Airport News Archive November 2008

28.11.2008

Ryanair route under threat

Ryanair has threatened to cancel flights to one of the most popular year round destinations because of a dispute with local tourist bosses.

The Irish no-frill airline has threatened to cancel all of its flights to and Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands, unless a local tourism group “ honours a commercial agreement”

Ryanair  has carried 250,000 passengers on nine routes to the island since 2006, and currently operates low cost flights to Fuerteventura from East Midlands, Birmingham, London Stansted and Liverpool airports in the UK, and Shannon and Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.

Earlier this month, Ryanair also cancelled most of its flights to Valencia in Spain after failing to come to any agreement with the local tourist department.

25.11.2008

New Caribbean destinations for Monarch Airlines from Gatwick

Monarch Airlines is to operate a new route from Gatwick Airport to the Caribbean islands of Grenada and Tobago, which used to be serviced by XL Airways.

The British charter carrier which is based at Luton  Airport will begin its weekly service  from December 17th, with flights leaving Gatwick Airport at 9.30am , arriving in Grenada at 14.50pm and Tobago at 16.40pm.

The return flight , which will be a scheduled A330 Airbus will depart from Grenada at 16.05pm and Tobago at 18.40pm, landing back at Gatwick at 06.55am the next morning.

Monarch will offer passengers 307 economy seats and 51 premium economy seats on the service, which was halted in August after XL Airways went into receivership.

24.11.2008

Airline websites claimed to be “misleading”

A study by the European Commission has found that at least 200 websites are misleading the public. Websites are failing to show taxes and additional charges, and refusing to advertise the lowest fare prominently it has been claimed.

In order to give the airlines that are involved time to rectify these findings, the Commission has refused to give any details of the airlines in question, but last month a Spanish watchdog said it had found misleading information in seven websites, including that of Ryanair..

The European Commission who have conducted the report have stated that they could force the offenders to suspend their websites unless they improve their content and layout.

Fifteen different airlines took part in the study for one weekend at the end of September .

They scrutinised over 400 websites and found that at least half of them were not complying in some way with EU regulations. Common infringements included  prices on the home page that did not include taxes and charges, “free” flights that weren’t free and confusing compulsory purchase of holiday insurance as part of a flight offer..

In response to the findings Ryanair retaliated, requesting that the commission widened its investigation “to cover the real scandal of unfair fuel surcharge increases being levied by British Airways, Air France, KLM and Lufthansa”.

To date, the UK’s office of Fair trading has already taken action against 13 airlines for failing to prominently show fuel fees, taxes and other charges.

21.11.2008

More choice from Flypark for Manchester Airport Hotels

Flypark one of the longest online airport parkingand airport hotel companies has joined with Holidayextras. Following the decision, Flypark is pleased to announce that over 20 hotels all close to Manchester airport are now available for your business trip or holiday.

The choice of hotels range from 4 star with executive bedrooms to a 3 star mystery hotel where the best price has been arranged. All numbers are catered for from families to indivduals.

The accomadation can be booked with or without parking. In some instances the hotel will provide on site parking or you will travel to a car park and be transferred from there. Manchester Meet and Greet service can also be tagged onto your hotel stay.

20.11.2008

New VIP lounge at London Gatwick.

The new Servisair lounge in Gatwick Airport’s North terminal is a haven from the busy airport for families and business travellers alike. The modern facility has two distinct zones; the relaxation zone which caters for adults looking for somewhere to relax or work before their flight. And the fun zone which caters for the needs of children and their families.

The relaxation area provides a wide range of facilities. Guests may relax in comfortable leather chairs in a modern, spacious and tranquil space, with complimentary newspapers and magazines to hand. Unlimited freshly brewed tea or coffee is available along with a well stocked complimentary bar and snacks. A small charge is levied for champagne.

Servisair will not allow same sex groups forming hen or stag parties into the lounge, and a smart casual dress code must be adhered to.

Guests may stay for a maximum of three hours and must be ticketed.

Disabled access is available with elevators direct to the relevant floors.

The lounge , which will seat 130 guests, is fully air conditioned  and is the only one in the terminal to provide entertainment. It is located airside of the North Terminal. To access the Wentworth Lounge, after clearing security turn left into the departure lounge and follow the signs for the lounge pavilion. Turn right into the lounge and take the lift to level 1.

Guests may also use facilities in the business area, which include telephone, fax, WiFi access and power points for lap tops.

The Fun Zone for the children, contains a soft ball play area for the younger guests , and for older children there are large screen televisions, console games cartoons and films to keep the occupied before the flight.

Please note that to Wentworth Lounge is open from 05.00 until 10.00 daily but closed on some specific dates, Please check the Servisair website for details.

Start your holiday off in style. Try Gatwick Meet and Greet service

19.11.2008

Glasgow Prestwick Airport- Vision for the future

A master plan for major developments at Prestwick Airport has laid out an exciting plan which will span the next 25 years. The draft master plan outlines passenger and freight growth, trends and forecasts, infrastructure development and transport and parking requirements.

The draft predicts that Glasgow Prestwick will double the amount of passengers that travel through the airport over the next decade .

Forecast figures show a potential 5.7 million passengers in 2018 and approximately 12 million by 2033. Mark Rodwell, Chief Executive of Glasgow Prestwick commented “we expect to gain a greater share of the Scottish market and our growth will provide more travel opportunities, deliver more visitors and create more business opportunities and jobs”. He went on to say “our growth predictions are based on the greater of three possible scenarios and it assumes that a number of business opportunities come to fruition, as well as new developments in the domestic, European and long haul markets”.

The main terminal building will undergo a comprehensive overhaul whilst additional car parking spaces will be provided. The current runway infrastructure will be able to handle growth to start with but it is certain that the existing apron and taxiway facilities will need to be upgraded as the number of aircraft movement increases. Improved transport links to Glasgow Prestwick airport in particular road and rail will be needed , as passenger numbers increase, and this issue is covered in the draft.

The railway station will need a full refurbishment, providing longer trains and platforms, more trains every hour and an increase in operating hours to cover increased early morning and late night services, which at the moment are not provided for by public services.

Hugh Hunter, leader of South Ayrshire Council stated “We have a very strong relationship with the airport which has been built on sound foundations over many years and we share many of the same goals”.

Book airport car parking or airport hotels at all Scottish airports

16.11.2008

Manchester Airport loose long haul flights

Britain’s major airlines are focussing on flights out of the London airports.

BMI has stated that it is terminating all long haul flights out of Manchester Airport. Flights to Chicago will cease in January, and flights to Antigua Barbados and Las Vegas will stop in March 2009.

Last month British Airways announced that its service from Manchester to New York would no longer be available: BA’s only remaining international route outside of London.

BMI which is now owned by Lufthansa, has implied that close to 140 jobs based at Manchester Airport will be lost.

Managing Director Andrew Cornish stated earlier in the week “ business class passengers are the key to the success of routes and in recent weeks premium passengers have declined as financial institutions cut business trips.

He also commented that with the exception of Antigua all the destinations covered by BMI are also served by other carriers.

A spokesperson for BMI conceded that a significant drop in customers travelling from Manchester was behind the decision to axe these routes and that long-haul services had never performed to the levels that they had hoped for, with little change  forseen in the future.

BMI’s two Manchester airport based A330 air buses are to be moved to Heathrow Airport for services to Amman and Cairo. Flights from Heathrow to Riyadh will also be doubled from January 2009.

15.11.2008

Flying Dogs at Birmingham Airport

Passengers with visual impairments will now be able to travel from Birmingham International Airport with greater ease following the news that assistance dogs are to be allowed on certain flights.

Both blind and partially sighted passengers will be able to travel through the airport accompanied by their assistance dog.

The process will be managed by OCS (One complete solution) who already cater for the needs of other disabled passengers, making their travelling experiences as problem free as possible.

The reasons behind the new rules are due to recent legislation which now permits guide dogs to be allowed on certain routes. The new ruling will enhance the experience of blind and partially sighted passengers travelling to and from the airport, making it a more enjoyable and stress free experience.

When a passenger and guide dog arrive at the airport they will be met by a member of OCS . The vaccination history of the canine will be checked and additional help will be provided for both of them during the journey through the airport, through to boarding.

John Morris who is head of Corporate Affairs commented “Being able to welcome assistance dogs here will make it even easier for those with visual impairments to use the Midlands’ premier airport. The Airport team has worked with a number of partners to make this project a success and we look forward to welcoming many more assistance dogs through Birmingham in the coming months.”.The airport does however request passengers to contact their tour operator or airline before travelling, so that correct procedures are in place before their arrival at the airport.

14.11.2008

Virgin and Easyjet  to join forces to buy Gatwick

Virgin and Easyjet are said to be considering joining forces to buy Gatwick from the under siege BAA for a reported £2.5 billion. They are looking for financial consortium to put together a bid and potential partners maybe British Airways, Thompsonfly, Monarch MyTravel and bmi British Midland who are all partners in the Traffic Control Service.

Clearly self interest will be at the heart of the bid and would guarantee Gatwick's future but will it serve the publics interest? Should airlines be able to own airports ? Will other airport owners see this has a threat. Easyjet for example have a large presence at Luton airport and clearly a transfer of business to Gatwick would make sense if you are the owner.

RBS and HSBC, which are handling the sale of Gatwick, are expected to begin the auction just before Christmas and there are said to be many interested partners.

Compare prices for Gatwick airport parking and Gatwick hotel parking

13/11/2008

New rules for visiting America

The USA has introduced new rules for entering the USA which entail registering your intended visit through your airline or via a government website 72 hours before your visit. This has been roundly criticised by would be travellers and the International Airline Passenger Assocaition, because many need to take last minute flights and is just another regulation which makes travelling less and less attractive.

From January 2009, these new rules will apply to all countries who fly under the visa waiver programme and the FBI have stated that the threat to the USA from AL Qaeda has increased. They have identified that European have less difficulty entering the USA and see this requirement to minimise this threat.

The opposition state that many business travelers, will be unable to operate within this time scale and they will find alternative methods of concluding business, without the need for face to face meetings. Given that rising flight prices, delays, lost luggage and ever tighter security is making travel an unwelcome chore rather than a pleasure this extre requirement is seen as an extre nail in the coffin.

All 27 visa waiver programme countries are affected, which includes most of western Europe, Australia and Japan. The information required is a re-hash of the immingration form.

Flying to the USA from the UK book airport parking | airport hotels with parking online.

12.11.2008

Glasgow Terminal Extension

BAA have invested 31 million on extending the terminal at Glasgow airport. The work has taken over 18 months and will create up to 250 new jobs. The airport has up to the minute security technology with more space and improved retail outlets with more to come during 2009.

£12 million of the spend was updating the security area which includes installing 10 new  Atix x-ray machines with space for 4 more. The security area is 4000 square metres and is one of the largest stae of art security zones in the UK. All passengers whether domestic or international will use this security zone to reach their departure lounges. Prevoisly domestic and international traffic used separate access areas.

Once passengershave passed trough security they will find a full range of bars,shops and restaurants with a new World Duty free store.

Now the extension is completed the existing termial will be upgraded with additional seating and additional shops and restaurants.

All this is part of an ongoing 200 million project 10 year project with provisin for a new rail link and second international pier.

Balfour Beatty were the main constructions. When booking your Glasgow airport parking see the options available

12.11.2008

New flights from Manchester Airport for 2009

The budget airline Jet 2 has announced a new service from Manchester Airport to the popular Greek island of Crete. This latest addition to their flight programme commences on May 19th 2009, along with several more new destinations.

Other routes include a weekly Saturday service to the Spanish island of Tenerife

Another service bound to be popular with those holidaymakers wishing to travel to Turkey is Dalaman, again with a weekly Saturday flight.

A new service to Ibiza will depart daily commencing May 9th 2009  and during the months of June July and August there will be an additional Friday evening service .

Philip Meeson a spokesman for Jet2 commented “ Ibiza is such a diverse holiday destination and has proved to be popular with so many people-from families and couples to groups of friends, stag dos and hen parties.

This is why we have significantly increased our service from Manchester, making it easier and more convenient for people to get there for a family break or a weekend of partying.”

Book your Manchester airport parking | ManchesrerAirport Hotels online to guarantee a space or accomadation. Jet2 which is based at Leeds/Bradford Airport confirmed that in accordance with their low fares, all of the new flights will be priced accordingly.

8.11.2008

Expansion plans at Manchester Airport cause controversy

The planned extension to Manchester Airport’s freight terminal costing approximately £20 million has been described as “cultural barbarism”.

Plans have been drawn up to construct two large cargo warehouses which would be built on land near Runger Lane.The  Airport are seeking permission to demolish Rose Cottage, which is a Grade 11 listed building, along with several other buildings with historical links, located within close range of Rose Cottage.

Manchester Airport have intimated that they intend to try to preserve all the historical features of the properties involved in the expansion plans, but local residents have condemned the plans. Local councillors, historians and residents are also concerned by suggestions that a natural pond and numerous mature trees in the area will probably be lost along with the buildings.

The Wythenshawe area committee rejected Manchester Airport’s proposal but town hall planners are now going to consider the proposals. The Airport has stated that the two new cargo units could create up to 60 new jobs, as cargo figures at the World Freight Centre will increase from 165.000 tonnes to over 270.000 tonnes by the end of 2015.

7.11.2008

Credit Crunch - Cheap Airport Parking

All recessions tend to follow a certain path with the construction industry always the first to see a downturn followed by retail and travel. The fear of unemployment , shorter working hours and the withdrawal of overtime will make families look to cut back on all purchases with luxuries the top of the list.

Subject to employment the main family holiday will still be taken albeit there maybe a lot of trading down in terms of quality and length of the holiday. The second holiday and week end trips will be the first to be cut which will affect the budget airlines and the car parking companies who have seen a huge growth in this type of business.

Taking Gatwick Airport Parkingas an example, travellers will be looking for competitive parking terms which will become available, as volumes drop once we are probaly past Christmas and New Year.

Off arport car parks are always cheaper than parking on airport and strangely these will be more in demand as travellers search for cheaper parking which will eventually lead to the on airport parking dropping their prices. For those who can still afford to travel abroad the next 18 months should see cheap airport parking

4.11.2008

Manchester Airport Chandeliers to find new homes

World famous Venetian glass chandeliers that graced Manchester Airport for more than fifty years are to be restored to their former glory!.They were made by Bruno Zaneti a famous glassmaker who worked at the Venini factory on the island of Murano at an original cost of £3000 each, and unveiled by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1963.

The beautiful chandeliers are made up of approx 1300 individually blown pieces of lead grey and amethyst glass. Each weighs two tonnes and measures 17 feet in length.

They were partially redesigned in 1987 when the coloured drops were removed and they were re sited at the side of the departure hall before being cleaned by a team 16 men. Despite a facelift , and to the disappointment of many, airport bosses made the decision to have them dismantled as they no longer fitted in with the airport’s décor.

All four of the chandeliers hung in the departure hall of the airport’s terminal 1 until 2003 when they were removed whilst the terminal underwent major redevelopment work. Two of them have been fully restored after the procurement of grants totalling £50,000 from the Pilgrim Trust, the Mersey Partnership and Rainford Trust and the Lottery Heritage Fund.

The restoration work has been carried out by David Malik and sons in London. One is destined for The World of Glass Museum in St Helens where it will dazzle in the foyer and another will glitter at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

Manchester Airport project co-ordinator commented “ The chandeliers are a much loved part of Manchester Airport’s heritage but they are enormous and very delicate structures that we can no longer fit into our redesigned terminals. Its great thy are going back on show and we are all looking forward to seeing them shine once again “.

2.11.2008

Manchester Airport Chandeliers to find new homes

The world famous Venetian glass chandeliers that graced Manchester Airport for more than fifty years are to be restored to their former glory!.They were made by Bruno Zaneti a famous glassmaker who worked at the Venini factory on the island of Murano at an original cost of £3000 each, and unveiled by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1963.

The beautiful chandeliers are made up of approx 1300 individually blown pieces of lead grey and amethyst glass. Each weighs two tonnes and measures 17 feet in length.

They were partially redesigned in 1987 when the coloured drops were removed and they were re sited at the side of the departure hall before being cleaned by a team 16 men. Despite a facelift , and to the disappointment of many, airport bosses made the decision to have them dismantled as they no longer fitted in with the airport’s décor.

All four of the chandeliers hung in the departure hall of the airport’s terminal 1 until 2003 when they were removed whilst the terminal underwent major redevelopment work. Two of them have been fully restored after the procurement of grants totalling £50,000 from the Pilgrim Trust, the Mersey Partnership and Rainford Trust and the Lottery Heritage Fund.

The restoration work has been carried out by David Malik and sons in London. One is destined for The World of Glass Museum in St Helens where it will dazzle in the foyer and another will glitter at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

Manchester Airport project co-ordinator commented “ The chandeliers are a much loved part of Manchester Airport’s heritage but they are enormous and very delicate structures that we can no longer fit into our redesigned terminals. Its great thy are going back on show and we are all looking forward to seeing them shine once again “.

1.11.2008

Expansion plans at Bristol International Airport

The local community of Bristol have been presented with proposed extension plans by representatives of Bristol International Airport.

Computer generated images showing the extension of the terminal were shown at the quarterly meeting of the Airport consultative committee on October 22nd 2009.

Alan Davies ,  who is Bristol International’s director for planning and environment also included plans for improvements to the infrastructure and overall facilities at the airport.

The main plan is to extend the current passenger terminal to the east and west whilst other developments are proposed on other parts of the site. Improvements to passenger pick up and drop off zones and additional car parking feature in the new plans, as well as new office space and a fuel farm.

Subject to approval, Bristol International Airport will be capable of processing ten million passengers a year by 2016, a projected increase of some 4 million.

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