Airport Consultative Committee [Questions & Responses]

[User0001]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Minutes from the last consultative meeting. I've added the bold for things of particular interest.

The next meeting is in just over 3 weeks.

BUSINESS PROGRESS REPORT
The CEO:-
• Advised that over the coming winter, works to develop the terminal for growth
would take place. Details would be presented to the Committee at its September
meeting.
• Gave a flavour of the UK travel market generally, outlining where LBA sits in
terms of its performance. An update on wider market/industry issues was also
provided.
• Advised of KLM’s excellent performance on its recently introduced 4th daily
rotation to Amsterdam. The Committee once again, discussed London Heathrow
services and a sharing of views on the subject of a 3rd Runway at London
Heathrow took place.
• Speaking of a recent planning decision relating to two off airport car parks, this
would impact on LBA’s growth and ability to provide jobs at the rate it thought
possible. It made funding future investments ever more challenging.
• Advised that LBA had been in attendance at the European Routes Conference
and continues to be engaged with all major carriers.
• Advised that PIA services from LBA that were taken off sale in June, were now
back on sale. In restoring the services, LBA was aided significantly by the City of
Bradford Council.
Responses to Questions/Comments:-
Q. What were PIA’s loads? (A Elsegood)
A. Very strong. The issue was yield (the nett profit per seat) something which
airlines constantly monitor.
Q. 777 Introduction? (A Elsegood)
A. This remains a joint aspiration for PIA and LBA but no date had been given at
present.
H Ruane congratulated the airport on retaining the PIA services.
Q. Supporting Local Business? (Cllr S Brady)
A. LBA are very supportive of this. Where possible LBA promotes local produce
and business. A recent example being within the Premier Lounge, where
regional chefs, businesses and products have been showcased. LBA were
happy to consider any suggestions.
Much debate around the changes to the Pick Up and Drop Off Car park (PUDO) and
an exchange of opinions took place. Some members did not think £2 for 30 minutes
was excessive, given the introduction of 1 hour’s free parking in Long Stay. Others
did not agree that the communication process had been satisfactory or that signage
was sufficient.
In response, the business operating costs were shared with the Committee. A capex
plan costing many additional millions, and the challenges of operating an airport
business model were also outlined. There is always the chance that any decision
LBA has to take to operate a viable business will always meet with some resistance.
Great care was taken to communicate the PUDO changes, in advance, to all airport
users, including taxi operators for whom the Voyager Scheme has been re-launched.
Committee members were offered an opportunity to be taken around the changes,
including signage, at the conclusion of the meeting to see them at first hand.
The Chairman suggested that there was a vacancy on the committee for a
representative for local businesses, should anyone have a suggestion to put forward.
RESOLVED:-
• That the terminal development presentation be an agenda item for the
September meeting.
4, 5 OPERATIONAL UPDATES
& 6
The DOE:-
• Reported that the Passengers with Restricted Mobility Contract had successfully
transferred to OCS. The Airport Cleaning function had also moved back inhouse
and was now under airport management. Improvements to service levels
and standards were expected from the changes.
• Advised that LBA is involved in the consultation process on the Department for
Transport document – “Developing a Sustainable Framework for UK Aviation”.
This is to replace the government White Paper from 2003. The aim was to
create a growth forecast for regional airports.
• Advised that the recent decision of an independent planning inspector to approve
two off airport car parking sites was disappointing for the airport and region. It
would have a bearing on LBA’s ability to grow and the airport is therefore
reviewing its options.
• Advised that the airport has put in a bid to be considered for Regional Growth
Funding.
• Advised that LBA has a requirement to deliver an update to its Masterplan
document. Consultants have been engaged to support LBA in delivering this,
however, given the decision with regard to offsite car parks the project would
now pause and resume when the full effects of the decision were understood.
Responses to Questions/Comments:-
Q. When will the Consultative Committee be consulted with regards to the DfT’s
Paper.
A. Presently it was in early stages and a meeting with the DfT was due in 2 weeks
time. It would certainly be an agenda item to bring forward to a future Committee
meeting.
H Ruane commented that in her opinion, the addition of off-site car parks would
encourage individuals to travel by car to the detriment of public bus services.
RESOLVED:-
• That the Committee receive a more detailed report and opportunity to
comment on the DfT paper at a future Committee Meeting.
7. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS SESSION
The DOE:-
• Confirmed that the purpose of this item was for Committee Members to send in
their questions (via the Committee Secretary). Answers would then be prepared
and shared at the quarterly Consultative Committee Meetings.
Responses to Questions/Comments:-
Q. Very satisfied with the 967 bus service from Menston. To what extent is it
utilised? (A Elsegood)
A. This information would be provided.
Q. Any progress with the Rail Air Link? (Cllr I Scott)
A. A solution has not been progressed, although considerable efforts have been
made so far. It remains an aspirational item for LBA.
Q. Have Jet2.com aircraft recently changed course, I have been disturbed at home?
(Cllr C Campbell)
A. Nothing had changed. Cllr Campbell was to provide info / report this via the web
site reporting form and the matter would be looked into in more detail.
RESOLVED:-
• That 967 Service details be provided to A Elsegood.
• That, if further detail is required, Cllr Campbell report the noise
disturbances via the web report tool allowing an opportunity for the Noise
& Track Monitoring System to be checked and a response to be made.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Committee commented that with regard to night time hours - a change to the
designated hours to midnight to 6am would bring LBA in line with other airports. The
comment was noted.
B Dunsby commented that he should like to see the York Bus Service reinstated.
LBA shared those aspirations and would welcome any approaches from operators.
B Dunsby commented that he should like to see LBA withdraw from use of 0871
(revenue generating) numbers. The comment was noted.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday 8 September 2011 @ 2.30pm in the Airedale House Media Centre

 

[tleeds]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

A very interesting read LS16, thanks very much for sharing this with us!

It's good to see that the airport are doing everything possible to commend airlines operating from LBA. I sometimes get the impression that other much larger airports, seem to 'loose track' of who is actually operating into their airports and don't 'value' them as much as the 'humble' LBA.

 

[User0001]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

So, according the last minutes, the next meeting will be tomorrow afternoon.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

It is and I will be there.

Heather

 

[User0001]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Thanks for the updates on the terminal and PIA.
Was there anything else of interest discussed?

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Hi LS16, well not a great deal, although there was an excellent presentation about the proposals being worked up to electrify the Leeds to Harrogate rail line, and use ex District Line Underground type trains (fully refurbished), with a more frequent and faster service, and a new station for the airport, although not actually at the airport - down in the cutting towards the Bramhope Tunnel, with a direct shuttle bus from there to and from the airport, along what would be a new link road. It was actually very impressive and made a lot of sense in terms of cost and advantages, and although funding would need to be found, this proposal would be much cheaper to achieve than anything we have seen so far.

That and the terminal development apart, it was mainly to do with drop off parking charges again, track keeping of aircraft etc. There was nothing about new routes or anything like that, although for obvious reasons, Bridgepoint keep their cards very close to their chest with regard to what they are negotiating.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

In light of recent bad press regarding various subjects from drop-off charges through to Geese cullings. Is the airport going to re-address it's Public Relations strategy (if indeed it has one). I think the airport's own Internal Communications are poor. Some people who I work with didn't even know the terminal work was due to start until the hoardings went up. Clearly, Internal and External Communications are linked so it comes as no surprise when I read bad press about the airport. I suspect that many of the bad vibes on this forum would have been allayed had the airport's own communications lived up to there expectations.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I have to agree Aviador, and I have discussed this with the MD myself during a meeting I had with him a few months ago. He did say that PR was something they were looking to address, but there is little sign that they have done so yet with regard to the press and from what you say it would appear that there are no clear lines of communication within the airport either.

At the time that I met John Parkin, he had no idea that I had actually submitted an application for a job on the PR team - a rare opportunity to work for LBA doing a job that would have been a passion for me, rather than just a job. Sadly, just days later I was told I hadn't been short-listed. Perhaps they thought I might try to stir things up too much by questioning their judgement! Or more likely they were looking for someone with previous experience.

Its a pity really as I do think that they lack awareness of the mood of the local people and how much they need to keep the people behind the airport. It is not difficult to provide explanations and information and it tends to come across that they can't be bothered. I know that isn't the case - far from it - but as I posted elsewhere, surely they could provide information on their website that explains their actions and policies, rather than ignoring criticisms without response. That in itself tends to get peoples backs up and suggests that Bridgepoint are of the view that they don't need to explain themselves. They are a profit making company so in some respects they don't, (other than any shareholders) but an airport is a community thing, for the people, and building bridges between the airport,. local people, and the odd councillor would do a lot of good, particularly in view of the seemingly endless attacks on the airport by the local gutter press.

 

[wawkrk]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

but an airport is a community thing, for the people, and building bridges between the airport,. local people, and the odd councillor would do a lot of good....................

Leeds certainly has some odd councillors :s_cool

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

White Heather, EBC-S9 has raised a point about the flooring in Check-in hall A been chewed up and beyond repair. Is the airport intending to replace the flooring in check-in hall A as per the illustrations which shows the lower ceiling in the check-in hall A area?

Source: LBIA website

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I haven't seen a full list of the specification for the works, but as a project manager, I cannot imagine for a minute that they would spend all this money on the terminal and then leave an old, battered ground floor surface. I would think therefore that it will be replaced once all the work 'up above' is completed. If I were planning a project, it would be one of the last jobs to be done when all the other work has been done which could result in floor damaged.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Is the airport expecting any additional traffic or a general increase in passenger throughput during the run up and through the Olympic Games and if so are there any plans to cope with the additional traffic generated by the event?

The reason I ask is that there are 'rumours' circulating of significant passenger increases during and around the time of the Olympic Games.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I don't think that this question has been raised or discussed at previous meetings, so I can't really answer that now, but will try to remember to ask next time - although that is some time away yet. I just hope that the rumours are correct

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

The next meeting, scheduled originally for the 7th June has been postponed until the 28th. I will let you all know of anything significant that comes out of that meeting, but meanwhile I have given the airport some positive feedback regards the terminal development, and received a reply back from them to say they were very pleased that the general consensus was the terminal is impressive.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Thanks Heather.

As someone who has managed to see the work as it has progressed, it has been nice to see the finished product unfold over the last few weeks. It might not be so obvious to a passenger passing through but there are still a sizable number of snags to sort as well as the old part of the lounge to complete. Nevertheless, the finished work is a far cry from what we had before in the old departure lounge. The general consensus from passengers and staff alike is it looks impressive. Some staff have commented on the development from a usability point of view saying it is "difficult for boarding" at gates 9 and 10. There have been some negative comments from passengers, one passenger described the 'circulation zone' as "miles of walkways leading to nowhere" other passengers have said "there still isn't enough seating", but on the whole people are very happy with the new look Leeds Bradford airport. One of the main things I would say, wawkrk has already picked up on it, is the amount of space there appears to be now. Even during peak periods there seems to be copious amounts of space compared with before.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Guys.

Its been suggested that I raise the issue of the bushes and trees in front of the road by the cemetary at the next consultative meeting, particularly as this is preventing people seeing the airport and encouraging more to go into the cemetary. I have had words with the airport and the Ops Director has said he is happy for me to raise the question on the day, although it will be deflected to the council as its not an airport issue. I therefore have to submit a question in advance.

I have asked previously if members want me to do this but only had a couple of responses. Knowing the council members for Yeadon on the Committee, they are not exactly airport friendly. I have a fear that the last thing on their minds will be cutting down bushes to make life easier for aviation fans. I also have a fear that raising the profile of this matter could backfire. It would be just as easy for the Council to block access to that bit of road (other than for the business up there and cemetary) or take other measures to stop cars going up there. Raising this matter and drawing attention to it could work both ways, so there is an element of a gamble with this one.

I am perfectly happy to raise the matter if people on here think I should. I fear that it is not a matter that will be received with any sympathy however. I have already drafted something but will wait for more comments before sending it to the Airport -
which will have to be within the next few days

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

I think you should go ahead and ask.

 

[lbaspotter]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Well I'm half-way on this one.
In some way I feel like you should bring the subject up at the forthcoming Airport Consultative Committee meeting. If it gets the council to cut the bushes down a bit and supply more bins and hopefully it will keep the area tidier. We will then be able spot aircraft better and after me post the other day it gets people out of the cemetery which will be a benefit to my friend and his family and all the other people who go there to pay there respects to lost ones.

On the other hand I agree with you Heather that it could end up been a bad result for us spotters. If like you say the council may decide to paint more yellow lines or in the worst case scenario they could even decide to close the whole area so people can't park up there anymore to watch aircraft..

 

[Aviador]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

Keeping the area in shape should be a general house keeping rule for the council. It shouldn't be a concern for spotters.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Consultative Committee Questions [LBASG]

So thats 1.5 to the 'Ayes' and 0.5 to the 'Nays'. What do the others think? I think we need as many responses to this one as possible. I have to submit the request by next Tuesday at the latest.