Infrastructure, Construction & Developments

[Butty]

Mayoral candidate Sion Simon's has spoken today of expanding BHX as a priority. Birmingham post website... Sorry link not copying on my phone today.

As for the announcement on the 100 million investment, this is a huge vote of confidence. Deals with immediate problems and lays a decent foundation for what will come next....

 

[Brummiegem]

There you go Butty.http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/new...ding-birmingham-airport-labour-mayor-11945345

 

[Coathanger16]

I recall having recently read somewhere that the airport management have multiple master plan proposals and what they go for will depend on Birmingham council/authority - Kehoe said he hoped they went for the more ambitious proposal. I imagine the basic one will include gradual upgrades to the current site, whilst the more ambitious proposal would see a new terminal and eventually even a new runway located on the site of the HS2 interchange.

Until such a decision has been made any other announcements regarding new infrastructure on the current site are unlikely - no point building a new satellite pier on the current site if the master plan is for essentially a new airport over by HS2.

I would imagine in the mean time more remote stands will be likely with passengers being bussed to and from the terminal - its relatively cheap so not much lost if the airport moves to the new site, and it doesn't prevent new infrastructure being built on the current site in the future.

With regards to developments to the Elmdon site (LCC terminal/cargo), I think this will again depend on what the master plan goes for. If the plan is to stay on the current site then it will eventually be needed as a new terminal (most likely LCC). If a new site is chosen by HS2, the larger "mainline" airlines will move to the new site presenting the opportunity for the current terminal to become a dedicated LCC terminal, and the Elmdon site to grow its cargo handling facilities.

I think they are probably holding off making a decision on Birmingham until a decision is made regarding airport expansion in the SE.

 

[Ray Finkle]

The airport website now says that the master plan is due for consultation in the spring with the final plan due at the end of 2017.

Look forwards to it

https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk...lopment/airport-strategy/airport-master-plan/

 

[Dobbo]

Just the 15 or so months to go!

 

[Hassaan]

I was wondering if anything was going to be done about that slip road which used to be used as a drop off area but has not been in use for many years now. As baggage has been somewhat of an issue it's good to see they're trying to rectify that too.

 

[58terminus]

The plan to have a free 30 min drop off / pick up area is good news.As most people will know dropping off is not a big problem but picking up is.
The understandable decision to close the slip road after the terrible events at Glasgow was closely followed by the outrageous tariff for the drop off/pick up car park.It certainly seemed from the outside to be a cynical ploy to make money from terrorism threats.
I must add that Birmingham was far from alone in pursuing this policy.

 

[BHXsupporter]

Munich satellite terminal
I was interested in this link not only because of previous potential plans for a satellite building at BHX but also raising the profile of an airport and the details, particularly the following which seems a rather good idea for satellite or main terminal development anyway.
http://newsroom.lufthansagroup.com/...ards-for-quality-comfort-and-convenience.html

'The satellite also sets new standards for environmentally friendly operations and energy efficiency. Advanced building materials and innovative heating, cooling and lighting technologies reduce energy consumption to a minimum. A 40 percent reduction in CO2 emissions in the new facility as compared with the airport's existing terminal buildings is achieved partly through special "climate-optimized facades": These 4.5 meter wide zones separate the air conditioned interior of the satellite from the outdoor space, acting as a climate buffer while providing usable space with escalators for passengers to change levels. The facade is made of a newly developed type of glass with a special coating that allows sunlight to enter while keeping out the heat.'

The Germans have a track record in environmental-friendly innovations and this seems to have potential for any BHX developments, whether extensions, satellites or new terminals.

 

[Jon Dempsey]

Just got back from a day in the Netherlands via Schiphol.

Travelled through the LoCo pier (pier H) for the first time. Brilliantly efficient as each departure gate doesn't even have seats. Ships people in and ships people out with no frills.

 

[JF57]

Just got back from a day in the Netherlands via Schiphol.

Travelled through the LoCo pier (pier H) for the first time. Brilliantly efficient as each departure gate doesn't even have seats. Ships people in and ships people out with no frills.

Interesting I usually hate gates without adequate seating. Last time I came back on KLM it was a "normal" gate with seats.

Who were you flying with?

 

[Jon Dempsey]

Interesting I usually hate gates without adequate seating. Last time I came back on KLM it was a "normal" gate with seats.

Who were you flying with?

FlyMayBe. I only mentioned it as there has been discussion of a LoCo pier at Birmingham on this board.

 

[JF57]

FlyMayBe. I only mentioned it as there has been discussion of a LoCo pier at Birmingham on this board.

Having said that I hate being on a bus to the plane. Would happily walk under cover like in St Lucia so worth considering.

 

[Ray Finkle]

A few bits and pieces from the Consultative Committee.

There are major developments planned for the Airport’s car parking facilities over the winter period. The current Drop & Go facility will be developed to offer a premium service for those passengers who want the convenience if offers, while at the same time a new, free Drop & Go facility will be developed adjacent to Car Park 5 and connected to the terminal via a covered walkway. For Meet & Greet services, a new facility will be developed on the surface area of Car Park 3, while the current Car Park 7, at the Elmdon site, will be developed into a 2,000 space car park serviced by shuttle buses, enabling the Airport to compete with off-site operators such as APH and Airparks.

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The temporary bussing lounge facility to meet demand generated by this year’s increase in passengers was completed on 7 July. It is now proposed to construct a larger permanent facility in time for Summer 2017. A design has been prepared and the tender process is underway.

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Extensive high level engagement with primary external stakeholders such as HS2, Highways England, Midlands Connect and the West Midlands Combined Authority continues to inform the development of the Master Plan, which remains on target for a draft to be published and consulted on from Spring 2017.

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The Airport’s position is that the specification for the ICWC franchise should ensure that rail access to the Airport is enhanced to support its future growth and ensure that the huge benefits it brings to the regional and national economy are realised. Specifically, it has asked that the following be included in the franchise documentation:-
 Early morning trains to allow passengers to access the Airport during its busiest periods.
 Retention of existing level of service at Intermediate Stations (including Birmingham International Station) as a minimum requirement.
 Integrated Ticketing between the train and the plane.
 The renaming of Birmingham International Station.
 Services to be maintained and enhanced to help reduce congestion on the roads during the construction of HS2


There were also comments from local residents who, after all the fuss, seem surprised at how quiet the A380 is.

It was mentioned that extra runway inspections after A380 movements have now stopped and they are done in accordance with the regs.

One councillor commented about the amount of flights to existing hubs and asked if the airport were using the connection data to try and get some new destinations (better not start that again ).

 

[Coathanger16]

There were also comments from local residents who, after all the fuss, seem surprised at how quiet the A380 is.

Perhaps some of them can tell the residents around Heathrow that. From how much West London residents complain about the A380 you'd think it was noisier than Concorde!

Does anybody have a decent map of the car parks at Birmingham? Its all very way saying the new drop off facility will be located adjacent to car park 5, but where exactly is car park 5?

 

[Kevin Farnell]

A few bits and pieces from the Consultative Committee.

There were also comments from local residents who, after all the fuss, seem surprised at how quiet the A380 is.

Having flown on the A380, I was absolutely amazed at how quiet it is in the cabin. This is also my experience when having A380's overfly me. The EK A380 regularly flies over my home in Cambridgeshire, usually at somewhere between FL200 and FL250. Indoors, I cannot hear it (outdoors, I have to listen hard). The same can be said for B787's (the Qatar flight is also a regular over flight). Having observed both aircraft types at BHX, they are by far the quietest aircraft that I have seen.
I also have late night departures from EMA flying over, and these are most noticeable (usually being B777's. Also, EK B777 departures from BHX have the same effect - in both cases, they are still on full climb power).
I think it comes down to the general public's perception that a larger aircraft must make more noise. This is similar to the miss-conception that aircraft regularly dump fuel prior to landing (which is illegal over land, other than in a dire emergency). I believe this stems from the vortex wake vapour trails often seen from the tips of extended flaps, particularly in humid/damp conditions.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of miss held beliefs by the public, regarding aviation and also BHX.

Does anybody have a decent map of the car parks at Birmingham? Its all very way saying the new drop off facility will be located adjacent to car park 5, but where exactly is car park 5?

A quick internet search shows Car Park 5 to be the previously named 'Long Stay Car Park 1'. As to what 'adjacent' means, is anyone's guess.

Kevin

 

[Ray Finkle]

Does anybody have a decent map of the car parks at Birmingham? Its all very way saying the new drop off facility will be located adjacent to car park 5, but where exactly is car park 5?

Car Park 5 is the one where the viewing area is located.

Not the best map but click the link below and scroll down approx halfway, there are pins in the map where the car parks are located. The satellite view makes it clearer.

https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/airport-parking/

 

[Coathanger16]

Car Park 5 is the one where the viewing area is located.

Not the best map but click the link below and scroll down approx halfway, there are pins in the map where the car parks are located. The satellite view makes it clearer.

https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/airport-parking/

Thanks. If I've read it right, Car Park 5 seems to be quite a way from the terminal. Whilst we all applauded BHX for reintroducing a free drop off facility, I'm now concerned it will be quite a distance from the terminal.

 

[JF57]

Thanks. If I've read it right, Car Park 5 seems to be quite a way from the terminal. Whilst we all applauded BHX for reintroducing a free drop off facility, I'm now concerned it will be quite a distance from the terminal.

Not good for less able but with promised covered walkway should generally be quite good. Sometimes nice to stretch the legs after a flight.
Presume walkway will also provide cover on way to hire cars and car park 4.

 

[Coathanger16]

Not good for less able but with promised covered walkway should generally be quite good. Sometimes nice to stretch the legs after a flight.
Presume walkway will also provide cover on way to hire cars and car park 4.

I don't know about anyone else, but when the airport announced they would be providing a free drop off zone I assumed it would be located where the current drop off zone is. You make a good point though about providing a covered walkway to the hire cars at least.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I thought so too but it appears as if that is to become an area offering a 'premium service'.

I do sympathise with airports and recognise that in the modern world of loco's ancillary income is so much more important but I hope that we are not left with a situation where those with mobility issues are forced to pay over the odss just to be dropped off.

I guess we'll have to see how it works out.