ABERDEEN
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Long overdue investment in the terminal which is supposed to future proof it against forecast growth. Unfortunately it would appear that new baggage belts, improved security arrangements and more room airside will just about enable AIA to cope better with existing passenger numbers.
As others have said, it needs far more investment than £13m to enable Aberdeen airport to realistically cope with growth and there is still no mention of extra concrete for aircraft parking.
The Dreamliner is optimised for smaller airports and thinner routes, but we will never see one here as none of the stands can cope with its wingspan, plus the runway still needs a meaningful extension. If we had these, I wonder if Qatar Airways would have come here instead of Edinburgh?
As others have said, it needs far more investment than £13m to enable Aberdeen airport to realistically cope with growth and there is still no mention of extra concrete for aircraft parking.
The Dreamliner is optimised for smaller airports and thinner routes, but we will never see one here as none of the stands can cope with its wingspan, plus the runway still needs a meaningful extension. If we had these, I wonder if Qatar Airways would have come here instead of Edinburgh?
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I like the spin from AIA. Biggest terminal investment in nearly 40yrs, since the building went up in 1977!
But - shouldn't this and other similar investment not have been made years ago?
That's the problem with BAA/HAH...always reactive when it comes to ABZ, never proactive. Extend the runway...but only a little bit. Where has that got us? Airlines will be queuing up, they told us - are they, overall??
Don't do anything unless it really REALLY has to be done, and then just tinker
at the edges.
As I said - some development is better than none. But I'd much rather they sell it. If GIP are interested, if they have made multiple enquiries about the airport as rumoured, then get a move on & come to an agreement to sell. Let GIP at least take the future development forward (until it's their turn to sell it on!!).
But - shouldn't this and other similar investment not have been made years ago?
That's the problem with BAA/HAH...always reactive when it comes to ABZ, never proactive. Extend the runway...but only a little bit. Where has that got us? Airlines will be queuing up, they told us - are they, overall??
Don't do anything unless it really REALLY has to be done, and then just tinker
at the edges.
As I said - some development is better than none. But I'd much rather they sell it. If GIP are interested, if they have made multiple enquiries about the airport as rumoured, then get a move on & come to an agreement to sell. Let GIP at least take the future development forward (until it's their turn to sell it on!!).
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Terminal development
'Fly-though' of artist's impression posted on YT by AIA, of what is proposed at ground floor level:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iHPQZIDyeo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iHPQZIDyeo
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AIA schedule of Charges wef 1/1/14
http://www.aberdeenairport.com/stati...f-Use-2014.pdf
Might be of interest to some. Was on the web, in case anyone thinks I nicked it from someone!! Maybe these have always been available for viewing but don't recall seeing any previous year's schedule?
5. Rebates
5.1 Short Distance Flights
Airport charges (with the exception of Air Navigation Charges) for movements by fixed wing
passenger flights on short distance scheduled flights will be levied at the following rates:
5.1.1 where the immediate destination is within Scotland, including flights which take-off and land at the
same airport with no intermediate landing, the weight charge will be reduced by 65%.
5.1.2 where the immediate destination is outside Scotland but is not more than 250 statute miles
distant from the airport of take-off, the weight charge will be reduced by 26%.
5.1.3 fixed wing flights carrying non-controlled passengers departing from a Scottish airport which have
a final destination less than 100 statute miles from the airport of origin will be entitled to a rebate
to the passenger charge of 50%.
5.2 Double Stop Flights
Flights which depart from the controlled facilities at the Airport which have originated at the
controlled facilities of another UK airport, or will be making an intermediate stop at another UK
airport for the sole purpose of picking up or setting down additional passengers or cargo, will
have the weight charge on departure reduced by 50% at the Airport.
5.3 New Services
Operators of air transport services at the Airport may apply to the Managing Director of the
Airport Company for rebates for the operation of new services to new destinations or for
increased frequencies to existing destinations. The decision by the Managing Director as to
whether to grant such rebates shall be absolute.
I presume these rebates have always been available - or is this new to AIA in an effort to encourage growth (especially with reference to 5.3)?
Might be of interest to some. Was on the web, in case anyone thinks I nicked it from someone!! Maybe these have always been available for viewing but don't recall seeing any previous year's schedule?
5. Rebates
5.1 Short Distance Flights
Airport charges (with the exception of Air Navigation Charges) for movements by fixed wing
passenger flights on short distance scheduled flights will be levied at the following rates:
5.1.1 where the immediate destination is within Scotland, including flights which take-off and land at the
same airport with no intermediate landing, the weight charge will be reduced by 65%.
5.1.2 where the immediate destination is outside Scotland but is not more than 250 statute miles
distant from the airport of take-off, the weight charge will be reduced by 26%.
5.1.3 fixed wing flights carrying non-controlled passengers departing from a Scottish airport which have
a final destination less than 100 statute miles from the airport of origin will be entitled to a rebate
to the passenger charge of 50%.
5.2 Double Stop Flights
Flights which depart from the controlled facilities at the Airport which have originated at the
controlled facilities of another UK airport, or will be making an intermediate stop at another UK
airport for the sole purpose of picking up or setting down additional passengers or cargo, will
have the weight charge on departure reduced by 50% at the Airport.
5.3 New Services
Operators of air transport services at the Airport may apply to the Managing Director of the
Airport Company for rebates for the operation of new services to new destinations or for
increased frequencies to existing destinations. The decision by the Managing Director as to
whether to grant such rebates shall be absolute.
I presume these rebates have always been available - or is this new to AIA in an effort to encourage growth (especially with reference to 5.3)?
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Belfast
I think Capt Doony mentioned Flybe was getting decent numbers on Belfast.
If I'm reading their timetable correctly, looks like a second rotation from S14:
BE116 10:30 11:40 M T . T F . . - - 24-Dec-13 - 01-Apr-14
BE116 10:30 11:40 M T W T F . . - - 02-Apr-14 - 09-Sep-14
BE116 10:30 11:40 M . . T F . . - - 09-Dec-13 - 23-Dec-13
BE118 12:30 13:35 . . . . . Sa . - - 14-Jun-14 - 30-Aug-14
BE118 14:15 15:20 . . . . . . Su - - 30-Mar-14 - 07-Sep-14
BE118 14:45 15:50 M T W T F . . - - 31-Mar-14 - 09-Sep-14
BE118 14:50 16:00 . . . . . . Su - - 15-Dec-13 - 23-Mar-14
Edit: at least out to early Sept 2014!
If I'm reading their timetable correctly, looks like a second rotation from S14:
BE116 10:30 11:40 M T . T F . . - - 24-Dec-13 - 01-Apr-14
BE116 10:30 11:40 M T W T F . . - - 02-Apr-14 - 09-Sep-14
BE116 10:30 11:40 M . . T F . . - - 09-Dec-13 - 23-Dec-13
BE118 12:30 13:35 . . . . . Sa . - - 14-Jun-14 - 30-Aug-14
BE118 14:15 15:20 . . . . . . Su - - 30-Mar-14 - 07-Sep-14
BE118 14:45 15:50 M T W T F . . - - 31-Mar-14 - 09-Sep-14
BE118 14:50 16:00 . . . . . . Su - - 15-Dec-13 - 23-Mar-14
Edit: at least out to early Sept 2014!
Last edited by Richard Taylor; 9th Dec 2013 at 18:10.
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Yes, good to see the steady growth.
Charters to the N.Isles (Shetland principally) I think may be at their busiest now since the days of Dan-Air, Intercity, Brymon & BAF.
Loganair especially have multiple extra rotations to Sumburgh, as have Eastern.
Logan yesterday (& bmi before them) recently did a charter to Haugesund as well.
I assume it is extra workers for the like of the new oil terminal under construction, also developments west of Shetland; also I dare say the aftermath of EC225 groundings maybe still in the system?
Charters to the N.Isles (Shetland principally) I think may be at their busiest now since the days of Dan-Air, Intercity, Brymon & BAF.
Loganair especially have multiple extra rotations to Sumburgh, as have Eastern.
Logan yesterday (& bmi before them) recently did a charter to Haugesund as well.
I assume it is extra workers for the like of the new oil terminal under construction, also developments west of Shetland; also I dare say the aftermath of EC225 groundings maybe still in the system?
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Some comments - I had to laugh...
(from BBC site)
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport chief executive, said: "We're delighted that November saw such a high number of passengers travelling through our terminal.
"Last month we delivered what we've been promising for some time with the announcement of new long-haul services to America, Canada and the Middle East.
"These will undoubtedly strengthen our route network and provide our passengers with even more choice."
Carol Benzie, Aberdeen Airport's managing director, said: "We are hopeful that we can end 2013 on a high note.
"Growth has been recorded each month for the last three quarters of the year and whilst it is too early to tell, our predictions suggest that the results for December should be equally positive.
"Of course, at this time of year the weather can have a real influence and we watch every forecast with interest. Our snow plans, which are well practised, have been put into place and we have teams on call to react when the weather demands it."
(from BBC site)
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport chief executive, said: "We're delighted that November saw such a high number of passengers travelling through our terminal.
"Last month we delivered what we've been promising for some time with the announcement of new long-haul services to America, Canada and the Middle East.
"These will undoubtedly strengthen our route network and provide our passengers with even more choice."
Carol Benzie, Aberdeen Airport's managing director, said: "We are hopeful that we can end 2013 on a high note.
"Growth has been recorded each month for the last three quarters of the year and whilst it is too early to tell, our predictions suggest that the results for December should be equally positive.
"Of course, at this time of year the weather can have a real influence and we watch every forecast with interest. Our snow plans, which are well practised, have been put into place and we have teams on call to react when the weather demands it."
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Canadian affair?
Looks like St.John's fancies getting an ABZ route:
(Anna Aero/The Route Shop):
'St. John’s International Airport (YYT/CYYT) Printable Version Airports seeking this airport
All 24
Unserved routes17
Underserved routes 7
Aberdeen (ABZ)
Newfoundland & Labrador has a lucrative offshore oil and gas industry, which largely drives traffic to and from Aberdeen, the third largest international market for YYT. '
(Anna Aero/The Route Shop):
'St. John’s International Airport (YYT/CYYT) Printable Version Airports seeking this airport
All 24
Unserved routes17
Underserved routes 7
Aberdeen (ABZ)
Newfoundland & Labrador has a lucrative offshore oil and gas industry, which largely drives traffic to and from Aberdeen, the third largest international market for YYT. '
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Westjet with a B737-7? They are doing YYT - DUB next summer with this type. 
Not saying anything will HAPPEN with any airline or route of course, it is ABZ after all...
Not saying anything will HAPPEN with any airline or route of course, it is ABZ after all...
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Looks like St.John's fancies getting an ABZ route:
(Anna Aero/The Route Shop):
'St. John’s International Airport (YYT/CYYT) Printable Version Airports seeking this airport
All 24
Unserved routes17
Underserved routes 7
Aberdeen (ABZ)
Newfoundland & Labrador has a lucrative offshore oil and gas industry, which largely drives traffic to and from Aberdeen, the third largest international market for YYT. '
(Anna Aero/The Route Shop):
'St. John’s International Airport (YYT/CYYT) Printable Version Airports seeking this airport
All 24
Unserved routes17
Underserved routes 7
Aberdeen (ABZ)
Newfoundland & Labrador has a lucrative offshore oil and gas industry, which largely drives traffic to and from Aberdeen, the third largest international market for YYT. '
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Ferrovial
Looks like, as rumoured, Ferrovial themselves want to run the three regional airports in the HAH portfolio.
Ferrovial eyes Heathrow's regional airports - Telegraph
Heathrow Investor Lines Up UK Airports Deal
So for ABZ, looks like a bunfight between GIP & Ferrovial unless the current strength of the region's economy attracts other suitors, eg MAG.
Ferrovial eyes Heathrow's regional airports - Telegraph
Heathrow Investor Lines Up UK Airports Deal
So for ABZ, looks like a bunfight between GIP & Ferrovial unless the current strength of the region's economy attracts other suitors, eg MAG.
Last edited by Richard Taylor; 12th Dec 2013 at 11:25.
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It would be nice to get new routes from Aberdeen although I can't see anything happening anytime soon, in regards to new owner would much prefer gip to take over Aberdeen, get some proper investment and route development like Gatwick and Edinburgh
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given that there is more money in Aberdeen than anywhere else outside London you'd have thought there'd be more of a market for holiday flights - but Aberdonians are famous for their open handedness of course................ 
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Maybe Ferrovial would surprise us, but I too would prefer GIP over them. But of course there may be others - MAG possibly, plus one other smaller shareholder in HAH has stated their interest allegedly.
Marathon Oil are the latest North American major looking to exit the UKCS in the next couple of years I see today in my morning paper. They have operated the Brae complex since its beginning. Looks now though that the allure of other provinces & especially the trend of shale oil/gas in the US is taking up its attention. I remember Bristow almost going through the alphabet using the 56 callsign when it was being commissioned/hooked up - but that was 1983, so it's some 30yrs old.
Will be sad to see them go eventually, particularly as Talisman & Chevron are similarly exiting the province, or rumoured to be looking to do so.
Would imagine others will be willing to take over any assets put up for sale.
Nature of the oil business I guess, but still Marathon & Chevron both have been fixtures in Aberdeen for years, so worrying trend perhaps that the roots we hoped these companies had put down here are quite easy to rip up.
Marathon Oil are the latest North American major looking to exit the UKCS in the next couple of years I see today in my morning paper. They have operated the Brae complex since its beginning. Looks now though that the allure of other provinces & especially the trend of shale oil/gas in the US is taking up its attention. I remember Bristow almost going through the alphabet using the 56 callsign when it was being commissioned/hooked up - but that was 1983, so it's some 30yrs old.
Will be sad to see them go eventually, particularly as Talisman & Chevron are similarly exiting the province, or rumoured to be looking to do so.
Would imagine others will be willing to take over any assets put up for sale.
Nature of the oil business I guess, but still Marathon & Chevron both have been fixtures in Aberdeen for years, so worrying trend perhaps that the roots we hoped these companies had put down here are quite easy to rip up.
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Marathon haven't done much for years - an those Brae platforms are enormous - and enormously costly to abandon - all that steel................... comes of being owned by US Steel for a long time I guess
Talisman will not be exiting - they sold half shares in their UK operation to teh Chinese and its now Talisman-Sinopec in Aberdeen
But the new fields get smaller and smaller (less than 20 million barrels on average cp 300++ at something like Brae) and the old ones are gradually fading
Talisman will not be exiting - they sold half shares in their UK operation to teh Chinese and its now Talisman-Sinopec in Aberdeen
But the new fields get smaller and smaller (less than 20 million barrels on average cp 300++ at something like Brae) and the old ones are gradually fading
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Flybe
Seems that ABZ is currently one of the few winners from the Flybe route restructuring. S14 currently looks to be:
MAN gains an extra Saturday & Sunday rotation with most flights on the Embraer 175 rather than the Dash 8.
BHX also gains an extra Saturday & Sunday rotation.
BHD, as Richard Taylor said, should be going double daily M-F with single rotations on Sat & Sun according to the timetable. Flights aren't loaded but they still seem to be tinkering with the schedule as some flights show as 'fully booked' or certain fare classes blocked.
JER still operates its Sat only seasonal schedule
MAN gains an extra Saturday & Sunday rotation with most flights on the Embraer 175 rather than the Dash 8.
BHX also gains an extra Saturday & Sunday rotation.
BHD, as Richard Taylor said, should be going double daily M-F with single rotations on Sat & Sun according to the timetable. Flights aren't loaded but they still seem to be tinkering with the schedule as some flights show as 'fully booked' or certain fare classes blocked.
JER still operates its Sat only seasonal schedule
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Monarch!
But sadly it's only a 321 diverting in just now Kittilla - Birmingham because the crew are out of hours.
That'll please the pax - Santa wonderland to NE Scotland hell - still so far from home......
When was the last time a 'Santa' flight operated from here? Must be some years ago (there definitely used to be some, usually Rovaneimi - maybe there are no kids up here these days).
Carol Benzie is trying to get Costa flights - we can't even get a Santa one!!
That'll please the pax - Santa wonderland to NE Scotland hell - still so far from home......
When was the last time a 'Santa' flight operated from here? Must be some years ago (there definitely used to be some, usually Rovaneimi - maybe there are no kids up here these days).
Carol Benzie is trying to get Costa flights - we can't even get a Santa one!!
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Monarch
Hi Richard
It should have been KTT - BHX but in fact it ended up RVM - ABZ.
It diverted to Rovaneimi on the outbound this morning.
Is it definitely a Santa flight, as this definitely converts later in the month to a ski flight and operates to mid February. It was flybe last year and last week was operated by flybe but never quite sure if it is a Santa flight in early December.
Also Sunday is Monarch's busy day at BHX and it was on turnaround for Rome resulting in an A300 positioning to BHX and operating this sector.
I wonder if they will night-stop the pax or have they flown a crew up on the BE327.
Pete
It should have been KTT - BHX but in fact it ended up RVM - ABZ.
It diverted to Rovaneimi on the outbound this morning.
Is it definitely a Santa flight, as this definitely converts later in the month to a ski flight and operates to mid February. It was flybe last year and last week was operated by flybe but never quite sure if it is a Santa flight in early December.
Also Sunday is Monarch's busy day at BHX and it was on turnaround for Rome resulting in an A300 positioning to BHX and operating this sector.
I wonder if they will night-stop the pax or have they flown a crew up on the BE327.
Pete