Belfast International Airport (BFS) have announced a significant aircraft storage deal with airline '2 Jets'.
'2 Jets' have contracted to store one of their Boeing 757 aircraft at the airport.
In a ground breaking deal, BFS Airport Management (Sic) have allowed the aircraft to be stored at one of the airports prime gates as a non-flying "billboard". Usually, aircraft are stored in remote areas of an airport.
Airport Planning Manager Bill No-Gates said "This is a tremendous coup for our airport. It gives '2 Jets' passengers the impression that they are flying to Tenerife and other 'surprise' destinations, on a large, fast aircraft, yet they get to fly in a somewhat smaller, slower aircraft. This gives their customers more time to experience their renowned customer service".
When asked about the aircraft being parked at a gate that could be used by a variety of other aircraft throughout the day, Mr No-Gates replied "Extensive market research has shown that passengers from other airlines have expressed a wish to begin their journey from our airport on a coach. Accordingly, we have invested considerably in a fleet of coaches to transport passengers from their gate to the aircraft. As a bonus, by parking other aircraft further away from the terminal, it gives a greater proportion of passengers from other airlines the opportunity for more exercise in the course of boarding their aircraft, and reduces carbon-emissions because their aircraft is now lighter. Our new gates have a warren of corridors and stairs to heighten this experience", he said.
When asked if the aircraft should be towed to another gate or parking area, Mr No-Gates replied "This would cause delay to other airlines, as we would have to use one of our Coach Drivers to escort the towing team, so it's really not an option."
2 Jets'
PR firm, Bodgit & Scarper Associates were unavailable for comment.
