Southend -Uncertain future (merged)
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Southend Airport faces uncertain future
The future for Southend Airport now looks very uncertain following the local councils decision to deny it planning permission to add the Runway End Safety Areas as required by CAA regulations. In addition a new terminal building and a railway station were to be built, with annual passenger figures of around 300,000 expected. The airport is now considering an appeal, possibly taking the issue direct to the Secretary of State.
The airports single runway, 24/06, is 1600m long. Aircraft up to 757 size visit for maintenance and re-spray, but cannot cary passengers due to the absence of RESA's. The runway is bounded at one end by the Southend Victoria - London railway line and at the other end the Church. After the airport completed a detailed study of its options at which engineers stated moving the railway line would cause 3 years disruption to the service, it was decided the only option was to move the church 50 metres north of its present position.
A specialist company was approached who had moved several historic buildings around Europe, and they agreed it would be possible to move the Church, whose congregation stands at about 30 people. The airport also pledged to build a new community centre for the church in its existing grounds, and as part of the moving of the building, it would for the first time in its several hundred year history, have proper foundations. At present the church is already in need of much structural renovation.
But with council elections just a few weeks away and after a strong "no to expansion" campaign from local residents with much misinformation, including that graves were to be "runwayed over", the local council rejected the airports plans. Local residents also voiced concerns over traffic congestion, potential for an accident, "noisy" polluting aircraft and night flights. Southend Council has a history of saying "no" to schemes that would promote investment and jobs , having rejected several plans for a new footbal stadium with associated leisure and sports facilities for the general public, and a marina on the Thames.
Nearly 1600 airport workers now face the very real threat of redundancy, some for the second time in two years following them demise of companies like Heavylift and British World. With several flying clubs on the airfield, several hundred people face no longer being able to continue with their hobby of general aviation and the many ATPL students who visit Southend from the likes of Stapleford, Andrewsfield and the surrounding area to do IR training will face an increase in training costs as they have to go further afield.
More sad news at a difficult time for the industry.
The airports single runway, 24/06, is 1600m long. Aircraft up to 757 size visit for maintenance and re-spray, but cannot cary passengers due to the absence of RESA's. The runway is bounded at one end by the Southend Victoria - London railway line and at the other end the Church. After the airport completed a detailed study of its options at which engineers stated moving the railway line would cause 3 years disruption to the service, it was decided the only option was to move the church 50 metres north of its present position.
A specialist company was approached who had moved several historic buildings around Europe, and they agreed it would be possible to move the Church, whose congregation stands at about 30 people. The airport also pledged to build a new community centre for the church in its existing grounds, and as part of the moving of the building, it would for the first time in its several hundred year history, have proper foundations. At present the church is already in need of much structural renovation.
But with council elections just a few weeks away and after a strong "no to expansion" campaign from local residents with much misinformation, including that graves were to be "runwayed over", the local council rejected the airports plans. Local residents also voiced concerns over traffic congestion, potential for an accident, "noisy" polluting aircraft and night flights. Southend Council has a history of saying "no" to schemes that would promote investment and jobs , having rejected several plans for a new footbal stadium with associated leisure and sports facilities for the general public, and a marina on the Thames.
Nearly 1600 airport workers now face the very real threat of redundancy, some for the second time in two years following them demise of companies like Heavylift and British World. With several flying clubs on the airfield, several hundred people face no longer being able to continue with their hobby of general aviation and the many ATPL students who visit Southend from the likes of Stapleford, Andrewsfield and the surrounding area to do IR training will face an increase in training costs as they have to go further afield.
More sad news at a difficult time for the industry.
niknak
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The implementation of the RESAs wouldnt have made any difference to passenger figures, commercial jet op's for IT traffic wouldn't have magically arrived just because of this.
Most operators require at least 1800 to 2000m of actual runway to operate the B757 or A320 on holiday flights, and Southend would never be able to provide this.
The figure of 300K passengers per year going through Southend as a result of the the RESAs being improved is a figment of a very fertile imagination, a brief look at the availability of flights from Stansted, Luton and Gatwick would destroy any credibility that Southends argument may have held.
Southend may be worth far more as real estate than as an airport, but I don't think it will close, it will just bumble on as it always has done, as a convenient G/A and maintenance base.
Most operators require at least 1800 to 2000m of actual runway to operate the B757 or A320 on holiday flights, and Southend would never be able to provide this.
The figure of 300K passengers per year going through Southend as a result of the the RESAs being improved is a figment of a very fertile imagination, a brief look at the availability of flights from Stansted, Luton and Gatwick would destroy any credibility that Southends argument may have held.
Southend may be worth far more as real estate than as an airport, but I don't think it will close, it will just bumble on as it always has done, as a convenient G/A and maintenance base.
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The implementation of RESAs will affect passenger numbers.
Either they go in on the existing length, in which case the distances become well less than 1000m, or new tarmac is laid down to include RESA's on top of the exisiting length.
The former would result in the end of passenger flights from the airport, and the airport would no longer be economically viable, the latter would result in exactly the sort of extra runway capacity needed in the South-East, and sits well with the development of the Thames Gateway regeneration project. The environmental impact of the proposal would also be minimal.
Southend is not trying to be a Stansted/ Gatwick or Heathrow, but just to offer the range of passenger services there is undoubtedly the local demand for, ie: Domestic, European cities and Holiday destinations.
If you think there is no demand for this Niknak, perhaps you could enlighten us all with your undoubted wisdom on the subject, and what you base your biased opinions on!?
Either they go in on the existing length, in which case the distances become well less than 1000m, or new tarmac is laid down to include RESA's on top of the exisiting length.
The former would result in the end of passenger flights from the airport, and the airport would no longer be economically viable, the latter would result in exactly the sort of extra runway capacity needed in the South-East, and sits well with the development of the Thames Gateway regeneration project. The environmental impact of the proposal would also be minimal.
Southend is not trying to be a Stansted/ Gatwick or Heathrow, but just to offer the range of passenger services there is undoubtedly the local demand for, ie: Domestic, European cities and Holiday destinations.
If you think there is no demand for this Niknak, perhaps you could enlighten us all with your undoubted wisdom on the subject, and what you base your biased opinions on!?
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Southend Airport faces uncertain future
How sad....................
Having worked at SEN in the 80's I still regard it as an airport with massive potential.
A lot of cash would need to be invested, and the railway line / church will allways hold it back as far as runway expansion is concerned.
I shudder to think how many frequent fliers live nearer to Southend, and are forced to fly from LHR, LGW, LCY, LTN and STN.
I wonder how many frequent flyers into the London airports would fly to/from SEN if the rail interface were there.
Sure, as it stands, big sexy 75's etc could never use the field, but the new generation t/props must be able to (Flybe JER charters). A few well chosen routes and off the airport goes. After all, in my years there, I have seen passenger ops by B737, 1-11, 146 and Caravel jet types.
Given a good rail connection to London, would the Maersk (DM) BLL service have moved to LGW so early.
Both Southend and it's Kentish counterpart, Lydd are super little airports, full of potential. Unlike Lydd, Southend has a very healthy catchment area.
How can the local council be so short-sighted..............................
With the recent demise of BWA and Heavylift, I do hope SEN can once again find a niche and make it work. It will never fly cars again, I do not wish night freight back on it (as it was in my days there) so a way with passenger ops is what it needs, and deserves. Perhaps Flightline, as it's only based carrier I can think of, could concider the branch out into schedules. Perhaps Flybe, having reccommended services to BHX from every regional airport in the country, could start with London Southend to Birmingham.
It would be so sad to see such potential committed to the scrap heap, and yet another housing estate with aviation related road names appear.
Good luck to all at SEN, I do so hope someone sees sense.
Bored
National Airways, 1988-89 SEN
Having worked at SEN in the 80's I still regard it as an airport with massive potential.
A lot of cash would need to be invested, and the railway line / church will allways hold it back as far as runway expansion is concerned.
I shudder to think how many frequent fliers live nearer to Southend, and are forced to fly from LHR, LGW, LCY, LTN and STN.
I wonder how many frequent flyers into the London airports would fly to/from SEN if the rail interface were there.
Sure, as it stands, big sexy 75's etc could never use the field, but the new generation t/props must be able to (Flybe JER charters). A few well chosen routes and off the airport goes. After all, in my years there, I have seen passenger ops by B737, 1-11, 146 and Caravel jet types.
Given a good rail connection to London, would the Maersk (DM) BLL service have moved to LGW so early.
Both Southend and it's Kentish counterpart, Lydd are super little airports, full of potential. Unlike Lydd, Southend has a very healthy catchment area.
How can the local council be so short-sighted..............................
With the recent demise of BWA and Heavylift, I do hope SEN can once again find a niche and make it work. It will never fly cars again, I do not wish night freight back on it (as it was in my days there) so a way with passenger ops is what it needs, and deserves. Perhaps Flightline, as it's only based carrier I can think of, could concider the branch out into schedules. Perhaps Flybe, having reccommended services to BHX from every regional airport in the country, could start with London Southend to Birmingham.
It would be so sad to see such potential committed to the scrap heap, and yet another housing estate with aviation related road names appear.
Good luck to all at SEN, I do so hope someone sees sense.
Bored
National Airways, 1988-89 SEN
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I don't know how many times I have found myself approaching the S.E. of England, heading for Luton, Gatwick or Stanstead to find them all fogged out - except Southend - it has been a bolt hole for me on several occasions and I certainly wouldn't like to lose it.
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Potential
Much of what has been stated is spot on and I must agree with the comments 'as to where these destinations are going to appear from'. I would be interested to know what 'ATC Lashams' future plans are. SEN appears to do well with engineering /resprays and GA etc. Surely SEN has more to offer than Lasham aerodrome being open all hours. SEN could surely do with an increase in concrete as it clearly lacks parking space and more space might mean more work.
Does anyone know who owns HZ123. KODA and 5N-HHH as these are three a/c spaces that have been occupied for a number of years. Surely they will end up under the cutting torch.
Does anyone know who owns HZ123. KODA and 5N-HHH as these are three a/c spaces that have been occupied for a number of years. Surely they will end up under the cutting torch.
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The KODA 707 has been at Southend ever since it was involved in a drugs bust about 2 years ago. For a long time it was impounded but following completion of the court case against those responsible, the aircraft has had work done on it in recent weeks. It may yet be sold either for further use or for scrap/parts.
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SEN v others
Went to Lydd the other day for the first time and it makes SEN look positively first class. So I suppose if the former can survive in its present form then SEN must still have a future if only for GA / services and the splendid bars.
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Southend airport faces more certain future!
http://www.business-in-essex.co.uk/essex/business/BUSINESS0.html
http://www.business-in-essex.co.uk/essex/business/BUSINESS0.html
PJ
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B.C.
I think the article PJ is referring to relates to the Council meeting on Wednesday evening where a planning application for a replacement ILS was was addressed.
Like you, I have fond memories of my time at Southend, and really cannot understand why it is so under utilised, especially when there is so much talk of lack of runway capacity in the London area.
4
Edited 27.12.03 to remove URL
I think the article PJ is referring to relates to the Council meeting on Wednesday evening where a planning application for a replacement ILS was was addressed.
Like you, I have fond memories of my time at Southend, and really cannot understand why it is so under utilised, especially when there is so much talk of lack of runway capacity in the London area.
4
Edited 27.12.03 to remove URL
Last edited by Red Four; 27th Dec 2003 at 23:13.
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Red four ; You are correct it also included the provision of road barriers to prevent vehicles crossing behind the threshold.
Surely the additional runway at STN will also bring negative pressure on any improvments to the runway length or width.
Surely the additional runway at STN will also bring negative pressure on any improvments to the runway length or width.
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Southend
Used to live there (Manchester now). In-laws asking what is going on with airport redevelopment.
So far as I can see from translating the local paper, localiser for 24 is being moved across the road into a field (ie at the 06 end). Sounds like a bit more protection of the ILS too - perhaps a better category?
Can someone in the know give me a clue - so I can explain to the in-laws??
Thanks
Nick
So far as I can see from translating the local paper, localiser for 24 is being moved across the road into a field (ie at the 06 end). Sounds like a bit more protection of the ILS too - perhaps a better category?
Can someone in the know give me a clue - so I can explain to the in-laws??
Thanks
Nick
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From what I hear they have not got the approval to move the church which is stopping them from physically extending the runway.
By moving the localiser they might gain a few more metres on the declared distances. Although I would hardly think it would be financially worthwhile to dig it up and relocate it just for that reason.
The LDA on 06 looks like it could benefit from a few more metres!
Regards
By moving the localiser they might gain a few more metres on the declared distances. Although I would hardly think it would be financially worthwhile to dig it up and relocate it just for that reason.
The LDA on 06 looks like it could benefit from a few more metres!
Regards
niknak
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I seem to recall something in the local press about a new ILS being installed, with the localizer being located in the grounds of the church.
This, I think, will give them extra metres on declared distances, but no physical extension to the runway.
The ILS was due for replacement anyway, and will only be certified as Cat 1 due to the runway and approach lighting at Southend, (and possibly other physical factors?).
The end result is a few more metres on the runway figures, but it's not going to be enough to make a significant commercial difference.
This, I think, will give them extra metres on declared distances, but no physical extension to the runway.
The ILS was due for replacement anyway, and will only be certified as Cat 1 due to the runway and approach lighting at Southend, (and possibly other physical factors?).
The end result is a few more metres on the runway figures, but it's not going to be enough to make a significant commercial difference.
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Under the new plan approved by the council last week...
The Church is NOT being moved or demolished etc
The ILS is indeed to be re-located on the other side of the main road by the 06 threshold.
The road is to have barriers installed to stop the traffic when heavy air traffic movements take place (Some talk that the small embankment at the 06 end to be removed but cant confirm that).
The council has taken a long lease on land in the 06 undershoot area to create a stopway and enable the ILS to be re-sited.
The Airport operator claims this will create a 'safety zone' of some 200-300 m at the end of the r/wy 24 in the current 06 undershoot area.
I'm not sure if the r/wy distances TODA, LDA, etc will be affected by these changes but in the local media the airport operator said this was a good compromise and would enable the airport to continue operating without moving the church accompanied by the usual cr#p about encouraging new pax operators, modelled on LCY etc etc
hope this helps.....
The Church is NOT being moved or demolished etc
The ILS is indeed to be re-located on the other side of the main road by the 06 threshold.
The road is to have barriers installed to stop the traffic when heavy air traffic movements take place (Some talk that the small embankment at the 06 end to be removed but cant confirm that).
The council has taken a long lease on land in the 06 undershoot area to create a stopway and enable the ILS to be re-sited.
The Airport operator claims this will create a 'safety zone' of some 200-300 m at the end of the r/wy 24 in the current 06 undershoot area.
I'm not sure if the r/wy distances TODA, LDA, etc will be affected by these changes but in the local media the airport operator said this was a good compromise and would enable the airport to continue operating without moving the church accompanied by the usual cr#p about encouraging new pax operators, modelled on LCY etc etc
hope this helps.....
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From what i understand the ILS aerials are to be placed on a raised platform. Persumably this is to allow the ILS to still be available whilst vehicles cross the runway end. The Beam being above these.
The offset is for the safety zone side elevation which then means the church does,nt then come in to play. So there will probablt be changes to the approach procedures.
Apparently unless this was done the CAA whould have put alot of restrictions on the airport/runway.
The airport operates on some exemtions but the CAA is now manned by Lawyers and they want to get rid of exemtions.
Trouble is the rules keep changing, wait in a few years EASA will probably come along and change them again.
Some years ago the airport had to put in new hold points when the CAA came down to inspect and sign them off they reportedly told the airport to move them as since they had put them in the rules had changed.
The offset is for the safety zone side elevation which then means the church does,nt then come in to play. So there will probablt be changes to the approach procedures.
Apparently unless this was done the CAA whould have put alot of restrictions on the airport/runway.
The airport operates on some exemtions but the CAA is now manned by Lawyers and they want to get rid of exemtions.
Trouble is the rules keep changing, wait in a few years EASA will probably come along and change them again.
Some years ago the airport had to put in new hold points when the CAA came down to inspect and sign them off they reportedly told the airport to move them as since they had put them in the rules had changed.
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Slightly aside the airport has been busy and ATC Lasham has generated a good bit of work. The last couple of months has also found Air Livery with a steady stream of respray work. Also a number of the ex BA ATP's have been delivered to SEN for sale and disposal.
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I dont really know a lot about Southend so I do apologise if these questions have been answered before, but any info is appreciated.
1) How long do the PPRUNe members reckon it will be before Southend will begin to recieve regular flights?
I know that last year flybe. were using their Dash 8-300s on a couple of flights to Guernsey and Jersey, but for example, do you think that the airport could soon welcome a Boeing 737-300 operator?
2) How big is the existing terminal building in terms of check-in counters, gates, shops, cafés etc.
3) How far is Southend Airport from London?
Are we talking a similar distance to Luton or Gatwick from London or more like Manston?
4) Do you think that there is a good chance of making a success out of Southend - consider for a minute that low cos have made a success out of Luton, Stansted and Hahn!
1) How long do the PPRUNe members reckon it will be before Southend will begin to recieve regular flights?
I know that last year flybe. were using their Dash 8-300s on a couple of flights to Guernsey and Jersey, but for example, do you think that the airport could soon welcome a Boeing 737-300 operator?
2) How big is the existing terminal building in terms of check-in counters, gates, shops, cafés etc.
3) How far is Southend Airport from London?
Are we talking a similar distance to Luton or Gatwick from London or more like Manston?
4) Do you think that there is a good chance of making a success out of Southend - consider for a minute that low cos have made a success out of Luton, Stansted and Hahn!