Future Infrastructure Developments

[White Heather]

Well they need to do something to attract new airlines/passengers. Part of the economics of a terminal building is letting units to retailers and the less the passenger throughput the less likely they are to invest. This is particularly true if its a downward trend over several months rather than just a spike.

Something the CEO said at the last Consultative Meeting was. (and I assume this was after discussions with airlines although he didn't say so specifically) that if the LBA terminal is sorted properly and presents the airlines with the customer experience and facilities they require, then some airlines would be 'banging the door down' to operate from LBA due to the catchment area available and proximity to it. Whatever they intend to do, I suspect they have been talking to airlines first to see if they are interested in LBA or not. Sensible really as there isn't much point in a huge financial outlay on the terminal if airlines still won't fly here. I would think that some must have shown sufficient interest to convince AMP to invest further in the terminal infrastructure. That said, even with the airlines we have now, the terminal is clearly creaking under pressure at busy times and incapable of handling the peak passenger numbers, so needs further expansion in addition to the remedial works being undertaken this winter - most of which is due to commence shortly.

 

[Heathrowflyer]

Thanks WH and Statto...I think airlines banging on the door post terminal development might be a little over optimistic by the ceo given Brexit and the current economic climate with the aviation industry but I guess if this is an indication of the message he is giving to shareholders hopefully investment and development will be swift. In terms of the 18 months, for clarity, I dont think any management will be sacked at LBA ...they just disappear for someone else to replace them...a bit like Stepford Wives. Same messages and positivity about catchment, future growth, investment but a different person saying it.

 

[Finger66]

There is clearly a reason why an extra meeting of the LBACC has been called for January. So if we pause on the negativity for the moment and genuinely look at our catchment area, then with the right infrastructure, LBA will be used and will also be very appealing to airlines. We can go over and over about which modes of transport create the most pollution but at the end of the day, shorter journeys with more efficient modes of transport are the answer. If I can use LBA I will, and suspect that view is shared by a large proportion of the Yorkshire, especially West Yorkshire, public. Our hunger to travel will not diminish moving forwards, it's the desire for ease of doing it that is going to increase. A good advertising campaign would open up a few eyes for those who still think Manchester, or even maybe Heathrow/Gatwick are the only places you can reach certain destinations from, connections included. So on the basis there is some really good news (avoiding the word massive) coming in January, then that is the time to really get out there and shout it from the roof tops. My positivity is on a roll this morning, must be nearly New a Year!

 

[airforced]

As mentioned earlier by Bigman (#2685) whether it be MAN or LBA the largest percentage of passengers using either airport prefer to travel by there by car or taxi. So the idea that a parkway station with good frequencies etc etc would make some fantastic difference to LBA passenger numbers is a bit pie-in-sky really. If superb connections were so good then why don't more people travel to MAN by train?

In reality whether we have a parkway station, a new ring road, or whatever folk think up next, won't make much difference to how passengers travel to LBA. The majority will still travel there by road because, whatever the problems facing them, it will still be the easist and most convenient method and in most cases the most cost effective too.

 

[Heathrowflyer]

A number of things would make a real difference for the New Year...easier road connections ( that's how most people travel to an airport), longer run way, improved terminal, weather (but we cant do anything about where its cited or the crosswinds). Icing on the cake would then be things like good public transport connections and decent prices.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

I agree currently most come by car but that doesnt mean to say the appeal of a parkway shouldnt be maximised by through services. It would be interesting to know what percentage of people from the LBA catchment area use rail to MAN. Given all the issues with the M62 it is probably higher than for rail travellers from the MAN catchment is tbe west. That aside i think theres going to be much more emphasis on using public transport and if subsidies or cost of public transport decreases or parking charges increase more people will use a parkway. Still think a direct airport rail link is a much more modern concept

 

[LBA4EVER]

Should LBA get its new terminal and other infrastructure put in then LBA is an absolute gold mine for any airline. It just does not make sense Leeds and west yorks having an airport like LBA is atm, the two just don't go together! If a proper terminal was built back in the 90s ( im thinking lpl, alc style terminal ) instead of just sticking crappy bits on here and there as well as other big improvements inc the runway then im pretty dam sure we would have an airport now with at least 8-10million with a few longer haul routes, new York, dubai possibly more as well as a good choice of European routes with the likes of sas, LH etc, im thinking bit similar to EDI. thoughts?

 

[Finger66]

Fight2win I know we haven't always seen eye to eye but agree whole heartedly with your post. Can we really hope for massive news in January that almost amounts to a rebuild? Or is that me taking today's positivity thoughts to completely the wrong level. Either that or a major bout of ignorance being bliss!

 

[a300boy]

Just be patient all will be well ! I think.

 

[Hendi]

I always used to fly from manchester flown about 10 times and only twice used the train from leeds station, and 1 of those was for a 4 week stay in australia so didnt want to pay parking etc, much prefer the car it's just easier. flew for the first time from leeds this year and have to say very impressed it seems bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside... I think the proposed terminal expansion (if it goes ahead)will do wonders to alleviate the problems at customs/baggage collection, everything else about it was fine. it just needs to be able to handle more people. I feel that's all we need and airlines will come I just cant see a runway extension at all it is surely too costly for anybody to gamble on.

 

[LBA4EVER]

Fight2win I know we haven't always seen eye to eye but agree whole heartedly with your post. Can we really hope for massive news in January that almost amounts to a rebuild? Or is that me taking today's positivity thoughts to completely the wrong level. Either that or a major bout of ignorance being bliss!

Im glad im now in the good books! I think we just need to get this year out and see what happens in jan.

 

[a300boy]

I totally agree with that opinion !
Some are much better than I at keeping the faith ! Hope we are all feeling better about the future at the end of January.

 

[Heathrowflyer]

And there's always Pigs Might Fly Airlines available.

 

[a300boy]

We will see !

 

[Finger66]

Pigs Might Fly Airlines are to operate the B737 (Max) for those of you who remember the affectionate name of the B737!

 

[Len Fish]

In all my years of travel I have never been on a train to any airport.....the improved roads links to LBA is number 1 priority in my opinion.

I’ve reported you to Greta Thunberg, she doesn’t take prisoners.

 

[White Heather]

Airlines banging on the door....passengers numbers are decreasing!

I suggest you read the original post. The CEO said that IF LBA sort out the terminal, then airlines will be banging on the door to fly from here. His comments were based on the fact that currently airlines won't come here because of the terminal and its limitations and that with the terminal issues resolved, and taking account of the size of the catchment area, airlines will come. As LBA are in constant discussion with airlines about attracting them to the airport, I would assume that his comments are based on what airlines are saying to him and his Directors. The fact that currently passenger numbers are dropping isn't really relevant to the point being made, particularly as the reduction in passengers currently being experienced is not down to the terminal.

 

[Heathrowflyer]

Thanks WH and Offinit..my brother in law works as a pilot for a major carrier,longhaul, out of LHR though was previously based in Madrid with another airline. Discussing this with him, he think the days of airlines banging on any doors ( bar places where there are capacity issues like LHR, LAX and JFK etc) would be very slim, particularly for smaller airports. If you look back at this forum posts from 10 years ago Bridgepoint were stating similar claims alongside the then new terminal development. For what it's worth his take on it for LBA is the issue of MAN being too dominant and in too close proximity for the major carriers simply to move or expand from there. If we are lucky we might get Easyjet and smaller carriers but I think it's more a case of managing expectations than thinking of the biggies . He was saying that his airline is courted by hundred of airports around the world with all sorts of incentives ..its a very tough sector as we all know. I'm simply trying to be realistic and manage expectations.

 

[White Heather]

Thanks WH and Offinit..my brother in law works as a pilot for a major carrier,longhaul, out of LHR though was previously based in Madrid with another airline. Discussing this with him, he think the days of airlines banging on any doors ( bar places where there are capacity issues like LHR, LAX and JFK etc) would be very slim, particularly for smaller airports. If you look back at this forum posts from 10 years ago Bridgepoint were stating similar claims alongside the then new terminal development. For what it's worth his take on it for LBA is the issue of MAN being too dominant and in too close proximity for the major carriers simply to move or expand from there. If we are lucky we might get Easyjet and smaller carriers but I think it's more a case of managing expectations than thinking of the biggies . He was saying that his airline is courted by hundred of airports around the world with all sorts of incentives ..its a very tough sector as we all know. I'm simply trying to be realistic and manage expectations.

I agree. It all depends though on which airlines, and how many, might have indicated a willingness to fly from LBA if the right infrastructure is in place. Nobody is suggesting there will be loads of airlines, but perhaps just a few who, like Jet2 did, see the potential of LBA despite the fact that MAN is only 60 something miles over the hill. If just 2 or 3 come 'banging the door down' it could transform LBA, particularly if one of them has a certain orange livery. There is also nothing to say that once their MAXs are in use, that Ryanair might not increase their presence again.

We all know that the aviation industry can change from year to year and there always seems to be something going on that makes things harder for airlines and passengers alike. These things always seem to impact on LBA more than some others but equally, things can change round again very quickly. There again, as many will already know, I am a glass half full person so prefer to take a positive outlook. Seems to me LBA management maybe do as well and maybe next month we will get some confirmation of that.

 

[rmac]

The fact that Jet2, Aer Lingus Reg, KLM and BA continue to make a success of LBA despite poor local roads, overcrowded terminal, 'short' runway and being the highest airport in the UK makes me optimistic that once the new terminal is in operation and the parkway station is also up and running then some other airlines will see the need to serve places like BRU, IST, FRA, MUC, etc., maybe too one with an Orange flavour.