CAA Provisional Statistics Update

[White Heather]

I have seen the February 17 passenger figures today. I cannot disclose them until after next weeks Consultative Committee meeting so another week to go - but they are good again. That is all I am saying for now. So don't ask!!

 

[White Heather]

OK, so after today's sad news re the loss of Easyjet from LBA, here is some good news confirmed at today's Consultative Committee meeting. The passenger figures for February. Total pax for February 2017 were 203,094, compared to 170,809 in February 2016 - an increase of 18.9%. The fiscal year total, with March yet to come, totals 3,434,633, compared to 3,260,010 for the same 11 months last year, an overall increase of 5.36%. This figures is obviously down to the relatively small increases last summer, but it should be noted that passenger increases since November are +10.52%, + 23.85%, + 16.57% and + 18.9% - so around 20% up over the past 4 months - which is the largest increase of any UK airport over that period I think. Bearing in mind the poor ski bookings, these figures are excellent and despite the loss of Easyjet, LBA are confident of ongoing growth in Summer 17 and through next winter also.

 

[White Heather]

Well good to tell there was bad news today re Easyjet. Not a single comment regarding passenger figures up 18.9% in February!

 

[Finger66]

Well said White Heather. I rest my case re doom and gloom merchants as posted in the Easyjet thread. Just waiting now for a300boy to tell us both we can't have an opinion

 

[Finger66]

I am issuing a public apology to anyone who may think my opinions are a little too heavy, especially to a300boy. There was no personal attack intended. We are all very passionate about our local airport and have very different ways of showing. The real positive out of everything is that we all care enough to post, whether others agree with the opinion or not. I am sure i will find something else to rant about soon lol. Keep the opinionated debate going and who knows which airlines may do what in the future. All the best to everyone

 

[a300boy]

Thanks Finger66 !
I hope we have no more bad news but some good news to discuss during the very busy summer months then I can get on board with the positive crowd.
I will try to get excited by lots of Ryanair and Jet 2 aircraft wizzing past my window.
I have trips to Manchester Amsterdam and Heathrow to look forward to see something different.

 

[White Heather]

I am beginning to wonder if it is worthwhile posting the passenger figures. When they don't come out there is a lot complaining. But when I provide the February stats, in advance of them being available through the CAA, and when they are well on the way to 20% up on last year, there is very little interest or comment! These are probably the biggest single increase in pax in February of a year for a very long time - and possibly ever. I had expected that they would result in loud cheering and celebrations. I am sure if the figures had been a reduction there would have been a lot said. Perhaps we are all starting to take a month on month passenger increase for granted?

 

[Finger66]

Well there certainly is plenty of excitement and positivity around today. Good to see. Great February figures. An increase in schedules now BST is virtually here. That still outweighs the loss of Easyjet however disappointing. LBA remains on the up and I am sure that is the way it will stay. Sure there will be more ups than downs. Bring on the busiest summer ever!

 

[TheLocalYokel]

I don't know if it's been mentioned in this thread - I've scanned the recent posts - but February 2016 was a leap year so you can add an approximate notional 3% to that 18.9% increase.

 

[a300boy]

I am happy and they are excellent figures !
My post pointed out if you measure success by passenger figures there is no argument to be made.
I however want some variety of airlines and am very disappointed to loose Easyjet or any other airline even if it is only 20000 pax a year.

 

[Seasider]

Sorry for not commenting WH but I have been away in Barcelona taking advantage of the fantastic photo positions the airport has provided.
They are indeed excellent pax figures and should be greeted with joy. I am approaching the 50th anniversary of my first visit to LBA in 1968 - yes I am that old - when Viscounts ruled the roost. Like you, I can remember when the only flights (during the winter) on a Sunday were 2 Heathrow flights.

 

[Seasider]

I forgot to add, please keep posting the pax figures, you can't rely on the CAA. It must be a "Numbers" thing with me, but I keep a record of all the monthly figures.

 

[AirBingley]

Looks like the March figures have been published on the CAA website - not sure if it's been picked up on:

Overall up 12% for LBA at 247681 - for the year 3,695,269 up 6.2%.

Domestic routes:
Heathrow up 7% - still BA's fastest growing domestic service from LHR
Glasgow up 65%
Newquay - 1,643 so assuming 24 rotations (I think it was mainly 3x a week) gives 68 per flight
Southampton - no change
Aberdeen down 33%

 

[Finger66]

What excellent reading. ABZ is suffering everywhere so no concern there. The two standouts are LHR which must be close to either an upgrade to an A320 or an increase to 4 a day. Still gives us hope for an LBA night stop which I have stated previously will only increase pax numbers further. The really big one though is GLA. Whilst this may point towards an introduction of a S2000 I would prefer a third rotation on a S340. Business travellers want frequency so that could even then lead to 3 a day mix S2000 and S340. We all know how the Loganair MD loves LBA but will not put the viability of the route on the line

 

[rmac]

Might even lead to the re-introduction of an Edinburgh rotation.

 

[lbaspotter]

Great figures once again for BA on the LHR route. Not far off now from where bmi once were. Also makes you wonder how Loganair will do on the GLA when they split from the Flybe franchise and go it alone in August.

Eastern have the right aircraft using the J41 at a reduced frequency now on the ABZ route, I just hope the SOU doesn't suffer badly when the Saab 2000 is replaced by the smaller and louder ageing J41

Meanwhile flybe are now up to 5x weekly Dash 8 on the LBA-NQY route which receives a PSO from the government and is up against airlines own competition down the road with DSA-NQY 3x weekly Embrear 175 jet service. I also understand Flybe celebrate 25 years serving the ever popular LBA-BHD route this summer, they launched the route (Jersey European) after the demise of Capital Airlines.

Might even lead to the re-introduction of an Edinburgh rotation.

Guess that might depend on how "Finger66" is getting on with his conversations. Be nice to see EDI, possibly both BRS and IOM back on the LBA route map

 

[Finger66]

Finger 66 has had some very interesting, if currently unproductive, conversations this week. Found a way to minimise the financial outlay but in order for that to happen there is going to be a shortage of Tarmac at LBA. Think smaller than a J41 but on the upside less pax to entice to each sector which is so achievable, and some, to be honest. The downside is the advice given about the number of aircraft needed to make the whole op profitable. This may mean looking at non LBA routes even though LBA remains the mainstay. That said, LBA would prob pull out a few stops if they knew they were getting several new routes, to secure parking space. And yes some of you not a million miles away with route suggestions. Take all that as you will!

 

[White Heather]

Finger 66 has had some very interesting, if currently unproductive, conversations this week. Found a way to minimise the financial outlay but in order for that to happen there is going to be a shortage of Tarmac at LBA. Think smaller than a J41 but on the upside less pax to entice to each sector which is so achievable, and some, to be honest. The downside is the advice given about the number of aircraft needed to make the whole op profitable. This may mean looking at non LBA routes even though LBA remains the mainstay. That said, LBA would prob pull out a few stops if they knew they were getting several new routes, to secure parking space. And yes some of you not a million miles away with route suggestions. Take all that as you will!

LBA have always said that if the demand is there for additional apron space, they will provide it and it is in the Masterplan for the first extension in the next couple of years. It would be nice if your success meant that they had to accelerate their plans. As for routes using a small turbo prop (what is there that is smaller than a J41 other than the J31?). Edinburgh, Bristol, IOM, and how about Cork or is that too far on a small aircraft?

 

[Finger66]

Thank you for that White Heather. That could prove useful. The J31 would probably be the ideal but these are starting to get a bit long in the tooth and safety concerns with them ultimately contributed to the downfall of Links Air. There is also the Dornier 228 and the Beech 1900 although not sure the latter is certified for UK scheduled ops. Going even smaller there is the Pilatus PC12 which I believe may even still be in production. This aircraft would not take too much filling and could therefore provide some higher frequency stuff that the business travel market needs. Again the destinations mentioned would be under consideration although suspect the likes of ORK would be close to range limit. Also with the PC12 it is single engined so may be crossing water issues. One other of a similar size to the PC12 is the Cessna 208. This is all why I am not interested in aiming big. The more frequency I can provide the better as I am aiming primarily at the business market. I have though been advised its 10 a/c min to make an operational sustainable, assuming the routes remain profitable, to cover for the rest of the infrastructure involved. This all remains food for thought and anyone's input and comments are greatly appreciated.

 

[a300boy]

I do not think single engine is a starter for the business community.
Thats why I used a Piper Aztec [ 6 seats ] for my business group members.
and had a Twin Commanche [ 4 seats ] as a back up.
Cessna Caravan 2 or King Air 350 might be the right kind of starting point.
I have the ex Chief Pilot of a King Air operator based at Leeds available when you start looking for crew.