Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]

[LBA4EVER]

Wow thanks for a cracking report WH, this is clearly the turning point for LBA, so many fantastic positive developments at our airport, i do genuinely feel LBA will move up into the next league over the coming years!

 

[Kevin Farnell]

My understanding of democracy is that all sides have a say and ultimately the majority prevail, but it doesn't seem that way with the airport and our councillors and certainly not the MPs who impose their personal views on the majority..

I think that a lot of MP's (all parties) forget that they are our servants, and not our masters.
A great report regarding the Airport Consultative Committee meeting , by the way.

 

[Snackbar]

It shows that Labour Councillors are very defensive of their MPs. My criticism was the 5 MPs who opposed the terminal but their reaction suggested I'd criticised them personally. Both later claimed to be supportive of LBA but had to balance that with the views of objectors. Fair enough, except not one Labour Councillor has ever asked my views on LBA and every leaflet they shove through my door includes opposition to the airport in some form or other and photos of them cuddling up to the MP who has constantly opposed LBA. Some leaflets are completely misleading indicating either a lack of understanding or a lack of respect for the truth.

LBA said they carried out a survey recently, of people living within 5 miles of the terminal. 95% want to see LBA expand. 85% support more early flights between 0600-0700. A similarly high proportion support more flights between 2300 and 0600.

My understanding of democracy is that all sides have a say and ultimately the majority prevail, but it doesn't seem that way with the airport and our councillors and certainly not the MPs who impose their personal views on the majority..

Ha you mean the same MP who totally misled his constituents with this statement https://www.leedsbradfordairport.co...airport-hits-record-passenger-numbers-in-2017
Publicly stated how important the airport was to NW Leeds and then obstructed it at every turn. I quizzed him on this and he told me that was before there had been a change of ownership - he obviously had no defence for telling a barefaced lie……

 

[White Heather]

It shows that Labour Councillors are very defensive of their MPs. My criticism was the 5 MPs who opposed the terminal but their reaction suggested I'd criticised them personally. Both later claimed to be supportive of LBA but had to balance that with the views of objectors. Fair enough, except not one Labour Councillor has ever asked my views on LBA and every leaflet they shove through my door includes opposition to the airport in some form or other and photos of them cuddling up to the MP who has constantly opposed LBA. Some leaflets are completely misleading indicating either a lack of understanding or a lack of respect for the truth.

LBA said they carried out a survey recently, of people living within 5 miles of the terminal. 95% want to see LBA expand. 85% support more early flights between 0600-0700. A similarly high proportion support more flights between 2300 and 0600.

My understanding of democracy is that all sides have a say and ultimately the majority prevail, but it doesn't seem that way with the airport and our councillors and certainly not the MPs who impose their personal views on the majority..

Ha you mean the same MP who totally misled his constituents with this statement https://www.leedsbradfordairport.co...airport-hits-record-passenger-numbers-in-2017
Publicly stated how important the airport was to NW Leeds and then obstructed it at every turn. I quizzed him on this and he told me that was before there had been a change of ownership - he obviously had no defence for telling a barefaced lie……

I wrote to him about it....the response made little sense and I told said MP he would never get my vote in the future.

 

[gcoabc1]

Today I attended the latest ACC, which was extended to 3 hours. I will report in the key issues I think you will be most interested in. There was too much to cover everything . As ever, I will summarise tether than writing an essay.

* ATC.
Airspace Change work is ongoing and the CAA submission for Stage 2 is due for submission on 28th April. Stage 3 (if Stage 2 is approved) is the public consultation stage. Various routings are still 'on the table' including right turns off 32 for the first time.

*. Operations update.
LBA passed 4m passengers for the 2023/4 year on Monday 25th March. Although close, the final passenger figure for the fiscal year is expected to surpass the previous best set in 2017, meaning this year will be the highest passenger throughput in the airport's history. These passenger figures represent a 16% increase year on year.

Passenger throughput in Jan/Feb lower than anticipated due entirely to Wizz Air flight reductions, due to the P&W engine issues and Ryanair aircraft shortages due to slow 737 MAX deliveries by Boeing. NB. Wizz estimate another 12-18 months before their ops are restored to normal. LBA has lost circa 200,000 pax as a result of the Wizz and Ryanair issues.

However, load factors excellent. Summer 2024, LBA has 3.7m seats on offer.

Sun Express inaugural flight last Sunday saw 10 passengers inbound but a full load outbound. LBA will be taking steps to raise awareness of the service in Turkey to drive inbound tourism here .

New routes this summer to Marrakech and Bucharest with Ryanair plus Agadir with Jet2 later in the year.

London Heathrow remains high priority and LBA in talks regarding restoration of a service. No clues given as to the airline.

Talks ongoing with various US carriers re possible direct USA flights from 2026 using A321 XLR equipment. An airline was mentioned but I'm treating it as confidential. Sorry!

*. Re-Gen project.

Despite some unexpected surprises lurking under car parks, the project is on schedule. Concrete retaining wall along the apron embankment currently under construction. Steelwork erection commences early May. Drainage pipes on site.

* LBA Vision 2030 (Masterplan).

This is well advanced but not yet completed.

Next 5 years sees £200m investment as follows:
£100m. Terminal extension/refurb of existing.
£50m. Runway repairs followed by tarmac over concrete which will be completed in stages over 3 years.
£50m. Other works including new stands - number determined by demand, but ultimately a further 10 to be built.

Will support 12,100 jobs by 2030 and contribute £1bn per year to local economy .

Current estimate 11m air journeys per year originating in Yorkshire with only 4m from LBA. Of the remaining 7m, 5m from other airports are to destinations served from LBA, so a clear potential for growth and LBA already has the countries fastest growing airlines operating here.

Development of a hotel envisaged where mid stay car park was located.

Enhanced aviation technology.

Improved access - Parkway Station expected by 2026 and in talks with Transdev regarding improving services using electric buses .

Larger fuel farm to provide for more aircraft.

Upgrades to departure gates .

Provision of solar farm off Victoria Avenue subject to planning.

Additional car parking

Council generated NW Leeds employment hub behind Avro factory.

Continued reduction in CO2 emissions. LBA has reduced emissions by over 40% in last 5 years.

Beyond 2030 the plans include:

Reinstatement of Project Sky new terminal in original location, with current terminal demolished but new extension retained for alternative use (yet to be decided). Subject to planning and anticipated growth.

Additional hotel

Parallel taxiway.

*. Labour Party position on aviation

Following a query, the CEO stated he sits on the Airport Operators Committee who have had discussions with Labour over their policies. He stated that they do not anticipate any change or restrictions under the current Labour leadership so airports are relaxed about the future under a Labour Government.
Note: I commented that someone should inform the 5 Leeds Labour MPs who have opposed LBA development, being then interrupted by two Leeds Labour Councillors who were displeased with my comments. They were told to let me finish but clearly unhappy about my views. Well, tough!!

* DSA re-opening.

Asked about the threat from DSA, the CEO commented that DSA had made a loss every year for 17 years. Stated the cost to reinstate the airfield and terminal is £80m with £50m to support the airport ops through subsidies. He commented that the local leadership are committing to funding for 26 years for a single asset that could well be bankrupt in 5 years. He stated he has no concerns about DSA. He also stated that it was difficult to see where the airline operators would come from and reiterated that Wizz Air have told him that they will not return to DSA and are very happy with LBA.

*CEO update

An excellent year for LBA with record passengers and profits which are needed for investment back into the airport.

Central search area - remaining two new machines are being shipped now and should be installed during May, with LBA fully compliant from 1st June. Currently 95% of passengers are through security in under 20 minutes.

* Night movements/CLEUDs

The Council's rejections relate to exempt aircraft types (including turbo prop) and exemptions due to delays. Basically the Council say there are no exemptions and all flights count towards the night quota. LBA knew this would be their response and initiated the CLEUD action as a first step towards getting an independent decision . The CEO was meeting with the airport legal advisor this afternoon. Any decision on an appeal will be made by the airport board. Pointed out that in accordance with the written planning consent any emergency landing at LBA is illegal. That's not the intention, but it says that due to the grammar/punctuation used.

As far as LBA is concerned nothing has changed..The Council understand the airport view and vice versa. There is a good working relationship. The Council will count all night movements, LBA won't and will continue as they are. LBA rejects absolutely the statements made and that they breached the night movement limit last summer.

For summer 2025 there night movement limit is 2920.

LBA have 3607 planned movements of which 2812 fall within the quota leaving 108 spare. 795 movements will not be counted by LBA but will be by the Council so it'll be deja vu this time next year with the Council shouting foul and LBA doing what they are adamant is correct.

CEO pointed out that their policy enables the airport to attract QC 0.25 aircraft, thereby reducing the noise levels and emissions . Following the Council view, LBA will be the dumping ground for the oldest, noisiest and most polluting aircraft with zero incentive for airlines to base or operate new aircraft here.

LBA is the only UK airport still operating under night movements set in the 1990s. Most airports review every 5 years . Leeds City Council included the night limits in the 1994 Planning Consent against the advice of the Secretary of State and having done so, they are unable to amend the terms under planning law. (Note: this was disputed by one Councillor who sat on the plans panel, and he stated LBA could submit an application to very the planning consent).

* Passenger figures..
Unfortunately, due to time constraints and the amount to be discussed, I wasn't able to raise the publication of passenger figures monthly and the airport person who deals with this wasn't there anyway.

Addendum

Just to point out that due to a glitch I had to post this report before I'd finished, so I could then finish it off using the edit function. So those of you who read it before I had finished editing won't have seen the last few paras covering night movements. You may wish therefore to go back and have another look.

Excellent report WH. Don’t you just love a good spat with “ entitled” people such as councillors and MPs generally feel they are.

Eminently sensible opinions proffered by LBA and clearly a well developed strategy to deal with the CLUEDS ( and CLUELESS).

 

[SierraHotel]

Excellent report as usual. Thank you! Lets hope the direct US service transpires

 

[pug]

An excellent and detailed write up WH thank you for taking the time to do it.

Nothing has come as any surprise, but it’s reassuring to see such a positive stance given the competitive environment. One to keep an eye on is the possibility of the A321 XLR on US routes, something I’m sure could work with a fully revitalised terminal!

The figures quoted for DSA are eye watering I must say, as it’s the first time I’ve seen a breakdown of costs of reinstatement and costs of subsidy. There’s no surprise therefore that they have interested investors if that’s the sort of derisk they stand to receive!! I tend to believe that the CEO at LBA will be privy to industry information that is not currently in the public domain.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Today I attended the latest ACC, which was extended to 3 hours. I will report in the key issues I think you will be most interested in. There was too much to cover everything . As ever, I will summarise tether than writing an essay.

* ATC.
Airspace Change work is ongoing and the CAA submission for Stage 2 is due for submission on 28th April. Stage 3 (if Stage 2 is approved) is the public consultation stage. Various routings are still 'on the table' including right turns off 32 for the first time.

*. Operations update.
LBA passed 4m passengers for the 2023/4 year on Monday 25th March. Although close, the final passenger figure for the fiscal year is expected to surpass the previous best set in 2017, meaning this year will be the highest passenger throughput in the airport's history. These passenger figures represent a 16% increase year on year.

Passenger throughput in Jan/Feb lower than anticipated due entirely to Wizz Air flight reductions, due to the P&W engine issues and Ryanair aircraft shortages due to slow 737 MAX deliveries by Boeing. NB. Wizz estimate another 12-18 months before their ops are restored to normal. LBA has lost circa 200,000 pax as a result of the Wizz and Ryanair issues.

However, load factors excellent. Summer 2024, LBA has 3.7m seats on offer.

Sun Express inaugural flight last Sunday saw 10 passengers inbound but a full load outbound. LBA will be taking steps to raise awareness of the service in Turkey to drive inbound tourism here .

New routes this summer to Marrakech and Bucharest with Ryanair plus Agadir with Jet2 later in the year.

London Heathrow remains high priority and LBA in talks regarding restoration of a service. No clues given as to the airline.

Talks ongoing with various US carriers re possible direct USA flights from 2026 using A321 XLR equipment. An airline was mentioned but I'm treating it as confidential. Sorry!

*. Re-Gen project.

Despite some unexpected surprises lurking under car parks, the project is on schedule. Concrete retaining wall along the apron embankment currently under construction. Steelwork erection commences early May. Drainage pipes on site.

* LBA Vision 2030 (Masterplan).

This is well advanced but not yet completed.

Next 5 years sees £200m investment as follows:
£100m. Terminal extension/refurb of existing.
£50m. Runway repairs followed by tarmac over concrete which will be completed in stages over 3 years.
£50m. Other works including new stands - number determined by demand, but ultimately a further 10 to be built.

Will support 12,100 jobs by 2030 and contribute £1bn per year to local economy .

Current estimate 11m air journeys per year originating in Yorkshire with only 4m from LBA. Of the remaining 7m, 5m from other airports are to destinations served from LBA, so a clear potential for growth and LBA already has the countries fastest growing airlines operating here.

Development of a hotel envisaged where mid stay car park was located.

Enhanced aviation technology.

Improved access - Parkway Station expected by 2026 and in talks with Transdev regarding improving services using electric buses .

Larger fuel farm to provide for more aircraft.

Upgrades to departure gates .

Provision of solar farm off Victoria Avenue subject to planning.

Additional car parking

Council generated NW Leeds employment hub behind Avro factory.

Continued reduction in CO2 emissions. LBA has reduced emissions by over 40% in last 5 years.

Beyond 2030 the plans include:

Reinstatement of Project Sky new terminal in original location, with current terminal demolished but new extension retained for alternative use (yet to be decided). Subject to planning and anticipated growth.

Additional hotel

Parallel taxiway.

*. Labour Party position on aviation

Following a query, the CEO stated he sits on the Airport Operators Committee who have had discussions with Labour over their policies. He stated that they do not anticipate any change or restrictions under the current Labour leadership so airports are relaxed about the future under a Labour Government.
Note: I commented that someone should inform the 5 Leeds Labour MPs who have opposed LBA development, being then interrupted by two Leeds Labour Councillors who were displeased with my comments. They were told to let me finish but clearly unhappy about my views. Well, tough!!

* DSA re-opening.

Asked about the threat from DSA, the CEO commented that DSA had made a loss every year for 17 years. Stated the cost to reinstate the airfield and terminal is £80m with £50m to support the airport ops through subsidies. He commented that the local leadership are committing to funding for 26 years for a single asset that could well be bankrupt in 5 years. He stated he has no concerns about DSA. He also stated that it was difficult to see where the airline operators would come from and reiterated that Wizz Air have told him that they will not return to DSA and are very happy with LBA.

*CEO update

An excellent year for LBA with record passengers and profits which are needed for investment back into the airport.

Central search area - remaining two new machines are being shipped now and should be installed during May, with LBA fully compliant from 1st June. Currently 95% of passengers are through security in under 20 minutes.

* Night movements/CLEUDs

The Council's rejections relate to exempt aircraft types (including turbo prop) and exemptions due to delays. Basically the Council say there are no exemptions and all flights count towards the night quota. LBA knew this would be their response and initiated the CLEUD action as a first step towards getting an independent decision . The CEO was meeting with the airport legal advisor this afternoon. Any decision on an appeal will be made by the airport board. Pointed out that in accordance with the written planning consent any emergency landing at LBA is illegal. That's not the intention, but it says that due to the grammar/punctuation used.

As far as LBA is concerned nothing has changed..The Council understand the airport view and vice versa. There is a good working relationship. The Council will count all night movements, LBA won't and will continue as they are. LBA rejects absolutely the statements made and that they breached the night movement limit last summer.

For summer 2025 there night movement limit is 2920.

LBA have 3607 planned movements of which 2812 fall within the quota leaving 108 spare. 795 movements will not be counted by LBA but will be by the Council so it'll be deja vu this time next year with the Council shouting foul and LBA doing what they are adamant is correct.

CEO pointed out that their policy enables the airport to attract QC 0.25 aircraft, thereby reducing the noise levels and emissions . Following the Council view, LBA will be the dumping ground for the oldest, noisiest and most polluting aircraft with zero incentive for airlines to base or operate new aircraft here.

LBA is the only UK airport still operating under night movements set in the 1990s. Most airports review every 5 years . Leeds City Council included the night limits in the 1994 Planning Consent against the advice of the Secretary of State and having done so, they are unable to amend the terms under planning law. (Note: this was disputed by one Councillor who sat on the plans panel, and he stated LBA could submit an application to very the planning consent).

* Passenger figures..
Unfortunately, due to time constraints and the amount to be discussed, I wasn't able to raise the publication of passenger figures monthly and the airport person who deals with this wasn't there anyway.

Addendum

Just to point out that due to a glitch I had to post this report before I'd finished, so I could then finish it off using the edit function. So those of you who read it before I had finished editing won't have seen the last few paras covering night movements. You may wish therefore to go back and have another look.

Great report, detailed and timely, thanks.

Sun Express, you would assume that if the outbounds are full the inbounds (apart from the first couple of the season) will be full as well with returning pax.

 

[ls27]

The main thing to note re DSA's money- It is the worthy rate payers of that part of the West Riding who are stumping up

 

[Snackbar]

The main thing to note re DSA's money- It is the worthy rate payers of that part of the West Riding who are stumping up

Not really - it’s all our money as it’s been funded by monies received from central Government!

 

[pug]

Not really - it’s all our money as it’s been funded by monies received from central Government!

Which is why it has to be sense checked a few times before it will be released to Doncaster Council.

Anyway, all that aside the continued development of LBA just shows where private sector support is.

 

[Ian Gratton]

Thank you WH for a fantastic and very interesting report, the future looks bright. Interested that the new terminal bid has not been fully scrapped. I appreciate your hard work keeping us informed

 

[ChrisBBB]

Great report, detailed and timely, thanks.

Sun Express, you would assume that if the outbounds are full the inbounds (apart from the first couple of the season) will be full as well with returning pax.

If the outbound is full and then following the inbounds are also full, it suggests there is a big enough market locally to make it a success
Which leaves the Turkish end as a huge opportunity to grow with inbound tourism

 

[Hendi]

Fantastic report as always wh.. really pleased that there is still plans for a new terminal in the future. Also nice to see the airport sticking to thier guns and will continue what they think k is correct r.e the night movements

 

[Jetchaser]

Fantastic update WH....really appreciate your detailed analysis from the meeting and great to hear how bright the future looks for LBA. I hope the PR team make something of the fact LBA had the highest passenger figures ever.

 

[Aviador]

I remember similar speculation on here when the B787 and A350 were launched. They were going to be the perfect aircraft to bring us long haul services- didn't happen though did it. Is the A321xlr going to be any different?

The problem isn't necessarily the aircraft type though is it @LBAYORKIE as we know, airlines are pulled to the bigger airports like a magnet. LBA or Leeds and West Yorkshire will need to have something to offer that is more attractive to them. Fewer gate delays; shorter taxi times; less holding; close to York and the Yorkshire Dales. As much as we all like to have a moan about the airport, we do have a lot to be positive about too.

 

[JRP]

Amazing repost there WH, thank you for all the time and effort you put in, am so happy that you had a dig at the 5 waste of space MP’s

 

[Finger66]

The problem isn't necessarily the aircraft type though is it @LBAYORKIE as we know, airlines are pulled to the bigger airports like a magnet. LBA or Leeds and West Yorkshire will need to have something to offer that is more attractive to them. Fewer gate delays; shorter taxi times; less holding; close to York and the Yorkshire Dales. As much as we all like to have a moan about the airport, we do have a lot to be positive about too.

Agreed @Aviador as LBA wouldn’t have 4mppa if it didn’t have something to offer. It’s going to have so much more too over the coming years. Wow the future is bright

 

[SierraHotel]

The future is bright, the future's orange?? Let's hope so

 

[Finger66]

An airline and airport working together - after all it does take two to Tango!