Airlines, Airports & Routes Topics about airports, routes and airline business.

MANCHESTER - 8

Old 6th Dec 2011, 16:39
  #2881 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mr A Tis

GOT hasn't been replaced for Winter.

ZRH doesn't finish until summer timetable.

In summer GOT, ZRH and MAH have been replaced by adjusting frequencies on other destination and by the fact that SXF/BER is or will be on a MAN based aircraft which it isn't in the winter.

According to my calculations based on the currently published EZY timetable for summer 2012 the summer timetable is full using 6 MAN based aircraft and with the
GVA and the morning BFS on non based aircraft.
viscount702 is online now  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 16:46
  #2882 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Manchester, UK
Age: 40
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Looking at the live (ish) webcam I see that EZY are using Pier B a lot. Now for A/C at gates 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 which all (except 2) have airbridges?? Last time I used one of these gates a few years ago (arriving at gate 10 I think) we went through the dark and cold airbridge, down a load of stairs again very cold with the wind howling up and outside under a cover that was leaking and dirty and then up some stairs and info the arrivals corridor of Pier B. This must of been around 2006/07 when travelling weekly to HAM on AB. So when I use EZY for HAM next year will I be greeted by these issues that prove very negative towards a much loved airport I travel through many times a year. I fly EZY for business so have used T3 since 07.
Hamburg 2K8 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 16:46
  #2883 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Manchester, UK
Age: 40
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Might be wrong with yearv 07 can't remember when EZY started by haven't used T1 since 07 anyway.
Hamburg 2K8 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 16:51
  #2884 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: U.K
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hamburg 2K8 - I'm afraid pier 'B' arrivals is still the embarrassment that you remember it as. Unfortunately, this will not change until the pier is demolished and rebuilt, which seems to be a long time in the future yet.
The96er is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 17:15
  #2885 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Manchester, UK
Age: 40
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the confirmation, I feared that would be the answer. Surley as the new Pier B is still many years away a solution for now could be put in place. I suppose the down the stairs and back up can't be avoided but what about the bit when you end up outside? Can't we just walk down the steps from the plane and into Pier B up the stairs?
Hamburg 2K8 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 17:27
  #2886 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: U.K.
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
3/4 Last wave arrivals and first wave departures are airbridge (B & C Pier) with 2nd/3rd wave generally all B pier with steps. As Easyjet exapands, and as we have seen there seems to be uncertainty as to when (not if), we may see a greater variation of stands.

B Pier isn't the best but IMO the worst about it is the exterior, particularly on the West side. Inside it's not too bad, if a little cramped at certain times. Remember from the mid 90's-around 2005 much of this pier was regional jets to which it is well suited.

That said, many on here probably misjudge what many passengers deem as being important. Despite the Shopping Mall quips and comments, shops, retail, eateries is what many passengers want from the airport experience and T1 does this very well. The actual departure lounge is great and after flying out of T3 with two different airlines many, particularly leisure pax, commented on the lack of facilities and retail in that terminal.

So what can be done about the piers? We all agree they aren't ideal. The current economic climate and the absence of a magic wand probably means we won't see a complete rebuild anytime soon. But some of the older airbridges could be replaced as they are a disgrace and there could be an effort to make both piers more aesthetically pleasing both internally and externally. Going downstairs and upstairs isn't any great hardship, for those that find it difficult generally have special assistance anyway.

A big glass pier B & C would be great, make no mistake about it....a proud piece of architecture. But would I say the current piers are an embarrassment? If i'm being honest i'd say I was indifferent and you'll find that the same goes for many of the airports passengers and it's not like the whole airport is a dump.

Rest assured though, the piers will have to be done eventually just not in the short/mid term.
easyflyer83 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 17:35
  #2887 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Manchester, UK
Age: 40
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for that Easyflyer 83. Can I ask, what is your occupation? I get the feeling I've spoke to you on here before (I don't often comment, just browse so usually know who I've spoken to)? I work for Airbus UK Quality Control in Chester and only yesterday I was working on a set of future EZY wings.
Hamburg 2K8 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 17:46
  #2888 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: U.K
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
But some of the older airbridges could be replaced as they are a disgrace
The airport have made a start on replacing the C-pier bridges. Stand 29 was the first to be replaced. Not sure how many bridges are being replaced though.
The96er is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 17:53
  #2889 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Manchester, UK
Age: 40
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Airbridges on west side of Pier B are horrible looking both inside and out. I read somewhere that only a few airbridges on Pier C were being replaced, a few of the double ones I think. Although they should ALL be replaced. Unsure what state the T2 and T3 ones are in, they look ok to me? Also the windows west Pier B are dirty and way too old and sometimes I see some open. They could replace them with like what the east side of the Pier has, at least that looks like a different building from the outside. How's the inside these days, last time I was there in 07 they had horrible grey dirty carpet and uncomfortable small seating and crappy 90's information displays. I know the end of Pier B (gate 12) area has changed for the A380 and other Emirates flights I'm going to go for a nosey at that in Janurary when I fly from T1.
Hamburg 2K8 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 18:01
  #2890 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: U.K.
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The older C pier airbridges are much worse than B piers, certainly from the outside. Also the said bridges on C pier have disgusting carper that is almost black and needs replacing. The West side of B pier, like I said, is the biggest let down for B pier and why it didn't have the same treatment as the East side, I am not sure as that side looks much better.

Inside. It won't blow you away but it's ok. It's biggest flaw is space considering the segregation.

Btw, I'm a EZY No.1 (cabin manager)
easyflyer83 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 18:21
  #2891 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: England
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stand 6, 8 and 10 are very outdated and battered bridges, 10 more so than the other two due to it being exposed to the wind right on the corner of B pier more so than the other two. While they look a complete state from the outside, interior wise I don't think they're too bad compared to most of the C pier bridges, although all 3 of them need replacing soon (speaking as someone who operates them day in day out).

C pier bridges are just terrible all together. Go and have a look at 31/32 while they're still there, check all the damage on the exterior from them 'bumping' into each other. Outer bridge on 31 is currently out of service due to a huge piece of metal sticking through the skin, I doubt it'll get fixed.

Both the old bridges have been removed from 29 and one new one installed. I believe the 2nd airbridge destined for stand 29 was dropped from a considerable height when being removed from the ship and being placed onto the trailer, so it could be upto 6 months before we see dual airbridges on 29. 31 and 32 are due to be replaced soon too.

I'd imagine airbridges are low on the priority list for MAG, at most passengers see them for a few minutes while boarding the plane and the majority of pax couldn't care less
750XL is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 18:44
  #2892 (permalink)  

Pilot of the Airwaves
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Close to the Med
Age: 74
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
At least T1 has Iris machines at the UK Border post, which T3 does not. Should make getting through the border quicker....hopefully
IB4138 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:28
  #2893 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London (Babylon-on-Thames)
Age: 42
Posts: 6,168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How old are the air bridges on Pier B?
Are the ones on Pier C the original ones from opening in the 70s?
Skipness One Echo is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:29
  #2894 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ainsdale
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I dont think the airbridges in Pier C look too bad. I know the ones at Gates 28-32 look a mess on the outside but they are very nice on the inside. Gates 22-26 is the other way round. Gates 12B & 21 are probably the best airbridges at MAN but i think 21 is only used by Jet2 737-300's? Never seen anything else there?

now for A/C at gates 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 which all (except 2) have airbridges??
Gate 4 does not have an airbridge either, i used it when i went to GIB in October and we had to go outside. In fact i think it would be good if Gates 9, 11 and 12A had airbridges too as it would save people getting wet!!!
MKY661 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:37
  #2895 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ainsdale
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Unsure what state the T2 and T3 ones are in, they look ok to me?
Correct me if im wrong but is the interior of the T2 airbridges the same as the ones for Gates 6, 8 & 10 in T1 as i saw a pic of it inside T2? Havent used T2 for a while you see.
MKY661 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 19:39
  #2896 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: uk
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
age of bridges pier c

if you can manage to get on the apron you will see the ident tags on base of piers confirming they were made in the 60,s ie at least 45 yrs old
allosaurus is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 20:33
  #2897 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: U.K.
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The airbridges on 23, 25 and 27 aren't great from what i've seen.
easyflyer83 is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 21:53
  #2898 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Manchester, England
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A short history of MAN airbridges

Lots of questions about the heritage of MAN's airbridges above. Here are the answers:

1974 - Pier C opens, gates 21-27 with Aviobridges of both static nose-loader and full drive type. Dutch design but actually built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast! These were refurbished in the late 1980s with new heads and control systems. True classics but they work well enough.

1986- Pier C satellite opens, gates 28-32. Jetway (USA) static (@ gate 28) and full drive double bridges.

1989 - 'Terminal A' opens. A self-contained domestic mini-terminal on the footprint of the old 1962 'domestic' pier. Jetway single head full drive bridges on Gates 42,4 6,and 48 (old numbering, now 41, 42, and 43).

1993 - Terminal 2 opens, with 14 Jetway single-head full drive bridges.

1995-6. B pier revamped as 'Superhub'. Jetway single-head full drive bridges fitted to Gates 6, 8 and 10. Superhub concept abandoned in the late 1990s.

1997 - T1BA opens with single head static and full drive bridges from TEAM, a now defunct Spanish manufacturer. Three have recently been removed and scrapped (gates 47, 50 and 52). This terminal was later branded T3BA, and then just T3 when BA abandoned plans for a MAN hub.

2010 - B Pier Stand 12 redeveloped and fitted with two full drive Chinese-built Jetways. No.2 is A380 upper deck-capable, and the bridges can serve 12L and 12R respectively in split MARS mode.

2011/2 - Replacement of double bridges at gates 29, 31,and 32 with new Chinese-built Jetways. Gate 31 and 32 installation will have technology to prevent them being driven into eachother, which has been a long-standing problem at these gates.

That's the brain-dump, don't think I've missed anything!

Last edited by roverman; 6th Dec 2011 at 22:08.
roverman is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 22:06
  #2899 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
As with any airbridge, I suppose there are 3 things that passengers might notice:

Design: how old/new they seem from a stylistic viewpoint
Condition: how well looked after they seem (paint/bumps/carpets/walls/ceiling/leaks/temperature/lighting etc)
Function: Do they work when they are operated?

What I'm saying is that just because a bridge looks old, it might be new and in good working order. And the same for a bridge that looks a bit battered. Then again, a newly repainted bridge or a new-build might not operate as required.
AircraftOperations is offline  
Old 6th Dec 2011, 23:29
  #2900 (permalink)  
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Doncaster
Age: 63
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Never noticed the state of an airbridge. Just pleased don't have to get on a bus. The annoying thing is if the plane stops and then it takes ages for airbridge to arrive. Gigantic walk to passport control and/or lack of toilets on way more likely to irritate. Manchester's not bad for this.
johnnychips is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.