New Start-Up Airline

[a300boy]

The lighting system is going to be upgraded but no ILS is envisaged.
A Gps approach is probably the way to go.

 

[a300boy]

We now have a further web based booking site for people who are happy to share costs of light aircraft trips
within the Uk or europe.

 

[KARFA]

The lighting system is going to be upgraded but no ILS is envisaged.
A Gps approach is probably the way to go.

RNAV approaches are of no use for anything worse than conditions CAT1 conditions though.

GBAS (Ground Based Augmentation System) may be possible in the future. GBAS comprises a ground station (this doesn't even have to be in line with a runway unlike an ILS) and this locally broadcasts error correction to the GPS signal resulting in accuracy of around 20cm. However, that technology is not yet approved for CAT II/III yet, but may be in a few years - perhaps LBA should be looking at this if it can be implemented on both runways?

Anyway would be nice to get some PAPI lights first

 

[Aviador]

Might be worth speaking with Leeds East Airport if business routes... Much faster check in time, possibly free parking and probably much lower landing fees. Guess they'd be delighted to get their first scheduled flights...

I take it that comment was tongue in cheek but I'll answer it anyway.

The majority of the businesses in the Leeds City Region that might wish to make use of business flights from the region will live in the core catchment of Leeds Bradford Airport not from Church Fenton near York. There maybe one or two exceptions such as Aviva who might benefit from flights to Norwich but even then, a sizeable proportion of Aviva employees will commute from Leeds to York in the first place.

 

[scousefowler]

CF is equidistant between Leeds and York? I think CF could do very well as a biz jet hub.

 

[White Heather]

CF is equidistant between Leeds and York? I think CF could do very well as a biz jet hub.

It may well be, but it is considerably further from Bradford than LBA, and far enough from the likes of Halifax and Huddersfield to encourage them to fly to MAN instead. It also requires a trip down country lanes to get to it from the A64. We already have a biz jet centre at LBA. They have been handled at LBA for the past 40 years!

 

[scousefowler]

I`d be more inclined to use CF train station. A mile from the airport. That brings everybody into the catchment area.

 

[lbaspotter]

I`d be more inclined to use CF train station. A mile from the airport. That brings everybody into the catchment area.

You going to walk that final mile then?
No Taxis, No buses you'll still need to get from Train station to Airfield (dose it have a terminal yet?).
If we going to pick and choose, well in theory LBA has 2 train station nearby, Horsforth & the new station at Appley Bridge, which has a direct bus link (747 flying Tiger).

I think it's already been confirmed by "Finger66" that if he gets his new airline up in the air it will be from LBA....

 

[rangieowner]

I'm already getting tired of folk suggesting where finger66 should base his airline.....is it not already clear that LBA is desired airport?

 

[Finger66]

To put any doubts to bed if this happens then LBA is the choice. CF was looked at and whilst yes it would be cheaper to operate from, the remoteness is the drawback. Dont want to end up like BE at DSA and only op whilst cheap. The idea will be to provide a quality service but to make money. Once again all the things recently mentioned have been considered accordingly. With all your comments though this does act as reassurance that all angles are being covered. The Business Plan continues to slowly take shape but still with lots to do.

 

[Tarn Spotter]

I have used LBA for biz jet flights since the early 80's and not sure any passenger would ever be arriving by train or bus to take a biz jet, most folk have company cars or a driver.
Certainly for arrival at LBA by clients or suppliers they are met at the plane steps and taken back again.
In adddition you have Hollins Hall down the road with its meeting rooms and Leeds business district is normally 30 minutes away if arrival time thought out.
Church Fenton lacks most amenities, does have Monk Fryston Hall nearby though that has good meeting rooms.

 

[Seasider]

Has anyone driven on the roads around Church Fenton? No local authority will spends millions on roads to a not required Airfield/Airport. There is not a requirement for an airport there. LBA will serve commercial flights, Sherburn will serve leisure/small business flights.
Sorry if I have gone off topic but I thought we had got over "Leeds East Airport" or is someone being naughty.

 

[scousefowler]

Wow - quite taken aback by the defensive nature of the replies - i`m not trying to suggest or persuade `Fingers` to site his airline anywhere - i`m merely musing and thinking aloud - i think CF has a case for a small niche market - whats the problem?

 

[ls27]

Yes indeed. A small niche market probably fruit and veg

 

[Finger66]

Would that need a "pear" of aircraft. Hope you found that joke a "peach" and equally driving you all "bananas". Seriously as I keep saying all comments and observations are most welcome. It is helping my co-planner and I formulate a good business plan slowly but surely. This has even included looking at names and logos. But remember there is a need for confidentiality. The important message is that things keep progressing

 

[scousefowler]

Would that need a "pear" of aircraft. Hope you found that joke a "peach" and equally driving you all "bananas". Seriously as I keep saying all comments and observations are most welcome. It is helping my co-planner and I formulate a good business plan slowly but surely. This has even included looking at names and logos. But remember there is a need for confidentiality. The important message is that things keep progressing

Oh. My. Days.

 

[whoshotjimmi]

Look. I admire Finger66's optimism and ambition as much as anyone despite my obvious scepticism but the only thing that is more laughable than having a 'pear' of aircraft delivering fruit and veg is this ongoing belief that Church Fenton (or Leeds East, or whatever the owners wish to call it), in any way, has a future with regards to commercial aviation.

The ONLY thing that it has going for it with regards to Finger66's plan is that it would likely afford a more reliable weather performance than LBA, particularly when you take into account the nature of the aircraft it would utilise. Why would you risk a start up airline's future by putting it into an unproven environment? Links Air, anyone?

With that in mind, have you considered some brand new Twin Otters? From what I can see, those are the only 19 seat turboprop aircraft currently being constructed. Anything else would be quite old and in need of some significant surgery I would have thought.

 

[Finger66]

Thanks whoshotjimmi. I have to remain optimistic I/we can get this off the ground but equally know how much there is to do to before there is any chance of that becoming a reality so this isn't being rushed, but does progress. There are really three, maybe four, next generation 19 seat aircraft in or going to be in production with the twin otter being a consideration. It is probably going to be the most affordable but may have the least passenger appeal and possibly the slowest. Although for the type and length of sectors I am considering then that wouldn't impact hugely.

 

[Bigman]

Just out of curiosity I looked at comparing a few of the types mentioned above. The Beech 1900 seems to be the best bet with a speed of 285 mph and range of 1,500 NM. The DO228 seems only to be 266 mph at a range of 324 NM. The DH6 Twin Otter seems to be 216 mph with a range of 700 NM. Having been to Vancouver recently the BE1900 seems to do well with Coastal Mountain Air in particular on short hops.

 

[lbaspotter]

Surely the BAe Jetstream 31/32 comes in to play as well, what with its proven track record at LBA.
Maximum cruise speed of 264 mph, has a range of 783 miles and can cruise comftably up there at 25,000 ft.
Okay I agree the aircraft are now are getting on a bit age wise, so that might mean higher maintenance costs could hinder the operation. But getting crews to fly them for you might be easier, as could just go cherry pick from disgruntled lot at Eastern Airways.