Airport News
Below are news items relating to specific airports
Johnson keen to push on with ‘Boris Island’ scheme
Boris seems determined to push on with his demands for a Thames Estuary airport, despite dismissing the scheme only last month. His plans were revealed in a leaked document in which he said construction of the £40 billion floating airport was the "bravest" project GLA could do. A spokesman for Mr Johnson said he could not comment on the document, but confirmed believed an estuary airport would be valuable for London. (Kent News)
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Architects, Grimshaw, to oversee Heathrow expansion
Grimshaw is set to masterplan the £13 billion expansion of Heathrow including a 6th terminal and 3rd runway. The practice, which prides itself on its green credentials including designing the Eden Project and being a founder member of the UK Green Building Council, beat firms including YRM, HOK and RMJM in a competition launched by BAA in the summer. An environmental consultant warned that the job could shatter Grimshaw’s image. (BD)
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Llanbedr airfield, Snowdonia, request turned down by National Park
A request to continue using an airfield on the site of a former RAF base in Gwynedd has been turned down. The Snowdonia National Park Authority said it is refusing the certificates that would allow the site at Llanbedr to re-open. The authority said the decision was taken following external legal advice. The developer said it will carry on with plans for a private airfield and business units, but there will be a delay, and possibly a planning inquiry. (BBC)
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Heathrow writer-in-residence helps plant orchard to stop the 3rd runway
Down on the parcel of land Greenpeace has bought on the site of the proposed 3rd Heathrow runway, a new element is being added to the Airplot - planting an apple orchard. With the help of actors Alison Steadman and Richard Briers, poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy and former Heathrow writer-in-residence Alain de Botton, Greenpeace is planting yet more roots into the land we own on behalf of tens of thousands of people around the world - to stop a new runway.
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BAA making a £7 million investment in Southampton Airport
BAA is investing in work at Southampton airport, with some cosmetic changes, and some small increases in energy efficiency within the airport. (The changes are infinitesimal in relation to the increased CO2 emissions that would be produced by the planned increases in flights)
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Farnborough Airport application for expansion rejected
The TAG application to increase business flights at Farnborough from 28,000 to 50,000 per annum was refused by Rushmoor Borough Council. Despite advice from planning officers and a panel of aviation experts who urged elected members to back the proposals, councillors voted overwhelmingly (7:1) to block the move. TAG claimed the exansion would bring all sorts of benefits, and not cause any adverse local effects. They may appeal.
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Cardiff Airport airline (bmibaby) plans to cut 158 jobs
Flights from Cardiff Airport could be affected after bmibaby announced plans to cut 158 jobs. They aim to make the cutbacks from its workers at Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester Airports. Up to 54 pilot and 82 cabin crew positions at the 3 airports are at risk of redundancy and 22 management and support positions. Bmibaby also announced it was reducing the number of aircraft in its fleet from 17 to 12 next year.
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East Midlands runway extension plans approved
The runway at East Midlands Airport will be extended by 190 metres after councillors approved plans. Officers at North West Leicestershire Council have said there are no grounds for blocking the development. The aim is to allow heavier planes to take off and make the UK's 3rd-biggest freight airport more attractive to long-haul cargo carriers, especially across the Atlantic. Opponents know it will lead to more noise, especially at night, and air pollution.
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Plans for 3rd runway at Heathrow hang in balance
A high court review in February could force ministers to reconsult on giving permission for any expansion at Heathrow. The high court will stage what lawyers describe as a "rolled-up judicial review". The 3-day hearing could force ministers to consult again on the most contentious aspects of building another runway, such as the impact of noise pollution on local residents or the resulting rise in carbon emissions. (Observer)
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Lydd Airport determination to be on 3rd March 2010
The meeting to determine Lydd Airport's planning application will take place on Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at Shepway District Council. The local group, LAAG, have found out through FoI that the airport challenged Shepway District Council's Officer's Report, published July 1st 2009, and the long delay in getting determination has been due to the council accommodating the airport's wish to overcome the objection. (LAAG)