Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]

[The Pole]

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

Wasn't that an advert for a shite mobile network years ago 0 range?
Zero range

 

[White Heather]

Airport Consultative Meeting, 3 July 2024.

Today was the latest meeting , which I attended. Unfortunately the Airport CEO Vincent Hodder, and Aviation Commercial Director, Nicola McMullen were both unable to attend at short notice due to being away. The meeting was therefore much shorter than normal. Nevertheless, here is a summary of what information we were given .

LBA Regen

*. The terminal extension remains on schedule with around 25% of the steelwork now erected and some prefabricated concrete staircases now being installed.The section linking the extension to the old terminal building is now in place too.

*. Staff training is already underway on the new baggage reclaim processes and equipment to ensure that from day 1 there are no issues such as those which afflicted LHR T5.

*. Off-site drainage is under construction to the North side of Whitehouse Lane, hence the temporary traffic lights in place. This involves a replacement sewer to Carlton Beck which has a capacity 6 times greater than the existing sewer, which will become disused. Currently at week 3 of a 16 week programme.

*. Phase 2 will go out to tender in the Autumn.

Commercial update

*. John Cunliffe, Commercial Director (non aviation) provided a summary of what the new terminal will provide once fully completed in 2026..

There will be an 83% increase in free seating ( not linked to commercial offerings).

Provision is being made for an arrivals area duty free which will be provided as and when this becomes permissible. There will also be food and drink plus car hire outlets for arriving pax, located in what currently is the baggage screening area.

LBA are talking to up to 100 businesses about commercial options within the terminal . There is much interest. Included will be a pharmacy, small foreign exchange, a bread/sandwiches outlet, specialist retail , upmarket bar area, family orientated diner, coffee shop, Burger King or similar, high volume bar area, 2nd smaller duty free, 2 lounges at Eastern end, totalling 500m2, free seating scattered throughout. Currently all are out to tender except Duty Free which is already contracted to World Duty Free.

LBA branding/marketing.

The LBA branding 'Leeds Bradford Airport, Yorkshire's Airport' is to be revised to read 'Leeds Bradford Airport, From the heart of Yorkshire' but this new branding will not appear on the old terminal until LBA Regen is completed. There are some colour changes too.

A significant marketing campaign has begun emphasising that this is Yorkshire and playing on Yorkshire tradition and humour. Hence the new Ey Up World sign on the terminal.

There will be a significant advertising campaign in the area on bus stops, 70 buses, on line and on 3 local radio stations ( Capital, Greatest Hits Radio and Heart Yorkshire).

There will be a focus on the fact LBA serves in excess of 80 destinations .

Aviation Update

Passed 1m passengers for 2024/5 in June. Pax figures lower than anticipated due to Ryanair 3rd based aircraft not arriving until June and, industry wide, demand was 'soft' in April & May. Demand has now increased significantly.

Nevertheless, LBA expect annual passenger throughput for 2024/5 of 4.4 to 4.5m, which if achieved will again be a record at LBA.

New scanners installed and working on schedule. Government liquid directives resulted in a temporary spike in the number of bags being rejected for checking, with resultant queues , but this has now settled down and queues generally are diminishing, with most pax through screening in 10 minutes .

Confirmed additional easyJet route to Geneva in winter and Jet2 route to Jerez in Summer 2025.

In response to a direct question, it was confirmed that LBA are not aware of any plans for KLM flights to be fully operated by any other operator but some flights are likely to continue to be operated by 3rd party airlines for the foreseeable future.

Still in conversation with airlines re LHR but nothing that can be shared on this at this time. (Commercial in confidence no doubt).

Confirmed that due to manpower shortages, Leeds City Council have sought a further delay in dealing with the outstanding CLEUDs and the deadline is now 6th September 2024. LBA agreed to this and continue to assist the Council.

Passenger figures. Last year in brackets).

2024/5.

Domestic to 23/6. 50,974 (42,384)

Internation'l to 23/6 1,034,812 (979,511)

Total to 23/6 1,104,386 (1,041,750).

Night Movements to end of May.

Summary:

Total night movem'ts. 514 Projected summer t'tal. 2720 Remaining capacity 200

Broken down summary:

Actual night movements 840
Delay exclusions 55
Turboprop exclusions. 1
Light jet exclusions. 1
QC exclusions (QC0.25). 269

Total night movements
against 2920 summer quota 514

 

[SierraHotel]

Thank you as ever, WH. Greatly appreciated.

 

[BCFC]

Airport Consultative Meeting, 3 July 2024.

Today was the latest meeting , which I attended. Unfortunately the Airport CEO Vincent Hodder, and Aviation Commercial Director, Nicola McMullen were both unable to attend at short notice due to being away. The meeting was therefore much shorter than normal. Nevertheless, here is a summary of what information we were given .

LBA Regen

*. The terminal extension remains on schedule with around 25% of the steelwork now erected and some prefabricated concrete staircases now being installed.The section linking the extension to the old terminal building is now in place too.

*. Staff training is already underway on the new baggage reclaim processes and equipment to ensure that from day 1 there are no issues such as those which afflicted LHR T5.

*. Off-site drainage is under construction to the North side of Whitehouse Lane, hence the temporary traffic lights in place. This involves a replacement sewer to Carlton Beck which has a capacity 6 times greater than the existing sewer, which will become disused. Currently at week 3 of a 16 week programme.

*. Phase 2 will go out to tender in the Autumn.

Commercial update

*. John Cunliffe, Commercial Director (non aviation) provided a summary of what the new terminal will provide once fully completed in 2026..

There will be an 83% increase in free seating ( not linked to commercial offerings).

Provision is being made for an arrivals area duty free which will be provided as and when this becomes permissible. There will also be food and drink plus car hire outlets for arriving pax, located in what currently is the baggage screening area.

LBA are talking to up to 100 businesses about commercial options within the terminal . There is much interest. Included will be a pharmacy, small foreign exchange, a bread/sandwiches outlet, specialist retail , upmarket bar area, family orientated diner, coffee shop, Burger King or similar, high volume bar area, 2nd smaller duty free, 2 lounges at Eastern end, totalling 500m2, free seating scattered throughout. Currently all are out to tender except Duty Free which is already contracted to World Duty Free.

LBA branding/marketing.

The LBA branding 'Leeds Bradford Airport, Yorkshire's Airport' is to be revised to read 'Leeds Bradford Airport, From the heart of Yorkshire' but this new branding will not appear on the old terminal until LBA Regen is completed. There are some colour changes too.

A significant marketing campaign has begun emphasising that this is Yorkshire and playing on Yorkshire tradition and humour. Hence the new Ey Up World sign on the terminal.

There will be a significant advertising campaign in the area on bus stops, 70 buses, on line and on 3 local radio stations ( Capital, Greatest Hits Radio and Heart Yorkshire).

There will be a focus on the fact LBA serves in excess of 80 destinations .

Aviation Update

Passed 1m passengers for 2024/5 in June. Pax figures lower than anticipated due to Ryanair 3rd based aircraft not arriving until June and, industry wide, demand was 'soft' in April & May. Demand has now increased significantly.

Nevertheless, LBA expect annual passenger throughput for 2024/5 of 4.4 to 4.5m, which if achieved will again be a record at LBA.

New scanners installed and working on schedule. Government liquid directives resulted in a temporary spike in the number of bags being rejected for checking, with resultant queues , but this has now settled down and queues generally are diminishing, with most pax through screening in 10 minutes .

Confirmed additional easyJet route to Geneva in winter and Jet2 route to Jerez in Summer 2025.

In response to a direct question, it was confirmed that LBA are not aware of any plans for KLM flights to be fully operated by any other operator but some flights are likely to continue to be operated by 3rd party airlines for the foreseeable future.

Still in conversation with airlines re LHR but nothing that can be shared on this at this time. (Commercial in confidence no doubt).

Confirmed that due to manpower shortages, Leeds City Council have sought a further delay in dealing with the outstanding CLEUDs and the deadline is now 6th September 2024. LBA agreed to this and continue to assist the Council.

Passenger figures. Last year in brackets).

2024/5.

Domestic to 23/6. 50,974 (42,384)

Internation'l to 23/6 1,034,812 (979,511)

Total to 23/6 1,104,386 (1,041,750).

Night Movements to end of May.

Summary:

Total night movem'ts. 514 Projected summer t'tal. 2720 Remaining capacity 200

Broken down summary:

Actual night movements 840
Delay exclusions 55
Turboprop exclusions. 1
Light jet exclusions. 1
QC exclusions (QC0.25). 269

Total night movements
against 2920 summer quota 514

Thank you WH….the one thing I really dislike is this ‘Ey Up’ nonsense. Happened when I booked my meet and great car parking recently , makes us look thick-heads up North in my opinion.

An increase of 83% of free seating…..currently there's not a lot of free seating so 83% of not a lot is.…..83% of not much.….but everything looks to be on track and really looking forward to seeing it progress to be our little but efficient airport which I have always loved using…

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Thank you WH….the one thing I really dislike is this ‘Ey Up’ nonsense. Happened when I booked my meet and great car parking recently , makes us look thick-heads up North in my opinion.

An increase of 83% of free seating…..currently there's not a lot of free seating so 83% of not a lot is.…..83% of not much.….but everything looks to be on track and really looking forward to seeing it progress to be our little but efficient airport which I have always loved using…

I agree regarding 'Ey Up' however the airport presumably think it fits the demographic of their customers.

 

[White Heather]

I agree regarding 'Ey Up' however the airport presumably think it fits the demographic of their customers.

At least the airport isn't being renamed Leeds International Airstrip. Captain Boycott is long retired - but 'Ey Up, Wipe Thee Feet' signage is to be installed and the new eateries will specialise in Fish, Chips and Mushy peas, served in newspaper - ideally the YEP.

I'm unable to confirm rumours that the Heathrow route will be operated by Yorkshire Airlines using Bristol Britannia equipment but you never know.

 

[BCFC]

I agree regarding 'Ey Up' however the airport presumably think it fits the demographic of their customers.

Well I think the airport have got this wrong…its like landing at Glasgow with ‘see you Jimmy’ or LHR with Hello me old China…madness.…very tacky.

 

[lbaspotter]

Ey up @White Heather thanks for sharing and updating us once again.

The future is really looking bright for our Airport in the heart of Yorkshire, It will be good to see this advertising campaign.

I for one Look forward to the Heathrow route eventually returning soon. Come on BA!

 

[oldendays]

I agree about all the 'Ey up' language. It's not a serious way to promote a serious business. I find it quite patronising and sums up our region as a land of ignorant peasants. Not good.

 

[White Heather]

I agree about all the 'Ey up' language. It's not a serious way to promote a serious business. I find it quite patronising and sums up our region as a land of ignorant peasants. Not good.

Well, apparently, LBAs marketing gurus dont agree . Maybe they think we all need to lighten up and not take ourselves so seriously. One things for certain,.it will get people talking and, as they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity.

 

[oldendays]

If the LBA Marketing bods were promoting a circus or school for wannabe comedians they'd have the right approach. But this 'Ey up' business lacks class and makes me cringe.

 

[White Heather]

If the LBA Marketing bods were promoting a circus or school for wannabe comedians they'd have the right approach. But this 'Ey up' business lacks class and makes me cringe.

Maybe they got their marketing files mixed up.

 

[Yorkieflyer]

Well, apparently, LBAs marketing gurus dont agree . Maybe they think we all need to lighten up and not take ourselves so seriously. One things for certain,.it will get people talking and, as they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity.

Are these the same marketing gurus that commissioned the TV show? They certainly didn’t come across as professional in that and it’s an industry that demands professionalism and seriousness.

 

[JRP]

Thank you WH for the update once again, it’s really appreciated

 

[White Heather]

Are these the same marketing gurus that commissioned the TV show? They certainly didn’t come across as professional in that and it’s an industry that demands professionalism and seriousness.

Somehow, I doubt it.

The videos that are on line now which start off with Ey Up World seem pretty good overall. We've been screaming for more publicity and now it's here we complain over the use of Ey Up! They've been using it a few weeks now with zero negative comments from anyone. Now, suddenly, everyone is complaining?

 

[LBA4EVER]

Somehow, I doubt it.

The videos that are on line now which start off with Ey Up World seem pretty good overall. We've been screaming for more publicity and now it's here we complain over the use of Ey Up! They've been using it a few weeks now with zero negative comments from anyone. Now, suddenly, everyone is complaining?

Its not "ey up" its "hey up!" (the 21st century yorkshire! Haha i have my marketing head on!

 

[Aviador]

Somehow, I doubt it.

The videos that are on line now which start off with Ey Up World seem pretty good overall. We've been screaming for more publicity and now it's here we complain over the use of Ey Up! They've been using it a few weeks now with zero negative comments from anyone. Now, suddenly, everyone is complaining?

Firstly thanks for the super update. I, can't believe only 25% of the steel is up!

On the topic of LBA marketing if we don't already have a dedicated thread I think it might be worth having one?

I noticed the "Ey up" a week or so ago and cringed at the sight of it but I thought maybe that it was just me, or perhaps Sir Alan Sugar's apprentice team have taken over.

I agree with @oldendays with his sentiments about the lack of class and @Yorkieflyer 's sentiments and comparisons with the failed TV series.

When we spoke to Hywel Rees about the TV series we told him we thought the series had caused huge damage to the airports reputation. He agreed and said they wouldn't be commitioning a second series even though the TV company involved wanted to.

Choosing the Yorkshire slang "Ey Up" essentially portrays LBA and Yorkshire people as being a bid silly. I am really quite supprised they have chosen such a familiar theme and simarities with the TV show.

I am sure the LBA marketing team thought the TV show would be a good idea but it wasn't and the damage was only repaired flowing the announcement of the new terminal project which too got canned.

LBA should be marketing the airport alongside the cities of Leeds and Bradford as been somewhere dynamic and interesting to visit and do business with. Using "Ey up" frankly makes us look like a laughing stock.

#LBAREGEN #LBAmarketing

 

[Len Fish]

Once the terminal extension is completed I can’t wait for the new Ecky Thump Bar to open.

 

[Finger66]

Nothing wrong with being proud of our roots etc but I took am not convinced this is the correct marketing ploy. What about all those from other counties that use LBA, could defo be a put off to them, although I suspect price and availability will still count and not bother too many.

@WH thank you for the update as ever and yes let's hope the big cheeses were absent speaking to an airline or two

 

[752]

It would be good to see the other high volume bar to be Weatherspoon. They have presence in a lot smaller airports. Subway would make a good addition also. I presume all the units currently in LBA will have a spot in the new terminal?

Interesting Vincent & Nicola didn't attend last minute. Hope they had important business to attend!

I hope the LHR link is not Eastern.

I hope if anything Eastern are looking into a proper LBA regional base. It would work in winter a lot better departing 6/7am and returning back 9/10, missing the early morning fog EI seem to get stuck in.