Aviation Discussion

[Tim R-T-C]

Thanks. The south side on google maps looks like farm land, are there some legal viewing points around here?

 

[Shrimper]

Yes - there is a public footpath, you can get pretty much right around the perimeter though I haven't been for a while so the new car park may have changed things. These links have most of the places:

http://www.plane-mad.com/airport-spotting-guides/united-kingdom/manchester-man-egcc.html

http://manchesterspotting.t83.net/

Also, don't forget you can go on top of the car park at T1 short stay which is great when T2 is busy. The one at T3 is also possible for approach shots with 23R in use.

 

[Butts]

Flybe Check-In dodge comes to an end !!!! :cry:

I flew from Edinburgh to Birmingham on Tuesday and as usual checked in at the airport in full anticipation that the machine would allow me to change my allocated seat at no extra cost (often to a bulkhead or exit seat).

However this feature has now disappeared with one being directed to a check in desk in order to facilitate a change (no doubt at a cost).

Got away with it for a few years !!!

Ironically on the return flight to Edinburgh this morning I was given seat 14b by the machine and the stewardess moved me to row 15 (exit row) onboard as their was no one sitting there.

Poetic justice

 

[flymo]

A friend of mine flew on Malaysian Airlines from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur last night and he said there was a total of 18 passengers on the 737-800. I have no idea if this sort of load for this flight is but I would think it is normally more than that. It may be that following on from the MH370 disappearance that passenger confidence in Malaysian Airlines is falling, or indeed has fallen, through the floor.

 

[WestCoast]

Irish regional carrier Aer Arann is to undergo a name change to reflect the identity of its controlling shareholder. The airline will lose the name it has operated under since its foundation in 1970 as a Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander operator on small islands off the west coast of Ireland and take the new corporate title Stobart Air, the airline announced Thursday.

In 2001 Aer Arann separated from what is now known as Aer Arann Islands, which remains a BN-2 operator.

The UK-based Stobart Group, which acquired 45% of Aer Arann in 2010, is a logistics and support services company best known for its trucking operations and whose assets include London Southend Airport, Carlisle Lake District Airport in northwest England and air freight, maintenance and airport services.

The transition to the Stobart Air name will be completed by the end of this year.

The airline’s operations are currently conducted under the Aer Lingus Regional brand as part of a franchise agreement with the Irish flag-carrier. It operates 550 flights weekly across 27 routes throughout Ireland, the UK and France and is expanding its Ireland-UK links.

Asked whether the Aer Arann title would not have more resonance with Irish passengers than Stobart Air, a spokesman noted that no aircraft had operated under the original branding since the franchise operations started in 2010. “They are operating under the Aer Lingus Regional banner and that’s what the customer sees.”

Stobart Air aims to become a specialist in franchise or contract flying for major European airlines, and to double passenger numbers within five years. Last year, it flew 1.11 million passengers, up by around 10% on 2012.

The company flies a fleet of ATR turboprops. It has received six of an order for eight ATR 72-600s placed in 2012, with the remaining two due to be in service by this summer. These are replacing older ATR 72-200s and ATR 42-300s and will join three existing ATR 72-500s. The franchise agreement with Aer Lingus has already been extended until 2022.

The next phase of its strategy will focus on additional franchise partnerships, making more extensive use of its links with London Southend Airport and improving growth with other airports including Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

http://atwonline.com/airlines/aer-arann-be-rebranded-stobart-air

Interesting times ahead for Stobart's air travel venture and Southend Airport....

 

[scotsman]

Flybe Check-In dodge comes to an end !!!! :cry:

I tried to change my seat in Belfast back in August, was directed to check in where I was given 1A and told that they would soon be charging - that was in August!

 

[Butts]

I tried to change my seat in Belfast back in August, was directed to check in where I was given 1A and told that they would soon be charging - that was in August!

It must have been a gradual thing then, as last week was the first time I had tried to do it since January when it worked at both Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports.

 

[bILLOO]

A friend of mine flew on Malaysian Airlines from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur last night and he said there was a total of 18 passengers on the 737-800. I have no idea if this sort of load for this flight is but I would think it is normally more than that. It may be that following on from the MH370 disappearance that passenger confidence in Malaysian Airlines is falling, or indeed has fallen, through the floor.

Possibly true... When JAL123 crashed in 1985, the airline saw a massive fall in passenger loads as commuters took to the trains instead.

 

[Butts]

Butts hopped over to Islay for a daytrip on a Saab 340 from Glasgow Airport today - nice 25 minute jaunt on Loganair each way.

Can I just congratulate Islay Airport (watch out terminal 5 hock:hock on having possibly the cheapest cup of coffee at any UK Airport.

Yes £1 folks for a wonderful brew plus an abundance of home made cakes to choose from. It was more akin to the sort of WRVS snack bars that used to be the mainstay of Hospitals.

Not as nice as Kirkwall or Stornoway but the cut-price brew was a bonus - 2mins to get through security as well.

ps Petrol £1.40 a litre - no laughing matter !!!

 

[WestCoast]

I see Stobart Air/Aer Arann have done a franchise deal with Flybe, flying on routes from Southend...

http://investing.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article/id/4778470?rnsAgreed=1

Interesting to see where they want to fly to....

 

[stuartmoss]

Some video from LBA yesterday from 15:10 to 16:10, a reasonably active hour for a single runway airport. This footage includes the arrival of the 'Ant & Dec Saturday Night Takeaway' branded Monarch Boeing 757.

[youtube]d7PHBJ7VL2g[/youtube]

 

[Strathclyder]

Slightly surprised this hasn't appeared here yet:

Airbus A380 'super jumbo' lands in Scotland for first time

The world's largest passenger aircraft has landed in Scotland for the first time.

An Airbus A380 "super jumbo" operated by Emirates landed safely at Glasgow Airport at about 12:35.

Thousands of aviation fans turned up to watch the giant aircraft arrive before it refuels. It is due to depart at about 15:30.

The pilot in charge of the flight was Iain Weir, who grew up in nearby Clydebank and is now based in Dubai.

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: "There has been a huge amount of interest in the arrival of Emirates' A380 and understandably so.

"To be the first Scottish airport to welcome what is the world's largest commercial aircraft is a hugely significant milestone in the history of Glasgow Airport and in Scottish aviation.

"It's difficult to say how many people will turn up to catch a glimpse of the aircraft but given it is the school holidays, we are preparing for thousands of spectators."

The plane's arrival marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of scheduled services between Dubai and Glasgow.

The aircraft stands more than 24m (79ft) tall and has a wing span of almost 80m (262ft). It can carry more than 500 passengers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-26969216

Being a big aviation buff, I sure as hell wasn't going to miss this. These are my results:

 

[Clip]

Im sure there was a post or thread about Stagecoach buying Manston and I mentioned about them wanting to turn it into a bus garage but cant find it.

Anyway, Sir Roger Gayle the Thanet North(?) MP asked a question about it in PMQs about the continuation of its operating license along with a silly petition
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petiti...ng-license-of-manston-airport?time=1400086006

Dear Mr. Haines,

We the people of this petition respectfully ask you and your organization that any application to withdraw Manston Airports Operating License is not actioned or granted because of the Prime Ministers statement in response to Sir Roger Gales Question raised in the House of Commons, today 14th May 2014. Please see below for transcript of Sir Roger’s question and the Prime Minister’s response and pledge of Help towards the continuation of Manston Airport, as an Airport.

Transcript of Sir Roger Gale’s question today in the House: “Mr Speaker, at the end of November, Mrs Ann Gloag, a director the stage coach company acquired Manston airport in my constituency for £1. On budget day this year Mrs Gloag announced that she was going into consultation with a view to closing an airport that is worth hundreds of jobs, is a major diversion field, and a search and rescue base. Mr Speaker, since then my Hon friend the member for south Thanet and I have sought to find a buyer. Last night the RiverOak company of Connecticut who already have airport interest put in an enhanced and realistic offer to keep Manston open save the jobs and develop the business. At present the owners are reluctant to negotiate. Mr Speaker, I don’t expect my right honourable friend to engage in commercial negotiation’s, but will he seek to ensure the CAA Operating license remains open, that Manston remains open, and that further discussion are held and will he encourage those discussions to take place”.

Transcript of the PM’s response: “I know that my honourable friend has been fighting very hard with the honourable member for Thanet South about the future of Manston airport. And recognises that it has played an important role in the local economy and employed local people. Ultimately the future of Manston remains the responsibility of the of the airport owner…BUT… I do think its important that the government is engaged and I know my right honourable friend the Transport Secretary IS engaged. He will be speaking to MRS GLOAG about this issue and, also contacting Riveroak the potential purchasers. In the end they have to make a commercial decision but the government will do everything it can to help.”

Yours faithfully,
Kevin Webb.

Why is this important?

Jobs, economy, critical national infrastructure, viable business potential, key asset and Major Diversion Field.
#sos
#savemanston
https://www.facebook.com/groups/616428761764523/

The trouble is is that just about everything has failed at Manston and the only use is the continuous training that happens with planes there but then that makes it look unsightly when youre on the beach and see the same thing going round and round.

Losing the airshow wasnt too clever either.

 

[starrymarkb]

I don't think they can argue it as a diversion field. There are many more airports that could handle that within range. And if Heathrow or Gatwick is closed then traffic will either go to Schiphol, CDG, Gatwick or Manchester where there are facilities to handle large numbers of aircraft and passengers.

Problem with Manston as a Passenger Airport is that it's surrounded on 3 sides by sea and on the fourth side is Gatwick with much more choice of flights (ie Not just Amsterdam). The small catchment means it's pretty much a dead end.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Well that was a productive use of my morning. Thank goodness for e-mail flight confirmations, makes this so much easier!

http://flightdiary.net/Tim_RTC

 

[telstarbox]

In other far-flung Kent airports news:

The expansion of Lydd Airport in Kent can go ahead after a legal challenge to the government's approval was dismissed in the High Court.

The £25m project for the airport includes a runway extension of almost 300m (984ft) and a new terminal block.

A joint legal challenge was launched by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Lydd Airport Action (LAAG) Group.

It follows the closure of Manston Airport, about 40 miles (65km) away.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-27439540

 

[futureA]

This A330 Neo seems to be the worse kept secret in aviation. Rolls Royce are said to be the exclusive engine suppliers. Should be announced at Farnborough.

 

[starrymarkb]

Just uploaded the Trip Report of my £1 Trip to Nice with BA.

(I'd repost it here but Airliners.net uses HTML which RailUK doesn't so you'll have to view it on Airliners)

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/253104/

 

[Strathclyder]

Don't know if this is necessarily the right thread, but Vulcan XH558 will not be appearing at RIAT this year, due to all the available slots being taken. A static position was offered, but due to the costs of getting the aircraft there, it was turned down.

 

[306024]

For those with an aviation interest, 21.00 BBC 2 tonight (Mon 2 June), A Very British Airline. Behind the scenes at BA.

 

[CC 72100]

For those with an aviation interest, 21.00 BBC 2 tonight (Mon 2 June), A Very British Airline. Behind the scenes at BA.

Really good programme I thought - exactly how that sort of show should be done. Will look forward to the next 2 episodes.

 

[WestCoast]

It was interesting to see how BA are managing to recruit lower cost cabin crew on the basis of "prestige". From what I hear the take home salary for the crew could potentially be higher working for easyJet vs. these new BA contracts. Then again, easyJet crew won't get to see the world...

 

[telstarbox]

I've booked a flight in September from Dublin to London City with CityJet who I've never heard of before - are they any good?

 

[WestCoast]

I've booked a flight in September from Dublin to London City with CityJet who I've never heard of before - are they any good?

I've flown with them - no problems at all! They are a well-established Irish airline that used to be owned by Air France-KLM but was recently acquired by a German company that specialises in turning around financially struggling airlines. Your flight will probably be on the Avro RJ-85 which is quite a nice small jet and drink and snacks will be served without charge.

 

[starrymarkb]

IIRC Until a couple of years ago they operated as an Air France Franchise (so would have been in Air France Colours)

Try and sit either at the very front or very rear otherwise your view will consist of Engine

Also the Flap noise is perfectly normal

 

[telstarbox]

Good to know, cheers. I was amazed at how cheap the fare was - presumably Dublin to London is a very busy and therefore competitive corridor?

Will make a change from low-cost flights!

 

[alex17595]

I did my first flight today since I was 3 (16 years ago) and my first solo flight . Apart from the attempt at sleeping at the airport which was busy all night. I don't see why ryan air gets so much stick, apart from selling thinks at extortionate prices the plane was comfortable and spacious (probably because there was 4 of us in the first 8 rows!) and we were on time.

I would definitely fly again with them, I would buy a seat as well to stop being crushed at the back of the aircraft.

 

[Butts]

It was interesting to see how BA are managing to recruit lower cost cabin crew on the basis of "prestige". From what I hear the take home salary for the crew could potentially be higher working for easyJet vs. these new BA contracts. Then again, easyJet crew won't get to see the world...

Butts came back from Heathrow to Edinburgh on a Boeing 767 tonight at the end of one of my "Luxembourg Fag Runs" - 55 mins - eat your heart out East Coast / Virgin

Incidentally can BA Luxembourg Flights immediately be moved back to T5 from that hellhole Terminal One which inconveniences me no end - apart from the free tx on the Heathrow Express.

 

[telstarbox]

The new Terminal 2 opened at Heathrow today, for now only for United Airlines flights. Air Canada will move to T2 later this month.

The first passengers have arrived in Heathrow's £2.5bn new Terminal 2, landing from Chicago shortly after 5.55am on Wednesday.

Only 17 flights, all from the US carrier United Airlines, were due in on Wednesday morning as Heathrow planned a slow, smooth opening to banish memories of the debacle of the opening of Terminal 5 in 2008.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/04/heathrow-terminal-2-opens-first-passengers

 

[Yew]

It was interesting to see how BA are managing to recruit lower cost cabin crew on the basis of "prestige". From what I hear the take home salary for the crew could potentially be higher working for easyJet vs. these new BA contracts. Then again, easyJet crew won't get to see the world...

Easyjet probably have worse working conditions, and a high possibility of argumentative customers due to their 'terms and conditions'