Originally Posted by
JW95
Oh I agree with you my friend, as always
I too am perplexed as to why a sat 4 is not being included in the plans (at least for now). IIRC, BAA had actually planned for a future sat 4 which was to be connected via an extension of the existing transit system. Of course now this has all changed with the TTS going, but given STN's passenger numbers now, and where MAG are forecasting them for the future, gate and aircraft stand availability is going to become a major issue, especially with larger aircraft being allocated to STN on a more regular basis. As mentioned above, it looks like MAG have a major project in place for satellite 2 as far as its refurbishment and gate room reconfiguration are concerned, so much of this area will likely be out out of use for an extended time. This will therefore place even further constraints to gate/stand availability.
If MAG do decide on a u-turn (look at what happened with the arrivals building for instance), and decide on a 4th satellite 4, where do people think this would be located? I'd imagine it would replicate a lot of what sat 3 is currently, hence being aimed at FR as its primary user.
Hi there JW95 and thank you for your comments, my good friend.
Regarding the site for a satellite 4. The space is already available along with the stands. The link from the terminal to satellite 3 only needs to be extended towards a possible satellite. 4. The walk from a satellite 4 to the terminal would probably be just slightly further than to satellite 1, but it wouldn't be an issue.
As you've rightly pointed out with MAG changing their mind on the arrivals extension. They could at some point go ahead with a satellite 4. Let's hoping anyway, as it would definitely make the airport more complete having four satellites.