ISLE OF MAN
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Slight decrease in Airport passengers for October as expected - Airport Press Release
Isle of Man Airport passenger numbers for last month were slightly under 1% down when compared with October 2010, breaking a run of six months when increases have been recorded. However, the small decrease of 575 passengers was very much as the Airport had predicted, as the previous October had been the strongest month for Airport passenger growth for the whole of 2010. In total, 63,093 passengers passed through the Airport last month, just 0.9% less than October last year.
Airport Director, Ann Reynolds confirmed that the October result has actually given some grounds for optimism although she is disappointed with the figures. "A year ago when we were predicting the passenger throughput for 2011, as with many businesses, it was impossible for us to foresee the flat nature of the UK economy throughout this year - and it is this that predominantly drives air travel to and from the Isle of Man," she said. "The result has been that throughout most of 2011, our traffic has been about 5% below that expected, but the most recent months have seen slight, but consistent, improvements. Thus, despite the slight decrease, I am very pleased that the October traffic has reached the level where it precisely matched our original predictions, however I know that the airlines were also hoping for more passengers."
The summer charter operations which concluded in October again injected a significant boost to the overall figure with a 39% increase for the month. Since May, almost 2,100 additional charter passengers have benefited from the wide choice of direct flights to the Mediterranean flown directly from the Island. The daily flights to Southampton and onwards to Brussels also helped to boost traffic. Traffic to and from Liverpool again increased by about 10% with both Flybe and easyJet notching up increases in passengers, however some of these additional passengers were likely to have been ferry passengers when bad weather prevented some of the island sailings. Manx2.com also had a good month with Belfast, Blackpool and Gloucester all seeing increases and every one of their five routes from the Island operating over 60% full. The Blue Islands Jersey service also recorded a 4% increase.
"Looking ahead, we recognise that this winter will be another tough one for our airlines, as the UK economy shows little sign of recovery," added Ann. "We have already received notification of some cutbacks in schedules over the winter period, but I'm delighted to say that all of our routes have remained intact, including the Flybe Southampton/Brussels link which is now operating over the winter season for the first time. This service, not only providing daily flights to the heart of Southern England, but a direct link through to the European capital is an important part of our network, and we hope that it will be well supported throughout the winter."
Departmental Member for Ports, David Collister, said he is in no doubt about the importance of maintaining the comprehensive air service network that the Island has built up, and is pleased to see the continuation of all of the Island's routes into 2012. "I am in no doubt about the fundamental importance of creating and retaining the best possible network of air services for the Island," he said. "Direct air services are the very lifeblood of our economy, and in particular our tourism industry and I am delighted that our airlines have continued to support and maintain the Island’s routes throughout the recent difficult few years. We will be working with them over the coming months and years to support and hopefully expand our 19 scheduled service routes."
Airport Director, Ann Reynolds confirmed that the October result has actually given some grounds for optimism although she is disappointed with the figures. "A year ago when we were predicting the passenger throughput for 2011, as with many businesses, it was impossible for us to foresee the flat nature of the UK economy throughout this year - and it is this that predominantly drives air travel to and from the Isle of Man," she said. "The result has been that throughout most of 2011, our traffic has been about 5% below that expected, but the most recent months have seen slight, but consistent, improvements. Thus, despite the slight decrease, I am very pleased that the October traffic has reached the level where it precisely matched our original predictions, however I know that the airlines were also hoping for more passengers."
The summer charter operations which concluded in October again injected a significant boost to the overall figure with a 39% increase for the month. Since May, almost 2,100 additional charter passengers have benefited from the wide choice of direct flights to the Mediterranean flown directly from the Island. The daily flights to Southampton and onwards to Brussels also helped to boost traffic. Traffic to and from Liverpool again increased by about 10% with both Flybe and easyJet notching up increases in passengers, however some of these additional passengers were likely to have been ferry passengers when bad weather prevented some of the island sailings. Manx2.com also had a good month with Belfast, Blackpool and Gloucester all seeing increases and every one of their five routes from the Island operating over 60% full. The Blue Islands Jersey service also recorded a 4% increase.
"Looking ahead, we recognise that this winter will be another tough one for our airlines, as the UK economy shows little sign of recovery," added Ann. "We have already received notification of some cutbacks in schedules over the winter period, but I'm delighted to say that all of our routes have remained intact, including the Flybe Southampton/Brussels link which is now operating over the winter season for the first time. This service, not only providing daily flights to the heart of Southern England, but a direct link through to the European capital is an important part of our network, and we hope that it will be well supported throughout the winter."
Departmental Member for Ports, David Collister, said he is in no doubt about the importance of maintaining the comprehensive air service network that the Island has built up, and is pleased to see the continuation of all of the Island's routes into 2012. "I am in no doubt about the fundamental importance of creating and retaining the best possible network of air services for the Island," he said. "Direct air services are the very lifeblood of our economy, and in particular our tourism industry and I am delighted that our airlines have continued to support and maintain the Island’s routes throughout the recent difficult few years. We will be working with them over the coming months and years to support and hopefully expand our 19 scheduled service routes."
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Ever optimistic? I don't think so:
Regarding getting easyJet on LGW, I personally don't think it would be a good idea as frequency would go down and this is what business travellers like. Flybe provides a decent service on the route at usually decent prices - long may it continue to do so.
this winter will be another tough one for our airlines, as the UK economy shows little sign of recovery
Join Date: Jul 2006
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It's one aspect of modern day travel that could affect us all. Maybe there's a market for missed connection insurance?
Travel insurance is barely profitable at the best of times, a few days of fog on the rock and the insurers could face a hefty bill.
It's a catch 22 situation restrict the cover provided or charge so much premium that it would not be worth buying the cover.
Join Date: Apr 2007
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"we hope that it will be well supported throughout the winter"
I know why shes saying this. SOU loads have been terrible lately - usually well less than half full and BRS is even worst - often less than 20 pax. SOU-BRU connection never get publicised much over here
I know why shes saying this. SOU loads have been terrible lately - usually well less than half full and BRS is even worst - often less than 20 pax. SOU-BRU connection never get publicised much over here
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Captain Horrendous I've no idea what's needed to achieve a Cat 2 runway, but it will require money. Although it would bring major benefits I doubt after the recent bad press over yet more spending by the airport management (baggage handing facility costing a staggering £3.5m) Tynwald would vote for it. Pity really.
Join Date: Apr 2008
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A CAT2 runway system would require a hell of a lot of rock, infill and money to start with- or the Castletown road will have to go as the runway would need extending at least 200m the other side of the road to accomodate the minimum runway length, and a full CAT3 lighting fit in the undershoot for 26.
They could always dig the hill out and make 21 the main runway but that would be impossible to justify with the money spent already.
It's only 3 or 4 days a year after all. That's what the boat is for isn't it?
They could always dig the hill out and make 21 the main runway but that would be impossible to justify with the money spent already.
It's only 3 or 4 days a year after all. That's what the boat is for isn't it?
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Ah. Another £50m+ then.
Probably on the wish list of the airport director however "doing nothing isn't an option" threat won't work here, even if the number of murky days goes up. Not going to happen.
And I wouldn't rely too much on the boat at this time of year.....
Probably on the wish list of the airport director however "doing nothing isn't an option" threat won't work here, even if the number of murky days goes up. Not going to happen.
And I wouldn't rely too much on the boat at this time of year.....
Join Date: Mar 2003
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The IoM must be the only place on earth where the monthly traffic figures of the local airport are getting published as news almost as important as the first landing on the moon - and the ensuing discussion on the rock is almost as exciting as current debates in the Greek parliament about the Euro bailout.
Join Date: Dec 2005
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virginblue I guess it is because we mere Manx taxpayers look on with ever increasing amazement at the cr*p spoken by the management in their commentary on the monthly figures.
Several years ago they produced a passenger number forecast to justify a huge spend on the terminal building extension. If they were right we should be seeing annual pax numbers over one million by now. Yes we have had the recession, but the numbers weren't growing anything like that forecast before the downturn. They reconstructed the apron area, some of it still the original wartime surface. Then they spent an unbelievable amount of money extending the island to provide "required" runway safety areas. That was the famous "doing nothing is not an option" reason. Yet we still haven't seen Jersey or say London City take similar action, and Jersey has a cliff at one end of their runway. So we taxpayers suspect (possibly wrongly) another con.
Having the right equipment at the airport at the time was the reason given to spend a further £3.5m on resurfacing taxiways, including several which had been withdrawn from use as not needed. Then they built a new control tower for about £6m. It looks nice, and the old one was 70 years old, but we mortals wonder why it had to be so impressive. Then there was the sudden requirement to replace the not that old radar; yes they needed Mode S, and yes, that cost a packet as well. And now they want another £3.5 mil to build a new shed for baggage handling; the scanners (all three of them - why 3) will cost just over half a mil, so what on earth costs the other 3 mil.
There are always good reasons given - some, such a Mode S and enhancements to screening are effectively imposed on them. But their PR sucks: they don't for example set out a road map of project spend which might forewarn the public, it just pops up in a Government vote. And they write the most amazing drivel to explain away why pax numbers are nowhere near those they promised. And if the numbers are good they are published quickly; if bad then they can come out pretty late.
I agree - we probably do overdo the comments. But we have our reasons.
Several years ago they produced a passenger number forecast to justify a huge spend on the terminal building extension. If they were right we should be seeing annual pax numbers over one million by now. Yes we have had the recession, but the numbers weren't growing anything like that forecast before the downturn. They reconstructed the apron area, some of it still the original wartime surface. Then they spent an unbelievable amount of money extending the island to provide "required" runway safety areas. That was the famous "doing nothing is not an option" reason. Yet we still haven't seen Jersey or say London City take similar action, and Jersey has a cliff at one end of their runway. So we taxpayers suspect (possibly wrongly) another con.
Having the right equipment at the airport at the time was the reason given to spend a further £3.5m on resurfacing taxiways, including several which had been withdrawn from use as not needed. Then they built a new control tower for about £6m. It looks nice, and the old one was 70 years old, but we mortals wonder why it had to be so impressive. Then there was the sudden requirement to replace the not that old radar; yes they needed Mode S, and yes, that cost a packet as well. And now they want another £3.5 mil to build a new shed for baggage handling; the scanners (all three of them - why 3) will cost just over half a mil, so what on earth costs the other 3 mil.
There are always good reasons given - some, such a Mode S and enhancements to screening are effectively imposed on them. But their PR sucks: they don't for example set out a road map of project spend which might forewarn the public, it just pops up in a Government vote. And they write the most amazing drivel to explain away why pax numbers are nowhere near those they promised. And if the numbers are good they are published quickly; if bad then they can come out pretty late.
I agree - we probably do overdo the comments. But we have our reasons.
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D&T - I agree that the cost of cat 2 provision is now probably prohibitive - however, had it been a consideration at the time the extension was designed and the starter strips laid down, in the over all scheme of things, it might not have been. I'll let you figure it out, but an extra 37 metres would have made a lot of difference. Will explain next time I see you.
Forgetting Cat 2, it would actually just be nice to have a proper cat 1 runway lighting with a 550m RVR requirement like Jersey and Guernsey. That would 'just' take approach lights on gantries as far as I understand.
The minimum visibility required to commence an approach before the works was 700 metres - as we now have a WORSE approach lighting system than before, it is now 1000 metres. Even if you can legally make an approach, if the cloud is at or below 100 feet you aint getting in because there are no approach lights to be seen at decision altitude. I know, I've been there.
Forgetting Cat 2, it would actually just be nice to have a proper cat 1 runway lighting with a 550m RVR requirement like Jersey and Guernsey. That would 'just' take approach lights on gantries as far as I understand.
The minimum visibility required to commence an approach before the works was 700 metres - as we now have a WORSE approach lighting system than before, it is now 1000 metres. Even if you can legally make an approach, if the cloud is at or below 100 feet you aint getting in because there are no approach lights to be seen at decision altitude. I know, I've been there.
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virginblue I guess it is because we mere Manx taxpayers look on with ever increasing amazement at the cr*p spoken by the management in their commentary on the monthly figures.
She should not waste her time with the PR stuff, however, and hire a worthy deputy. Last thing I heard, this guy is looking for a job and he brings a lot of credentials to make the monthly comments even more entertaining 
:New IOM spokesman
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Hereself is such a card, ain't she?
"The result has been that throughout most of 2011, our traffic has been about 5% below that expected - but don't let that stop me from building the biggest airport this side of alpha centauri."
You've got to admire her cajones, if she had any - or has she?
"The result has been that throughout most of 2011, our traffic has been about 5% below that expected - but don't let that stop me from building the biggest airport this side of alpha centauri."
You've got to admire her cajones, if she had any - or has she?
Join Date: Jun 2001
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Well done FlyBe Crews!
Just a note to say a huge thanks to all the crews operating during this spell of high winds and bad weather, we've seen the boat's schedule decimated these past few days, but on the whole, the flights have been operating (within limits of course). The old Manx Airlines "lets make it happen" seems to live on! Cheers guys (and gals) Happy Christmas, and all the best for the new year! 
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Smartwings/Travel Service
I recently flew on a Smartwings flight from Prague to Paris. (It is part of Czech airline Travel Service, I think.) Leafing through the in-flight magazine, I came across the route map and was intrigued to note that Prague-Isle of Man was shown as a "seasonally-operated" route. Is this so?
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Steam Packet broke half the time so..........
Strong finish boosts 2011 Airport passenger increase - Airport Press Release
Passenger levels increased at Isle of Man Airport by over 4% during 2011, boosted by a particularly strong December for the Airport. 710,791 passengers passed through the Isle of Man Airport terminal in 2011, 27,801 more than in 2010, a 4.07% increase. Whilst much of the increase was attributable to the volcanic ash and weather disruption in 2010, the result brings a solid end to a year where growth has been dampened by the continued state of the UK and European economies.
December saw a 16.8% increase in traffic with almost 8,500 more passengers using the Airport than in December 2010. Disruptive weather in 2010 meant that, whilst a positive result for December 2011 was anticipated, the size of the increase exceeded expectation. Traffic was also slightly boosted by sea services being disrupted last month due to stormy weather, being the windiest December on record.
Airport Director, Ann Reynolds was pleased with the December performance and the impact that this has had on the annual outturn. “Like many airports, we originally expected 2011 to be a year of significant recovery, but it became clear very early on in 2011 that the economic difficulties experienced by the UK and Europe would preclude this,” she said. “However, what we have seen here in the Isle of Man, especially in the latter half of the year, is steadily improved performance which is now much closer to our original forecasts. The good December passenger levels have therefore meant that the Airport has turned in a solid 4% increase in passengers for 2011, despite the tough times that the domestic air travel industry is enduring.”
Thirteen out of the eighteen IOM scheduled routes saw an increase in passengers during December. Liverpool traffic soared by almost 37% with over 4,000 extra passengers using the Flybe and easyJet services. Other big increases included routes to London Gatwick and London City Airports with Flybe and Aer Arann – both up by between 17% and 20%. The Flybe operation of the winter Southampton route added almost 1,400 extra passengers, and the Flybe Bristol route, together with Manx2’s Gloucester service increased South West traffic by 12.6%. The Scottish routes also performed well with each of the Edinburgh and Glasgow routes carrying around 200 additional passengers, a 30% increase in Scottish traffic. Air freight also had a bumper month with a 75% increase, again as a result of the weather difficulties experienced by sea services.
The increase in total passengers in 2011, only 1.5% down on 2009’s annual figure, reversed a five year decline for the Airport which accelerated in mid 2008 with the start of the global recession coupled with other major disruptions. Until March this year, only 9 out of the previous 33 months resulted in an increase in traffic for the Island’s Airport, but since April eight out of the last nine months have shown a rise in passengers. “Despite the extended decline in recent years, of key importance we have continued to retain almost all of our scheduled routes,” added Ann. “In addition to this we have recently seen a healthy increase in charter traffic – 30% in 2011 – and together this provides a firm basis for future growth.”
The 4% increase for 2011 was also welcomed by Departmental Member for Ports, David Callister MLC. “Given the challenges that still remain for our airlines during these sustained tough economic times, the outturn for the year is remarkable,” he said. “The Island, its economy, and particularly our residents, absolutely rely upon the best network of air services offering frequent, reliable and cost effective flights year round, and I am grateful to the Isle of Man operators who have not only continued to provide the network we need, but have managed to generate growth during 2011. We look forward to working with them all in 2012 to explore further opportunities to develop the Island’s air services.”
Passenger levels increased at Isle of Man Airport by over 4% during 2011, boosted by a particularly strong December for the Airport. 710,791 passengers passed through the Isle of Man Airport terminal in 2011, 27,801 more than in 2010, a 4.07% increase. Whilst much of the increase was attributable to the volcanic ash and weather disruption in 2010, the result brings a solid end to a year where growth has been dampened by the continued state of the UK and European economies.
December saw a 16.8% increase in traffic with almost 8,500 more passengers using the Airport than in December 2010. Disruptive weather in 2010 meant that, whilst a positive result for December 2011 was anticipated, the size of the increase exceeded expectation. Traffic was also slightly boosted by sea services being disrupted last month due to stormy weather, being the windiest December on record.
Airport Director, Ann Reynolds was pleased with the December performance and the impact that this has had on the annual outturn. “Like many airports, we originally expected 2011 to be a year of significant recovery, but it became clear very early on in 2011 that the economic difficulties experienced by the UK and Europe would preclude this,” she said. “However, what we have seen here in the Isle of Man, especially in the latter half of the year, is steadily improved performance which is now much closer to our original forecasts. The good December passenger levels have therefore meant that the Airport has turned in a solid 4% increase in passengers for 2011, despite the tough times that the domestic air travel industry is enduring.”
Thirteen out of the eighteen IOM scheduled routes saw an increase in passengers during December. Liverpool traffic soared by almost 37% with over 4,000 extra passengers using the Flybe and easyJet services. Other big increases included routes to London Gatwick and London City Airports with Flybe and Aer Arann – both up by between 17% and 20%. The Flybe operation of the winter Southampton route added almost 1,400 extra passengers, and the Flybe Bristol route, together with Manx2’s Gloucester service increased South West traffic by 12.6%. The Scottish routes also performed well with each of the Edinburgh and Glasgow routes carrying around 200 additional passengers, a 30% increase in Scottish traffic. Air freight also had a bumper month with a 75% increase, again as a result of the weather difficulties experienced by sea services.
The increase in total passengers in 2011, only 1.5% down on 2009’s annual figure, reversed a five year decline for the Airport which accelerated in mid 2008 with the start of the global recession coupled with other major disruptions. Until March this year, only 9 out of the previous 33 months resulted in an increase in traffic for the Island’s Airport, but since April eight out of the last nine months have shown a rise in passengers. “Despite the extended decline in recent years, of key importance we have continued to retain almost all of our scheduled routes,” added Ann. “In addition to this we have recently seen a healthy increase in charter traffic – 30% in 2011 – and together this provides a firm basis for future growth.”
The 4% increase for 2011 was also welcomed by Departmental Member for Ports, David Callister MLC. “Given the challenges that still remain for our airlines during these sustained tough economic times, the outturn for the year is remarkable,” he said. “The Island, its economy, and particularly our residents, absolutely rely upon the best network of air services offering frequent, reliable and cost effective flights year round, and I am grateful to the Isle of Man operators who have not only continued to provide the network we need, but have managed to generate growth during 2011. We look forward to working with them all in 2012 to explore further opportunities to develop the Island’s air services.”
Join Date: Jan 2012
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Any word on the serious security breach in Ronaldsway this morning?. A relation of mine said on FlyBes Gatwick 271 service said a passenger managed to get a 5 inch hunting knife thru security. I believe it was a geunine mistake leaving it in his hand baggage but getting it all the way to the aircraft. I guess next time I try to get to work on the ramp thru security i'll have even more items to remove than my boots and overalls. seems all this airside pass and screening is just to open doors.