White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
OK guys (and any other gals, although I feel like the only one of the latter!). Here is a review of today's Consultative Committee Meeting. It was interesting, but disappointing - yet I came out of it feeling quite upbeat based on what I heard. In the order items were discussed then......................(and if you are disappointed, please bear in mind that I do not control what is going on so don't have a go at me! To be fair to myself I put forward a lot of questions today and managed to obtain more information than would probably have been forthcoming otherwise).
1. The airport now has installed superfast WiFi in the terminal for passengers to use. It is described as extremely fast and one of the fastest WiFi speeds in any UK airport and further afield. This together with the airports new website really enhances the customer experience
2. The Flybe shuttle service was stated to have been withdrawn, so the link to Jersey has gone as well as Aberdeen. LBA are disappointed at the airline's decision after only one season. However, they are 'quite hopeful' that the Newquay/Edinburgh links might well be approved. (I am not sure but I could see this as a Newquay/LBA/Edinburgh service, as they previously operated on Exeter/LBA/Aberdeen). They confirmed also the plans of Aurigny to serve Guernsey next summer using an ATR72.
3. The new remote holding lounge at the end of the walkway will be operating from mid May. It will provide added flexibility and reduce boarding delays.
4. As reported on here, the apron stands have been re-configured to improve stand utilisation. This will enable larger aircraft types to be on stands nearer the terminal, again reducing boarding time and there will be more flexibility.
5. The central security screening area is to be re-configured again, with longer rollers up to the scanners and larger trays, enabling customers to get their belongings in one tray, rather than several of them. It is all aimed to speed up the process further. Customers will be invited to press 'smiley' or 'frowning' face buttons in various parts of the terminal to indicate their satisfaction
6. The final pax figure for the year ended 31st March is just under a 1% increase on 2013/14. This is viewed as a positive consolidation of the previous few years' growth, but the intention is to kick on now and aim to secure further growth in the coming years. The recent increases in pax (+1.66% Nov; +6.26% Dec; +8,32% Jan; + 14.16% Feb) are mainly due to an increase in domestic and Irish routes. The loss of the Flybe shuttle is certain to have a negative impact on this, but BA, and Aer Lingus are both doing well.
7. PARKING CHARGES/SMOKING CHARGES
Confirmed that the £3 charge is in force but that all new signage is now in place directing pax to the free drop off zone. I saw these today when entering the airport and they are very clear. Perhaps they are working too as the drop off area was very quiet all afternoon. Confirmed that virtually all UK airports will shortly have drop off fees _ including one fairly close to home! The free zone is closer to the terminal than any other UK airport - some require a bus transfer. The smoking area cost LBA over £60K to build. It is costly to clean and maintain, and there has been a lot of vandalism to the turnstile into it. There has been recent publicity about a £1 charge - but the original charge was £2 and this has actually been halved! There was no obligation to provide this facility and the charge is to recover the outlay, cleaning and maintenance costs.
8. MASTERPLAN; There was a brief presentation but no firm detail - although some clues as below. The following are the key points made;
LBA is contributing £336m GVA to the regional economy. There is a real drive by all parties (ie LBA and the Local Authority, and such as the transport authorities) to develop LBA to the benefit of the region. The Masterplan has been named 'The Route to 2030 (Draft Strategic Development Plan). This is a reference to the forecast 7.1m pax at LBA by 2030 - more than airports such as Newcastle. The document will include the LBA Surface Access Strategy.
As I mentioned previously, this Masterplan is effectively a joint document which both LBA and Leeds City Council will be signed up to. This will avoid any potential conflict of interest or obstacles being put in the way such as planning conditions or objections by the LA Planners. It means that the process underway is taking longer, but it will be time well spent and will enable change much easier once implemented. The Masterplan is not yet available for consultation because of changes occurring within the LA which are delaying progress. These were not explained but it was stated that the LBA Masterplan will go out to consultation alongside the surface access strategy - and this is still being worked up. All we were told is that completion will be within this year, but nothing specific was given. ( I had the distinct impression that the LBA plan is pretty much complete but cannot be put out for consultation until the LA are ready, otherwise it will not be a joint effort.
I asked direct questions about the diversion rate and the runway operation - particularly the possible relocation of the touch down point on runway 32. They responded by saying that they are currently in discussion with the likes of Boeing and Airbus, to understand the performance capabilities of such as the 787 and A350. They also intend discussions with airlines equipped with this aircraft and those who might in the future, to understand what will be needed to operate such types at LBA. The intention is to build a business case for any development required, but this will NOT just be done in the hope it will attract operators. The cost (as previously stated) is very high - and there are ILS issues - and various other issues to overcome. It is not part of the Masterplan but LBA stated that they are aware of the option and it will be considered in the future if it is confirmed as a necessity to attract business . (I got the distinct impression that they remain of the view that the cost of doing this outweighs the benefits at this time - and clearly that situation would have to change for anything to happen).
The presentation did indicate future development and enhancement of taxiways, parking stands, additional gates, terminal improvement/developments, Improvements to passenger experience (queues, security, stairs etc) and better bus/rail connections. No detail given re what, or when.
LBA are targeting more business routes for the future and are working hard behind the scenes to make it happen, but for obvious reasons are unable to say what they are working on.
I also raised the issue of certain aircraft types (notably the Jet2 738 and currently, the KLM E190) being unable to take cat 3 landings. Not much said about the 738 except to confirm that Jet2 738's are not necessarily the same specification at Ryanair 738's . Also that even where the aircraft is equipped, the crew have to be qualified to do cat 3. The issues with the E190 are known to both KLM and LBA and they are working together on a fix which will restore Cat 3 for the E190.
The overall aim of the joint documents (when launched) is to progress LBA towards growth, with targeted increases in business routes, transport infrastructure, road links and ways to develop the airport to attract business to the location (non aviation) - such as business parks.
The link road to the airport from the A65 and through to the A658/Otley Old Road junction, will be built by 2021 and funding has been committed. In two weeks the route planning process gets underway (although the basic route appears unchanged according to planning documents). The cost is quoted as £34m.
Possibly as part of the Masterplan - LBA are now considering the situation re night time quotas. Currently LBA night flights are between 2300 and 0700. All other regional airports have 0600 as the end of night flying. LBA is now getting close to its limits so they are looking at seeking planning consent to amend the night hours as the vast majority of the night flights are actually early morning departures which elsewhere would be classified as a day flight. We have been pushing for this for some considerable time (years) so this was good news and about time.
The previously mentioned Airspace review is up and running again and likely to be implemented by 2017, but there are various stages to go through first, not least consultation.
The committee were given an assurance that there is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes all aimed at realising LBA potential and building the necessary business cases for future developments - which is standard business practice.
8, HARROGATE LINE ELECTRIFICATION - presentation by Harrogate Chamber of Commerce representative.
This is now on the priority list for lines in this area. The business case is completed and the proposals are now progressing towards design. If the improvement gets the final go ahead, it will be for completion during the period 2019 - 2024, providing more trains (15 minutes) and new rolling stock which will be faster. As recently announced, Virgin trains will also introduce 7 return journeys a day from Harrogate to London Kings Cross, which will stop at Horsforth. It was pointed out that:
A new parkway station could become the stopping place for the London trains - making LBA parkway an East Coast mainline option.
A new parkway station can be delivered much quicker and at a much lower cost than a rail spur to the airport.
That the new link road to the airport will pass reasonably close to a parkway station.
That's all folks. Sorry I can't provide you with more detail. I will not be providing an update on the June meeting as I am unable to attend and my deputy passed away last year, but when the minutes come out I will summarise anything of interest.
1. The airport now has installed superfast WiFi in the terminal for passengers to use. It is described as extremely fast and one of the fastest WiFi speeds in any UK airport and further afield. This together with the airports new website really enhances the customer experience
2. The Flybe shuttle service was stated to have been withdrawn, so the link to Jersey has gone as well as Aberdeen. LBA are disappointed at the airline's decision after only one season. However, they are 'quite hopeful' that the Newquay/Edinburgh links might well be approved. (I am not sure but I could see this as a Newquay/LBA/Edinburgh service, as they previously operated on Exeter/LBA/Aberdeen). They confirmed also the plans of Aurigny to serve Guernsey next summer using an ATR72.
3. The new remote holding lounge at the end of the walkway will be operating from mid May. It will provide added flexibility and reduce boarding delays.
4. As reported on here, the apron stands have been re-configured to improve stand utilisation. This will enable larger aircraft types to be on stands nearer the terminal, again reducing boarding time and there will be more flexibility.
5. The central security screening area is to be re-configured again, with longer rollers up to the scanners and larger trays, enabling customers to get their belongings in one tray, rather than several of them. It is all aimed to speed up the process further. Customers will be invited to press 'smiley' or 'frowning' face buttons in various parts of the terminal to indicate their satisfaction
6. The final pax figure for the year ended 31st March is just under a 1% increase on 2013/14. This is viewed as a positive consolidation of the previous few years' growth, but the intention is to kick on now and aim to secure further growth in the coming years. The recent increases in pax (+1.66% Nov; +6.26% Dec; +8,32% Jan; + 14.16% Feb) are mainly due to an increase in domestic and Irish routes. The loss of the Flybe shuttle is certain to have a negative impact on this, but BA, and Aer Lingus are both doing well.
7. PARKING CHARGES/SMOKING CHARGES
Confirmed that the £3 charge is in force but that all new signage is now in place directing pax to the free drop off zone. I saw these today when entering the airport and they are very clear. Perhaps they are working too as the drop off area was very quiet all afternoon. Confirmed that virtually all UK airports will shortly have drop off fees _ including one fairly close to home! The free zone is closer to the terminal than any other UK airport - some require a bus transfer. The smoking area cost LBA over £60K to build. It is costly to clean and maintain, and there has been a lot of vandalism to the turnstile into it. There has been recent publicity about a £1 charge - but the original charge was £2 and this has actually been halved! There was no obligation to provide this facility and the charge is to recover the outlay, cleaning and maintenance costs.
8. MASTERPLAN; There was a brief presentation but no firm detail - although some clues as below. The following are the key points made;
LBA is contributing £336m GVA to the regional economy. There is a real drive by all parties (ie LBA and the Local Authority, and such as the transport authorities) to develop LBA to the benefit of the region. The Masterplan has been named 'The Route to 2030 (Draft Strategic Development Plan). This is a reference to the forecast 7.1m pax at LBA by 2030 - more than airports such as Newcastle. The document will include the LBA Surface Access Strategy.
As I mentioned previously, this Masterplan is effectively a joint document which both LBA and Leeds City Council will be signed up to. This will avoid any potential conflict of interest or obstacles being put in the way such as planning conditions or objections by the LA Planners. It means that the process underway is taking longer, but it will be time well spent and will enable change much easier once implemented. The Masterplan is not yet available for consultation because of changes occurring within the LA which are delaying progress. These were not explained but it was stated that the LBA Masterplan will go out to consultation alongside the surface access strategy - and this is still being worked up. All we were told is that completion will be within this year, but nothing specific was given. ( I had the distinct impression that the LBA plan is pretty much complete but cannot be put out for consultation until the LA are ready, otherwise it will not be a joint effort.
I asked direct questions about the diversion rate and the runway operation - particularly the possible relocation of the touch down point on runway 32. They responded by saying that they are currently in discussion with the likes of Boeing and Airbus, to understand the performance capabilities of such as the 787 and A350. They also intend discussions with airlines equipped with this aircraft and those who might in the future, to understand what will be needed to operate such types at LBA. The intention is to build a business case for any development required, but this will NOT just be done in the hope it will attract operators. The cost (as previously stated) is very high - and there are ILS issues - and various other issues to overcome. It is not part of the Masterplan but LBA stated that they are aware of the option and it will be considered in the future if it is confirmed as a necessity to attract business . (I got the distinct impression that they remain of the view that the cost of doing this outweighs the benefits at this time - and clearly that situation would have to change for anything to happen).
The presentation did indicate future development and enhancement of taxiways, parking stands, additional gates, terminal improvement/developments, Improvements to passenger experience (queues, security, stairs etc) and better bus/rail connections. No detail given re what, or when.
LBA are targeting more business routes for the future and are working hard behind the scenes to make it happen, but for obvious reasons are unable to say what they are working on.
I also raised the issue of certain aircraft types (notably the Jet2 738 and currently, the KLM E190) being unable to take cat 3 landings. Not much said about the 738 except to confirm that Jet2 738's are not necessarily the same specification at Ryanair 738's . Also that even where the aircraft is equipped, the crew have to be qualified to do cat 3. The issues with the E190 are known to both KLM and LBA and they are working together on a fix which will restore Cat 3 for the E190.
The overall aim of the joint documents (when launched) is to progress LBA towards growth, with targeted increases in business routes, transport infrastructure, road links and ways to develop the airport to attract business to the location (non aviation) - such as business parks.
The link road to the airport from the A65 and through to the A658/Otley Old Road junction, will be built by 2021 and funding has been committed. In two weeks the route planning process gets underway (although the basic route appears unchanged according to planning documents). The cost is quoted as £34m.
Possibly as part of the Masterplan - LBA are now considering the situation re night time quotas. Currently LBA night flights are between 2300 and 0700. All other regional airports have 0600 as the end of night flying. LBA is now getting close to its limits so they are looking at seeking planning consent to amend the night hours as the vast majority of the night flights are actually early morning departures which elsewhere would be classified as a day flight. We have been pushing for this for some considerable time (years) so this was good news and about time.
The previously mentioned Airspace review is up and running again and likely to be implemented by 2017, but there are various stages to go through first, not least consultation.
The committee were given an assurance that there is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes all aimed at realising LBA potential and building the necessary business cases for future developments - which is standard business practice.
8, HARROGATE LINE ELECTRIFICATION - presentation by Harrogate Chamber of Commerce representative.
This is now on the priority list for lines in this area. The business case is completed and the proposals are now progressing towards design. If the improvement gets the final go ahead, it will be for completion during the period 2019 - 2024, providing more trains (15 minutes) and new rolling stock which will be faster. As recently announced, Virgin trains will also introduce 7 return journeys a day from Harrogate to London Kings Cross, which will stop at Horsforth. It was pointed out that:
A new parkway station could become the stopping place for the London trains - making LBA parkway an East Coast mainline option.
A new parkway station can be delivered much quicker and at a much lower cost than a rail spur to the airport.
That the new link road to the airport will pass reasonably close to a parkway station.
That's all folks. Sorry I can't provide you with more detail. I will not be providing an update on the June meeting as I am unable to attend and my deputy passed away last year, but when the minutes come out I will summarise anything of interest.
