Bristol: General Airport News, Updates & Discussion

[Aviador]

Do you think there is really enough scope for a point to point flight to Dubai? Surely the majority of passengers using Dubai are seeking onward connections to Asia and Australasia? I imagine many people will be happy to point to point with a stopover in Dubai, but would that offer the same protection as a through ticket would, I don't know?

 

[superking]

the new ceo for brs wants to be a les Wilson mark2. The master plan as I'm led to believe is one of the first tasks to do. Lets hope he will have a lot of vision and fore thought in putting in to the plan.

 

[andrewgreen]

I never said it couldn't. I said Norwegian wouldn't be attracted to Bristol. In Norwegians mind Bristol may be too close to Gatwick for them to want to do it. They don't seem to be interested in regional England by the looks of it.
Another airline might look at it differently. For BRS and CWL what could work is a carrier basing the aircraft at BRS or CWL and start off at 3 to 4 weekly and operate the aircraft on short haul routes during the rest of the time. At BRS they would have a lot more competition though and they wouldn't have any potential of a subsidy. Irony is that Easyjet would be the perfect airline for BRS to do TATL.

I agree easyJet would be the perfect fit for TATL but we will have to wait until at least 2019 until the A321LR is available

 

[forest1979]

Do you think there is really enough scope for a point to point flight to Dubai? Surely the majority of passengers using Dubai are seeking onward connections to Asia and Australasia? I imagine many people will be happy to point to point with a stopover in Dubai, but would that offer the same protection as a through ticket would, I don't know?

Probably not.. I'm thinking more across the pond to start with.. just interesting to read about and see their plans..
As for the CEO, I agree with SK, visionary, forward thinking and more importantly, don't rule anything out. Any increase in passengers and routes will need all three. There will be challenges with anything but they have to put out there where they want to get too and the benefits for everyone

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Have to say I disagree on the catchment area. The southwest gets flooded with American tourists wanting to see historic sites, poldark land etc. Continental for 5 years showed there was demand. As for other destinations, unless someone tries who knowns. Bristol and the surrounding area is wealthy and we know there is a lot of onward connection through Amsterdam.

When the CO BRS-EWR service began it was substantially weighted towards UK-originating passengers with a 60%-40% split.

Gradually the balance shifted and within a couple of years it was 50% US-originating. There is certainly anecdotal 'evidence' that suggests that some American passengers discovered it and used it instead of LHR even though they were London-bound. I read one newspaper article that described an American singing the praises of a small and quiet gateway (early to mid-morning is still relatively quiet at BRS after the morning departure rush) being so much pleasanter to travel to London through with the Flyer service to the trains at Temple Meads. Sadly, I suspect he was very much in a minority with few travellers with a London final destination using BRS. Nevertheless, there was obviously a sufficient demand elsewhere for 50% of the passenger loads to be of US origin once the route had become worked up.

Having said that I hope reykjavick gets a year round route from easyJet as it is popular.

easyJet did operate it year-round until WOW came on the scene.

the new ceo for brs wants to be a les Wilson mark2. The master plan as I'm led to believe is one of the first tasks to do. Lets hope he will have a lot of vision and fore thought in putting in to the plan.

I wrote elsewhere recently that the corporate ethos seems to be intruding more and more these days and individualists like Les Wilson probably wouldn't be appreciated by today's type of airport owner. Nevertheless, I'm sure that BRS needs a shake-up in its attitude to publicity.

Even the consultative committee meetings (not the airport's primary responsibility of course as there is an independent chairman) tend to keep things close to the chest, with the minutes not very illuminating with too many items disposed of by comments that members (of the committee) were informed of details via presentation/documents with nothing or very little factual matters being made public. I realise that some things may be commercially sensitive but not all surely. It's getting to the point where the BRS consultative committee, part of whose duties revolve around acting on behalf of the local public, is of questionable value to that public. Not all airport consultative committee minutes are as 'secretive' as the BRS ones.

The new CEO, whoever it turns out to be, needs to take things by the scruff of the neck and look at all aspects of the airport in the revision of the master plan due to commence later this year. The runway will doubtless feature but, unless full airport occupation of Felton Common is taken (probably an impossibility - for several reasons), the biggest extension would take the runway length to 2,400 metres and even this would require some control of a part of the common. Given that, a couple of years ago, BHX considered its 2,600 metre runway insufficient for a meaningful world-wide long haul network and extended it to 3,000 metres, the expense and disruption to reach 2,400 metres might be too big a price to pay. That was certainly the airport's view a decade ago when the current master plan was published.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/who-we-are/our-future

The airport has put something on its website about the updating of its master plan and says that the latest information will be provided on this site and the public will be able to give their own views and ideas.

This procedure is yet to commence.

There are five general headings called the 'Five pillars' which will be the guide on which the future developments will be based.

I've copied the airport's web article which can be accessed via the above link.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Planning for the future
We need to plan for the long-term to ensure we can continue to meet demand for air travel to and from the region we serve.

As we update our Master Plan you will find all the latest information here, including how to input your ideas and share your views with us.

Five pillars
Airport Master Plans are intended to provide a clear statement of intent in order to aid long-term planning, with content including forecasts, infrastructure proposals and impacts on people and the environment. As we update our Master Plan, five pillars will guide our thinking about the future.

A world-leading regional airport
Easy and convenient access, excellent on-time performance, world-leading and friendly customer service, a great range of destinations, state-of-the-art facilities and a sense of place that reflects the South West of the UK.

Employment and economic growth
Creating employment and supporting economic growth by connecting people and businesses from across the South West and South Wales to new markets, talent and tourists.

At the heart of an integrated transport network
Making Bristol Airport an integrated transport hub by bringing together different modes of transport, not just for our passengers and staff but for people travelling within the region.

Sustainable approach
Using all the tools at our disposal to reduce and mitigate our impact on communities and the environment, locally and globally.


Value for money
Developing infrastructure which can be phased to meet demand, delivers a return on investment, and from which other stakeholders will benefit.

Current developments
Our 2011 planning permission consists of 30 separate component projects which have been delivered in a phased approach. Much of this development – including two major terminal extensions – has been completed. Other projects will commence soon, including construction of a multi-storey car park opposite the terminal.

Previous plans
Our long term vision for development was first set out in a Master Plan published back in 2006 in response to the 2003 Government White Paper, the ‘Future of Air Transport’.

Our Surface Access Strategy sets out how we aim to deliver a low carbon, accessible, integrated, efficient and reliable transport network for travel to and from Bristol Airport for staff and passengers.

Our Noise Action Plan sets out measures to control and mitigate the impacts of noise.

 

[kraktoa]

Monarch Airlines. They dont fly out of Bristol do they? Some worrying news coming.....

 

[Jerry]

Monarch Airlines. They dont fly out of Bristol do they? Some worrying news coming.....

No they don't but they are supposed to be in talks with Norwegian Airlines over some sort of deal. Hopefully it hasn't fell through!

 

[Foxlimayankee]

Monarch Airlines. They dont fly out of Bristol do they? Some worrying news coming.....

Is this based on fact and reliable source or rumour? Either way lets not create panic and have a consideration for others.

 

[kraktoa]

The ' rumour 'is now reported on Daily Mail. Financial troubles.

 

[Aviador]

VisitBritain and Bristol Airport Announce Partnership to Promote the South West
Regional Gateway initiative targets overseas visitors

The UK’s national tourism agency, VisitBritain, and Bristol Airport have announced a three-year partnership to promote South West England to overseas visitors. The joint marketing fund will focus on France in year one, working with airline partners to build on the strong existing network from Bristol Airport, which is currently served by scheduled services to 13 French cities.

Destination management organisations across the region will have the opportunity to get involved, with Destination Bristol taking a co-ordinating role in bringing together local knowledge and compelling content to ensure campaigns stand out in the competitive international tourism market.

Bristol Airport is the largest airport serving the UK’s South West, with non-stop flights to more than 120 destinations – more than half of which are not directly linked from any other airport in the region. The South West features globally famous tourist attractions including Stonehenge and the World Heritage City of Bath, as well as stunning countryside and coastline. Bristol itself is a centre for street art (and the home of Banksy) and all are within convenient reach of Bristol Airport, helping to generate more than a million journeys by overseas residents every year and supporting an estimated 5,000 jobs across the region.

Nigel Scott, Business Development Director at Bristol Airport, said:
“By teaming up with VisitBritain we aim to spread the word to potential international visitors about the wonderful part of the world on our doorstep. Research tells us that visitors flying directly into the South West stay in the region for longer and spend more than those who arrive through other gateways, which is good news for tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and other local businesses. With Bristol Airport serving as the sole entry point to the South West for over 60 European cities, this partnership is a great opportunity for the whole region to work together with VisitBritain to add even more value to the visitor economy.”

VisitBritain Commercial Director Carol Dray said:
“Tourism is one of the UK’s most valuable export industries, worth £127 billion annually to the economy. Increasing regional connectivity not only makes it easier for visitors to see more of Britain and the South West, it boosts economic growth, and helps keep us an attractive destination in this fiercely competitive global market.”

Having invested more than £160 million in new infrastructure and facilities since 2010, Bristol Airport is well positioned to provide positive first impressions to passengers visiting the UK.

Throughout 2017, Bristol Airport will be celebrating 60 years at its current site. As well as looking back on a rich aviation history, work will begin on an updated Master Plan which will consider how best to meet growing demand for air travel to and from the South West over the next two decades. The views of customers, employees, neighbour and others stakeholders will be vital in helping to shape the Airport’s vision for the future.

BRS Press Release

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Updating master plan

In response to my enquiry about the method of public participation I received this reply from the airport today.

We expect to launch a first phase of consultation as part of the process of updating our Master Plan shortly. There will be opportunities to meet with the Airport management team and discuss your views at a series of public events, the dates and venues of which will be confirmed nearer the time. These will be advertised in the local press and an the Bristol Airport web site.

 

[Jerry]

Just a curiosity question but which company's handle the individual airlines at the airport? Or is it 1 handler for all of them?

 

[kraktoa]

Mainly Swissport. But BA cityflyer has its own staff I guess. Chartered airlines seem to have their own uniformed check in staff but use swissport for baggage handling.

 

[Foxlimayankee]

Only Jet2 and Norwegian have their own staff around the UK from charter/low cost airlines. All others have contracted handlers. No Airlines self handle at BRS. Menzies and Swissport are based there.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Only Jet2 and Norwegian have their own staff around the UK from charter/low cost airlines. All others have contracted handlers. No Airlines self handle at BRS. Menzies and Swissport are based there.

I think that Menzies handled easyJet at BRS at one time but the BRS website suggests Menzies now only handles Aer Lingus Regional (Stobart) and Aurigny with everyone else with Swissport - see airport website extract copied in italics below.

Menzies Aviation are the Handling Agents for Aer Lingus and Aurigny Air Services, all other airlines at Bristol Airport are handled by Swissport.

If that's the case Menzies will only be dealing with about 5-6 turn-arounds a day at BRS.

 

[Jerry]

I think that Menzies handled easyJet at BRS at one time but the BRS website suggests Menzies now only handles Aer Lingus Regional (Stobart) and Aurigny with everyone else with Swissport - see airport website extract copied in italics below.

Menzies Aviation are the Handling Agents for Aer Lingus and Aurigny Air Services, all other airlines at Bristol Airport are handled by Swissport.

If that's the case Menzies will only be dealing with about 5-6 turn-arounds a day at BRS.

You have to wonder if that is worth them keeping their BRS base open unless they hope to get the contract with other airlines there.

 

[big g]

Stobart and Aurigny are part of a small group of airlines that have a syndicate deal with Menzies for handling across Europe, so that’s why Menzies are still at BRS,

Swissport have the lions share at BRS, but then they are the worlds largest ground handler so it’s no suprise.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

BRS privatised 20 years ago this year (part privatised to be completely accurate)

A look back at the history of Bristol Airport at Lulsgate shows some interesting passenger patterns.

1957 Bristol City Council (Bristol Corporation as it then was) moved its airport from Whitchurch to Lulsgate. The first year of operation saw 33,000 passengers which is a figure not far short of that handled in a day in peak summer nowadays.

1957 -1980 The airport meandered along, was a drain on the city rate payers' pockets, and from time to time calls come for its closure. Annual passenger figures had reached 239,000 in 1980 which was the year Les Wilson arrived as MD and in the next 15 years he turned around this loss-making facility.

1981-1995 The 'Les Wilson Years' saw annual passenger figures reach 1.431 million by 1995, the year the MD was killed in a motoring accident.

1997-2001 The city council sold a majority share in the airport to First Group in 1997 which enabled the new terminal to be built and other infrastructure improvements made. Passenger numbers had risen from 1.586 million in 1997 to 2.673 million by 2001.

2002-2016 The airport had been completely privatised in 2001 with the council and First Group disposing of their interests to the Spanish Ferrovial Group through a subsidiary Cintra and the Australian Macquarie Group. Subsequently ownership changed with the Ontaria Teachers' Pension Plan the sole owners at present. Passenger numbers had reached 7.604 million in 2016 with 2017 projected to be circa 8.2 million.

By 1997 it had become clear to even the most fervent socialist members of the city council that the airport's progress would falter and then stagnate if it remained under city council ownership. The council had neither the means nor probably the desire to seek the sort of loans required to drive facilities into the 21st Century. A part privatisation was the initial halfway house, mainly to placate those who were against divesting the city of an asset, but it was clear that the council really had no further part to play.

 

[Marko1]

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ab...ion-provides-greater-control-of-night-flights

Any significance to future growth ?