General News
Below are links to stories of general interest in relation to aviation and airports.
Tesco’s ‘flights for lights’ promotion – every little hurts
Tesco have managed the ultimate in greenwash. Getting airmiles for flights from points gained from buying low energy light bulbs. "Tesco chief executive Terry Leahy is now offering air miles when you buy a low energy lightbulb. What next? Free packet of 20 Benson & Hedges with every Nicorette patch? A dozen king-size Mars bars with each box of Ryvita? ...Giving away air miles to incentivise the lightbulb swap beggars belief." (Guardian green living blog)
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Airline group backs global emissions trading scheme
Four top airlines (BA, Air France, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic, have backed a global scheme to curb carbon emissions and hope the proposal will be included in a broader U.N. pact to fight climate change. It is the first time airlines have banded together to make recommendations to UN climate change officials on how to tackle the sector's CO2. Many airlines say only a global approach is fair. A UN body should administer the system. (Reuters)
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BAA airports sell-off: Companies in the running
BAA has been given 2 years to sell three airports, due to the current economic difficulties. It is likely Stansted will be looked at by any shortlisted bidder that does not win control of Gatwick. The groups likely to be interested are Manchester Airports Group and the Borealis pension fund; investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners; and a consortium including Vancouver Airport and Citigroup bank, Hochtief and 3i. (Guardian)
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CAA airport statistics for 2008 show first fall in passenger numbers for 17 years
CAA figures for all of 2008 are now out. UK airports handled 1.9% fewer passengers in 2008 compared with 2007. This is the first time annual passenger numbers have fallen since 1991, and only the 4th time since the end of World War Two. Traffic declined most in the final quarter of the year, with 4 million fewer passengers handled from October to December 2008 than in the same months of 2007. UK airports handled 235 million passengers during 2008. (CAA)
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New study by AEF shows airport expansion will destroy UK jobs
A new AEF study of the employment provided by airports and airlines concludes that the Government should stop giving people false hopes about the number of jobs which would be created by the expansion of airports. The study shows Government claims that airport expansion will create thousands of new jobs to be based on unreliable statistics, and if the expansion results in more UK tourists going abroad this would lead to a net loss of jobs in the UK. (AEF)
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Passenger to come first in airport regulation shake-up
The government has unveiled plans to modernise the regulation of Britain's airports with new measures designed to ensure improvements for passengers. The CAA has been given a primary duty of promoting passengers' interests. The CAA will also be given the job of ensuring airports meet their environmental responsibilities, and that the economic and environmental regulation of Britain's airports are consistent. (Guardian and FT)
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Youth market propping up leisure and holiday spend, says lastminute
As many as 70% of consumers are spending more or the same as they did last year on holidays and leisure, a survey by lastminute.com revealed. The online survey found the youth market is driving this trend, with 16 - 24 year olds spending 21% - 30% of their salaries on fun. Holidays remain the most popular leisure activity, with short breaks more popular than longer durations. 31% intended to take a city break this year but 25% plan a 2 week trip. (TravelWeekly)
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Ryanair to abolish check-in desks
Ryanair has confirmed it plans to close all of its airport check-in desks by the end of the year in a bid to reduce the cost of its flights. From the start of 2010, all Ryanair passengers will need to check in online to confirm their flights. The airline said that by reducing its costs at airports, savings would be passed on to passengers in lower fares, and 75% of its passengers already checked in online. 97% of passengers booked online already (BBC)
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European Commission Begins Legal Action Against the UK Over Air Pollution Failures
The European Commission today began legal proceedings against the UK for failing to meet standards for airborne particles (PM10) that are highly damaging to human health. PM10 is strongly associated with premature death and cardiovascular disease. Its main source is road vehicles, and so levels are higher round airports. The UK failed the legally binding EU limits that came into force during 2005, and missed an October 2008 deadline. (Env Protection)
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NATS handles more than 2.4m flights in 2008 – down 1.5% on 2007
The number of flights controlled by NATS during 2008 declined slightly compared to the total for 2007. Controllers managed 2,433,946 last year against 2,470,940 for 2007, a decrease of 1.5%. Most of the decrease was in the last 3 months. NATS handled 560,000 more flights last year than 10 years ago and traffic in 2008 was still higher than 2006. (NATS)