Airport News
Below are news items relating to specific airports
Newquay Airport master plan launched
After nearly 2 years of dithering, Cornwall County Council - which owns the airport - has decided to release the Masterplan for its future development, incorporating a possible fourfold expansion of passenger numbers between 2007 and 2030. They want to increase the number of air traffic movements accordingly, and hugely expand their executive jet business. There is a 10 week consultation process, ending around mid February (no date given).
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Carlisle Airport expansion plan backed by Cumbria council
Businessman Andrew Tinkler’s plans for Carlisle Airport have received a boost from Cumbria County Council. Carlisle City Council will decide next month if the £20m scheme for an Eddie Stobart HQ and warehousing should get planning consent. But the county council has to be consulted first - its development control committee voted 11-0 in favour. However, they say that Stobart Air, should sign a binding agreement to upgrade the runway and terminal.(News & Star)
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Life under Heathrow flight path about to get noisier
The number of flights at Heathrow will increase far sooner than the Government has previously admitted under plans to end mixed mode on the two existing runways. BAA hopes those living under the flight paths will not notice that noise is spreading throughout the day. Ministers will probably allow expansion to begin as early as 2010, with at least another 60,000 flights a year, up from 480,000 to 540,000 using the existing two runways by 2015 - or earlier. (Times)
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Newquay Cornwall Airport Sets Out Masterplan
Newquay Airport has launched its draft Masterplan - setting out its long term vision out to 2030. The consultation will continue to the end of January 2009. Cornwall County Council will take over full ownership of the airfield from the RAF in December. The Masterplan includes plans for new and refurbished hangars to attract aircraft maintenance and aircraft recycling businesses, a combined 4* hotel, conference and exhibition centre, huge passenger increases etc.
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Miliband prepared to break pollution laws over Heathrow
Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband has refused to rule out turning a blind eye to air quality laws to give the go-ahead for a 3rd runway at Heathrow. Experts believe that EU NOx limits will be exceeded for years to come after 2015 around Heathrow if it is allowed to grow. Mr Miliband, asked to give a guarantee that the Government would not ignore minor breaches of air quality laws to allow another runway, stopped short of giving such a pledge. (Standard)
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BAA agrees to Heathrow watchdog if it gets its 3rd runway
BAA says it will accept an independent body with the power to limit flights - if limits on noise and pollution are breached - if its third runway is approved. BAA also wants to be able to use both Heathrow's existing runways for take-offs and landings simultaneously, but it says if it gets this concession, it will not increase flight numbers but use the extra capacity to cut delays. (BBC)
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Manchester – Tea party airport protest
Protesters staged a tea party in the grounds of an historic cottage to show their opposition to plans to expand Manchester Airport. Airport bosses want to build a £20m extension to the freight terminal on land off Runger Lane, Wythenshawe. They have applied for permission to demolish Grade II-listed Rose Cottage and three other historic properties nearby, as well as a natural pond and dozens of mature trees. (Manchester Evening News)
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Environment Agency rounds on plan for third Heathrow runway
Building a 3rd runway at Heathrow would make it "impossible" to meet legally binding targets on air pollution, according to Lord Smith, head of the Environment Agency. In a speech tomorrow the government’s own green watchdog will increase pressure on ministers not to approve the expansion. Geoff Hoon's decision next month hinges on whether an expanded Heathrow will be able to meet European air quality targets, due to come into force in 2010. (Sunday Times)
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Action pledge launched by Scottish campaigners against airport expansion
Campaigners have pledged to take action to stop the expansion of Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. The pledge comes just weeks before the Scottish Parliament considers the National Planning Framework which could give the green light to expansion. Local communities around the airport have joined forces with national lobby groups and Plane Stupid Scotland, to pledge a sustained campaign of opposition should the expansion plans be given the green light.
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Solihull Council to consider Birmingham Airport’s runway extension
Solihull Council to decide the fate of Birmingham controversial plan to extend its main runway on 15th December. Councillors will then hear arguments for and against the £130 million scheme. The planned 400-m runway extension has the backing of many local politicians and business leaders. Environmental groups like FoE oppose it because people living near the airport will be subjected to more noise and pollution - as well as increase CO2 emissions.(Solihull News)