SOUTHEND - 2
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Heavylift Cargo Airlines (Australia) operates the last airworthy Belfast although it's registered in the Philipines. It started life in the RAF Serial XR365 (Hector), was sold to Heavylift (UK) as G-HLFT, then after refurbishment at Prestwick a few years ago joined Heavylift Australia as 9L-LDQ. It was subsequently re-registered RP-C8020, still with Heavylift Australia. It operates ad-hoc outsize cargo charters mainly in Asia and Australasia.
If you Google "Heavylift", search Airliners.net and check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shorts_Belfast you'll find more photo's and info.
G-BEPS at Southend was being prepared to join the Heavylift Australia fleet during 2006 but work was halted during 2007 by which time rewiring had been completed, four engines had been refitted and three had been ground tested (the other was short of a prop). Since then, I believe a prop has been removed and little information was forthcoming for the rest of last year.
More recently, I heard that both the Guppy at Bournmouth and the Belfast at Southend were to be surveyed by Heavylift Australia this spring and a decision would then be made about their futures. It seems that the Guppy is missing vital technical documentation and the CAA won't allow it to fly until this is found. The future for the Belfast may be more positive. Time will tell.
If you Google "Heavylift", search Airliners.net and check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shorts_Belfast you'll find more photo's and info.
G-BEPS at Southend was being prepared to join the Heavylift Australia fleet during 2006 but work was halted during 2007 by which time rewiring had been completed, four engines had been refitted and three had been ground tested (the other was short of a prop). Since then, I believe a prop has been removed and little information was forthcoming for the rest of last year.
More recently, I heard that both the Guppy at Bournmouth and the Belfast at Southend were to be surveyed by Heavylift Australia this spring and a decision would then be made about their futures. It seems that the Guppy is missing vital technical documentation and the CAA won't allow it to fly until this is found. The future for the Belfast may be more positive. Time will tell.
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Belfast G-BEPS
Accoring to a post in the Freight Dogs forum two more props are about to be fitted to the Belfast (See CL-44/ Swingtail thread);
If any Southend locals notice any progress and/or can post photos please could you post a reply in the Belfast thread in the History and Nostalgia forum.
Thanks
Porrohman
Understand the Reps are at the 2nd Belfast with 2 more bits and pieces that go round and round with props bolted to them . That will make 4 ?
Thanks
Porrohman
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A post in the Swingtail thread in the Freight Dogs forum states that there's been activity around the Belfast in recent days.
Join Date: Sep 2002
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It is all rumour but some of the wags at SEN today stated that it is due to come over to the terminal area when space becomes availible for a heavy duty wash before going into ATC.
Terminal Upgrade
According to the Air Humberside forum the new check-in area comes into operation today. Apparently this comprises three desks with two check-in points each.
The additional departure gate also seems to have been completed, this having involved extending the departures area into the landside part of the terminal.
The additional departure gate also seems to have been completed, this having involved extending the departures area into the landside part of the terminal.
Recidivist
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Flybe Southend - Jersey
I posted this in the Flybe forum, but wonder if anyone can comment on the reason?
Friends booked 4x Southend-Jersey rtn seats with them some time ago for one of their Weds. departures.
Just received email saying they have been transferred to a flight the previous day to that booked, leaving two hours earlier, from Gatwick!
Since they live near SEN, where they can park free for the week, they are not happy.
Friends booked 4x Southend-Jersey rtn seats with them some time ago for one of their Weds. departures.
Just received email saying they have been transferred to a flight the previous day to that booked, leaving two hours earlier, from Gatwick!
Since they live near SEN, where they can park free for the week, they are not happy.
Two possibilities:
1) The SEN flight is overbooked.
2) The SEN flight has very poor bookings so is cx.
What was the date of the flight they booked?
Edit: Dummy bookings on the Flybe website just now show all Wednesdays still have availability through to at least end of July.
1) The SEN flight is overbooked.
2) The SEN flight has very poor bookings so is cx.
What was the date of the flight they booked?
Edit: Dummy bookings on the Flybe website just now show all Wednesdays still have availability through to at least end of July.
Last edited by Expressflight; 23rd Apr 2008 at 07:21.
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Fkybe have over the last few years always cancxelled the first few weeks of the operation. Might it have something to do with empty a/c coming to SEN as it is early in the season. For those that do use the service let us hope it operates considerably better than the last few seasons with many departures 2-3 hours late.
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Msn Sh1988
Stand 6 tomorrow 0700L, full external wash! It won't be going to ATC they already have 16 a/c to deal with.
Anyone know how the bidders visit went yesterday?
Anyone know how the bidders visit went yesterday?
Last edited by SENFLYER; 24th Apr 2008 at 14:49. Reason: Add more text
According to a report in the Echo newspaper, LCY's bid to purchase SEN seems to be gaining momentum.
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/display.var.2229396.0.0.php
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/display.var.2229396.0.0.php
Flywatch have removed any mention of their proposed Paris (Pontoise) service from their website so I assume that this has now been abandoned.
Does anyone have any idea when an announcement may be made naming the lucky buyer of SEN?
I believe the final bids had to be in by 8 May.
Does anyone have any idea when an announcement may be made naming the lucky buyer of SEN?
I believe the final bids had to be in by 8 May.
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Buyer
Does anyone have any idea when an announcement may be made naming the lucky buyer of SEN?
I believe the final bids had to be in by 8 May.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its been suggested that an announcement might be due around the second week of June, but that could be complete fiction.
Any ideas on who's put bids in for the FBO the airport were advertising for last year?
I believe the final bids had to be in by 8 May.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its been suggested that an announcement might be due around the second week of June, but that could be complete fiction.
Any ideas on who's put bids in for the FBO the airport were advertising for last year?
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Isnt good is putting it mildly. Some sources are giving out a severe warning for the S east. Does anyone know what time the stuff will start arriving at SEN tomorrow. Saturday's show at the drome is always the best bit.
Does anyone also know if the AA dakota will be at Sen this weekend as the Biiggen Hill flights this weekend that were have been moved to SEN for some reason to do with thanet Council.
Finally, I have booked a seat on next fridays Sen dak flight and booked it sometime ago. In response the e-mail stated the travel document would be with me in 3-5 days, 16 days ago and I get no response to futher e-mails. Has anyone received travel docs or do we just turn up with a receipt copy.
Have a nice weekend everyone.
Does anyone also know if the AA dakota will be at Sen this weekend as the Biiggen Hill flights this weekend that were have been moved to SEN for some reason to do with thanet Council.
Finally, I have booked a seat on next fridays Sen dak flight and booked it sometime ago. In response the e-mail stated the travel document would be with me in 3-5 days, 16 days ago and I get no response to futher e-mails. Has anyone received travel docs or do we just turn up with a receipt copy.
Have a nice weekend everyone.
Last edited by HZ123; 23rd May 2008 at 14:24.