Leeds Bradford: Airport Consultative Committee Questions & Responses

Finger66 said:

I hope what you are hinting at there @pug does come to fruition.
But as has been hinted already I do wonder if Jet2 stealing a march on some U2 possible destinations may be holding them back. Equally as has already been said we don't want to be relying on all the eggs in 1 basket - yes LBA is a bit more than that but you get the sentiment re Jet2, so hopefully there is something up the LBA/U2 sleeve

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What im hinting at is perhaps not a positive for LBA. But it’s hard to second guess at this point anyway. Like I say in my follow up post I’m pretty sure the airport will want a new airline expansion as part of their terminal regen project. However it is entirely possible that easyjet have eyes elsewhere too.

The hint is presumably that EasyJet will begin operations from Doncaster - given that has been discussed several times on the DSA forum.

Statto said:

The hint is presumably that EasyJet will begin operations from Doncaster - given that has been discussed several times on the DSA forum.

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Possibly, but not necessarily. They could just be sending the capacity elsewhere. I’m not sure how strong they’d loads are, what their yields are etc. However they’ve had a bit of a cautious approach to the Yorkshire market over the decades. They appear to have three less routes on sale next year than this year. They could be building up an an announcement, or they could be redeploying to more profitable routes. Ultimately though if they don’t base at LBA it makes one at DSA more plausible from a strategic perspective.

That may make more sense on paper but have to say that would be a very big risk, especially when they have tried before. But hey ho, it is what it is and they may be tempted by some huge incentives. Then when they run out? Sound familiar in any way shape or form?

pug said:

I’m not sure how strong they’d loads are

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Variable. Earlier in the season Malaga held on ok while Palma had slightly lower loads, as to be expected early season I guess. Now Palma is performing decently (except the late Monday outbounds where they may as well not bother), whereas Malaga's loads just haven't really improved. We had a few A320 flights 1-2 weeks ago, I can say for certain not one of the outbounds reached 80% (which wouldn't even fill and A319), one may have cleared 70% full

Barcelona has been a bit variable, which I'm putting down to the nature of the route and poor Wednesday outbound timings, but has been generally decent. Paris has been the same, probably not helped by the constant rotations between the A319 and A320. The times have improved recently though

Thing is, on the routes they compete, the loads have got nothing on Ryanair, I'll have to see about Jet2. Soon I'll be able to give you more detailed info for April

I cannot believe that if U2 launched a LIS or a MAD from LBA, they would be incredibly popular rather than operatjng routes that other carriers already serve, arguably close to saturation point.

YorkshireLad said:

Variable. Earlier in the season Malaga held on ok while Palma had slightly lower loads, as to be expected early season I guess. Now Palma is performing decently (except the late Monday outbounds where they may as well not bother), whereas Malaga's loads just haven't really improved. We had a few A320 flights 1-2 weeks ago, I can say for certain not one of the outbounds reached 80% (which wouldn't even fill and A319), one may have cleared 70% full

Barcelona has been a bit variable, which I'm putting down to the nature of the route and poor Wednesday outbound timings, but has been generally decent. Paris has been the same, probably not helped by the constant rotations between the A319 and A320. The times have improved recently though

Thing is, on the routes they compete, the loads have got nothing on Ryanair, I'll have to see about Jet2. Soon I'll be able to give you more detailed info for April

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Probably a discussion for the easyjet thread but I think this might be the problem. Jet2 are Ryanair are so entrenched at LBA that easyjet might struggle to gain traction without a huge amount of marketing such as the type the opening a base would result in. But it’s chicken and egg. If the loads are consistently sub 80% on those routes then it’s probably safe to assume non profitability. A shame, but if that’s the case I’d suggest it will push them to focus elsewhere.

I think U2's problem has been that they have gone for relatively "safe" routes that are well served/saturated already. As @SierraHotel says try something like LIS or MAD that isn't already served. Anyway we should be clearer on the situation by this time next week after Thursday's ACC meeting.

pug said:

Probably a discussion for the easyjet thread but I think this might be the problem. Jet2 are Ryanair are so entrenched at LBA that easyjet might struggle to gain traction without a huge amount of marketing such as the type the opening a base would result in. But it’s chicken and egg. If the loads are consistently sub 80% on those routes then it’s probably safe to assume non profitability. A shame, but if that’s the case I’d suggest it will push them to focus elsewhere.

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It would be unwise to make any definitive assumptions at this stage. There remains a persistent narrative that easyJet might attempt a return to Doncaster, despite the clear failure of their initial operation. However, the current aviation industry landscape is significantly more challenging now than it was during that period.

Furthermore, we lack any internal data or insider insights to confirm whether the previously operated routes will be reinstated. It is also flawed logic to assume that the underperformance of those specific routes would inherently preclude the success of a future based operation. For historical context, during Jet2's initial years of operation at Leeds Bradford, several routes were trialed and subsequently withdrawn due to poor performance. Crucially, those early route cancellations did not result in the airline abandoning the base altogether.

Aviador said:

It would be unwise to make any definitive assumptions at this stage. There remains a persistent narrative that easyJet might attempt a return to Doncaster, despite the clear failure of their initial operation. However, the current aviation industry landscape is significantly more challenging now than it was during that period.

Furthermore, we lack any internal data or insider insights to confirm whether the previously operated routes will be reinstated. It is also flawed logic to assume that the underperformance of those specific routes would inherently preclude the success of a future based operation. For historical context, during Jet2's initial years of operation at Leeds Bradford, several routes were trialed and subsequently withdrawn due to poor performance. Crucially, those early route cancellations did not result in the airline abandoning the base altogether.

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Fully appreciated at this point. There’s no ‘insider information or rumours’ from where I’m sitting, except for pilot friends but they’re almost never on the ball with this sort of thing.

Ultimately they know the Yorkshire market is attractive, they know they’d need to heavily invest to fully exploit it. We all know that LBA would like a key announcement to go hand-in-hand with the terminal regen completion. We know AENA have string links with easyJet. The rest is a wait and see. I’m just offering opposing views for devils advocate purposes but I think you all know where I think growth potential is centred..

pug said:

Thanks for the correction, I misread the other posts.

Either way be interesting to see whether it’s openly discussed. I would think the airport will be keen to see the completion of the terminal regeneration matched with some big new airline partnership, so it would be a shame of easyJet are starting to look elsewhere.

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Like i kinda mentioned in another post it would be an ideal opportunity for easyjet to announce an LBA base in time for the opening of our completed new terminal, i just cant see easyjet pulling PMI and AGP due to lack of pax etc and here is me expecting ALC from easyjet! Who knows 🤔

I think easyJet didn't go for Alicante because Ryanair and Jet2 have such a tight grip on that market - to even begin to compete you'd really need an LBA base to provide the required frequency. I'm thinking the same has happened for Malaga, PMI may just about get away with it. BCN and CDG don't suffer from this problem, BFS is it's own thing

There’s the market for extra flights to all of those destinations. The likely issue for any lower loads for Easy is flight times on certain days. If there was a base flights could be adjusted better to fit demand and times that are maybe more attractive.
These routes could go either way, we may lose them, but personally I doubt that. I think they will go on sale and possibly there will be more and announced together with some terminal milestone. Jeg er alltid håpefull - I’m ever hopeful😀

We also needs to think about the terminal REGEN which isn't actually going to be fully completed until next summer when 2 more baggage carousels become available. It might be the case that the current exit from arrivals needs to remain in place until that point which is far from ideal. The new domestic carousel doesn't become available until then either so this may alter easyjets initial plans if a based unit is potentially doing domestic flights as well.

SierraHotel said:

I cannot believe that if U2 launched a LIS or a MAD from LBA, they would be incredibly popular rather than operatjng routes that other carriers already serve, arguably close to saturation point.

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You can't get landing slots at LIS.

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 9% 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.

Thank you as always for the well balanced and thoughtful update.

Thank you for the update really appreciate that

Takk skal du ha White Heather - thank you for taking the time to update the forum, much appreciated 😀👍

Thanks @White Heather for the usual fantastic update. Very disappointing overall on the airline/routes element, but I suppose nothing we didn't expect tbh. Hopefully bounce back occurs quickly