RET JB, T3 Aprons, Runway 23L distances, & A380
RET Juliet-Bravo (wasn't she a nice-looking lady Copper?) has been permanently withdrawn due to deterioration in its surface. It is an old 'porous friction course' laid in 1980 - the only one of this type remaining at MAN and has reached the end of its serviceable life. Normally, it would be re-surfaced, but because JB does not feature in the future taxiway and runway exit strategy it has been withdrawn at this time. This leaves 05L without a full-scale RET. This situation is considered managable because 05L will less and less be used as a landing runway. All-day use of 05R-23L will be introduced in the medium term, with 05R the primary arrival runway on 'easterlies'. Work is planned to improve and upgrade the shallow-angled exit 'Hotel' for use in LVP.
Work to construct the first 3 stands of the T3 apron extension begins in May. These stands will initially be set back towards the runways pending the diversion of the old Ringway Road. 3 x B737-900W / A320, remote bussed. Pier extension to follow in later phases. Should be in use end-2008.
New declared distances on Runway 23L come into effect this Spring, giving 3200m (10500 feet) from Tango, and 3050m (10005 feet) from VA. A small change but confirms 23L as longest available at MAN.
Work is at an advanced stage to make MAN available as a diversion alternate for A380s. Careful planning has been underway to make sure the various elements of infrastructure and procedures are in place. This should be beneficial to carriers operating A380s into LHR, particularly those who have a MAN station also. Looking beyond this, more extensive planning continues towards being able to accept regular scheduled A380 services from 2010.