Manchester Airport - General Thread

[Seasider]

What hasn't been commented on is the ease of access to the NW from EMA. The A50/M6 means most of the NW can be reached within 2 hours. As previously said, time is not always the important factor. Keep the facilities at EMA for pure cargo and MAN for hold cargo, or is that too simplistic.

 

[EGCC_MAN]

Well, since you asked ... YES, that is too simplistic. For the reasons outlined in earlier postings.

Journey times from another region are still longer than journey times within a region. And, of course, road journey times are bi-directional. They apply the other way around as well.

 

[Seasider]

EGCC - I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this. I have no experience whatsover in operating an airport, but I don't think MAN Group will be seeking DHL, UPS and all the other pure cargo carriers (who have invested heavily in infrastructure) to move their operations to MAN. There is no gain for the Group in doing this. Now if EMA was owned by someone else, that's a different story.

 

[EGCC_MAN]

I concur that we have reached the stage where we must agree to disagree and move on. Though just to clear up one point: my postings have not suggested relocation of established DHL and UPS hubs to MAN. That is wholly unrealistic and it makes no sense for operators to abandon that infrastructure. More feasible would be restoration of a couple of nightly DHL 'spoke' departures to continental European hubs (as used to happen for a while), similar in scale to MAN's existing FedEx operation. This was originally stated as the plan when DHL constructed a warehouse at Airport City. I'm more keen to see MAN facilitate general cargo operations (as distinct from the overnight parcels specialists).

 

[IanFarquharson]

I concur that we have reached the stage where we must agree to disagree and move on. Though just to clear up one point: my postings have not suggested relocation of established DHL and UPS hubs to MAN. That is wholly unrealistic and it makes no sense for operators to abandon that infrastructure. More feasible would be restoration of a couple of nightly DHL 'spoke' departures to continental European hubs (as used to happen for a while), similar in scale to MAN's existing FedEx operation. This was originally stated as the plan when DHL constructed a warehouse at Airport City. I'm more keen to see MAN facilitate general cargo operations (as distinct from the overnight parcels specialists).

The DHL facility at EMA has almost doubled in size in recent years, so MAG making plenty of money out of EMA

 

[EGCC_MAN]

The DHL facility at EMA has almost doubled in size in recent years, so MAG making plenty of money out of EMA

Well that has never been in dispute. The debate has never questioned that MAG's bottom line benefits from what appear to be restrictive practices in the cargo market. The losers from this are businesses in the NW, the Northern Powerhouse project and the regional economy.

 

[LS@MAN]

I was travelling to France on business Sunday morning, so as I was staying in a hotel Saturday night near the airport, I managed to walk over to T2X drop off area and have a look through the windows of the arrivals and departures areas. Looks very impressive, still some small things to be done but that only includes tidying up and re-arranging the equipment inside. The airport looks and feels even bigger with the extended drop off area and T2X, very modern feel walking around especially in the arrivals level where the buses are parked, more of a european airport feel, I personally think it looks very smart and bright. Looking forward to it finally opening!
Whilst I was in that area, I also took the opportunity to walk to the T2 new multi-story car park and take the lift up to the top, to an empty car park and plenty of grounded aircraft below, a very sad sight see, especially the beloved Virgin 747's.
I noticed the new 900 series stands (10 in total 901-919) have been completed, with ground markings & equipment and safedock systems also in place. Everything looks good, except there are no aircraft to park there.

The airfield is by no means full, so is there a possibility of parking the TUI 737 Max over there and re-opening the taxiway outside of the airport pub?
There are 3 Virgin 747's and 2 Flybe A/C on the airfield at the moment, as much as it'll be sad to see them make their final departure, is there any sign of them leaving and freeing up those stands?
I assume that'll happen before the 3X A330 Thomas Cook's actually go?!

Went through T1 around 9.30am on Sunday morning, no real issues. Pretty quiet within the terminal, security was a breeze as expected with few departures at that time. Departure areas quiet again, but enough shops open.
Boarded a Lufthansa MRJ900 at gate 7 from pier B...the sooner they get rid of this ancient thing the better!
It was a full flight to Munich, quite surprised Lufthansa hadn't allocated an A319/320 to this service (notice it's an MRJ900 quite often at the moment).

And finally, at my final destination airport, there were signs offering FREE COVID-19 tests! Take note Bojo and the UK government!!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

 

[Scottie Dog]

Very many thanks #LS@MAN for a great report, both of the T2X and also your observations on T1 and the Lufthansa flight.

Totally agree with your closing comment!!

 

[Manchester Exile]

#LS@MAN, I believe that Pier B is going to remain and become part of the expanded T2. So passengers could face a long walk to their aircraft, checking in at T2 then having to make their way to pier B to board. Hopefully travelators will be installed (and switched on!) to make the walk less taxing.

I haven't heard anything about Pier B getting refurbished as part of the project, but one would hope that it is refreshed. It's now nearly 60 years old. Does anyone have any information on this?

 

[marni1971]

There’s been various plans for pier B (and terminal one in general) ranging from do nothing to renovate (really?!) to demo and rebuild. I saw art a while ago for a snazzy two story version when the 380 was proposed to use it. Even less chance of that happening now I assume.

Interestingly the east side extension to B (the Lufthansa Superhub) only had a designed life of 10-15 years when it opened in 1995/6.

 

[Jamman]

There’s been various plans for pier B (and terminal one in general) ranging from do nothing to renovate (really?!) to demo and rebuild. I saw art a while ago for a snazzy two story version when the 380 was proposed to use it. Even less chance of that happening now I assume.

Interestingly the east side extension to B (the Lufthansa Superhub) only had a designed life of 10-15 years when it opened in 1995/6.

What in the bejezus is a Lufthansa Superhub?

EDIT: I found this article https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/6197909.airport-75m-superhub-speeds-the-way/ I must have missed this when I was 15 knowing that it had anything to do with Lufthansa.

 

[Scottie Dog]

Airports group banks £340m from sale of non-core property portfolio

Airports group banks £340m from sale of non-core property portfolio

Property was around Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports Property was around Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports

www.thebusinessdesk.com

Manchester Airports Group has sold more than £340m of non-core property assets to reinvest in its three airports: Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted.

It has disposed of its property portfolio to international investment group Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

Manchester Airport Group Investments Limited (MAGIL) announced this afternoon that it had entered into an agreement to sell its entire shareholding in MAG Investment Assets Limited (MAGIAL) to Columbia.

MAGIAL owns a non-core property portfolio situated on and around the sites of Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted Airports.

As part of the same transaction, Airport City (Manchester) Ltd, a subsidiary of MAGIL’s ultimate parent Manchester Airport Holdings Limited, sold a 50% stake in its investment in the Airport City Manchester development, retaining a 20% interest.

As at March 31, 2020, MAGIL had net assets held for sale of £370.1m and generated £28.9m of rental revenue in the 12 months ended March 31, 2020, representing 3.2% of total revenue across the MAGIL Group.

This transaction accounts for 86% of the £28.9m revenue element of assets held for sale.

The net combined proceeds, after fees and expenses, were in excess of £340m.

The remaining non-core property assets are subject to a separate disposal strategy.

Manchester Airports Group chief executive, Charlie Cornish, said: “Realising value from our non-core property portfolio to invest in our core growth areas has been a key component of our growth strategy for a number of years.

“The current process began prior to the impact of COVID-19 and we are pleased to complete this sale, despite these challenging circumstances, complementing MAG’s financial response to COVID-19.”

He added: “We wish the new owners every success and are confident that the property portfolio and development interests will continue to flourish and support the local economy as we focus on continued growth at Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports.”

 

[LS@MAN]

There’s been various plans for pier B (and terminal one in general) ranging from do nothing to renovate (really?!) to demo and rebuild. I saw art a while ago for a snazzy two story version when the 380 was proposed to use it. Even less chance of that happening now I assume.

Interestingly the east side extension to B (the Lufthansa Superhub) only had a designed life of 10-15 years when it opened in 1995/6.

It needs to go surly?! I know it would cost to perform a demolition, but would be worth it in the long term with the new T2X and current T3, from a capacity perspective there would be enough room without it? Pier 2 would open at the same time as T2X as well.

 

[marni1971]

It needs to go surly?! I know it would cost to perform a demolition, but would be worth it in the long term with the new T2X and current T3, from a capacity perspective there would be enough room without it? Pier 2 would open at the same time as T2X as well.

Pass. I guess if they had the capacity they’d remove it if to save costs if nothing else. Assuming the A380s resume regular service they’d need somewhere for them until T2 Pier 3 opens. So much is up in the air (no pun intended) at the moment.

In the meantime here’s the Pier B replacement we never got. It’s been sat on a hard drive for years.

https://i.postimg.cc/ydnB2WfW/AF756-F4-F-A0-CC-4-DDA-A92-E-E17879829490.png

 

[LS@MAN]

Ah yes, I remember seeing this art for the replacement of Pier B a few years ago. It's a shame it never materialized.

Indeed...where would the A380 if Pier B was closed/demolished prior to Pier 2 full opening? So I suppose we can assume until that happens, we are stuck with Pier B!

I don't anticipate any airlines moving terminals soon, but eventually I think it would be a good idea for T3 to be occupied by Ryanair and the domestic airlines.
Once Pier 2 is fully built and open, then maybe Jet2 and Easyjet will be able to have their full ops from T2. Although I don't know if they'd be happy if they got allocated some of the Zulu stands, given the distance from the runways...

 

[Dirky dirk]

Heard twice now off two sources. T2 is closing again

 

[Scottie Dog]

Confirmation of the closure has just been posted by Northwest Business News - effective 2nd September.

Terminal Two at Manchester Airport to be shut again

Terminal Two will remain closed until further notice from September 2 Terminal Two will remain closed until further notice from September 2

www.thebusinessdesk.com

 

[Scottie Dog]

Not the best of threads to add this to, but it'll do!!

Spitfire PR.XI over Warrington

View attachment 17181View attachment 17183View attachment 17184

 

[Bilko]

Hi good folks.

Has anyone any current info on what is happening with The Hut Groups intention to start its own cargo airline at Manchester.

Its gone very quiet on this subject. It was supposed to start late 2020 well we're getting there now so any update would be appreciated.

Many thanks Bilko.

PS I tried the THG thread with no success posting my question hence this thread.

 

[BlueManc]

THG are floating on the stock market next week so unless they've got some really positive news then I guess they will keep quiet for now.