Jet 2
 

I see that Jet 2 has succeed in acquiring all of Thomas Cook's slots at STN. Will be interesting to see how these are used and possible new routes opening up from here- certainly, interesting times ahead for LS, and in time could see them overtake EZY to become number 2 at STN.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50350531

I wonder what new routes (if any) can we expect, in addition to expansion on existing frequencies?

I second that- it looks hideous and doesn't align at all with STN's design philosophy of the original terminal. Certainly a step backwards as far as aesthetics go, although glad to see it is only temporary.

I think you'll find that M.A.G really don't care about aesthetics and more about the bottom line. If you follow the MAN thread, you'll see just how bad a job they've done with the T2 expansion. The project has really been value engineered to within an inch of its life with absolutly no redeeming architectural features what so ever and bears no resemblance to the still modern looking original T2 construction.

[QUOTE=pamann;10614237]

[QUOTE=carousel;10614748]Any interior shots of the new temporary extension?

Ural airlines
 

If I remember correctly there were plans for a mezzanine seating area above the shops and restaurants airside. Does anyone have any updates?

I believe the mezzanine area has now been opened, I think it is where the Camden restaurant is?

That extension looks like a contractors village of bolted together portocabins and is the sort of thing penny pinching Luton would build as a permanent structure. Got to say it looks awful.

Surprised these are the first photos of this monstrosity to be seen. Does no one here who posts regularly visit the airport with a camera? Seem not or was it knocked up over a weekend as it looks rather modular.

Definitely didn't see one on my last visit, only the areas you've mentioned above, although, i do recall seeing contractors and building work going in in the departure lounge back in September, so perhaps it has since been opened?

Scaffolding
 

The huge ammount of scaffolding was to repaint/clean the smoke dammage from the bus fire last year. It has taken seven months to build the security superlanes hardly "knocked up in a weekend"

Ouch!
Sad to say this is what happens when award winning iconic buildings (YES, I mean you Stansted Airport) need to be adapted at commercial rates to add shareholder value.
It was built as a national asset part of UK PLC, capitalist though I am, this is the price of flogging of the family silver. Worth it though, on balance. Just. Maybe...
But yes, looks awful, am a huge fan of original un-adapted building with clear purpose. MAG has had particular issues where MAN T3 is not being used close to it's designed purpose of high frequency commuter flights for business purposes on mainly 100 seat aircraft, with the odd heavy. MAN T2 also suffers from "Half pint pot" syndrome, but in fairness, STN is now a long way from the hassle free way to board an Air UK 146 to connect via AMS.

Alas beautifully designed buildings cost more money than basic pre-fabricated sheds... and most of us want to be able to fly as cheaply as possible when going for leisure
Yes there is a limit (Marseille terminal 2, with metal cages, I am looking at you) but Stansted seems to be sufficiently comfortable that people will put up with its desire to extract money from pax via retail

It's not "extra money" in any way, it's core revenue. Airline charges have withered so much that to even cover costs, airports have to discount massively to get the operators in at all, (e.g. Ryanair) and as a consequence, the money comes from retail charges and profit share. The only things that really matter, are safety, security and shopping, there's no other way. There are exceptions like LHR where a premium is paid as yields can be *much* higher, or YYZ where you either pay or fly from Hamilton.
Personally, I grew up watching BAA build shiney new facilities at GLA, only for the market to fragment and move East. It was only the agreed strategy to force growth at GLA what allowed an ROI to justify what GLA now has over EDI. Even though EDI has way more traffic, the facilities at GLA remain superior, with 12 airbridge capable stands, something EDI is only now addressing and only in a rather basic manner.
STN was (re-)built with another world in mind, less Westfield more Heathrow.

BAA was allowed to take a wider strategic view but it was close to being a monopoly, and now we may have gone a little too far the other way?

In the 90s I mean, to pay for the expansion of GLA, there was no wish to do more than the basics at EDI. Very similar at LHR, ironically which was starved of real expansion to pay for the all-new STN. Once T4 was built, LHR really began to slide in terms of Terminal infrastructure, I used LGW North for years as the facilities were way better than LHR T1. I wish I had flown through STN in the AirUK years, never did alas.
btw can't believe I only noticed "Vicount" less 's' when someone else pointed it out. #blind

Double Jet Bridge confirmed for stand A13 and a possible twice daily A380 now mentioned.

Where is it confirmed?

As per the previous... Staff briefings.

Emirates
 

Would EK really upgauge both daily flights to the A380 straightaway? If they really were to bring the A380 to STN, my thinking is that both existing flights (EK66 and EK68) would be consolidated into a single daily operation.

On the subject of Emirates, is there any news on the new Emirates lounge to be built in satellite 1? If the airline/airport is preparing for daily 388 ops, then I take it construction has already started?

The lounge is already there just needs fitting out

Ready for the highest/first bidder

It was daily last summer too. They also planned to operate a Stansted - Stavanger route but was cancelled when Wizz launched their Luton route.

Atlas Global have suspended flight operations and tickets are no longer being sold