Cardiff Airport - General Thread

[Jerry]

ok that's interesting, I have looked at the service on occasion as I have to go to South Wales for business, but to be honest driving from my home to Anglesey is a bit too far . I understand it has to fly there because it's something to do with the Welsh Assembly, but I wish it went to , or continued to Liverpool, then I would use it. The drive and the train is very slow. Manx Airlines did offer Liverpool to Cardiff once a long time ago.

I've taken the train from Manchester to Cardiff and it's 3 hours so I'd imagine that Liverpool would be the same. The train to Bangor takes about 4 and a half hours on the direct to Holyhead.
Hopefully in the long run they might start a PSO route to Hawarden to get that part of North Wales covered. If Eastern did open up a route to Liverpool then it would have to be off their own back. At the moment they get paid for 2 flights a day to VLY and base 1 crew and an engineer so any more routes would need more crew based here and I'm not sure they'd be willing unless the Welsh government is paying them.

 

[Silvercity]

I've taken the train from Manchester to Cardiff and it's 3 hours so I'd imagine that Liverpool would be the same. The train to Bangor takes about 4 and a half hours on the direct to Holyhead.
Hopefully in the long run they might start a PSO route to Hawarden to get that part of North Wales covered. If Eastern did open up a route to Liverpool then it would have to be off their own back. At the moment they get paid for 2 flights a day to VLY and base 1 crew and an engineer so any more routes would need more crew based here and I'm not sure they'd be willing unless the Welsh government is paying them.

They probably wouldn't. I normally get the train from from Runcorn then change at Crewe or from Frodsham and change at Chester, but I normally reckon on 4 hours with the change, its a bit of a drag as its really not that far. There used to be direct trains from Liverpool stopping at Runcorn but stopped a number of years ago now, they are reopening the Halton curve, to serve North Wales directl from Liverpool and Runcorn, including Wrexham, so maybe in future a direct Cardiff link will return.

 

[Jerry]

Cardiff Airport won Best Airport under 3 million passengers at the AQA UK awards. Well done to the airport!
https://twitter.com/Cardiff_Airport/status/925132963045691400

 

[Jerry]

Cardiff Airport
10 mins ·
Don't miss out on this trip of a lifetime! Visit your local travel agent to book or for further information head to the website: http://www.superbreak.com/…/incredible-iceland-from-cardiff…


Cardiff Airport has it's first flight to Iceland. Superbreak.com are selling a 3 night package to Iceland.
There will be direct flights to Akureyri with the departure on the Friday 12th January 2018 at 08.30 with the return on Monday 15th January 2018 at 15.30.
Hopefully this will be a success and encourage them back for 2019 and maybe to offer more from Cardiff Airport.

I've been told that there is a possibility that Icelandair and not Enter Air could be the airline for this flight but I've done a dummy booking and it says Enter Air is the airline. Hopefully it'll change as it would be great to see Icelandair at CWL.

 

[Jerry]

Well it looks like APD is back in the news with Carwyn Jones saying he'd scrap the long haul version of the tax and that the Welsh government had a firm of aviation consultants do research on the effects of APD being scrapped on Bristol airport and their results was that it would be marginal. He also mentions that it could help to grow other airports around Wales as well. He had a meeting with Theresa May earlier in the week i believe. I wonder if APD was brought up?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-41833833

 

[TheLocalYokel]

I don't follow the maths here. Carwyn Jones says abolishing APD on long haul would cost the WG about £1 million a year. Divide a million by 78 which will be the cost of the basic long haul rate from next April and you arrive at a figure of 12,820 (plus fractions). As APD is only paid on flights leaving the UK this means that CWL is only seeing around 25-26,000 passengers flying to/from the airport on long haul each year if only £1 million APD is generated - most people fly there and back from either end.

Last year 135,000 were carried on the KLM AMS service. The FM's figure of £1 million would mean that only around 20% of this number used AMS for long haul connectivity. The usual reported stats are over 50%. Add in premium passengers, connectivity via CDG, one-off direct flights to such places as the Caribbean and currently CWL probably raises nearer £3 million each year on long haul APD.

Another thing that puzzles me is that the WG has been saying for two or three years that they would abolish APD if given the power. They must have said this without any proper investigation if they've only now received a commissioned aviation consultant's report. Furthermore, there is some equivocation in the FM's remarks when he is reported as saying, "It's a small amount of money, but the economic boost would be far more than £1m, but yes we start from the position of looking to get rid of it, certainly not to increase it."

The Westminster block grant to the WG would be reduced by the amount it could have raised had it not chosen to reduce or abolish APD, but that calculation would be controversial if the sum reduced was based on the Westminster government's APD rates in England: the more CWL grew the more it would lose from the Westminster block grant.

 

[Jerry]

Another thing that puzzles me is that the WG has been saying for two or three years that they would abolish APD if given the power.

I think part of it as well is about actually having the powers to adjust it if they want. Scotland and Northern Ireland have these powers but Wales doesn't. It may well be that in the beginning they may well just reduce it by 50% in the beginning. They would have the choice if they had the powers devolved and obviously can use it to attract airlines like Northern Ireland were able to with Norwegian.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Well, for a number of years Carwyn Jones has been saying that Wales would abolish APD if given the powers. It appears he and his government were saying this with no detailed analysis of the question until now. Why did they not have the analysis done before the FM made his comments? A number of discussions on F4A and elsewhere in the past have been based on the WG's previous assertions that APD would go.

 

[Jerry]

Well, for a number of years Carwyn Jones has been saying that Wales would abolish APD if given the powers. It appears he and his government were saying this with no detailed analysis of the question until now. Why did they not have the analysis done before the FM made his comments? A number of discussions on F4A and elsewhere in the past have been based on the WG's previous assertions that APD would go.

Politicians often say things without having the full facts about stuf, it does seem now that they are trying to build a more evidence based case for abolishing it. It could well be that Qatar has shown that Wales could attract other long haul airlines but it may need an incentive to do it and APD not only gives them that option but obviously gives them a small political win of gaining another devolved power.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

Wouldn't there have been some expert input for the Silk report which was commissioned and subsequently ignored?

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Wouldn't there have been some expert input for the Silk report which was commissioned and subsequently ignored?

I'm sure there was but it didn't stop Carwyn spouting nonsense at times about CWL.

I remember he said several years ago that within ten years CWL would be busier than BRS. Another time he proclaimed that he was looking at CWL to emulate BRS and SOU; I was never sure which one he had in mind. He told the WG that 380s could operate out of CWL. I suppose they could but they wouldn't get very far with a full load. Tim Lee, what a loss he was to a certain Welsh aviation website, commented at the time, "As far as the Severn estuary".

The FM now seems to have found the good sense to leave announcements and projections about the airport to Deb and Roger.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

I'm sure there was but it didn't stop Carwyn spouting nonsense at times about CWL.

I remember he said several years ago that within ten years CWL would be busier than BRS. Another time he proclaimed that he was looking at CWL to emulate BRS and SOU; I was never sure which one he had in mind. He told the WG that 380s could operate out of CWL. I suppose they could but they wouldn't get very far with a full load. Tim Lee, what a loss he was to a certain Welsh aviation website, commented at the time, "As far as the Severn estuary".

The FM now seems to have found the good sense to leave announcements and projections about the airport to Deb and Roger.

I still cringe when I think of those remarks.

It appears he is now better briefed when talking in public. But today I heard an incident involving Mr Lewis. It is evident despite coming across well in interviews, he is briefed well as he needs to learn far more on the basics of aviation.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

I still cringe when I think of those remarks.

It appears he is now better briefed when talking in public. But today I heard an incident involving Mr Lewis. It is evident despite coming across well in interviews, he is briefed well as he needs to learn far more on the basics of aviation.

I wondered about Roger Lewis because he is not an aviation person 'by trade'. Nevertheless, if he takes the trouble to get himself briefed by those who do know then that's good. He is a good communicator, or at least whenever I've seen or heard him on tv/radio that's how he comes across to me. I don't remember his predecessor ever saying much at all about the airport in public. Although Jon Horne was CEO for part of that time and he always struck me as being a valuable asset to CWL but you would know more about that than me, mathers.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

I wondered about Roger Lewis because he is not an aviation person 'by trade'. Nevertheless, if he takes the trouble to get himself briefed by those who do know then that's good. He is a good communicator, or at least whenever I've seen or heard him on tv/radio that's how he comes across to me. I don't remember his predecessor ever saying much at all about the airport in public. Although Jon Horne was CEO for part of that time and he always struck me as being a valuable asset to CWL but you would know more about that than me, mathers.

I got annoyed when I was advised of said incident with Mr Lewis. Details of which I will not publish publicly but would discuss it via PM if someone wishes.

Lord Roe-Beddoe I believe was the predecessor who as you rightly say was relatively quiet.

He did come alive when the Flybe deal was announced but that was it.

Mr Lewis does come across quite well on the radio and television and he gives a very optimistic perception which rubs off onto the airport staff.

 

[Jerry]

I got annoyed when I was advised of said incident with Mr Lewis. Details of which I will not publish publicly but would discuss it via PM if someone wishes.

Lord Roe-Beddoe I believe was the predecessor who as you rightly say was relatively quiet.

He did come alive when the Flybe deal was announced but that was it.

Mr Lewis does come across quite well on the radio and television and he gives a very optimistic perception which rubs off onto the airport staff.

Roger Lewis does seem to be Cardiff Airports cheerleader in chief but he is still i suppose learning on the job i suppose.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Cardiff Airport is on the front cover of Airports of the World magazine for the November and December issue. Also their is a feature on how Cardiff won the Qatar Airways flights.
http://www.airportsworld.com/the-magazine/view-issue/?issueID=7102

I don't know whether anyone else has had a chance to read this article. I managed a quick perusal today and there wasn't much in there that wasn't already known to CWL followers. Understandable because the airport is hardly likely to give the magazine a big 'scoop', especially as the interview with the airport CEO Deb Barber probably took place a few weeks before the article was published. The glossy pictures taken around the airport are superb as they always are in this magazine.

I smiled to myself about Deb Barber's rather coy reply when she was asked about competition with London and Bristol airports. She said that over one million people from Wales use London and 'some' use Bristol too.

The tone of the article was extremely upbeat and painted a detailed picture of the airport which might have surprised (in a positive way) some of those unfamiliar with it.

 

[Jerry]

It was a good article but nothing new to CWL followers was said though i did note the comment about ATC costs and that the airport has less limits in it's operating hours because of it not being next to a built up area.
I did like the photo with Thomas Cook and the jetbridge, i'm wondering if it was done to highlight the fact that CWL does have jetbridge facilities. I also noticed TUI wasn't prominent photo wise, i'm surprised there wasn't a photo of one of their 787s landing or taking off. Still some good photos.

 

[Jerry]

Security staff at Cardiff Airport are calling for a pay rise. They are saying that because they have the responsibility of screening and checking passengers they should be paid more than the coffee shop staff. The article doesn't say what they are paid but they are asking to be paid the real living wage which the Welsh government wants to be £8.75. Letters will be sent on Monday to Debra Barber the chief executive and Economy Secretary Ken Skates.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-...les_news&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=wales

 

[Jerry]

Roger Lewis the Cardiff Airport Chairman has written to the Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns asking why he doesn't support devolution of long haul APD to Cardiff Airport which is in his constituency and in a bit of a twist Roger Lewis has said he would support long haul APD being abolished at Bristol as well. For that to happen though either the whole Bristol area would have to come under Welsh government jurisdiction essentially becoming part of Wales or APD would have to be abolished in England.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/busine...5146#ICID=Android_WalesOnlineNewsApp_AppShare

 

[Jerry]

News

9 NOVEMBER
A Super Break in Seville
An exciting opportunity to experience the essence of Spain in Andalucia is being offered to Welsh holidaymakers, as Super Break has today announced the launch of a brand-new and exclusive route to Seville in 2018.

The launch of the new chartered service by Super Break will be the first direct flight from Cardiff Airport to Seville, helping more people access the popular European destination than ever before. This is the second chartered flight service to launch from Cardiff Airport by Super Break, following the success of its Northern Iceland offering that went on sale earlier this year.

Offering the very best in flexible travel experiences, these unmissable breaks include complimentary entry to many attractions, a city sightseeing tour and a full day excursion to the nearby cities of Jerez and Cadiz where guests can sample some of the region’s best wines, all included in the price.

Holidaymakers from South Wales can also opt to add extra memory-making moments to their getaway, such as a guided tour of beautiful Moorish Granada or an evening of authentic flamenco and tapas.

Starting from just £629 per person, the break will depart on 26th March 2018 - the perfect time to see the city come alive in spring with its colourful streets and blossoming flowers. The break will include:

• Four nights’ accommodation at a 4* hotel with breakfast
• One full day excursion to Jerez and Cadiz – from country to coast.
• Complimentary entry to many of Seville’s best attractions*
• 48-hour hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus ticket to take you to all the sights
• Return flights that include transfers to and from your hotel in Seville

Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport commented: “This exciting and unique package is the second and very welcome announcement made by the Super Break recently. It’s great to see the popular tour operator tailoring packages for our customers offered at convenient times.

The Easter break is an ideal time of year to explore and experience everything this stunning Andalusian region is known around the world for. We look forward to more exciting announcements from Super Break in future.”

Katherine Scott from Super Break added: “At Super Break we take pride in providing travel experiences out of the ordinary, and this new break to Andalusia means that customers can go straight to the heart of Spanish culture that is Seville and Andalusia. We’ve also made sure there are plenty of experiences included in the price so that our customers can get the most out of their tailored trip. The traditions, cuisine and culture of this beautiful region really does mean holidaymakers can have it all.”

Seville: Authentic Andalucia - from only £649 per person.

(Flight + Hotel + city sightseeing tour + full day excursion to Jerez and Cadiz + Seville Discovery ticket with access to many of the city’s favourite attractions)

Price based on five days’ in Seville, including accommodation at the 4* AC Hotel Sevilla Forum Hotel with breakfast, a full-day excursion to Jerez and Cadiz, a city sightseeing tour of Seville, plus return flights from Cardiff Airport departing 26th March 2018.

To book, visit the Super Break website or call 0800 042 0288.

https://www.cardiff-airport.com/news/2017/11/09/a-super-break-in-seville/