Today was the December meeting of the Airport Consultative Committee, so for what it is worth, here is my somewhat brief summary. The meeting included a very informative presentation by the CEO, Hywell Rees, who having been at LBA 6 months has now had time to assess the task and who is now getting down to the job. He:-
- Made the point that LBA was under-loved and had been subjected to significant under investment by previous owners. Don't we know it?
- Advised us that he has authorised significant investment (in the £ Millions) over this winter to resolve some of the main problems with airport infrastructure - notably a 7 figure sum to replace the Jet2 check in (Hall B) baggage belt equipment which broke down frequently last summer. Also additional security scanning equipment with additional lanes. Also additional works (where feasible) within the terminal area and outside, to enhance not only the customer experience but also rectify issues experienced by air crew. Also enhanced snow clearing capability and snow clearing plan and action to resolve an issue with icing up of the South Side apron outside the Multiflight hangars, which (on some days) has caused Jet2 difficulties in getting aircraft out of or into the hangars. These works will commence in January, and I am not sure if it is relevant or not but there is a crane on the apron today which appears to have reduced parking capacity, as a Ryanair arrival this afternoon ended up parked on the Eastern Apron among the many inactive Jet2 aircraft
- Stated that at the present time, securing new routes or airlines was improbable due to the inability of the terminal infrastructure to cope with any more passengers at peak times, thereby denying airlines what they demand, and in addition, due to the fact that LBA is unique among UK Regional Airports in having night time quota hours of 2300 to 0700 (rather than 0600 as at other airports). LBA now has no further capacity to allow additional flights between these hours - and for those who don't know, LBA has a limit to how many aircraft movements are allowed each year between 2300 and 0700. A limit that has now been reached. This will prevent airlines from dispatching additional aircraft out of LBA before 0700 and may restrict the efficient use of their aircraft. Clearly, the only likelihood is for some additional aircraft operating outside peak hours and which are not based at LBA, until such time as the LBA Infrastructure is improved.
- Stated also that he intended to bring about a 'cultural revolution' at LBA in terms of investment and development, indicating that this is the commencement of a 'new era'.
- Indicated that he has, in anticipation of what is to come, employed the services of various specialist staff including Head of Operations, Head of Customer Services and recently a Head of Air Traffic Control (which this time is a full time permanent post).
- Visited Leeds City Council's Climate Emergency Advisory Group recently to make a presentation but was unable to do so in the end due to the time taken by the meeting to deal with other issues. He will be invited back again to do his presentation but he confirmed that LBA has, in the past 5 years, reduced its CO2 emissions by 45% and will continue to drive down these emissions. He also stated that although in the past 10 years, LBA passenger figures have doubled, the number of commercial aircraft movements (and therefore CO2 emissions) have actually reduced. It is intended to work towards a plastic free experience within the terminal through co-operation with airport suppliers/partners. A booklet is being produced by LBA setting out what has been done and what will be done by LBA to reduce its CO2 emissions and to work towards a Carbon Neutral position. This will also be published on the airport website. Currently LBA emits 3500 tonnes of CO2 per annum and it was stated that although aviation is under fire at present by climate experts and anyone else who wishes to see flying reduced (including our local NIMBYs - my words not his!!) it is only responsible for 2% of CO2 emissions worldwide, far less than Shipping, the Clothing Industry and others. As aircraft become more advanced, their CO2 emissions will reduce.
- Explained that the KLM route to Amsterdam continues to have average load factors exceeding 90%, hence the decision to upgrade one of the three daily flights to a KLM Mainline Boeing 737 700. Also that Aer Lingus/Stobart's additional flights to Dublin are booking very well indeed, predominantly with interlining passengers heading to the USA or Canada, and that Eastern/Flybe/Virgin Connects additional flights to and from Southampton are also doing well. However, the loss of the based TUi aircraft has resulted in a loss of 77% of all Inclusive Tour flying from LBA, offset partially by increased capacity offered by Jet2.
At the last meeting in September we were advised that at today's meeting, it was hoped that we might be given a presentation on the terminal development following the review of the project requested by Hywel Rees when he was appointed. This presentation was not given. However, it was clear from his presentation that, contrary to the doom and gloom folks predictions, the terminal project is not dead and will go ahead. What is not clear was in what form, as it is equally clear that LBA management have been doing a lot of work looking at projected demands in the future, discussing with potential airlines to assess their demands and considering the options available. Whilst Mr Rees would not be drawn into any discussions today about the terminal, he advised that there will be a special meeting of the Consultative Committee in January, specifically to present to us what the review outcome is, what is planned, and timescales. It remains very clear that Mr Rees sees the terminal as the key to future growth at LBA and vital to the airport, pointing out that the terminal as it is now is not fit for purpose, having been constructed in 1965 with in-built problems/restrictions.
Having met Hywel Rees twice now, it is very clear that we have a passionate, well informed and determined CEO who has a clear picture now of the failures of LBA infrastructure and the actions needed to bring the airport into this century. I feel very encouraged by what he has had to say, but we are all going to have to wait to find out what he has in mind for another month.
