MANCHESTER - 5
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Manchester
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Routes to MIA and BOS with AA will have a better prospect of lasting when BA and AA gain anti-trust immunity. As it stands BA couldn't be bothered codesharing MIA lest the premium passengers that it does carry MAN-LHR-MIA decided that MAN-MIA non-stop would be better.
AS for Jet2, look at the September provisional figures released today and you can see why they're not committing to non-bucket and spade routes ex-MAN at the moment (perhaps with the honourable exception of Budapest). Emirates shunted 347 passengers per fllight, Qatar 245 per flight and Etihad 195 per flight. Each had double digit growth over September 2006
AS for Jet2, look at the September provisional figures released today and you can see why they're not committing to non-bucket and spade routes ex-MAN at the moment (perhaps with the honourable exception of Budapest). Emirates shunted 347 passengers per fllight, Qatar 245 per flight and Etihad 195 per flight. Each had double digit growth over September 2006
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Routes to MIA and BOS with AA will have a better prospect of lasting when BA and AA gain anti-trust immunity. As it stands BA couldn't be bothered codesharing MIA lest the premium passengers that it does carry MAN-LHR-MIA decided that MAN-MIA non-stop would be better.
As for BOS I'm not so sure, it carried a BA code so that has little to do with it, although obviously it was an economy only flight. That said, it was very well supported by AA elites (try getting a First seat or even an exit row on a Friday morning, wasn't easy) and always went out near full the three times I used it.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Hi Scottie Dog,
Nice to hear from you again.
There is an interesting article with Simon Butterworth, (MAN's Head of Airfield Strategy and Compliance
) in this month's TAS magazine which sets out some of the airfield infrastructure projects including what is going on round T3 which explains why Males is going.
Three more remote stands will be going in this area, two of which should be ready for Summer 2008. They will be 737-800 size. It looks like centrelines will be temporary as the stands will have to be realigned if the T3 building is extended.
Although Ringway Rd will not be closed for a few years, work will start soon for approx 12 months to divert utilities to allow the apron to be further extended in the future. This will be in 4 phases - phase 1 will provide 5 B737/A20 stands, Phase 2 wiil give 6 more. "Further phases will be added as demand arises until all the former car park areas have beeen used". It also looks likely that Ringway Rd will still be provided on a new alignment.
This then provokes the question about why they will be 737/A320 sized stands and terminal allocation. The answer - " The current thinking is to redefine T3 as a base for low cost carriers as they do not need airbridges but do require close proximity to the runway in order to reduce turn-around times.The airbridges......can be removed and installed at another terminal, perhaps T1 which itself would be reclassified for scheduled long haul and business traffic offering a full product service.The remaining market ie charter / leisure would then occupy T2. This strategy would of course involve negotiations with a number of airlines moving terminals and would take place over a period of time".
The interview then goes on to cover the future of Pier B (built in 1962 and added too thereafter). Various options are being looked at - building another storey - presumeably to aid segregation -, widening the Pier on both sides or a complete rebuild / relalignment. But " a more definite addition will be the provision of an A380 pod at the S end of the redeveloped pier".
There is still a lot of thinking to do on the future of Pier C whilst an airside link between T1 and T2 is a possiblity.
The major T2 extension was cancelled last year but some elements are still an option. However T2 stands will soon be realigned / redesignated to improve utilization and it looks possible that an automatic docking system will be installed.
Plenty to chew over there then.
Suzeman
Nice to hear from you again.
There is an interesting article with Simon Butterworth, (MAN's Head of Airfield Strategy and Compliance
) in this month's TAS magazine which sets out some of the airfield infrastructure projects including what is going on round T3 which explains why Males is going.Three more remote stands will be going in this area, two of which should be ready for Summer 2008. They will be 737-800 size. It looks like centrelines will be temporary as the stands will have to be realigned if the T3 building is extended.
Although Ringway Rd will not be closed for a few years, work will start soon for approx 12 months to divert utilities to allow the apron to be further extended in the future. This will be in 4 phases - phase 1 will provide 5 B737/A20 stands, Phase 2 wiil give 6 more. "Further phases will be added as demand arises until all the former car park areas have beeen used". It also looks likely that Ringway Rd will still be provided on a new alignment.
This then provokes the question about why they will be 737/A320 sized stands and terminal allocation. The answer - " The current thinking is to redefine T3 as a base for low cost carriers as they do not need airbridges but do require close proximity to the runway in order to reduce turn-around times.The airbridges......can be removed and installed at another terminal, perhaps T1 which itself would be reclassified for scheduled long haul and business traffic offering a full product service.The remaining market ie charter / leisure would then occupy T2. This strategy would of course involve negotiations with a number of airlines moving terminals and would take place over a period of time".
The interview then goes on to cover the future of Pier B (built in 1962 and added too thereafter). Various options are being looked at - building another storey - presumeably to aid segregation -, widening the Pier on both sides or a complete rebuild / relalignment. But " a more definite addition will be the provision of an A380 pod at the S end of the redeveloped pier".
There is still a lot of thinking to do on the future of Pier C whilst an airside link between T1 and T2 is a possiblity.
The major T2 extension was cancelled last year but some elements are still an option. However T2 stands will soon be realigned / redesignated to improve utilization and it looks possible that an automatic docking system will be installed.
Plenty to chew over there then.
Suzeman
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Called into Males Garage yesterday afternoon and was told that the company will be closing by the end of the year.
This is due to a cumpulsory purchase order placed by the airport on the company - as part of the planned development of Terminal.
Despite the past development of the original 1960's terminal, Males continued to operate and provided a very useful service to airport employees, and local residents, wanting their cars serviced and MOT checked.
This will be one of the last of the 'old' buildings that has survived the expansion of the airport. I just hope that the authority will not delay too long in commencing work on the new apron area.
To those who worked at Males - thanks for your service. and I hope you find alternative employment soon.
This is due to a cumpulsory purchase order placed by the airport on the company - as part of the planned development of Terminal.
Despite the past development of the original 1960's terminal, Males continued to operate and provided a very useful service to airport employees, and local residents, wanting their cars serviced and MOT checked.
This will be one of the last of the 'old' buildings that has survived the expansion of the airport. I just hope that the authority will not delay too long in commencing work on the new apron area.
To those who worked at Males - thanks for your service. and I hope you find alternative employment soon.
To echo Scottie Dog's thanks, all the best to all at Males! And thanks!
Join Date: May 2006
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Police searching in bushes
Outside T2 arrivals today there was an area of bushes cut down, taped of with police tape and the old bill searching the area. Anyone now whats occurring?
Join Date: Dec 2005
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AA
Oh dear seems we have reached the end of viable options for growth potential from AA at MAN now if BOS has bitten the dust as widely rumoured - lets think, they've had a go at JFK, DFW, MIA and BOS over the years with only BOS looking like it might have any staying power.....albeit seasonal. The only other I could think they may have wanted to try was LAX but guess we can forget about that any time soon too.
Best resign ourselves to the daily ORD folks, unless they stepped in on the JFK if the precarious looking stand-alone BA service ended up going
Best resign ourselves to the daily ORD folks, unless they stepped in on the JFK if the precarious looking stand-alone BA service ended up going
Paxing All Over The World
Staff Relations
This came to my attention from a newsletter that I receive. Any comments? Did this happen as reported? Is it recent, or is this old news? I realise that the car park is probably operated by an independent company (NCP?)
The National Secular Society has called on the Government to permit employers to declare their workplaces to be secular after another incident of conflict over religion emerged.
This week, a Catholic man was suspended for three days from his job as a car park supervisor at Manchester Airport after he hung a "picture of Jesus" on the wall of the staff room, and incurred the wrath of a Muslim colleague. He claimed that the picture was deliberate "provocation". Mr Langmead, of Atherton, Greater Manchester, was eventually reinstated without consequences, his employer saying he had done nothing wrong.
Now, instead of telling employees to leave their religion at home, the airport has engaged the chaplain and his team to work with employees to "foster a greater level of understanding about each other's beliefs". It does not say whether these lessons in tolerance will be part of the working day when, presumably people uninterested in religion will be left to hold the fort while the believers go off for their training in hate management.
There were other instances of this issue, both from LHR and mainstream UK employers but I am only posting that which is relevant to this forum and thread.
The National Secular Society has called on the Government to permit employers to declare their workplaces to be secular after another incident of conflict over religion emerged.
This week, a Catholic man was suspended for three days from his job as a car park supervisor at Manchester Airport after he hung a "picture of Jesus" on the wall of the staff room, and incurred the wrath of a Muslim colleague. He claimed that the picture was deliberate "provocation". Mr Langmead, of Atherton, Greater Manchester, was eventually reinstated without consequences, his employer saying he had done nothing wrong.
Now, instead of telling employees to leave their religion at home, the airport has engaged the chaplain and his team to work with employees to "foster a greater level of understanding about each other's beliefs". It does not say whether these lessons in tolerance will be part of the working day when, presumably people uninterested in religion will be left to hold the fort while the believers go off for their training in hate management.
There were other instances of this issue, both from LHR and mainstream UK employers but I am only posting that which is relevant to this forum and thread.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Manchester
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Air China
The proposed Air China service to Beijing in 2009 has made the local online press along with the usual suspects..... hope of services to India, Australia and New Zealand in "not-to-distant future" etc etc
If we take a look at China, it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today, tourism is to China on the up, the North West has good socio-economic links with the region and there is clearly a lot of freight demand to the region being served from MAN already. Surely things look good for a passenger service?
Anybody know if Air China are seriously considering this one or is it going to be yet another talking shop?!
If we take a look at China, it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today, tourism is to China on the up, the North West has good socio-economic links with the region and there is clearly a lot of freight demand to the region being served from MAN already. Surely things look good for a passenger service?
Anybody know if Air China are seriously considering this one or is it going to be yet another talking shop?!
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Is there a lot of freight demand to China from Manchester????
How much cargo is going out on the flights from MAN?
Where is the cargo originating?
Are the Far-Eastern carriers simply using MAN due to lack of space/slots at more southern UK airports?
How much cargo is going out on the flights from MAN?
Where is the cargo originating?
Are the Far-Eastern carriers simply using MAN due to lack of space/slots at more southern UK airports?
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Arrived back into MAN last night on the late FRA flight and it brought home what shambles it can be. Got off at the end of C pier and after marching all the way around that lovely gate area right at the end we were greeted with all the moving walkways out of action. That was a shock...
Got towards the Passport Control are and could see it was mobbed all the way back out into the corrdior. Ah, but that doesn't matter for moi as I have Iris to come to the rescue!. Was it working ?.... 25 minute queue to get back into my own country as they had the grand total of 2 staff checking UK/EU passports. This when they know how busy it gets at that time and the queue is back down Pier C.
Just to add to the fun there was only one car park payment machine working in T1 International Arrivals (so another 10 minute queue) and only one of three barriers to get out so people were having to reverse to change lanes etc. Oh and the missus said the womens toilet was closed.
Got towards the Passport Control are and could see it was mobbed all the way back out into the corrdior. Ah, but that doesn't matter for moi as I have Iris to come to the rescue!. Was it working ?.... 25 minute queue to get back into my own country as they had the grand total of 2 staff checking UK/EU passports. This when they know how busy it gets at that time and the queue is back down Pier C.
Just to add to the fun there was only one car park payment machine working in T1 International Arrivals (so another 10 minute queue) and only one of three barriers to get out so people were having to reverse to change lanes etc. Oh and the missus said the womens toilet was closed.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Had pretty much the same experience arriving back from amsterdam last month. Taking nearly one & half hours from getting off the plane to getting out of the car park in T1 arrivals. The delys of 30 mins or so at immigration were annoying yet understandable.
My girlfriend was there to collect us in arrivals paid for the ticket at the well hidden payment machine outside in the car park thus avoiding the big queues inside and home we go or so we thought. We were 5th in the queue for the barrier waiting patiently. 10 mins later we were still there by which time there was big queues for both barriers. This being caused because the people in front of us hadnt bother to pay for it!! Then the next car hadnt paid then the next and so on. In the end there was that many cars trying to get out they opened the 2 barriers so everyone could get out. which was just as well as no doubt our ticket would have expired. And even with the barriers up people were still stopping to put there tickets in the machine.
So as you can imagine it was a very frustrating to spend nearly and hour trying to get out the carpark when all i wanted to do was get home and go to bed.
My girlfriend was there to collect us in arrivals paid for the ticket at the well hidden payment machine outside in the car park thus avoiding the big queues inside and home we go or so we thought. We were 5th in the queue for the barrier waiting patiently. 10 mins later we were still there by which time there was big queues for both barriers. This being caused because the people in front of us hadnt bother to pay for it!! Then the next car hadnt paid then the next and so on. In the end there was that many cars trying to get out they opened the 2 barriers so everyone could get out. which was just as well as no doubt our ticket would have expired. And even with the barriers up people were still stopping to put there tickets in the machine.
So as you can imagine it was a very frustrating to spend nearly and hour trying to get out the carpark when all i wanted to do was get home and go to bed.
Join Date: Jul 2004
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Arrived back into MAN last night on the late FRA flight and it brought home what shambles it can be. Got off at the end of C pier and after marching all the way around that lovely gate area right at the end we were greeted with all the moving walkways out of action. That was a shock...
Got towards the Passport Control are and could see it was mobbed all the way back out into the corrdior. Ah, but that doesn't matter for moi as I have Iris to come to the rescue!. Was it working ?.... 25 minute queue to get back into my own country as they had the grand total of 2 staff checking UK/EU passports. This when they know how busy it gets at that time and the queue is back down Pier C.
Just to add to the fun there was only one car park payment machine working in T1 International Arrivals (so another 10 minute queue) and only one of three barriers to get out so people were having to reverse to change lanes etc. Oh and the missus said the womens toilet was closed.
Same old story at T1 at busy times, but do bear the following in mind:
* MAPLC policy is to turn off all walkways after 10pm, I was told it was because they have an 'obligation to the environment'. Seems as passengers you are less important than a molecule of ozone.
* Border & Immigration staffing is shocking at night, I think it needs a complaint made to the Immigration minister
* If you are registered with IRIS and the machine is broken because of maintenance, software problems, cleaning whatever, then you are entitled to proceed down to the IRIS machine and JUMP THE QUEUE BY WALKING DIRECTLY TO THE EU DESK! This is policy and has been OK's by the senior bosses and all Immigration staff are aware. It is also outlined at www.iris.gov.uk
Got towards the Passport Control are and could see it was mobbed all the way back out into the corrdior. Ah, but that doesn't matter for moi as I have Iris to come to the rescue!. Was it working ?.... 25 minute queue to get back into my own country as they had the grand total of 2 staff checking UK/EU passports. This when they know how busy it gets at that time and the queue is back down Pier C.
Just to add to the fun there was only one car park payment machine working in T1 International Arrivals (so another 10 minute queue) and only one of three barriers to get out so people were having to reverse to change lanes etc. Oh and the missus said the womens toilet was closed.
Same old story at T1 at busy times, but do bear the following in mind:
* MAPLC policy is to turn off all walkways after 10pm, I was told it was because they have an 'obligation to the environment'. Seems as passengers you are less important than a molecule of ozone.
* Border & Immigration staffing is shocking at night, I think it needs a complaint made to the Immigration minister
* If you are registered with IRIS and the machine is broken because of maintenance, software problems, cleaning whatever, then you are entitled to proceed down to the IRIS machine and JUMP THE QUEUE BY WALKING DIRECTLY TO THE EU DESK! This is policy and has been OK's by the senior bosses and all Immigration staff are aware. It is also outlined at www.iris.gov.uk
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Actualy it isn't policy, also it is not outlined on the IRIS website.
50% of agents think it is policy and 50% think it isn't.
Thankfully the machines at MAN are infinitly more reliable than the ones at LHR T4 which never work!
50% of agents think it is policy and 50% think it isn't.
Thankfully the machines at MAN are infinitly more reliable than the ones at LHR T4 which never work!
Join Date: Jan 2006
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I agree with a lot of the comments above and it is particularly embarrassing working for Customer Services when you have to deal with these problems on a daily basis (albeit in T2 which generally isn't as bad).
However on the subject of Immigation, I'd like to point out that the passport control staff are employed by Her Majesty's Government and not by Manchester Airport and therefore any issues with staffing are not the direct responsibility of the airport. We can advise them that they need to put extra staff on at certain times but whether they do or not is out of the airports hands.
However on the subject of Immigation, I'd like to point out that the passport control staff are employed by Her Majesty's Government and not by Manchester Airport and therefore any issues with staffing are not the direct responsibility of the airport. We can advise them that they need to put extra staff on at certain times but whether they do or not is out of the airports hands.
Join Date: Jul 2004
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[I]Actualy it isn't policy, also it is not outlined on the IRIS website.
50% of agents think it is policy and 50% think it isn't.
Thankfully the machines at MAN are infinitly more reliable than the ones at LHR T4 which never work! [/
Actually it is, ask the head of the Borders and Immigration Agency, Brodie Clark!I]
50% of agents think it is policy and 50% think it isn't.
Thankfully the machines at MAN are infinitly more reliable than the ones at LHR T4 which never work! [/
Actually it is, ask the head of the Borders and Immigration Agency, Brodie Clark!I]