Wow well what a report, thankyou wh!Airport Consultative Committee update from 20th December 2023.
Aviation Director (Nicola McMullen) update.
A very good year, particularly the first half of the year. There has recently been a marked reduction in intended capacity due mainly to a) the delay in deliveries of aircraft to Ryanair, resulting in a number of planned services no longer operating, and b) the loss of NEO aircraft available to Wizz Air due to the Pratt& Whitney engine issues which has resulted in a reduction in services and frequency.
Nevertheless, passenger figures in October were (approximately) 386,000, November 224,000 and for December 218,000 is expected. Total passenger figures annually are expected to be +15% on pre Covid levels .
Jet2 load factor performance not as high as usual over summer due to their pricing policy .She was confident that this will improve going forward so presumably prices will be 'adjusted'.
Considerable growth with Ryanair but not as fast as expected or planned due to the aforementioned delays in delivery of new MAX airframes.
Wizz Air - Wroclaw cancelled due to inadequate passenger traffic so left to Ryanair to fullfil. Katowice cessation is temporary due to aforementioned aircraft shortages and as I previously suggested, this was due to the proximity of Katowice to the already well served Krakow.
LBA Re-Gen
This is the name now given to the terminal works, apron and runway works.
Phase 1 - Extension - Contractors now on site remodeling the embankment , delivering equipment and cabins. Full mobilisation after Christmas and construction due to commence in January.
Completion due March 2025.
Phase 2 will commence early 2025 and complete mid 2026. No contractor for this phase and will go to separate tender.
Phase 3 (aircraft stands) will be constructed as needed dependent on success in securing new routes and operators. Location of stands is confirmed and up to an addition 10 stands will be constructed .
Confirmed again the following key details re the terminal works.
* 100,000 sq feet, over 3 levels.
* Eliminates clash points within terminal.
* Eliminates need to traverse length of terminal several times.
* Provides new central screening area with 6 lanes each of 28m length, compared to 4 lanes of 12m length now.
* Three new upgraded body scanners for every 2 lanes, so 9 in total.
* Multiple escalators/lifts from Central Screening to Airside on 1st floor.
* Relocation of domestic baggage reclaim to enlarged area at Eastern end if existing terminal .
* 77% increase in international baggage belt capacity within a spacious air conditioned area. Each belt will have a dedicated baggage dolly drop off area in the undercroft, accessed via a ramp and one way road system.
* 10 Immigration desks, all wired ready for E-gate installation when Border Force are ready.
* New accommodation for Border Force staff.
* Queuing space for Immigration increased by 300% and air conditioned.
* All toilets refurbished/enlarged and new large facilities throughout the extension area.
* Dedicated lift and departure gate for passengers with restricted mobility.
* 3 additional departure gates.
* 2 new lounges at Eastern end, one Executive, one General. Enhanced product and facilities.
* Second duty free area within extension to departure lounge.
* Bus shelter walkway reduced in length. The replacement of this does NOT form part of the project but the intention is to replace with a permanent two level pier with holding lounges, which will require planning consent!!
* New digital wayfinding signage throughout terminal.
* Further increase in size of check in hall A by 30% once central screening has relocated to the current baggage reclaim area.
*83% increase in customer seating.
* 76% increase in number of eateries and bars
* Direct jobs to increase by 1600 to 3600 in total by 2030.
* Indirect jobs increases to 8500 by 2030.
* Contribution to local economy 940m by 2030.
*In addition - runway improvement works underway which will take 8 years (winter seasons) at a cost if £50m.
* All airfield lighting to become LED
* New ground handling equipment charging facilities throughout airfield apron and undercroft.
*. Replacement of one of the two existing air bridges. The extension provides no additional airbridges, as only KLM at LBA wishes to use them, BUT the 3 additional gates will be designed to be easily converted to airbridges should airlines be secured that demand these facilities (eg Lufthansa, Air France).
Although not legally required, LBA are introducing a new Master plan in 2024.
CEO Update
Really good first half year with highest passenger throughput, highest turnover and highest profit . Second half of year impacted by Ryanair and Jet2 aircraft shortages .
Average queue time at central screening across summer was 6 minutes with 98% through in under 20 minutes.
Previous 'poor' CAA rating for passengers with restricted mobility now marked as Very Good, the highest rating.
Current operational challenge in central screening due to delays in installation of new X Ray machines. This installation is compulsory per Government by summer.
Having started on schedule, removing two lanes the manufacturer then amended the software, which requires Government sign off. This has delayed manufacture of the new machines and the two out of use lanes will now remain out of use until February at which point the other two lanes will be taken out of use. Still expected all lanes will be upgraded by end of February.
Extended queue times have resulted in 3 Jet2 flights being delayed by a maximum 15 minutes and 0 passengers have missed flights. The extended queue times are mainly an issue in just the two busiest days of the week in the morning.
Some changes coming to car parking with some being re-purposed. Medium stay in front of terminal to become short stay , which will be enlarged and re-marked.
No change to free drop off area.
Airport talking to Leeds City Highways to try and secure better car park directional signage in White House Lane (these are Council owned, not airport).
Parkway Station - meeting last week. Completion late 2026 but still talking about funding. Bolton Farm on Scotland Lane now purchased and in talks with the other farm to secure a portion of their land. Leeds City Council, typically, have yet to make up their mind about access road layout and routes . Completion of the full business case was due last week
LBA is recruiting a new post, Director of Corporate Affairs, reporting to the CEO, whose role will be to take the lead in all matters relating to PR, liaison with local residents, communities politicians, etc . (He/She has my deepest sympathy!!).
Clarified reasons behind withdrawal of original CLEUD applications and re-issue of 4 new ones, each written in a different way and each with additional evidence uncovered by LBA whilst investigating claims made by they who shall not be named. As expected, but perhaps unreasonably, LCC will, in January, ask again for any evidence from third parties. However, LBA are content with this and in no rush. Their view is that the timescale is not as important as getting the right answer, even if it takes longer . In the meantime their operations are not impacted.
Finally, on the subject of bussing passengers to the terminal. Noted some complain they are not bussed, others complain that they are, especially when parked on a stand reasonably close to the terminal. The issue is the walkway. It's two way traffic system means it's possible for inbound passengers to mix with outbound and thus is not permitted by Border Force. As a result they direct that certain inbound flights, in certain circumstances, must be bussed even though it causes delay. The future replacement of the walkway with a two level pier will resolve this situation.
That's all folks! I'm suffering from a numb middle finger now after typing this lot on a mobile phone!
Happy Christmas!! And a very Happy LBA New Year!
You'll see where they go in next years Masterplan no doubt but basically alongside the taxiway (ex runway 10/28) at the mid to Eastern and, and alongside the other taxiway (ex runway 01/19 or North/South Taxiway.).
Airport Consultative Committee update from 20th December 2023.
Aviation Director (Nicola McMullen) update.
A very good year, particularly the first half of the year. There has recently been a marked reduction in intended capacity due mainly to a) the delay in deliveries of aircraft to Ryanair, resulting in a number of planned services no longer operating, and b) the loss of NEO aircraft available to Wizz Air due to the Pratt& Whitney engine issues which has resulted in a reduction in services and frequency.
Nevertheless, passenger figures in October were (approximately) 386,000, November 224,000 and for December 218,000 is expected. Total passenger figures annually are expected to be +15% on pre Covid levels .
Jet2 load factor performance not as high as usual over summer due to their pricing policy .She was confident that this will improve going forward so presumably prices will be 'adjusted'.
Considerable growth with Ryanair but not as fast as expected or planned due to the aforementioned delays in delivery of new MAX airframes.
Wizz Air - Wroclaw cancelled due to inadequate passenger traffic so left to Ryanair to fullfil. Katowice cessation is temporary due to aforementioned aircraft shortages and as I previously suggested, this was due to the proximity of Katowice to the already well served Krakow.
LBA Re-Gen
This is the name now given to the terminal works, apron and runway works.
Phase 1 - Extension - Contractors now on site remodeling the embankment , delivering equipment and cabins. Full mobilisation after Christmas and construction due to commence in January.
Completion due March 2025.
Phase 2 will commence early 2025 and complete mid 2026. No contractor for this phase and will go to separate tender.
Phase 3 (aircraft stands) will be constructed as needed dependent on success in securing new routes and operators. Location of stands is confirmed and up to an addition 10 stands will be constructed .
Confirmed again the following key details re the terminal works.
* 100,000 sq feet, over 3 levels.
* Eliminates clash points within terminal.
* Eliminates need to traverse length of terminal several times.
* Provides new central screening area with 6 lanes each of 28m length, compared to 4 lanes of 12m length now.
* Three new upgraded body scanners for every 2 lanes, so 9 in total.
* Multiple escalators/lifts from Central Screening to Airside on 1st floor.
* Relocation of domestic baggage reclaim to enlarged area at Eastern end if existing terminal .
* 77% increase in international baggage belt capacity within a spacious air conditioned area. Each belt will have a dedicated baggage dolly drop off area in the undercroft, accessed via a ramp and one way road system.
* 10 Immigration desks, all wired ready for E-gate installation when Border Force are ready.
* New accommodation for Border Force staff.
* Queuing space for Immigration increased by 300% and air conditioned.
* All toilets refurbished/enlarged and new large facilities throughout the extension area.
* Dedicated lift and departure gate for passengers with restricted mobility.
* 3 additional departure gates.
* 2 new lounges at Eastern end, one Executive, one General. Enhanced product and facilities.
* Second duty free area within extension to departure lounge.
* Bus shelter walkway reduced in length. The replacement of this does NOT form part of the project but the intention is to replace with a permanent two level pier with holding lounges, which will require planning consent!!
* New digital wayfinding signage throughout terminal.
* Further increase in size of check in hall A by 30% once central screening has relocated to the current baggage reclaim area.
*83% increase in customer seating.
* 76% increase in number of eateries and bars
* Direct jobs to increase by 1600 to 3600 in total by 2030.
* Indirect jobs increases to 8500 by 2030.
* Contribution to local economy 940m by 2030.
*In addition - runway improvement works underway which will take 8 years (winter seasons) at a cost if £50m.
* All airfield lighting to become LED
* New ground handling equipment charging facilities throughout airfield apron and undercroft.
*. Replacement of one of the two existing air bridges. The extension provides no additional airbridges, as only KLM at LBA wishes to use them, BUT the 3 additional gates will be designed to be easily converted to airbridges should airlines be secured that demand these facilities (eg Lufthansa, Air France).
Although not legally required, LBA are introducing a new Master plan in 2024.
CEO Update
Really good first half year with highest passenger throughput, highest turnover and highest profit . Second half of year impacted by Ryanair and Jet2 aircraft shortages .
Average queue time at central screening across summer was 6 minutes with 98% through in under 20 minutes.
Previous 'poor' CAA rating for passengers with restricted mobility now marked as Very Good, the highest rating.
Current operational challenge in central screening due to delays in installation of new X Ray machines. This installation is compulsory per Government by summer.
Having started on schedule, removing two lanes the manufacturer then amended the software, which requires Government sign off. This has delayed manufacture of the new machines and the two out of use lanes will now remain out of use until February at which point the other two lanes will be taken out of use. Still expected all lanes will be upgraded by end of February.
Extended queue times have resulted in 3 Jet2 flights being delayed by a maximum 15 minutes and 0 passengers have missed flights. The extended queue times are mainly an issue in just the two busiest days of the week in the morning.
Some changes coming to car parking with some being re-purposed. Medium stay in front of terminal to become short stay , which will be enlarged and re-marked.
No change to free drop off area.
Airport talking to Leeds City Highways to try and secure better car park directional signage in White House Lane (these are Council owned, not airport).
Parkway Station - meeting last week. Completion late 2026 but still talking about funding. Bolton Farm on Scotland Lane now purchased and in talks with the other farm to secure a portion of their land. Leeds City Council, typically, have yet to make up their mind about access road layout and routes . Completion of the full business case was due last week
LBA is recruiting a new post, Director of Corporate Affairs, reporting to the CEO, whose role will be to take the lead in all matters relating to PR, liaison with local residents, communities politicians, etc . (He/She has my deepest sympathy!!).
Clarified reasons behind withdrawal of original CLEUD applications and re-issue of 4 new ones, each written in a different way and each with additional evidence uncovered by LBA whilst investigating claims made by they who shall not be named. As expected, but perhaps unreasonably, LCC will, in January, ask again for any evidence from third parties. However, LBA are content with this and in no rush. Their view is that the timescale is not as important as getting the right answer, even if it takes longer . In the meantime their operations are not impacted.
Finally, on the subject of bussing passengers to the terminal. Noted some complain they are not bussed, others complain that they are, especially when parked on a stand reasonably close to the terminal. The issue is the walkway. It's two way traffic system means it's possible for inbound passengers to mix with outbound and thus is not permitted by Border Force. As a result they direct that certain inbound flights, in certain circumstances, must be bussed even though it causes delay. The future replacement of the walkway with a two level pier will resolve this situation.
That's all folks! I'm suffering from a numb middle finger now after typing this lot on a mobile phone!
Happy Christmas!! And a very Happy LBA New Year!7
In March I reported that Wizz were happy (generally) at LBA . This was just 4 months after transferring here bringing with them passengers who were pre booked from a time when Wizz had Wroclaw to themselves out of DSA. They had come to LBA where the route had completion in the form of Ryanair.
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