PRESTWICK
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When Polar pulled out of Prestwick they stated they were going to focus on Schiphol, which they did. However, since then they have pulled out of Schiphol and all of Europe to concentrate on the US to Asia market with a hub at Anchorage. The route map on their website shows no European destinations.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Prestwick
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Dont forget the Antonov tech stops!
In the year of 2007 it was just under 10 we got for the whole year, in the last year we have had around 150! It shows what can be done.
The airport should be using the recession as an advantage and Glasgow should be a prime target! Airlines are struggling to pay fuel, flights are getting cancelled, etc. I have no doubt GPA could offer them a better service at a more affordable rate allowing PIK to pick back up to what it once was. Not only good for retail which the current management push on, it would also save jobs and night closure.
I think the £1.5 million extension to the lounge may have been better utilised keep the airport running at a time like this, then when we do see expansion from airlines or new services, use the new money wisely, possibly to build a new modern peir with clean toilets!
PIK has many advantages over other airports and as local enthusiast and supporter it is unbelievably frustrating to see the airport in this state, although everyone has to bear in mind the current economic situation. I just hope something is done before it is to late.
In the year of 2007 it was just under 10 we got for the whole year, in the last year we have had around 150! It shows what can be done.
The airport should be using the recession as an advantage and Glasgow should be a prime target! Airlines are struggling to pay fuel, flights are getting cancelled, etc. I have no doubt GPA could offer them a better service at a more affordable rate allowing PIK to pick back up to what it once was. Not only good for retail which the current management push on, it would also save jobs and night closure.
I think the £1.5 million extension to the lounge may have been better utilised keep the airport running at a time like this, then when we do see expansion from airlines or new services, use the new money wisely, possibly to build a new modern peir with clean toilets!
PIK has many advantages over other airports and as local enthusiast and supporter it is unbelievably frustrating to see the airport in this state, although everyone has to bear in mind the current economic situation. I just hope something is done before it is to late.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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I have no doubt GPA could offer them a better service at a more affordable rate
I remember PIK when it lost all passenger traffic by 1992, then reborn with the start of a weekly Jersey service from Business Air in 1993 to Ryanair in 1994. Since then the airport has handled a Hell of a lot more passengers than it ever did before. However the Terminal was designed for long haul traffic in the 1960s and hasn't really been changed since. The structure is old and tired, and is also starting to look its age. The new shops and facilities inside just clash even more with the older parts bringing them into sharp relief.
The lounge was never intended to deal with 5 737-800s at once and it shows. I used to love Prestwick but I really wonder more and more if it has a future beyond Ryanair and adhoc freight. As the economy nose dives, I would not be surprised to see Wizz move out.
As for Polar, never saw them at all at PANC last year but looks like they have done what Northwest Cargo did in 1982. Left Prestwick and Europe for Asia. The more things change....
Join Date: Oct 2008
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They should do some deals with tour operators to operate their charters out of PIK.
Until their demise Seguro holidays were operating three or four charter flights a week LPA-PIK-LPA in the Summer and, as far as I know, several other destinations through the week too.
Until S08 they were using Spanish airlines and so there were no positioning costs either although last year they were on BMI Chartered which presumebly cost more.
Most of the PAX loved the convenience of the small airport efficiencies and did not seem bothered by the distance from Glasgow.
Until their demise Seguro holidays were operating three or four charter flights a week LPA-PIK-LPA in the Summer and, as far as I know, several other destinations through the week too.
Until S08 they were using Spanish airlines and so there were no positioning costs either although last year they were on BMI Chartered which presumebly cost more.
Most of the PAX loved the convenience of the small airport efficiencies and did not seem bothered by the distance from Glasgow.
Last edited by blueplatinum; 24th Jan 2009 at 17:26.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Prestwick, Scotland
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A puzzle as posted on another website is that there are clearly 6 Ryanairs based at PIK from some point up to the end of June, an increase of 1. Then it drops back to 5 or 4, but with the suggestion their full schedule is not yet loaded. I would suggest there are two largely separate markets here, one currently PIK based, one EDI based. Chicken and egg means if FR have more aircraft here, more needs done to the lounge, but if less aircraft, then PIK don't need to do so much. Presumably PIK and Ryanair know the facts of their relationship, and I see no reason that those of us who don't know should speculate that it's a relationship under strain.
PIK could be said to be operating 3 distinct and potentially separate businesses:-
1/ The passenger operation, with Ryanair, Wizz, Aer Arran, and some holiday flights and charters.
2/ The freighters, Cargolux, Air France and Atlas (Panalpina), with now fewer fuel stops (odd Evergreen still appears), and with freight charters, mainly AN12, 26 and 124's
3/ Everything else on the rest of the airfield, the Navy, light aircraft, and increasing fuel stop business with everything from PC12's to AN124's including military. This afternoon 2 C130's and 1 AN124. These are very worthwhile business to the local hotels.
However, the suggestion of night-time closure sounds like a very typical accountant in action. The last Ryanair is back around midnight, assuming all are on time, the first out is 0630. But if PIK Handling, Greer and Ocean Sky want an ad-hoc especially fuel stop business, they MUST offer 24 hour opening. Many of these AN124's have been night movements. Night-time closure is the spiral to declining business Mr Rodwell, when you should be supporting your own PIK Handling, and Greer, and Ocean Sky, and Ryanair, and your other Customers by maintaining 24 hour operation.
Beyond that, not PIK, but high value employment, most of Spirit, Slingsby, BAE, Caledonian, and the new ATC centre are recruiting, with Goodrich going from 280 to near 500 employees. West of Scotland engineering recruitment including consulting houses is very buoyant, and that I do know first-hand.
PIK could be said to be operating 3 distinct and potentially separate businesses:-
1/ The passenger operation, with Ryanair, Wizz, Aer Arran, and some holiday flights and charters.
2/ The freighters, Cargolux, Air France and Atlas (Panalpina), with now fewer fuel stops (odd Evergreen still appears), and with freight charters, mainly AN12, 26 and 124's
3/ Everything else on the rest of the airfield, the Navy, light aircraft, and increasing fuel stop business with everything from PC12's to AN124's including military. This afternoon 2 C130's and 1 AN124. These are very worthwhile business to the local hotels.
However, the suggestion of night-time closure sounds like a very typical accountant in action. The last Ryanair is back around midnight, assuming all are on time, the first out is 0630. But if PIK Handling, Greer and Ocean Sky want an ad-hoc especially fuel stop business, they MUST offer 24 hour opening. Many of these AN124's have been night movements. Night-time closure is the spiral to declining business Mr Rodwell, when you should be supporting your own PIK Handling, and Greer, and Ocean Sky, and Ryanair, and your other Customers by maintaining 24 hour operation.
Beyond that, not PIK, but high value employment, most of Spirit, Slingsby, BAE, Caledonian, and the new ATC centre are recruiting, with Goodrich going from 280 to near 500 employees. West of Scotland engineering recruitment including consulting houses is very buoyant, and that I do know first-hand.
Join Date: Nov 2004
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The night closure was mooted on a radio interview with the NZ manager, can't remember his name.
AllanMack I have stated before that I use Prestwick regularly, I would willingly pay more to fly in slightly more comfortable surroundings. I do believe the management are holding the place back though, they penny pinch yet expect people to pay exhorbitant prices for rental space.
I am a pilot myself and know what airlines and passengers like and want as services. I live in Prestwick and totally love jumping off the plane and being home in two minutes.
The current economic crisis is not helping but there has been talk of Prestwick being loss making for a long time, I just don't understand this as the place is always pretty busy.
AllanMack I have stated before that I use Prestwick regularly, I would willingly pay more to fly in slightly more comfortable surroundings. I do believe the management are holding the place back though, they penny pinch yet expect people to pay exhorbitant prices for rental space.
I am a pilot myself and know what airlines and passengers like and want as services. I live in Prestwick and totally love jumping off the plane and being home in two minutes.
The current economic crisis is not helping but there has been talk of Prestwick being loss making for a long time, I just don't understand this as the place is always pretty busy.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Prestwick
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It costs quite a bit to keep the airport open through the night at the moment, they feel by either closing or possibly reducing the fire cover to CAT3 from CAT7 between the hours of 0030 and 0630 they will save money. Which is normal and you cant really blame the management for exploring these methods of saving when running at such a big loss. But in my own personal opinion it is absolutely vital that Prestwick holds its 24/7 status or things will only get worse.
It is a key factor in attracting business to the airport and makes PIK unique to many other airports, I know first hand as I have spoken to many operators and the question is asked time and time again. CAT 3 fire cover only allows up to say a Citation Max. When comparing Prestwick to say Shannon or Iceland the majority of fuel stops visit through the night, especially in Shannon. If this goes then we will not only loose any current or potential business between these hours but most operators will go somewhere where they know they can land or depart anytime incase delays or tech issues en-route.
If the airport is going to make money then it cant afford to loose the one thing that gives it the advantage over most other airports when trying attracting new business. It is an invitation to demise.
It is a key factor in attracting business to the airport and makes PIK unique to many other airports, I know first hand as I have spoken to many operators and the question is asked time and time again. CAT 3 fire cover only allows up to say a Citation Max. When comparing Prestwick to say Shannon or Iceland the majority of fuel stops visit through the night, especially in Shannon. If this goes then we will not only loose any current or potential business between these hours but most operators will go somewhere where they know they can land or depart anytime incase delays or tech issues en-route.
If the airport is going to make money then it cant afford to loose the one thing that gives it the advantage over most other airports when trying attracting new business. It is an invitation to demise.
Last edited by kpiko3; 26th Jan 2009 at 02:19.
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Glasgow Prestwick Airport
90 day consultation on job losses.
In other news
YouTube - Prestwick Airport 1965
YouTube - Prestwick Airport 1961
90 day consultation on job losses.
In other news
YouTube - Prestwick Airport 1965
YouTube - Prestwick Airport 1961
Last edited by Skipness One Echo; 26th Jan 2009 at 16:36.
Join Date: Nov 2004
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YouTube - Prestwick Airport 1961
I remember being there for the first ever landing of the Concorde prototype and the first commercial 747 landing (BOAC), the spectators gallery was packed on both occassions. Shame there is no access to it now, waved to my granny while she boarded a VC-10 on route to New York with BOAC in the late 60's. We had some great times as kids at PIK ,those were the days queuing up at the kiosk to buy the latest additions of CAM (civil aircraft markings) and checking off all the reggies we had collected.
Also got invited onto a USAF herc and shown round the cockpit by the crew, amazing. No security at all we were just standing at the wall to the left of the terminal where that giant water collection pool is and the crew were doing a walkround or something, we asked if we could see inside and they were delighted to show us, a great experience for our little bunch of 10 year old's.
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Smith,
I used to drive that yellow van as a student during the summers of 1977 - 80 so glad to see it's still in operation!
I also was at the first BOAC 747 (G-AWNC if I remember rightly) so it looks like we were enthusiasts at the same time. Good grief we may have played football together on the grass beside the dual carraigeway down near to the Pow Burn or over at Redbrae House!
I used to drive that yellow van as a student during the summers of 1977 - 80 so glad to see it's still in operation!
I also was at the first BOAC 747 (G-AWNC if I remember rightly) so it looks like we were enthusiasts at the same time. Good grief we may have played football together on the grass beside the dual carraigeway down near to the Pow Burn or over at Redbrae House!
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Allan Mack
You're beginning to worry me, did you go to Prestwick Academy?
Yankee
ROFL, ha ha ha ha ha
Just booked FR to Krakow £5 e/w, and yes I have an electron card.
You're beginning to worry me, did you go to Prestwick Academy?
Yankee
Sheer bliss, not a yellow jacket in sight, how did they never manage to kill anyone.
Just booked FR to Krakow £5 e/w, and yes I have an electron card.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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God those look like good days ! My dad was always going on about that. I hope more of these films surface. Loved the Seaboard World CL44 on stand 10.
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Smith,
Marr College and used to hang about with a crowd from Belmont. If I remember rightly their names were Derek Bentley, John Hendrie and John Nelson. There was a guy called Coughtrie as well.
Anyway, they were good days with a lot of interesting traffic albeit on the sparse side at times. It was very very obvious though when I worked as a student that BAA were straving the airport of investment with a view to it collapsing. And we obviously ahve seen what has happened. One thing is for sure PIK has been and always will be a survivor. In the future I can visualise a medium sized low cost passenger operation at PIK including increased charter flights to the sun. My estimate is that passengers will grow to 4million by 2012, freight will bounce back slowly, Ocean Sky will continue to grow thus attracting tech stops etc and the overhaul business will grow once again. I don't think overall the airport will grow to Infratil's targets but the site overall will still be a hub of aviation activity.
Marr College and used to hang about with a crowd from Belmont. If I remember rightly their names were Derek Bentley, John Hendrie and John Nelson. There was a guy called Coughtrie as well.
Anyway, they were good days with a lot of interesting traffic albeit on the sparse side at times. It was very very obvious though when I worked as a student that BAA were straving the airport of investment with a view to it collapsing. And we obviously ahve seen what has happened. One thing is for sure PIK has been and always will be a survivor. In the future I can visualise a medium sized low cost passenger operation at PIK including increased charter flights to the sun. My estimate is that passengers will grow to 4million by 2012, freight will bounce back slowly, Ocean Sky will continue to grow thus attracting tech stops etc and the overhaul business will grow once again. I don't think overall the airport will grow to Infratil's targets but the site overall will still be a hub of aviation activity.
Join Date: Jul 2008
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As much as I have fond and great memories (past and present) of PIK, I fear the worst.
Rumours concerning 'night closures', the withrawal of major freight flights, and the owners admitting that money is tighter than a camels *** in a sandstorm. Now thats tight! All that and the build up of FR ops at EDI.
Oceansky dont have enough business to keep PIK going, despite their impresive setup. Training flights wont keep the airport open, and the fact that the only tennant airline (FR) is ever demanding cheap deals, how much longer can the current owners keep it 24/7
I sincerely hope PIK survives
Rumours concerning 'night closures', the withrawal of major freight flights, and the owners admitting that money is tighter than a camels *** in a sandstorm. Now thats tight! All that and the build up of FR ops at EDI.
Oceansky dont have enough business to keep PIK going, despite their impresive setup. Training flights wont keep the airport open, and the fact that the only tennant airline (FR) is ever demanding cheap deals, how much longer can the current owners keep it 24/7
I sincerely hope PIK survives