New Birmingham Airport Viewing Facility

[Aviador]

In common with Ray I would focus on the positives rather than the negatives highlighting the money making and potential advertising aspects of the plan.

Hypothetical questions but questions you might need to consider for later.

Supposing one of the businesses takes the idea seriously (as we all hope they do) what exactly happens next? You'll need to provide details of how you plan to obtain the land required with the necessary permissions from the airport authority. They will ask you about how much money you anticipate the project will cost and the percentage you anticipate they will be required to put towards the project. They may want to know how much involvement they will be required to provide.

The more questions you can provide the answers to the more viable the project will seem. You only have to look at Dragons Den when the entrant fails to get past the first hurdle because when they are asked to provide the facts and figures they can't.

 

[Hassaan]

I'm a 16-year-old, so as long as I don't have to contribute financially, or for them to have to see me in person I'm all right.

I think you've worded the email much better than I did, though seeing as you didn't mention anything about the first area I think that's probably out of interest now for sure, and clearly it would cost a bit too much. If we're talking about costs, I think the base for that is knowing how much Manchester's initial facility cost (the raised viewing mounds, car park spaces and the aviation shop), whatever it is and if it's available to view. That'll give me a better idea as to how much would actually be spent on a facility like this.

 

[ash101]

Hello All

I am a long time reader, first time contributer. I'm interested in the debate about viewing area at BHX so just thought I would add my view.

I used to visit the Aviation Experince quite a lot and was sad at it's demise. Particularly so as I am a collector of the Schabak 1:600 models they sold many years ago. Did the company actually fold, or were they pushed out by airport management? What has actually happened to the viewing area? Has it been swamped up in the terminal development?.

 

[Hassaan]

Hello All

I am a long time reader, first time contributer. I'm interested in the debate about viewing area at BHX so just thought I would add my view.

I used to visit the Aviation Experince quite a lot and was sad at it's demise. Particularly so as I am a collector of the Schabak 1:600 models they sold many years ago. Did the company actually fold, or were they pushed out by airport management? What has actually happened to the viewing area? Has it been swamped up in the terminal development?.

Welcome to the forum. :whiteflag:

As far as I am aware, it closed down due to lack of use, particularly because the new Pier blocked views of the runway. I think it's probably been scrapped.

 

[ash101]

I suppose that was the problem. On one of my visit's many years ago, there was a gap of about 30 minutes between runway use which is a bit too long to wait. As it was still a 'charter' airport then, use of the viewing gallery was erratic at best. But I would like to think that as the airport is getting busier, a dedicated facility may be more successful this time around

Well done Elmdon80sLad for at least trying. Like you I did have a business idea about re-opening the viewing area, but as the wind is seems to be sadly blowing against enthusiasts (Heathrow Queen's building etc), I didn't bother trying.

Location wise I think the land behind the Tristar Hotel would be most suitable for an visitor park as it provides good views of the runway and the apron and is not too far away, but due cognisence is given to all the pro's and con's as detailed previously on this and the other locations around BHX.

One option that I don't think has been considered yet, would it be possible to get Birmingham Museum involved and push to open an Birmingham Aviation Museum? Within the BMAG group are the museum, Sarehole Mill, Soho house, Aston Hall etc so adding another attraction might be an option. Granted there is still the issue of land purchase, planning permission, construction cost (none of which will be really clear until the runway extension work is complete), but given Birmingham's contribution to aviation, it might be a flyer (pun intended) if BMAG took an interest.

Personally I would love to see something like that down at BHX and would love to see a static 747 which could be donated by a sponsoring airline. British Airways spring to mind when you consider they have got approximately 50+ to 747's get rid of.

 

[Hassaan]

One option that I don't think has been considered yet, would it be possible to get Birmingham Museum involved and push to open an Birmingham Aviation Museum? Within the BMAG group are the museum, Sarehole Mill, Soho house, Aston Hall etc so adding another attraction might be an option. Granted there is still the issue of land purchase, planning permission, construction cost (none of which will be really clear until the runway extension work is complete), but given Birmingham's contribution to aviation, it might be a flyer (pun intended) if BMAG took an interest.

Personally I would love to see something like that down at BHX and would love to see a static 747 which could be donated by a sponsoring airline. British Airways spring to mind when you consider they have got approximately 50+ to 747's get rid of.

I like the idea of a BHX museum - maybe it could be in the same situation as the aviation shop? And static aircraft would be nice, but it'd have to be something that people are likely to want to come and see. Something better than a 747, a vintage aircraft perhaps?

 

[Ray Finkle]

Hello All

I am a long time reader, first time contributer. I'm interested in the debate about viewing area at BHX so just thought I would add my view.

I used to visit the Aviation Experince quite a lot and was sad at it's demise. Particularly so as I am a collector of the Schabak 1:600 models they sold many years ago. Did the company actually fold, or were they pushed out by airport management? What has actually happened to the viewing area? Has it been swamped up in the terminal development?.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

As far as I've heard the company who ran the viewing area went bust (I think they had a shop in town also) but I've never seen it confirmed officially so don't quote me on it. The area is now used as a "flight school" for schools and colleges. http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/lo ... ham-178361

Great idea about BMAG and an aviation museum.

 

[Hassaan]

I sent out the email to numerous companies (Monarch, Easyjet, Emirates etc) last week and am still awaiting a reply. I hope at least someone comes forward.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Good luck :good:

 

[kebabselector]

I second that!

 

[Hassaan]

I did get a reply from Easyjet, and they told me to contact the airport regarding the matter. I don't think they read my email, I was asking for a potential sponsorship. I can at the very least message them on Facebook , anything to get a proper response.

I've emailed many, do you think at least one would cut it?

 

[Hassaan]

I've got a reply from Easyjet via Facebook:

"Hi Hassaan,

I have passed your comments onto our Marketing Team. They will contact you should they find your proposal feasible.

Thanks, Nils"

The BHX facebook page has provided me with an email which I can use to send them the proposal.

The only problem is, if this does go ahead, how is it going to work, purely because I know little about business.:s_sorry

 

[Ray Finkle]

If you can get a big name interested then people will start to take you a lot more seriously. Someone mentioned BMAG which could be a good option. You could contact Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to see if they could offer any services or could put you in touch with someone who may be able to help, Marketing Birmingham too could have some contacts in the local business community. Cadburys and JLR seem to like publicity and may fancy the chance of having their brand splashed all over the place. There is also the Birmingham Mail or Birmingham Post who may run a story. Just a couple of ideas which may or may not work, personally, if you do get a big company interested I'd go straight back to the airport company and try and bring the two together.

 

[Hassaan]

I have contacted the likes of JLR, Cadburys and BMAG. There's others as well. I'll have to wait for the response to decide where I can then take it.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

I hope if anyone gets anywere with this fantastic venture? my efforts wont go un noticed :good:

 

[Hassaan]

I got a response back from Cadbury:

Thank you for your recent email requesting support for your venture.

There are many, worthwhile causes seeking assistance, and Cadbury receives many thousands of proposals each year. We have guidelines to assist us decide where our contributions can be most effective.

We prefer to support appeals where Cadbury and its employees can enter into partnership with fundraisers, because our active involvement then enhances the effects of our financial assistance. We choose suitable partners with care, and rather than making a large number of smaller donations, we tend to work with a few, larger charities. We also give priority to organisations within communities where the company operates and where our employees actively participate. This is of course subject to the availability of funds for donations and sponsorships.

Sadly, our charitable budget cannot satisfy every request, and it is with regret that we are writing to inform you that we are unable to help you on this occasion.

I would like to thank you for writing to us and I wish you every possible success in the future.

Kind regards

Well, at least I got a reply.

 

[Aviador]

The annoying thing here is it's not just about getting a charitable donation. Any company which decides to participate in this venture would benefit from having a free advertising platform along with the potential to make a healthy profit.

If you do get any positive feedback leading to further discussions, perhaps one of our forum members could offer to take the interested party to the Manchester airport viewing park to show them what is achievable with the right backing.

If it helps, you may quote Forums4airports.com in any future correspondence.

 

[Hassaan]

The annoying thing here is it's not just about getting a charitable donation. Any company which decides to participate in this venture would benefit from having a free advertising platform along with the potential to make a healthy profit.

If you do get any positive feedback leading to further discussions, perhaps one of our forum members could offer to take the interested party to the Manchester airport viewing park to show them what is achievable with the right backing.

If it helps, you may quote Forums4airports.com in any future correspondence.

I agree - in particular the second paragraph, though it can't be me as I'm only 16. :blush:

But still, anything that is needed to ensure any chance of it happening, we would need to find a way to go through with it. I hope that I do receive some positive feedback so we can take it further.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I thought Cadburys might be the one that went for it, with their brand splashed all over the place, a Cadburys interactive zone and a shop stocked out with Cadburys products, not to mention, like Aviador says, making a profit.

I agree - in particular the second paragraph, though it can't be me as I'm only 16. :blush:

But still, anything that is needed to ensure any chance of it happening, we would need to find a way to go through with it. I hope that I do receive some positive feedback so we can take it further.

I'm no industry expert but anything I can do to help then I will. I see from another forum a member has mentioned the idea to their MP Gisela Stuart with initial positive feedback. She seems one of the better (if there is such a thing) MP's so hopefully it'll be another avenue to go down. Any news from JLR yet?

I hope if anyone gets anywere with this fantastic venture? my efforts wont go un noticed :good:

Definitely not, the list you gave of people you contacted was considerable and was definitely a starting point, it just takes the lucky break of contacting the right person at the right time :hatsoff:

 

[Hassaan]

I'm no industry expert but anything I can do to help then I will. I see from another forum a member has mentioned the idea to their MP Gisela Stuart with initial positive feedback. She seems one of the better (if there is such a thing) MP's so hopefully it'll be another avenue to go down. Any news from JLR yet?

Definitely not, the list you gave of people you contacted was considerable and was definitely a starting point, it just takes the lucky break of contacting the right person at the right time :hatsoff:

I'm still waiting for a response from JLR. I have now referred the idea to Gisela Stuart so it'd be interesting to see what the response is.

He did indeed give us a large number of people which we could contact further. BMAG was one which could help as well.