LEEDS 5
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wor Yerm
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When will the owners of LBA spend some money on the place? Last night was the first time I've night-stopped there for years. In that time it has grown from a small, regional airport into huge one, but only in terms of flights and passenger numbers. It is a now a nasty, over-crowded cesspit of a place. It's falling apart and suffering from a chronic lack of investment both in maintenance, buildings, runway and space. My comparison is the other 40-50 European regional airports that I regularly fly to.
The lack of investment means that it requires an incredible effort on the part of the operations and handling staff to make the place work. They should not have to work as hard as they do every day. Because running close to or in excess of your capacity means that people are forced into making costly mistakes. I'd also suggest that the desperate overcrowding means that it is very close to its safe limit with regard to fire and emergency limits. People would be hurt if their was a real emergency. And that runway. I used to think RWY 18 at FRA was rough, that was until I took off from Leeds.
I'm truly glad that my future doesn't depend on LBA. If it did, I might be in for a rude shock when the place fell apart. It's only a matter of time.
The lack of investment means that it requires an incredible effort on the part of the operations and handling staff to make the place work. They should not have to work as hard as they do every day. Because running close to or in excess of your capacity means that people are forced into making costly mistakes. I'd also suggest that the desperate overcrowding means that it is very close to its safe limit with regard to fire and emergency limits. People would be hurt if their was a real emergency. And that runway. I used to think RWY 18 at FRA was rough, that was until I took off from Leeds.
I'm truly glad that my future doesn't depend on LBA. If it did, I might be in for a rude shock when the place fell apart. It's only a matter of time.
Join Date: May 2007
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State of LBIA
Completely agree Piltdown Man. The Yorkshire councils did a lot more for the airport when they owned it and they did next to nothing! The owners have deliberately left a completely meaningless masterplan on their website for the local population to be misled by, as absolutely none of it has actually happened.
The local plane spotters forum blame the innaction on the recession but the truth is the owners just cannot do the job at hand which they won the right to do. Are we really meant to believe that there is no need to spend any money yet when 3 aircraft park on the taxiways overnight? At least the council admitted they didn't have enough money to do the infrastructure upgrade that has been needed for 40 years.
The public should be informed every 5 years for exact and real plans for their local airport according to recent governmental order - that was due in 2011 but we are still waiting to be informed of accurate and real plans as we rapidly approach 2015. I personally feel very let down and it is of no surprise to me at all that passenger numbers are in decline as perversely the economy is gaining momentum.
Manchester airport (that has spend money on its infrastructure) is surging ahead again taking Yorkshire passengers just like it did in the 1980s. It is absolutely nothing to do with the recession it is to do with the ability of the airport owners to do the job at hand.
It is a very simple principle: Spend money on the airport and it will be attractive to passengers and airlines alike and passenger numbers will rise. Wait for passengers and airlines to come to a old, cramped, dilapidated and historically underfunded airport and they will not turn up. Not only that but the passengers and airlines already onboard will start to leave for airports that have spent the money.
Come back council all is forgiven........
The local plane spotters forum blame the innaction on the recession but the truth is the owners just cannot do the job at hand which they won the right to do. Are we really meant to believe that there is no need to spend any money yet when 3 aircraft park on the taxiways overnight? At least the council admitted they didn't have enough money to do the infrastructure upgrade that has been needed for 40 years.
The public should be informed every 5 years for exact and real plans for their local airport according to recent governmental order - that was due in 2011 but we are still waiting to be informed of accurate and real plans as we rapidly approach 2015. I personally feel very let down and it is of no surprise to me at all that passenger numbers are in decline as perversely the economy is gaining momentum.
Manchester airport (that has spend money on its infrastructure) is surging ahead again taking Yorkshire passengers just like it did in the 1980s. It is absolutely nothing to do with the recession it is to do with the ability of the airport owners to do the job at hand.
It is a very simple principle: Spend money on the airport and it will be attractive to passengers and airlines alike and passenger numbers will rise. Wait for passengers and airlines to come to a old, cramped, dilapidated and historically underfunded airport and they will not turn up. Not only that but the passengers and airlines already onboard will start to leave for airports that have spent the money.
Come back council all is forgiven........
Christ. You've not seen MAN T1 recently. And that comes from a MAN supporting born and bred Yorkshire lad.... Though an honoury manc
Last edited by easyflyer83; 8th Sep 2014 at 02:45.
I'm surprised to hear that pax numbers are dropping at LBA, if so it must be recent as my view is Leeds has come a very long way, very quickly recently - presumably why the infrastructure is creaking.
However, what had the new management done previously for the council to do the deal?
However, what had the new management done previously for the council to do the deal?
Join Date: May 2007
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LBIA has come a long way very quickly. For the size of the west yorks conurbation the place languishes miles behind where it should be. The north western conurbation is roughly bigger than the Yorkshire conurbation having a ratio of 3:2. but is the MAN passenger throughput 3:2 on LBIA ?- absolutely nowhere near. Of course I am massively over simplifying issues to show LBIAs potential. Should the ratio between the two airports passenger throughput be in todays order of 7:1? Of course not.
That's why passenger number went up quickly - the airport filled up its existing capacity but no long term infrastructure plans have begun. The sole reason that the airport was sold is so that a company could come in and physically grow the airport infrastructure to allow the passengers to flow. It hasn't happened and hence the passenger numbers are being artificially altered by strategy (just as MANs passenger figures were altered by strategy when loco airlines were not welcome).
Yes the place is creaking and passenger numbers reducing. It is well beyond time for action......(rail link or no rail link)
That's why passenger number went up quickly - the airport filled up its existing capacity but no long term infrastructure plans have begun. The sole reason that the airport was sold is so that a company could come in and physically grow the airport infrastructure to allow the passengers to flow. It hasn't happened and hence the passenger numbers are being artificially altered by strategy (just as MANs passenger figures were altered by strategy when loco airlines were not welcome).
Yes the place is creaking and passenger numbers reducing. It is well beyond time for action......(rail link or no rail link)
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Beverley
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Southside Hangers
(UK) Reportedly UK's Leeds/Bradford airport has been evacuated and is now closed until further notice
(UK) Reportedly UK's Leeds/Bradford airport has been evacuated and is now closed until further notice
Source: Airport evacuation a false alarm | Calendar - ITV News
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: leeds
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Looking at the CAA figures I'd say LBA is flatlining in the first half of 2014. I think the peak (0630-0800 departures) is at capacity in the summer and that is the effective constraint. Until the taxiway is extended to enable increased runway capacity, further growth will be limited. There will be no payoff for the owners from better landside facilities until they can push more traffic through.
I think the comparison with MAN is not legitimate. There is only room for one hub airport --a weak hub at that--in the North. Fairer comparisons are with LPL, EMA and BRS, the championship airports. A couple of years ago we were down to one scheduled hub connection via AMS. With the news last week we now have AMS, LHR and DUB. This is progress.
I think the comparison with MAN is not legitimate. There is only room for one hub airport --a weak hub at that--in the North. Fairer comparisons are with LPL, EMA and BRS, the championship airports. A couple of years ago we were down to one scheduled hub connection via AMS. With the news last week we now have AMS, LHR and DUB. This is progress.
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Leeds u.k.
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Unfortunately for Bridgepoint, passenger movement at Leeds fell, 25% in the first year of ownership due to the u.k. financial crisis. They have invested millions in the airport even though it took until late 2012 before passengers numbers were restored to 2008 levels.
The airport only has two peak times at the moment, 6am to 9am and then early afternoon.
All the resident airlines are cutting back their flight programmes to ensure full flights, nothing to do with the airport more a chase for profit by Ryanair, easyjet, Jet2 etc.
Leeds saw a huge growth last year and has settled down this year especially having seen PIA remove their aircraft. The uncertainty of Monarch is also holding back planning by others.
Leeds is a big bucket and spade airport, this charter business has seen a 7% fall this year, all the big three Thomsons, Thomas Cook and Jet2 holidays have been hit especially so far in the published figures for June and July, Jet2 last week said things had picked up, not sure about the other two, this is certainly reflected in Leeds figures for these two months.
Figures for the LHR shuttle are rising, Aer Lingus start next month to Dublin, this feeder network has to be the way forward.
The airport only has two peak times at the moment, 6am to 9am and then early afternoon.
All the resident airlines are cutting back their flight programmes to ensure full flights, nothing to do with the airport more a chase for profit by Ryanair, easyjet, Jet2 etc.
Leeds saw a huge growth last year and has settled down this year especially having seen PIA remove their aircraft. The uncertainty of Monarch is also holding back planning by others.
Leeds is a big bucket and spade airport, this charter business has seen a 7% fall this year, all the big three Thomsons, Thomas Cook and Jet2 holidays have been hit especially so far in the published figures for June and July, Jet2 last week said things had picked up, not sure about the other two, this is certainly reflected in Leeds figures for these two months.
Figures for the LHR shuttle are rising, Aer Lingus start next month to Dublin, this feeder network has to be the way forward.
Looks like Eastern are putting up a fight on LBA-SOU and LBA-ABZ versus Flybe - the morning and evening SOU and middle ABZ are being moved onto the RJ135 jet from 6 October instead of the J41.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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Sure dose look like they are up for a fight against flybe, as there has just been an official announcement by both Leeds/Bradford Airport and Eastern Airways regarding the new improved schedule flight timings "Flightrider"
http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.u...leeds-bradford
http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.u...leeds-bradford
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Looks like SAS are giving the 2x weekly Leeds/Bradford - Copenhagen route a big upgrade aircraft wise next summer. As from March 30th 2015 flights are shown to be operated by Airbus A319 aircraft instead of the CRJ900's.
Join Date: May 2008
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Leeds, UK & Cork, Ireland
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I passed through LBA this week, the airport seems to be bursting at the seams. The new owners have clearly spent some money, but it is a drop in the ocean. The flow through the terminal makes no sense, a total maze of tensa barriers. The landslide and arrival facilities are still dated and grubby. The lounge could do with a facelift and some injection of character.
The southbound loads to Heathrow on the last flight of the day were very light, about 30 people. Northbound the load was very heavy indeed, just a few middle seats free in the last few rows. A surprising number had fast track entry (gold, silver card holders, full fare and connexions from business/first) at least 40 on the northbound. Which makes me hopeful for the future of the route. The number of Range Rovers and premiums metal in the shot stay was an eye-opener, but tallies with high numbers of "premium" customers. There were a surprising number of checked bags just from LHR as well, so O&D seems to be a part of the equation too. BA now offer free parking in the long stay carpark, with is walkable from the terminal. This is a big bonus.
The southbound loads to Heathrow on the last flight of the day were very light, about 30 people. Northbound the load was very heavy indeed, just a few middle seats free in the last few rows. A surprising number had fast track entry (gold, silver card holders, full fare and connexions from business/first) at least 40 on the northbound. Which makes me hopeful for the future of the route. The number of Range Rovers and premiums metal in the shot stay was an eye-opener, but tallies with high numbers of "premium" customers. There were a surprising number of checked bags just from LHR as well, so O&D seems to be a part of the equation too. BA now offer free parking in the long stay carpark, with is walkable from the terminal. This is a big bonus.
Join Date: Dec 2011
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The southbound loads to Heathrow on the last flight of the day were very light, about 30 people.
Northbound the load was very heavy indeed, just a few middle seats free in the last few rows. A surprising number had fast track entry (gold, silver card holders, full fare and connexions from business/first) at least 40 on the northbound. Which makes me hopeful for the future of the route. The number of Range Rovers and premiums metal in the shot stay was an eye-opener, but tallies with high numbers of "premium" customers. There were a surprising number of checked bags just from LHR as well, so O&D seems to be a part of the equation too. BA now offer free parking in the long stay carpark, with is walkable from the terminal. This is a big bonus.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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If, as rumoured, the plug is pulled on Little Red and BA do end up getting the slots back at LHR...I just wonder if one beneficiary could be LBA with the all important night-stopper?
Join Date: Mar 2008
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I think there are bigger fish to fry with those slots.... think PDX, SLC and increase on frequencies on the lucrative long haul routes. Rumours of a mid haul reshuffle also to include LCA IST and ATH
Join Date: Oct 2005
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The thing is that not all slots are created equal. A late northbound from ,LHR may not be that difficult to get slots for, LHR is quiet at that time and late departures are not very useful for long-hail. The early morning arrival would be more difficult, it's peak arrival from North America and Europe.