SOUTHEND 5
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Essex
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So, is it fair to ask if there are operators out there of these mid-size airliners who will be taking a close look at what Stobart achieve with the new routes? And is there enough potential for Stobart to achieve their targets?
Like who? There are now very few airlines in that sector who are operating in their own right and aren't operating for the majors to feed hubs. The new generation of mid-size airliners are significant investments to be risking on an as yet unproven market.
What SEN probably needs is one of the major LCC's to do a JetBlue and bring in a sub-fleet of the new jets to open up new markets (though they seem to be doing fine with 737/320 family jets)
What SEN probably needs is one of the major LCC's to do a JetBlue and bring in a sub-fleet of the new jets to open up new markets (though they seem to be doing fine with 737/320 family jets)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cambridge
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: In the sticks
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I'm not saying the airport can't have a solid future, but they have to live with the fact that the R/W doesn't quite cut the mustard for a large number of potential operators.
Used SEN before, it was a real WOW in terms of getting through security and to gate in no hassle compared to other places. However getting to/from airport is a real pain, getting stuck in jams is a standard feature. With regards to airlines operating not a great deal of choice and guess under current circumstances not a lot of improvement in sight. Looking at my local airport (NWI) don't know why but I can see a déjà
vu!
vu!
Join Date: Jul 2002
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I know Southend has A road links but it's position in what to me felt like being in the middle of a town will not help its connectivity. It's a shame that it is so far from the motorway network, as a blue line on a map passing close by would no doubt attract more airlines.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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I have been looking at Google street view of Southend Airport and was quite shocked how bad the grass areas are maintained. The walk from the long term car park involves walking past an area of tall weeds and nettles while the grass area in front of the terminal looks just awful and very neglected.
Maybe it is a lack of pride but when I travel to places like Spain their airport approach roads are like green oasis of manicured lawns while Southend could do with some weed and feed and some watering.
Maybe it is a lack of pride but when I travel to places like Spain their airport approach roads are like green oasis of manicured lawns while Southend could do with some weed and feed and some watering.
Join Date: May 2014
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Grassy/weedy areas
LTNman - The weedy area between long stay car park 2 and the terminal is deliberate. It's left as a wild area and I think there are little notice boards to that effect. As far as the main grassy areas are concerned, they are generally kept in good order. Don't know when the Google car did its thing, maybe towards the end of winter/beginning of spring when everything suddenly gets going, growing wise. Generally the grassy areas are well maintained and it's a shame if Google caught them at an unusually bad time.
Last edited by SEN Observer; 23rd Apr 2017 at 07:16. Reason: Spelling
I know from experience that it's very difficult to develop a wild flower pasture which doesn't look a complete mess at some times of year - such as September when that shot was taken. At least they've made an effort when it would surely have been easier to simply grass those areas.
Getting back on topic, the PMI route from SEN this summer has an increased capacity of 40% with easyJet and over 100% with Thomson. It will be interesting to see if passenger numbers match those capacity increases.
Getting back on topic, the PMI route from SEN this summer has an increased capacity of 40% with easyJet and over 100% with Thomson. It will be interesting to see if passenger numbers match those capacity increases.
Looks like an untidy mess to me in need of some TLC. Not the sort of thing I would expect at Southend
Join Date: Jul 2015
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Expectation Management
SEN's locational in terms of distance from motorway and dated rail rolling stock and lack of speedy rail connection into London are major infrastructural issues which are beyond the control of the airport owners and operators.
They are working with the tools they've got to hand. SEN with its restricred runway will have to carve out a niche where others can't cater.
SEN's locational in terms of distance from motorway and dated rail rolling stock and lack of speedy rail connection into London are major infrastructural issues which are beyond the control of the airport owners and operators.
They are working with the tools they've got to hand. SEN with its restricred runway will have to carve out a niche where others can't cater.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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They need to get a lawn mower then. 
On a serious note there is plenty of mowed grass around the airside boundary that could be turned into a development of wild flower pasture rather than a few metres of untidiness next to their nice new terminal. It is all about customer perception which is something my local airport also needs to understand.
At least they've made an effort when it would surely have been easier to simply grass those areas.
Join Date: Apr 2016
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Let's have some fair play LTNman, last time I went to Luton Airport, I nearly lost my car in a pot hole in a short-term car park that should have had a 4 x 4 only warning at the entrance!
Can't argue with what you say about customer perception, but generally the airport looks the part.
Can't argue with what you say about customer perception, but generally the airport looks the part.
I think LTNman would be the first to agree. He's never hesitated to flag up the shortcomings of his local airport. A refreshing change from some of the fanboy attitudes on Airlines, Airports & Routes.
Join Date: Aug 2016
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These wild flower meadows need to be mown once a year in late summer, after the flowers have set seed. Otherwise they will come to be dominated by a few vigorous plants, as seems to be happening in the photo. In nature they would be grazed, but I can't imagine that sheep/cattle/goats/deer are compatible with airport operations.
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Was shocked to see a flight from CGN-SEN priced at 98p, yes 98 pence! Although that's if you book it as a return flight, so in total it costs £28, plus I think they're got a sale on at the moment, so not a normal price. Hopefully that can entice a few more bookings!
Join Date: Jul 2015
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Amazing value for money. Been on Skyscanner but can't see it. Is that a weekday schedule or weekend? Take it that's a humming vibrating ATR on that route?