Originally Posted by
Skipness One Foxtrot
Given the pressing issue of the day is a pain point for parking passenger narrow bodies, how does going after wide body cargo traffic address that priority? One heavy takes up two narrow body stands in the main?
This is a myth which has been allowed to run unchallenged. The reality is that MAN currently has around nine fewer based aircraft than was the case in S2018. Movements have not recovered to levels seen pre-covid; MAG has recently cut back dual runway ops hours because demand is not sufficient to justify the previously promulgated timings. Passenger throughput is approximately 3.6 million below the peak MAT recorded in the twelve months to September 2019. Movements remain 35,504 short based on the MAT's for September 2019 versus May 2023; that is a loss just shy of 100 movements per day. In what universe do these numbers leave MAN challenged for space? And remember that talk back then was of further growth - not crisis. MAG boasts a nominal capacity of 45 million pax pa across it's three terminals. Even allowing for a measure of artistic licence, the airport is nowhere close to handling those kind of numbers. Yes, we know that a number of stands are unavailable due to work in progress. BUT ... that was already the case in September 2019 ... just different ones. Yes, we know that some stands are lost to the dual taxiways initiative; but keep in mind that new stands have opened in the meantime, including 14 on new Pier 1 and a further 10 to the NW of it.
Charts show MAN as having 105 numbered stands, not all of which are currently available for use. However, several of those which are sub-divide into L/R format, allowing two narrowbodies to park on the same numbered stand. Set against this, projected based fleet strength for Summer 2023 is 84 units - though not all of these nightstop. A small number of overseas carriers nightstop aircraft at MAN, and there are probably some standby units on campus too. But if we allow for those minus the 'based' aircraft which are away flying overnight, what can we conclude? Yes, MAG should be making plans to construct additional aircraft stands to guarantee future resilience. But NO, this is not a crisis level which should see aircraft turned away in real time. There is certainly ample space to accommodate cargo flight demand ... we're not talking several freight aircraft on the ground simultaneously. One or two at a time maybe ... let's be realistic. And some of those in daytime when demand is much more muted.
It does not require a genius to identify apron space for a couple of cargo movements per day based on current levels of demand. There may be a lack of will to make things work, but there is certainly a way. It's not that difficult. If they're struggling, my consultancy fees are very reasonable! 😀