Leeds Bradford Airport £100m Regeneration Programme

[Sputnik1]

Can you elaborate on your last comment regarding the current arrivals area?

A couple of supporting columns and what I believe is a cleaning/utility cupboard is being demo'ed. Not sure whats happening eith the toilets. The "outside" wall (where the bags come through) is getting shifted back 7ft or so I think, to bring it in-line with the rest of the exterior facade. Saw Farrans workers measuring the outside overhang a couple months ago.

 

[LBA787]

Frankly, I did not go all in on you. Far from it. Also frankly, there was nothing at all to suggest you were being tongue in cheek, and this doubling down response would suggest anything but.

LBA is already investing £200m which for a 4m pax pa airport is a considerable amount. Clearly the terminal and stands and runway were seen as priority and quite right too. Submitting a fresh planning application at a time when the airport is fighting with the council over CLEUDs is hardly a good idea as it would immediately be claimed as ' further growth' when in fact, it isn't. Chances are, it would be rejected.

I would also point out that LBA has a limit to which can borrow. You seem to think they can just go out and borrow any old amount. What happens then if something happens that destroys passenger throughput as has happened twice since 2010? A bankrupt airport is what happens. Sorry but it's you that needs to take a step back, and be realistic.

I assure you, it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but my follow-up was mainly prompted by my frustration with the inability to have a serious conversation about LBA on this forum. It feels like the moment any criticism, even slight, is raised, it’s immediately shut down, almost like a totalitarian response.

Yes, the terminal extension is long overdue, but let’s be honest—it’s still not great. So, I don’t think we can blame people for expressing different opinions on it.

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you used LBA? Have you ever been processed through the portakabin gates?

In the past five years, I’ve traveled through a number of airports, including NCL, BRS, EMA, and LPL—some direct competitors and of similar size. Across almost every category, they are light years ahead of LBA for a variety of reasons. I just want more from our airport on the hilltop.

Have a good weekend all.

 

[Finger66]

I think it's oh so easy to do an Oliver impression and ask for more, but in the case of the LBARegen this is a massive upgrade on what we had. Yes it may not be perfect but not sure there is much in life that is. It is also very easy to think someone else is, or has, better, when I actually suspect those other airports actually have their own problems. BHX for example takes a skating from a lot of it's locals but is far busier than LBA. All I am saying is let's keep things in perspective

 

[White Heather]

I assure you, it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but my follow-up was mainly prompted by my frustration with the inability to have a serious conversation about LBA on this forum. It feels like the moment any criticism, even slight, is raised, it’s immediately shut down, almost like a totalitarian response.

Yes, the terminal extension is long overdue, but let’s be honest—it’s still not great. So, I don’t think we can blame people for expressing different opinions on it.

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you used LBA? Have you ever been processed through the portakabin gates?

In the past five years, I’ve traveled through a number of airports, including NCL, BRS, EMA, and LPL—some direct competitors and of similar size. Across almost every category, they are light years ahead of LBA for a variety of reasons. I just want more from our airport on the hilltop.

Have a good weekend all.

It's a forum. You cant express an opinion and then object if someone expresses an alternative opinion. In my defence, what I'm saying isn't my opinion, it's what the airport CEO has stated . My role on the Consultative Committee is, and always has been, to pass on the information given . That's actually a requirement for membership. If I don't bother, then I'm not doing what is expected of me.

I don't doubt that you meant your comment as tongue in cheek but it didn't read that way. Had it been, then why then double down with your criticisms? That seems rather contradictory.

You have your opinion. I'm informing you of the reality as expressed by the airport management. That's not ' shutting you down'. It's telling you fact and the financial realities of the situation.

 

[Aviador]

After being asked why concessions and parking charges are so expensive, Mr Hodder said there is a limit to what the airport can borrow and he said it was unlikely they could have raised sufficient money to build the new terminal after Covid as todays spend of £200m would've been over £250m. He said the airport couldn't have afforded it. Paraphrasing but he said the company profits are published for last year and the year before. Anyone thinking the airport can spend more than it already has needs to take a reality check. With pre tax profits in the region of around £2m you can see why borrowing over £200m is already at the top end of its borrowing limits.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

After being asked why concessions and parking charges are so expensive, Mr Hodder said there is a limit to what the airport can borrow and he said it was unlikely they could have raised sufficient money to build the new terminal after Covid as todays spend of £200m would've been over £250m. He said the airport couldn't have afforded it. Paraphrasing but he said the company profits are published for last year and the year before. Anyone thinking the airport can spend more than it already has needs to take a reality check. With pre tax profits in the region of around £2m you can see why borrowing over £200m is already at the top end of its borrowing limits.

Yes, I think a lot of members would benefit from going to one of these community meetings. Theres lots to learn and an opportunity to ask as many questions as you like.

I assure you, it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but my follow-up was mainly prompted by my frustration with the inability to have a serious conversation about LBA on this forum. It feels like the moment any criticism, even slight, is raised, it’s immediately shut down, almost like a totalitarian response.

Yes, the terminal extension is long overdue, but let’s be honest—it’s still not great. So, I don’t think we can blame people for expressing different opinions on it.

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you used LBA? Have you ever been processed through the portakabin gates?

In the past five years, I’ve traveled through a number of airports, including NCL, BRS, EMA, and LPL—some direct competitors and of similar size. Across almost every category, they are light years ahead of LBA for a variety of reasons. I just want more from our airport on the hilltop.

Have a good weekend all.

Two things, firstly retention of the far end of the bus shelter and gate 14 has been mentioned many times on here so shouldnt be a surprise to anyone.

Secondly I agree with you that its retention means pax using them will feel like theyre moving from the 1st to the 3rd world. Its going to be a stark contrast. I cant imagine however that the airport wont take steps to improve its appearance to blend the shelter and gate 14 into the new terminal. They may even demolish them and replace with a new walkway and portakabin, they are after all unsubstantial and replacement would not be expensive. Fingers crossed.

 

[EX9]

The are still "plans" to create a pier extending the remaining length of the apron when the circumstances allow. The temporary walkway and portacabin is a necessary evil to keep the operation running until then, especially in summer.
It will be interesting to see how the operation works with the new gates.

 

[HX3]

How often are the portacabins used? In all the years flying from LBA, which is pretty frequent, I have never used them. In fact until recently, I assumed they were for jet2 or handling staff.

 

[Aviador]

How often are the portacabins used? In all the years flying from LBA, which is pretty frequent, I have never used them. In fact until recently, I assumed they were for jet2 or handling staff.

We used them last year when we went to Tenerife. They're not great but we were in them for such a short time it didn't flatten our generally good experience of the airport. I agree though, it would be nice to see the back of it.

 

[lbaspotter]

Not been feeling well last couple of days so decided to have a quick runaround the new terminal extension site this afternoon and took a few pic’s whilst up there.

New walkway link bridge has been lifted into place and is installed


The new ramp road from Baggage hall up to the aircraft parking apron has started to be graded

Looks like the landscaping has started around the front of the building.


Goods yard new walkway from Arrivals to Exit.

New site fencing has been put up around the bottom half of the existing terminal & goods yard, the old hand rails have removed from the old emergency exit ramp.

The large hole that was left In the side of building has finally been filled in.

It looks like they have started to install the tracking rails that will held hold into place the fancy stylised cladding that’s to be fitted to front right hand side of the new building.

 

[SierraHotel]

Excellent photos LBASpotter. Get well soon.

 

[White Heather]

Not been feeling well last couple of days so decided to a quick runaround the new terminal extension site this afternoon and took a few pic’s whilst up there.

New walkway link bridge is installed
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The new Ramp from Baggage hall up to the aircraft apron is started to be graded
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Looks like the landscaping has started
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Goods yard new walkway from Arrivals to Exit
View attachment 32186
New site fencing up, the old hand rails have removed from the old emergency exit ramp.
View attachment 32187
The large Hole in the side of building has finally been filled in.
View attachment 32188
Looks like the started fitting the tracking rails that will hold up the fancy cladding that’s to be fitted to side of the new building.
View attachment 32189

Thanks lbaspotter, hope you're feeling better soon.

 

[CM.]

Great photos I believe that new walkway link bridge will be for passengers that are using boarding gates 9 and 10.

 

[lbaspotter]

Great photos I believe that new walkway link bridge will be for passengers that are using boarding gates 9 and 10.

It links the new terminal extension to the old walkway meaning you can still walk all way down to the Stand 14 (prefab) holding lounge/gates

 

[Seasider]

I am looking forward to a personal view of the new Terminal on Monday.

 

[Aviador]

The exterior walkway near the delivery bay might be temporary for arriving passengers. If it is I hope it gets covered.

 

[HX3]

Thanks for posting the pictures lbaspotter. It’s a shame that nasty blue on the adjoining piece of terminal couldn’t be reclad in grey to match. It sent my OCD off the scale for not matching. Before anyone says owt, I know it won’t happen and no one allegedly gives a sh*t what it looks like outside

 

[White Heather]

Thanks for posting the pictures lbaspotter. It’s a shame that nasty blue on the adjoining piece of terminal couldn’t be reclad in grey to match. It sent my OCD off the scale for not matching. Before anyone says owt, I know it won’t happen and no one allegedly gives a sh*t what it looks like outside

Just need a ladder and a couple of cans of exterior paint. Sorted.

 

[LBA4EVER]

The terminal extension is looking great, and has anyone noticed that the section 3/4th up the side of the build what i keep wittering on about now has a darker strip finish which breaks up the all grey. The walkway constructed this week i like and again breaks up the build somewhat.
And of course the airside of the extension looks very smart with its all glass front and will be great for us plane spotters!

 

[Aviador]

has anyone noticed that the section 3/4th up the side of the build what i keep wittering on about now has a darker strip finish which breaks up the all grey.

Nothings changed, just the light. This was never going to be an architectural masterpiece but if it does what it's designed to do inside then that's the main thing.