Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]

[quik123]

When you say threshold you mean the very start of the runway? No way is the 14 start higher than 32, you can clearly see that

Have a look at the AIP plate for EGNM. It doesn't rely on 'what you can see' but reports surveyed measurements. Threshold is the solid white line just before the piano key style stripes

 

[White Heather]

Today was the latest Airport Consultative Committee meeting, which I attended as usual. My 34th consecutive year! Here is an update.

CEO Update (Vincent Hodder)

LBA is in a strong position, ahead of budget relating to revenue/cash flow and with solid passenger numbers. Nevertheless, the balance sheet remains stretched, due to the works carried out over the winter plus the increased number of staff employed - and the pay increases that have been given as part of a 4 year deal with the UNITE and GMB unions.

In February 2022, LBA employed 54 FTE security screening staff.
In February 2023 they employ 108 FTE security screening staff.
In addition a further 12 will commence training this month, and a further 10 in April.
LBA averages 55,000 pax weekly at present, 80,000 per week in April and 120,000 per week in peak summer. The number of staff available already should ensure no repetition if last year's problems.

The reconfiguration of check in hall A is nearing completion. Considered a big upgrade, eliminating the claustrophobic feel caused by low ceilings and large pillars. Despite now having no ceilings with exposed ventilation equipment, it looks bright and modern. It cost £400k. The new check in equipment has been installed in conjunction with a company who is showcasing the LBA installation to other customers and therefore at lower cost. Further equipment is due for installation by May having been delayed by the manufacturer.

LBA saw 196,000 passengers in February 2023. This represents 106% of the February 2020 (pre-pandemic) passenger throughput. January 2023 was 100% and December 2022 was 99%. This places LBA as the fastest recovering UK airport from the pandemic. Consequently is will be back in profit for the 2022/23 financial year.

Wizz Air have been a huge benefit to LBA. To clarify for those who consider that moving to LBA from DSA was straightforward, it was explained that there were several airports seeking to secure Wizz when they left DSA. One airport to the NE of LBA was keen enough to offer to pay for them to fly from there. However, having met LBA management Wizz took the view that LBA represented the best option for them with the best likely passenger figures. This has been shown to be the case with high passenger loads and ongoing high demand. It is apparent that the largest proportion of Wizz passengers originate from the West Yorkshire area and this was the case even when operating out of DSA. Wizz are very happy with the performance of their routes and have indicated that they are not intending to move again, seeing LBA as the best option for them. This includes the scenario where DSA re-opens in the future. They provide 400,000 seats per annum out of LBA at present.


There remains strong demand from a number of European airlines to fly into LBA, citing strong inbound demand from their domestic passengers for flights to LBA. No contracts are signed but LBA are hopeful of several new carriers/routes from summer 2024, with the possibility of one or two this year or over the winter of 2023/4.

Terminal update:

As I have reported previously, LBA management have been engaged in re-designing the interior of the 2019 approved terminal extension. RIBA Stage 3 design is now completed for the extension, the airport has gone out to tender, the list of tenderers has been reduced and the final contenders interviewed. The airport are now awaiting tenders from interested parties. This is a huge task which will take a couple of months. Contractors for this project will need to commit large sums simply to go through the tender process - one of the risks of the trade.

LBA are commencing the process now of seeking funding for this project and will meet lenders later this week. The process of obtaining funding should be completed by May/June. LBA expect to be in a position to provide a full explanation of the scheme including the works schedule at the next Consultative Meeting in June . It was confirmed that AMP Capital DO NOT provide funding for this work. The airport has to be self sufficient.

The scheme is in 3 parts.
1. 2019 terminal extension
2. Existing terminal refurbishment /reconfiguration.
3. Extension of airside apron/ stands.

The first two should cost around £40m each. Part 3 is not yet priced nor immediately imminent.

The extension will increase the terminal footprint by 40%; increase passenger seating by 80%; increase retail space by 70% and also increase lounge space significantly.

The refurbishment of the existing terminal will result in major layout changes with improved facilities throughout.

It is hoped to commence the extension in the Autumn 2023 with completion late 2024..

Arrivals escalator.

This escalator has to be turned off to meet H&S requirements when passenger numbers are significant. This is because passengers alighting the escalator at the top are blocked off by passengers using to adjacent staircase. This leads to a pile up at the top and a risk to H&S.

It has been found that reducing the speed of the escalator and therefore reducing the speed at which passengers are trying to get off the escalator, will resolve the issue. The airport are therefore considering replacing the motor with one that operates at slower speed to reduce the impact on passenger flow at the top. This should allow the escalator to operate at all times.

Parkway Station update.

The Council have bought one farm and are buying land off a second farm to enable access to the new station.. Opening by 2026 remains the plan.
Discussions are ongoing however regarding the timetables for trains, as Network Rail say that further up the line, there is no capacity for any more trains at the Starbeck Level Crossing.

Meanwhile, the council continues it's consultation regarding the access roads in the area. They recently bid for Government funding for this. It was refused along with all the other submissions out forward by Leeds. No surprise!

Jet2

Confirmed that one if the based 737 300s is to be retired shortly and will be replaced by a 737 800.

Ryanair.

Confirmed that two of the based aircraft this summer will be 737 MAX .

 

[Aviador]

Thanks very much @White Heather Heather

 

[YorkshireLad]

My thoughts:

Today was the latest Airport Consultative Committee meeting, which I attended as usual. My 34th consecutive year! Here is an update.

CEO Update (Vincent Hodder)

LBA is in a strong position, ahead of budget relating to revenue/cash flow and with solid passenger numbers. Nevertheless, the balance sheet remains stretched, due to the works carried out over the winter plus the increased number of staff employed - and the pay increases that have been given as part of a 4 year deal with the UNITE and GMB unions.

In February 2022, LBA employed 54 FTE security screening staff.
In February 2023 they employ 108 FTE security screening staff.
In addition a further 12 will commence training this month, and a further 10 in April.
LBA averages 55,000 pax weekly at present, 80,000 per week in April and 120,000 per week in peak summer. The number of staff available already should ensure no repetition if last year's problems.

This is all reassuring. Financial stretching would be expected during this period of high development activity.

The reconfiguration of check in hall A is nearing completion. Considered a big upgrade, eliminating the claustrophobic feel caused by low ceilings and large pillars. Despite now having no ceilings with exposed ventilation equipment, it looks bright and modern. It cost £400k. The new check in equipment has been installed in conjunction with a company who is showcasing the LBA installation to other customers and therefore at lower cost. Further equipment is due for installation by May having been delayed by the manufacturer.

Definitely worth the price tag. Passenger experience will be improved, leading to more customers (and so on)

LBA saw 196,000 passengers in February 2023. This represents 106% of the February 2020 (pre-pandemic) passenger throughput. January 2023 was 100% and December 2022 was 99%. This places LBA as the fastest recovering UK airport from the pandemic. Consequently is will be back in profit for the 2022/23 financial year.

That is surprising yet somewhat unsurprising. I wouldn't have thought that we'd be the fastest recovering airport, yet fast recovery seems unsurprising given a relatively standard Jet2 winter program, a strong Ryanair program and the arrival of Wizz. All excellent news though!

Wizz Air have been a huge benefit to LBA. To clarify for those who consider that moving to LBA from DSA was straightforward, it was explained that there were several airports seeking to secure Wizz when they left DSA. One airport to the NE of LBA was keen enough to offer to pay for them to fly from there. However, having met LBA management Wizz took the view that LBA represented the best option for them with the best likely passenger figures. This has been shown to be the case with high passenger loads and ongoing high demand. It is apparent that the largest proportion of Wizz passengers originate from the West Yorkshire area and this was the case even when operating out of DSA. Wizz are very happy with the performance of their routes and have indicated that they are not intending to move again, seeing LBA as the best option for them. This includes the scenario where DSA re-opens in the future. They provide 400,000 seats per annum out of LBA at present.

Quite frankly best case scenario for us with regards to Wizz. We of course know that a certain airport would love to offer subsidies (coughTeesside) but I am glad they chose LBA and even more glad that they are doing well.

There remains strong demand from a number of European airlines to fly into LBA, citing strong inbound demand from their domestic passengers for flights to LBA. No contracts are signed but LBA are hopeful of several new carriers/routes from summer 2024, with the possibility of one or two this year or over the winter of 2023/4.

I am hopeful. We have gained so many, we have lost a lot. Could this finally be LBAs time to grow largely with airline diversity?

Terminal update:

As I have reported previously, LBA management have been engaged in re-designing the interior of the 2019 approved terminal extension. RIBA Stage 3 design is now completed for the extension, the airport has gone out to tender, the list of tenderers has been reduced and the final contenders interviewed. The airport are now awaiting tenders from interested parties. This is a huge task which will take a couple of months. Contractors for this project will need to commit large sums simply to go through the tender process - one of the risks of the trade.

LBA are commencing the process now of seeking funding for this project and will meet lenders later this week. The process of obtaining funding should be completed by May/June. LBA expect to be in a position to provide a full explanation of the scheme including the works schedule at the next Consultative Meeting in June . It was confirmed that AMP Capital DO NOT provide funding for this work. The airport has to be self sufficient.

Good that they're getting on with it. Hopefully LBA can get all the funding they need (presumably they think they can given that they seem to be getting on with it)

The scheme is in 3 parts.
1. 2019 terminal extension
2. Existing terminal refurbishment /reconfiguration.
3. Extension of airside apron/ stands.

The first two should cost around £40m each. Part 3 is not yet priced nor immediately imminent.

The extension will increase the terminal footprint by 40%; increase passenger seating by 80%; increase retail space by 70% and also increase lounge space significantly.

The refurbishment of the existing terminal will result in major layout changes with improved facilities throughout.

It is hoped to commence the extension in the Autumn 2023 with completion late 2024..

This will be brilliant. The best case scenario we have right now. I hope it will turn around our fortunes significantly and erase our bad stigma.

Arrivals escalator.

This escalator has to be turned off to meet H&S requirements when passenger numbers are significant. This is because passengers alighting the escalator at the top are blocked off by passengers using to adjacent staircase. This leads to a pile up at the top and a risk to H&S.

It has been found that reducing the speed of the escalator and therefore reducing the speed at which passengers are trying to get off the escalator, will resolve the issue. The airport are therefore considering replacing the motor with one that operates at slower speed to reduce the impact on passenger flow at the top. This should allow the escalator to operate at all times.

Parkway Station update.

The Council have bought one farm and are buying land off a second farm to enable access to the new station.. Opening by 2026 remains the plan.
Discussions are ongoing however regarding the timetables for trains, as Network Rail say that further up the line, there is no capacity for any more trains at the Starbeck Level Crossing.

I sure hope it goes ahead. Access to Leeds, Harrogate and York (if its on the line I think it is)

Meanwhile, the council continues it's consultation regarding the access roads in the area. They recently bid for Government funding for this. It was refused along with all the other submissions out forward by Leeds. No surprise!

Jet2

Confirmed that one if the based 737 300s is to be retired shortly and will be replaced by a 737 800.

This I feel bittersweet about. For one thing I will definitely miss the B733 but on the other hand I've been looking at the loads and often feel the flights using B733s could easily fill B738s.

Ryanair.

Confirmed that two of the based aircraft this summer will be 737 MAX .

I certainly wasn't expecting 2 but I'm not going to complain!

Overall I am happy with the way things are going. I would also like to say thanks for not only giving us a good level of insight, but also for taking the time to report all this.

 

[Jetchaser]

Thanks for the update White Heather, really comprehensive report and showing LBA is in a strong position for the future with a vastly improved and extended terminal in the next few years, and that all important Parkway station built in 3 years if the Council stick to their timetable.

 

[lbaspotter]

Thankyou once again @White Heather for a really big update. As a joiner obviously I like the wood effect, but been in building trade I'll be more interested when I see steel going up/coming out of the ground later in year.
Everything sounds positive for LBA's future, this summer 2023 schedule is looking to be a good one and I'm glad to hear Wizz Air are very happy here. I also welcome the fact that our 2 major airlines Ryanair & Jet2 are contining to grow with newer fleets of Airbus & Boeing aircraft been introduced.
It sure will be nice to see some different livery's hit our runway, hopefully it won't be a long wait for theses new airlines to come to LBA.

Finally quick question.
Was anything said regards British Airways & possible use of those ex Flybe slots to restart the Suspended London Heathrow route?

 

[Easy289]

Thanks WH for your detailed update. Really appreciated. Positivity dominates.

 

[oldendays]

All sounds encouraging.

 

[Easy289]

Presumably the funding should be a formality? Why are AMP not funding it, out of interest?

 

[White Heather]

Presumably the funding should be a formality? Why are AMP not funding it, out of interest?

They dont have that sort of money sitting around apparently. They buy businesses that then they need to be self sufficient and develop, without further direct funding.

So, the airport will be seeking funds through lending just like the rest of us. And like the rest of us, they will need to demonstrate the benefits and ability to repay. However, Vincent Hodder did say that they wouldn't have gone to this point (out to tender) if acquiring the funds was considered a major issue. This scheme has the added advantage that they can get the funds in parts too rather than seeking upwards if £250m in one go, as would have been necessary to build the new terminal. In the current climate, that might well have proved problematic!

Finally quick question.
Was anything said regards British Airways & possible use of those ex Flybe slots to restart the Suspended London Heathrow route?

No, nothing mentioned at all about British Airways or Heathrow, which is unusual, although the member who nearly always asks about it wasn't there yesterday. (Neither was a certain anti airport councillor who has now stood down from his position!).
I'm afraid I didn't ask as I had several other questions to ask regarding other issues and time is limited.
I did refer though to Ryanair's tiff with Vilnius airports and the apparent cessation of flights - and the fact that Wizz may be a ready made replacement. Vince Hodder felt it likely that Ryanair will go back having secured a deal, but showed interest in the Wizz option.

 

[dmrodgers]

As usual a comprehensive report White Heather about our 'little airport on the hill'. One question if I may, was there any mention of the night flying quota having been resolved with the council. Our numpty 'friends' seem to think we have breached the number permitted though the airport contradict this and say no quotas on the new quiet jets. This could impact on future growth as number of night flights could potentially be restricted.

 

[White Heather]

As usual a comprehensive report White Heather about our 'little airport on the hill'. One question if I may, was there any mention of the night flying quota having been resolved with the council. Our numpty 'friends' seem to think we have breached the number permitted though the airport contradict this and say no quotas on the new quiet jets. This could impact on future growth as number of night flights could potentially be restricted.

It was discussed, yes, and I have provided an update, but pending the final outcome, I'm afraid it's limited to the LBA Once in a generation Private Forum, and not included in my report on the main LBA forum.
All I can say here is that LBA have provided Leeds Council with data, the Council have now concluded their own investigations, and the airport and council are due to meet soon.

 

[752]

Great feedback Heather as usual, I'm sure in past updates, LBA have expressed their wouldn't be any new carriers until 2024 if I am correct? now them stating potentially W23 is a shift forward in timeframe which to me is a positive outcome. Hopefully something will be announced in the next couple of months to allow plenty of time for forward bookings.

Also re Wizz being happy with ops, fantastic news, obviously the weather is sometimes against all carriers, the risk with all operations at any airport. I wonder if they would be interested in adding another couple of destinations, that then would firm that they are happy with how its going. & also I'm not at all surprised MME tried throwing money at Wizz, seems to be their only tactic and doesn't seam to last too long (Re Eastern & now Logan reducing). I wonder how much MAN put up a fight to secure Wizz, a huge airline and airport missing from the MAG network. Maybe too close to LPL and our demographic makes more sense for them to be here, which I am very grateful they are!

 

[Bigman]

Excellent report as usual White Heather
So if that is right about 2 Ryanair Max's then that will increase capacity. One for the experts-how many extra seats on a Max?

 

[AirBingley]

Just as importantly am I right in thinking this helps with our night flying quota too?

 

[White Heather]

Excellent report as usual White Heather
So if that is right about 2 Ryanair Max's then that will increase capacity. One for the experts-how many extra seats on a Max?

Well that's what we were told. I understood it was 1 MAX but maybe that's now changed. Not sure on how many more seats. It'll be on line I guess.

Just as importantly am I right in thinking this helps with our night flying quota too?

It might. The Council have yet to agree that latest generation aircraft are exempt. As it's a noise level based restriction, and these new jets fall below the dB limit, they should be exempt but I get the impression that's a looming battle to come. However Ryanair tend not to have too many late night arrivals - but they do have plenty of 0600-0700 departures so that would certainly help.

Excellent report as usual White Heather
So if that is right about 2 Ryanair Max's then that will increase capacity. One for the experts-how many extra seats on a Max?

Checked and the Ryanair MAX carries 197 pax as opposed to 189 on the 800 series.

 

[Finger66]

Fantastic discussion all round on what appears to be very positive news, all stemming from the usual amazing update, so thank you as ever @White Heather

 

[markietg]

Finally quick question.
Was anything said regards British Airways & possible use of those ex Flybe slots to restart the Suspended London Heathrow route?

I read an article last month in Flight Global with Sean Doyle, he said that for the time been the Flybe remedy slots will be used for additional rotations to Manchester and Edinburgh until another airline comes forward to use them.

British Airways chief upbeat on summer as recruitment drive set to tail off

British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle believes the UK carrier will have sufficient staff to meet demand this summer in contrast to the challenges the industry faced ramping up a year ago.

www.flightglobal.com

 

[dmrodgers]

It was discussed, yes, and I have provided an update, but pending the final outcome, I'm afraid it's limited to the LBA Once in a generation Private Forum, and not included in my report on the main LBA forum.
All I can say here is that LBA have provided Leeds Council with data, the Council have now concluded their own investigations, and the airport and council are due to meet soon.

Thanks for that, we wait with baited breath of the outcome as this could impact on our passenger numbers in years to come plus the numpties still insistent that 5m per annum is the only approved number whereas the airport are talking about 6.8m.

 

[White Heather]

Thanks for that, we wait with baited breath of the outcome as this could impact on our passenger numbers in years to come plus the numpties still insistent that 5m per annum is the only approved number whereas the airport are talking about 6.8m.

The numpties are entirely wrong, as they will find out. There are no passenger throughput restrictions at LBA other than those arising from terminal capacity.

The night movement limit need not impact passenger numbers if a) larger capacity aircraft are used more, such as Jet2's A321s, and b) growth is mainly achieved within normal daytime hours. The larger aircraft are a problem with the current terminal restrictions in baggage re-claim, but the extension will entirely resolve that.

Foreign carriers operating through the day and not based at LBA ( as with Wizz) can make a huge difference. Wizz alone have the capacity to add nearly half a million passengers per year through LBA. That could increase over time.

Remember too that the quota only applies to jet aircraft scheduled to land after 2300. Flights scheduled to arrive up to that time dont count if they are late provided they arrive by 0030. Some of the quoted flight times are far longer than they actually take, so there should be some scope to have flight arrivals scheduled 30 minutes earlier or departing after 0700 instead of (say) 0645. That could make a big difference. It only takes a few each day to bring the numbers down.

Expect too that aircraft ready to depart at something like 0650 will be held until 0700. It's a manageable situation that should become less of an issue over time.

It might not be an issue at all yet.