LEEDS 5

[LBA-EGNM]

Lets make a start...

Does any one know what is happening to the car parks at the front of the terminal?

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Not entireley, But the drop - off point is a shambles.

It has caused alot more congestion since it was introduced into the short stay car park.

They could do with a multi - storey on the site.

Apologies for the 'Thread Drift' on Leeds 4.:ok:

[lbalad]

According to the blurb on the airport website it is access improvements.

First phase is better access for buses,airport shuttle,and designated Arrow taxi rank.

Anything will be a vast improvement to what we have currently!.

[wawkrk]

The drop off area is like an assault course at the moment but if you look down from the terminal top floor you can see it will be a big improvement.
I flew yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.
I will avoid this flight time in future.
The queue to central screening went back into Hall B!
If the snake barriers were not there it would have probably reached Yeadon Town St.I forgot to arrange my fast track screening.
wawkrk

[BKS Air Transport]

So our service to LHR is to be in the hands of ERJs from the autumn. This is like going back to the dark days of the Viscounts, and even then I think they operated 5 returns daily.
Why do we have such a pathetic service when Manchester has more frequent flights/larger aircraft/more than one London airport served? They have a very good train service which is similar to ours (for passengers just travelling to London), and far more international flights (reducing the need for passengers to travel to London to interline).

On a different note, with Jet2 concentrating on bucket and spade routes, I am surprised that they have not introduced NAP, I'd have thought that Sorrento and Amalfi would be far more popular with the Brits than Sardinia.

[Yeadon Dam]

To make matters worse, I hear that the Manchester-Euston service is to run every 20 minutes. Surely there must be prune back due on MAN-LHR somewhere. With Singapore and Emirates in, that's pretty much the Middle and Far East covered. Contie, Delta, AA, BMI, Air Transat etc go across the pond. Why does MAN need so many flights to LHR????

Flack jacket ready!!

[Mooncrest]

BKS,

Dark days ? Glory days for me. How dare you knock the Viscounts. I loved them ! Northeast, BA and BMA. They seated more than the Embraer as well, mind you I don't know what the pax figures and yield were like in the 70s and 80s.

I do, however, agree that it's a bit dismal using an Embraer instead of an Airbus for Heathrow. Sign of the times I guess. Good luck to the Airbus crews at LBA for a decent, and hopefully temporary, relocation.

[Frankfurt_Cowboy]

Certainly nothing wrong with the jungle jets, fine little aircraft in my experience, if the loads will fit on them then it makes sense. I'm still amazed that Star Alliance haven't got a feeder in to FRA, perfect for an ERJ.

[Strelnikov]

On the much abused Leeds thread there was rumour last year that BMI might drop the LHR route and either use the slots for more profitable routes or sell them.

Its better to have Embraers than nothing at all.

Interlining aside I can't imagine why anybody would put themselves through the miserable LBA-LHR experience rather than catch the train.

[don't_ask_me]

Hi All,

Can any wise LBA people tell me who "Interserve Plc" are?

Looking at their website, it seems to me that they are one of those businesses that do very 'big' grown up stuff and makes a lot of money, but no-one quite understands what they do.:rolleyes:

Are they contracted cleaners/maintenance people? But then why do they need some passenger service assistants? <-- I don't get it!:ugh:

don't_ask

[lbalad]

According to their website they are a services,maintenance,building group.

Through my job I have had dealings with them building a new school in Leeds.

I think they have their fingers in many pies.I have seen a job vacancy for them,cleaning area supervisor.

If they are wanting passenger service assistants at LBA,it could be cleaners,but I may be wrong!.

[wingeel]

Yeadon Dam, you heard right about Manchester to London trains. Virgin Trains are to introduce a 20 minute VHF service from Euston to both Manchester and Birmingham.
However, in preparation for this there have been major engineering works - and some serious infrastructure problems - which have seriously impaired performance over the West Coast Main Line (WCML) over the past few months. And, according to a report in the Manchester Evening News, air traffic between the two cities has seen a recent upturn with the LCY route seeing the most significant increase. This, of course, may just be a temporary revival and passengers may return to the rails once the WCML problems are ironed out and the VHF service is introduced.

As for Manchester's links with LHR being superior to LBA's - well I don't know if there's a precise reason. Manchester has a larger catchment population and the northwest is more densely populated. Maybe there is a bigger business travel market to/from Manchester. But , again, I think that the railways have played their part. The East Coast Main Line (ECML), linking Leeds with Kings Cross, became a 125 mph railway in 1977 and for nearly three decades was far superior to the WCML. The typical Manchester to Euston journey time, prior to the introduction of Pendolino trains in 2004, was an unattractive 2 hrs 45. Only in recent years has Manchester been able to boast of a rail connection with London that could stand comparison with that from Leeds. In all those preceding years ( decades !), many business travellers have seen air as the best option and the railways have still got a lot of business to win from the airlines. East of the Pennines, the train has for many people been the most attractive option and for a long time too.

[commit aviation]

Interserve at LBA provide a cleaning service and additionally the wheelchair service, hence the need for passenger service agents. They won the role from Servisair when the contract was tendered under the new EU regs earler this year.

[don't_ask_me]

Thanks :ok:,

I didn't quite get what they were doing in there - but now I know!

Might apply for a job with them then.

Thanks again,
don't_ask

Oh! And Leeds to Dubrovnik announced by Jet2.

[14 loop]

Announced for Summer '09, Sundays. I wonder whether they've managed to sell a seat allocation to any Croatia specialist operators?

[lbalad]

Nice to see Jet2 adding some new destinations from LBA,Larnaca and Dubrovnik for starters.

I appreciate they are only once a week,probably tied in with Jet2holidays,but at least its somewhere different.

I wonder if there are anymore surprises to come?.I would like to see them introduce flights to Eastern Europe,given that the eurozone is not cheap anymore,your money goes a lot further there!.

[Flightrider]

99.9% certain that the driver behind the Jet2 operation on LBA-DBV is the same specialist tour operator which is selling EDI/LBA/MAN-OLB. Good to see DBV back on the Leeds map after what must be knocking on for 20 years of absence. Not sure that the Jet2 737 will have the same charisma as the old Aviogenex 727, but still good to see progress being made.

[airhumberside]

That must be Holiday Options who are taking seats on LBA-Olbia this year. Wonder if Balkan Hoilidays and Inghams will follow and also take a few seats

[lbalad]

I had a few enjoyable holidays to Yugoslavia as it was then,from LBA.

I flew to Ljubljana on a JAT DC-9,Dubrovnik on Adria A320,and I'm sure I flew Aviogenex but not on 727,perhaps someone can jog my memory!.

Did JAT fly 707's into LBA,or have I had one too many sherberts tonight?

[N707ZS]

Aviogenex flew 134s.

Was the runway extension built when you thought JAT flew 707s. Yugoslavia holidays seem such a long time ago before the war.

[lbalad]

Definately wasn't a TU134,I wish it was,think it might have been a 737?.

Yes I am talking about after the runway extension in the 80's.

Seem to remember Aviaco/Iberia A 300's,Spantax DC8 63,Worldways Tristars and DC8's,maybe I am dreaming?

Not to mention the Wardair 747,which I flew on to YYZ via BHX in '88.

[BombardierCR7]

I'm remembering this from my distant memory, so I would welcome those who can correct me if I'm wrong on any details:

JAT flew 707's from Pula in 1985, in subsequent years operated by 727's of JAT. Technically the flights were Air Yugoslavia hense the JR rather than JU flight prefix. Those of us in the Cookridge/Horsforth area may remember the 707's performing on some occasions ILS's on 32 with the visual break from the outer marker onto 14 in the days before 14 had a glideslope. It made for some impressive flyovers of that part of the city.

Aviogenex operated Split with 737's on a Saturday evening but occasionally dropped a 727 in. Flightrider may remember a photo opportunity we both had on the apron for one of the latter.

Ljubljana was operated by JAT DC9's in 1985 on a Monday evening replaced by Adria (Tarom leased) Rombac 1-11's and DC9-30's in subsequent years on a Monday morning, normally on the ground at the same time as the Wardair 747's. If my memory serves me well LJU did not operate in 1986.

Dubrovnik was operated by JAT in its 1st year (1986) via Pula on a 727 on a Monday morning, in later years Adria direct on a Saturday evening, MD-80's predominantely and a number of A320's in the final year or so. If I remember well the first Adria A320 visit was the day that Leeds United won the (old) Division One title. One year (I forget which) they also used an MEA 707 on some occasions.

Yugotours being the charterer on all the above, and I'm seriously showing my age.

Back to the subject in question, I understand Balkan were looking at Pula from LBA in S09 if a suitable aircraft became avaliable, so I guess if the right people talk to each other then Balkan as a sharer on Dubrovnik may be a revised opportunity for both Jet2 and Balkan.

[lbalad]

Very impressive,I am glad I am not the only one feeling my age!.

I grew up in Cookridge,my bedroom overlooked the airport,my parents bought me an airband radio,and the rest is history!.

Anyone else remember the DanAir 1-11's crawling off the end of runway 14!.

[N707ZS]

Sorry to drift off topic, what year was the runway extension finished?

[robo283]

End of 1984 I think. I'm also feeling my age as I remember watching Britannia and Air Europe 737s firing off the somewhat shorter runway prior to that. I seem to remember our own (Orion) 737s used to 'W' in to LBA. Anyone got any photos of KG 732s or 733s at LBA?:ok:

[bobleeds]

I flew from LBA to Dubrovnik in June 1987, out and return on a 727 (YU-AKG or J rings a bell?) lucky enough to be up at the front end in what was called Adriatic Class which had a bit more leg room than coach (I think the JAT aircraft were also used on scheduled services) both very nice flights on my favourite aircraft.

JAT also used a 707 on Pula flights in 1985 season, used to come in on sunday teatimes as well as the Iberia A300's (subchartered to Aviaco)or if we were very lucky Aviaco's own DC8's (once in Saudia livery if I remember correctly).

[jongeman]

BombardierCR7

Well remembered......did LBA also receive Aviogenex TU134s? I remember these from my childhood trips to the MAN viewing areas (on top of the piers, sadly no longer). I think Adria Airways was known as Inex-Adria until the mid 80s.

Anybody who can remember the Yugotours proramme from the early 1980s will know just how many flights there to the former Yugoslavia in comparison with today. I don't think it's picked up to the same level; MAN had flights not only to Dubrovnik, Split and Pula, but also to Rijeka, Tivat and Zadar (I think).

[Mooncrest]

Yugotours in the eighties...

1985 - Pula JAT B707, Ljubljana JAT DC-9

1986 - Pula JAT B727, Ljubljana/Dubrovnik combined JAT B727

1987 - Pula JAT B727, Ljubljana Adria 1-11, Dubrovnik Aviogenex 737 (JAT 727 in early season)

1988 - As above but Ljubljana Adria DC9 and Split Aviogenex 737

1989 - Pula JAT 727 ?, Ljubljana JAT DC9, Split and Dubrovnik as 1988.

I think ;)

[lbalad]

Just heard the PIA depart off 14.

Has anybody seen the aircraft depart?.It always seems to go off 14,how much runway does it use?.Is it up in good time or rolling off the end of the runway?.

[HOODED]

TODA is much higher on 14 due to no obstructions on climb out so this would be the prefered runway for departure. I believe the figure is in excess of 10,000 ft although the runway is only 7,380 ft long. As for runway used I saw one depart off 32 and it was airbourne before the start of the 14 turning loop but it did have around 10 kts in its favour.

[Bill Bo Baggins]

Jongeman

The aviogenex tu134S never made an appearance at Leeds I think the only 134s to visit were of East German outfit Interflug if my memory serves me well.

Anybody remember the Rich International DC8, and the one off visit of a Wardair DC10 in lieu of the 747.

Bill Bo

[LEEDS APPROACH]

Hi BBB,

yes remember all those. I believe the Interflugs were taking opera North to the then East Germany. They also brought in Ilyushin IL-18s.

While we take a trip down memory lane (mods permitting), here's a few I can remember-:
Spantax 732, coronado
Hispania 733, caravelle
Sterling 727
ELAL 707, 732, 767
Hapag Lloyd 727
Balair md80 (cycling enthusiasts)
TMA /MEA 707, 720
Cyprus Airways A310
Braathens 732
KLM dc9s (good at the time)
Finnair dc9s
HZ-KA4 (I think) 720
Virgin 747
Aer Turas cl44

Those off the top of my head. I will have missed loads. I used to love the JAT 707s and Balkan 154s especially. Think my favourite was the UAE 74SP:O. That's my lot for memory lane, I'm looking forward to the future now at LBA. Fighting back to where we should be (like LUFC-tut).

ps Where's Ryanair!?

Leeds APP.

[lbalad]

Add Hispania 757 to that list.I came back from Palma on one having flown out on 737.

Odyssey 757 to Toronto as well!.

[batninth]

We seem to have a lot of inbound traffic routing over East Leeds today, any reason why?

[newscaster]

PIA rumored to be doubling frequency.

[Flying Yorkshireman]

Sadly (or happily), I'm old enough to remember pre-extension jet movements like the one-off Monarch 757, Transavia Caravelles doing the "Bulbfields" Flights to Rotterdam in the spring and the occasional vists of British Midland 1-11 500s. I can also recall the clouds of red dust being generated by Britannia, Orion and Dan-Air 737s as they accelerated away down the then Runway 15, whilst the runway extension work was taking place.

You can also add to your list Air Transat Tri-Stars and the Corsair, United Arab Emirates (SP) and Air Hong Kong 747s, although the latter was a one-off crew training visit. I submitted many of my photographs some time ago time to LBAviation and someone has put together this collection taken from there on Youtube. Please see the link below. About 40%-50% are my photos. Not sure who took the rest. I witnessed the British Airtours Tri-Star going off the end of 14 and the photos are also on the link!

YouTube - Leeds Bradford Airport (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Bis7zQ3PzeE)

[lbalad]

Just seen the Dalaman flight come in,was a MD-80 of somekind.

Has the A300 gone tech,and an additional flight put on to cover?.Seems to be 3 Dalaman flights instead of usual 2.They are all running late it appears.

[scamptonboy]

lbalad

Onur Air A300 TC-OAO positioned in empty from Gatwick earlier today and a shortage of aircraft meant the returning passengers were sadly stranded at Dalaman.

TC-OAO then proceded to take the outbound passengers to their destination as OHY7336

Now a steady tricke of delayed passengers are beginning to return to Leeds an as you saw, TC-ONP an MD88 of Onur Air landed at 1925 as OHY7335 with in the first batch of peeved off passengers no doubt !

A second aircraft OHY6635 was originally due at approx 2115 but arrival times are changing constantly and this is now due at 0645 tomorrow.
morning !

Scamps

[lbalad]

Thanks for the info!.

Can think of better places to be delayed than a Turkish airport.

[JulietNovemberPapa]

Looking forward to flying into LBA next week (from the IOM). I'm scheduled to arrive at 1725, and the 757 bus I really need will depart at 1749 (my train leaves at 1910). Oddly, it seems* that virtually all buses to LBA from Leeds stop at the train station, yet only two during the week from LBA stop there. Unless I'm missing something?

* http://www.wymetro.com/NR/rdonlyres/6ED2EDDE-CB92-435E-8BF2-D4E696E36FE2/0/757.pdf

[dmdrewitt]

I'd give Metro a call to be sure.

[Yeadon Dam]

J.N.P

The 757 bus operates from Otley via LBA to Leeds Bus Station and then operates back via the train station. It effectively does a loop in Leeds City centre. You will need to add 5 minutes onto the arrival time shown for the bus station.

Hope you enjoy Leeds and wherever you are going. Your flight will almost certainly be on D-CSAL.

[Jet22]

JulietNovemberPapa,
You flight arrives at 1725 right, so give 20 minutes for everything (disembark, passport control, hold luggage if you have).

That means you wont exit until around 1745, and if you have a chance you will be able to catch the 1749. This gets you there for 1838 which is plenty of time to wonder around the train station for your 1910 rail journey (wherever that maybe).

If you miss the 1749 journey, don’t panic. There is another at 1818 which will get you into the BUS STATION at1856. Now probably there will change over of Drivers (night driver getting on). Then departs from 1900 and is given 6 minutes to get around to the rail station which I wouldn’t think it would take that long. This then gives you 4 minutes to get to your train etc.

If push comes to shove and you don’t want to take the 1818 journey then the best idea for you is to use the B&W taxis which will get you to the entrance of the station in about 20 minute, something our Buses cant do.

[LBA-EGNM]

Your fogetting at lba you might have to get a bus to the terminal which will take longer, and that is a busy time for lba!

[Frankfurt_Cowboy]

Just had the latest Star Alliance timetable thing through and LHR seems to back to the A319 through the week, but they do seem to have been re-timed, with the first departure at 0810 for a 0925 arrival at Heathrow. Saturday is Embraers on both rotations and Sunday is three Buses and a jungle jet.

[commit aviation]

LHR definately on an EMB145 this winter according to my sources.

[aeulad]

Jet2 main page advertising Dalaman from LBA coming soon!

Regards

Mike

[Sweet Potatos]

Any Leeds ATCO's out there?

Could you drop me a wee PM ... got a Q

:)

[LBIA]

Hi

Looks like Flybe are the latest airline in talks with the airport management with regards of setting up a new base at the airport.

This mornings Yorkshire Post had the following artical. It gose on to mention that the airline could add up to 16 New routes from LBA over the next 3 years with routes to Stuttgart, Hanover and Brussels, and increased capacity on existing routes to Belfast City and Southampton.

Flybe's pledge to airport

AIRLINE Flybe has revealed plans to significantly bolster its presence at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The regional airline, which yesterday reported record full-year profits up £20m to £35.4m, is the second airline to announce large expansion plans at Leeds Bradford.

Irish budget carrier Ryanair last month said it hopes to expand to up to 20 routes from the airport depending on talks with its management.

Flybe chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said it plans to expand the number of routes flown to 15 or 16 from the current four.

Within three years Flybe hopes to fly about a million passengers annually from Leeds, up significantly from last year's figure of 300,000. He said new destinations could include Stuttgart, Hanover and Brussels, with increased capacity on existing routes.

"We have had very detailed and productive discussions with Leeds airport and the new team there,"

"We are close to reaching a potential agreement. We are looking to see how trading goes this autumn and how the economic conditions pan out. We will be directed as to how the economy performs in the next few months. It won't be an if – it will be a when."

Mr Rutter said the decision to expand was based on the performance of routes to Southampton and Belfast from Leeds.

"Leeds is very much a bellwether," he said. "They have been exceptionally strong for us."

However, he said there are no expansion plans for Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield airport, where it flies to Belfast and Jersey.

Last month Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary revealed he was in talks with Leeds Bradford management about establishing the airport as a base for its aircraft.

But Mr Rutter insisted Ryanair's plans will have no impact. "It would not affect us at all," he said. "They are in totally different parts of the market place."

[lbalad]

Good news if the planned expansion of Flybe and Ryanair from LBA comes to fruition.Would be nice to have some new destinations to try out from my local airport.

With the apparent demise of Futura,I believe they had flights from LBA to PMI and IBZ,anybody any idea what airline will replace these flights?.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

There won't be any replacements, As the season has nearly ended anyway.

The pax will be transfered onto other flights or ex - MAN.

[lbalad]

I noticed on the LBIA departures page,the above flight.

I presume it is a one-off charter of somekind.

Anybody any clue as to what this flight was for?.

Thanks.

[LBIA]

Jet2 flight LS6876 to Zagreb was operated by B737-300 G-CELV

Its taking England Football fans out for tonights game against Croatia.

[lbalad]

I see the price for seat only has been reduced to £299 rtn,at least for the first flight on 6th Nov.

This is a lot more reasonable than earlier seat only prices.Do you think they have done this to fill the flights up?.

[LBA_flyer]

In response to the bus comment about the IOM flight, it all depends on the aircraft type. If it is a Metroliner it will go on Stand 2, as Aviance have a pushback bar for it. If it is a Let-410 then it needs to go on a remote stand (11+) as the aircraft needs to be turned on stand before coming to a stop.

As Aviance, or Servisair for that matter have a pushback bar for it.

[SASfox]

Does anyone know what loads bmi are like out of LBA? CPH has been going for over a year now...is it a success? What are the average loads for this flight?

[LBA_flyer]

The loads, as far as I can tell do vary, dependant on time of day etc.

BRU - Ususally 10-12 on an ERJ-135

GLA/EDI - Largest load I have seen is 20 on the outbound, although I have seen only 4 on the inbound.

LHR is difficult to judge, as it is usually an A319, on stand 7 (Airbridge) but usually around 50. When an ERJ operates the service it is usually full.

I hope this helps in some small way.

[HOODED]

Given PIA have been operating for a while does anyone know how they are doing loads wise? Also is the A310 Cat3 capable at LBA given the time of year we are moving into. Finally have they been able to go direct on every flight so far?
I have to say I'm surprised they haven't gone up from twice weekly given Shaheen were quick to do so, or maybe they are protecting their MAN operation!

[Jet22]

Does anybody know how many A/C BMI Regional base at LBA. I thought it would of been 3 ERJ145 and 1 ERJ135 but could be wrong. Also, is there both Cabin and Pilot base at EGNM or is it Cabin Crew.

And with the recent Down grade with the ERJ145 operating the LHR on the winter season, could this possibly mean that an extra 145 get based at LBA and LBA operate all LBA-LHR-LBA rotations?

[SASfox]

I've just seen the photos of the A321 on Airliners of the over run at DTM this morning. Looks exactly like the A320 LTE at LBA a few years back which overran after coming in from FUE. One of the posting there says it isn't the first time that a pax plane as over ran at DTM...again just like LBA. Are these 2 airports twinned???
BTW does anyone know what German town Leeds is twinned with??? :oh:

[LBIA]

bmi regional currently have 3 base Embrear aircraft at LBA.

2 Embrear 135's for the Glasgow, Brussels and Copenhagen routes while 1 Embrear 145 is based for the Edinburgh route.

A 2nd Embrear 145 will be based at LBA as of the winter season due to the Heathrow route been downgraded from an Airbus A319/320 operation.

[LBIA]

HOODED

The average load for PIA on the Leeds/Bradford - Islamabad service in August was 157 passengers by the way (2829 punters on 18 flights)

Not bad. But I guess they could be better....

[speedbird9274]

Hi SASfox, as far as I can remember Leeds is twinned with the city of Dortmund.

[OltonPete]

Gosh LBIA harsh task master, if 157 is correct then a load factor of
82% (usually about 190-192 config) in one of the first few months of operation sounds pretty good.

Okay I have no idea of yields and if there were some cheap lead-in
fares but from memory bhx was about the same load factor once the
310's operated direct after the 747 via CPH.

I can't remember the bhx frequency for the original 310 schedule but
if that kind of load factor continues you would expect that three or
even four a week could be possible eventually.

I would never have thought bhx would be getting 75%+ load factors
on the 777 (four a week) but it has happened.

Pete

[POL1W]

The PIA A310s are configured in Y184, so at an average of 157 per flight that makes it slightly better at 85.3% load factor, which I'm sure they won't complain at. Figures for September have dipped quite markedly, and do from everywhere and is to be expected, as it is the religious festival of Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) and lasts one lunar month.

[Jet22]

Do BE Still operate there Through Service's like they did a few year ago.

I Seem to remember they operated a Morning EXT-LBA-ABZ service with Mid Morning/Early Afternoon return and a Mid Morning/Early Afternoon SOU-LBA-ABZ service with a Mid Afternoon/Late Afternoon Return. Does anybody know if they still do.

[Yeadon Dam]

Yes, they start up again in the winter. Not every day though.

[lbalad]

According to LBIA website,no Islamabad flight today.

I thought it was twice weekly wed and sat?

Have they cut services back?.

[airhumberside]

Ive read on other forums it was cancelled due to a Muslim festival (think it is Eid now Ramadan is over)

[lbalad]

Thanks for that airhumberside!.Not really up on religion of any kind.That might explain why I have also heard fireworks tonight,thought it was a bit early for bonfire night!.

[harrogate]

It was probably gunfire.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Quote
Thanks for that airhumberside!.Not really up on religion of any kind.That might explain why I have also heard fireworks tonight,thought it was a bit early for bonfire night!.

Reply
It's the Drugdealers setting of fireworks to tell their customers the supply is ready to collect.

They have been doing it for years in big cities.

It's true.

[Runway 32/14]

Yes i have seen the PIA flight take off from runway 32, infact i have it on video, and that video is on you-tube, it is a pity it was dark when she took off, but you know it is the PIA a310-300

Take a look follow this link: YouTube - PIA AT LBA (Leeds Bradford Airport 12/07/08) (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VCT-d7ObWpk) :ok:


As you can see from this clip....this aircraft is well off the ground along way from the end of the runway...

[HOODED]

Seems the runway is due to get it's long overdue resurfacing this winter, nice one Bridgepoint! Anyone have any info on start date closure timings etc? Also given the runway is concrete will it be overlaid with tarmac?

[Kimbob]

As I understand it , the closure is from about 11 ish to 5 ish and it maybe a full closure, not the usual closed except for scheduled flights, for the duration of winter. 14 lights are moving and resurfacing work, should be interesting !

[LBA_flyer]

From what I have been told the runway will be closed after the last departure (FR) and be handed back to ATC, cleared and swept for the first departure in the morning (KL) at 0605. Although their seems to be some confusion as to wether it is a complete re-surfacing job or just patch repairs.

[commit aviation]

Repairs rather than full resurface I understand.
However other projects planned including a CAT II ILS on 14 :ok:

[star alliance kid]

Hello all, does anyone know of or heard of any rumours regarding new airlines coming into LBA? i for one would like to see Lufthansa and Air France.

[FFC]

Tony flies the flag for Leeds Bradford airport at World Route Development Forum - Yorkshire Evening Post (http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/business-news/Tony-flies-the-flag-for.4574253.jp)

[Frankfurt_Cowboy]

How long have Flybe been offering connections to Alicante, Malaga and Jersey through Southampton???

[kirkbymoorside]

Flybe lauched the idea of selling connections sometime in July I think as a network wide move so I guess the Leeds ones just came as part of that...

[wawkrk]

When will the drop off zone be finished.
Yesterday it was completly grid locked. Absolute mayhem.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

We all know what speed LBIA goes at = Slow.

That's why = PIA flights introduced - 15 years after they should have.
That's why = Only now talking about a proposed Rail Connection - Which is Now 10 years overdue.

I can go on...

That's why MAN took all the flights because LBIA was = Slow.

[commit aviation]

Phase 1 complete at the end of the month (buses / taxis & drop off areas)
The next bit (revised short stay parking) will take place during the winter I believe.

BYAI: Things should speed up a bit shortly!

[Strelnikov]

BYALPHAINDIA

Whilst I share your frustration at the lack of a heavy rail link to Leeds Bradford Airport do you have any idea who was supposed to stump up the many millions it would cost (Redoubling a few miles of track in Bucks a few years ago cost £50m - never mind building a new line with major engineering)?

I'm afraid the business case would be a complete non-starter no matter how "bleeding obvious common sense" it may seem to LBA fans.

[HOODED]

NOTAM now issued for runway repairs/resurfacing. Closures between 3 Nov 08and 31 Mar09, dates in blocks various with closure between 2300 and 0600. Anyone know if this is concrete patching or a complete resurface?

[lbalad]

Seems the weather caused a few delays this afternoon,was it low visability?.

Had some friends that were on Jet2 flight from ALC due in at 15 30,which was diverted to DSA.

They were advised they would have to wait for buses from LBA bringing pax for outbound flight,so decided to get a taxi back from DSA,were home for 18 00.Just checked LBIA website,coaches due at 21 45 from DSA,over 6 hours late,bet there were a few disgruntled pax!.:mad:

[HOODED]

Yes it was bad weather, the 757s can't do a CAT3 at LBA but all the 737s seemed to get in ok. Shame really, I cant blame Jet2 for using the busses in both directions. You can't blame people for taking a taxy but at least Jet2 do bring you home in this situation, I was abandoned at Cork by Ryanair when bad weather diverted the flight. The flight out was then cancelled and the best they could do was a flight from Shannon to Liverpool, not Stansted, my destination. I had to pay to get to Shannon and from Liverpool to Stansted. Needless to say I won't ever fly Ryanair again!

[harrogate]

The missus had a similar experience with Ryanair a couple of year ago.

I managed to talk her into flying with them again earlier this year, only for them to really leave us in the ****, the up-shot of which was that we had to pay or a taxi and then 2 train tickets, totalling £189.

Thanks Ryanair.

[airbourne]

The mind boggles it really does. Picture the scene. I get off the inbound aircraft into LBA today, as Im walking from the a/c to the bus Im on the phone when one of the ground staff barks at me to get off the phone. I got on to the bus and went to use the phone only for her to run (yes, run) over and demand that I get off the phone. I asked why? She said that was the rules and that my phone may interfere with the aircraft! So its ok to sit on the a/c and use your phone when the doors are open but its not ok to use your mobile when you are on the bus 30 feet away from the a/c????

I questioned this on the return flight this evening and the servisair personal said it was to do with health and safety!! I asked where in the health and safety regs did it say that and I was just pawned off.

Incidentally, NOWHERE does it say you are are not allowed to use a mobile phone on the ramp, on the stairs airside or anywhere like that!

[mmeteesside]

Isn't it something to do with the risk while they're fueling? Same reason you can't use your mobile at a petrol station?

[loobysue]

If the fact you cant use phone due to fueling can someone answer me this.


On 28th August we were on flight MAN to SSH, due to probs with rear door missed slot and had to refuel to take longer flight path in SSH, plane was full, during this refueling cabin crew were told that despite knowing they would be out of hours and need over night stay in Sharm they would still have to take the flight to SSH, the said cabin crew were all texting and making calls to arrange childminders, cancel dates etc, as were lots of passengers phoning telling people they were going to be 4hrs late into Sharm. If the crew were willing to use the phones themselves during this refueling where was health and saftey manager

[Shunter]

The fuel thing is complete bollocks. It's been debunked numerous times, notably by TV series Brainiac who refuelled a car whilst ringing about 100 phones inside it. A fire requires fuel, oxygen and a source of ignition; a phone is none of these.

The CAA claim to have evidence of instrument interference, but it was noted that the phone has to be practically glued to the panel in order to manifest anything, and that only miniscule deviations were noted. I've personally tried using my mobile in the air, and apart from the odd little pip in the headset it did nothing. No instruments malfunctioned, ILS was rock solid, complete non-event.

[backtrack_32]

i think u will find its propbalbly because pax dont take care of the envrionment they are in when on the phone!

[Frankfurt_Cowboy]

Do we reckon that Flybe and Ryanair's base discussions are ongoing or have they been kicked in to touch? Have the JET2 knicker wetters got their way and put them off?

[backtrack_32]

Can any one shed some light on this

easyJet flight Leeds to Geneva - cheap flights Leeds to Geneva (http://www.eurocheapo.com/flights/airlineroutes/easyjet-leeds-united-kingdom-lba-geneva-switzerland-gva.html)

[freightdoggy dog]

Getting back to Hooded, I am told by a certain new AirOps guy that its patching the pot holes...a complete re-surface is not on the cards.

Wasn't the present airport MD in charge of the runway fiasco at BRS last year ?

[LBIA]

Hi

Looks like Jet2 are about to drop both there Valencia and Madrid routes for good. As both destinations have gone missing from there website.

No bookings are been taken for next summer while they have both been removed from the destinations route map.

So we can forget the mammoth expansion plans then as announced last week???

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Probably allowing for FR's Gerona services.

Valencia is not too far away.

FR will not do a MAD.

[14 loop]

Wasn't the present airport MD in charge of the runway fiasco at BRS last year ?

Tony Hallwood was at BRS during their runway problems, at LBA however he is the Commercial and Aviation Development Director. There is a separate Operations Director, however the current holder is to step down soon.

Re: the runway works; given that the work spans the period shown in the NOTAM

DUE WIP RWY 14/32 CLOSED, SUP S40/08 REFERS. NOV 03-DEC 19 2300-0600EXC NOV23, JAN 05-FEB 12 2300-0600, FEB 13-20 2359-0600, FEB 21-MAR 25 2300-0600, MAR 26-31 2200-0500

I reckon its going to be more than the usual patch and mend but maybe not a full resurface?

[harrogate]

Hi

Looks like Jet2 are about to drop both there Valencia and Madrid routes for good. As both destinations have gone missing from there website.

No bookings are been taken for next summer while they have both been removed from the destinations route map.

So we can forget the mammoth expansion plans then as announced last week???

I can see Valencia and Madrid on there.

[lbalad]

According to Jet2, the Madrid flights bookable to 26/10/08,and the Valencia until 02/11/08.

So it would appear that LBIA is correct in assuming these have gone for good next year?.

Anybody any idea if anymore new routes to be announced from LBA or is this it?.

[Johnny F@rt Pants]

BYALPHA - you're geography appears to be lacking. I doubt the VLC would be dropped due to an FR GRO service, they're nowhere near each other, particularly as we operate a BCN flight which is the service that FR are trying to muscle into.

[Facelookbovvered]

Sadly FR are coming like it or not................we don't even get close to their cost base and that before teh small matter of airframes that are 20 years younger:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::ee k::eek:

[SWBKCB]

Gerona - Valencia is about as far as London - Newcastle, but at least the Spanish have decent roads...

[perky35]

FR will not do a MAD ? Why ?

Madrid is a Ryanair base, they can use a MAD based aircraft as they do with the east midlands service, therefore no issues with where a based aircraft will park overnight.

There is no real telling what MOL is going to do next, we will just have to wait and see

[RAFAT]

There is no real telling what MOL is going to do next, we will just have to wait and see.

I know what I'd like the little :mad: to do next! and it's got nothing to do with routes!

[lbalad]

:rolleyes:I see in tonights YEP,members of the public are invited to view proposals for an extension to the terminal at LBIA.

The glamorous locations are;

St Marys Church Hall,Horsforth 4th Nov,5pm-8pm

Yeadon Town Hall,5th Nov 4 30pm-7pm

Morrisons,Yeadon,6th/7th Nov 4 30pm-8pm

I might go have a nosey,if I have nothing else better to do!.

[DispExt]

its usually because people on their phones aren't paying attention to whats going on around them e.g. tugs/lorries driving past. on more than one occasion i've had to physically stop someone walking across the ramp road whilst they were on their phone because they didn't see oncoming traffic. ground handling staff are told no-one should use their phone for this reason and due to 'health and safety' however no further explanation is given, thus why they couldn't give you an explanation

[682ft AMSL]

Consultation starts today on the first phase of the terminal revamp

http://www.lbia.co.uk/pdf/Building%20A%20Better%20Airport%20For%20You%20Information.pd f

[lbalad]

Well one thing is for sure,the new terminal extention won't be winning any design awards!.It still looks a mishmash of various bits added on over the years.Not sure about the glass roof part,would imagine it would be akin to sitting in a greenhouse in summer,oh I forgot, we don't have them anymore!.

Still I suppose anything is better than nothing,as the terminal was struggling to cope this year at peak times.For example when I flew in from DUS in July,3 or 4 aircraft arrived together,and the queue for immigration was the full length of the glass walkway,felt myself having a Victor Meldrew "I don't believe it" moment!

[14 loop]

The new frontage features the latest DfT's TranSec thinking on preventing risk/injury from terrorist attack. Glass frontages are out as they pose too much risk; hence the large skylight to get natural light into the building that would otherwise come-in through the frontage. The new setdown/pick-up area with distance and bollards is also designed with this in mind. Looks like the fire station gets swallowed by the development.

[brittania0580]

i like the central part of the terminal that is to be developed,,but i would like to know if they intend to still build a small multi storey car park across from the terminal as i do remember that it was talked about a few years ago and although no extention to the runway,, again i remember that their was talk of a larger turning loop at the start of i think 32 which would have added about 200 metres on to the runway but not classed as a runway extention will there be a good area for viewing for the general public as i feel it would be good as income for the various cafes and the likes maybe similar to dare i say it doncaster

[flybar]

This evenings PIA flight from Islamabad diverted to Manchester!!.
Everything else at LBA has landed and taken off OK.
Technical Issue?

[HOODED]

Believe the METAR for the arrival time was 1400m viz with RVR of 1500m so must have been a technical issue. Shame as thats the first of the ISB flights to be lost since Shaheen/PIA started.:sad:

[steve platt]

spoke with pia concerning last nights flight and the reason for divert was due to low viz. no technical issues. pax were coached from leeds to man and from man to leeds. crew had arrived in leeds just before flight got diverted so they were brought back to man to. not a good night for me sorting the coaches out. sooner leeds and pia get cat3b the better!!

[Wellington Bomber]

Dont need Cat3 for that visibility Cat 1 is quite suffice, somebody telling porkies

[Flightrider]

Cat I is sufficient but some operators impose higher than usual minima for Cat I approaches - particularly, in my past experience, those in India and Pakistan! This may be PIA's Cat I minima but not necessarily the airport's stipulated Cat I minima.

[HOODED]

I believe the cloudbase was low despite adequate RVR/Met Viz so this may be the reason. PIA need to get this sorted as all other flights got in ok! I just hope this is not going to be an excuse to move the flight back to MAN.Lets face it Shaheen starting from LBA nicked their pax from the PIA MAN service sort of forced them into LBA when Shaheen had an ac leasing problem. If they hadn't jumped on the LBA/ISB Shaheen would probably have been back showing PIA where their MAN pax were coming from. Or am I being unfair to PIA here?:uhoh:

[galaxy68]

It is possible that the pia captain was new, (though not the best place to send a new capt into), in which case it is normal to have higher limits until they have accrued a certain number of hours in command

[Buster the Bear]

News - 2008-11-10 British Airways (http://www.theairdb.com/news/2008-11-10-british-airways.html)

[aeulad]

From the same source that says BA is starting flights from London City to Damascus!

Regards

Mike

[LBIA]

Looks like British Airways are codeshareing with bmi british midland on the Leeds/Bradford - Heathrow route and are offering world wide connetions via LHR.

The LBA to LHR point to point services are not bookable on the BA website but long haul connections are bookable. It also states that flights between LBA and LHR are operated by bmi uk domestic on an Embraer 145.

Flight details.
LBA-LHR
BD411 = BA7611
BD413 = BA7613
BD417 = BA7617
BD419 = BA7619

LHR-LBA
BD412 = BA7612
BD414 = BA7614
BD418 = BA7618
BD420 = BA7620

[BKS Air Transport]

I don't think it is just restricted to long haul. As an example I just tried it with FCO and it worked.
Excellent, a much missed facility, and nice to see it back.

[bobleeds]

I would love to see BA take over the route once again. The BMI service has really been allowed to fall into decline over the years from a point where we had a 5 times a day service with DC9-32's and then 737-300's with the possibility of 8 X returns daily, to what passes for a service now.

I'm sure with the enhanced worldwide connections BA could make a better job of it.

[flybar]

This evenings PIA flight from Islamabad diverted to Manchester!!.



Above post from 5th Nov.

Already showing diversion to Manchester this evening, on LBA arrivals screen, nearly 2 hours before it is due.
What will be the excuse tonight??

[scamptonboy]

FLYBAR

The flight departed Islamabad almost 4 hours late.

Unluckily it looks as though the runway repairs at Leeds have put pay to an arrival there, hence coaches galore at the LBA.

Scamps

[LBIA]

Air Méditerranée are to operate 4 pilgrimage Hajj charter flights to Jeddah over the next two weeks from LBA. All flights are currently planned to be operated by Airbus 321 aircraft and will operate via Athens or Chania.

F-GYAR
FRI 21/11/08, 17:40: BIE1039 Arrives from Medina (Night Stops)
SAT 22/11/08, 06:00: BIE9383 Departs for Jeddah via Athens
F-GYAN
MON 24/11/08, 19:40: BIE1413 Arrives from Medina (Night Stops)
TUE 25/11/08, 06:00: BIE9236 Departs for Jeddah via Athens
F-GYAP
TUE 25/11/08, 21:40: BIE1823 Arrives from Medina (Night Stops)
WED 26/11/08, 06:00: BIE9275 Departs for Jeddah via Athens
F-GYAQ
MON 01/12/08, 07:40: BIE690 Arrives from Nantes
TUE 02/12/08, 09:00: BIE9555 Departs for Jeddah via Chania

There is also rumoured to be a Second, PIA, A310 on Saturday morning which is also operating a Hajj flight to Jeddah.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Thanks For that, Looks like Sat 22 will be quite busy up there.

Also TOM 763 in and out early morning.

Ill probably go up there, Prefer cemetry end.

I drive a Silver Mondeo - give me a shout.

Cheers.

[backtrack_32]

aswell as the aircraft departing late from ISB the customs section were due to leave the aiport by 2330 which would be after the aircraft had arrived at LBA, the runway was planned to keep open but due to the customs situation it went to manchester!

[LBA]

The Thomson 767 is due in on Sunday.

[BombardierCR7]

That is not what I was lead to understand. Tonight is perfect weather for concrete laying, high humidity, moderate winds, light rain. I dare say there will be contractual obligations with the contactors over such events.

[sparkshy]

what concrete?
there has been rubber removal over the past few nights-not repairs.

[LBIA]

Jet2 have announced a new French route from LBA today. A twice weekly service to Albert (Picardi somme) will commence on April 20th 2009.

LBA - (Albert Picardi somme)
LS801 08:20 10:40 Fridays
LS801 14:10 16:30 Mondays

(Albert Picardi somme) - LBA
LS802 11:10 11:30 Fridays
LS802 17:00 17:20 Mondays

[lbalad]

Ok,someone give me a clue,I consider myself well travelled,but where on earth is Albert?.

Is this a first from the UK?.Why would I want to fly there?

Wonder what prompted them to introduce this destination?.Think it will be popular?:confused:

[Bam Thwok]

Albert is in the Somme region in the NE of France.
World War 1 battlefields etc.

Airbus also have a plant there and the Beluga operates regularly into the airfield.

My guess is that Jet2 are doing this route in conjunction with airfield and local tourist board.

[Frankfurt_Cowboy]

So it's not a million miles from Lille then? :ugh:

[lbalad]

I notice the above flight on todays arrivals.

Anybody know what Jet2 were doing in Belgrade?

[LBIA]

Thomas Cook Holidays have just put Egypt - Sharm el Sheikh on sale for next winter. Flights will operate every Tuesdays from November 3rd, 2009 till April 27th, 2010

Departs LBA @ 08:40 and Arrives SHH @ 16:40
Departs SHH @ 17:55 and Arrives LBA @ 22:15

It's going to be operated by the Thomas Cook based Aircraft, Can there Airbus 320's make it or are we in for a upgrade next winter?

If not I guess they could always borrow a Jet2 Boeing 757 for the day

[mmeteesside]

It'll probably be a Thomas Cook 757 that positions across from Manchester or Newcastle at a guess

[dmdrewitt]

Some 'C' checks are done in Belgrade on the 737.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

SSH is well out of an A320's range, I am not an Airbus expert, But I think the A321 would struggle at that flight range.

Like it has been said, It will probably be flown by a 757 - LS or TCX??

[aeulad]

I'm not so sure SSH is out of an A320s range from LBA. Haven't Air Malta flown them from Manchester to Sharm in the past. MS used to fly them MAN-Cairo, and Alitalia flew them MXP-Dakar, 50nm further than LBA-SSH.

Regards

Mike

[mmeteesside]

On the raggy edge I believe. 757 would make more sense.

[commit aviation]

MAN & MXP have longer runways which may help from a performance point of view. As with many things in life - it's all about length!!! :ooh:

[Illuminated Windsock]

It appears very quiet on the runway at night. Thought the closures were arranged for re surfacing or repairs.

[HiflierEK]

no doubt LS will do the ssh for tcx another lovely day out for the crew. 14hrs + shift

[MarkBHX]

In the TCX system the SSH is showing as TCX 355K/L, 752, 235 seats, 0840 departure,

Mark

[lbalad]

I see the weather is causing delays up at LBA this morning.The arrivals and departures board is full of cancelled and indefinate delay notes.

Whilst I am sure that LBA is not the only airport affected this morning by the snow,I feel so sorry for any passengers that have their travel plans wrecked by the weather.

If say I was flying to AMS then on to EWR,and the flight is cancelled do the airline make alternative arrangements or are you left to your own devices,as I have never experienced this myself.

What is it with this country that as soon as a snowflake hits the ground,everything grinds to a halt,roads,rail and air travel?.

[Yeadon Dam]

I wouldn't worry about the flights. I will be surprised if any punters actually get to LBA this morning. Roads are atrocious this morning.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

The Airline (KLM) should allocate you onto the next available flight?

Think the Country, Panics when a few inches of 'Snow' arrives.

We are not used to it nowadays, Since the last heavy 'Snowfalls' in the 80's.

Keep Safe.

[wawkrk]

Here in Poland 1ft of snow is no problem.
1 metre can cause problems although not so much snow these days.
All car owners change to Winter tyres at around November.
Schools close if the temperature goes below minus 10 indoors.

[wawkrk]

All flights grounded yet, I can only see 2 snow clearing vehicles on the Multiflght wecam. Can this be the case?

[aidoair]

There hoping to open the runway and start 'normal' operations by 13:30 now.

[lbalad]

This flight was caught up in the earlier snow chaos.

Should have left at 9am,but went at 3 15pm.Flightstats.com says flight redirected?.

Anybody know if this went non stop today,or did it have to make a stop on route due to weather?.Thanks.

[BombardierCR7]

It went via Gander

[lbalad]

Thanks BombardierCR7.

I bet they're not happy chappies,still at least they didn't have flight cancelled!.

[airbourne]

Is it actually not possible for LBA management to clear the area around aircraft of snow and ice. Better to pay for that to be done than risk someone slipping and suing the airport. Got off the FR flight on wednesday and walked the deadly 10 feet to the bus and then again to the terminal building. Its ok for someone like me but there was plenty of older people who found it difficult. I would consider it a serious case of negligence on the airports behalf.

[Leezyjet]

If say I was flying to AMS then on to EWR,and the flight is cancelled do the airline make alternative arrangements or are you left to your own devices,as I have never experienced this myself.

If the flights are all booked on the same itinerary/ticket, then yes the airlines will make alternative arrangements but if you had booked say LBA-AMS with Jet2 and AMS-EWR with KL/NW then you would be on your own. Jet2 would only be required to sort out your LBA-AMS sector and you would have to sort out the AMS-EWR sector yourself and pay any costs too.

:)

[barry lloyd]

Snow causing delays

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I see the weather is causing delays up at LBA this morning.The arrivals and departures board is full of cancelled and indefinate delay notes.

Whilst I am sure that LBA is not the only airport affected this morning by the snow,I feel so sorry for any passengers that have their travel plans wrecked by the weather.

If say I was flying to AMS then on to EWR,and the flight is cancelled do the airline make alternative arrangements or are you left to your own devices,as I have never experienced this myself.

What is it with this country that as soon as a snowflake hits the ground,everything grinds to a halt,roads,rail and air travel?.

Haven't flown from LBA for many years. Got there on Tues am about 0830. Eventually found a place in the sprawling car park. Took all the gear out of the car ( I was going to an exhibition and had additional baggage), and went to the refuge and pressed the buzzer for the bus. "We're having a few problems, and we don't know when the bus will be along".
Eventually made the 500m uphill push to the terminal only to be told at check-in that they could label the baggage but couldn't process it. They would announce later when they could accept it. No chance to go and spend some money in the terminal on food then. No explanation given, but then we all know who handles KLM don't we?
Eventually able to drop off bags, go to gate to be told after normal departure time that there is a ten-minute technical delay. No further news for 30 minutes, when the captain appears and says that he is not taking the aircraft because at least one of the tyres is suspect. Fair enough, but one of the gate staff is totally unconcerned because she's wandering around with a soft drink in her hand. After queueing up for an hour, we are given alternative flights on AF from MAN.
When I returned to LBA last night and paid my car park fee (£31), I was short-changed by £1.
If this is a typical situation at LBA then the credit crunch is going to hit it hard. Snow was forecast. LBA is the highest airport worthy of the name in Britain, so it's more used to snow than most, but seems totally incompetent at dealing with it, or its passengers.
I certainly won't be flying from there again - and yes I shall be writing to Servisair and KLM about the handling. (There were other issues which I won't bore you with).

[pploony]

What has happened to today's PIA flight?,not on the arrivals/departures board at LBA.The Islamabad airport site shows it as cancelled.Is this a one off,or has it been dropped?

[BombardierCR7]

Eid al-Adha falls between 8th and 11th Dec, so maybe something to do with that festival?

[lbalad]

I see todays flight has also been redirected(Gander again?).

What was the reason today?

[globetrotter79]

I see todays flight has also been redirected(Gander again?).
What was the reason today?

It may be something to do with their ETOPS clearances, perhaps? If they've only got a basic level of ETOPS clearance and are having problems today with one or more of the en-route alternates being out due weather, then this might force a longer routing, hence requirement for a fuel stop.

...or I could be talking out of my behind...apologies to all at Jet2 for having unfairly done you a disservice if so!!

[bluepilot]

due to very strong headwinds over the atlantic, planned fuel stop in gander.

[galaxy68]

Does the 757 have a restricted TOW on 32? (apart from the obvious factors of wind, temperature and pressure)

[mmeteesside]

I see Thomson are up to their old tricks again - diverting the 763 from Miami - presume it went to MAN? I know it was due to position back there after dropping the LBA pax off ... just because there's a slightest hint of fog :}

[HOODED]

Yes but the good news is the PIA A310 got in despite the low viz and a tailwind component on the CAT 3 runway, but then again he doesn't live in Manchester! I feel sorry for the Pax.:ugh:

[rpmac]

Thomson have a bad habit of diverting away from LBA on occasions when others get in without problems. I think the passengers should demand a reason for this treatment, after all they choose to fly from LBA and would expect to arrive back there unless weather related issues prevented it and not simply for the convenience of Thomson having their aircraft back in Manchester earlier.

[kingdee]

Have always used a bit of fog as an excuse,totally pathetic when a cat 111 protected approach is available .The 767 can take a 5kt knot tail wind .More to the crew lets get home earlier and screw the SLF .Merry Xmas .:E

[Moondance]

Love you local airport fanboys who have never been closer to real aviation than flightsim! 767 can actually take a 15 kt tailwind, but most airlines prohibit autoland on 32 Leeds with a tailwind (and if you've ever done it, which is highly unlikely, you will know exactly why).

[kingdee]

you say "most airlines " what about the others ?

[Rainboe]

Are you people really making accusations because the pilots wouldn't land a 767 with a significant tailwind at that awful airport runway 32 at LBA? With a tailwind, it is close to being marginal for a 737-700! It is not unusual to miss the turn off and have to go into the loop at the end....in a 737-700! face it, the place should have been closed years ago. I can't imagine why such a dead loss of an airport is kept open. From an operational point of view, it is nasty and unacceptably dangerous. It's out of the way, unextendable, a terrain nightmare. Airlines are continually trying to thrash out an operation there and finding it defeats them. And you start pointing fingers at operators honesty?

[14 loop]

I believe that the TOM made the decision to divert whilst over the Irish Sea, the aircraft didn't even try an approach. At the time RVRs were fluctuating at around the 700m level which would have certainly made a Cat1 approach legal on either end. The PIA landed 14.

Hopefully, we will one day see CatII on 14. Sort out the 32 RESA and a more usable CatIII might be a prospect.

[Stampe]

Rainboe is spot on.I would never consider accepting any tailwind component for any landing at LBA let alone an autoland which always go deep even without the influence of the unfortunate runway profile at Leeds.Although authorised I personally would never consider an autoland at LBA unless there was a substantial and constant headwind component.Flight safety is paramount especially where runways overruns are so poor.Just for information I have commanded B738/757/767 occasionally out of LBA over the last 12 years and operated assorted other types for the past 25 years.The actual practise of aviating in and out of LBA requires great care to ensure safety one of the most challenging airfields in the Uk for heavy jet operations.Not all operators or national regulators have the same high standards as I am used to and fortunate enough to be employed by.

[flybar]

Are you people really making accusations because the pilots wouldn't land a 767 with a significant tailwind at that awful airport runway 32 at LBA? With a tailwind, it is close to being marginal for a 737-700! It is not unusual to miss the turn off and have to go into the loop at the end....in a 737-700! face it, the place should have been closed years ago. I can't imagine why such a dead loss of an airport is kept open. From an operational point of view, it is nasty and unacceptably dangerous. It's out of the way, unextendable, a terrain nightmare. Airlines are continually trying to thrash out an operation there and finding it defeats them. And you start pointing fingers at operators honesty?


Rainboe is spot on.I would never consider accepting any tailwind component for any landing at LBA let alone an autoland which always go deep even without the influence of the unfortunate runway profile at Leeds.Although authorised I personally would never consider an autoland at LBA unless there was a substantial and constant headwind component.Flight safety is paramount especially where runways overruns are so poor.Just for information I have commanded B738/757/767 occasionally out of LBA over the last 12 years and operated assorted other types for the past 25 years.The actual practise of aviating in and out of LBA requires great care to ensure safety one of the most challenging airfields in the Uk for heavy jet operations.Not all operators or national regulators have the same high standards as I am used to and fortunate enough to be employed by.


Interesting that both posts are by people from the South East of England. Presumably the 'local' pilots might have a different view.

The actual practise of aviating in and out of LBA requires great care to ensure safety one of the most challenging airfields in the Uk for heavy jet operations.


Correct - possibly part of the problem

[Helen49]

However, it is an Aerodrome Licensed by the CAA Aerodrome Standards Department in accordance with CAP 168.
So what is wrong, ICAO? The UK CAA Licensing Standards? The CAA Aerodrome Inspectors? The airline operations Departments? The pilots?
Comments please!
Helen49

[harrogate]

You need to live in the area to understand the benefits the LBA has for locals. It's not something you can comment on as an outsider.

Gripe about the 'perils' from a pilot's perspective - fine. But comments from people who don't live in the area about the validity of the airport in general are uninformed and utterly invalid, irrespective of the the level of importance and authority the person making the comments attributes to themself.

If you don't feel competent enough to fly in and out of LBA, then there's an easy solution.

Plenty of pilots are happy enough working from LBA, my brother included.

[HOODED]

Forget the tailwind aspect the PIA landed 14 on a CAT 1.

[sparkshy]

nice to see that tool rainboe has surfaced before christmas, i was worried there'd be a mountain of milk bottles outside his door after he'd bored himself to death by repeating his same old bullsh1t to himself.
saves me from ringing 999, thanks.

[RAFAT]

Interesting that both posts are by people from the South East of England. Presumably the 'local' pilots might have a different view.



Flybar - I'm a local pilot and was based at Leeds for a few years with my previous employer, and I agree with everything Rainboe and Stampe say. I didn't really have any probs getting in and out of LBA, (except my huge dislike of the most bone-shaking, teeth-rattling runway in Europe) but the types I operated were regional aircraft; I have a huge amount of respect for the Jet2 757 drivers who do it everyday, because frankly I think I'd mess my pants.

[galaxy68]

well many of us can remember the pre-extension days, with a useable distance of under 5000 foot, I think LDA on 15 was about 4600 and TODA on 33 was 4800. Even a F27 was significantly weight restricted on 33 departure, so the operation of 737-2 to Spanish destinations was at the limits of the aircraft, as you could imagine..... and the pioneering airline was ironically Britannia.

[A300BOY]

Ok so your flying a heavy aircraft trans atlantic to a scruffy limiting airfield that has a marginal runway landing distance and the weather is just above limits and your next leg after making this approach and landing is a positioning flight to the big local no problem airport where you are all based and the crew will be home 3 hours earlier, What would you do ? I agree with our professional crew members safest option is best as it might be me or one of my family members in the back inconvienience is acceptable. However I do not believe you cannot improve the situation at Leeds operationally and it needs to be a priority for the new owners or stick to short haul smaller aircraft and forget larger and long haul aspirations. Just done some autolands at Luton as the waether was poor and the same problem of extended flare exists as at Leeds, and they have 10 million passengers a year, so Leeds can still develop I believe, remember technology continues to progress it was not so long ago we were told it was impossible to install Ils on runway 14 at all.

[Moondance]

Sorry A300boy, you are making so many assumptions, most of which are incorrect. The way long haul patterns are constructed, it is almost certain that the crew were NOT Manchester based. Also, they would NOT be doing the positioning flight LBA-MAN, so wherever they landing, they would be going into a hotel, before positioning to base the next day....ie purely an operational, safety related decision to divert, nothing to do with crew convenience. There is much more to commercial aviation than is obvious in Spotter Central.

(and, to be honest, landing at LBA I would far rather be driving a 757/767, because with eight braked mainwheel units, they stop far more impressively than a 737)

[Squark7000]

Quote:
(and, to be honest, landing at LBA I would far rather be driving a 757/767, because with eight braked mainwheel units, they stop far more impressively than a 737)

Agreed, but only once the tyres are on the ground.....

[lbalad]

Anybody know if the based Thomas Cook A320 is coming back again?

Are we likely to see any new airlines into LBIA next summer?.

[A300BOY]

I agree the specifics of this diversion are not known to me my comments were a generalisation of previous year involving some Manchester based airlines. The braking principles are well known to me and our A300 would have no problem landing 14 with a 10kts tailwind at Mlw even though with no brake fans we might have to wait 2 hours before departing again !! once again no critisim of the crew concerned but lets not pretend we not human.

[LBA]

Thomas Cook A320 will be back, and I would say at the moment it's looking unlikely that any new airlines will be in, but who knows.

[Rainboe]

nice to see that tool rainboe has surfaced before christmas, i was worried there'd be a mountain of milk bottles outside his door after he'd bored himself to death by repeating his same old bullsh1t to himself.
saves me from ringing 999, thanks.
Chaps, it's a bit sad that in response to criticism of the place from an operational POV, the fact that it comes from 'namby pamby southerners' is used to denigrate the comments! This is the highest airport in the UK, god-awful weather, surrounded by dales, with the runway conveniently at 90 degrees to the prevailing wind. Built on top of a hill, with nice views from the 32 holding point across the city (because you are on the edge of an escarpment), it has a too-short runway that is guaranteed to loosen your fillings, and run off the end of 14, you are guaranteed to not be alive at the bottom because it's well steep! (Hint to pilots- reject to right whatever you do. You're still going to go downhill, but maybe you stand a little more chance!).

It distresses me a lot of people have a lot of faith in this dodo. It's been kept alive in the typical British fashion of proping dead things and machinery up in the hope nobody will notice they died 25 years ago, a bit like Lapland New Forest. It's a waste of energy. Leeds deserves better! I am not anti-Yorkshire at all (though I think John Smiths tastes as though it's passed through too many sheeps' digestive systems first on its way to the brewery). As a UK taxpayer, I would like to see a complete new airport built (like somewhere near a motorway/rail terminal!) and shared with Wakefield and Barnsley, though the reason that dead duck is kept afloat is Bradford wants it. Face it, the Leeds metropolitan area is always going to be stiffled if this is the only airport, always failing in its expansion because people can't find it or get to it, or anybody sustain long range services from it! So what if some mugs paid a fortune- selling this as development land with spectacular views would have helped fund a new airport (no it wouldn't- it would have gone into that black hole called 'council gold plated pensions'). Those mugs must be staring into their coffee each day thinking 'what have we done?'.

It's not working. Leeds needs more. I actually like the place. You could improve it by speaking Hampshire up there, but it has to be the biggest city with the lamest airport in Europe. The answer is not to do it on the cheap any more! You don't keep old cars going indefinitely. this is the Morris 1000 of the airport world- a Noddy car. Eventually you buy a BMW, and then realise you should have got one years ago because it's so good and the Noddy car is actually appalling. What's a billion these days? It's only about 1/1000th of what Robber Brown will fund to banks and building societies in this recession on our behalf (meaning WE pay for it). I will sign a petition to take this airport to the vets and have it put down gently and taken to the scrap yard and buy Leeds a shiny new one! You have only to ask. It's a labour government and you are northerners- you'll get what you want. Look at Northern Rock!

I shall start on Southampton Airport next. What a pathetic monument for Solent city! We got troubles down here too.

Back in 6 months guys! Don't waste your energy on something that has conked out on you! The big end has definitely gone, and the bodywork has got holes in it.

[harrogate]

Let it go, man.

Don't worry yourself too much about it. It's making you look silly.

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Woo Hoo!!

A Spotters/Enthusiasts v Professionals spat.

I'll get the popcorn. :E

[A300BOY]

Hi Rainboe ! The trouble with you is your are ever so nearly correct about our ski slope but you do love to rub it in ! anyway you been to Sarfend,Bristol or Sarfhampton in one of your flying tubes in the past ? they are all sarf of Watford and just as bad. Thames Estuary / Leeds South International maybe !

[lbalad]

I see there is a flight tomorrow to Enontekio in Finland,operated by Hamburg International Airlines.

Is this a first visit or have they visited LBIA before?:confused:

[Rainboe]

The trouble with you is your are ever so nearly correct about our ski slope but you do love to rub it in ! anyway you been to Sarfend,Bristol or Sarfhampton in one of your flying tubes in the past ? they are all sarf of Watford and just as bad.
I have operated out of all three, not SOU recently, but that museum piece has not changed. It's noticeably sad that I fly out of smaller cities in Europe with modern, better equiped airports and terminals. We are being desperately left behind with a bizarre lack of investment for facilities (except for airport shops and civil servant offices). The whole infrastructure of the UK is becoming ....ramshackle and shoddy. Considering how everything is so much busier here......where is the money robbed from us all by Brown going? Is he blowing it all on his favourite- benefits- and starving the infrastructure so he can laugh as he hands over the keys to No 10 knowing they can do nothing to retrieve us? Heaven help us because the whole country is going to look like Yeadon soon. But we are paying through the nose, so what is he doing with it?

[galaxy68]

I worked at LBA for many years... the wx was far worse than recent times, poor or non existent ILS, precious little lighting.... you were more likely to divert from LBA than any other UK airport (Scottish Highlands and Islands included!) by a country mile! In winter the runway was often called "skid pan alley" and all this with just 5000 foot to play with.

However all this is in the past. When the runway was extended and a new terminal was built they had an opportunity to drastically improve the situation. But they categorically failed, instead of thinking big, of planning for the future, nay of even building a place fit for a few widebodies a day they completely and utterly blew it. That first summer in the mid 80's there were 4 widebodies per week, clearly showing the potential, but for most of the past 20 years there has been almost none, despite their total numbers growing. Why?
Firstly, the LDA... inadequate for a safe op, when you throw in crosswinds, a wet runway, gradients and poor terrain. Those first A300's had 353pax... throw in complacency and sorry, but I would rather stay at home. After the overrun the L1011 crews were sent to the sim to practice short field landings, (a little too late). On the old runway , Britannia (737-2) often used to even warn the pax prior to landing, it's short so expect a positive touchdown.... previous post by Sqark7000 spot-on. I think that even nowadays 737/757 crews need total respect for this airfield and the conditions. Conclusion.... unsuitable for widebody ops, (I know the PIA A310 only has about 180pax, but this is an exception rather than the norm). But this problem could have been avoided when the runway was extended. Did they not think that large planes would land there? I honestly don't beleive they did.
Secondly, the new terminal that opened around the same time was totally and utterly inadequate from day one. Can you beleive that? I read on another thread that posters were complaining about the continuous building site that is LBA and that this predicament was caused in more recent times. Untrue. The brand spanking new terminal they gave us in the mid 80's was a total waste of money. Every facet was inadequate, the check-in area, international deps and arrivals, even the domestic functions. All that the new airport terminal was capable of handling, (and here its similar to the runway) was the same type of aircraft that operated before, ie max size basic 737. Incredibly, even if just two 737s came around the same time it could not cope. Just one year later they started to extend the place and the rest is history. Cost to the taxpayer, millions and Joe Public kept in the dark. Cost to the airport over the years must be unthinkable.
The management at the time, Denison was APD, I think No2 was Savage, must take full credit. I think their motto was "think small" and "bad by design"

[karlee alpha]

I have to agree galaxy68,it was a shambles under the old management but this new lot are even worse. Its still about doing things on the cheap and making as much money as possible before they leave in a couple of years. I cant help but think LBA was screwed by Leeds city council just so they could line their own pockets. It certainly wasnt for the good of the airport or for the whole of Leeds. It makes me wonder what things would have been like if they sold it to one of the already established airport operators that bidded or even balfour beaty who also put an offer in. Some times you have to lose money to make money in the long run but Bridgepoint are only here for the short term so we wont see any meaninfull investments within the next couple of years at least

[A300BOY]

We all agree then a longer more useable runway is the key followed by operational and equipment improvements We are stuck with the site we have as the other better sites were discarded so we are where we are ! Lets hope our new owners spend their money on improvement but they have to make the place pay too. More flights to more destinations please is my wish as I am stuck in Malpensa on Christmas Eve and only able to get a flight to Heathrow then a bus to sunny Yeadon.

[rpmac]

Whilst most of the above comments are credible it did not help to have a non 24 hour operational directive in place for far too long after the runway was extended meaning that charter airlines would be reluctant to base at LBA, thus passenger figures were lower than might be expected for the catchment area. This then curtails further investment. Additionally being owned by five local authorities is a further handicap. The terrain around Leeds Bradford and district is hilly and relatively urbanised so where do you have an airport that is near for everyone. Too far away and Manchester is even more attractive! Then of course Yeadon was there .. building it and flying Lancasters seemed a good idea at the time. Negative politicians in the past have not helped either. The developments for the future seem exciting and maybe the good folk of West Yorkshire will have an airport that everyone is proud of. There are many airports in this country and abroad which are far inferior to LBA.

[HOODED]

There is, at last, a sensible debate going on hrere mainly about past failings. As A300boy says "we are where we are" the place is not going to close any time soon and it does have huge potential. Look at the Masterplan for the place, longer runway (extensions at both ends) more parking, parallel taxyway coupled with new road links and a CAT2 ILS on 14 and you would have an airport approaching it's potential. Sadly it wont happen any time soon due to the costs, and Bridgepoint are only there for a fast buck. Lets hope the company they sell LBA to after the Terminal improvements actually look at the masterpan and instigate some of the proposed airfield improvements, Don't hold your breath!:sad:

[Rainboe]

the place is not going to close any time soon and it does have huge potential.
Sorry, but I read this as 'the place does have potential to be propped up and made to look as if it is alive for another decade or two (but it will not develop)'. How can the runway be extended both ends? When you are at the start of 32, you have a bewildering view over the vista of the city. You do not want that- you want flat ground thank you very much! Operationally (for pilots and aeroplanes), the place is totally inadequate, verging on dangerous. Socially, for local employees and local passengers, it's fine. Any extension southeastwards will be adding a lump to the side of the hill. I assume that is why the runway has such a dip after the threshold- it allowed an extension that could be made out beyond the other side of the slope to the south east. But any further extension will make it like a navy carrier's stern. Run off the end of 14 or undershoot 32 and you are so doomed it's not true. Working on the principle that someone someday will run off the end of any runway, we are just waiting for the fatal accident that is pre-ordained. And extension will make the effect so much more severe when it happens.

The RAF have progressively moved out of bases in Yorkshire and elsewhere. They are grabbed by local councils as 'business parks'. This is criminal where a beautiful runway is wasted. SURELY there is a retired base that can be developed at low cost into a new Leeds airport?

[Jet2krazey]

What about Elvington at York, :)

[A300BOY]

As I said better options were discarded in the past with military requirements for airspace in the vale of York being stated as one of the reasons. I repeat that Luton has most of the same problems as Leeds and handles around 10 million passengers a year. for Rainboe to ponder ! starter strips turning loops building up the undershoot area to move the threshold touch down points are all possible and I am sure the true experts can add a few more ideas.

[harrogate]

Church Fenton.

Dead close to the A1 and M62, and riddled with train access too.

Runway would need stretching, but there's plenty of space for that.

Just need to kick the last stragglers of the RAF out once and for all.

leeds - Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=leeds&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.315864,79.101563&ie=UTF8&ll=53.825584,-1.264114&spn=0.05289,0.154495&t=h&z=13)

Too close to VOY, though.

[rpmac]

On checking I see that nearly all the traffic in and out of Leeds is domestic and European, for which the airport is well equipped. Most aircraft are 737,s, airbuses, along with turbo props and bmi Emb 145·s. etc. plus a few 757's
The long haul flights are few. The present operators, i.e jet2, KLM, Bmi, Ryanair, Thomas Cook and others all seem content with the present situation and are in fact contemplating further expansion in time. Most people seem to consider LBA´s accessability to be a problem but then local councillors, MPs, etc need to address this situation, for instance what about the rail link from the Horsforth Harrogate line? All this can be done, it just takes money and will power. But why move away?, and where to?
The airport has its problems with weather related issues, and that cannot be changed, some other airports are in similar situations.
Whilst the Govt have indicated they would consider a runway extension desirable those managing the airport have considered other matters of more importance. See the masterplan.
If the long haul traffic increases and the airlines such as PIA demand improvements to the runway capablities then this can be addressed, but most of the increase for the future is going to come from short to medium haul business.
We all live in the real world.

[HOODED]

Rainboe, take a look at the masterplan the extension on the 32 start I assume will be level ground creating a RESA( currenly a dispensation exists for this) so not much advantage at that end other than increased SAFETY! The 32 threshold could then be moved to the end of the old bit allowing a flat touchdown zone before the dip starts. Given modern aircraft this coupled with the 500 ft overrun being concreated over at the 14 start and a new soft overrun, LBA would then have a runway on a par with BHX. Oh and it would even ponit in the same direction.

You write the place off too easily Rainboe.

[harrogate]

Bridgepoint would sooner wait 'til all airlines are using Dreamliners, rather than spend money extending the runway.

[682ft AMSL]

Hi Rainboe,

There are two issues on the table here which in reality are entirely separate. The first is "safety" and if the suggestion is that there has been, for the last 24 years, a consistent failure by the CAA, the management of many of Europe's major airlines and thousands of aircrew with regard to LBA operations then SURELY there is a moral and professional duty to blow the whistle. If you think something is unsafe and a risk to passenger safety, you tell people in authority that it's unsafe and you keep escalating upwards until someone listens. Isn't that how it works? The resurfacing fiasco at BRS in the very recent past would seem to suggest so.

If on the other hand you aren't exposing an institutional failure across the industry and instead are simply playing your favoured "I'm toxic" pantomime villain role, you might want to choose your language more carefully. You're the first to jump up and down in response to media hyperbole and sensationalism , especially when it threatens job security , so maybe it's time for you to afford the same level of respect to the 2,000 or so people who depend on the airport for their employment.

In other words, it's time to put up or shut up.

The viability of the airport as a business is something different altogether. The history of the airport and the development of an alternative is dogged by political interference, poor decision making and a lack of investment. Dumb decisions spanning the last 45 years have a much greater influence on the 2008 route network than a runway length and profile that operators have been working with for 24 years.

LBA is hardly unique in this regard as I'm sure anyone who is close to the case of Filton vs Lulsgate in the South West is well aware. Yet the reality is that with over a decade of private ownership behind it. BRS is one of the country's most successful provincial airports; big passenger throughput, wide and varied route network and an important economic contributor. LBA is just 18 months into the same journey with a management team comprised of, entirely without coincidence, the architects of various stages of the Bristol revolution. Who would have thought it? And just as BRS success was based on an aggressive commercial strategy to win airline business, a big and proud PR strategy to win the hearts and minds of the locals and investment in passenger facilities, so we see the same unfolding at LBA. Folk expecting parallel taxiways and runway extensions,will be disappointed. Just because it exists in some shiny pdf brochure means nothing. The one thing BRS did invest in was CAT3 and similarly the only thing I'd expect them to now do at LBA is bump up 14 to CAT2 which would take away about two thirds of the 80 or so diversions each year. If the CAA approve it, it might even come with an extra 100m of LDA due to changes to the threshold. Apart from that, passenger facilities, route development and marketing is where they will spend. The big unknown is whether they will hold their nerve through the recession.

682

[BigT2207]

One of the things I like about this forum is to read 682's well written and thought out posts. I look forward to reading the next one.

[galaxy68]

Rainboe, the airfield is inherently safer than those pre-extension days. This is borne out by logic, which is derived from the present runway with improved parameters and facilities, plus the replacement of older and less capable type aircraft. The evidence for this comes in the decline in the number of incidents. I remember 5/6 such accidents in my time there, so almost 1 every 2 years. In those days it perhaps was an accident waiting to happen, but not nowadays. However crews still need to remain vigilant (whats new?).

[14 loop]

As ever, a sensible post (that of Mr 682....) derives not a great deal of response (save for BigT). Suspect that his reasoned points stop people in their tracks! At the end of the day the commercial reality will always drive the operational imperative.

I've always subscribed to the view that the 'issues' of LBA have meant that pilots treat the airfield with something akin to respect but in other circles might be distrust/disdain/hostility. Whatever you call it I believe it has meant that LBA has always seen pilots doing what they do best, professional flying, in challenging conditions.

As someone that used to manage the people at the pointy end of vehicles (albeit ground based), my experience is that such people tend to make their mistakes in those mundane situations/circumstances, however when kept on their toes, mistakes are less likely to happen. I know that if I were a professional pilot, flying into LBA would be a highlight, a bit like the old Kai Tak, Funchal, Chambery, Innsbruck or Salzburg.

[lbalad]

I see the weather has again caused chaos at LBA again tonight,a host of diversions to other airports.

I know its been windy tonight,was it a bad crosswind?.

[HOODED]

Gusting 260/34G58 Kts! And the BMI A320 just got in! Kudos to the pilot on that one it must of been one hell of a ride.:eek:

[leedspotter]

Indeed, seen some interesting landings up there that evening!

[Setel Up]

Just looking at the Multiflight web cam now the fog has cleared.

What is the blue tail and white fuselage aircraft in the middle of the Jet2 machines?

Back to more family orientated seasonal pastimes.......zzzz

Setel Up

[ILS32]

Hi Setel Up
Happy Christmas to you.
The aircraft looks like it is the Hamburg International A319
D-AHIJ, was parked there yesterday morning.
ILS32

[backtrack_32]

The aircraft is still here due to it recieving damage to it yesterday!

[flybar]

Care to tell us more!!

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Gusting 260/34G58 Kts! And the BMI A320 just got in! Kudos to the pilot on that one it must of been one hell of a ride.http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/eek.gif

I knew the BMI A320 would still appear at LBIA, Even thou BD swore that it was going to be all 135/145 flying?

145's not big enough for certain flight times, They (BD) know that but, Are trying to 'Squeeze' everyone in.

[lbalad]

Can anyone provide a link please?

[BigT2207]

Webcam | Multiflight Online — Everything for the Flying Experience (http://www.multiflight.com/flight-training-centre/webcam.php)

[backtrack_32]

The HHI got damaged by a baggage vehicle colliding with the rear hold surroundings!

[LBIA]

(PIA) Pakistan International Airlines's, Managing Director, Captain Ejaz Haroon, has comfirmed that they are to increase there Leeds/Bradford to Islamabad service from 2 weekly to 3 weekly in the early part off 2009.

See following for full press interview.

Khaleej Times Online - PIA Losses Surge on High Fuel Costs; Preferential Treatment to ME Carriers (http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/business/2008/December/business_December742.xml&section=business&col=)

[HOODED]

Can't get the link to work! Any idea what day the extra rotation will be? I would guess Monday like Shaheen did. It's been a while coming but pleasing nonetheless given the current climate. I assume an A310 given their other aircraft would be restricted from our little strip. :8

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Captain Ejaz Haroon, has comfirmed that they are to increase there Leeds/Bradford to Islamabad service from 2 weekly to 3 weekly in the early part off 2009.

It doesn't actually say when an additional LBA rotation will start, if you read the article:

“Capt. Haroon also disclosed that from March 2009 PIA will start Islamabad-Barcelona twice weekly Boeing-777 service with Dubai as one stop.

“Dublin is another new destination for which we are waiting confirmation while we will increase Leeds flights from two to thrice weekly,” he added."

Rgds

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Anyone For SSH (Sharm)??

Jet 2 Holidays prices in March & April from 284.00 per person H/Board.

7 nights in Shark's Bay, One of the best Diving sites in the world.

Just been, Would reccomend anyone to go.

A beautiful country with really friendly people.

These prices are 'way cheaper' than TOM & TCX they are wanting 380.00 + each.

Could see more flights added to Egypt.

SSH - 8.5 Mill tourists in 2007.

World's fastest growing resort.

[commit aviation]

Interesting that another topic in the PIA article is a possible replacement for the A310 in 2009. If it comes to pass, what might end up on the LBA run bearing in mind Hooded's comments on performance limitations? :confused:

[lbalad]

I booked flights from LBA not long after they were announced,for end of Feb,worked out about £280 each.Booked 4* AI hotel separate,total cost about £430 each for a week,which at the time was way cheaper than anything on Jet2holidays.

Don't think the flights can be selling that well,they recently had a 50% seat sale off SSH flights from LBA only not MAN flights.The date I am flying the flight is nearly £100 cheaper per person now,although thankfully the hotel has gone up by over £110 since I booked it.

I hope these flights do prove popular with us Yorkshire folk.Having been to most of the traditional 'costas',its nice to be able to try somewhere different from my local airport.

Plus with the £ more or less on a par with the Euro now,Egypt might become more of an attractive option.

[oakdale]

I understand that SSH is selling well and they are looking at putting winter 09 on sale soon.
Couldn't agree more about it being a great resort
what about Hurgarda ?

[LBIA]

I understand that SSH is selling well and they are looking at putting winter 09 on sale soon.
Couldn't agree more about it being a great resort
what about Hurgarda ?

Good news is that if jet2 happen to put a LBA service on sale for next winter then they will be 2 weekly flights to SSH, As Thomas Cook are already selling a Tuesday flight operated by a TCX, B757 as previously mentioned on this thread.

[BigT2207]

I found this on another Forum. I thought you may all like to read.

31 Dec 2008
OFFICIALS at Leeds Bradford International Airport are in advanced
discussions with an international airline over a new direct route to Frankfurt, the
heart of Germany's financial and legal services industry.
Tony Hallwood, the airport's commercial and aviation development director,
said he hopes the service will begin in 2009 and will "deliver increased
linkage between Yorkshire and the economic powerhouse of the European Union".

In an interview with the Yorkshire Post, he said: "Frankfurt is the top of
the list. It's the centre of Germany's legal and financial services sectors.
Of course, Leeds follows London in terms of servicing both those sectors."
Mr Hallwood said he hopes the route would lead to increasing numbers of
tourists visiting Yorkshire from the affluent hinterland around Frankfurt, one of
the largest conurbations in Europe.

He added: "We are very, very hopeful we should have further news in the
early part of 2009 and we are very confident we will start the service at some
stage during the year."

He said regional business leaders, including the Confederation of British
Industry, the Institute of Directors, Marketing Leeds, various chambers of
commerce and the tourist board had given their support to the route, believing it
will add to the city's "international connectivity".

Frankfurt airport is the largest airport by passenger traffic in Germany,
the third largest in Europe and the eighth largest worldwide. It is reputed to
serve the greatest number of international destinations of any airport in the
world.

Mr Hallwood also said he hopes to add new routes to Eastern Europe, in
particular Hungary and Poland. He added: "Talking to the business community we
need to have a much higher profile in these parts of Europe."

He said he hopes to extend services from Leeds Bradford to Scandinavia,
building on BMI's existing direct flight to Copenhagen. This would deliver
business opportunities; help to boost tourist numbers as many Scandinavians visit
York each year; and "halt leakage" to Manchester airport.

He added: "We want to encourage people to spend longer in Yorkshire and stay
one or two more nights in hotels and visit even more places."

Leeds Bradford currently has 76 scheduled and charter destinations. It
introduced 12 new routes in 2008 and announced a further six that will start in
2009. The airport lost four routes in 2008 – to Cork, Shannon, Hamburg and
Inverness.

Next year, Mr Hallwood plans to extend services to Madrid and Milan to
become year round and also replicate a success he enjoyed while working at Bristol
airport: the introduction of a direct scheduled flight to the United States.

He said 2009 will see the "stepping up of discussions" with US airlines with
the aim of introducing a regular service from Leeds Bradford to New York
"within three or four years".

Mr Hallwood would also like to see new routes to the Middle East for
business and leisure passengers to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and elsewhere and for onward
flights to Australia, Australasia and the Far East.

MORE MONEY

The private equity firm that bought Leeds Bradford International Airport is
reinvesting profits from the airport, according to one of the airport's
directors.

Tony Hallwood said Bridgepoint Capital, which bought the airport in 2007 for
£145m, did not release figures but he told the Yorkshire Post: "All the
profits are being reinvested."

Bridgepoint has promised to invest £70m in the airport, including £28m to
develop the terminal.

[lbalad]

I thought Jet2 had dropped Madrid and Valencia flights from LBA last year?

[Frankfurt_Cowboy]

So, wonder who this mystery airline is who wants to operate to Frankfurt? Can't see it myself, not while LBA's got it's Heathrow link..........:=

[Aircrew101]

Maybe BMI will get rid of the LHR route and replace it with a FRA!

or

cut back on the number of LHR rotations and set up a FRA.

[paully]

More likely another Jet2 route..

[airhumberside]

Think Jet 2 would have a hard time getting FRA slots. Almost as bad as LHR

[HOODED]

Saw the PIA land 32 on Sat evening it rolled to the E2 loop then held at E1 whilst a Jet2 757 landed behind him. The 757 could have made the A2 turn but I realise they cant use it due to wingspan restrictions.It then had to 180 and backtrack followed by the A310. Is it not about time a parallel taxyway was put in at that end? Just a thought!

[commit aviation]

Surprised the B757 didn't enter the loop & then follow the A310. J2 usually "discourage" their 757 drivers from doing 180s on the runway.
As for a parallel taxiway at the 14 end: there would need to be some considerable earthworks - extending the width of the tunnel over the road for a start. Plus if Alpha taxiway at the A2 end won't take 757s there would need to be some redesign along there too by the sounds of it.
Never say never, and the allegedly up coming fuel farm move may increase the likelyhood, but I don't think its top of the list yet!

[Frankfurt_Cowboy]

Well, I can't see it being Jet2 as your man mentioned an "international", i.e. foreign carrier. Then again it could be Ryanair to Luxembourg, sorry, Hahn!!

[mmeteesside]

May well be bmi judging by the bmi regional thread in the Terms forum. :ok:

[BYALPHAINDIA]

What a 'Coincidence'

BMI - FRA - The home of it's new owner!

'Sounds about right' considering there will be no more 'BRITISH MIDLAND'

[Shiver me timbers!]

Does anyone know what the Jet2 LBA - LBA flight is this evening?

Dep 18.00 - Arr 18.45

Cheers :}

[flybar]

Part of todays 'flying without fear' course

[HOODED]

Which has been cancelled, I suspect due to the crosswind gusting in the high thirties! Would not have done much for their fear of flying at LBA in those conditions.

[Shiver me timbers!]

Haha exactly the point I was going to make!! I saw a couple of landings there today that would have scared most people - fear or no fear.

[harrogate]

There was indeed some pretty spectacular activity up there this afternoon. Very stiff crosswind.

We were passing as a Flybe Dash plonked onto the runway at about 4pm-ish. Of the 4 landings we saw, that was the bumpiest.

Superb skills on display all round, like.

[exrotarybooty]

Can you guys help.

We are due to fly out of Leeds/Bradford on 6th March with Thompsonfly to Barbados to join P&Os Oceana.

The departure time is 0950 hrs, and I have worked it out that with Barbados 4 hours behind GMT, the flight time is 11 hours! (I'm guessing it will be a 767.)

Does this sound right?

Appreciate any info.

ERB

[idlejack]

From Thomson cargo schedule LBA to

BGI (http://web.ana-aviation.com/anaweb/tuischedules.nsf/9c0a7533833051ae8025698a00496521/10c780ea2fe1d68a8025751c0040f443!OpenDocument) FRI 09:20 16:25 FRI 763 9000 TOM535 ad-hoc10 6/03/2009 06/03/2009

The flying time could include a refuelling stop!

[aidoair]

The average flight time from the UK to Barbados is usually scheduled around 9 hours. As has already been said perhaps they have scheduled in extra time incase a diversion to refuel is needed because of the runway length at LBA ...

[pploony]

The last TOM flight to Barbados last Friday went via Manchester,as they ususally seem to do.But you get to come back direct though,unless of course you get diverted!

[Severn]

That is correct....
It seems that that the flight goes via Manchester for an hour and a half before continuing on to Bridgetown with a flight time scheduled for 9 hours (4 hours time difference).
LBA - MAN (http://web.ana-aviation.com/BY_schedule.nsf/9c0a7533833051ae8025698a00496521/c673345a8ed036608025751c003e43f6%21OpenDocument) FRI 09:50AM 10:25AM FRI 763 9000 TOM535 ad-hoc 1 03/06/2009 03/06/2009
MAN - BGI (http://web.ana-aviation.com/BY_schedule.nsf/9c0a7533833051ae8025698a00496521/52d32549380b961a8025751c003e45ed%21OpenDocument) FRI 11:55AM 04:55PM FRI 763 9000 TOM535 ad-hoc 1 03/06/2009 03/06/2009