Birmingham-8
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Indeed freight doesn't "take to social media" quite so readily as agrieved SLF!
Certainly I applaud blue city for all their hard work & they have certainly bought lots of extra kit
My question is will as before the EK freight flights be handled by blue city as obviously the pax flights are by Swissport. Etc
Maybe that was part of the issue with the air China wanting to be handled by swissport who were less willing to move staff & equipment to the Elmdon side for this …., just a thought
My question is will as before the EK freight flights be handled by blue city as obviously the pax flights are by Swissport. Etc
Maybe that was part of the issue with the air China wanting to be handled by swissport who were less willing to move staff & equipment to the Elmdon side for this …., just a thought
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Freight, Pax & TUI
Certainly I applaud blue city for all their hard work & they have certainly bought lots of extra kit
My question is will as before the EK freight flights be handled by blue city as obviously the pax flights are by Swissport. Etc
Maybe that was part of the issue with the air China wanting to be handled by swissport who were less willing to move staff & equipment to the Elmdon side for this …., just a thought
My question is will as before the EK freight flights be handled by blue city as obviously the pax flights are by Swissport. Etc
Maybe that was part of the issue with the air China wanting to be handled by swissport who were less willing to move staff & equipment to the Elmdon side for this …., just a thought
Lovely sound of the Emirates freighter over the house tonight that would certainly be a nice addition but just a couple of weeks at present I believe.
Should be more freight tomorrow as well
March passenger figures
Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.
TUI
GF - More than shuffling the pack but really a match on what summer 2024 should have been before they cut the 12th aircraft in June and then part of it in July and August. The only major loss in frequency is Boa Vista from 3 per week to 2 per week which no doubt influenced by the route starting up the M42
. The 12th aircraft appears to start full time in June so it is an increase on the final 2024 seats offered but around the same on what was offered originally in 2024. Excellent April schedule though - 3 x 787's flights tomorrow, 2 on short-haul better than high summer
Pete
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March passenger figures
Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.
Pete[/QUOTE]
Went through there on Monday and it was pretty bad. My sister and Dad were flying to Milan and their plane was delayed taking off which the pilot attributed to short staffing at security apparently.
An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.
Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.
Pete[/QUOTE]
Went through there on Monday and it was pretty bad. My sister and Dad were flying to Milan and their plane was delayed taking off which the pilot attributed to short staffing at security apparently.
An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.
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March passenger figures
Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.
Pete
Record March per tweet on X and the first month in excess of pre COVID figures but perhaps they might want to tone down some publicity as the airport is rightly getting a bashing on social media due to the amount of pax missing flights due to "processing" issues, probably the politest way to put it.
Pete
An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.[/QUOTE]
Not sure if this is related to my post
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Korean/April Freight flights
Went through there on Monday and it was pretty bad. My sister and Dad were flying to Milan and their plane was delayed taking off which the pilot attributed to short staffing at security apparently.
An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.
An anecdote about our flights to and from KEF, Iceland with Jet2. A fair few Icelanders on the way there (nice colour on their passports) and half of the plane on the way back were young, East Asians. Not sure if they were Birmingham Uni students doing a bit of sightseeing in Iceland or were flying to Brum for Stratford etc.
Korean Air Triple 7 duly arrived today, F1 charter from Japan.
Just in case some think BHX's freight is not as busy as stated
1/4 - Star Air 762 HGH-NVI-BLL-BHX
2/4 - blank day
3/4 - Star Air 763 HGH-NVI-BLL-BHX
4/4 - Emirates Sky Cargo 77F DWC-STN-DWC
5/4 - Silkway 744 GYD-BHX-GYD
6/4 - Emirates Sky Cargo 77F DWC-STN-DWC
7/4 - MNG Cargo - IST - BHX -IST
8/4 - Rom Cargo 744 HKG-SHJ-BHX & Star Air 763 HGH-NVI-BLL-BHX
Might be small fry for some airports but for a reasonably small airport cargo wise and handling agent this is pretty good stuff. Air China still shown tomorrow on FR24 but of course that won't be happening.
Pete
The thing that strikes me about the current freight situation at BHX is the fact that the airport was never considered as a major freight hub. The concentration was focussed on passenger operations until the move to the new terminal. Yes, we had the odd major freight operation, but they were one offs.
The move enabled tarmac space to be made available on the Elmdon side, which in turn encouraged freight operations to support the local automotive facilities. This growth has steadily increased over a long period of time. However, this basis of operation regularly utilises the very regular appearance of smaller aircraft from a variety of operators.
‘Olton Pete’ makes a very fair point in post 767 above.
I’ve been out of the industry far too long to be able to make comment on how this sudden influx (Which appears to be coming a regular occurrence), has increased to much larger freight jet aircraft.
The cost of ground equipment to handle a freight aircraft is not cheap for a passenger orientated airport to entertain (Or is it?)
Who is providing the financial incentive?
BHX will never compete with EMA with regard to freight operations, but why are reputable airlines continuing to use BHX with larger aircraft?
There is no doubt BHX has gained a positive reputation for freight operations in the recent past. Hence the increase.
Thus, the question. What is behind it?
The move enabled tarmac space to be made available on the Elmdon side, which in turn encouraged freight operations to support the local automotive facilities. This growth has steadily increased over a long period of time. However, this basis of operation regularly utilises the very regular appearance of smaller aircraft from a variety of operators.
‘Olton Pete’ makes a very fair point in post 767 above.
I’ve been out of the industry far too long to be able to make comment on how this sudden influx (Which appears to be coming a regular occurrence), has increased to much larger freight jet aircraft.
The cost of ground equipment to handle a freight aircraft is not cheap for a passenger orientated airport to entertain (Or is it?)
Who is providing the financial incentive?
BHX will never compete with EMA with regard to freight operations, but why are reputable airlines continuing to use BHX with larger aircraft?
There is no doubt BHX has gained a positive reputation for freight operations in the recent past. Hence the increase.
Thus, the question. What is behind it?
Thus, the question. What is behind it?
Two words....TEMU and SCHEIN.
Search for both, and you will see why 'one' of reasons we are witnessing an increase of cargo flights from China.
I'm not saying that these flights are purely based on the above, but I'm confident when I say that it is having an effect on them
I ordered something from SCHEIN last week. Four items for less than £20 including delivery costs. Cheap as f..k. The comparison in price for equivalent items from elsewhere was considerable.
The app is very comprehensive, and details include the journey from the factory via the airport and destination and courier. Country and airport originating was Shanghai, China, but it didn't show UK airport.
I hopefully receive my items on Wednesday.
I've spoken to others, and they all seem to be ordering stuff from Chinese sites such as SCHEIN and TEMU as well as other sites, of course such as AMAZON.
Sites such as SCHEIN and TEMU have bombarded the Internet and social media sites over the last few months. I think this is one of the factors behind the ever increasing amount of cargo flights from China into the UK.
There's obviously supply chain issues, the conflict in the Middle East as well as the Red Sea that's also a driver behind the increase in cargo flights but these extremely cheap Chinese sites are definitely making an impact in my opinion.
Edit... For example. There are six cargo flights from China to London Stansted on Tuesday.
China Southern Cargo... three arrivals from Guangzhou and one from Shanghai.
Geodis Air Network...one arrival from Chongquin.
Hong Kong Air Cargo...one arrival from Hong Kong.
Of course, it's just a bubble for now.
Two words....TEMU and SCHEIN.
Search for both, and you will see why 'one' of reasons we are witnessing an increase of cargo flights from China.
I'm not saying that these flights are purely based on the above, but I'm confident when I say that it is having an effect on them
I ordered something from SCHEIN last week. Four items for less than £20 including delivery costs. Cheap as f..k. The comparison in price for equivalent items from elsewhere was considerable.
The app is very comprehensive, and details include the journey from the factory via the airport and destination and courier. Country and airport originating was Shanghai, China, but it didn't show UK airport.
I hopefully receive my items on Wednesday.
I've spoken to others, and they all seem to be ordering stuff from Chinese sites such as SCHEIN and TEMU as well as other sites, of course such as AMAZON.
Sites such as SCHEIN and TEMU have bombarded the Internet and social media sites over the last few months. I think this is one of the factors behind the ever increasing amount of cargo flights from China into the UK.
There's obviously supply chain issues, the conflict in the Middle East as well as the Red Sea that's also a driver behind the increase in cargo flights but these extremely cheap Chinese sites are definitely making an impact in my opinion.
Edit... For example. There are six cargo flights from China to London Stansted on Tuesday.
China Southern Cargo... three arrivals from Guangzhou and one from Shanghai.
Geodis Air Network...one arrival from Chongquin.
Hong Kong Air Cargo...one arrival from Hong Kong.
Of course, it's just a bubble for now.
Last edited by Sotonsean; 9th Apr 2024 at 00:52.
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It's not one of the factors it's literally THE factor in the freighter flights. I work in the industry and forwarders in china will get told "400 cube for London is ready" for example and it needs to go yesterday.
EK is an LHR slot issue. Could be for the summer could be for a few weeks
EK is an LHR slot issue. Could be for the summer could be for a few weeks
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Indeed, looking at STN arrivals yesterday three flights actually operated from five listed.
Personally I don't order Chinese tat from any of the Chinese sites, neither do I buy more than a couple of times a year from Amazon but I know many that do, and unless the UK is going to fall out with China big time the growth is going to continue. Neither of the Chinese players hold stocks in UK so given the "must have it now" culture the air cargo market is going to thrive. BHX will hopefully hold on to their share that in the run up to Christmas that will surely become only more frenetic.
As has been said cargo from the Far East can only be bouyed by the Red Sea issues that show no signs of abating, despite the best (?) efforts of the UK and US.
Personally I don't order Chinese tat from any of the Chinese sites, neither do I buy more than a couple of times a year from Amazon but I know many that do, and unless the UK is going to fall out with China big time the growth is going to continue. Neither of the Chinese players hold stocks in UK so given the "must have it now" culture the air cargo market is going to thrive. BHX will hopefully hold on to their share that in the run up to Christmas that will surely become only more frenetic.
As has been said cargo from the Far East can only be bouyed by the Red Sea issues that show no signs of abating, despite the best (?) efforts of the UK and US.
With reference to my previous post 770.
I received my order from SCHEIN today. Tracking showed that it arrived at LHR on Sunday from Shanghai.
This was my first order from the Chinese online retailer SCHEIN. I tried the site out for the first time and ordered 4 Polo shirts.
They look and feel absolutely cheap as hell. Very disappointed but what was I expecting for £20. Might put them in the local charity shop as I can't see myself wearing them.
Needless to say that I won't be ordering anymore items from these cheap Chinese online retailers. What with the carbon footprint for just £20.
I received my order from SCHEIN today. Tracking showed that it arrived at LHR on Sunday from Shanghai.
This was my first order from the Chinese online retailer SCHEIN. I tried the site out for the first time and ordered 4 Polo shirts.
They look and feel absolutely cheap as hell. Very disappointed but what was I expecting for £20. Might put them in the local charity shop as I can't see myself wearing them.
Needless to say that I won't be ordering anymore items from these cheap Chinese online retailers. What with the carbon footprint for just £20.
I can't attach the link but I'm currently watching an excellent film on YouTube from the 04 April 1984.
It was only uploaded on YouTube 4 days ago and is well worth viewing. The video is in tribute to the terminals 40th anniversary which was on the 04 April 2024.
Search YouTube for "BHX FIRST DAY 4 April 1984".
Happy viewing for those who can remember the opening of the new Terminal in April 1984.
It was only uploaded on YouTube 4 days ago and is well worth viewing. The video is in tribute to the terminals 40th anniversary which was on the 04 April 2024.
Search YouTube for "BHX FIRST DAY 4 April 1984".
Happy viewing for those who can remember the opening of the new Terminal in April 1984.
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1984
I can't attach the link but I'm currently watching an excellent film on YouTube from the 04 April 1984.
It was only uploaded on YouTube 4 days ago and is well worth viewing. The video is in tribute to the terminals 40th anniversary which was on the 04 April 2024.
Search YouTube for "BHX FIRST DAY 4 April 1984".
Happy viewing for those who can remember the opening of the new Terminal in April 1984.
It was only uploaded on YouTube 4 days ago and is well worth viewing. The video is in tribute to the terminals 40th anniversary which was on the 04 April 2024.
Search YouTube for "BHX FIRST DAY 4 April 1984".
Happy viewing for those who can remember the opening of the new Terminal in April 1984.
but saw some familiar faces including a friend/work colleagues.The thing is it was so quiet most of that day but when I first viewed the terminal in the January or February 1984 my first thought was where was the rest of it, they only built half and of course in true British fashion it was clear it was way too small after the first summer. Great design as well, 4 bars and no cellar
, cost hundreds of pounds of lost beer when cleaning the pipes as allegedly it was one of the longest runs from the improvised cellar to the bar. Never short of anyone volunteering to change a barrel as that took you off the front line for ages .Some good people and characters in that lot some no longer with us (Sir Bob Taylor, Rod Clark & Tiny from the spotters area I believe). The actual official opening by the Queen was a more memorable day for me personally, having the Queens staff take over our work area, the senior bar manager cutting his thumb as lets say he had one or two whilst serving the local dignitaries (after QE 2 had departed) and I was nominated to take over and getting equally tipsy (Sir Bob insisted drinks for all but he was that kind of top man
)and then having to work the late shift. I never drunk so much black coffee in a couple of hours in my life before or after 
.It just wouldn't happen these days.Pete
I was lucky enough to have worked within the old terminal building back in the 70’s. Back then, it was a family atmosphere where everyone knew everyone irrespective of department.
I went one two visits to the ‘new’ terminal building prior to opening for familiarisation. I cannot convey how disappointed the vast majority of staff who were astonished in the ‘new’ facilities.
I was also there on duty when this video was taken,
The area outside international arrivals was no larger than what was being left behind. However, some bright spark decided to install NCP carpark machines within, which caused bottlenecks. Needless to say, they did not remain in situ very long.
Anyone arriving on an international flight who required wheelchair assistance had to be pushed up the ramp to the departure lounge to gain access to the lift to take them to the ground floor. This ramp was 3 degrees below the maximum permitted allowance, (A concern that was challenged, yet was dismissed). It was long! I was often called upon to assist a demure female who was unable to undertake her task.
Oh, and the bar on the first floor – they forgot the piping for the beer pumps!
Then there were the four airbridges that were reclaimed from a field in Sweden, which had been placed there as not fit for purpose!
We moved over to the 'new' building and the 'family' atmosphere was lost, and attuites changed. So sad.
As an aside, the Humber Monoplane replica (BAPC9) which (Hangs/hung?) in the main foyer was replaced from the original idea of a replica Spitfire. The later being thought of offensive to international visitors. (I was on night duty when it was hauled up).
Times change and we must learn to live with changes no matter how hard we find it difficult to conform. My problem is with Birmingham’s historical development in that it was overseen in the 70’s/80’s by someone who had no comprehension of how an airport worked, or had any regard towards his staff! (I have first-hand knowledge).
I’m old school, opportunities were lost at an early stage. Yet BHX still continues to expand in more ways than one under new management (At all levels) beyond my comprehension.
I went one two visits to the ‘new’ terminal building prior to opening for familiarisation. I cannot convey how disappointed the vast majority of staff who were astonished in the ‘new’ facilities.
I was also there on duty when this video was taken,
The area outside international arrivals was no larger than what was being left behind. However, some bright spark decided to install NCP carpark machines within, which caused bottlenecks. Needless to say, they did not remain in situ very long.
Anyone arriving on an international flight who required wheelchair assistance had to be pushed up the ramp to the departure lounge to gain access to the lift to take them to the ground floor. This ramp was 3 degrees below the maximum permitted allowance, (A concern that was challenged, yet was dismissed). It was long! I was often called upon to assist a demure female who was unable to undertake her task.
Oh, and the bar on the first floor – they forgot the piping for the beer pumps!
Then there were the four airbridges that were reclaimed from a field in Sweden, which had been placed there as not fit for purpose!
We moved over to the 'new' building and the 'family' atmosphere was lost, and attuites changed. So sad.
As an aside, the Humber Monoplane replica (BAPC9) which (Hangs/hung?) in the main foyer was replaced from the original idea of a replica Spitfire. The later being thought of offensive to international visitors. (I was on night duty when it was hauled up).
Times change and we must learn to live with changes no matter how hard we find it difficult to conform. My problem is with Birmingham’s historical development in that it was overseen in the 70’s/80’s by someone who had no comprehension of how an airport worked, or had any regard towards his staff! (I have first-hand knowledge).
I’m old school, opportunities were lost at an early stage. Yet BHX still continues to expand in more ways than one under new management (At all levels) beyond my comprehension.
Last edited by jethro15; 9th Apr 2024 at 23:36.
I'm so pleased that the video has stirred so many memories from that period in time. I'm personally pleased that I posted it as I knew that it would draw interest from a few on here.
Regarding editing it out....Back in 1984, I was captured on film as part of a "Wish you were here" episode with Judith Chalmers. By the time I actually saw the episode on TV about a year later, I was no where to be seen. How disappointed I was as an 18yo looking forward to his first ever TV appearance.
Regarding editing it out....Back in 1984, I was captured on film as part of a "Wish you were here" episode with Judith Chalmers. By the time I actually saw the episode on TV about a year later, I was no where to be seen. How disappointed I was as an 18yo looking forward to his first ever TV appearance.
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1984
I'm so pleased that the video has stirred so many memories from that period in time. I'm personally pleased that I posted it as I knew that it would draw interest from a few on here.
Regarding editing it out....Back in 1984, I was captured on film as part of a "Wish you were here" episode with Judith Chalmers. By the time I actually saw the episode on TV about a year later, I was no where to be seen. How disappointed I was as an 18yo looking forward to his first ever TV appearance.
Regarding editing it out....Back in 1984, I was captured on film as part of a "Wish you were here" episode with Judith Chalmers. By the time I actually saw the episode on TV about a year later, I was no where to be seen. How disappointed I was as an 18yo looking forward to his first ever TV appearance.
On a personal level I agree with Jethro that everything changed overnight after the move, gone the spare time during split shifts playing pool in the canteen, evening breaks in the Silver Wings (Gibbo and all), not that was often my bag, more the seniors of the team and BA staff
.The old terminal was a great place to work but for passenger experience it was at best quaint and often a nightmare although some would say the latter is still true for the new terminal.
Jethro - I used to help with the pipe cleaning in the bars and it still makes me smile how the cellar got missed - classic planning. Very few I worked with thought very much of the new facilities during the show arounds before it opened.
Pete