Wolverhampton and a mile long runway!

[Buster the Bear]

Mile-long runway plan for airport

Bosses behind a multi-million pound expansion plan at an airport on the Shropshire border have submitted plans to build a new mile-long runway.

The runway - which will run next to the existing 1,200 metre runway at Wolverhampton - is part of plans to fly up to half a million passengers to and from the airport each year.

The planning application is currently being considered by South Staffordshire District Council.

Bill Meredith, head of planning at the council, said: "The runway will run over Water Lane and permission is also being sought for the landing of jets."
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[LTNman]

1 mile = 5280ft =1609m

[brabazon]

Great example of the UK's split personality when it comes to Imperial/Metric units, reminds me of the story of the guy who recently went to his greengrocers for some potatoes. He asked for 5 pounds of potatoes, to which the greengrocer replied "you've got to ask for kilos now". "Ok give me 5 pounds of kilos then" came the reply!!

I guess a mile sounds a great deal longer than 1200 metres. Mind you, for the older folk, if they had said 1312 yards and 1 mile (1760 yards) then perhaps they would have realised they are not that different!!

[Buster the Bear]

Bigger planes less noisy, say airport bosses



Aeroplanes carrying up to 80 passengers each could be landing at an airport on the Shropshire border as part of controversial plans for a multi-million pound expansion under consideration.

But bosses of Wolverhampton Airport today claimed the jets would actually create less noise than smaller aircraft currently flying to and from the site at Halfpenny Green.

And they claim only about 100 buildings would be affected by noise from the site.

A planning application has been submitted to build a new 1,695 metre runway as part of the proposals to turn the airport into a major aviation player.

The runway, which is currently being considered by South Staffordshire Council, will run adjacent to the 1,200 metre already in place at the airport if given the go-ahead.

The old runway would then be closed down and dug up to make way for the new structure.

Chief Executive Paul Whelan said: "We have altered the angle and the flight path of the runway so that it does not fly directly over Bobbington and Claverley. Only about 100 buildings will be in our 'noise footprint' and some of these are farm buildings, not homes.

"The new larger planes are much quieter and are also more environmentally friendly.

"There will also be less pollution in general because people will not have to get in their cars to drive to Manchester or London to fly. We are hoping to ferry people in on coaches to the site."

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[Ex Oggie]

But bosses of Wolverhampton Airport today claimed the jets would actually create less noise than smaller aircraft currently flying to and from the site at Halfpenny Green.

So, effectively, they are saying that they do not want any GA aircraft then? That's another airfield added to my boycott list. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! :mad:

[sharpshot]

No mention of all the roadworks to make the country lanes and airport access wide enough for all the coaches:rolleyes:

[mullers]

ib16uk,

'Tis indeed halfpenny green airfield. I live nearby too and just cant imagine this working to be honest.

[niknak]

....and where will the money come from?

1695m is certainly big enough to accomodate most business type jets and turbo prop aircraft presently used on scheduled services in the UK, but it's nowhere near the length of runway required by the vast majority of large jet operators, they would have to have a 2000m runway to have any chance of being a serious player in the commercial market.
Additionally, new lighting, approach aids, taxiways, proper levels of staffing in all areas to handle the traffic, not to mention improved road access, would be required.

An investment of 10s of millions of £s is required, which I suspect that the owners and developers haven't got and don't have a hope in hell of raising.

Perhaps they should stick to what they've got and Blackpool rock.

[dada]

lay the tarmac at blackpool instead, right out into the sea

[GK430]

Rumour is that they are looking to up the RFF Cat for pax ops this Autumn :(

[FEBA]

A whole mile eh. That's impressive (not). Good to see the councillors are thinking big :E

[unwiseowl]

That's the one which makes perfect commercial sense/

[Arbottle]

DOes anyone actually think Wolverhampton is viable as a passenger airport? It's apparently in the middle of nowhere, with no decent road links, and no public transport...?

It's also got zero facilities.

Are the anti-group out there as vociferous CAECA? THeir website seems quite tame in comparison, which is odd, as CVT was an existing airport with a decent runway _and_ a terminal building. This is essentially a "new" airport that previously only used to handle small planes? Don't see them ranting about PSZs and the like.

I also found a document by advantage West Midlands that effectively said WBA is just not a viable place for a passenger airport and RAF Cosford was, but as it was still in use by the RAF, it couldn't be used.

[Eh Hello?]

WBA would certainly open up the west-of-Birmingham/east-Wales market but has any airline said they'll actually use it? I assume the current runway would limit it to ATR's, Jetstreams, Dorniers, Shorts, Fokkers etc - is the runway condition ok for these today or would any new services have to wait for the new runway?

[Buster the Bear]

Big shake-up at expansion row airport



An airport on the Shropshire border which is at the centre of controversial multi-million pound expansion plans has undergone major capital reorganisation, it was revealed today.

A boss at Wolverhampton Airport, at Halfpenny Green, near Bridgnorth, has confirmed that a large scale reorganisation of its parent company, City Hopper Airports Ltd, was undertaken in July.

Paul Whelan, airport chief executive, said that the financial switch around would not affect the Wolverhampton airport or its current expansion plans, and that it was for the purpose of tax efficiency.

Airport bosses were today in Paris taking part in final negotiations for a new deal which would create about 300 jobs at the airport.


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[niknak]

So they're moving Wolverhampton to Paris?:eek:

That is probably a marginally wiser decision than leaving it where it is... :E :p