Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]

[HX3]

Yeah but it’s not LBA related LBA4EVER it’s Doncaster related.

I read other threads, but when coming onto this one, based on the title I’d be expecting to read something related to the airport consultancy, specific to LBA….

 

[Aviador]

Guys, can we get back on track, the thread is way off topic now. The thread title is Airport Consultative Committee Questions & Responses.

If your post doesn't fit into the category, consider posting it in a more appropriate thread, or a more appropriate forum ie the Doncaster forum.

I have to admit, I'm sick of hearing about DSA and I don't want to be reading about it in the LBA forum. I'm sure other on here feel the same way.

Let's leave the DSA discussions in their rightful home, the DSA forum where you are more than welcome to post about all things DSA to your hearts content, the good, the bad and the ugly.

 

[Len Fish]

Perhaps we need a new thread titled “DSA re-opening:impact on LBA”.

 

[Aviador]

Perhaps we need a new thread titled “DSA re-opening:impact on LBA”.

The trouble is one or two members here will post every slight bit of DSA news on it instead of in the DSA forum. If the discussion is on topic then it shouldnt be a problem.

 

[Seasider]

I am with @Aviador on this one. Discussion about DSA airspace should be in the DSA thread.

I would like members to be a little more "adventurous" and read other airport threads. It will broaden your mind and increase your understanding of the UK airport scene. Whether we like it or not, what happens at other airports affects LBA - some more than others.

Now I will get off my high horse.

 

[tonysmith]

I am with @Aviador on this one. Discussion about DSA airspace should be in the DSA thread.

I would like members to be a little more "adventurous" and read other airport threads. It will broaden your mind and increase your understanding of the UK airport scene. Whether we like it or not, what happens at other airports affects LBA - some more than others.

Now I will get off my high horse.

Be careful when dismounting

 

[airforced]

Perhaps we need a new thread titled “DSA re-opening:impact on LBA”.

Stop it. Don't encourage anyone down that route for goodness sake.

 

[White Heather]

Today was the latest LBA Consultative Meeting and so here are the key points discussed today. Please, as ever, dont shoot the messenger.

* Passenger figures.

LBA passenger figures are the highest in the history of the airport. From w/e 7th April 2024 to w/e 24th November, (34 weeks) a total of 3,313,330 passengers used LBA. LBA are expecting the final total for the fiscal year to be in the region of 4,350,000.

* Public Relations.

Joselyn Rankin has now commenced work as LBAs Public Relations Director and gave a presentation on her plans to address various issues, including the airport's relationship with journalists/publications, and how the airport publicly responds to claims made by groups such as they who shall not be named which are often misleading , and inaccurate. It is now accepted that LBA needs to do more to put forward the position of the airport and to counter inaccurate claims and reporting through various means. The current external PR consultants will be handing over all LBA related work in the near future when their contract ends.

* Aviation Director

Nicola McMullen, the Aviation Director has left LBA for 'family reasons' and her replacement will be recruited , but in the meantime, the CEO, Vincent Hodder, is stepping in to perform this work alongside his own, with several changes within the airport senior management to enable the necessary support.

* National Airports Consultative Committee

For the first time in many years, the recent meeting of national ACCs was hosted at LBA over two days. This was well received and attended by 15 other airports. All were provided with a tour of the airport and it's developments and all were very impressed.

* Track Keeping.

Runway 32 was used 70% of the time over the summer months and runway 14 30%. Departures on runway 32 saw between 94% and 98% of aircraft remain within the NPR. The variance was caused by A320 aircraft of both Wizz and easyJet, and the reasons, which relate to the aircraft rather than any fault of the crew, are being investigated .
Departures on 14 saw almost 100% compliance across the summer.

* Noise

Independent monitoring and reporting has shown that whilst LBA is busier than in 2016, noise exposure has reduced with a significant reduction in noise levels and the numbers exposed to it.

Across the summer, only 1 aircraft breached noise limits on departure (Ryanair). Just 3 did so on arrival, all Jet2. These breaches are all subject to investigation and no particular reason for the (slight) exceedance is known. All breaches were at night.

Noise complaints reduced this summer to 132 in total from 54 people, the majority being in the Headingley/West Park/Weetwood areas of Leeds (They who shall not be named HQ?), Menston, and Otley. August and September saw 27 complaints from only 10 people in August and 16 in September.

LBA confirmed it is still incentivising airlines to operate QC0.25 aircraft from LBA with reduced fees.

*LBA Regen

All steelwork and floors and roof completed except the link at the Eastern end which is not yet constructed. Cladding is 90% completed. Interior works now progressing well and the terminal extension remains in track for completion April 2025, and being put into use in May 2025.

Confirmed that around February/March 2025, two additional aircraft stands will be built, with a further two each year up to a maximum of 10.

*. CEO update including Airline news

Full year profit expected of £20m, with this necessarily rising year on year to fund developments . (Total £200m).

Government have increased the LBA Business rate by 600% to £4.5m. One major airport now has rates to pay in excess if their annual wage bill. Stated that airports will be 'having words' with Government and that some airports will not survive such increases.

New staff car park being built on site of old catering facility (near roundabout and tunnel entrance). Staff cars will then no longer be parked within public areas.

By March 2025, all airport owned light vehicles will be electric with current petrol and diesel vehicles disposed of. The airport is examining options for solar power and the installation of EV charging across the estate. All Gas to be removed from airport buildings too.

The hearing into the CLEUD appeals will take place at Leeds Civic Hall between 11th and 14th March 2025. A decision is expected by late June. If the decision favours the Council and if LBA are satisfied the legal matters have been addressed properly, they will 'walk away' and consider their options, including lodging a planning application. If the decision favours the Council and the airport consider the decision fails to address legal matters or is politically influenced, they will take the matter to the High Court.

If Leeds City Council choose to issue an Enforcement Notice for breach of night flying for summer 2024, LBA will appeal to the County Court. LBA take the view that such action is inappropriate when the planning consent the council allege is breached, is the subject of an appeal. They believe any enforcement action should be held back and issued only after any final decision on the CLEUDs in the Councils favour. However, the CEO is satisfied LBA have a very strong case and would not be pursuing it were that not the case.

KLM - have now confirmed that from the summer 2025 season, until further notice but on a temporary basis, all LBA-AMS flights will be operated by Eastern E190s. This is due to fleet shortages arising at KLM due to the grounding of many of their E190-2s which have the same engine issues that Wizz have with their NEOs. LBA have held discussions with KLM regarding ensuring that the service remains reliable. On the plus side, the 3x daily E190 represents a seat capacity increase over that KLM could offer using their mix of E190 & 175 types.

Jet2. - confirmed their 15th aircraft will operate W legs into LTN but the intention is that from 2026 it will be 100% operating at LBA.

easyJet now very content to look at growth at LBA in the coming years and LBAs relationship with them was described as 'strong'.

Ryanair and Wizz also continue to have good relationship with LBA and both are very happy with their performance here.

Loganair - the meeting went ahead with their CEO, and went very well. There have been further discussions since and their is much optimism. Loganair have held discussions with BA over slots at LHR and the Loganair board will make any final decisions as to if, and when, they may come to LBA. If they do, LHR would be a 3 times daily ATR72, based here, with further route options in the future including Southampton, Aberdeen, Newquay and Glasgow.

Other airline opportunities, based on the A321XLR remain on the agenda but unlikely before 2027, no doubt due to the slow rollout of new aircraft from Airbus and the need to complete LBA Regen too.

LBA Parkway Station

Being supported now by Tracey Brabin. (No kidding!) . Still with the WYCA to finalise the business case but they want to get the costs down through less emphasis on architectural delights and more on just doing the job.

That's all folks.

 

[HX3]

Thank you White Heather, a comprehensive update as ever

 

[Bigman]

Today was the latest LBA Consultative Meeting and so here are the key points discussed today. Please, as ever, dont shoot the messenger.

* Passenger figures.

LBA passenger figures are the highest in the history of the airport. From w/e 7th April 2024 to w/e 24th November, (34 weeks) a total of 3,313,330 passengers used LBA. LBA are expecting the final total for the fiscal year to be in the region of 4,350,000.

* Public Relations.

Joselyn Rankin has now commenced work as LBAs Public Relations Director and gave a presentation on her plans to address various issues, including the airport's relationship with journalists/publications, and how the airport publicly responds to claims made by groups such as they who shall not be named which are often misleading , and inaccurate. It is now accepted that LBA needs to do more to put forward the position of the airport and to counter inaccurate claims and reporting through various means. The current external PR consultants will be handing over all LBA related work in the near future when their contract ends.

* Aviation Director

Nicola McMullen, the Aviation Director has left LBA for 'family reasons' and her replacement will be recruited , but in the meantime, the CEO, Vincent Hodder, is stepping in to perform this work alongside his own, with several changes within the airport senior management to enable the necessary support.

* National Airports Consultative Committee

For the first time in many years, the recent meeting of national ACCs was hosted at LBA over two days. This was well received and attended by 15 other airports. All were provided with a tour of the airport and it's developments and all were very impressed.

* Track Keeping.

Runway 32 was used 70% of the time over the summer months and runway 14 30%. Departures on runway 32 saw between 94% and 98% of aircraft remain within the NPR. The variance was caused by A320 aircraft of both Wizz and easyJet, and the reasons, which relate to the aircraft rather than any fault of the crew, are being investigated .
Departures on 14 saw almost 100% compliance across the summer.

* Noise

Independent monitoring and reporting has shown that whilst LBA is busier than in 2016, noise exposure has reduced with a significant reduction in noise levels and the numbers exposed to it.

Across the summer, only 1 aircraft breached noise limits on departure (Ryanair). Just 3 did so on arrival, all Jet2. These breaches are all subject to investigation and no particular reason for the (slight) exceedance is known. All breaches were at night.

Noise complaints reduced this summer to 132 in total from 54 people, the majority being in the Headingley/West Park/Weetwood areas of Leeds (They who shall not be named HQ?), Menston, and Otley. August and September saw 27 complaints from only 10 people in August and 16 in September.

LBA confirmed it is still incentivising airlines to operate QC0.25 aircraft from LBA with reduced fees.

*LBA Regen

All steelwork and floors and roof completed except the link at the Eastern end which is not yet constructed. Cladding is 90% completed. Interior works now progressing well and the terminal extension remains in track for completion April 2025, and being put into use in May 2025.

Confirmed that around February/March 2025, two additional aircraft stands will be built, with a further two each year up to a maximum of 10.

*. CEO update including Airline news

Full year profit expected of £20m, with this necessarily rising year on year to fund developments . (Total £200m).

Government have increased the LBA Business rate by 600% to £4.5m. One major airport now has rates to pay in excess if their annual wage bill. Stated that airports will be 'having words' with Government and that some airports will not survive such increases.

New staff car park being built on site of old catering facility (near roundabout and tunnel entrance). Staff cars will then no longer be parked within public areas.

By March 2025, all airport owned light vehicles will be electric with current petrol and diesel vehicles disposed of. The airport is examining options for solar power and the installation of EV charging across the estate. All Gas to be removed from airport buildings too.

The hearing into the CLEUD appeals will take place at Leeds Civic Hall between 11th and 14th March 2025. A decision is expected by late June. If the decision favours the Council and if LBA are satisfied the legal matters have been addressed properly, they will 'walk away' and consider their options, including lodging a planning application. If the decision favours the Council and the airport consider the decision fails to address legal matters or is politically influenced, they will take the matter to the High Court.

If Leeds City Council choose to issue an Enforcement Notice for breach of night flying for summer 2024, LBA will appeal to the County Court. LBA take the view that such action is inappropriate when the planning consent the council allege is breached, is the subject of an appeal. They believe any enforcement action should be held back and issued only after any final decision on the CLEUDs in the Councils favour. However, the CEO is satisfied LBA have a very strong case and would not be pursuing it were that not the case.

KLM - have now confirmed that from the summer 2025 season, until further notice but on a temporary basis, all LBA-AMS flights will be operated by Eastern E190s. This is due to fleet shortages arising at KLM due to the grounding of many of their E190-2s which have the same engine issues that Wizz have with their NEOs. LBA have held discussions with KLM regarding ensuring that the service remains reliable. On the plus side, the 3x daily E190 represents a seat capacity increase over that KLM could offer using their mix of E190 & 175 types.

Jet2. - confirmed their 15th aircraft will operate W legs into LTN but the intention is that from 2026 it will be 100% operating at LBA.

easyJet now very content to look at growth at LBA in the coming years and LBAs relationship with them was described as 'strong'.

Ryanair and Wizz also continue to have good relationship with LBA and both are very happy with their performance here.

Loganair - the meeting went ahead with their CEO, and went very well. There have been further discussions since and their is much optimism. Loganair have held discussions with BA over slots at LHR and the Loganair board will make any final decisions as to if, and when, they may come to LBA. If they do, LHR would be a 3 times daily ATR72, based here, with further route options in the future including Southampton, Aberdeen, Newquay and Glasgow.

Other airline opportunities, based on the A321XLR remain on the agenda but unlikely before 2027, no doubt due to the slow rollout of new aircraft from Airbus and the need to complete LBA Regen too.

LBA Parkway Station

Being supported now by Tracey Brabin. (No kidding!) . Still with the WYCA to finalise the business case but they want to get the costs down through less emphasis on architectural delights and more on just doing the job.

That's all folks.

Absolutely outstanding effort as per usual. Interesting about the potential LHR frequency. Keep up the great work WH

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Thank you White Heather, a comprehensive update as ever

Thanks WH, LHR sounds promising but the ATR is not well suited to LBA.

 

[LBA4EVER]

Thanks WH, LHR sounds promising but the ATR is not well suited to LBA.

An ATR72 would be ideal if based at LBA as it would already be on the apron first thing, departures first thing in the morning generally have no issues, its the inbounds that suffer esp winter months due to fog, low cloud etc
A 3 daily ops should work well esp on the larger atr72 and with the more respectable loganair brand, i hope something comes of this, plus it would be great to get a few more domestic routes back on the dep boards from the carrier!
Thanks wh for your notes, the airport seems to be in a good strong position overall with positive signs, i feel as the months pass and the regen continues news will only get better!

 

[Bigman]

Ha ha. Just watching Shetland on BBC1 and a loganair ATR just landed

 

[JRP]

Thank you once again for your amazing report WH

 

[lbaspotter]

Another fantastic update from you @White Heather. 2025 is looking good but I have a feeling 2026 will be even better once project #REGEN is completed.

Thankyou for taking the time to go to the meetings and then typing all that up afterwards.

I hope you have a merry Christmas and wish you all the best for the New Year.

 

[White Heather]

Another fantastic update from you @White Heather. 2025 is looking good but I have a feeling 2026 will be even better once project #REGEN is completed.

Thankyou for taking the time to go to the meetings and then typing all that up afterwards.

I hope you have a merry Christmas and wish you all the best for the New Year.

Thank you, you too. And thanks to everyone for their kind comments.

 

[AirBingley]

Thank you for the kind positive comments! Looking forward to more positive news on routes!

 

[Ian Gratton]

Thanks WH for a great report, the future looks very positive for the airport. Heathrow sounds quite promising. The terminal extention is very exciting.

 

[White Heather]

Thanks WH, LHR sounds promising but the ATR is not well suited to LBA.

Neither is anything else that Loganair have in the fleet for that route, but the profits on the ATR.will probably be significantly higher than on the EJets.

Ha ha. Just watching Shetland on BBC1 and a loganair ATR just landed

A somewhat rocky landing too so they should be ok at LBA..

 

[gcoabc1]

Today was the latest LBA Consultative Meeting and so here are the key points discussed today. Please, as ever, dont shoot the messenger.

* Passenger figures.

LBA passenger figures are the highest in the history of the airport. From w/e 7th April 2024 to w/e 24th November, (34 weeks) a total of 3,313,330 passengers used LBA. LBA are expecting the final total for the fiscal year to be in the region of 4,350,000.

* Public Relations.

Joselyn Rankin has now commenced work as LBAs Public Relations Director and gave a presentation on her plans to address various issues, including the airport's relationship with journalists/publications, and how the airport publicly responds to claims made by groups such as they who shall not be named which are often misleading , and inaccurate. It is now accepted that LBA needs to do more to put forward the position of the airport and to counter inaccurate claims and reporting through various means. The current external PR consultants will be handing over all LBA related work in the near future when their contract ends.

* Aviation Director

Nicola McMullen, the Aviation Director has left LBA for 'family reasons' and her replacement will be recruited , but in the meantime, the CEO, Vincent Hodder, is stepping in to perform this work alongside his own, with several changes within the airport senior management to enable the necessary support.

* National Airports Consultative Committee

For the first time in many years, the recent meeting of national ACCs was hosted at LBA over two days. This was well received and attended by 15 other airports. All were provided with a tour of the airport and it's developments and all were very impressed.

* Track Keeping.

Runway 32 was used 70% of the time over the summer months and runway 14 30%. Departures on runway 32 saw between 94% and 98% of aircraft remain within the NPR. The variance was caused by A320 aircraft of both Wizz and easyJet, and the reasons, which relate to the aircraft rather than any fault of the crew, are being investigated .
Departures on 14 saw almost 100% compliance across the summer.

* Noise

Independent monitoring and reporting has shown that whilst LBA is busier than in 2016, noise exposure has reduced with a significant reduction in noise levels and the numbers exposed to it.

Across the summer, only 1 aircraft breached noise limits on departure (Ryanair). Just 3 did so on arrival, all Jet2. These breaches are all subject to investigation and no particular reason for the (slight) exceedance is known. All breaches were at night.

Noise complaints reduced this summer to 132 in total from 54 people, the majority being in the Headingley/West Park/Weetwood areas of Leeds (They who shall not be named HQ?), Menston, and Otley. August and September saw 27 complaints from only 10 people in August and 16 in September.

LBA confirmed it is still incentivising airlines to operate QC0.25 aircraft from LBA with reduced fees.

*LBA Regen

All steelwork and floors and roof completed except the link at the Eastern end which is not yet constructed. Cladding is 90% completed. Interior works now progressing well and the terminal extension remains in track for completion April 2025, and being put into use in May 2025.

Confirmed that around February/March 2025, two additional aircraft stands will be built, with a further two each year up to a maximum of 10.

*. CEO update including Airline news

Full year profit expected of £20m, with this necessarily rising year on year to fund developments . (Total £200m).

Government have increased the LBA Business rate by 600% to £4.5m. One major airport now has rates to pay in excess if their annual wage bill. Stated that airports will be 'having words' with Government and that some airports will not survive such increases.

New staff car park being built on site of old catering facility (near roundabout and tunnel entrance). Staff cars will then no longer be parked within public areas.

By March 2025, all airport owned light vehicles will be electric with current petrol and diesel vehicles disposed of. The airport is examining options for solar power and the installation of EV charging across the estate. All Gas to be removed from airport buildings too.

The hearing into the CLEUD appeals will take place at Leeds Civic Hall between 11th and 14th March 2025. A decision is expected by late June. If the decision favours the Council and if LBA are satisfied the legal matters have been addressed properly, they will 'walk away' and consider their options, including lodging a planning application. If the decision favours the Council and the airport consider the decision fails to address legal matters or is politically influenced, they will take the matter to the High Court.

If Leeds City Council choose to issue an Enforcement Notice for breach of night flying for summer 2024, LBA will appeal to the County Court. LBA take the view that such action is inappropriate when the planning consent the council allege is breached, is the subject of an appeal. They believe any enforcement action should be held back and issued only after any final decision on the CLEUDs in the Councils favour. However, the CEO is satisfied LBA have a very strong case and would not be pursuing it were that not the case.

KLM - have now confirmed that from the summer 2025 season, until further notice but on a temporary basis, all LBA-AMS flights will be operated by Eastern E190s. This is due to fleet shortages arising at KLM due to the grounding of many of their E190-2s which have the same engine issues that Wizz have with their NEOs. LBA have held discussions with KLM regarding ensuring that the service remains reliable. On the plus side, the 3x daily E190 represents a seat capacity increase over that KLM could offer using their mix of E190 & 175 types.

Jet2. - confirmed their 15th aircraft will operate W legs into LTN but the intention is that from 2026 it will be 100% operating at LBA.

easyJet now very content to look at growth at LBA in the coming years and LBAs relationship with them was described as 'strong'.

Ryanair and Wizz also continue to have good relationship with LBA and both are very happy with their performance here.

Loganair - the meeting went ahead with their CEO, and went very well. There have been further discussions since and their is much optimism. Loganair have held discussions with BA over slots at LHR and the Loganair board will make any final decisions as to if, and when, they may come to LBA. If they do, LHR would be a 3 times daily ATR72, based here, with further route options in the future including Southampton, Aberdeen, Newquay and Glasgow.

Other airline opportunities, based on the A321XLR remain on the agenda but unlikely before 2027, no doubt due to the slow rollout of new aircraft from Airbus and the need to complete LBA Regen too.

LBA Parkway Station

Being supported now by Tracey Brabin. (No kidding!) . Still with the WYCA to finalise the business case but they want to get the costs down through less emphasis on architectural delights and more on just doing the job.

That's all folks.

Brilliant report as usual. Thank you