum 15 minutes and 0 passengers have missed flights. The extended queue times are mainly an issue in just the two busiest days of the week in the morning.

Some changes coming to car parking with some being re-purposed. Medium stay in front of terminal to become short stay , which will be enlarged and re-marked.
No change to free drop off area.
Airport talking to Leeds City Highways to try and secure better car park directional signage in White House Lane (these are Council owned, not airport).

Parkway Station - meeting last week. Completion late 2026 but still talking about funding. Bolton Farm on Scotland Lane now purchased and in talks with the other farm to secure a portion of their land. Leeds City Council, typically, have yet to make up their mind about access road layout and routes . Completion of the full business case was due last week

LBA is recruiting a new post, Director of Corporate Affairs, reporting to the CEO, whose role will be to take the lead in all matters relating to PR, liaison with local residents, communities politicians, etc . (He/She has my deepest sympathy!!).

Clarified reasons behind withdrawal of original CLEUD applications and re-issue of 4 new ones, each written in a different way and each with additional evidence uncovered by LBA whilst investigating claims made by they who shall not be named. As expected, but perhaps unreasonably, LCC will, in January, ask again for any evidence from third parties. However, LBA are content with this and in no rush. Their view is that the timescale is not as important as getting the right answer, even if it takes longer . In the meantime their operations are not impacted.

Finally, on the subject of bussing passengers to the terminal. Noted some complain they are not bussed, others complain that they are, especially when parked on a stand reasonably close to the terminal. The issue is the walkway. It's two way traffic system means it's possible for inbound passengers to mix with outbound and thus is not permitted by Border Force. As a result they direct that certain inbound flights, in certain circumstances, must be bussed even though it causes delay. The future replacement of the walkway with a two level pier will resolve this situation.

That's all folks! I'm suffering from a numb middle finger now after typing this lot on a mobile phone!

Happy Christmas!! And a very Happy LBA New Year!

Thank you WH for another excellent report , and only using one finger. Go have a long rest and a great Christmas/NY.

 

[White Heather]

Thank you WH for another excellent report , and only using one finger. Go have a long rest and a great Christmas/NY.

The annoying thing is I can type very well, but my laptop is pretty much deceased.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

In March I reported that Wizz were happy (generally) at LBA . This was just 4 months after transferring here bringing with them passengers who were pre booked from a time when Wizz had Wroclaw to themselves out of DSA. They had come to LBA where the route had completion in the form of Ryanair.

In June I reported that Wizz were performing strongly, with no reference to specific routes. Presumably they were doing well, but Wroclaw not up with the others. Passenger figure stats will show that

Another 6 months are gone and the route is pulled. We've seen elsewhere that due to aircraft shortages, it's not taking much for routes to be pulled if they are not performing to the same level as others. With limited aircraft, it's going to be a case of sacrificing the weakest from a profit point of view. And, much can change in terms of bookings over the last 6 months. Perhaps Ryanair offered better prices or better flight times? I wouldn't know. Perhaps, if Wizz were not having to contract due to the loss of a significant number if aircraft, they might have batted it out on Wroclaw, but we will never know that either. We still have the route to Wroclaw. In the future, Wizz might give us something else . In the future they may bring Wroclaw back. Who knows?

Valid points. Fingers crossed for the future. Thanks for the report.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Airport Consultative Committee update from 20th December 2023.

Aviation Director (Nicola McMullen) update.

A very good year, particularly the first half of the year. There has recently been a marked reduction in intended capacity due mainly to a) the delay in deliveries of aircraft to Ryanair, resulting in a number of planned services no longer operating, and b) the loss of NEO aircraft available to Wizz Air due to the Pratt& Whitney engine issues which has resulted in a reduction in services and frequency.

Nevertheless, passenger figures in October were (approximately) 386,000, November 224,000 and for December 218,000 is expected. Total passenger figures annually are expected to be +15% on pre Covid levels .

Jet2 load factor performance not as high as usual over summer due to their pricing policy .She was confident that this will improve going forward so presumably prices will be 'adjusted'.

Considerable growth with Ryanair but not as fast as expected or planned due to the aforementioned delays in delivery of new MAX airframes.

Wizz Air - Wroclaw cancelled due to inadequate passenger traffic so left to Ryanair to fullfil. Katowice cessation is temporary due to aforementioned aircraft shortages and as I previously suggested, this was due to the proximity of Katowice to the already well served Krakow.

LBA Re-Gen

This is the name now given to the terminal works, apron and runway works.

Phase 1 - Extension - Contractors now on site remodeling the embankment , delivering equipment and cabins. Full mobilisation after Christmas and construction due to commence in January.
Completion due March 2025.

Phase 2 will commence early 2025 and complete mid 2026. No contractor for this phase and will go to separate tender.

Phase 3 (aircraft stands) will be constructed as needed dependent on success in securing new routes and operators. Location of stands is confirmed and up to an addition 10 stands will be constructed .

Confirmed again the following key details re the terminal works.

* 100,000 sq feet, over 3 levels.
* Eliminates clash points within terminal.
* Eliminates need to traverse length of terminal several times.
* Provides new central screening area with 6 lanes each of 28m length, compared to 4 lanes of 12m length now.
* Three new upgraded body scanners for every 2 lanes, so 9 in total.
* Multiple escalators/lifts from Central Screening to Airside on 1st floor.
* Relocation of domestic baggage reclaim to enlarged area at Eastern end if existing terminal .
* 77% increase in international baggage belt capacity within a spacious air conditioned area. Each belt will have a dedicated baggage dolly drop off area in the undercroft, accessed via a ramp and one way road system.
* 10 Immigration desks, all wired ready for E-gate installation when Border Force are ready.
* New accommodation for Border Force staff.
* Queuing space for Immigration increased by 300% and air conditioned.
* All toilets refurbished/enlarged and new large facilities throughout the extension area.
* Dedicated lift and departure gate for passengers with restricted mobility.
* 3 additional departure gates.
* 2 new lounges at Eastern end, one Executive, one General. Enhanced product and facilities.
* Second duty free area within extension to departure lounge.
* Bus shelter walkway reduced in length. The replacement of this does NOT form part of the project but the intention is to replace with a permanent two level pier with holding lounges, which will require planning consent!! 🤔
* New digital wayfinding signage throughout terminal.
* Further increase in size of check in hall A by 30% once central screening has relocated to the current baggage reclaim area.
*83% increase in customer seating.
* 76% increase in number of eateries and bars
* Direct jobs to increase by 1600 to 3600 in total by 2030.
* Indirect jobs increases to 8500 by 2030.
* Contribution to local economy 940m by 2030.

*In addition - runway improvement works underway which will take 8 years (winter seasons) at a cost if £50m.
* All airfield lighting to become LED
* New ground handling equipment charging facilities throughout airfield apron and undercroft.
*. Replacement of one of the two existing air bridges. The extension provides no additional airbridges, as only KLM at LBA wishes to use them, BUT the 3 additional gates will be designed to be easily converted to airbridges should airlines be secured that demand these facilities (eg Lufthansa, Air France).

Although not legally required, LBA are introducing a new Master plan in 2024.

CEO Update

Really good first half year with highest passenger throughput, highest turnover and highest profit . Second half of year impacted by Ryanair and Jet2 aircraft shortages .

Average queue time at central screening across summer was 6 minutes with 98% through in under 20 minutes.

Previous 'poor' CAA rating for passengers with restricted mobility now marked as Very Good, the highest rating.

Current operational challenge in central screening due to delays in installation of new X Ray machines. This installation is compulsory per Government by summer.
Having started on schedule, removing two lanes the manufacturer then amended the software, which requires Government sign off. This has delayed manufacture of the new machines and the two out of use lanes will now remain out of use until February at which point the other two lanes will be taken out of use. Still expected all lanes will be upgraded by end of February.
Extended queue times have resulted in 3 Jet2 flights being delayed by a maximum 15 minutes and 0 passengers have missed flights. The extended queue times are mainly an issue in just the two busiest days of the week in the morning.

Some changes coming to car parking with some being re-purposed. Medium stay in front of terminal to become short stay , which will be enlarged and re-marked.
No change to free drop off area.
Airport talking to Leeds City Highways to try and secure better car park directional signage in White House Lane (these are Council owned, not airport).

Parkway Station - meeting last week. Completion late 2026 but still talking about funding. Bolton Farm on Scotland Lane now purchased and in talks with the other farm to secure a portion of their land. Leeds City Council, typically, have yet to make up their mind about access road layout and routes . Completion of the full business case was due last week

LBA is recruiting a new post, Director of Corporate Affairs, reporting to the CEO, whose role will be to take the lead in all matters relating to PR, liaison with local residents, communities politicians, etc . (He/She has my deepest sympathy!!).

Clarified reasons behind withdrawal of original CLEUD applications and re-issue of 4 new ones, each written in a different way and each with additional evidence uncovered by LBA whilst investigating claims made by they who shall not be named. As expected, but perhaps unreasonably, LCC will, in January, ask again for any evidence from third parties. However, LBA are content with this and in no rush. Their view is that the timescale is not as important as getting the right answer, even if it takes longer . In the meantime their operations are not impacted.

Finally, on the subject of bussing passengers to the terminal. Noted some complain they are not bussed, others complain that they are, especially when parked on a stand reasonably close to the terminal. The issue is the walkway. It's two way traffic system means it's possible for inbound passengers to mix with outbound and thus is not permitted by Border Force. As a result they direct that certain inbound flights, in certain circumstances, must be bussed even though it causes delay. The future replacement of the walkway with a two level pier will resolve this situation.

That's all folks! I'm suffering from a numb middle finger now after typing this lot on a mobile phone!

Happy Christmas!! And a very Happy LBA New Year!

Thanks for such a thorough report. I think the farm thats been purchased is Owlet Farm, the entrance for which if I am correct is on Scotland Lane in the dip just after Fairfax Way heading toward the airport.

 

[Jetchaser]

Fantastic report White Heather and very exciting times as a relatively newbie to the forum...A happy Christmas to you and all the forumers.

 

[Hendi]

Super report. plenty to be positive about thank you wh. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.

 

[BCFC]

Thanks for such a thorough report. I think the farm thats been purchased is Owlet Farm, the entrance for which if I am correct is on Scotland Lane in the dip just after Fairfax Way heading toward the airport

Thanks for such a thorough report. I think the farm thats been purchased is Owlet Farm, the entrance for which if I am correct is on Scotland Lane in the dip just after Fairfax Way heading toward the airport.

This is Owlet Farm.

 

[Seasider]

A request for WH to ask at the next ACC meeting.
Can LBA publish the pax figures each month? They have done in the past and many airports do so at present.

Please.

 

[White Heather]

I will write in advance and ask if they can consider publishing the figures on a calendar monthly basis on their website.

I will write in advance and ask if they can consider publishing the figures on a calendar monthly basis on their website.

It's done. Of course I cannot guarantee the outcome but I'll let you know. I've asked for a dedicated section within the website within which passenger figures are published on a calendar monthly basis (rather showing week endings as they currently report to the Consultative Meeting).

 

[White Heather]

A request for WH to ask at the next ACC meeting.
Can LBA publish the pax figures each month? They have done in the past and many airports do so at present.

Please.

I have had a reply from LBA. Firstly They are puzzled as to why there should ever be any discrepancy between their figures and those published by the CAA. I suggested that perhaps it's due to the fact LBA publish figures on a week ending basis and the CAA on a calendar monthly basis. Where weeks overlap two calendar months perhaps they count the week in the previous or following month - I don't know but neither do LBA.

However, as reported, I asked if LBA could go back to reporting on a calendar monthly basis as they used to do, rather than week endings which always creates a problem at month ends where week endings overlap two months. eg. At the end of February, the week ending would be w/e 3 March so the figures for that week include 4 days in February and 3 days in March with no obvious way to split them.

LBA have asked me to raise it at the next committee meeting which will be attended by the right person to address this. I'm unsure why they changed from calendar months to week endings in the first place . Maybe I'll find out in March at the meeting! Watch this space although I wouldn't build up any hopes of change if that means LBA having to change their system of recording. Equally I'm not convinced they will wish to publish the figures on the website either. Time will tell.

 

[RaabBam]

Regarding the new masterplan this year, when exactly is this expected to be formally adopted and published?

From memory, didn't the current masterplan have a lengthy consultation process that lasted around 12 months? (From March 2016-April 2017, or something like that)

 

[White Heather]

Regarding the new masterplan this year, when exactly is this expected to be formally adopted and published?

From memory, didn't the current masterplan have a lengthy consultation process that lasted around 12 months? (From March 2016-April 2017, or something like that)

Sorry, no date was given other than during this year, nor was anything said about a consultation. That doesn't mean there wont be one. If there's any update on this you can be sure I will post it here.

 

[Aviador]

Regarding the new masterplan this year, when exactly is this expected to be formally adopted and published?

From memory, didn't the current masterplan have a lengthy consultation process that lasted around 12 months? (From March 2016-April 2017, or something like that)

The airport did suggest the updated masterplan would be published at the beginning of the year. No specifics were given.

An airport masterplan should be seen as more of a guide than a definitive proposal. Obviously things change politically, socially and economically so what might be invisaged could easily change.

So for that reason a consultation of something that is more of a wishlist and might not happen is a little bit pointless really in my opinion although it's good to have an idea how things might change in the future.

 

[White Heather]

Today I attended the latest ACC, which was extended to 3 hours. I will report in the key issues I think you will be most interested in. There was too much to cover everything . As ever, I will summarise tether than writing an essay.

* ATC.
Airspace Change work is ongoing and the CAA submission for Stage 2 is due for submission on 28th April. Stage 3 (if Stage 2 is approved) is the public consultation stage. Various routings are still 'on the table' including right turns off 32 for the first time.

*. Operations update.
LBA passed 4m passengers for the 2023/4 year on Monday 25th March. Although close, the final passenger figure for the fiscal year is expected to surpass the previous best set in 2017, meaning this year will be the highest passenger throughput in the airport's history. These passenger figures represent a 16% increase year on year.

Passenger throughput in Jan/Feb lower than anticipated due entirely to Wizz Air flight reductions, due to the P&W engine issues and Ryanair aircraft shortages due to slow 737 MAX deliveries by Boeing. NB. Wizz estimate another 12-18 months before their ops are restored to normal. LBA has lost circa 200,000 pax as a result of the Wizz and Ryanair issues.

However, load factors excellent. Summer 2024, LBA has 3.7m seats on offer.

Sun Express inaugural flight last Sunday saw 10 passengers inbound but a full load outbound. LBA will be taking steps to raise awareness of the service in Turkey to drive inbound tourism here .

New routes this summer to Marrakech and Bucharest with Ryanair plus Agadir with Jet2 later in the year.

London Heathrow remains high priority and LBA in talks regarding restoration of a service. No clues given as to the airline.

Talks ongoing with various US carriers re possible direct USA flights from 2026 using A321 XLR equipment. An airline was mentioned but I'm treating it as confidential. Sorry!

*. Re-Gen project.

Despite some unexpected surprises lurking under car parks, the project is on schedule. Concrete retaining wall along the apron embankment currently under construction. Steelwork erection commences early May. Drainage pipes on site.

* LBA Vision 2030 (Masterplan).

This is well advanced but not yet completed.

Next 5 years sees £200m investment as follows:
£100m. Terminal extension/refurb of existing.
£50m. Runway repairs followed by tarmac over concrete which will be completed in stages over 3 years.
£50m. Other works including new stands - number determined by demand, but ultimately a further 10 to be built.

Will support 12,100 jobs by 2030 and contribute £1bn per year to local economy .

Current estimate 11m air journeys per year originating in Yorkshire with only 4m from LBA. Of the remaining 7m, 5m from other airports are to destinations served from LBA, so a clear potential for growth and LBA already has the countries fastest growing airlines operating here.

Development of a hotel envisaged where mid stay car park was located.

Enhanced aviation technology.

Improved access - Parkway Station expected by 2026 and in talks with Transdev regarding improving services using electric buses .

Larger fuel farm to provide for more aircraft.

Upgrades to departure gates .

Provision of solar farm off Victoria Avenue subject to planning.

Additional car parking

Council generated NW Leeds employment hub behind Avro factory.

Continued reduction in CO2 emissions. LBA has reduced emissions by over 40% in last 5 years.

Beyond 2030 the plans include:

Reinstatement of Project Sky new terminal in original location, with current terminal demolished but new extension retained for alternative use (yet to be decided). Subject to planning and anticipated growth.

Additional hotel

Parallel taxiway.

*. Labour Party position on aviation

Following a query, the CEO stated he sits on the Airport Operators Committee who have had discussions with Labour over their policies. He stated that they do not anticipate any change or restrictions under the current Labour leadership so airports are relaxed about the future under a Labour Government.
Note: I commented that someone should inform the 5 Leeds Labour MPs who have opposed LBA development, being then interrupted by two Leeds Labour Councillors who were displeased with my comments. They were told to let me finish but clearly unhappy about my views. Well, tough!!

* DSA re-opening.

Asked about the threat from DSA, the CEO commented that DSA had made a loss every year for 17 years. Stated the cost to reinstate the airfield and terminal is £80m with £50m to support the airport ops through subsidies. He commented that the local leadership are committing to funding for 26 years for a single asset that could well be bankrupt in 5 years. He stated he has no concerns about DSA. He also stated that it was difficult to see where the airline operators would come from and reiterated that Wizz Air have told him that they will not return to DSA and are very happy with LBA.

*CEO update

An excellent year for LBA with record passengers and profits which are needed for investment back into the airport.

Central search area - remaining two new machines are being shipped now and should be installed during May, with LBA fully compliant from 1st June. Currently 95% of passengers are through security in under 20 minutes.

* Night movements/CLEUDs

The Council's rejections relate to exempt aircraft types (including turbo prop) and exemptions due to delays. Basically the Council say there are no exemptions and all flights count towards the night quota. LBA knew this would be their response and initiated the CLEUD action as a first step towards getting an independent decision . The CEO was meeting with the airport legal advisor this afternoon. Any decision on an appeal will be made by the airport board. Pointed out that in accordance with the written planning consent any emergency landing at LBA is illegal. That's not the intention, but it says that due to the grammar/punctuation used.

As far as LBA is concerned nothing has changed..The Council understand the airport view and vice versa. There is a good working relationship. The Council will count all night movements, LBA won't and will continue as they are. LBA rejects absolutely the statements made and that they breached the night movement limit last summer.

For summer 2025 there night movement limit is 2920.

LBA have 3607 planned movements of which 2812 fall within the quota leaving 108 spare. 795 movements will not be counted by LBA but will be by the Council so it'll be deja vu this time next year with the Council shouting foul and LBA doing what they are adamant is correct.

CEO pointed out that their policy enables the airport to attract QC 0.25 aircraft, thereby reducing the noise levels and emissions . Following the Council view, LBA will be the dumping ground for the oldest, noisiest and most polluting aircraft with zero incentive for airlines to base or operate new aircraft here.

LBA is the only UK airport still operating under night movements set in the 1990s. Most airports review every 5 years . Leeds City Council included the night limits in the 1994 Planning Consent against the advice of the Secretary of State and having done so, they are unable to amend the terms under planning law. (Note: this was disputed by one Councillor who sat on the plans panel, and he stated LBA could submit an application to very the planning consent).

* Passenger figures..
Unfortunately, due to time constraints and the amount to be discussed, I wasn't able to raise the publication of passenger figures monthly and the airport person who deals with this wasn't there anyway.

Addendum

Just to point out that due to a glitch I had to post this report before I'd finished, so I could then finish it off using the edit function. So those of you who read it before I had finished editing won't have seen the last few paras covering night movements. You may wish therefore to go back and have another look.

 

[AirBingley]

A very kind, positive and detailed update - thank you!

 

[HX3]

Thanks White Heather for the detailed update. Lots of positive stuff.

 

[Finger66]

Amazing update as ever WH - thank you. All continues to sound very promising

 

[Snackbar]

A great update and well done for calling out those Labour MPs! It’s time we all called out those in public positions who continue to pander to the vocal minority of airport opponents especially with local and general elections on the horizon.

 

[White Heather]

A great update and well done for calling out those Labour MPs! It’s time we all called out those in public positions who continue to pander to the vocal minority of airport opponents especially with local and general elections on the horizon.

It shows that Labour Councillors are very defensive of their MPs. My criticism was the 5 MPs who opposed the terminal but their reaction suggested I'd criticised them personally. Both later claimed to be supportive of LBA but had to balance that with the views of objectors. Fair enough, except not one Labour Councillor has ever asked my views on LBA and every leaflet they shove through my door includes opposition to the airport in some form or other and photos of them cuddling up to the MP who has constantly opposed LBA. Some leaflets are completely misleading indicating either a lack of understanding or a lack of respect for the truth.

LBA said they carried out a survey recently, of people living within 5 miles of the terminal. 95% want to see LBA expand. 85% support more early flights between 0600-0700. A similarly high proportion support more flights between 2300 and 0600.

My understanding of democracy is that all sides have a say and ultimately the majority prevail, but it doesn't seem that way with the airport and our councillors and certainly not the MPs who impose their personal views on the majority..