manchester airport
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Manchester airport 'dowdy and dank'
www.thetimes.co.uk
Manchester airport 'dowdy and dank'
AS THE Commonwealth Games begin, Manchester airport is defending itself against allegations made by pilots that it is the “worst in the world” and suffers from being “dowdy, dirty and dank”. The accusations were made on the Professional Pilots Rumour Network, an internet site (www.pprune.org) that provides an anonymous debating forum for pilots. Complaints include problems with slow baggage handling and broken-down travelators.
“Manchester has the worst airport in the world. I am based there so I should know,” says one entry. “Book your holidays now out of East Midlands Airport or John Lennon Liverpool airport.”
Another says: “It is scrimping on non-essential maintenance, such as escalators and lifts.”
But the airport authority says the complaints are “unfair” and that travelator problems and baggage delays are rare. It also points out that it is organising a programme of entertainment during the Games including jazz bands, clowns, jugglers and special catering reflecting participating countries.
John Spooner, managing director of Manchester airport, said: “We’re not going to say we’re always perfect, but I think the complaints are grossly unfair.
“We want people who use our airport to get a good impression.”
Tom Chesshyre
AS THE Commonwealth Games begin, Manchester airport is defending itself against allegations made by pilots that it is the “worst in the world” and suffers from being “dowdy, dirty and dank”. The accusations were made on the Professional Pilots Rumour Network, an internet site (www.pprune.org) that provides an anonymous debating forum for pilots. Complaints include problems with slow baggage handling and broken-down travelators.
“Manchester has the worst airport in the world. I am based there so I should know,” says one entry. “Book your holidays now out of East Midlands Airport or John Lennon Liverpool airport.”
Another says: “It is scrimping on non-essential maintenance, such as escalators and lifts.”
But the airport authority says the complaints are “unfair” and that travelator problems and baggage delays are rare. It also points out that it is organising a programme of entertainment during the Games including jazz bands, clowns, jugglers and special catering reflecting participating countries.
John Spooner, managing director of Manchester airport, said: “We’re not going to say we’re always perfect, but I think the complaints are grossly unfair.
“We want people who use our airport to get a good impression.”
Tom Chesshyre
I worked at Liverpool Airport ??? for appro 3yrs.
In the 50s when Lpool and Manch were still Ministery bases they were given a chance of developing for the future by the Govt of the day. Whilst Liverpool sat with their fingers up their bums and brains in Neutral trying to decide if they could afford this |Manch said go ahead and dam the cost.
While Lpool stayed as a second or third rate airport until the 80s Manch developed. The way Manch is going the situations COULD REVERSE as Manch seem to have siad WE NOW HAVE ENOUGH and dam the pax. Lpool are now developing and Manch will NOT except this as they still want to be No 1.
Well I have had my say so off to bed for me.
In the 50s when Lpool and Manch were still Ministery bases they were given a chance of developing for the future by the Govt of the day. Whilst Liverpool sat with their fingers up their bums and brains in Neutral trying to decide if they could afford this |Manch said go ahead and dam the cost.
While Lpool stayed as a second or third rate airport until the 80s Manch developed. The way Manch is going the situations COULD REVERSE as Manch seem to have siad WE NOW HAVE ENOUGH and dam the pax. Lpool are now developing and Manch will NOT except this as they still want to be No 1.
Well I have had my say so off to bed for me.
Keeping Danny in Sandwiches
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I suppose that Mr Spooner considers it an unfair criticism that the baggage system that was installed in T2 when it was opened continually broke down because it was designed for parcels rather than baggage.
It was only replaced this year when the airlines read the "Riot act" to the airport after years of delayed flights.
It was only replaced this year when the airlines read the "Riot act" to the airport after years of delayed flights.
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Just a comment.
I park in Staff 7 [Northern side of T2] and wend my way to the Tower Block. The Travelator but one [T2 to Radisson] has been u/s and barricaded for over THREE MONTHS
This is NOT a "minor" snag. It' a Flamin' disgrace...Oh yeah, last week, a work man changed the oos signs for brand new ones
we aim to please, it keeps the cleaners happy
I park in Staff 7 [Northern side of T2] and wend my way to the Tower Block. The Travelator but one [T2 to Radisson] has been u/s and barricaded for over THREE MONTHS
This is NOT a "minor" snag. It' a Flamin' disgrace...Oh yeah, last week, a work man changed the oos signs for brand new ones
we aim to please, it keeps the cleaners happy
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I'm afraid that seeping down from the government's lead is the idea that marketing a product, a service or whatever, is far more important than doing a good job or producing a good product.
We shouldn't be told that criticisms of MAN are unfair, no more than the British soldiers in Afghanistan should be told that their misfiring rifles are really very good underneath it all. The effort shouldn't go into denying the criticsm, it should go into correcting the problems (which, at MAN, are legion).
It really is Manchester International Blairport and it needs to raise it's game.
We shouldn't be told that criticisms of MAN are unfair, no more than the British soldiers in Afghanistan should be told that their misfiring rifles are really very good underneath it all. The effort shouldn't go into denying the criticsm, it should go into correcting the problems (which, at MAN, are legion).
It really is Manchester International Blairport and it needs to raise it's game.
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Mr (Egg and) Spooner (!) reckons the complaints are unfair. Baggage handling and travelator problems are rare are they???? Mybe he should come down from his ivory tower and smell what he's shovelling!! Baggage belt problems have become so bad in T1 that one airline has had to make a special provision in its wait/don't wait for bags policy for it!!!! I park in the (now smaller) station car park and I can't remember that last time I walked along a travelator that works in the tunnel.
And another thing - my colleagues and I really couldn't give a toss about jugglers and jazz musicians etc. that are there for the Commonwealth Games. It's good that a real effort is being made for the Games - shame the airport can't make that much of an effort for those pax (sorry, customers) and crew that have to use the airport on a daily basis. It's gonna take more than a few jugglers to hide MAPlc's inefficiencies.
PS Why bother getting clowns in from outside for the Commonwealth Games entertainment??? There are plenty hanging round Hale Top House.
Baggage belt problems have become so bad in T1 that one airline has had to make a special provision in its wait/don't wait for bags policy for it!!!! I park in the (now smaller) station car park and I can't remember that last time I walked along a travelator that works in the tunnel.And another thing - my colleagues and I really couldn't give a toss about jugglers and jazz musicians etc. that are there for the Commonwealth Games. It's good that a real effort is being made for the Games - shame the airport can't make that much of an effort for those pax (sorry, customers) and crew that have to use the airport on a daily basis. It's gonna take more than a few jugglers to hide MAPlc's inefficiencies.
PS Why bother getting clowns in from outside for the Commonwealth Games entertainment??? There are plenty hanging round Hale Top House.
Keeping Danny in Sandwiches
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I was walking from carpark 7 to Terminal 2 yesterday; there is so much rubbish in the shrubs it is growing roots.
Possibly some "clowns" could clean it out.
Possibly some "clowns" could clean it out.
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taxiways
I feel I should apologise to the pax on behalf of MANplc for the bumpy ride when taxiing around the back of stands 28 through to 29 due to the pot holes and metal plates. Ruff...
What about the lead in guidance onto most stands, basic at best, I can imagine what a "new" pilot into MAN for the first time must think of the mirror, stand 28, [if he can find it] or old flourescent tube method on the other stands.
Malaga and Dalaman put MAN to shame......
Rant over, sorry if this has all be said before.
:-((
What about the lead in guidance onto most stands, basic at best, I can imagine what a "new" pilot into MAN for the first time must think of the mirror, stand 28, [if he can find it] or old flourescent tube method on the other stands.
Malaga and Dalaman put MAN to shame......
Rant over, sorry if this has all be said before.
:-((
Why single out MAN ??
Yup Manchester is far from perfect, certainly scope for significant improvements. However, unfair to single out MAN , arrived this morning at LHR from Trinidad on a BWIA A340-300 - It took a full hour to organise steps and sufficient transport to the terminal. Resulting in multiple missed connections for all concerned.
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I made a transit stop at BRU today. From a pax point of view it was heaven. Fantastic modern buildings with art/music/shopping etc. No queues for security and every one of dozens of walkways was serviceable. In 4 hours only one announcement about smoking.
Arrived at T1 MAN and had the full "BAGGAGE LEFT UNATTENDED/SMOKING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN FORCE/PARKING RESTRICTIONS......WILL BE TOWED AWAY ETC....". Not only that, but gash everywhere outside of T1, absolute bloody disgrace to the city. These guys need to smell the coffee, look how it's done on the continent before the likes of BRU arrive to take the show over.
Pint of Stella any day!
Arrived at T1 MAN and had the full "BAGGAGE LEFT UNATTENDED/SMOKING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN FORCE/PARKING RESTRICTIONS......WILL BE TOWED AWAY ETC....". Not only that, but gash everywhere outside of T1, absolute bloody disgrace to the city. These guys need to smell the coffee, look how it's done on the continent before the likes of BRU arrive to take the show over.
Pint of Stella any day!
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I have to agree with Longstay/TBadger/The Slug man/Cargo Boy/
Forgets & Indiana Jones "threads" if I am Allowed to.
Doudy & Dank
First Impressions count.
Foreign visitors
Don't compare TWC as a standard we should strive for the best.
I wonder which Council housing estate Mr. Spooner lives on in Mars?
Bye for now
The Aloof Pompous Idiot
(check the meanings out in the Concise Oxford Dictionary it might improve ones chances of completing The Times Crossword).
Forgets & Indiana Jones "threads" if I am Allowed to.
Doudy & Dank
First Impressions count.
Foreign visitors
Don't compare TWC as a standard we should strive for the best.
I wonder which Council housing estate Mr. Spooner lives on in Mars?
Bye for now
The Aloof Pompous Idiot
(check the meanings out in the Concise Oxford Dictionary it might improve ones chances of completing The Times Crossword).
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Re: Dissapointing
You are painting all the staff at MAN with a really broad brush. You have obviously not had the pleasure of me dispatching your flights, because with the occasional delay due to a CTOT, I have an exemplary on time performance history. I dont know what you are talking about with the cleaners, but I think they do a good job. Have YOU ever tried cleaning an airplane in the time they have CAPTAIN?? Please understand that we the handling agencies have not a lot to work with, but we do our very best. There is a definate conflict of interest between Ringway Handling, Ops 3 and the PLC. Like it was said in an earlier post, RHC are constantly blocking the baggage halls with upwards of 6 trailers (making the rest of us look like crap) when three is the maximum allowed. When this happens do they get bollocked? No!! Ops 3 are all ex Ringway. RHC is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAPLC. What can we do?
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Cainan,
No one is having a go at the majority of staff at MAPlc, or the handling companies. In fact, many have gone out of their way to point out this fact. 90% of the MAPlc/handling agent staff work very hard under very tough conditions.
The problem that most of us have is with the MAPlc (mis)management. Things do seem to have improved of late, but there is soooo far still to go. Need more security staff to reduce queueing at security, more cleaners, more baggage handlers, more tug teams............
If there is a problem with RHC blocking the baggage halls, the get the airside police to move them on - they are surely causing an obstruction.
BTW, you'd be surprised how many crewmembers (flight and cabin crew) muck in time and again to get the a/c away when the cleaners don't turn up or the cleaners need some help!
No one is having a go at the majority of staff at MAPlc, or the handling companies. In fact, many have gone out of their way to point out this fact. 90% of the MAPlc/handling agent staff work very hard under very tough conditions.
The problem that most of us have is with the MAPlc (mis)management. Things do seem to have improved of late, but there is soooo far still to go. Need more security staff to reduce queueing at security, more cleaners, more baggage handlers, more tug teams............
If there is a problem with RHC blocking the baggage halls, the get the airside police to move them on - they are surely causing an obstruction.
BTW, you'd be surprised how many crewmembers (flight and cabin crew) muck in time and again to get the a/c away when the cleaners don't turn up or the cleaners need some help!
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I know this subject has been quiet for a while, bit I just thought I might put my two pence in. I have just used Manchester Airport as a customer this weekend and was expecting, based on the comments on this forum, to walk through a rotting hellhole surrounded by bleary eyed depressives, avoiding the tumbleweed.
Instead, I found a pleasant, efficient airport with smiling helpful staff and no queues. I'm sure that the people who post on this forum hold their Customer's interests as their highest priority and that the myriad of negative comments are in no way a result of either rabid self-interest or anti-Northern sentiment.
Anyway, keep up the good work Manchester and please never turn into another Gatwick.
Instead, I found a pleasant, efficient airport with smiling helpful staff and no queues. I'm sure that the people who post on this forum hold their Customer's interests as their highest priority and that the myriad of negative comments are in no way a result of either rabid self-interest or anti-Northern sentiment.
Anyway, keep up the good work Manchester and please never turn into another Gatwick.
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On hearing that ACI have placed MAN at 47th place in the world in terms of passenger throughput, the afore mentioned Mr Spooner was yesterday quoted as saying that MAN "is a world class airport with world class facilities"
Anyone been to the new revamped Dusseldorf airport?
Bright, spacious , modern and clean. S-Bahn station under the terminal or a monorail to wisk you to either the multi-storey car park or main line train station, where I waited 2 minutes for a train & arrived in the city 5 minutes after that ...all for about £2.
Nah, I suppose it is better to walk 2 miles on broken travelators, or giggle at the queues of trolleys, wheelchairs and buggies waiting for the miniscule lift in T1 to My Travel check-in
Bright, spacious , modern and clean. S-Bahn station under the terminal or a monorail to wisk you to either the multi-storey car park or main line train station, where I waited 2 minutes for a train & arrived in the city 5 minutes after that ...all for about £2.
Nah, I suppose it is better to walk 2 miles on broken travelators, or giggle at the queues of trolleys, wheelchairs and buggies waiting for the miniscule lift in T1 to My Travel check-in
