godsend PDF document
I've generally been supportive of the masterplan, believing that Liverpool is a better example of what Peel can do at an airport than Sheffield City which oftern gets quoted - mind you Peel can make it hard work at times and there's the usual gems in the document...
Peel has only ever been interested in the land and has deliberately driven the passenger traffic down to build houses on the runway. Is it true Peel will make millions from housing?
The northside residential properties will not jeopardise the infrastructure and capability of the airport in any form, as the land earmarked for development
is unsuitable for aviation purposes.
Yes, but the land includes part of the current terminal car park, boxes in the terminal area and abuts part of the active airfield with possible future implications
Is it true that the airport is not interested in developing holiday flights and that Thomson was forced to leave?
The business had a longstanding and strong relationship with TUI and Balkan Holidays but it was agreed with those partners that DTVA could not operate their ad-hoc departures without continued losses.
I bet TUI and BH find "agreed with" and "ad hoc" to be interesting choice of words...
If Peel pulled out of the airport, other businesses could operate the business and would surely be willing to do so?
the main UK regional airport’s are not seen as attractive business opportunities.
The recent buyer of LBA clearly doesn't think so. The quoted examples of Coventry, Manston, Blackpool and Plymouth aren't really comparable to DTVA.
Is it true that Peel got the airport for “next to nothing”?
Airports are renowned for their large capital expenditure requirements. At DTVA, The Peel Group has invested in:
–– Fire vehicles
–– Airfield resurfacing
–– Air traffic control radar enhancements
–– X-ray security equipment
–– Car park extensions and surfacing
I think the general public accepts that there will be an element of renewal, meeting statutory requirements but would also expect the term 'investment' to include an element of expansion and enhancement.
You could go on - the section on airline and tour operator history is a bit one-eyed (and ignores Globespan completely) e.g.
Ryanair withdrew services to Dublin following the introduction of an Irish Tourism Tax,...Ryanair have reduced or removed capacity in many UK regional airports since pre-recession
and have expanded at others...
Balkan Holidays operated successfully from the airport for a number of years intermittently with mixed success.
what?
Wizz Air also ceased services at Bournemouth and Coventry airports at a similar time.
and have expanded at others...