Although anyone seeking information on Simon Calder's airport and airline experience will quickly find that he was originally an aircraft cleaner at Gatwick Airport. He then rose to the giddy heights of Security Officer.
Not sure how he became the Independent's Travel Correspondent based on that.

And how many will do that?

There's an old adage, all publicity is good publicity, and whilst I don't think that altogether holds true there's nothing particularly negative, and as Pete points out more than a couple of iffy "facts" within it.

If Monarch hadn't hit the buffers Calder wouldn't even have written the article, but as it is Monarch's failure hit BHX harder than anywhere else and gave him an excuse (reason) to srite t article.

As for the man himself and his knowledge, there's a few few on PPRuNe who are a deal more knowledgeable than Simon Calder.

Never mind most Ppruners having more knowledge, My 2 year old son has more knowledge of aviation than Calder!

As demonstrated this past week on BBC's 'Rip off Britain' Simon's knowledge on how to save a few Euros on a cup of coffee in Venice knows no bounds. He is so au fait on opening times on Barcelona's museums and churches and how to save a euro or two.

A year ago I asked a question about travel using his own website and didn't even get a reply.

I agree his actual destination knowledge is quite good. It’s just his aviation knowledge, he thinks he knows more than he does and that’s what makes him look silly.

Ah, but does he have a national audience? (yet! :ok:)

He certainly commands the room at the moment, so, you never know lol

Relating to the article written by Simon Calder I personally thought it was accurate as is most of his reporting as I find him very informative and extremely knowledgeable and I always try to find one at least one fault when ever he is on the TV or in his article and not once have I done so.

Working in the business that I do I have always been surprised that I have never met him personally!

So changing the topic what do others think of his suggestions on renaming Birmingham International Airport to Birmingham Shakespeare Airport?

Or even Birmingham Ozzy Osbourne International Airport lol

Hardly an original idea by Calder - it was suggested back in 2015 when the Chinese flights were happening

Perhaps he is aware of that fact and wrote it in his article to draw attention to the idea!

How about Brummie International? still relevant and more catchy that other renamed airports around

Well to me the words read like he's had an idea and is suggesting it - if he was aware the name had already been proposed, why did he not say words to the effect that the airport should adopt a name that was initially mooted two years ago? In any case, the idea was put forward two years ago but not adopted, and I doubt the ramblings of a travel journalist is going to make it happen now.

Journalists don't work like that do they as they usually tend to take the credits for themselves!

I'm not a big fan of renaming airports as they don't make any real impact on the fortunes of airports by doing so, passengers will use that airport regardless of any name change so it should and will remain as it is Birmingham International Airport BHX.

Sorry to correct you canberra. You mean as it was. It dropped the "International" some years ago

My mistake I was aware of that and I should have realised but perhaps now is the time to add International again and rebrand back to Birmingham International Airport.

Birmingham International refers to the railway station next door.

On a different note, now Carillion have gone what's going to happen to HS2 and the giant plans for expansion at the airport?

Surely it's only a matter of time before someone takes over. Not gonna miss a big chunk of business like that. Serco or Interserve for example ... Their stocks wents up when the Carillion announcement was made.

Don't worry BHX airport, you'll be saved soon.....surely....

Incidentally, any further news on Swissport and their performances? We were kept waiting for ground staff (again) the other day.

Thomas Cook 2018/9
 

Next winter an extra based aircraft - A320 per one GDS site.

Very early days but up one aircraft in winter to three based.

Monday - Marsa Alam, Fuerteventura (extra) & Arrecife

Tuesday - Tenerife, Banjul, Enfidha (new) & Antalya (new and all winter but expect change or just Thursday)

Wednesday - Tenerife, Hurghada & Fuerteventura

Thursday - Sal, Arrecife & Antalya (new)

Friday - Hurghada, Tenerife & Arrecife (new)

Saturday - Tenerife (new), Banjul (moved from Friday)& Fuerteventura

Sunday - Hurghada, Arrecife & Tenerife (new)

Worth noting that this could change as some flights this winter have ended up on TUI aircraft at times and vice versa.