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Birmingham Airport expansion carries no guarantees for business

NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi is right to remind us that a runway extension at Birmingham International Airport is not absolutely guaranteed to be a rip-roaring success with airlines across the world queuing up to fly directly to the West Midlands.

If it was as simple as that, Manchester Airport with its longer runway already in place would be performing far better than is actually the case.

A much-needed ability to handle long haul flights non-stop between BIA, the Far East and the west coast of America will put in place important building blocks required to push Birmingham and the West Midlands on its journey to global importance. There is little doubt, if the runway were to be rejected, that the regional economy would suffer as a result.

But the mere fact that a longer runway in place is not guaranteed to deliver, in Mr Thandi’s words, a silver bullet generating millions of pounds for local businesses.

He has been brave enough to admit that the NEC needs to improve outdated facilities – and a major step towards that will happen later this year when the LG Arena opens for business, while the granting of a casino licence should provide a further attraction for lucrative conferences from America.

But there remains less clarity over the final piece in the jigsaw – an integrated transport hub at the airport/NEC based on a high speed rail link to Birmingham city centre. The link might be by Metro tram, although that seems unlikely, or by a government-backed new line to Heathrow and central London, or even by a unique monorail service.

There are many options, but little time remaining to deliver such a major transportation project. One thing is certain: BIA deserves far better links to Birmingham city centre than is currently the case

Source
 
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Threat to Birmingham airport expansion

Expansion plans for Birmingham International Airport may be abandoned in favour of Heathrow's third runway so that the Government can meet emission targets, says a new report.

In its latest study, the Campaign for Better Transport, an environmental group, claims that in order to avoid exceeding national climate change targets, regional airports like Birmingham will have to cut flights once Heathrow grows.

Plans for Birmingham airport included an extended runway which would triple passenger numbers from around nine million in 2006 to just over 27 million by 2030. A second runway was also planned for after 2030.

According to the Birmingham Post, Chief executive Paul Kehoe said:

"At a time when the Midlands economy is in great need of a boost, it would be madness if Birmingham was to suffer at the expense of Heathrow. The south-east is not the whole of the UK and the economic benefits of our plans have been shown to improve the fortunes of our local community."

Birmingham's expansion is supported by Solihull Council, who believe it could bring improvements to the local economy and roads: millions of passengers who currently travel to Heathrow for long-haul flights could fly out of the Midlands airport. The Government does not accept the CBT findings.

Source
 
How typical is this. This Airport should have extended the runway in 1984 when the new terminal was opened. Birmingham is the second city for crying out loud.

Mind you what can we expect when both EMA and MAN have in the past had adverts in the main City Centre
showing what services they can offer to the population in Birmingham.

How many routes have been lost due to the apathy of people in this City. If we do not get behind the Airport and use the services we have got there is no way we can expect any extension / new Airlines coming in.

The only hope is that if the Government do not accept the findings of this group then they will lend their weight behind what the Councils want (and need) and that is a bigger and better Gateway to the Midlands.

Has this environmental group considered how many jobs would be created for this area as (and when) the extension goes ahead. In this economic climate we MUST ensure that we do what we can to support the local workforce.
 
Let's put things into perspective. The idea that an expansion of LHR would impact adversely on the plans of many regional airports, including BHX, has been put about by an environmental group.

Many would say they would say that, and part of their stratgy is undoubtedly to try to divide the aviation industry with the hope they will start infighting with each faction trying to protect its own corner.

I have some experience of the machinations of arguably one of the best-organised, best-funded and best-connected airport expansion groups in the country - SBAE (Stop Bristol Airport Expansion).

They will put all sorts of slants on all sorts of things to try to further their often weak arguments. For instance, they have recently said there is no need to expand Bristol because Heathrow already provides all the services proposed at an expanded Bristol. The same people (they are a disparate bunch including such bodies as Friends of the Earth and similar environmental groups, as well as local organisations) will then argue publicly that Heathrow should not have another runway or be allowed to expand in any way.

I believe strongly that the expansion plans of most UK airports are tied inextricably with the next General Election.

If the Conservatives win it I have no doubt all airport expansion will be sent back to the drawing board merely because the current plans stem from a government White Paper that was the idea of Labour. I'm not playing party politics because the same would apply were the positions reversed.
 
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Re: Infrastructure Developments

Birmingham Airport plan prepares for take-off

Controversial plans to extend the runway at Birmingham International Airport finally got the go-ahead last night from Solihull Council.

News of the successful planning application came as a massive transport boost was announced on the region’s railways. Network Rail unveiled improvements with £90 million invested in the West Midlands as well as funding for the £600 million New Street Station project. The funding allows for more train services in Bromsgrove and Redditch, longer platforms at stations across Birmingham, Coventry and Walsall and signalling improvements across the West Coast Main Line which links the Midlands to London (Report Page 14).

Birmingham Airport had to resubmit its proposed Section 106 agreement, which explained how it planned to counteract noise pollution and to protect the environment. Councillors on the planning committee approved the 400-metre extension in December - subject to the amended guarantees that were made at last night’s meeting.

Measures include limits on night flights, noise control, public transport plans and a 20-year annual £10,000 tree planting scheme. Expansion will enable bigger jets to fly non-stop to long-haul destinations, such as China, India and the west coast of America.

Business leaders and the airport operators insist that the longer runway will boost the economy, create new jobs and allow the region to compete on the global stage. But the planning committee heard five representations from worried residents, including Russell Hog, from the Catherine-de-Barnes Residents’ Association. He said: “Night flying is the real issue for local residents. We are looking at the council to protect us.”

Joe Kelly, deputy chief executive of the airport company, said: “The airport is wholly committed to sustainable aviation. This is an important night for the airport, which is growing and will continue to grow. It is economically important when you consider that Tata, who bought Jaguar Land Rover, cannot fly direct to Birmingham from India. This is the single most important transport priority for the entire region, apart from the New Street Gateway project. It is important in economic terms but also in opening up the region to the rest of the world.”

Environmental campaigners described the agreement as a wasted opportunity.

West Midlands Friends of the Earth criticised the airport and the council for “failing to incorporate a robust climate-change policy.”

Spokesman Chris Crean said: “While the airport’s continuing commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of its operation and development is welcome, we remain concerned that the Section 106 Agreement as it stands allows for a considerable growth in aircraft noise pollution, night flights and greenhouse-gas emissions.”

An airport spokeswoman said: “There were issues raised on the night for which we are awaiting further clarification. Once we have understood the clarification we can take the project forward.”

The committee voted unanimously in favour of the plans and the matter will be passed to the government for the final rubber-stamping.

Source
 
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Re: Infrastructure Developments

The committee voted unanimously in favour of the plans and the matter will be passed to the government for the final rubber-stamping.

So this is the only stumbling block the project has to pass. I guess the opposition parties will make murmurs about cancelling the project if they get in power. (The usual rhetoric from any opposition political party I expect)
 
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Elmdon sports club closed by Birmingham airport extension

THE owners of a popular Midland sports club claim they are being forced to close due to Birmingham International Airport’s expansion plans.

Members of the Birmingham Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC), on Old Damson Lane, in Elmdon, say the runway extension has put them out of business.

The airport used a Compulsory Purchase Order to buy a seven-acre plot the club part uses in preparation for the expansion.

The CPO has already forced hundreds of CSSC members who fish in the lake on the land out.

And the CSSC members say the uncertainty over the plans have caused them to lose business at their nearby club house.

Most of the club’s land is situated adjacent to the plot bought under the CPO.

Birmingham City Football Club used to train on the land, which CSSC members used to play Sunday league football and rugby.

The airport expansion was on hold while BIA resubmitted proposals which included noise management.

Their plans got the go-ahead from Solihull Council last week.

But CSSC Birmingham treasurer Mark Rushton claims people have cancelled hiring the ground’s club house for private parties causing a huge loss in revenue which has ultimately led to the closure.

Mr Rushton, who used to play sports at the ground as a youngster, said: “There were 23 functions cancelled last year.

“At about £1,000 a time that’s a lot of money the club has missed out on.

“You can understand people don’t want to book when there’s uncertainty over the airport and its plans. It’s going to be a huge and very sad loss.”

Peter Mayers, head of finance at the CSSC’s head office in Buckinghamshire, confirmed a sharp fall in bookings at the club house was primarily responsible for the closure of the ground.

“The facility is no longer viable,” he said. “There was a 50 per cent drop in usage of the club house.

“Our first priority is to find new locations for the sporting activities to go on.

“The second will be to find a possible buyer.”

Michael Talfrey is a CSSC member and has fished at the lake on the sports ground for more than 25 years.

The 67-year-old, of Marston Green, Birmingham, said: “Putting two and two together, it’s definitely the airport which has caused the closure.”

Berkley, Elmdon Heath and Lakin Rangers are among the football clubs which will need to find new homes along with Birmingham Civil Service Rugby Football Club.

Mark Howard, chairman of the rugby club, said: “It’s feasible that if functions are cancelled huge revenue is lost.

“It’s immoral for a government body to be closing a recreation ground.”

Mick Gorman, chairman of Berkley Football Club, said: “We are frantically trying to find a new abode. We knew the airport was going to take away the bottom part and the lake but that was not supposed to be until next year.

“We were not going to be affected by the plans but now they have gone through they might well take the whole field on.”

A BIA spokeswoman said: “The Airport Company understands the Civil Service Sports Council has made the decision to close the sports ground as it is no longer financially viable.

“This is not linked to any of the Airport’s plans for the future.”

Source
 
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Re: Infrastructure Developments

Birmingham Airport plan to create super terminal

BIRMINGHAM Airport is aiming to knock two terminals into one and double passenger figures to 20 million in 10 years in a massive expansion programme, it was revealed today.

Airport bosses want Birmingham to throw out a huge challenge to the likes of Heathrow and Gatwick by creating a new super terminal and pull in millions of extra travellers by attracting Selfridges-style stores to the complex.

New airport boss Paul Kehoe said Birmingham was the “last great aviation opportunity in the UK” following the recent approval for the £130 million 400 metre runaway extension, opening up markets such as the American West Coast and China.

And he forecast that a Tory win at the next election would block new runway developments at “Horrible Heathrow” and Stansted, allowing “Beautiful Birmingham” to spread its wings and attract an extra 10 million passengers a year.

Mr Kehoe told the Breakfast Connection organised by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry: “We have a little piece of real estate that we can exploit that will deliver dramatic changes at this airport.

“I believe that Birmingham is the last great aviation opportunity in the UK. The challenge for us is to take two terminals that we have and make them one. Having two terminals is not very cost-effective.

“The extra 400 metres plus the one terminal concept, I believe, will give us an airport that is truly world-class.”

Mr Kehoe said Birmingham had missed out on millions of extra passengers by backing British Airways rather than low budget airlines.

“We backed the wrong airline when we backed British Airways. We should have had Easyjet, Ryanair and bmibaby. We should have had all those lined up years ago and we didn’t. We are having to retro-fit all that traffic back in to improve our market.

“We should not be 10 million (passengers) - we should be 20 million today.”

John Morris, Head of Corporate Affairs at Birmingham Airport, said consultants were already looking at the one terminal plan while approaches were being made to big name retailers and other smaller operators.

“This is not about knocking large sections of the airport down. The infrastructure is already in place.

“This is a project that is being looked at. You would get some really well known brands and names in there and you would get critical mass.”

Mr Kehoe said the airport was out to attract a wide range of retailers, from Selfridges-style big premium stores to low value chains.

“What we have to do is tailor our operation to match our customer needs. We are an international airport but we are not reaching our potential - we have to reach our potential.”

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west ... -23924802/
 
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Re: Infrastructure Developments

[textarea]Birmingham Airport to open terminal development

A new £45 million terminal development at Birmingham Airport that could allow it to double the number of passengers will be unveiled next month. The International Pier is the biggest single investment the airport has made in 20 years.

The extension of Terminal One means more space for aircraft and new gate lounges for passengers as the airport prepares for longer-term projects such as a new runway. It will enable passenger capacity to double to 20 million from its current figure of 9.2 million. The opening comes after airport bosses revealed they are looking to knock the two terminals into one and attract larger shops to the complex.

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All sounds impressive, photos anyone?
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

With the plans to extend the runway at BHX forging ahead I thought I'd dig up these images of how the airport will look after the runway extension.

2010
BHX-2010.png


2015
BHX-2015.png


2020
BHX-2020.png
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

[textarea]Birmingham Airport seeks Government funding for runway extension

A grant to extend Birmingham Airport's runway will only be paid if the Government part funds the diversion of a road at the site, the airport has revealled. Planning permission was granted in April to extend the runway by 400m to help cater for more long-haul flights. The airport had secured £25m from a regional development agency to help finance the £120m runway extension, but have been told the £25m depends on the Government agreeing to part fund the diversion of the A45.

Diverting the trunk road would add extra time to drivers' journeys and do nothing to ease congestion. It will now have to put its case to the Government to see whether tax payers money can be used to fund the highways project to help a private company with no benefit to drivers.

Source[/textarea]

Call me cynical but if it's not for London or Manchester than the government isn't going to be forthcoming with the money.
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

They might be luckier if the Conservatives win the General Election. The Tory transport spokeswoman has already said that BHX would be a good alternative if a new runway is not built at LHR which she said her party would not allow.

Would need some selling to the general public though if the road diversion adds time to drivers' journeys and does not help with congestion.
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

[textarea]Terminals merger for Birmingham Airport after passenger fall

Birmingham Airport has announced plans to merge its two terminals, after passenger numbers fell by more than five percent last year, the Post reports. The airport will invest £13m in the redesign in a bid to improve its passenger flows and operational efficiency as well as create a larger centralised passenger security search area, an enlarged arrivals point, plus improved shopping and catering offer in both landside and airside areas.

Paul Kehoe, the airport’s CEO, said:‘These changes will enable us to come out of the current down-turn in a stronger position to attract new customers and showcase Birmingham Airport as the region’s global gateway; not only to the Midlands but also the wider catchment and show that it’s a viable alternative to London and Manchester.’

On the passenger numbers - which saw a drop of 5.5 percent, Mr Kehoe said the decline was a trend seen across the industry. He said: ‘2009 was a challenging year for the industry and we’re expecting another difficult year ahead, with consumer confidence still at a low.’

Some 7,025,369 people used scheduled flights in 2009, 77.1 percent of the total figure. The top 3 scheduled destinations were Dublin, Dubai and Amsterdam. Charter traffic accounted for 22.9 percent of the total figure with 2,083,820 people using these services last year. The top 3 charter destinations were Palma, Dalaman and Tenerife.

Source[/textarea]
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

[textarea]Birmingham Airport boss reveals runway ‘plan B’

A ‘Cunning Plan B’ to build the runway extension at Birmingham International Airport for virtually half the published £120 million cost of the project has been drawn up, the Post reports. Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe said a new phased scheme would deliver 95 percent of the original anticipated capacity at a much lower cost.

The revised runway scheme is being mooted just six months after Mr Kehoe said the business case for a £120 million runway extension was ‘marginal at best’ and could rack up big cash losses. He told the newspaper: ‘We need to find 400 metres of concrete. The scheme costs £120 million but the company is struggling to find the cash to build that.'

‘We have a cunning plan, Plan B – we can build the runway in phases and, by losing 50 to 60 metres, we can build it at half the price. We would save half the costs and, when it is up and running, we can finish the job. It would be £65 million for phase one.’

He said the new phased plan was achievable by removing 50 metres of the project earmarked for a tunnel facility as part of an ‘overrun’ area, adding: ‘The Board has to make a decision from a financial point of view – we still have to move the A45. We have planning permission for seven years and we have to exercise that permission within seven years.'

‘We are now the only airport in the UK with significant planning permission. This puts us in a great position. We are only operating at 40 per cent of our capacity, with nine million passengers a year. All the ingredients are there so has Birmingham’s time come?’

Source[/textarea]
 
Now that the 3rd runway at LHR has been dropped, does the forum think that BHX will finally obtain the funding for the extension that is already through the planning stages? It seems a shame to have such a facility as we have here (able to handle another 8 or so million passengers without extending the terminals) and not be in a position to accept more carriers (and routes) due to the lack of another 400 metres or so of runway.

If the idea is not to extend LHR/LGW/STN then can we get the extension that is so badly needed?
 
Given the Conservatives' stated intention to involve regional airports, or at least some regional airports, to take some of the traffic that might have used a third runway at Heathrow the decision to confirm the government's view when in opposition cannot be a bad thing for those intent on expanding Birmingham.

Indeed, when she was shadow transport secretary (though she didn't get the transport portfolio when Prime Minister Cameron selected his ministerial team) Theresa Villiers specifically highlighted BHX as an airport well placed to benefit from displaced LHR traffic.

I'm not sure how much if any public money would be involved in the BHX extension, including peripheral work in the vicinity. If it is considerable then there may be obstacles placed in the way. If not, it's a commercial decision by the airport owners based on their ability to obtain the funding either by borrowing or through their own resources.
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

[textarea]Birmingham Airport agrees £45m refinancing deal to support runway extension

A team of local bankers have refinanced Birmingham International Airport, in a £45m deal that will support its development plans, including the proposed runway extension, the Birmingham Post reports. The £45m revolving credit facility has been arranged with Santander and RBS.

Mark Hattersley, finance director at the airport, said: ‘Birmingham Airport is a major infrastructure asset for the UK and a key driving force of the Midlands economy. We have now entered an important phase in the history of the UK aviation sector – one in which Birmingham Airport is expected to play a much greater role.'

'To enable us to meet the future needs of our passengers we continue to invest in our terminal buildings and are also progressing discussions with stakeholders on the extension of our runway. The new bank facilities that we are putting in place will assist us in fulfilling all of our medium term plans.’

Source[/textarea]
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

[textarea]Birmingham Airport runway extension ‘back on track’

Birmingham Airport is set to finally build its long-awaited runway extension, the Birmingham Mail reports. Nine months ago airport bosses said they could not afford to build the runway as there was only a marginal business case for doing so. But they have cut costs by agreeing a slightly shorter extension and a deal over diverting the A45 Coventry Road.

The extension is now likely to cost about £65 million instead of the original plan's £120 million, and will allow Birmingham to compete with Manchester, Heathrow and Gatwick by offering non-stop flights to cities in China and India and to the west coast of America for the first time. At 350 metres, the extension is about 60 metres shorter than originally planned. Birmingham and Solihull councils will share the £32 million cost of moving the A45, rather than tunnelling the road under the runway.

Birmingham Council leader Councillor Mike Whitby, a member of the airport board, said: ‘The runway will get Birmingham to the economic hot spots of the world. And I envisage the extension being built very shortly. Approval is imminent.’ A spokesman for the airport told the newspaper: ‘We are very close but it would be premature to comment.’ The completed runway is likely to be operational by 2014.

Source[/textarea]
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

[textarea]Birmingham Airport becomes one terminal hub

Birmingham Airport has become a one terminal facility, with terminals one and two merged to form one terminal for all arrivals and departures. All departing passengers will now use a new enlarged combined security search area and single departures area with self-service and manned check-in desks. Inbound passengers will arrive into a single meeting and greeting area.

Further work at the airport will see the opening of a new duty free shopping area and fashion house in the next few months. Will Heynes, the airport's operations director, said: ‘This £13m project puts the airport in a stronger position to attract new customers and showcase the airport as the region's global gateway. Our goal for 2011 is to improve the passenger experience. This project will create a smoother journey through the terminal and improve our overall efficiency.'

‘Over the next 10 years we will invest a further £100 million in our facilities, which will help us achieve our vision of doubling our passenger numbers by 2018. Although the scheme will not be fully completed until July this year, the transition into a single terminal facility is a major milestone for the airport.’

Source[/textarea]
 
Re: Infrastructure Developments

About this One Terminal thing, has anyone taken any pictures of the new areas? I would hope so.
 

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