ABERDEEN

[j636]

Lufthansa are reducing seat capacity on FRA route for winter. All 3 dauly flights will be operated by a 70 seater CRJ700. Not a huge loss as the majority of European airports LH operate to are losing a daily flight for winter.

[CaptainDoony]

Mentioned it a whole back but the CRJ is probably the better aircraft to use to match demand in the winter. Back to mix of mainline and E190s in S13.

Hell, LGW (launched with ABZ) has been canned already!

[Richard Taylor]

New store heralds big changes to come in the terminal
24 August 2012
The first steps towards the redevelopment of Aberdeen Airport terminal have taken place, with the opening of a new luggage store. ‘Rolling Luggage’ has had a presence at a temporary unit in the airport before security for a number of years, and has now moved into a dedicated space, reflecting their success and their long term plans for growth at Aberdeen Airport.
The move is part of a major strategy to develop the terminal and increase retail and leisure opportunities for passengers.
Don Jacobs is the airport Commercial Director. He said: “Rolling Luggage has been a business partner of Aberdeen Airport for a number of years and the move from a temporary to a permanent point of sale demonstrates the success and sustainability of their business in Aberdeen. The opening of the new Rolling Luggage shop is one of the first and visible changes resulting from the terminal redevelopment plans that have been highlighted in Aberdeen Airport’s Master Plan. It provides our customers with an enhanced shopping experience, and simultaneously more space is created in the terminal to improve the flow of arriving and departing passengers”.
Keata Murray is the Head of Marketing with the company. She said: “ Rolling Luggage were one of the first companies to bring the concept of high quality luggage to travellers at International airports around the globe. We're extremely pleased to be delivering this concept at Aberdeen Airport.”
The opening of the new-look unit marks the start of work at Aberdeen Airport, to ensure that the terminal building provides everything that the passenger requires. A terminal development strategy is being drawn up, and the relocation of Rolling Luggage marks the first phase in that strategy to increase retail and catering opportunities for passengers, whilst freeing up vital operational space in the terminal.
The strategy is a long term one which will see changes over the coming years.

(From ABZ webpage)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I started reading this, I thought it was literally a larger place for storing luggage => a new baggage carousel in the space created. Major news.

Then I realised.

It's a shop.

:O

God knows why I thought it was anything else!!

Meanwhile, here's the latest on new international routes & airfield developments - new stands, parking, that sorta thing - you know, the reason an airport exists:

[Heathrow Harry]

how passe!! an airport that exists fro aircraft ... BAA gave that idea the heave-ho about 15 years ago

the aircraft are only to provide an excuse to trap people in a large department store for several hours - I though everyone knew that............... :ok:

[Richard Taylor]

From an advert I have seen in the local rag this morning, looks like Barrhead Travel are introducing direct Barcelona flights in S13 along with the usual Costa Del Sol.

Ad says 'flying with BA' so looks like the Cityflyer E190s.

HH: my tongue was somewhat in my cheek at the end of my previous... ;)

[CaptainDoony]

Hmm unusual destination for a charter I would have said but welcome nonetheless.

Although I'm beginning to accept that it'll be a long time before another GSM like scheduled op.

[CabinCrewe]

Unusual? Not really, BA/Barrhead travel have been operating route ex GLA now for a while.BCN is a gateway airport for Costa Dorada rather than Gerona or Reus.

[Richard Taylor]

From my dim & distant memory, Air Scotland may have served BCN from ABZ...I'm sure FlyGlobespan did.

I believe bmiR are serving the same destinations ex ABZ as now, for the W12/13 season - MAN, NWI, EBJ, GRQ. Not LHR, of course. Wonder if they have any further plans - nobody seems to know yet!

Noted Easyjet's plans for EDI - good news for them. Pity, despite runway ext & strong & consistent growth figures, ABZ seems unable to persuade any of the major locos to at least try another couple of routes from here. Even on a W pattern from the likes of EDI.

Location Location Location! :{

[CabinCrewe]

no, its population number's, population number's population number's....

[dantheflyboy]

Just been informed flybe cancelling lgw route as of winter due extra capacity from BA to LHR and LCY. However 175 being put on BHX so its the base Q400 for the chop.

[OltonPete]

dantheflyboy

Gatwick - Aberdeen zeroed out already by the look of it.

BHX-ABZ is still showing as the Q400.

Do we know if the 175 will be BHX based or Aberdeen, which of course if the latter will result in time changes?



Pete

[CaptainDoony]

Not good although I'm not too worried - there's far too much capacity on LON as it is.

Maybe Easyjet will add an extra frequency or at least put an A320 on the route.

Luton is also down to a useless 4x weekly schedule in winter - maybe this will change now?

[Richard Taylor]

I wonder how much time the LTN service has left. Shades of RYR & what happened with DUB.

Flybe meanwhile just do my head in.

[dantheflyboy]

As far as I am aware it is the base 175 that will slot into the BHX service. The Lgw route has been under pressure for a while now and Flybe just can't afford to support unviable routes any longer much to the frustration of flybe staff who feel the company throw the towel in too easily. Having said that over capacity is still over capacity.

[JobsaGoodun]

That nice, revamped airport down at LGW sure is nice but it comes at a price.

Landing charges have increased significantly since GIP took control from BAA and started spending money on their new acquisition.

The airlines, and particularly those that operate smaller aircraft have felt the pinch more than most as LGW squeeze out the smaller aircraft in favour of larger ones bringing in more passengers.

Sadly, LGW is going the way of LHR in proving uneconomical for services to the regions unless its a once a day service on something with 150 seats or more.

[Richard Taylor]

Do BA still have that 15% stake in Flybe? I wonder if someone's had a word in their shell-like?

Local had the lead story the other day as Virgin's aim to start LHRABZ from the Spring of 2013, on the presumption they successfully gain the required slots. The word was daily but freq tba, although local MP claimed the airline had indicated 'no less than three'. We'll see.

Meanwhile NCL thread notes Eastern increasing freq on the NCL route from end Oct, but with the E145 operating on peak services.

[SWBKCB]

Newcastle airport press release

Newcastle Airport - (http://www.newcastleairport.com/Newsroom/Press/EasternAirwaysExpandsNewcastlesServicesOilCapital.htm)

[Richard Taylor]

Looks like the Cooncil are mooting the idea of linking the Dyce railway station with the airport terminal by...a rail link.

Desparate bid to save face.

Like everything else in Aiberdeen...it'll never happen...:hmm:

[CaptainDoony]

You know, a direct rail link to union square might sound sensible but whats the point of a shuttle train to a station with one train every 30 mins?

And they will tunnel under the runway presumably and build a station at the terminal - where I don't know. Entirely ridiculous.

Meanwhile pax for August up 9.8% to 302,000 b

[fjencl]

AERO HANDLING Due to expansion need new staff, so there job adverts states.........what new work are they taking over at abz........??????

[cmf146]

Would have thought that they would come off at Bucksburn, round the end of the runway and re-join the main line north of Raiths farm, thus cutting out Dyce station altogether!

[chrystall]

they are taking over the bmir handling

[Richard Taylor]

"Would have thought that they would come off at Bucksburn, round the end of the runway and re-join the main line north of Raiths farm, thus cutting out Dyce station altogether! "

In which case, even less chance of that happening! I'm sure someone somewhere will object, then we'll have countless challenges, court cases, appeals, debates...& then it'll gather dust on some shelf somewhere...just like all the other projects around Aiberdeen, min.

[papa600]

It'll keep the Evening Express artist busy for a couple of years through seeing as he doesn't have artists impressions of Union Terrace Gardens and Aberdeens new football stadium to worry about.

[Richard Taylor]

If there were awards for artist impressions of what things might look like over the years, then Aberdeen would win hands down!

Interesting to see that the airport reckon to have lost some 11,000 passengers in the wake of the Flyglobespan collapse.

Of course many of those routes, eg. Alicante, have never returned.

Given the reluctance of airlines to come to or expand at ABZ, maybe these routes will never return.

[CaptainDoony]

CAA Provisional Stats - August 2012

Heathrow / 58824 / +6.8%
Gatwick / 20627 / +8.4%
Manchester / 15624 / +28.6%
Luton / 11612 / -19.3%
Birmingham / 7030 / +1.8%

Amsterdam / 25370 / -3.0%
Frankfurt / 16337 / n/a
Stavanger / 15131 / +19.9%
Paris / 7772 / -17.7%
Copenhagen / 5820 / 36.3%
Bergen / 4349 / -10.5%
Dublin / 3475 / 80% LF

If my calculations are correct GRQ is carrying on average 6! Pax per flight. (170/28 rotations) Surely this isn't sustainable even with the yield?

[CaptainDoony]

Being reported on the BMI Regional thread that they are set to launch ABZ-BRS twice daily in competition with T3. Service begins 29/10.

Good to see things gaining traction with our based airline.

[Richard Taylor]

What do Eastern do just now - one stop via LBA?

Given Eastern have regained the Embraers in their fleet, interesting to see whether they will feel the need to relaunch as a direct route, & would they use the Embraer, or stick to the turboprop (can't recall if it's the S2000 or JE41 they use at the moment).

[fjencl]

Individual.com (http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=163491900&hash=25e40173acbc939d6b083705aff080ff)

[Richard Taylor]

Local press this morning had comments from Graeme Ross to the effect that BMIR were planning more flights in future from ABZ, both domestic & european.

Wonder where they have in mind.

[Night_Watch]

Why is there a J32 lying in a field on the north east perimeter of the airport?

[globetrotter79]

Annual emergency exercise held yesterday..

[deecie]

Baku flight is to end on the 28th October.

[CaptainDoony]

Sad to see our only mid-haul route depart our shores for the last time :sad:.

Read an article stating that:

"Company says this was caused by switching of flights to London to daily regime: “In accordance with interstates agreement, it’s allowed to implement 7 flights from both directions in a week”.

Hmm not the fact it carried 40 pax on an average flight? No?

Anyway whatever demand there is, just isn't enough demand to support a direct flight much like any proposed IAH link.

Ach well, another few thousand funnelling via LHR. :ugh:

[Richard Taylor]

The masses like funneling via BA & LHR I guess - they'll be pleased for as long as they hold a monopoly on the route. A nice try by AZAL anyway. We'll have to be happy with LHR & SVG.

[papa600]

I doubt very much there are "masses" funneling via LHR to BAKU from ABZ!

[CaptainDoony]

Don't be so pedantic Papa600. I doubt all pax travelling to GYD use (or soon to be used) the J2 service.

Meanwhile, am the only one concerned about recent developments. Just discovered BM are moving out of their HQ and heading to EMA instead.

And Of course GYD is going, LGW is going, EXT has gone. Talk on the Flybe thread suggests the writing is on the wall for ABZ as a base for that mob.

It it simply a case of a few going at once or is it a sign of a slowdown on the growth front?

[Rougueg]

BMI Regional as far as i am aware are keeping their operational HQ at Aberdeen and only locating administrative and back office functions through East Midlands.

[Richard Taylor]

I was talking about masses in general Papa600. I think the figs confirm the masses like linking via LHR. The annual figure on LHR was something like 695k I thought I read somewhere?

[liam4393]

I was speaking to someone who works at the airport the other day, and they said that Jet2 are in advanced talks with ABZ about basing an A/C here. Would love for this to be true, has anyone heard anything?

Thanks

[CaptainDoony]

That would be absolutely fantastic of true.

They did say when they opened their GLA base they would consider ABZ in the (then) future.

Richard Taylor posted a while ago about a Jet2 rumour as well.

If true we can expect an announcement in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed.

[liam4393]

Can't guarantee that is 100% true, but would be great if it happened.

[Richard Taylor]

No, not a new route (fat chance!)

ABZ Route Dev Team are out there, 'speed-dating' (as they put it on their tw*tter site) airlines for new routes.

Expect something in the next 10yrs...to SVG...in a turboprop...;)

To be fair, if the odd airline tried something from ABZ & it isn't supported by the business community because there are just insufficient numbers, then it's an onerous task they have!

The Biz community now have LHR, AMS, CDG, FRA, CPH for onward connections. And bizjets/props.

[Richard Taylor]

Seems from yesterday's press story that they are happy with route's performance - 85% LF on peak, & bigger aircraft planned for S13. Presumably less E190 & more A319/320.

[ATIS31]

Hows this new route doing, whats the load factors like ?

[CaptainDoony]

Good to hear about Luftys continued satisfaction. I actually wonder if we could see any more of them i.e MUC - could be a nice fit for a CRJ.

In regards to LCY we'll find out on 15/10. Assuming the schedules don't lie, two of the three flights are sold out next Friday.:ok:

[c2lass]

We flew out to FRA and back a couple of weeks ago. 6am flight out was completely full as was 16.00 return flight on a Thursday. My boss also flew out last weekend and both flights full. This is sooooo good to see and hear.

In fact what was interesting when we arrived at FRA (we were going on to Black Forest and had booked the Lufthansa fly and rail tickets) there were only us and one other person collecting bags at FRA. Everyone else on that flight must have been transiting to further destinations.

Really happy that this route seems to be doing well as for us personally saves the hassle of connecting through LHR or AMS. The fly rail idea is absolutely fantastic and well worth it. 29 euros for second class and 49 euros for first class :ok:

[SWBKCB]

In fact what was interesting when we arrived at FRA (we were going on to Black Forest and had booked the Lufthansa fly and rail tickets) there were only us and one other person collecting bags at FRA. Everyone else on that flight must have been transiting to further destinations.

Or was going to FRA but didn't have hold bags?

[CaptainDoony]

With one-ways at ++£500 I'd imagine most pax are connecting.

[chrystall]

most aberdeen to london flights should be sold out this friday - school holiday exodus - if you can't fill your a-c this weekend then something is seriously wrong!

[Heathrow Harry]

most Aberdeen - London flights are sold out EVERY Friday

all those who work in Aberdeen and live in a decent spot crowd the airport desperate to get home - often looks like a scene from Gordon of Khartoum as the Mad Mullah is about to arrive...... every man for himself

Funnily enough the same thing doesn't seem to happen in Paris, Rome or Madrid

The only time you can get a decent hotwl room up there at a reasonable price is on Fri-Sun nights. Every early Monday morning any UK aiport is full of the living dead shuffling in a line for a flight to ABZ - anything to avoid spending an extra hour there.............

[Richard Taylor]

...charming Harry...:rolleyes:

I happen to find London a soulless dump but each to their own, eh? :ok:

[Aksai Oiler]

Happen to agree with HH, but both Aberdeen and London are soulless dumps, hence why I work in both and live elsewhere...

[Night_Watch]

Wonder if Eastern will buy all the tickets on BMI Bristol for a laugh.

[Aero Mad]

If you think they would do that then you have a rosy view of their liquidity situation ;)

[Flightrider]

Funny you should say that. I hear that there is a specialist corporate finance advisor out punting Eastern around to parties who may have some interest. Of course, any business is always for sale if the price is right, but there's a difference between that and actively trying to solicit offers, as would appear to be the case right now.

[CaptainDoony]

September had a decent month with a 1.4% increase in numbers despite no Offshore Europe. 303k seems pretty respectable if you ask me.

Expected small declines on key routes such as LHR, SVG, AMS but still pretty decent.

Someone asked about LCY - in it's first week, 32 rotations - 913 pax - 36%LF.

An ok start and can only improve with BE buggering off LGW it should post some pretty impressive results.

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

Anyone know of any proper investment into Aberdeen airport that is likely to attract more traffic?

[Richard Taylor]

They've got a new smoking shelter...

[Joe Curry]

Transfer the ABZ registered office from Glasgow Airport to Dyce?

[CabinCrewe]

. . . yawn :rolleyes:

[NorthSouth]

HH wrote:all those who work in Aberdeen and live in a decent spot crowd the airport desperate to get home - often looks like a scene from Gordon of Khartoum as the Mad Mullah is about to arrive...... every man for himselfJust like the A90 at Bridge of Dee, Fridays @ 1600. I remember it well. Once you're up and over that hill it's downhill all the way!
NS

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

whats happened to bmi regional, been checking load factors, 2 people on a 49 seat embraer 145 cant be sustainable.

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

considering how popular and how high the load factors are on the charter flights operated by both tcx and thompson you would hope that maybe one or both airlines would start increasing flights both throughout summer and winter. just a shame the runway is a paltry 1900 odd metres or we could have some proper aircraft operating out of aberdeen instead of js41 and saab 340's. be good to get the pax numbers rising quickly so more development can happen, want aberdeen to finally turn into a much larger airport with some much more busier scheduled and charter traffic.

[CaptainDoony]

Not being able to make a booking probably doesn't help. What route was it anyway EBJ or GRQ?

I wouldn't say the length of runway is an issue - Pegasus/Thomson can get a full 738 to DLM/TFS with no problems. It's the catchment area and airlines have always got bigger fish to fry. Vueling are launching a ton of new routes next year from BCN so maybe ABZ could be one of them.

[Richard Taylor]

BBC News - BMI Regional launches as independent operator (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-20087986)

Best of luck to them.

[EGPD]

last week we tried to book tickets for 5 of our staff to travel on the direct Aberdeeen - Esbjerg flight with the new BMI Regional, Our company travel agent was unable to make the bookings telling us that they are no longer able to make bookings with BMI regional and all future bookings have to be made direct on the BMIR website. This is against company policy so our staff are now travelling KLM to BLL via AMS, fare for all 5 roughly £ 500 cheaper on KLM as well.

[SWBKCB]

Seems like an odd approach for an airline aiming at the business market - not so streamlined for business, then?

[Data Dad]

@ EGPD

From the bmi regional website:

New bookings for travel on flights operating from October 28th 2012 onwards should be made through the bmi regional customer contact centre, on our website or via your travel agent..

So your company Travel Agent needs to explain further. Personally, I have always found these 'Company Travel Agents' to be an expensive waste of time. My own employer uses one - they always seem to find the most expensive flights, charge a premium for doing so and are hopeless when things go wrong! They are supposed to be 'be there' when travel plans go wrong/'emergency' changes required but my own personal experience shows they disappear - last time I sorted out all the rebookings myself. It would be cheaper in the long run to employ a couple of people to do all this contracted out task internally.

Rant over ;)

DD

[CabinCrewe]

Why does a TCX 757 ABZ-TFS need to make a fuel stop at GLA with the new runway extension? I was sure even a 737 could do it on occasion without a stop (although some did)

[CaptainDoony]

TCX go from ABZ-TFS without any restrictions direct. TOM takes their 738's direct as well with minor/no restrictions as well I believe.

I doubt it would be for fuel - possibly picking up passengers in GLA?

[TRY2FLY]

And while they are picking up pax they will probably uplift fuel aswell as it is cheaper in GLA (the last time I looked anyhow)

[Heathrow Harry]

"Personally, I have always found these 'Company Travel Agents' to be an expensive waste of time."

Absolutely - and you find that their staff get kick-backs - sorry "inducements" such as nice flights to warm places for the business they place

[BAladdy]

S13 will see BACF operate 2 charter flights a week next summer on behalf of Thomas Cook holidays and 2 on behalf of Barrhead Travel. Below are the flights that are to be operated on behalf of TCX

MAHON

BA4505C ABZ 15:30 MAH 19:40 6 E90 01JUN-28SEP
BA4506C MAH 20:40 ABZ 22:50 6 E90 01JUN-28SEP

REUS

BA4507C ABZ 06:00 REU 09:55 5 E90 31MAY-27SEP
BA4508C REU 10:45 ABZ 12:35 5 E90 31MAY-27SEP

BACF will operate to AGP on a Saturday morning and to BCN on a Sunday morning on behalf of Barrhead Travel. Exact flight timings are yet to be released. All flights will be operate by a 98 seater E190SR.

From 31st May to 28 September BACF will operate the following schedule on it's LCY service:

BA3291 ABZ 06:50 LCY 08:20 E70 x567
BA3295 ABZ 12:00 LCY 13:30 E70 x567
BA3295 ABZ 13:25 LCY 14:55 E90 5
BA3297 ABZ 17:30 LCY 19:00 E70 123
BA3297 ABZ 17:30 LCY 19:00 E90 457

BA3292 LCY 08:50 ABZ 10:20 E70 x567
BA3296 LCY 15:25 ABZ 16:55 E70 123
BA3296 LCY 15:25 ABZ 16:55 E90 45
BA3298 LCY 19:30 ABZ 21:00 E70 x456
BA3298 LCY 19:30 ABZ 21:00 E90 45

[c2lass]

Does anyone know why the 6am LH flight to FRA has been cancelled on 1st June 2013?

I was booked on this flight and got an email today saying the flight has been canx and we are now on the 12.10 which means we do not arrive in FRA until 15.15 :uhoh: Not happy as this now means we do not get to our destination until very late.

Anyway, I phoned LH and was told that all the 6am flights from 26/5 until 1/6 have been cancelled and the girl I spoke to did not know why.

Just checked the LH website and the 6am flights are still showing for 26/5 through to 31/5 however not showing for Sat 1st June?

[SWBKCB]

Half term week in Scotland? LH quite often pull flights in holiday periods on what are business orientated flights as loads are often light.

[c2lass]

Thanks. Not sure if that is half term however it is a Sat morning so cannot imagine not too many business people would be using.

I assume this will have an impact on anyone who had connecting flights through FRA as the 6am flight is usually very busy for connecting flights?

[Richard Taylor]

BBC News - Aberdeen Airport reports surge in passenger traffic (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-20296279)

Not bad at all, albeit some routes will be stronger than others within those overall figures.

I suspect Nov may be impacted by what is happening offshore due to the current restrictions pertaining to the EC225s. Might mean a return to a greater variety of heli types operating out of ABZ going forward. A shame for the 225, I think it's an impressive aircraft.

Plus the likes of Flybe axing their LGW route.

[CaptainDoony]

Very nice to see the busiest month in 5 years - quite surprising considering July is usually the busiest month.

I think November should still post some growth, maybe 4% with LCY hopefully gaining traction and offsetting the loss of BE, more people using FRA and the slowly improving economy. Another minor point, looks like EZY are getting very impressive loads on LGW now - I wonder if they have any plans for the route(s) in the near future?

Wonder if the heli operators will ditch the 225 in favour of more S92's? Maybe your dream of variation will not meet with reality Richard! ;)

[Richard Taylor]

Wonder if the heli operators will ditch the 225 in favour of more S92's? Maybe your dream of variation will not meet with reality Richard!


I remember the 80s fondly Captain.

S61/76, AS330/2, Bell 212/4, SA365, BO105, BV234...multiple weekday crew change flights each day, especially M-F. All the heli aprons & terminals chocka (4 operators in those days). :cool:

The morning rush outbound 1st thing was quite something to listen to ('legally' of course!!)

Fixed wing 1-11, Trident 2/3, Caravelle, DC-9, HP Herald, Viscount 700/800...occasional TriStar...

nae variety these days...:{

(It also dates ME...:ouch:)

[kannad405]

The heli operators will be bringing in mixed fleets. Recent 225 problems have shown the risk of having an almost single type fleet. A nice bit of variation :ok:

[CaptainDoony]

Of course with October being the busiest month in 5 years the figures were going to make for pleasant reading.

Selected routes are below

Very strong figures on AMS,SVG,LHR,MAN,LGW

Heathrow / 60595/+0.8
Gatwick / 22697 / +14.6
Manchester / 17557 / +31.7 (I believe this is the route's best ever month!)
Luton / 10607 / -19.7
Birmingham / 8557 / +7.8
London City / 4721 / ---
Newcastle / 2750 / +57.8

Amsterdam / 26256 / +6.4
Stavanger / 16178 / +21.1
Frankfurt / 11511 / +3883.0
Paris / 9874 / -9.4
Copenhagen / 5042 / +32.8

Will be interesting to see how LHR holds up in Nov without BMR although capacity is unchanged or possibly increased.

LGW is a guaranteed decline.

Notice that the Heli's still posted up 7% despite the groundings

[CaptainDoony]

With SAS' financial position worsening by the minute and with rumours they could be gone by tomorrow, what would this spell for the SVG & CPH routes?

I could see Norwegian (DY) possibly taking on SVG with a 2x daily 737-300 - would a 737-800 be too large?

With CPH I can't really see any takers. Presumably the majority of pax are connecting rather than O&D.

Interesting (and concerning) times...

[Richard Taylor]

I hope SAS continue in some form, but with this never-ending cycle of recession - some might call it depression - who knows?

Once upon a time I would have said Flybe - but they always promise more than they deliver up here & elsewhere. Nevertheless - SVG would tempt them I think. And if they do get their hands on the up-for-disposal Wideroe, it'll give them the perfect excuse to claim they are expanding operations at ABZ. Personally I hope they don't get their hands on Wideroe, but there is a commonality of type that would fit. But do Flybe have the cash?

bmiR would surely look at both should the routes become vacant. If SAS/Wideroe come off SVG, then bmiR would only have Eastern for company on SVG, who they appear to be targeting (eg. direct BRS route recently introduced); whilst CPH would be entirely vacant.

There's not a vast choice of airline with the right size of aircraft to cater for the ABZ market these days on business routes should one become vacant. RYR are completely frozen out of the picture at ABZ, & EZY don't seem to think ABZ is worth any further expansion, concentrating principally on EDI understandably. B738s & A319/20 are too big especially outwith peak rotations on the majority of ABZ business routes anyway - as AZAL found out trying to run BAKU GYD (interestingly I notice they have placed an order for E-jets now!).

OSL has been vacant - for how long now? Even Eastern have not returned to it. Maybe another for bmiR to try if they are looking to expand at ABZ & elsewhere.

[Richard Taylor]

Looks like Virgin have won the ex-bmi slots, & ABZ will therefore see a competing LHR link next year:

BBC News - Virgin Atlantic offered Heathrow links to Edinburgh and Aberdeen (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-20384801)

The question is, for short or long term?

[Heathrow Harry]

hmm - they'll pick up some feeder traffic and a lot of people like an alternative to BA...........

[Inverurie Lane]

Richard,

Like many of us, I hope Virgin are in it for the long term. They really need this service to connect with thier long haul network - like BMI/BMIR did for them. Where they might lose out to BA, is at LHR. I know some people dislike T5, but I think it's great! Straight off the plane, through flight connections and right into the departure lounge. Unless the Virgin domestic service is going to the same terminal as their international flights (is that T3? - I've lost track) then you've got the hassle of changing terminals and, of course, the prospect of having to queue for ages to go through security again. Maybe Virgin should look at operating through T4?. Perhaps they will when the central terminals have been redeveloped. Perhaps I should have posted this on the Heathrow page!

[nighthawk117]

Maybe Virgin should look at operating through T4?


Virgin want to be the "anchor tenant" for the newly rebuilt T2, which is due to open shortly. This will also be the Star Alliance terminal, so eventually all ops will be relocated into this terminal when it is complete.

[Richard Taylor]

Commercial Development | ABZ Business Park, Aberdeen | ABZ (http://www.abzbusinesspark.com/)

They seem to be moving apace with this industrial estate springing up next to the airport - not been up that way for a while.

Does ABZ have a stake in the development or are the developers just taking the name?

Looking at the location, I'm surprised ABZ didn't think the land was required for further expansion of the airport itself to the south; eg. remote parking, freight ops etc - even the terminal/more stands. I thought it was something they had been looking at.

On the other hand, maybe they think from their models that they can cope with any expansion that comes along in the years ahead utilising the existing area?

If they do intend expanding to the south some time in the future maybe they still think they can, but looks like the area to expand into would be considerably reduced (narrowed).

[CaptainDoony]

Judging from this press release on their website they certainly seem to have an interest in the park.

Aberdeen Airport: Airport City vision unveiled (http://www.aberdeenairport.com/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/airport-city-vision-unveiled)

Looking at the master plan it seems they have plans to extend the tunnel section that all the T3 props use.

Looks like they would also extend the main apron to the south of stand 1 quite significantly whilst factoring in the business park. However that's going into 2040. Up until 2020 at least, they're are no significant expansion plans

This can be found on the second last page of the PDF found here:

Aberdeen Airport: Master Plan (http://www.aberdeenairport.com/about-us/master-plan)

[Richard Taylor]

Exclusive: Lufthansa update - Business Traveller (http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/exclusive-lufthansa-update)

All in all, UK business remains healthy. Schindler was pleased that the relatively new Aberdeen to Frankfurt route was proving a hit. “Eighty per cent of the passengers flying out of Aberdeen are making onward connections over Frankfurt. The service is popular with the oil business. We have a selling point in that we operate the A380 between Frankfurt and Houston.”

Nice to see ABZ get another positive write up from DLH.

The winter schedule apparently sees an off-blocks time for FRA of 0535/0540! I wondered what that early jet was! Is that one of the earliest regularly scheduled flight departures in the UK presently?

[CaptainDoony]

Taking ungodly hours to the extreme I say :yuk:

I think LH dropped a hint they were looking to add an extra frequency or up gauge a/c for S13 a while ago. I wonder when their Summer schedule is released?

[Heathrow Harry]

if the business park goes ahead any long term terminal changes will either have to be to the north or adding more storey's to the current building - they could move the helicopters over to the other side of the airport I guess - plenty of space there - especially if you can the flying club......

[CaptainDoony]

The business park is well underway.

I do agree HH but judging from the master plan they only plan to increase the size of the ramp at this time with it being linked to the terminal by a walkway.

[5711N0205W]

When are the unsanitary temporary lavatories likely to be replaced with a more permanent fixture in International Arrivals?

[Inverurie Lane]

Apparently, the Virgin domestic services will be operated by Avion Express

Virgin Atlantic to lease Avion Express aircraft for short-haul routes? - Business Traveller (http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/virgin-atlantic-to-lease-avion-express-aircraft)

No mention of Aberdeen in the article though!

[CaptainDoony]

Crap article, it even mentions GLA when VS don't have slots for them. :ugh:

The slots can only be used on EDI and ABZ so not sure where the article is getting that from.

Talking of VS what sort of frequency can we expect?

Theres only 7 slots available so not much: maybe 2-3 for ABZ (with 3 on the busiest days) and 4-5 for EDI?

[Richard Taylor]

BBC News - Virgin to compete with BA's Scotland to Heathrow links (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-20657670)

So, confirmed as 3x return flights at least during weekdays, but using Aer Lingus aircraft in Virgin livery, & their crews.

Is this enough to provide robust competition with, & a suitable alternative for, BA?

[CaptainDoony]

Assuming they go with an early morning, mid morning and evening departure then I think they could give BA something to think about.

I wonder how many 'new' people are gong to use the service or is it just going to dilute figures on other services?

I'd like to think they'll be here for long term but I can just picture in 12 months SRB (assuming he's still on the go) coming out saying the routes are unprofitable and it's all because of big bad BA and the world's so unfair blah blah blah.

[Richard Taylor]

MD Derek Provan was giving evidence at the Commons Transport Select Committee yesterday.

He bemoaned the lack of connectivity to LHR, so he thinks there is still room for expansion there...providing LHR get their future plans sorted out, if the politicians let them!

He also - again - highlighted APD as a continuing issue for this part of the world, suggesting they are struggling to attract further airlines to this region. Especially where the catchment area is circa 600k to start with.

That is why he has been pinning his hopes on the Aberdeen bypass to attract people to fly to/from ABZ if surface connections are better; presumably, principally, Tayside & Fife.

Interesting story today with Aberdeen Harbour looking at aggressive expansion plans into Nigg Bay to cater for growth & larger vessels. The sort of 'go ahead' plans you wish BAA/Ferrovial to bring forward for its facility.

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen Airport: High five as passenger growth continues (http://www.aberdeenairport.com/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/high-five-as-passenger-growth-continues)

Aberdeen Airport enjoyed a near 5% growth in passenger numbers last month, with both domestic and international traffic posting strong growth.

Latest figures show the number of passengers using Aberdeen Airport increased by 4.8% in November 2011.

Domestic traffic numbers enjoyed the strongest growth, up by 9.1%. International passenger numbers grew by 7.2% and the number of helicopter passengers fell by 13.4%.

Derek Provan, airport MD, said: “It is encouraging to see domestic and international traffic growing at such a strong rate. The launch of new flights to London City and Bristol are a welcome addition to Aberdeen’s domestic route network and will help support business and tourism links between the north-east, London and the south-west of England.”


Good growth on fixed wing; lower heli traffic inevitably with the EC225 restrictions; think cargo also down due to same reason.

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

Be good to get some traffic figures on specific routes. Especially London city and bmi regionals routes

[CaptainDoony]

Strange that MD is complaining about LHR when VS just announced another 3x daily rotations yesterday :bored:

Statistics are out on Friday AbA

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

An easy to fix to make Aberdeen more appealing.....fixing the roads going into the airport. Total joke. Most major INTERNATIONAL airports are connected by a motorway. Not a single lane country track

[deecie]

This good enough for you?

Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (http://www.awpr.co.uk/)

There's been a few delays, but it's on it's way...

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

Aye good enough for me but should of been built by now. Too many ppl complaining and holding up vital work that needs to be done. Dyce drive needs to be made into a duel carriage way and the airport needs to also accept that ppl are not going to pay just to pick ppl up. Need a dedicated and free pick up place near the terminal.

[Heathrow Harry]

The real problem isn't so much Dyce Drive (the road by the airport) but the other roads around Aberdeen -especially Anderson Drive and The Parkway - they are just so full most of the day you have to allow an awful lot of time

Once you get to Dyce Drive (even in the rush hour) it's not too bad

Of course you could always use the cycle lane......... :cool::cool:

[throw a dyce]

When I worked at ABZ the cycle lane was fantastic on a bike.Cycle track all the way from Newmachar and kept you safe from the wonderful ''Aberdeen Drivers''.
Lived to tell the tale,and laughed at all the fatties sitting fuming in their stationary tin boxes.:hmm:

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

Does anyone know the route figures for November 2012? be an interesting read

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen Airport ‏@ABZ_Airport

Can you spot anything that is missing? Exciting new developments coming in the new year...watch this space Ow.ly - image uploaded by @ABZ_Airport (http://ow.ly/i/1gltv)

I wonder...lemme think...:ooh:

I know! :8

But - exciting??? :confused:

EDIT: I was tempted to say passengers...:E

[xraydice]

Oh the exciting new Aberdeen Airport sign ( maybe ) just incase you ar'nt sure that you haven't turned up at Dyce international by mistake :bored: ??

[CaptainDoony]

Provisional Figures on Selected Key Routes:

Heathrow / 56543 / +12.8%
Manchester / 17278 / +24.7%
Gatwick / 15508 / -21.5%
Birmingham / 8085 / +13.6%
London City / 5586 / ---
Luton / 5926 / -42.8%
Bristol / 3664 / +4.9%

Amsterdam / 23684 / +16.2%
Stavanger / 16287 / +6.3%
Paris / 8530 / -6.7%
Frankfurt / 8042 / +34.5%
Copenhagen / 3918 / +2.1
Dublin / 3166 / +18.2%

So pretty incredible growth on LHR, I guess they poached a few BE pax. MAN did very well again.

Can't see BRS sustaining 2 carriers much longer - I guess T3 will abandon it sharpish.

LGW and LTN expected declines but both routes achieving very good loads.

Good to see the negative effects of FR's departure subside and EI post growth.

AMS and SVG posting some very nice figures as well .

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

After those figures be good to see how the route does down to heathrow when virgin start flying and whether Aberdeen can continue this double digit growth

[Richard Taylor]

If there is a new sign, it should be accompanied by a snappy new catchphrase, bit like what 'pure dead brilliant' has done for Prestwick! :}

'Fit like min' or 'Bon Accord' - or how about the old Turkish football standard for visiting fans:

'Welcome to hell' :E

bmi Regional. Their plans are starting to appear, with the new services to Germany from Bristol announced today. With 2013 on the horizon, any thoughts on what new services from ABZ bmiR may have in the pipeline, domestically &/or internationally?

[CaptainDoony]

VS have released their schedule for ABZ-LHR starting 02/04/13.

Flights are 3x daily including weekends. Schedule is as follows:

ABZ - LHR

VS 3026 - 0635-0815
VS 3022 - 1155-1335
VS 3024 - 1735-1915

LHR - ABZ

VS 3021 - 0930-1110
VS 3023 - 1530-1710
VS 3025 - 2015-2155

Very similar to BA timings with prices starting from around £100 rt.

All rotations operated by A320-200.

Notice BA have reduced their prices significantly and you can now pick up a round trip for £100 (was around £150 before)

[papa600]

How about "Welcome to Aberdeen. Brace yourself - your journey has just begun"

[Richard Taylor]

Welcome to Aberdeen. Now turn around & **** ***!!! :E

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen International.

BBC News - Airport rebranded 'Aberdeen International' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-20937413)

[CaptainDoony]

"It is hoped the rebranding will attract more international destinations"

I doubt it. Very much.

[5711N0205W]

Maybe sounding like a stuck record but they haven't improved, the luggage facilities are far from international, they're also surely far from intentional because nobody could intend it to be that rubbish! :ugh:

[Cactus99]

"Lipstick on a pig" springs to mind! :uhoh:

[DaveReidUK]

An opportunity squandered, I'd been looking forward to "Aberdeen Denis Law Airport". :O

[xraydice]

An opportunity squandered, I'd been looking forward to "Aberdeen Donald Trump Airport".there fixed it for you, no charge.....:)

[BAladdy]

VS have released their schedule for ABZ-LHR starting 02/04/13.

Flights are 3x daily including weekends. Schedule is as follows:

ABZ - LHR

VS 3026 - 0635-0815
VS 3022 - 1155-1335
VS 3024 - 1735-1915

LHR - ABZ

VS 3021 - 0930-1110
VS 3023 - 1530-1710
VS 3025 - 2015-2155


Recruitment for the cabin crew & cabin crew managers to operate VS's new domestic services with a crew base of 24 set to be opened in ABZ.

Cabin Crew & Cabin Crew Managers - Aberdeen Base (22458531) - reed.co.uk (http://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/cabin-crew-cabin-crew-managers-aberdeen-base/22458531)

[Richard Taylor]

Hotels boost for Aberdeen - Top stories - Scotsman.com (http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/hotels-boost-for-aberdeen-1-2727726)

These to be built at the ABZ business park, in which the airport has a stake.

[Fairdealfrank]

Rebranding
Aberdeen International.


That's original!

Most UK airports are "international", the presence of several nearby overseas countries makes this obvious and neccessary. Indeed it's the same accross Europe.

How much shareholders' money was wasted on this exercise in despair?

[throw a dyce]

I always called it Dyce International Hub to the Universe.:uhoh:

Having spent 9 hours stuck there once,I have perfected the art of late arrival to the minute.;)

[DaveReidUK]

I always called it Dyce InternationalActually, you're in good company.

The BAA commissioned this video which manages, for reasons best known to themselves, to talk about "a small place like Dyce in Scotland" (0:23) without making any reference whatsoever to Aberdeen :ugh:

What is a hub airport? - YouTube

[Big Tudor]

Hotels boost for Aberdeen - Top stories - Scotsman.com (http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/hotels-boost-for-aberdeen-1-2727726)

These to be built at the ABZ business park, in which the airport has a stake.
So will this allow for more competitive pricing for ABZ hotel rooms, or will Novotel & Ibis just carry on the age old tradition? :hmm:

[Heathrow Harry]

More hotels have to be a GOOD THING - but rates are determined by the oil price TBH

[throw a dyce]

New Barcelona and Malaga summer flights announced in the P&J today.All because of rebranding of course.:hmm:

[CaptainDoony]

ABZ just posted December and annual statistics.

December was up 2.9% to 242k with domestic and intl traffic up 7.4% and 5.1% respectively. Helis were down 14.9% owing to the grounding of the EC225.

Year total was 3.36 million - up 9.1% - and the second busiest year in its history.

2013 should be a record breaker hopefully!

[CaptainDoony]

Most likely nothing but on the ABZ website for a competition (Tickets for a Man Utd game) there is a tick box asking if you would like to receive communication from "a marketing partner - Ryanair".

Could this be a hint of ABZ and FR getting back together?

[CaptainDoony]

Most likely nothing but on the ABZ website for a competition (Tickets for a Man Utd game) there is a tick box asking if you would like to receive communication from "a marketing partner - Ryanair".

Could this be a hint at ABZ and FR getting back together sometime in the near future?

[Richard Taylor]

My question is now, with the rebrand & move away from BAA branding, does the AAL management have a greater freedom to strike a deal with whichever airline for new routes? Or have they always had that freedom - rightly or wrongly, I always thought they were hamstrung by high costs due to being within the BAA umbrella & not being able to be flexible with what they could offer to airlines as incentives to come here.

Capt Doony, I don't see any reference to Ryanair in the competition. I don't intend to enter, but does it only come up once you enter? I see reference to bmi Reg as the airline involved.

[CaptainDoony]

Ah I see its been changed now - easy to mix up 'Ryanair' and 'Manchester United' :ugh:

[OltonPete]

AIRFRANCE S13 European Mainline/Franchise Operation Adjustments | Airline Route – Worldwide Airline Route Updates (http://airlineroute.net/2013/01/11/af-ysdb-s13/)

Has this been mentioned before?

Still showing the 170 in the sites I can access.

I assume at least the A318?

Pete

[Exasperated]

AIRFRANCE S13 European Mainline/Franchise Operation Adjustments | Airline Route – Worldwide Airline Route Updates

Has this been mentioned before?

Still showing the 170 in the sites I can access.

I assume at least the A318?

Pete

All service continues to be operated by Regional Aircraft despite the change

Ex

[CaptainDoony]

I have collated all route statistics over the 12 months of 2012 and present them below:

DOMESTIC

Heathrow / 663901 / 1.7%
Gatwick / 234388 / 31.9
Manchester / 180733 / 24.8
Luton / 119960 / -18.8
Birmingham / 87201 / 5.0
Sumburgh / 75501 / 9.3
Norwich / 64487 / 4.5
Kirkwall /47155 / 13.6
DTV / 33405 / 6.6
Bristol / 32230 / -1.8
Humberside / 32123 / 5.8
Newcastle / 24984 / 0.7
East Midlands / 22966 / 21.5
Belfast City / 21503 / 13.8
Southampton / 16298 / -28.0
London City / 15793 / ---
Wick / 14621 / -1.2
Cardiff / 13972 / 32.5
Stornoway / 5555 / -6.7
Exeter / 4798 / -78.6
Jersey / 2344 / ---

INTERNATIONAL

Amsterdam / 281687 / 3.5
Stavanger / 167017 / 9.6
Frankfurt / 134229 / 820.6
Paris / 107313 / -8.2
Copenhagen / 55854 / 18.8
Bergen / 51484 / -0.4
Dublin / 37153 / -32.9
Tenerife / 26354 / 33.9
Palma / 18035 / ---
Dalaman / 15395 / ---
Esbjerg / 11302 / 8.1
Reus / 6031 / ---
Baku / 5819 / 43.3
Bourgas / 5792 / ---
Malaga / 4104 / ---
Groningen / 3122 / -24.7
Ibiza / 1395 / ---

DOMESTIC CHARTER

Aberdeen / 20
Edinburgh / 55
Glasgow / 145
Inverness / 108
Leeds / 3684
Northolt / 2
Scatsta / 168127
Stansted / 51

INTERNATIONAL CHARTER

Alesund / 11
Barcelona / 38
Biarritz / 10
Catania / 288
Cork / 233
Clermont / 87
Donegal / 238
Dubrovnik / 568
Enfidha / 418
Gothenburg / 210
Haugesund / 131
Keflavik / 14
Oil Rigs / 512479
Porto / 288
Pusan Korea / 44
Rotterdam / 1
Vagar / 612
Verona / 8

YEAR TOTAL 3,334,706

All figures taken from CAA statistics. Percentages worked out by myself so some may be out here and there.

[throw a dyce]

Interesting little snippet from the P&J.Sir Moir Lockhead (ex boss of First Group)has said that Dyce International is outdated as he was on a plane that was diverted due fog.He is suggesting that the ILS equipment is ''Outdated'' as it's only Cat 1.Other airports have Cat 2 and 3,and BA can land in these conditions.
He arrived 7 hours late having been BUSSED from Edinburgh.:D

Quite a few years ago I had a BA 737 do an auto land on 16.He asked if the ILS was CAT 3 and I said no CAT 1.The ILS equipment was just fine,apart from the safeguarding/ILS beam protection.He was visual of course but let the aircraft autoland.
So it must be the airport,lighting system,basically the BAA's domain.
OK have flash branding,but perhaps a CAT 2 ILS at one of the UK most foggy airport should be considered.International airport it isn't.:=

[Richard Taylor]

I saw that story TAD. According to the airport spokesman, it was not practical to have a Cat 2/3 because the hills around would interfere with the signal.

The hills are alive with the sound of bullsh*t, or any credence in what they claim?

[throw a dyce]

I think they perhaps missed a chance with the runway extension.There was a lot of excavating required at the northwest end I reckon,and upgraded lights which could have been put in at the time.The holding points would have to have been pulled back,and whether that took in some taxiways then I don't know.
However it has been a problem for as long as I can remember,and I've been on that bus a few times as well.
It just seemed ironic that the operations side of the airport is the same old problems that ATC,Airlines etc have to sort out,when the BAA are branding the place as something that it just isn't.An International Airport.It's Dyce with a 70's terminal,and basic ILS equipment that isn't much better,because there hasn't been the will or money to do anything else.
You would think the ex boss of a bus company would be rejoicing instead of complaining.

[Aero Mad]

Why don't they just invest in GPS/RNAV approaches through EGNOS? ACI is doing very well off it and SOU next in line.

[Data Dad]

Why don't they just invest in GPS/RNAV approaches through EGNOS?

Errrrrr -probably because it won't help! RNAV Approaches (for now and the near future at least) have HIGHER minima than a standard Cat I ILS - in other words ILS will get you down lower/closer than a RNAV approach before you have to go-around.

In the medium term I am sure this will change but nothing changes in a hurry over critical equipment/procedures like that.

Most current RNAV 'installations' are to replace Non-Precision Approaches like VOR and NDB ones.

DD

[CaptainDoony]

Noticed on the Air France booking system that the AF flights disappear at the start of W13.

All other UK airports have their flights loaded but ABZ is just showing via AMS.

Will be a big blow if thats the case

EDIT - Really looks like I'm right as KLM are set to introduce a third mainline rotation in the mornings from W13 :mad:

[Richard Taylor]

One step forward...

[5711N0205W]

Ooh, that will be a blow! Just tried a CDG return on the AF site for Nov and AMS routing was the only choice... is this the LH effect?

[CaptainDoony]

I'm sure LH are partially to blame but CDG still carried 108,000 in 2012 (down from 118,000 in '11) when they used the E190 in '11 and the E170 for nearly all of 2012.

I know loads may mean little and I can't imagine there is much O&D traffic with r/t tickets at £250-300 minimum so possibly too many connecting pax not really helping the route pay for itself - especially if they're Y class/ leisure pax on cheaper tickets.

I do find it extremely strange that the route has been stagnant for a number of years in terms of growth and they decide to chop it now - why now, why not a year ago?

Maybe the AF/KL group have decided they only need 1 airline at ABZ instead of having them competing against each other - especially since they are bleeding cash right now...

[Richard Taylor]

'Maybe the AF/KL group have decided they only need 1 airline at ABZ instead of having them competing against each other - especially since they are bleeding cash right now...'

I suspect you're right with the above Capt, & that will be the main reason.

LH to FRA will be the other factor no doubt about it in my view.

But a route that carries 108,000pa you would think would attract another airline. You would think...

But - in these tough times for aviation, with even the likes of Flybe cutting back..? :uhoh:

A blow for the airport management.

[deecie]

Are you sure it's being cancelled, I noticed this related piece of news a few days ago:

AIRFRANCE S13 European Mainline/Franchise Operation Adjustments | Airline Route – Worldwide Airline Route Update (http://airlineroute.net/2013/01/11/af-ysdb-s13/)

[insuindi]

Strangely enough, via FlyBE, most direct ABZ-CDG flights show as "full or not enough seats" with immediate effect.

[Richard Taylor]

(From the bmi Reg thread)

Probably not a surprise that GRQ is being dropped. Very much a niche route, but the writing was on the wall when it was cut to a 3w route M W F this winter.

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

When is Aberdeen airport going to change from an airport living in the 70's to one that is in the oil capital of Europe? nothing new been built/expanded airport wise.

And nothing of any new routes/rotations?

Just airlines cutting back and leaving ABZ.

[IJM]

nothing new been built/expanded airport wise.

Runway extension opened in 2011 ?

[Aksai Oiler]

Maybe the reason the airlines are cutting back is because the so called extension is useless, and they should have considered another +500m. As somebody whom works in Aberdeen and lives overseas, it does not seem to me any quieter when I fly up and down from Heathrow. However, I don't think there is sufficient demand for long haul direct from Dyce, despite what anyone says.

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen airport to host business summit - Transport - Scotsman.com (http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/aberdeen-airport-to-host-business-summit-1-2763246)

Will anything come of it? Unlikely, but it's good to talk.

Supply & demand. No (insufficient) demand usually leads to no supply.

Aberdeen is just too far out of the way in the eyes of many airlines, & whilst it is commercially a successful region, there is insufficient demand to lay on services to everywhere that the business community would want. Ditto flights to the sun, although the amount of people that travel from here to fly off to the sun from other airports suggests more could be done here - Flyglobespan have never properly been replaced. The catchment area though is just too small.

However I still think the region as a whole has much to offer inbound tourism, & I wonder how well the area is marketed in that direction.

Many routes for the oil/gas community (that they would wish for) would not be viable from here - that's the bottom line (eg. Baku; now Gronigen). Unless it's an ad-hoc on a business jet. Again, maybe more should therefore be invested to attract the GA market?

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

Aye fair enough on the 150m pointless runway extension but i always though an INTERNATIONAL airport should have contact stands, aero bridges, perhaps enough parking for the aircraft that use the airport, seems most development is for the business park, not the airport. Also a brand new control tower like every other airport would be nice. Every other major UK airport seems to be getting one

[throw a dyce]

Get rid of the wedding cake.:eek:
So where would a brand new tower go,that replaces one that is 35 years old.
You would also need a big radar room to house the offshore operation.:hmm:

[GayFriendly]

Your AF flights to CDG are going to be operated by the new AF regional brand HOP! on behalf of AF from 31/3/13 either by an E75 or CR9. As they are on behalf of AF they are only bookable on AF website not direct through HOP! so am assuming you will still get same AF perks as now like through checked in bags, flyer points etc

[Richard Taylor]

He said: “APD levels in the UK are the highest in Europe, and rising, and it is driving airlines and passengers away -, only last week Flybe announced 300 job losses and the reduction of their fleet, citing APD as a contributory cause for this action.

A recent report – published by York Avation - warned that APD could cost Scotland more than two million passengers by 2016, at a cost to the Scottish economy of £210 million every year in lost tourism spend. Aberdeen International alone is forecast to lose some 200,000 passengers as a result of APD.

“Quite simply, APD makes airlines less likely to launch a new route from Aberdeen when they could introduce a similar route from rival European airports. This, coupled with the absence of a route development fund, makes it increasingly difficult to attract airlines to Scotland.”


"Connections to Heathrow are crucial and we will continue to vigorously pursue the UK Government to adopt a more pro-active role in maintaining and promoting these vital links. Air Passenger Duty is another area where we continue to be frustrated by the UK Government’s approach. Businesses and families face punitive levels of duty, making the overall cost of air travel prohibitive for many, and we will continue to argue for responsibility over APD to be passed to the Scottish Parliament in the same way that it has been devolved to Northern Ireland"

(from AIA's webite)

[5711N0205W]

Interesting GF so does this mean they will persist beyond October 2013?

[Richard Taylor]

Noted a post on the Flybe thread that the based E175 is being replaced by a DH8D.

E190/DH8D => E175/DH8D => E175 => DH8D => ??? :(

[exlatccatsa]

>>>>>SF340? :)

[Aero Mad]

==> BN2 :{

[Richard Taylor]

Nowt wrong with a BN2 := ... as long as you're not in a hurry... :}

[Aero Mad]

I'm a great Trislander fan. But the Islander? Too far. Especially ABZ - MAN in an Islander.

Not only would it take three hours, you'd be deaf by the end of it too.

[Richard Taylor]

Nope...another business park on the airport boundary.

D2 Business Park to open next to Aberdeen airport - Top stories - Scotsman.com (http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-news/top-stories/d2-business-park-to-open-next-to-aberdeen-airport-1-2775708)

[CabinCrewe]

Groningen, who honestly thought that would ever last...? Who is making these route decisions ? Woolworths? HMV ?

[CaptainDoony]

Well GRQ has been around for years basically acting as a scheduled corporate shuttle. (I think it's Shell that have large gas operations in that area)

But yeah demand has flatlined in the recent past i.e less than 3,500 in all of 2012.

[Richard Taylor]

But to me it opens the whole question of what exactly bmi R WILL or CAN do at ABZ.

GRQ - about to be dropped
AMS - started, then dropped
MAN - cut to three rotations M-F; at one point I think it was five
NWI - only two rotations M-F; at one time four
BHX - dropped
EMA - dropped
EBJ - still going
BRU - dropped
KRS - dropped not long after starting

Not exactly a stellar record is it? At least direct BRS seems to be working, but I would imagine at the cost of losing the BRS leg of T3' BRS-LBA-ABZ route. Proof again that most ABZ services struggle when there's competition; and many struggle with just one operator!!!

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

Same old same old. Aberdeen will have no room to expand soon. Dunno Wat happens if traffic keeps growing at 8% each year

[deecie]

Looking at the plans for this new 'D2' business park, it'll make no difference to the expansion potential at ABZ.

http://static.wix.com/media/7c2484_85790bd195646b92f6a0f737a3ab3bfa.png_srz_940_570_75_2 2_0.50_1.20_0.00_png_srz

[Richard Taylor]

D2...I only hope there's no plans for an R2...:}

[Heathrow Harry]

Brilliant! Put another 2000 jobs or so right onteh new bypass - if that's a roundabout and not a flyover in the plan then it will just move the current rush hour problem up the road a kilometre

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

The only this Aberdeen does is roundabouts, no one would of thought of an extra 2000 cars using the same bit of road at the same time.

[CaptainDoony]

Announced today that the airport has achieved two years of growth with a gain of more than 600,000 pax between Jan '11 and Jan '13.

Growth for Jan '13 was 0.6% up to 229,000. Pretty good considering the 11 days of disruption with hundreds of canx flights and the continued problems with the helis.

[CaptainDoony]

I wonder if we'll ever see a frequency increase on the DUB route. MAN and BHX, among others, have been getting their frequencies upped so I wonder if ABZ is on EIR's radar.

My dad and his business partner have been shuttling to and from DUB at least once a week for the last two months and he tells me the flights are "pretty busy" with plenty of suits.

Surely there is scope for a morning rotation at least in summer with the evening departure currently scheduled.

GLA and EDI have 5 & 4 daily rotations in summer and ABZ - 1.

I would hope management are being persistent with EI for this frequency because to me it seems like a route with potential.

[Fletch]

For those waiting on delayed flights this evening, reading this http://www.aberdeenairport.com/static/Aberdeen/Downloads/PDF/AIAL-Final-Master-Plan-2013.pdf may kill a bit of the time.

From page 36 it looks like the need to improve the facilities hadn't gone unnoticed after all.

[Richard Taylor]

I see MD Derek Provan is off - apparently temporarily - to be Director of Airside ops at LHR. He expects to be back at ABZ 'later this year'.

[BAladdy]

S13 will see the number of BE aircraft based at ABZ drop from 2 to 1. The DH4 aircraft will be used to operate BE's MAN flights. Flights to BHX will switch from being operated by a ABZ aircraft to being operate by a BHX DH4 from the start of S13

Are BE planning to reduce the number of crew currently based at ABZ from the start of S13?

[Richard Taylor]

I really thought Flybe could have been a major player at ABZ. I guess they have other plans.

No doubt the airline will come out with more spin at some point. Or a withdrawal from ABZ.

Pity.

[Richard Taylor]

Looking at the current, ongoing & planned business/industrial parks springing up around the airport boundary had me thinking about this subject.

In the early 80s - 81/82 I think - the Conservative Govt of the day wanted to set up a number of freeports, one of which was to be built in Scotland.

There were two candidates - Prestwick, & Aberdeen. As I recall the criteria was a successful & growing economy with increasing demand forecast. At the time, Prestwick was in the doldrums, & Aberdeen was considered the favourite for Freeport status as it was booming at the time.

The decision went to...Prestwick. In the Scottish Secretary's constituency was...Prestwick.

Ah, politics!

Had Aberdeen been given the Freeport status, I wonder whether what we are now seeing springing up could have been how the area could have looked had Freeport status been bestowed on the area.

Who knows - I cannot recall how the freeports performed, or even whether all that were proposed came into being! As for Prestwick - well, look where it is now.

The cyncial among us may wonder whether the jams we now have around the airport & elswhere would have been seen a lot earlier had the freeport status been secured & all that could have followed on from it.

Perhaps the airport will be hoping now that all the extra industrial building sees an increase in cargo/freight ops, as doubtless the energy & related companies new & existing will want to move in, many of course exporters of goods & services.

Will be interesting to see what happens, although the Master Plan (from what I read) doesn't seem to think there will be a significant rise in freight related movements...perhaps Aberdeen Harbour will be the main beneficiary.

[Heathrow Harry]

Aberdeen Harbour - now that IS a capacity constraint on growth - small, hard to get into , can't take big ships and you load/unload right in the middle of town - build a new port just north of the city maybe - and get rid of Trump and his golf courses :p

[deecie]

It's to the South they're trying to expand, they're looking into Nigg Bay

BBC News - Aberdeen Harbour 'could be set for Nigg Bay expansion' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-20676993)

[Richard Taylor]

I can't see how they (the Harbour) can expand into Nigg Bay without much dredging & landscaping, as it is quite a shallow bay - plus you run into the eastern end of Torry...come to think of it, on you go!!! :E

Anyway, the Cooncil have just announced this apparently:

#Aberdeen Crockett - 32m for new link road at Dyce Dr. Link to airport and #awpr .

Msge on tw*****.

[Richard Taylor]

@ABZ_Airport Rumours Air France are ceasing CDG flights at the end of the coming summer. Have you heard anything?

@RichardTaylor65 This was a rumour that we heard a few months back, but no, the Air France flights will be continuing.



Thanks to the guys/gals at ABZ for answering my query.

[CaptainDoony]

They certainly sound positive but there is still the fact KLM have scheduled more 737s on AMS, the flights still aren't bookable past the 27th and BE show as no flights available at all on their website (cs).

Fights still show past the 27th on ABZ website and of course ABZ denying it themselves.

Here's hoping for some good news..

[Richard Taylor]

Local paper (although it's increasingly less local!) had a feature on the bmi R CEO, Cathal O'Connell.

Nothing sprang out, except that any new routes for ABZ were not expected until 'next year'.

I presume this interview was carried out in 2013, so we're looking at...2014! IF my deduction is correct! ;)

Trying to concentrate on European routes that will interest the energy sector. Well, GRQ & KRS haven't interested them, & the EBJ route looks a bit isolated to me.

Their plans for BRS look very exciting for them - and ambitious.

[CaptainDoony]

And then the next year and the year after that :bored:

Speaking of BM and BRS I noticed that the route had a decline in January so it's disappointing that no extra traffic is being generated - although I imagine most pax are choosing BM.

[CaptainDoony]

Well I'm glad to be wrong for once! :O

AF flights have now been loaded for the winter so the route lives on :ok:

Extra capacity on AMS remains and LH all mainline for majority of Summer

[Richard Taylor]

Virgin Atlantic names domestic service Little Red - Transport - Scotsman.com (http://www.scotsman.com/business/transport/virgin-atlantic-names-domestic-service-little-red-1-2815837)

Dunno about Irn Bru though - I would settle for a cup o tea & an Aiberdeen rowie these days!!!

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen International Business Park moves forward : March 2013 : News : Architecture in profile the building environment in Scotland - Urban Realm (http://www.urbanrealm.com/news/4033/Aberdeen_International_Business_Park_moves_forward_.html)

No wonder the Aker Corpy jet has been in & out recently!

Is this presumably part of the proposed D2 business park that has been sold on?

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen International Airport interim MD announcement
04 March 2013

It has been confirmed that the former MD of Stansted Airport is set to take the reins, on an interim basis, at Aberdeen International.
Current MD Derek Provan has taken up a secondment at Heathrow as Director of Airside Operations, and today we can confirm that Nick Barton, former MD at Stansted, is picking up this role until Derek returns later in the year.
Nick has been in the Heathrow Airports Group since 2005 when he joined Stansted as Business Development and Planning Director. He is a qualified Charter Surveyor, and rose through the ranks to become Managing Director back in 2010. Prior to his time with the group, Nick held a number of roles in the infrastructure development, planning and investment industries over a 20 year period.
In a message he said: “I am delighted to be joining the Aberdeen team, to spend time in what is a very unique and diverse airport. The operational mix here is a world away from any other airport in our group, and in fact from almost any other airport across the globe. Aberdeen International fulfils a crucial role for the region and indeed country, and I look forward to building on the recent successes for the benefit of all. I am very excited about leading the team, as part of the Heathrow Airports Group, through this next phase of development and growth".

[Inverurie Lane]

Good Luck, Nick.

Maybe you're the man to get us that service to Stansted!

[nighthawk117]

Aker have a corporate jet? They never told me that when I was working for them! gits! What's the reg?

Funny enough I was just talking to an Aker employee this morning, and he mentioned this new development. Rumour is that the boss was told the lease on their existing premises was up soon, so he whipped out the credit card and bought up the land for a new complex.

[Richard Taylor]

LN...A...K...R :p

Falcon 900 I think - it's either theirs or they have the use of it anyway.

Edit: did a bit more digging - F900, Sundt Air.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 4 flights today to/from Manchester - fitba fans showing where their true allegiances lie...& it ain't with the local club... :(

[CaptainDoony]

Make that 5 as per AIA website.

Can you really blame them wanting some quality fitba? :O

[Richard Taylor]

Trust the fitba fans that flew out to MAN & back enjoyed the match & quality fitba on show...from Madrid... :E

Interesting to note the order confirmed at Helitech 2013 by the Bristow Group for the EC175 (which I thought I read about before, but now confirmed) & (which I didn't know about) the S-76D.

Wonder if either of these types will make it to the UKCS in any number?

Presume all heli operators are still banking on the eventual return of the EC225. I would never claim to know the technical ins & outs of a helicopter, but the EC225 always seemed a good machine that has run into an ill period of luck with the two near identical issues last year that led to the controlled water landings. I hope it does return, but I'm old enough to remember what happened after the BV234 was lost in 1986 off Sumburgh - total loss of confidence in the type from the people that had to be transported in them.

[Richard Taylor]

Virgin (http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/virgin-s-zero-fares-on-scots-routes-in-ba-battle-1-2842229)

£0 fare vs. £1 fare. You pay the taxes only.

Roll up roll up - a race to the bottom for your business. :eek:

[chrystall]

about time there was competition! which dates are offering taxes only?:D

[Richard Taylor]

'Aberdeen Airport ‏@ABZ_Airport 23h

Our new MD Nick Barton is on page 32 of the @pressjournal. An interesting feature. pic.twitter.com/dkvA3USM0h'

This was a few days ago. TBH the feature didn't really say very much. Committed to developing the airport...what MD isn't.

More airlines/routes - only new schedule route since runway extension has been FRA with Lufthansa, with Virgin due to start LHR soon.

Underlining commitment to maintaining slots to London. Again, you would expect MD to confirm that.

Unless we get another route development fund & a relaxation of APD (unlikely) we'll always be waaaay down the pecking order for new routes. And even then, catchment area is always against us. Aberdeen bypass? Will that help? Maybe, but not to the extent the airport hope, I don't think. 5m+ pax by 2030 to me seems a tad optimistic! Hope I'm wrong of course.

[VickersVicount]

Does ABZ have a link to GVA, interesting INV has gained the route

[simfly]

No, BA/cityflyer have an opportunity (in my opinion...) to utilise the Embraer that sits in Aberdeen all saturday and sunday mornings! I'm sure they could fill it every week. Hopefully next ski season!

[CaptainDoony]

See Aer Lingus have got a few days of double DUB penciled in example 11/4, 22/4. Nothing much only an ATR 42 but hopefully a positive sign of things to come on the route once they get their shiny new ATR's :ok:

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen has never really had a ski charter season. I can recall British Midland (DC9) & Swissair (MD80) in the 70s/80s but I think those were short seasonal only. I presume there just isn't the demand.

Local press (caught up?) says DLH to FRA will be all-737 for S13, from June. I recall they were increasing capacity this summer, but couldn't remember what to. Nice to hear DLH say they made the right decision in coming.

Edit:
Apologies, I also meant to add the Aberdeen-based aviation writer (& RNLI member I think) Jim Ferguson died today following a stroke, aged 74. I know the heli guys didn't agree with all he wrote, but I always found him an interesting listen. RIP to Jim & condolences to his wife & colleagues/friends.

[CaptainDoony]

The demand is definitely there and as Simfly says the BA 170/190 that sits around all Saturday in Winter would be a perfect fit for a GVA rotation.

Unfortunately London Airways would never launch a route not beginning/ending in London. Shame.

[Richard Taylor]

So, possibly Lufthansa apart, what airlines/routes have been attracted to Aberdeen Airport then?

Anything?...Anyone?? Any gen of might be in the offing?

Or is it the case that, as I continue to suspect, the airport are getting nowhere in their discussions with their 'airline partners' & airlines that don't fly to ABZ. I know these things can take a long time but in ABZ's case, we're always last isolated out-of-the way cab on the rank; or in fact a cab that is ignored. That's maybe one of the issues.

This area continues to grow (some would say it's booming), one of the few that did & is through the current economic troubles. You only have to look at the low unemployment rate & number of job vacancies. You would have thought perhaps a few scheduled flights to the sun might have been resurrected by now, or more airlines at least showing an interest in the strength of the NE Scotland economy.

Or have the airport given up on those.

Jet2 et al continue to add flights from other UK destinations, but ABZ never among them, despite our economic success.

It's just a tad frustrating I have to admit. Why should everybody be funneled via GLA/EDI - & indeed sometimes further afield for holiday flights?

Are we really that bad?? Are the management complacent & happy just to manage the airport, not promote it?? :confused:

[VickersVicount]

Didnt MON/ZB try ABZ and it didn't work ? Im sure if airlines thought it would be a goldmine they'd be in there like a shot.

[Richard Taylor]

MON worked AGP-ABZ out of a base in AGP & it worked. Then they closed AGP base & operated it with an a/c & crew from MAN base, if memory serves. Then it didn't work due to the increase in costs from operating it with MAN a/c & crew.

[VickersVicount]

If the AGP base experiment was a success why did it get canned ?

[CaptainDoony]

The base wasn't a success no with BLK and BOH IIRC failing miserably so it closed but the ABZ route was the last to get chopped and operated with very high loads all the time.

And then there was GSM who, after a couple of years of chopping and changing seemed to get a schedule nailed down in 2009 that worked.

[Heathrow Harry]

Aberdeen has one unique selling point that could/should attract more traffic - it probably has the highest percentage of full-fare/business passengers in the UK outside of London City due to the oil business

[c2lass]

I often wonder if what Heathrow Harry says, which is very true, has a detrimental effect? For non oil non business people, fares from Aberdeen can be very expensive compared to GLA or EDI and I have often thought that prices from ABZ are expensive because the airlines know they will be able to sell the tickets to probably business people. This could then drives pax away from Aberdeen as fare prices for non oil travelling people are too expensive..

For example when BA used to fly to Manchester a few years ago the fare from ABZ was ridiculous. My mum lives near Manchester so when I went to visit, a couple of times we have driven to GLA for a BA flight to MAN as we could save ourselves a couple of hundred pounds!

I priced flights to London a few months ago and just short of £400 for the two of us. For not much more you can fly Long Haul with Lufthansa or KLM?

Not everyone who wants to go to London/Manchester are business people however it would be interesting to know what percentage would be?

[Richard Taylor]

Airport bosses are contemplating a unique solution to the airport's rabbit problem - put them in the pot.

Numbers are booming, and the airport is considering handing any it catches over to catering.

So rabbit stew could well be appearing on the menus some time soon.

Although I don't know how many would fancy eating a rabbit that's been run over by an A319. :yuk:

[throw a dyce]

Here wabbit wabbit.;)

[CaptainDoony]

As per The Southampton thread it seems Eastern are ending their BRS one stop via LBA as of 19/4.

Not at all surprising and I'm sure the bean counters at BMR will be delighted.

[liam4393]

Looks like the Sunday evening LGW EZY875/876 flight is changing to an A320 from December. I was on the EZY875 flight last night on an A319, and it left with only 1 spare seat. Good to see that this route is doing well :)

[chrystall]

I wish someone would come in to operate to LGW again - easyjet doing well but no option to interline is a total pain!! :ugh:

[Heathrow Harry]

still better than having to travel from LHR or Luton to LGW...............

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

I wonder if Scotland gets independence next year and hopefully they do whether that will increase air travel to not only Aberdeen but Scottish airports as a whole?, been able to lower apd which puts so many airlines off but also because 90% of oil revenue will be streaming thru Aberdeen and holywood instead of via London with a trickle returning north. Perhaps with an independent Scotland, and not the huge benefits bill of England which is a disgrace anyways, more money can be invested properly in Scotland, especially the north east!!

[Joe Curry]

Better the Devil you know than the Devil you don't?

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

Aye perhaps but I reckon Scotland be a much better place without English rule

[Joe Curry]

The last time I was in the Aberdeen area English accents seemed rife in the
organiser classes. Dare I say be careful of what you wish for? As for aviation
I think ABZ would be a quiter place than it is now. IMHO

[Skipness One Echo]

been able to lower apd which puts so many airlines off but also because 90% of oil revenue will be streaming thru Aberdeen and holywood instead of via London with a trickle returning north. Perhaps with an independent Scotland, and not the huge benefits bill of England which is a disgrace anyways, more money can be invested properly in Scotland, especially the north east!!
MASSIVE "perhaps" as you won't be getting 90% of oil revenues, that's an SNP fantasy. Perhaps you'd like 90% of RBS and HBOS debt in return? Thought not.
APD is killing the industry but with a deficit still stubbornly in existence, removing that income stream just makes the deficit bigger or causes the axe to fall elsewhere. Given the North East is the most affluent part of the country, there's a host of much needier cases elsewhere believe me.
Aye perhaps but I reckon Scotland be a much better place without English rule Much better place without casual anti-English sentiment IMHO, I say that as a Scot who was brought up to blame the English for....well everything come to think of it. *flashbacks* Mr Salmond isn't English, nor was Mr Brown and Mr Blair and even Mr Cameron is of Scottish descent. Scotland has control of most domestic affairs at Holyrood already.

How's Little Red doing? Surely that must be dragging down fares?

[CaptainDoony]

Just flew down on Virgin Little Red this morning and although I'm aware no service starts with 100% loads there was only 20 passengers onboard the A320 which is a bit concerning when the comparable BA service looked 100% full. There was even a post in another thread saying there was 2 pax on one of the rotations.

Early days yet though and I'm sure bookings will pick up once people get to know about the service. I don't think there was much advertising until a few days before the inaugural which probably explains the very low loads.

Time will tell...

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

British airways will be laughing all the way to the bank, virgin are paying aer lingus 1 million a week to operate the domestic service and ba will still carry the same amount of passengers just with less flights than before thus increasing their profit, I for one hope that the virgin domestic service works and perhaps is the start of perhaps future routes out of Aberdeen although I doubt anything will change. I can see in 12 months Virgin finding away to finish the domestic experiment an trading the domestic slots for international flts, guess we will wait and see

[Aksai Oiler]

I concur, and certainly won't be switching from more frequent and better connecting BA flights just to fly on the Little Red thingy

[Richard Taylor]

Aberdeen in Scotland will provide the backdrop for Routes Europe on April 12-14, 2015, when the route development forum holds its first regional event in the UK.

Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) led a successful bid involving key stakeholders in the region, making it only the second time Routes has taken place in the UK, after Edinburgh held the World Routes event in 2003.

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said hosting Routes Europe would help Scotland attract more air routes.

"The Scottish Government is working to secure more direct international flights from Scotland and hosting events such Routes Europe supports this ambition," she said.

"This event is a great opportunity to showcase the continuing strength of the economy of the North-East and the dynamic nature of Aberdeen International Airport as one of the fastest growing airports in the UK."

Routes Europe will also showcase Scotland’s appeal to airline operators as "an ambitious, forward-looking country keen to do business with our international neighbours", she added.

Steve Harris, chief executive of VisitAberdeen, described Aberdeen as "one of the very few cities in Europe showing sustained year-on-year growth".

"To have 1000 of the European aviation industry’s most senior decision makers coming here, to see not only our vibrant economy but our historic city and fabulous countryside, is a wonderful opportunity," he said.

Aberdeen Council leader Barney Crockett described Aberdeen as "the beating heart of Europe's oil and gas economy" and said it is taking a big step forward onto the travel and tourism industry stage by attracting Routes Europe.

Aberdeen International Airport operates over 80 daily scheduled routes and recently extended its runway for new international and national flights.

More than 60% of its passenger traffic is business traffic, mainly driven by the energy industry. The airport also has one of the biggest commercial helicopter operations in the world, carrying over 500,000 passengers per year.

Aberdeen Airport claims to provide the highest level of hub connectivity of any UK regional airport, with daily services to regional destinations such as London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, Copenhagen and Frankfurt.

[VickersVicount]

Doesn't EDI offer all those hub connections ?

[johnnychips]

Depends what you define as a 'regional' airport.

[c2lass]

We came back from LCY on Monday night. Arrived back at ABZ just before 5 so rather than sit in traffic (last time at that time it took us 55 minutes to get from airport car park to Haudagain) we decided to have supper in the Witherspoons bar.

We could not believe the lack of taxis for the amount of people queuing. There must have been about 50-60 people in that queue. The queue was not moving at all so those poor people must have been stood there for nearly an hour as we left at 6.00 and the queue was the same.

If Aberdeen wants to be an "International" airport it really needs to look at public transport. Every other airport has fantastic public transport links. Arriving at LCY last Friday, a queue of taxis all readily available, a rail network that takes you right into the City. It is the same every other City we have travelled to.

I honestly wonder what our visitors think upon arrival and see the lack of public transport. Certainly not an "International" airport.

[liam4393]

I just hope that Aberdeen 'International' Airport get their act together before 2015. I flew from Aberdeen a few weeks ago and have never seen nothing like it in an airport. The EZY LGW pax were made to stand at the same side as the pax waiting to board the flybe MAN flight, meaning that there were around 200 pax in total crammed into an almost single line in a space only about 10m long, with other pax asking you "are you queuing for the LGW or MAN flight?" It did not help matters when World Duty Free used one of their promo stands to block the staircase from the gate to domestic arrivals, meaning that the 156 passengers arriving on the EZY LGW flight had to battle through the passengers waiting to board for the return LGW flight as well as the flybe MAN passengers to get to the staircase next to the BA lounge. From the doors of the EZY LGW opening to the last passenger getting through to arrivals took 15 minutes! Then having to wait 25 minutes for bags to arrive at the conveyer belt just makes ABZ a joke. This will certainly not look good when world airlines and airport representatives come for the conference and experience first hand the disorganisation that takes place, especially the likes of easyJet with short turn-around times where delays caused by the airport will delay flights.

Sorry, that is my rant over :)

[TRY2FLY]

That staircase that world of duty free blocks off most of the time is a designated emergency exit route. Obviously no health and safety rep at ABZ!!!!

[Inverurie Lane]

I quite agree about the ridiculous situation of queuing beyond the gate, in the 'corridor', but is it an airline issue? not necessarily the airport. I've not experienced it when flying with BA or KLM - just the 'low-cost' operators. That said, with passenger numbers, on the whole, rising and their 'commitment' to establishing new routes, AIA really need to look into adding a second floor to the terminal to be used soley for departing passengers - like the vast majority of International Airports. We could have air bridges then, too!

As for Virgin; early days. I imagine they're in the domestic market mainly to connect with their long haul network, and most people (especially non-business flyers) book those kinds of flights months in advance - before the little red service had even been mooted. So lets give it some time :ok:

[Heathrow Harry]

C2Class - taxi provision at ABZ has always been a joke - at least these days there is a longer shelter to wait in - the old one held 10 people

Every other airport I go to has a long line of taxis waiting for customers - at ABZ it's the other way round

Public transport is unlikely to work - there aren't enough passengers to justify either a dedicated tram/train and the current train runs rarely on the other side of the airport...... Plus most people don't actually want to go the town centre - they are heading for one of the business parks or housing estates

[5711N0205W]

Aberdeen -

Foresight
Investment
Infrastructure

No, no and no

No bypass
No decent transport links to the airport
No planning for airport arrival capacity

The money that has been spent inside the terminal has improved check in and the security processes, boarding and arrivals are still laughable. Lipstick on the pig.

[Richard Taylor]

Yes, yes but do we have any GOOD points??? ;)

[throw a dyce]

Here's a question.
Can Dyce International take a 787 parking on the apron.I think it's too big as it's larger than a 767-300,but I'm sure someone in the know will know.
So will the aircraft that is the future,(once it gets rid of the Lipo batteries),be able to fly to Dyce without parking on 23.:hmm:
Forget the terminal,baggage,taxis,traffic problems.Nothing happened for 30 years so what's new.

[CaptainDoony]

Is ABZ not certified for the 767-400 as well? If so a 787 should manage no bother I'd have thought.

Mind you I don't think we need to worry about that :sad:

[throw a dyce]

I don't think a 767-400 can fit on the stands.A 767-300 can, so unless something has altered I reckon the 787 won't fit.It doesn't mention anything in the AIP.
TUI have ordered them,so I guess it will be a matter of time before one turns up,or diverts in for some reason.Wonder if AIA have even considered it.
Anyway carry on moaning about the terminal etc.:zzz::zzz:

[ANYWHERE BUT ABZ]

There was talk on extending the terminal and making it two levels, I'd assume top for departures bottom for arrivals, doubt in my lifetime I will see any change Wat so ever at Aberdeen. It's the worst airport I have ever seen in my life an as a frequent flyer both domestic and international I have seen some trulely wonderful and well laid out airports with about the pax figures as Aberdeen, maybe with 2 stories we could get some air bridges connecting to the aircraft???? Or toooooooo much to ask of Abz management

[CaptainDoony]

It's the worst airport I have ever seen in my life

Bit extreme, I mean its not the best but IMO it seems perfectly adequate for the traffic the majority of the time - save for a Friday evening with a charter or two mixed in.

I've been to PIK, LGW, LTN, NCL and they're all gash :hmm:

[Richard Taylor]

Perhaps this is behind TAD's question? Post from the Thomson thread:

Most likely the B787, the Summer 2014 Dreamliner routes will probably be announced next week when the S14 flights are released.

They will also operate flights from Aberdeen to CFU & DLM, Leeds Bradford to AYT, Bristol to KGS, KVA & RAK, Glasgow to KGS, Southend to IBZ and Birmingham to LEI & CTA for the Summer 2014 season.

I presume if they're not on 23, they will angle park on Std 1...1A or however they designate it.

IF that post is correct, of course.

[IrishFlyer2013]

Thomson issued a couple of press releases today in regards to there Summer 2014 programme. This link TUITravel Media Centre - News - Thomson's summer 2014 launch includes exclusive island hotel and new Sensatori - TUITravel Media Centre (http://communicationcentre.thomson.co.uk/News/Thomson-s-summer-2014-launch-includes-exclusive-island-hotel-and-new-Sensatori-14f.aspx) mentions the new routes for the Summer 2014, which includes two new routes from Aberdeen to Corfu & Dalaman. Great news for ABZ. :ok:

[CaptainDoony]

Southend is also on that list so probably just 738s but CFU and DLM will be nice additions to the TOM portfolio at ABZ. Hope it's true.

[adfly]

Well considering SEN is mentioned in the same sentence, I'd say the 'they' in that sentence refers to Thomson/First Choice rather than the 787!

[Richard Taylor]

I'd be surprised if a 787 rocks up Adfly, but would be something different for ABZ anyway!

[throw a dyce]

RT,
No I don't know anything about a 787 being used of of ABZ,but a Dalaman route is good news.:cool::cool:
It's just reading the press statement ''An ambitious forward-looking country keen to do business with our International neighbours'' and ''The beating heart of Europe's oil and gas economy'' made my eyebrow rise a bit.
Just wondering if the aircraft designed exactly for flying from smaller airports over long range can actually be parked at ABZ.Why do AIA always go on about a runway extension(The Ryanair memorial strip) and then struggle to park a medium size aircraft on the teeny weeny apron.:confused:
I suppose a 787 could be used shorter range if it's ETOPS clearance is withdrawn due to the battery issue,but I don't know.Thompson have put a 763 into Dyce before.
Anyway about the terminal...................

[FRatSTN]

Will Corfu and Dalaman from Aberdeen even be operated by a TOM aircraft? Won't they have someone like Freebird Airlines or Onur Air on the Dalaman route for instance??

[Richard Taylor]

When I think about it, I don't think ABZ has ever had a Corfu holiday flight. It only ever used to be 99% Spain in the olden days, & 99% of that Palma!

Are the airport & Ryanair even in dialogue any more?