SOUTHEND - 2
Reference AlanM's thoughts last week on LCY preferred alternates, BRT and KLM both chose SEN last Tuesday, with BRT transferring its operation to SEN for the duration. SAY,ADH and VLM (as expected) also did the same.
In all, LCY carriers operated 38 sectors through SEN during the closure period.
In all, LCY carriers operated 38 sectors through SEN during the closure period.
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At SEN terminal some of you may have picked up the Southend renaissance glossey mag. It cast some light on our recent comments on the airport. Within the regeneration timeline section it refers to'Scope demands,needs and growth potential' to be completed by the end of 2007. It then goes on to 'procure new infrastructure 2008 -2009. Once again this somewhat contradicts that which was recently mentioned under the councils new proposed plans. If as might be deduced that little if anything is going to occur until 2009 then what hope is there for the airport. It finally quotes 1 millin pax by 2016, if that is all then i cannot see who is going to invest monies for such a small return and there is no mention of the 'games' Even the picture at the front of the pubilcation shows an old 707 that left there about 10 years ago. The only plus is the development of an aviation business park which is'already well established', assume that is Argos and PC World. Once again not very positive reading. Finally the council is aking for a 5% increase in CTax and with budgets tight the airport may dissapear of the list all together.
The reference to the 'aviation business park' is actually the Aviation Way area where IPECO etc. are based. It does not mean the retail park adjacent to the airport main entrance.
The Olympics is mentioned, with SEN being stated to be convenient for access to the games site.
As far as the infrastructure timatable is concerned, it's fairly obvious that nothing substantial could be built and operational before 2009.
I do agree that much valuable time has been lost in the past couple of years of dithering, but nothing in the brochure contradicts the present situation nor Southend Council's current positive policy towards the airport.
All is not yet lost.
The Olympics is mentioned, with SEN being stated to be convenient for access to the games site.
As far as the infrastructure timatable is concerned, it's fairly obvious that nothing substantial could be built and operational before 2009.
I do agree that much valuable time has been lost in the past couple of years of dithering, but nothing in the brochure contradicts the present situation nor Southend Council's current positive policy towards the airport.
All is not yet lost.
Buzz off with BAF!!
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So there is a Reagan Airport, a John Wayne Airport, a John Lennon
International.
Helen Mirren International anyone?!! After all she did grow up in Sarfend!
Couldn't wait to get away from it though apparently.
International.
Helen Mirren International anyone?!! After all she did grow up in Sarfend!
Couldn't wait to get away from it though apparently.
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For those interested SEN had an emergency this afternoon, which thankfully ended without any casualties, with a Super Kingair suffering a nosewheel collapse.
Picture - Essex Fire & Rescue
Picture - Essex Fire & Rescue
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A little bit more 'excitement' today.
First, 06 was obstructed, I believe it was a flock of birds that took some time to clear, then a light aircraft reported smoke in the cockpit, so there was another obstruction while the cause was dealt with.
Hopefully, that's the 'threes' things come in, and all will proceed normally for the rest of the year.
First, 06 was obstructed, I believe it was a flock of birds that took some time to clear, then a light aircraft reported smoke in the cockpit, so there was another obstruction while the cause was dealt with.
Hopefully, that's the 'threes' things come in, and all will proceed normally for the rest of the year.
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Never a dull day at Sarfend eh?! 
Out of curiosity anyone heard whats happened with the 146 that Ford were supposed to be buying to operate the shuttle to Cologne, last I head it had failed its CofA??
Out of curiosity anyone heard whats happened with the 146 that Ford were supposed to be buying to operate the shuttle to Cologne, last I head it had failed its CofA??
Ramada Hotel
The local paper reports that Ramada plan to build a 4-Star hotel at SEN, to be located within 100 yards of the existing terminal, immediately adjacent to the airport main entrance. The site is currently one of the old car parks.
That would certainly be a useful addition to SEN's infrastructure.
That would certainly be a useful addition to SEN's infrastructure.
Buzz off with BAF!!
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Yes the announcement that a Ramada Hotel is going to be on airport at
SEN is good news.
It also came just a day after the government go-ahead for the £1.5bn
Thames Gateway Dock development just a few miles upriver from SEN.
The docks and industrial site will include new road and rail connections
and employ 14,000 people.
SEN can only benefit from a such a vast complex on it's doorstep.
SEN is good news.
It also came just a day after the government go-ahead for the £1.5bn
Thames Gateway Dock development just a few miles upriver from SEN.
The docks and industrial site will include new road and rail connections
and employ 14,000 people.
SEN can only benefit from a such a vast complex on it's doorstep.
Further good news for SEN.
The new MD, Alastair Welch, seems to be making his presence felt if his plans as outlined in the Evening Echo come to fruition.
Work is expected to begin shortly on the airport railway station, as discussions with Network Rail are at "an advanced stage", with a planned opening date of Spring 2009. AW is quoted as saying that the station is a vital element of SEN's development and that is has proven very difficult to attract new airlines without that facility.
The existing terminal will be "revamped" with additional facilities and this work will be completed by Summer 2008.
Negotiations with the CAA for the construction of a new control tower are also reportedly "nearly complete" and he indicates that he hoped construction would be completed by Spring 2009.
The Ramada airport hotel is expected to be completed and open by Christmas 2008.
Also, for the first time to my knowledge, he spoke of a possible runway extension without the need for the removal of Eastwoodbury Church and that this will be investigated through the new joint partnership of RAL, Southend Council and Rochford District Council.
All in all the most promising statements that have been made for a long time with some definite timescales stated and it does seem that RAL are prepared to finance the real improvements needed. As ever of course, time will tell.
The new MD, Alastair Welch, seems to be making his presence felt if his plans as outlined in the Evening Echo come to fruition.
Work is expected to begin shortly on the airport railway station, as discussions with Network Rail are at "an advanced stage", with a planned opening date of Spring 2009. AW is quoted as saying that the station is a vital element of SEN's development and that is has proven very difficult to attract new airlines without that facility.
The existing terminal will be "revamped" with additional facilities and this work will be completed by Summer 2008.
Negotiations with the CAA for the construction of a new control tower are also reportedly "nearly complete" and he indicates that he hoped construction would be completed by Spring 2009.
The Ramada airport hotel is expected to be completed and open by Christmas 2008.
Also, for the first time to my knowledge, he spoke of a possible runway extension without the need for the removal of Eastwoodbury Church and that this will be investigated through the new joint partnership of RAL, Southend Council and Rochford District Council.
All in all the most promising statements that have been made for a long time with some definite timescales stated and it does seem that RAL are prepared to finance the real improvements needed. As ever of course, time will tell.
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Sorry to be my usual pessimistic self but there is nothing stated thereon that has not been stated before. The church issue has all been reviewed before without resolution and the costs to move it would run into millions. I find the suggestion laughable that anything will be changed or built by 2008 and this is contradictory to the proposed extension of the B52 club and renewed lease on that building and area. Once again I hope to be proved wrong. Finally, if and when this occurs I fail to see what mark or type of aircrafts will be able to operate into the EU and compete against the aircrafts serving LTN & STN.
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Having a railway station on site will only enhance Southend's ability to attract new business. The Parkway station completed in the late 1990's at Luton, now forms an integral part of the airports infrastructure, albeit a bus ride away.
With HM Govt banging on about the use of public transport, having a station at the airport would be a significant milestone. Add to the equation a quality hotel, then Southend looks well placed to handle expansion.
Southampton does quite nicely with a short runway, an airport I am sure Southend would wish to emulate?
With HM Govt banging on about the use of public transport, having a station at the airport would be a significant milestone. Add to the equation a quality hotel, then Southend looks well placed to handle expansion.
Southampton does quite nicely with a short runway, an airport I am sure Southend would wish to emulate?
HZ123
Well, there's pessimism and there's rubbishing good news just as a matter of principal and fear that your comments fall into the latter category.
If you read what I wrote regarding the possibility of a runway extension, Alastair Welch said "without the need for the removal of Eastwoodbury Church". Of course, whether or not that is feasible is the whole reason for investigating the possibilities but the benefits could be substantial.
As far as the B52 club extension is concerned, I'm afraid you have the advantage of me there - where exactly is it located and which of the four developments would it compromise?
What type of aircraft will use SEN? Where were you when LCY was closed for the day earlier this year? Any type that uses LCY, plus nearly all of those that currently use SOU, (both airports which I'm sure you agree support a huge network of routes) can operate effectively from SEN. I would agree that SEN may not be many airlines first choice as a London destination, but the slot availability situation at LCY, STN and LTN is hardly likely to improve in the next few years so that is SEN's opportunity to make its mark and the rail station is a big step in that direction.
Flybe still express an interest in a route network out of SEN, as does another substantial scheduled operator (albeit with less firm plans), and both have large fleets of a type which would be unrestricted out of SEN.
I did end my posting with the caveat "As ever, of course, time will tell", but in Alastair Welch I think they have an MD who is not a kite-flier and who would not make such statements unless he firmly believes that he can deliver.
Well, there's pessimism and there's rubbishing good news just as a matter of principal and fear that your comments fall into the latter category.
If you read what I wrote regarding the possibility of a runway extension, Alastair Welch said "without the need for the removal of Eastwoodbury Church". Of course, whether or not that is feasible is the whole reason for investigating the possibilities but the benefits could be substantial.
As far as the B52 club extension is concerned, I'm afraid you have the advantage of me there - where exactly is it located and which of the four developments would it compromise?
What type of aircraft will use SEN? Where were you when LCY was closed for the day earlier this year? Any type that uses LCY, plus nearly all of those that currently use SOU, (both airports which I'm sure you agree support a huge network of routes) can operate effectively from SEN. I would agree that SEN may not be many airlines first choice as a London destination, but the slot availability situation at LCY, STN and LTN is hardly likely to improve in the next few years so that is SEN's opportunity to make its mark and the rail station is a big step in that direction.
Flybe still express an interest in a route network out of SEN, as does another substantial scheduled operator (albeit with less firm plans), and both have large fleets of a type which would be unrestricted out of SEN.
I did end my posting with the caveat "As ever, of course, time will tell", but in Alastair Welch I think they have an MD who is not a kite-flier and who would not make such statements unless he firmly believes that he can deliver.
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Expressflight
I was going to post the same comments as you (we must both take the Echo) and agree entirely with you reply to HZ123's remarks.
There have been a number of adverse comments in the paper recently about both the airshow and airport, so an upbeat report from the Airports's MD is intersting, to say the least.
The B52 club is situated on the eastern boundary, alongside the flying clubs and is an american diner type establishment with 50's style decor. For my sins I have been a member from day 1 (being very vaguely connected to one of the founders) but must admit to only having been inside once. It does look to me as if will be right where the new terminal will be built.
If I recall, when the airport's expansion plans were first announced, there was going to be a visitors centre included, but this looks as it it would be where the new hotel is to be built, so presumably this has now been dropped.
Cheers
Southender
There have been a number of adverse comments in the paper recently about both the airshow and airport, so an upbeat report from the Airports's MD is intersting, to say the least.
The B52 club is situated on the eastern boundary, alongside the flying clubs and is an american diner type establishment with 50's style decor. For my sins I have been a member from day 1 (being very vaguely connected to one of the founders) but must admit to only having been inside once. It does look to me as if will be right where the new terminal will be built.
If I recall, when the airport's expansion plans were first announced, there was going to be a visitors centre included, but this looks as it it would be where the new hotel is to be built, so presumably this has now been dropped.
Cheers
Southender
Looking at the general plans for the new terminal, the building itself would not affect any existing building as it would be located between the existing Eastern Perimeter road and Twy A, on what is currently grass. However, it looks as if the new terminal is very much on the back burner now anyway.
As far as the train station is concerned, that seems to be located immediately North of the existing ADS Aerial/Corporation hangar (sorry, showing my age there) so should not impinge on the flying club areas unless the B52 club is tight up against the railway (to where the platform might extend)at the very southernmost part of the flying club buildings.
No doubt detailed plans will be forthcoming at some point.
As far as the train station is concerned, that seems to be located immediately North of the existing ADS Aerial/Corporation hangar (sorry, showing my age there) so should not impinge on the flying club areas unless the B52 club is tight up against the railway (to where the platform might extend)at the very southernmost part of the flying club buildings.
No doubt detailed plans will be forthcoming at some point.