Found this on another airline forum
 

The new owner of Stansted Airport has kickstarted major expansion of the security area in the main concourse to speed passenger flow-through and improve the travel experience.
The £45 million revamp over the next two years forms the first phase of a five-year, £230m investment programme by Manchester Airport Group, which bought Stansted in the BAA London portfolio breakup.
Stansted managing director, Andrew Harrison said MAG didn’t pay £1.5 billion for the airport in January to let it stand still. Having battled a protest group called Stop Stansted Expansion for several years, Stansted was on the front foot and Harrison said a new campaign was underway – Stop Stansted Shrinking.
He said MAG was determined to engage more passionately with the business community in the East of England region and build on Stansted’s midway point between Europe’s leading technology cluster – Cambridge – and financial centre (London). The airport was also stepping up dialogue with global carriers about bringing sustainable long-haul services to Stansted, especially to the US and Asia.
Harrison said: “We have strong credentials both as the leading low fares hub for pan-European passengers and also as a major player for regional traffic. We intend to build on those strengths and also step up the dialogue which is already underway with airlines that can bring long haul services to Stansted.”
The existing security area will be moved and expanded with more lanes to avoid congestion. The plan will entail some of the retail and food outlets in the main concourse being shifted to other slots with a concentration airside.
“We want to speed passengers through security so they can enjoy their shopping, eating and relaxation time while they wait for their flights. It is vital that we improve the entire experience of using Stansted for existing and new customers alike.”
While it is early days for MAG, Harrison said it was clear that Stansted had “loads of potential.” Formerly MD at Manchester Airport, Harrison was moved to Stansted following the acquisition to maximise that potential.
He said: “This acquisition is arguably the most important thing the group has ever done as a business so it is vital that we get the growth strategy right. It is also the most exciting mission I have ever undertaken.
“The infrastructure at Stansted is fantastic and primed for growth but the experience for passengers is not as good as it should be, so changing that is an absolute priority. We need to make it efficient as well as enjoyable for the user – and scaling up the security allied to subtle changes to the check-in, retail and refreshment areas will play a major part in that aspect of our strategy.”
Harrison said the move would double the space available in the security area, which would have extra lanes and be generously staffed. The mix of shops and calibre of business lounges will also form part of the revamp.
“Firstly, only around 50 per cent of people using the airport physically use check-in desks these days – they are increasingly checking in online. So we can take some of that capacity and channel it into the enlarged security area which is the first port of call for most passengers.

Sounds like the security search area will be relocated to the landslide food court
And the food outlets will move to to areas where check in desk are now located all sound good but guess this means disruption of some sort for the next year or two.

Firstly, I think you meant "Landside", just to clear that up.

Secondly, I beleive the security area will be extended forward, closer to the front, replacing some of the main concourse area, hence:

I'm unsure though if they will retreat the exist of security further back as well to allow for a larger departures area to accommodate more shops and restaurants airside.

But the main thing is that there is a committed owner who want to invest and make it a better airport to use and ultimately help attract new airlines and passengers. Never would we have had anything like this in line at Stansted with BAA.

I think MAG have really hit the right nail on the head with this one, will be great if/when it's done since I have noticed the main concourse emptying over the years but the departures still remains busy, especially before the early morning rush!

I am a very frequent passenger out of Gatwick and Heathrow and am using Stanstead for the first time in May.

I am looking forward to comparing with Gatwick for ease of use and quality of facilities.


My own problem with Stanstead is journey time to airport which means a overnight hotel stay to ensure I don't miss flight.


I will post my comments on my return and hope they will be positive.

Presumably your destination is not available from LHR or LGW?

Well it is but I took advantage of very good fares to Izmir on Pegasus airlines ex Stanstead.

Even with a nights accommodation at Stanstead it works out much cheaper than flights ex LGW. Also getting 15 days parking included in room rate.


So this trip is a test bed all round, new airport and new airline for me!

Stanstead
 

What is the problem with people and the spelling of this airport's name.

It's STANSTED - not Stanstead! :ugh:

They also probaby spell easyJet as Easyjet!

Mis-spelling
 

I know it's irrelevant to any thread in particular,but spelling and punctuation in both txtng and emailing has made us all a little lazy.Even when spell checker is available it sometimes doesn't recognise airline names or airports for that matter.:rolleyes:
anyway I'll crawl back to where I came from.C ya!

God how will I ever hold my head high in airline circles again I added an a to Stansted!

I've heard many, many people talk about heefrow over the years though.....

A comic way to hand your notice in

BBC News - Stansted Airport worker bakes resignation 'letter'

A Border Force worker from Stansted Airport quit his job by baking a resignation 'letter'.

It went viral on Twitter and Facebook leading to his website crashing as too many people were tryi g to access it.

Quote: "Stanstead
What is the problem with people and the spelling of this airport's name.

It's STANSTED - not Stanstead"

Indeed, and those of you who have seen BA's moving map may have noticed that Stansted is also a village in Kent!

Stanstead is in Suffolk, near Sudbury.

They had an advertisement slogan in the 80's "Use Stansted Instead" which didn't help.

It totally annoys me as well when you see 'Stantead' rather then Stansted especially by so called aviation enthusiasts as well as the general media.

Another one that seriuosly annoys me and yes you can probably forgive most for spelling it as Stanstead but when you see 'Thompson' or even 'Flythompson' rather then just Thomson that gets my back up even more!

Sorry about the rant but after the last few posts I felt I needed to get it of my chest :ok:

That's entirely the fault of the commercial organisation for choosing a trading name which is so readily mis-spelt. It is based on a common name but with a less-common spelling.

Likewise Easyjet. Proper nouns are spelt with an initial capital letter. If some marketing type likes it done differently, so be it, but the rest of the world does not have to follow the mistake.

Thomson
 

But the Thomson brand has been in existence for many years.

Thomson Holidays were origionally owned by the Canadian publishing giant Thomson before being sold to Tui AG in 2001.

Thomson publishing also own and print amongst many others the OAG schedules as well the Thomson Local directorys.

The new Air Moldova service from Chisinau scheduled at 18:50 landed this evening at 19:03.

And since it's of some discussion on several airport threads, Thomson's Summer 2014 timetable from Stansted will be exactly the same as this year except there is no 22:55 departure on Monday evenings to Corfu in the peak summer hoilday period. Instead Thomson will fly to Gran Canaria on Monday afternoons for the whole summer since there will no longer be a W pattern from Minorca to Doncaster/Sheffield with the Stansted aircraft.

Could a designated plane spotting site benefit Stansted?
 

No news, no rumours, no mention of it in fact, but just an idea that popped into my head during this spell of warm spring weather we're all enjoying.

I know this is not a spotters thread but I'm trying to see the benefit to MAG by providing such a facility since they offer similar facilities at East Midlands and Manchester Airports. There are a few locations they could have an official spotting area. I'd say between Apron Z (cargo apron) and the Ryanair Hanger is best.

Whilst I would never expect it to be much, MAG could benefit from a bit of extra cash each year by opening an official spotting site at Stansted and charging a small entry or car parking fee.

A small car park (which there seems to be a few isolated ones already around that area if you look on Google Maps), perhaps a few picnic benches, ice cream van in the summer... nothing too fancy, and I think MAG could get themselves an extra source of income.

If people pay £2 to drop someone off at various airports across the UK, I'm sure they would be happy to pay at least that to spend a day out with family/friends at their local airport, and it's a small price for enthusiasts to pay. You only have to look at the Aero Park at East Midlands Airport to see how busy that gets in the summer!

Plane spotting is quite big in Britain and the airports should use that to their advantage, rather than telling them to p*** off as it can often be. Providing an official area also makes the airport more community friendly, which is always a good bonus to have.

Could a designated plane spotting site benefit Stansted?
 

Not a chance; if anyone did suggest it it would almost certainly been shot down with the UK mantra "security is paramount"!

Security is, I'm sure, paramount across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands etc - but that doesn't stop them providing enthusiast facilities.

As the old saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way, trouble is there is no "will" to do anything else in the UK than fleece the punter - and your average spotter clearly isn't "fleeceable enough"

You can spot until your heart's content round the back of the runway. I'm not sure that a 'Spotters area' is high on MAG's or any UK airports agenda as I can't see it pulling in any revenue from the spotters with their packed lunches.

Don't forget MAG have provided a 'Runway Visitors Park' at Manchester, probably the best viewing park in the country. If the demand is there, I do not see why a similar facility could not be provided at Stansted, although I agree that it would not be high on the agenda.

you never know. MAG invest in working with the community and take a different view to the previous owners. they may see a spectators area as a benefit.

spotters
 

the council had granted planning permission many years back part of the increase to 35 mp the spootter area was going to be a mound by the hilton hotel , but the best area is arounf burton end near the ash pub

FRatSTN. The area you mention will not be used for that purpose. It has been tagged for a different purpose (or indeed two different reasons) as so if not available. An area for people to watch aircraft, for any reason, however would be a good idea at any airport.

I wonder if it makes money at Manchester? Parking at £3 hour brings in revenue and despite some people bringing packed lunches, the cafe seems to do good trade. However it is close to a big city, unlike Stansted, and has a certain pointy-nosed attraction in a hangar with restaurant popular for wedding receptions etc. And A380 passes twice a day. I think it does bring in a lot of goodwill to the airport.

Not sure who pays for exhibit maintenance though.

Re MAG it is a very simple formulae.

IF they suspect it can make money they will build one.

If they don't, they won't.

Manchester has a massive population on its doorstep but Stansted is surrounded by fields, plus all you have is procession of diminishing RYRs , would that keep interest going ?

I suspect not personally.

The AVP at Manchester is franchised out, the operators TAS pay for a licence which in turn is paid for by the hefty parking, restaurant licence and educational visits etc.

I do have another thought however if you have any aprons you could always turn it in to ..........................(deleted):eek:

Council to seek winding up order on ATS
 

From this weekend's Herts & Essex Observer -

UTTLESFORD District Council has agreed to write off more than £1m in business rates owed by a luxury company at Stansted Airport – but is pressing ahead with legal action aimed at winding the company up.

Eighteen Aviation Ltd, which trades as Aero Toy Store, defaulted on its 2012-13 liability of £1,155,066.48.

The council took recovery action and legal proceedings against the firm, which is the second largest business ratepayer in the district, providing VIP accommodation and garaging facilities for private jets and their owners at its 18-acre Diamond Hangar site.

But the local authority has been advised that as there is no prospect of recovering the debt, it is necessary to write it off. The decision was taken "reluctantly" at a meeting in Saffron Walden of the council's cabinet last night (Thursday).

UDC is continuing with legal action aimed at winding the company up to stop it trading and prevent further irrecoverable funds becoming due.

The council says that writing off the debt will not result in any direct financial implications for council tax payers or for the authority itself.

However, the firm’s failure to meet its financial obligations will result in less money being available to UDC, Essex County Council and Essex Fire Authority in 2013-14.

Stephen Joyce, the council’s assistant chief executive, said: “This is a massive loss to the public purse, but because the money is from 2012-13 it affects central Government funds rather than our own budget.

“What it does mean is that public services and Government spending will be affected. It will have an effect on Uttlesford, but not a significant one.

“The Government has a safety net scheme which ensures district councils do not lose a significant amount of money.

“The most we could lose is about £100,000, so it protects us from a large loss, but nevertheless it is still a loss to the taxpayer and that’s very disappointing.”

Mr Joyce added: “This is a genuinely unprecedented case – we’ve never had anything like this before and will be taking steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Cllr Robert Chambers, UDC’s portfolio holder for finance and administration, told Thursday’s cabinet meeting he intended to raise the case with the Government’s Department for Communities and Local Government.

Richard Elliott, an associate in the corporate department of west London law firm Davenport Lyons, which is acting for the business, said: “Eighteen Aviation is aware of the decision of Uttlesford District Council and is working with its advisers on the matter and is in touch with the council.”

UPDATE Council legal action to wind up Stansted aero firm over £1.15m debt | Uttlesford village headlines

AFS
 

No expense is being spared on passenger and crew safety. Most professional emergency service I have worked within in 24 years. :ok:

New Panthers join Stansted Airport's fire-fighting fleet - YouTube

BBC catches up on story........

BBC News - Eighteen Aviation at Stansted owes council £1.12m tax

STANSTED - 2
 

The Aero-Toys plan was never going to work and apparently isn't. They (BAA) should have bulldozed the diamond hangar when they had the chance!

Or moved it 30 miles to the West where it would soon be filled!!:}:}:}

Sorry Bagso but you have got this totally wrong. However you are not alone in thinking this.

Actually TAS ( The Aviation Society) do not run the AVP or RVP as its now known.

TAS hold the concession for "The Aviation Shop" and provide the Education and tour guides directly to MAG who operate the Concorde visitor centre, MAG also own and run the Runway visitor park. Car parking is provided by MAG car parks. The restaurant is another separate concession not connected to TAS.

TAS have no say or influence in setting the car park admission prices.

I hope that clears it up.

I do hope MAG do eventually provide a viewing area as the back fence isnt really ideal, no toilets, shops etc. But as already mentioned whatever MAG put money into has to make a return, sadly apart from special event days, Stansted has little to hold the enthusiasts attention.

Flybe selling LGW slots to Easyjet
 

With the news that Flybe have sold all of its LGW slots to Easyjet from Summer 14 will this mean a pull out of Easyjet from Stansted? looking at the Investor relations power point from Flybe they look to be expanding their Southampton base so not much chance of a move to Stansted.

Manchester Bound Pakistan Flight Escorted in to Stansted by Typhoon Jets: BBC News
 

RAF Typhoon jets have been launched to investigate an incident involving a civilian aircraft within UK airspace, the Ministry of Defence has said.......

Story here...... Manchester Bound Pakistan Flight Escorted in to Stansted by Typhoon Jets: BBC News | The Airport Informer

Ryanair winter 2013/14
 

Is Ryanair reaching some sort of agreement with MAG at Stansted? The winter schedule has been released on many routes now and there are some increased frequencies. Some of the most notable ones are:

Milan-Bergamo and Rome-Ciampino up to 4x a day.
Dublin is 53x per week (7x Tue-Thu, 8x Fri-Mon).
Budapest and Bremen are both up to 16x per week.
Pisa is 13x per week, even Thessaloniki is 4x for the winter season!

Madrid and Barcelona are both twice daily (I'm sure they have only gone once on some days previously)
Canary Islands have 13 flights a week which I think may also be up? (2 FUE, 2 LPA, 4 ACE & 5 TFS).

Cork also up from 14PW to 17PW. (Extra flights on Fri, Sun)

Cork is 16x per week and I thought it has been for a while, could be wrong though.

It sure has been but has been reduced to 14PW the last two winters.