HEATHROW
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Also, does this include the dept which handles T1/T4 gates allocations(
!)? (just who is exactly doing this task, by the way?) Service from this Department has, at times, been dire over the last week. I understand that HAL outsourced part of the gates allocations task as part of their own restructuring (staff reduction, to be more precise 
). End result is too many cooks, procedures ignored, and far too many mistakes. 
The scenario is set to get far more confusing once the AOs start relocating to different Terminals - I hope the SAU and BA have resolved their problems before then.
Last edited by White Hart; 25th Oct 2006 at 15:45.
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Walsh calls for third Heathrow runway by 2015
On ATI yesterday
British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh has warned the increased approach separation distance required for the Airbus A380 means that the ultra-large airliner will hamper rather than help London Heathrow’s runway capacity problems.
Walsh believes it is imperative the government quickly commits to mixed-mode operations, and sets out plans to open a new runway at the airport in 2015.
Speaking at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London yesterday, Walsh said “the A380 sales talk” indicated the 550-seater “was the likeliest short-term relief in terms of runway pressure” for Heathrow “providing effectively three slots for the price of two”. However, Walsh adds he doubts the 550-seater “can bring Heathrow the capacity benefits originally advertised”.
He says: “Airbus has already conceded that the aircraft’s wake vortex problems are likely to lead to separations of an extra 2nm [3.7km] for at least the first couple of years of operation.
“For Heathrow, that means that the A380’s introduction is more likely to decrease capacity than increase it. And even if separation distances are eventually reduced, the likely slow growth of A380s in service will postpone any meaningful capacity advantage until well into the next decade.”
BAA says that it does not believe that the arrival of the A380 at Heathrow will reduce capacity. It adds that "Airbus is still working on the vortex issue" and that "it is too early to know what the outcome will be".
Walsh adds it is “absolutely clear that further action is necessary” and that a firm timetable must be quickly forthcoming for the introduction of mixed-mode operations (ie simultaneous take-off and landings on both runways) at Heathrow and the construction of a third runway – “R3”.
Heathrow currently handles some 474,000 movements per annum, and the switch to mixed-mode operations could boost annual movements by 50,000-70,000. Walsh estimates the addition of a 2,000m (6,560ft) long runway would enable movements to increase to 650,000-700,000 annually.
“With the A380 threatening to cut hourly capacity, it is absolutely essential that we press ahead with mixed mode at the first opportunity. That way we can accommodate the A380 without reducing capacity,” says Walsh. “Once mixed mode is established, [Heathrow operator] BAA should apply for the 480,000 movement limit at the airport to be lifted.”
A UK Government air transport white paper published in 2003 proposed that mixed-mode operations and the construction of a short third runway be studied for Heathrow, subject to certain noise and local air quality conditions being met. A progress report is expected to be published next month, and Walsh says it must contain “a commitment to press ahead with the expansion strategy decided three years ago”.
Walsh’s proposed timetable calls for a government decision to proceed with the mixed mode and an “R3” by the end of next year. He envisages that mixed-mode could be introduced in the 2010-2013 timeframe, while a final go ahead for “R3” after the planning enquiry in 2013 would enable the new runway to open in 2015.
Walsh says that while the timescale could be viewed by some as “tight” he believes it “conforms with what was set out in the white paper, and is eminently achievable provided all the partners in the project give it the priority it so clearly deserves”
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh has warned the increased approach separation distance required for the Airbus A380 means that the ultra-large airliner will hamper rather than help London Heathrow’s runway capacity problems.
Walsh believes it is imperative the government quickly commits to mixed-mode operations, and sets out plans to open a new runway at the airport in 2015.
Speaking at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London yesterday, Walsh said “the A380 sales talk” indicated the 550-seater “was the likeliest short-term relief in terms of runway pressure” for Heathrow “providing effectively three slots for the price of two”. However, Walsh adds he doubts the 550-seater “can bring Heathrow the capacity benefits originally advertised”.
He says: “Airbus has already conceded that the aircraft’s wake vortex problems are likely to lead to separations of an extra 2nm [3.7km] for at least the first couple of years of operation.
“For Heathrow, that means that the A380’s introduction is more likely to decrease capacity than increase it. And even if separation distances are eventually reduced, the likely slow growth of A380s in service will postpone any meaningful capacity advantage until well into the next decade.”
BAA says that it does not believe that the arrival of the A380 at Heathrow will reduce capacity. It adds that "Airbus is still working on the vortex issue" and that "it is too early to know what the outcome will be".
Walsh adds it is “absolutely clear that further action is necessary” and that a firm timetable must be quickly forthcoming for the introduction of mixed-mode operations (ie simultaneous take-off and landings on both runways) at Heathrow and the construction of a third runway – “R3”.
Heathrow currently handles some 474,000 movements per annum, and the switch to mixed-mode operations could boost annual movements by 50,000-70,000. Walsh estimates the addition of a 2,000m (6,560ft) long runway would enable movements to increase to 650,000-700,000 annually.
“With the A380 threatening to cut hourly capacity, it is absolutely essential that we press ahead with mixed mode at the first opportunity. That way we can accommodate the A380 without reducing capacity,” says Walsh. “Once mixed mode is established, [Heathrow operator] BAA should apply for the 480,000 movement limit at the airport to be lifted.”
A UK Government air transport white paper published in 2003 proposed that mixed-mode operations and the construction of a short third runway be studied for Heathrow, subject to certain noise and local air quality conditions being met. A progress report is expected to be published next month, and Walsh says it must contain “a commitment to press ahead with the expansion strategy decided three years ago”.
Walsh’s proposed timetable calls for a government decision to proceed with the mixed mode and an “R3” by the end of next year. He envisages that mixed-mode could be introduced in the 2010-2013 timeframe, while a final go ahead for “R3” after the planning enquiry in 2013 would enable the new runway to open in 2015.
Walsh says that while the timescale could be viewed by some as “tight” he believes it “conforms with what was set out in the white paper, and is eminently achievable provided all the partners in the project give it the priority it so clearly deserves”
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
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Umm, sod expanding Heathrows capacity and open a new runway somewhere near London.
BA is only financialy viable because of its stranglehold in LHR. But that is no reason to increase capacity at an airport where you can't get to, can't park and can't get a coffee without paying a nose bleeding fortune.
There are other runways.
AP
BA is only financialy viable because of its stranglehold in LHR. But that is no reason to increase capacity at an airport where you can't get to, can't park and can't get a coffee without paying a nose bleeding fortune.
There are other runways.
AP
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A couple of queries, does anyone know where I can find an up-to-date aerial map of London Heathrow? Preferably not a satellite image.
Also, why is Terminal 5 so much bigger than the rest?
Also, why is Terminal 5 so much bigger than the rest?
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Also, why is Terminal 5 so much bigger than the rest?
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Lhr Today
Anyone know the cause of T1 departures being evacuated today circa 1330hrs?
Very efficient evacuation by police, firstly of area surrounding security entrance and latterly of whole floor, including the upstairs restaurant and coffee shop area. From my seat by the window in Costa Coffee, saw a man detained by entrance to security just after I spotted a woman who looked to be running towards terminal exit, seemingly with pushchair and child.
Remember thinking this a little odd, at the time.
Woman reported by other evacuated pax and BA check-in staff to have been seen in the back of police van with armed guard - man last seen being handcuffed.
I know this an all-too-regular occurrence and have witnessed smaller scale incidents like this before, but this one seemed a couple of extra rungs up the security ladder. I am not a news reporter, just a very regular flyer who works in the industry and whose departing girlfriend turned a whiter shade of pale!
Job well done by the police, who once again demonstrated how lucky we are in the UK as they firmly and effectively evacuated the terminal, preventing any panic, just as the Sunday afternoon biz was beginning.
Very efficient evacuation by police, firstly of area surrounding security entrance and latterly of whole floor, including the upstairs restaurant and coffee shop area. From my seat by the window in Costa Coffee, saw a man detained by entrance to security just after I spotted a woman who looked to be running towards terminal exit, seemingly with pushchair and child.
Remember thinking this a little odd, at the time.
Woman reported by other evacuated pax and BA check-in staff to have been seen in the back of police van with armed guard - man last seen being handcuffed.
I know this an all-too-regular occurrence and have witnessed smaller scale incidents like this before, but this one seemed a couple of extra rungs up the security ladder. I am not a news reporter, just a very regular flyer who works in the industry and whose departing girlfriend turned a whiter shade of pale!
Job well done by the police, who once again demonstrated how lucky we are in the UK as they firmly and effectively evacuated the terminal, preventing any panic, just as the Sunday afternoon biz was beginning.
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LHR Early Morning Arrivals
I came in from HKG with Virgin last week with the 0500 arrival; en route we were told that we would not be allowed to land until nearly 0600 as it was not our turn on the rota. I noticed today that at LHR T4, BA had flights arriving from 0445 onwards. I would appreciate being enlightened about this rota for early morning arrivals.
Junior trash
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Its not a rota but each company only has a fixed number of night slots per season. Its done on a sort of points system and also includes take offs. I believe that a 744 arrival is 3 points ish and a departure 4 whereas a 777 is 2 and 3 (all approximate but you get the idea) If a company exceeds the quota for the season they lose rights to night slots in the future. What has probably happened is that Virgin have used a few points up with delayed evening departures taking off in the "night" period and are now trying to reduce the night arrivals to keep slots in the future. So the explanation was stretching the story a bit. BA delayed the BKK arrival last season until after 0600 but this was planned and pax were informed well in advance. Also if some of the night arrivals look like taking a delay that takes them near to 0600 they may be asked to delay by a further 10-15 mins to avoid wasting a night movement.
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The press appear to believe that approval to expand Heathrow is imminent. Be interesting to see what sought of action HACAN and co. will try.
http://www.uk-airport-news.info/heat...ws-091206a.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...3173_1,00.html
About time that Heathrow was allowed to attract more flights and therefore compete with EDDF and LFPG.
LFPG 522,619
EDDF 490,147
EGLL 477,884
(Movement totals from 2005)
http://www.uk-airport-news.info/heat...ws-091206a.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...3173_1,00.html
About time that Heathrow was allowed to attract more flights and therefore compete with EDDF and LFPG.
LFPG 522,619
EDDF 490,147
EGLL 477,884
(Movement totals from 2005)
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British Midland and a Heathrow Bus
Are British Midland dropping some schedules out of Heathrow?
There are strong talks going on a the moment of an Airbus operation down to Jersey so could this have some effect for them to keep slots???.
Or have they been given some more slots to get the Heathrow-Jersey route open again??
We have not heard the full story but the aircraft would be night stopping in Jersey, so on the basis of that the departure from Jersey would be at schedule opening of 0700 local which would give an ETA into Heathrow of 0800 local time.
I would have at a guess would mean it would be operating at a premium rate landing slot?
There are strong talks going on a the moment of an Airbus operation down to Jersey so could this have some effect for them to keep slots???.
Or have they been given some more slots to get the Heathrow-Jersey route open again??
We have not heard the full story but the aircraft would be night stopping in Jersey, so on the basis of that the departure from Jersey would be at schedule opening of 0700 local which would give an ETA into Heathrow of 0800 local time.
I would have at a guess would mean it would be operating at a premium rate landing slot?
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Stand by for further airport chaos in Christmas getaway
Heathrow and Gatwick airports are preparing for a repeat of the chaotic scenes in August when they introduce emergency measures to cope with the Christmas exodus, which begins in earnest tomorrow.
More than half a million people are due to pass through Heathrow between Friday and Sunday. Next week Thursday, Friday and Saturday will also be extremely busy, with the peak on Friday, when 194,000 people will pass through the airport, 30,000 more than on a normal day.
BAA, which owns Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, fears that its security screening system will be unable to cope with the extra numbers and has put up marquees at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 to cope with the overflow. At Gatwick, BAA has told airlines to expect 100-minute delays for passengers going through security.......
The system was already struggling at Heathrow yesterday, with queues for check-in and security much longer than normal at Terminal 4. Virgin Atlantic said that there were very long queues at Gatwick.......
A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic said that passengers at Gatwick yesterday had been forced to queue back to the railway station.......
Heathrow and Gatwick airports are preparing for a repeat of the chaotic scenes in August when they introduce emergency measures to cope with the Christmas exodus, which begins in earnest tomorrow.
More than half a million people are due to pass through Heathrow between Friday and Sunday. Next week Thursday, Friday and Saturday will also be extremely busy, with the peak on Friday, when 194,000 people will pass through the airport, 30,000 more than on a normal day.
BAA, which owns Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, fears that its security screening system will be unable to cope with the extra numbers and has put up marquees at Heathrow’s Terminal 4 to cope with the overflow. At Gatwick, BAA has told airlines to expect 100-minute delays for passengers going through security.......
The system was already struggling at Heathrow yesterday, with queues for check-in and security much longer than normal at Terminal 4. Virgin Atlantic said that there were very long queues at Gatwick.......
A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic said that passengers at Gatwick yesterday had been forced to queue back to the railway station.......
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More Heathrow comments, one good and two others, questions.
First of all congrats to the security team in T3 Tuesday morning. Travelled out on VS21 and was faced with a huge security queue mid-morning. But well done to all on duty at that time - bodies kept shuffling along at a steady pace and a fairly good atmosphere due to a large number of staff chatting to pax and helping those with time problems.
A question though. As a very regular traveller I am quite used to different levels of security at airports worldwide. The varied interpretations of what should be the same security requirements at Heathrow, do puzzle me.
Most of my travel is through T1 or T4, where all passengers have to remove all shoes and, more often that not liquids have to be placed, in their little plastic bags of course, in a security scan tray.
Over in T3 Wednesday, a notice advised that passengers 'may be asked' to remove shoes for screening, but this was not compulsory for all and my small transparent plastic bag containing lethal toothpaste, lip balm and eye drops did not have to be placed in a separate tray.
Are we seeing a further relaxing of the rules or is this the norm?
And, with inbound and outbound passengers separated, does anyone know why there is a need for the additional security check at top of departure pier in T1 (ahead of gates 26 etc).
Can often by a very long queue here, which usually leads to the duty security staff simply opening the barrier and letting pax through without checking at all! Either the security check is needed (I would personally question that in this case) or not. If the answer is the former, surely everyone should be subjected to checking.
First of all congrats to the security team in T3 Tuesday morning. Travelled out on VS21 and was faced with a huge security queue mid-morning. But well done to all on duty at that time - bodies kept shuffling along at a steady pace and a fairly good atmosphere due to a large number of staff chatting to pax and helping those with time problems.
A question though. As a very regular traveller I am quite used to different levels of security at airports worldwide. The varied interpretations of what should be the same security requirements at Heathrow, do puzzle me.
Most of my travel is through T1 or T4, where all passengers have to remove all shoes and, more often that not liquids have to be placed, in their little plastic bags of course, in a security scan tray.
Over in T3 Wednesday, a notice advised that passengers 'may be asked' to remove shoes for screening, but this was not compulsory for all and my small transparent plastic bag containing lethal toothpaste, lip balm and eye drops did not have to be placed in a separate tray.
Are we seeing a further relaxing of the rules or is this the norm?
And, with inbound and outbound passengers separated, does anyone know why there is a need for the additional security check at top of departure pier in T1 (ahead of gates 26 etc).
Can often by a very long queue here, which usually leads to the duty security staff simply opening the barrier and letting pax through without checking at all! Either the security check is needed (I would personally question that in this case) or not. If the answer is the former, surely everyone should be subjected to checking.
Paxing All Over The World
The BBC have this item from their On This Day pages:
1955: Queen opens London Airport terminal
The Queen has inaugurated new buildings in the centre of London Airport, part of a new complex designed to handle a growing number of air passengers.
Her Majesty arrived by car with the Duke of Edinburgh and was greeted by a guard of honour made up of air crews from the British and Commonwealth airlines, headed by BOAC Captain JT Percy.
This was, of course, the Queen's building.
1955: Queen opens London Airport terminal
The Queen has inaugurated new buildings in the centre of London Airport, part of a new complex designed to handle a growing number of air passengers.
Her Majesty arrived by car with the Duke of Edinburgh and was greeted by a guard of honour made up of air crews from the British and Commonwealth airlines, headed by BOAC Captain JT Percy.
This was, of course, the Queen's building.
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Heathrow Swot Analysis
I have been asked to do a SWOT (Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats) Analysis from a passenger perspective at Heathrow.
What would you say are Heathrow's
Strengths?
Weaknesses?
Opportunities?
Threats?
As a passenger, or also, if you work in any of the Terminals, from an airline/airport employee perspective?
Thanks for your input folks!
As always, search is your friend.
What would you say are Heathrow's
Strengths?
Weaknesses?
Opportunities?
Threats?
As a passenger, or also, if you work in any of the Terminals, from an airline/airport employee perspective?
Thanks for your input folks!
As always, search is your friend.