New Birmingham Airport Viewing Facility

[Hassaan]

I'll try Gary Numan again, and if there are any other famous enthusiasts that we could target that could be good too. I'll try the airlines again, but if we're going for the Airport Committee what's the best way to target them?

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Could also try the Dragons from Dragons Den, I tried to get through to a few of them but as normal I don't think it got past their first post - this always seems to be a problem with contacting celebs or their P.A's as emails are junked and not passed on.

E.

 

[Hassaan]

I've decided to go with this as to sort of play the long game and have sent it to the relevant "investor relations" addresses, but I don't know, it doesn't feel right:

Hi,

I would like to discuss with you a venture involving a major UK airport. This venture is a spectator area for aircraft spotters at Birmingham Airport. Please let me know if you would like me to go into further detail.

To start with. Anyone got any better suggestions?

 

[Hassaan]

Could also try the Dragons from Dragons Den, I tried to get through to a few of them but as normal I don't think it got past their first post - this always seems to be a problem with contacting celebs or their P.A's as emails are junked and not passed on.

E.

You've got to consider whether this is the kind of thing they'd invest in. I don't know if any of them are actually pilots. I know James May did some flying on one episode of Top Gear but is he the kind of guy who actually likes plane spotting? I suppose it might be worth giving him a go.

 

[Hassaan]

My latest reply from Mr Kehoe:

Thanks, once again for taking the time to write.

The short answer is “no”. We have not considered the needs of the enthusiast community at this point. I do sense your frustration but, at present, we are not considering changing any of the arrangements for viewing. We are reviewing all our security arrangements and should an option be devised specifically to enhance the viewing area, we will advise. As you can imagine the teams have their hands full with on-going issues and as I understand, there are many locations around the airport, where people are able to view the aircraft and take photographs.

Thanks for the offer of your input.

Best wishes

Paul Kehoe

I'll try targeting those who run the Manchester Runway Visitor Park, as they have a clearer vision in regards to this than I do.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

How about Ian Allan the book/toy store who were involved in the Airport Visitor Centre, Or even National Express as they now own WMPTY and the local buses in Brum.

E.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

I think the idea that you can go to Brum or any other airport and walk around the perimeter and take pics through the fence, is missing the essence of what I am on about - I used to go to Heathrow on the Queens Building roughly every two weeks from Brum by coach, it was a day out and adventure, if there had been no Queens Building for spotting with all its facilities, I would never have gone and missed out on possibly 30-40 visits I made.
This is my point about a decent centre for Brum to follow it as the airport expands, people would not want to do as I said above travel by train/coach to visit the airport and be confronted with no where that is convenient and comfortable to spend the day, frankly I wouldn't.

Birmingham will I am sure expand faster than you can say boo. and become second to Manchester as an airport worth visiting and spending time at, and if the right facilities are built - People will come.

E.

 

[Hassaan]

I fired off a few emails (to Ian Allen too) but heard nothing back from them. Don't know who else to try.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

Seasons Greetings folks - Have a Great one.

Kind regards

Elmdon.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Newcastle Airport have revealed plans to turn their old ATC tower into an observation deck (see link below).

I think it's a brilliant idea and one that could be very popular should the same be done at our Elmdon site, especially with our list of carriers and destinations growing.

If only BHX bosses had the same vision :s_sad

Newcastle International Airport unveils plans for observation deck

 

[wolfheze]

That looks great. If they can get it up and running successfully it might just spur on the BHX management to do something similar. I thought the old elmdon terminal building had got listed status so would that not preclude alterations to the outside structure?

 

[BHXsupporter]

Yes wonderful position and design. I know NCL airport quite well. The article quotes Airport chief executive David Laws “I don’t want to create something that’s about generating money - it’s about appealing to the next generation. ...We want the old tower to become a visitor centre where people can come, but we need to find a sponsor to help create that dream.“
Splendid!

I recall Jim Denyer a previous NCL CEO and ex-Berlin Airlift pilot who was also a great supporter of aircraft enthusiasts. He once met me in my younger days when I was playing the enthusiast role and showed me around himself, listening to my then similar ideas that current BHX supporters on this site have for improved viewing. The senior lead is the important thing. Perhaps BHX's CEO could follow.

 

[Ray Finkle]

It sure does look great and if they can pull it off I have no doubt that it will be a success.

It would be great to have the old tower used as a mock up exhibition with live feed and a couple of floors dedicated to viewing. Revenue would be made from car parking, there would be a great opportunity for catering facilities and it would raise awareness of the airports offering.

We can dream.

 

[Jon Dempsey]

I only ever go to the airport as a traveller or meeter/greeter, but I did pop up to the Aviation Experience a few times seeing friends off and thought it was a really good idea. Obviously, space has become a premium so this has been reused.

One happy memory I do have of the Elmdon terminal was going to a party on the first/second floor of the control tower. I think this would be an excellent venue for the Excelsior - or any other hospitality firm to create, especially for honeymooners where the guests could watch the happy couple fly off before partying on. - Maybe there would be some mileage in having a connected viewing facility.

:dunno:

 

[Ray Finkle]

If there was enough space then I don't see why special events, or even conferences, couldn't be catered for. It could be a nice earner for the right organisation.

 

[Elmdon80slad]

What we are missing - remember this place, the happy days when life was good :s_yes


E.

 

[Brummiegem]

The Queens building at Heathrow,I remember it well,and miss it as well.
All you needed was an air band radio and you could make friends very quickly.
Is there anywhere where you can get decent photos at LHR these days??

 

[jfy1999]

Is there anywhere where you can get decent photos at LHR these days??

Myrtle Avenue for when they're landing on RWY 27 South. Back in August I went there, and I also went to the Bath Road Premier Inn car park to catch them landing on RWY 27 North.

 

[Ray Finkle]

That's a great picture.

I can just about remember my parents taking me there as a youngster, very happy memories. One that sticks out the most is my mom bumping into a very tall gentlemen in T2. She then let out a loud (and embarrassing) squeal as it turned out to be Ted Rogers of 3-2-1 fame

 

[wolfheze]

Went to the Queens building 3 times in 76 and 77.Was taken down by my mates parents on two occasions and went down on the train when the tube link was opened. I can remember struggling to underline things in the cam book quickly enough.