MAN- World's LEAST (Crew) favourite airport
Jolly Green Giant
Join Date: May 1999
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Someone should really make sure that the Manchester airport management see this post. There's far too many negative comments to make it just a once off complaint by one person. Unfortunately I don't think mangement will pay too much attention to comments from Aviation employees, only if passengers complain in huge numbers will they take action, which is wrong, they should lisyen to Aircrew and other airport personnel. Manchester should be bigger and better then it is, I think the point about it being the UK's second city is that you're really looking at Greater Manchester. When you add in all the surrounding Urban centres, as you must, I think the population gets up to over 3,500,000. That's especially true when looking at the airport, I mean there's no international airport for Wigan or Salford! And then when you add in the passengers that will come from the Leeds/Bradford and Sheffield areas and Liverpool, that adds up to a huge catchment area.
I've never understood why Manchester does not have significantally greater passenger numbers when taking the large population areas into account. There's also a large asian population in these areas which I would have thought would mean a far greater number of flights serving MAN from the asian carriers. It will be interesting to see how BMid have got on serving the US from MAN. I wonder what the business class load rate is compared to LHR and LGW. anyone know? Look at today, there's only three direct flights to New York and one of them originates in Karachi.
Manchester may not be the prettiest city in the world but it certainly is a city 'open for business,' there's a huge amount of wealth in the Greater Manchester area. If someone can unleash the potential there, they'll make a fortune.
I've never understood why Manchester does not have significantally greater passenger numbers when taking the large population areas into account. There's also a large asian population in these areas which I would have thought would mean a far greater number of flights serving MAN from the asian carriers. It will be interesting to see how BMid have got on serving the US from MAN. I wonder what the business class load rate is compared to LHR and LGW. anyone know? Look at today, there's only three direct flights to New York and one of them originates in Karachi.
Manchester may not be the prettiest city in the world but it certainly is a city 'open for business,' there's a huge amount of wealth in the Greater Manchester area. If someone can unleash the potential there, they'll make a fortune.
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Onan,You miss the point, I wasn't trying to promote Manchester above any other city in the North, South or anywhere else.Just pointing out that grim horrible places aren't confined to the North of England.Ever walked round Milton Keynes? been stuck on a packed,stopped tube in 80 degrees of heat? tried to get a taxi in the centre of London or New York for that matter.
Operating out of MAN this afternoon.Huge battle through millions of passengers in T2 to get to the office.Don't suppose the places that most of them appear to hail from are so great either.
Operating out of MAN this afternoon.Huge battle through millions of passengers in T2 to get to the office.Don't suppose the places that most of them appear to hail from are so great either.
Jolly Green Giant
Join Date: May 1999
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Onan,
Maybe I'm old fashioned , but I think your comments on Manchester are incredibly rude. I'm not even a 'Manc' yet I find your comments insulting. I think it's a horrible and nasty trait to slag off someone's city or country in the manner that you are doing. Certainly if the city/country is badly run then by all means criticise the politicians or authorities, but don't ridicule the general population and their home, their city.
There is no city or country on this planet that is perfect, including your own, I won't go too deep into it, but having a preference for observing drying paint comes to mind. But you're happy there and Canada is indeed a beautiful country but it's not perfect nor is any city. I mean look where I live, nightmarish traffic congestion, ridiculous house prices, no adequate public transport, endless debates on where and when to build a national sports stadium and politicains continually 'on the make' yet I wouldn't live anywhere else and I suspect the millions of Mancunians feel the same about their city.
You had a bad experience there because you had the bad luck to be present during a football game, which could have happened anywhere in the UK or Europe. Manchester has great energy and creative talent, I mean look at the music and sporting talent they've produced.
Jesus, I'm saying all this and I'm a Liverpool supporter!!!!!!
Walk on, walk on.....
Maybe I'm old fashioned , but I think your comments on Manchester are incredibly rude. I'm not even a 'Manc' yet I find your comments insulting. I think it's a horrible and nasty trait to slag off someone's city or country in the manner that you are doing. Certainly if the city/country is badly run then by all means criticise the politicians or authorities, but don't ridicule the general population and their home, their city.
There is no city or country on this planet that is perfect, including your own, I won't go too deep into it, but having a preference for observing drying paint comes to mind. But you're happy there and Canada is indeed a beautiful country but it's not perfect nor is any city. I mean look where I live, nightmarish traffic congestion, ridiculous house prices, no adequate public transport, endless debates on where and when to build a national sports stadium and politicains continually 'on the make' yet I wouldn't live anywhere else and I suspect the millions of Mancunians feel the same about their city.
You had a bad experience there because you had the bad luck to be present during a football game, which could have happened anywhere in the UK or Europe. Manchester has great energy and creative talent, I mean look at the music and sporting talent they've produced.
Jesus, I'm saying all this and I'm a Liverpool supporter!!!!!!
Walk on, walk on.....
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Have to agree that Manchester Airport is a shambles.
It's a shopping centre that has a park for aircraft. The so-called Security Service must rate very close to Parking Attendants for popularity.
Isn't it funny that a fair few of them seem to want to be obstructive to the very people that are the reason they've got a job. Actually its not 'funny' at all, it just gets tedious.
We are told by the Company to go to the front of the Staff entry, then get abuse or dirty looks from the very staff that are supposed to assist us get the job done.
I would love to hear from the Airport Manager/Security Manager and find out his reaction to the above comments.
As for Staff West carpark, the machines have gobbled my Card and my 'never-used' replacement twice on the trot! What's going on? Before anyone asks, the cards are kept in the little blue plastic wallet, in the door of my car.
The message from the sqwauk-box is can you go to Hale-an-Hearty House in working hours - Pardon Me? The hours we tend to work start when the pen-pushers are tucked up in bed and end when they're on their way to the pub or downing their first!
User-friendly, helpful, Favourite - I don't think so.
It's a shopping centre that has a park for aircraft. The so-called Security Service must rate very close to Parking Attendants for popularity.
Isn't it funny that a fair few of them seem to want to be obstructive to the very people that are the reason they've got a job. Actually its not 'funny' at all, it just gets tedious.
We are told by the Company to go to the front of the Staff entry, then get abuse or dirty looks from the very staff that are supposed to assist us get the job done.
I would love to hear from the Airport Manager/Security Manager and find out his reaction to the above comments.
As for Staff West carpark, the machines have gobbled my Card and my 'never-used' replacement twice on the trot! What's going on? Before anyone asks, the cards are kept in the little blue plastic wallet, in the door of my car.
The message from the sqwauk-box is can you go to Hale-an-Hearty House in working hours - Pardon Me? The hours we tend to work start when the pen-pushers are tucked up in bed and end when they're on their way to the pub or downing their first!
User-friendly, helpful, Favourite - I don't think so.
The Reverend
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One of the very few positive things about my retirement from flying is the fact that I do not have to operate into Manchester any more! The entry to gate 64 through the security checkpoint was a constant irritant prior to each flight. Having to disembark from the crew bus with suitcase and navbag in hand, you found that the door to the X-ray post was outward opening. This of course meant that you had to put suitcase on ground to open spring loaded door than dash through before it slammed on your ankles. Placing long haul size suitcase on conveyor belt you find that X-ray machine aperture is not large enough to allow entry of your suitcase. You now have to wrestle it down and drag it through metal detector gate to open it up on the other side for physical check. What a marvel of British engineering! Many of my complaints during my active flying days to the authorities went unheeded. What an absolute cheek to have sought promotion of this city as an olympic venue! Although I cannot comment about the new hotel at the airport, all the others in the vicinity are an absolute disgrace.
Senis Semper Fidelis
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Hi Fellow Ppruners,
Ive just read through the thread of complaints about Manchester Airport and the staff problems that you are all encountering, I feel very sorry for you all BUT HAVE NONE OF YOU GOT ANY BALLS AT ALL, if I was to be treated how it sounds you people are , then I would have somebodies Testicles hanging from the highest point in the Duty Free area, stop being BIG GIRLS BLOUSES and kick some's Arse, once done you might even get doors openend for you!!!
Ive just read through the thread of complaints about Manchester Airport and the staff problems that you are all encountering, I feel very sorry for you all BUT HAVE NONE OF YOU GOT ANY BALLS AT ALL, if I was to be treated how it sounds you people are , then I would have somebodies Testicles hanging from the highest point in the Duty Free area, stop being BIG GIRLS BLOUSES and kick some's Arse, once done you might even get doors openend for you!!!
Join Date: Nov 1999
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As for the claim of being the "worlds favourite airport" how about Amsterdam, Dubai, Singapore, Tampa, Hong Kong, Osaka, Geneva, Jeddah, Houston, Dallas Fort Worth and Seattle-Tacoma to name a few.
2001
European Airport of the Year - Institute of Transport Management
2000
IATA Global Monitor Airport 2000 survey: 5th place
1999
Silver Award for Best Airport in Europe, Middle East and Africa at OAG Airline of the Year Awards
1998
IATA Airport Monitor Survey 1998: 3rd place
1997
IATA Airport Monitor Survey 1997: 3rd place
Best International Business Airport, Business Travel World Award
TTG/American Express 'Top UK Airport' Gold Award
1996
IATA Airport Monitor Survey 1996: 2nd place.
World's Third Best International Airport in 1996 (Executive Travel Magazine)
1995
IATA Airport Monitor Survey 1995: 1st place
Golden Globe Award Best UK Airport, Travel Weekly
Best Regional Airport Award, Executive Travel Magazine
1994
Best Regional Airport Award, Wagon Travel/Executive Travel
Voted Best Regional Airport by Executive Travel Magazine
Voted best UK Airport by readers of travel trade magazines
1993
Gold Award Top UK Airport, Travel Trade Gazette Express Newspapers
'Odin' Annual Award Best Regional Airport, Anglo-Nordic Times
Voted best UK Airport by readers of travel trade magazines
1992
Silver Globe Award Best UK Airport, Travel Weekly
Voted best UK Airport by readers of travel trade magazines
1991
Silver Globe Award Best UK Airport, Travel Weekly
Voted best UK Airport by readers of travel trade magazines
1990
Silver Globe Award Best UK Airport, Travel Weekly
Voted best UK Airport by readers of travel trade magazines
[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: Ringwayman ]
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Well, well, well Ringwayman
Now tell me that the people who assess Airports for their 'Ratings' go through all the day-to-day aggravation the rest of us put up with or:
Do you think that they were escorted around, used the Fasttrack, were treated to complimentary meals and drinks and were basically arse-crawled to generally.
Alternatively, ask Mrs Bloggs from Bolton how she found the whole experience - that's bound to be objective isn't it.
All these 'Awards' are excuses for qwango's at everybody else's expense.
Open your eyes and stop all the rhetoric.
A copy of this website thread has been forwarded to Manchester Airport for their comments. Let's see what they say.
Now tell me that the people who assess Airports for their 'Ratings' go through all the day-to-day aggravation the rest of us put up with or:
Do you think that they were escorted around, used the Fasttrack, were treated to complimentary meals and drinks and were basically arse-crawled to generally.
Alternatively, ask Mrs Bloggs from Bolton how she found the whole experience - that's bound to be objective isn't it.
All these 'Awards' are excuses for qwango's at everybody else's expense.
Open your eyes and stop all the rhetoric.
A copy of this website thread has been forwarded to Manchester Airport for their comments. Let's see what they say.
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Onan
Its clear that sad old b******s like yourself dont get out much these days.
What do you specify in your criteria of a city which is not dismal or dank?
Manchester has as many places of interest and entertainment as any other city in the uk, some better, some worse but why is manchester a favourite location amoungst students?
Its a fact that many of the worlds best airlines choose to serve this city rather than other uk cities outside London as they see the many benifits in serving Manchester which also results in passengers from other towns and cities in the uk including our 2nd city of Birmingham.
Onan, I dont know which great place you reside in yourself, but you could take a trip away from your PC to expore these places and see modern Britain.
Its clear that sad old b******s like yourself dont get out much these days.
What do you specify in your criteria of a city which is not dismal or dank?
Manchester has as many places of interest and entertainment as any other city in the uk, some better, some worse but why is manchester a favourite location amoungst students?
Its a fact that many of the worlds best airlines choose to serve this city rather than other uk cities outside London as they see the many benifits in serving Manchester which also results in passengers from other towns and cities in the uk including our 2nd city of Birmingham.
Onan, I dont know which great place you reside in yourself, but you could take a trip away from your PC to expore these places and see modern Britain.
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Oneworld22
No other city's citizens (on this list) promote themselves and make false claims like those of Mancunian listees. And boy do they slag other UK towns. Yes I had an horrendous visit to Manchester and yes, I do think it's a s**t hole of a place. As to you reference to famous sporting personalities hailing from that place, I for one can't name any. I know soccer is big in Manchester as it is in Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds and London also Madrid, Barcelona, Turin, Milan, Munich, Rio, Buenos Aires, Montevideo et al ad nauseum. I also know that Glasgow is famous for golfing and Liverpool for horse racing and golfing, what other sports does Manchester have other than yewnited? And before you mention it, Manchester has the Commonwealth Games because no other city bid for it.
Skymarshal
I hail from Etobicoke which is a suburb of Toronto, Ontario. Toronto is a city that is trying (ever so hard) to become a world class city. We are not yet, and likely won't be, a world class city for a very long time.
Our airport is very big/busy and getting bigger/bussier but we still don't have a rail link to it. It is presently handling 28 million pax per annum and will, upon completion of the new terminal, be capable of handling 60 million pax per annum. None of which will make us a better city than Montreal, Antwerp, Liverpool, Lisbon or Zurich but even if Toronto stagnates it will still be a better place than Manchester to live and visit. And I may have been unlucky to be in Manchester when it's soccer thugs were celebrating, but I can guarantee that you can visit Toronto after a Leafs, Argo's, Rapters or Jays game and you will not be subject to the vile, racial abuse that both my wife and I were subjected to in Manchester.
Oh and one more thing: How come your national carrier (worlds favourite airline) only flies one long haul route from your (worlds favourite airport)?
[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: Onan ]
No other city's citizens (on this list) promote themselves and make false claims like those of Mancunian listees. And boy do they slag other UK towns. Yes I had an horrendous visit to Manchester and yes, I do think it's a s**t hole of a place. As to you reference to famous sporting personalities hailing from that place, I for one can't name any. I know soccer is big in Manchester as it is in Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds and London also Madrid, Barcelona, Turin, Milan, Munich, Rio, Buenos Aires, Montevideo et al ad nauseum. I also know that Glasgow is famous for golfing and Liverpool for horse racing and golfing, what other sports does Manchester have other than yewnited? And before you mention it, Manchester has the Commonwealth Games because no other city bid for it.
Skymarshal
I hail from Etobicoke which is a suburb of Toronto, Ontario. Toronto is a city that is trying (ever so hard) to become a world class city. We are not yet, and likely won't be, a world class city for a very long time.
Our airport is very big/busy and getting bigger/bussier but we still don't have a rail link to it. It is presently handling 28 million pax per annum and will, upon completion of the new terminal, be capable of handling 60 million pax per annum. None of which will make us a better city than Montreal, Antwerp, Liverpool, Lisbon or Zurich but even if Toronto stagnates it will still be a better place than Manchester to live and visit. And I may have been unlucky to be in Manchester when it's soccer thugs were celebrating, but I can guarantee that you can visit Toronto after a Leafs, Argo's, Rapters or Jays game and you will not be subject to the vile, racial abuse that both my wife and I were subjected to in Manchester.
Oh and one more thing: How come your national carrier (worlds favourite airline) only flies one long haul route from your (worlds favourite airport)?
[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: Onan ]
The comments about the car park situation and security, etc. that aircrew have to suffer at MAN are quite appalling.
Are BALPA and the IPA aware of this?
Ever heard of the 80/20 rule? 80% of the effort should be spent solving the problem and 20% defining it - unfortunately it's very easy to fall into the trap of reversing the figures.
Some sort of unified ACTION is required to sort this out! How about an aircrew "sit-in" at the car park or, say, obstructing the crew buses etc. You have got to hurt the authorities and the people who "run the show" where it hurts the most - one thing they HATE is bad publicity!!
Are BALPA and the IPA aware of this?
Ever heard of the 80/20 rule? 80% of the effort should be spent solving the problem and 20% defining it - unfortunately it's very easy to fall into the trap of reversing the figures.
Some sort of unified ACTION is required to sort this out! How about an aircrew "sit-in" at the car park or, say, obstructing the crew buses etc. You have got to hurt the authorities and the people who "run the show" where it hurts the most - one thing they HATE is bad publicity!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 1999
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Well I am very pleased that so many people share my low opinion of the way Manchester Airport treats flight crew. But what do we do about it?
For starters, how about we all write to or ring Geoff Muirhead (0161 489 3000) to tell him how shabby his outfit is?
For starters, how about we all write to or ring Geoff Muirhead (0161 489 3000) to tell him how shabby his outfit is?
Join Date: Mar 1999
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When will Manch. standardize the docking systems on the stands?
Came on to stand the other day (2 I think)and although there is lateral guidance there is nothing to indicate stop point (unless you count a mirror thats pointing in the wrong direction) marshaller was sitting there in his car, so we stopped short expecting him to get the hint, nothing.So we called tower to get marshalling assistance,and only then did he dain to get off his A**e and give us guidance. Unprofessional.
The airport Authority are very aware of the problems concerning stands,(cos every time you complain they just say "yeah we know, they're looking into it") but little if nothing ever gets done I just hope nobody gets hurt before they do somthing about it.
Came on to stand the other day (2 I think)and although there is lateral guidance there is nothing to indicate stop point (unless you count a mirror thats pointing in the wrong direction) marshaller was sitting there in his car, so we stopped short expecting him to get the hint, nothing.So we called tower to get marshalling assistance,and only then did he dain to get off his A**e and give us guidance. Unprofessional.
The airport Authority are very aware of the problems concerning stands,(cos every time you complain they just say "yeah we know, they're looking into it") but little if nothing ever gets done I just hope nobody gets hurt before they do somthing about it.
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Onan,
I honestly have to ask a really stupid question. Are you sure the "abusers" WERE Mancunians?
A "Football Game". Who was playing whom?
Yes, I AM being serious. Man U has a "following" NOT 100% of Manchester. Their "rivals" take great delight in "slagging" them off. Yes there ARE sh*tbags in the City [my son is a policeman in the City centre!] but please do not tar everone with the same brush. Every city on the planet has some degree of crime. EVERY CITY!
To denegrate Manchester in the way that you have, shows just how "provincial" you are.
Out of interest, your "crap" city has..
Had the first railway passenger service,
Manufactured the first "true" electronic computor,
The largest brick built structure in Europe
The founder of the Police Force...
A certain Mr Rolls and Mr Royce built their first cars here,
World class Orchestra,
ditto School of Music
You may have herad of a chappie called Alliot Verdon Roe, no? Better known as AVRO
Fairey
L.S.Lowry, Simplr Red, the Hollies, Oasis,
the Moravian movement, URC, the first "true" canal, [and the last]
Yes, the Airpor, parking etc CAN be a pain..
but don't slag the people.
By the way, Prestwick and Edinburgh have the golf courses, not Glasgow. [Manchester has 60+ within a 20 mile radius]
Sorry about the rant, but a little "tolerance" eh???
we aim to please, it keeps the cleaners happy
I honestly have to ask a really stupid question. Are you sure the "abusers" WERE Mancunians?
A "Football Game". Who was playing whom?
Yes, I AM being serious. Man U has a "following" NOT 100% of Manchester. Their "rivals" take great delight in "slagging" them off. Yes there ARE sh*tbags in the City [my son is a policeman in the City centre!] but please do not tar everone with the same brush. Every city on the planet has some degree of crime. EVERY CITY!
To denegrate Manchester in the way that you have, shows just how "provincial" you are.
Out of interest, your "crap" city has..
Had the first railway passenger service,
Manufactured the first "true" electronic computor,
The largest brick built structure in Europe
The founder of the Police Force...
A certain Mr Rolls and Mr Royce built their first cars here,
World class Orchestra,
ditto School of Music
You may have herad of a chappie called Alliot Verdon Roe, no? Better known as AVRO
Fairey
L.S.Lowry, Simplr Red, the Hollies, Oasis,
the Moravian movement, URC, the first "true" canal, [and the last]
Yes, the Airpor, parking etc CAN be a pain..
but don't slag the people.
By the way, Prestwick and Edinburgh have the golf courses, not Glasgow. [Manchester has 60+ within a 20 mile radius]
Sorry about the rant, but a little "tolerance" eh???
we aim to please, it keeps the cleaners happy
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chiglet
perhaps the police officer that we complained to about the racial (oral and physicle) abuse was your son. The one who told us to ignore them and stay in our hotel. And how about our written complaint to the mayor and council of Manchester, with a copy to the Manchester Evening News that was never acknowledged by either nor published. Or perhaps you can explain why every Mancunian on this list, who has replied to my "rants", has sort fit to defend Manchester but never thought to apologize.
perhaps the police officer that we complained to about the racial (oral and physicle) abuse was your son. The one who told us to ignore them and stay in our hotel. And how about our written complaint to the mayor and council of Manchester, with a copy to the Manchester Evening News that was never acknowledged by either nor published. Or perhaps you can explain why every Mancunian on this list, who has replied to my "rants", has sort fit to defend Manchester but never thought to apologize.
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Have to agree with the previous comments, MAN in a nightmare to operate out of!
Staff west is an absolute joke, the reason its sometimes full is because at busy periods they open it up to the public... next time youre there take a look in the car windscreans, half of them dont have staff stickers!
The security staff most definately are rude to aircrew, its jobsworth for sure.
When are the airport management going to realise that without the aircrew, engineers, ground handling staff etc their precious airport is going to come to a grinding halt!
Heres an idea, don't worry next time you miss the car park bus or your sent to the back of the mile long que to clear security, if all the aircraft end up running an hour late the management will soon take notice when its left with a pile of a/c holding at remote holding areas for the stands to be made available!!!
Staff west is an absolute joke, the reason its sometimes full is because at busy periods they open it up to the public... next time youre there take a look in the car windscreans, half of them dont have staff stickers!
The security staff most definately are rude to aircrew, its jobsworth for sure.
When are the airport management going to realise that without the aircrew, engineers, ground handling staff etc their precious airport is going to come to a grinding halt!
Heres an idea, don't worry next time you miss the car park bus or your sent to the back of the mile long que to clear security, if all the aircraft end up running an hour late the management will soon take notice when its left with a pile of a/c holding at remote holding areas for the stands to be made available!!!