Latest News
AirportWatch on 
@AirportWatch
Summaries of, and links to, the latest aviation news stories appear below. News is archived into topics
For a daily compilation of UK articles on national and regional transport issues, see Transportinfo.org.uk | For more stories about specific airports see Aviation Environment Federation Transport & Environment Anna Aero TravelMole Press releases from CAA IATA BA Ryanair easyJet Jet2.com For climate change ECEEE news and Guardian Climate and NoAA monthly analysisCheck Hansard for reports on Parliament |
 |
Latest news stories:
July was a record month for Heathrow but other UK airports falter
Heathrow had its busiest ever month for passengers in July, but airports outside London suffered flat or falling traffic. Heathrow passengers were up +3.5% compared to a year earlier. BAA said "Heathrow is definitely more resilient because of the hub nature of the airport for passengers who use London to transfer to other destinations." But the reliance of Stansted on low-cost airlines suggests this was behind a 7.2% slump to 2.02 million. (Indy)
Click here to view full story...
Air fares soar as airlines climb out of recession
In July, Heathrow had an increase in passengers - though BAA'a airports as a whole only had 0.3% more traffic than July 2009. The industry hopes they are now seeing a recovery, and so are adding to their fleets to meet "soaring" demand. Planes which were grounded during the depths of the recession are being pressed back into service and around 400 aircraft have been ordered. Now demand is higher, fares are likely to rise much, much more than APD. (Telegraph)
Click here to view full story...
Pakistan floods: Climate change experts say global warming could be the cause
The floods in Pakistan, wildfires in Russia and landslides in China is evidence that global warming predictions are correct, according to climate change experts. The crises are driven by a ‘supercharged jet stream’ that has also caused floods in China and a prolonged heatwave in Russia. There have also been flash floods in France and Eastern Europe over the summer. This shows the predicted increase in incidence of extreme weather events due to climate change.
Click here to view full story...
Heathrow sets new passenger record in July to 6.7 million
Heathrow had its highest number of passengers during July, up +3.5% compared to July 2009 (which was itself up +0.9% compared to July 2008). For BAA's UK airports, passengers were up by only + 03% this July, and they were down yet again at Stansted, - 7.2%. Passengers were down -3.6% at Glasgow, down - 1.4% at Southampton, down - 4.1% at Aberdeen, but up 0.6% at Edinburgh. Air transport movements were down slightly - 0.4% for all BAA's UK airports.
Click here to view full story...
Tourism industry fears a lower carbon future
A journalist who writes for a "sustainable" tourism journalism says "in the very near future all of us in tourism will wake up to a day where we are facing enormous green taxes that we can do nothing about" and " ... make no mistake, not only is tourism seen as being a major emission culprit, but also tourism is seen as being an ultimately unnecessary luxury." If tourism is to fall in line with carbon cuts, it is going to have to cut its emissions somehow.
Click here to view full story...
Eurostar reports increase in sales and passenger numbers in first half of 2010
Eurostar has seen passenger numbers rise by 6% to 4.6 million and revenues increase by 18% to £404 million. This growth is due in part to the impact of the ash cloud disruption* but also reflects a strengthening of the business market and an underlying increase in both business and leisure travellers. More people have chosen rail instead of short haul air travel, with trips now even faster, and they like the convenience of city centre to city centre travel.
Click here to view full story...
In June UK CO2 emissions from aviation were 23% of total EU aviation emissions
RDC reports of European aviation emissions show the UK produces much more than other European country. The UK generated 23%, with Germany the next highest, at 17% and Spain 3rd with 13%. France is 4th with 11%. As for airports, Heathrow flights generated massively more CO2 than flights from any other European airport. In June, Heathrow generated around 1.8 million tonnes of CO2. Second is Frankfurt at 1.2 million, the third Charles de Gaulle at 1 million.
Click here to view full story...
Climate change could destroy 80% of rainforest by next century
A study by the Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology in California has shown that fewer than 1/5 of plants and animals which currently live in the world's rainforests will still be here in 90 years time - due to climate change and deforestation. Rainforests currently hold more than half of all the plant and animal species on Earth. There will be severe alterations in species composition. Steep declines in CO2 emissions are needed. (Telegraph)
Click here to view full story...
Airports Council International say global air freight grew for 7th month in a row
Airports Council International, representing the world's airports, said global freight volumes have grown by over 20% for the 7th month in a row. June results show that Shanghai, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Miami, Incheon and Dubai grew by more than 25% compared to June 2009. ACI said total freight tonnage in the first 6 months of 2010 was higher than in the first 6 months of 2008, before the global recession. Domestic freight is still down, so the increase is international.
Click here to view full story...
Gatwick plans to cut carbon by 50% !! (not including the flights of course)
Eureka ! Gatwick Airport has outlined its 10-year green plan, including a bid to cut its carbon emissions by 50% by 2020, compared to 2009 levels. (That of course ignores the airport's intentions to grow from 32 - 40 million passengers per year ... massively increasing carbon emissions). The airport has all sorts of good intentions like reducing waste sent to landfill, using less energy and less water, and is even being applauded by the Carbon Trust ..... heigh ho !
Click here to view full story...
EasyJet cuts flights out of Newcastle
EasyJet is axing its winter services from Newcastle to Murcia and Rome, as well as lowering the frequency of flights to a host of other destinations. As a result, it will now only base 3 airplanes on Tyneside, compared to the current 5, which will lead to 8 fewer pilots working in the region. EasyJet will also will only operate 3 aircraft on its summer routes next year.
Click here to view full story...
In July Ryanair traffic rose by ? 13%, EasyJet’s grew 7.7%, BA’s fell 2.6%
Click here to view full story...
Belfast City residents’ concerns raised by CAA safety report
Local residents' concerns about aircraft safety in areas close to George Best Belfast City Airport have been heightened by a CAA safety report. It investigated an incident east Belfast 2 months ago in which a man was hit by a roof tile and damage caused to two houses, due to wake vortex. The CAA’s report said its investigators could not determine what had caused the damage. However, whether or not a plane was flying too low, residents are not reassured.
Click here to view full story...
DEFRA: No plans for stakeholder events on Airport Noise Action Plans
DEFRA has confirmed, in a response to a letter from an AirportWatch member, that there are no current plans to hold a stakeholder event to consider airport NAPs. However the Department for Transport proposes to publish a summary of emerging trends and issues arising from the plans later this year. 17 airports in England were required to submit draft plans to Government.
Click here to view full story...
Air cargo carriers Cathay and Virgin enjoy profitable start to their year
Cathay Pacific recorded a profitable first half year, with net profit for the first 6 months more than 8 times that in the same period last year, and it said there was strong demand in key markets. Virgin Atlantic Cargo had profitable first quarter, with its revenue increased 36% to £52 million in its 1st financial quarter, ending 30 May, compared with the same period last year.
Click here to view full story...
Residents take Belfast City Airport campaign to City Hall
Residents from Belfast have taken their campaign against further expansion of the City airport to the City Hall. A delegation from the umbrella residents’ group, Belfast City Airport Watch, urged a specially-convened meeting of the Town Planning Committee, to which all councillors were invited, to oppose plans which would allow the airport to significantly increase its operations. A large number of councillors attended and listened attentively and with interest.
Click here to view full story...
Boris Island airport dead in water
Plans for a "Boris island" airport in the Thames estuary have been finally killed off as Philip Hammond rejected the idea. But Boris Johnson said it was "utterly ridiculous" to block the expansion of aviation around the capital. Mr Hammond wrote: "I can confirm that the Government has no plans to build any new airports in the region." Boris is terrified London will not be able to compete with Turkey's huge, gleaming new airport ...
Click here to view full story...
Three killed in Alaska cargo plane crash
Three people were killed when a cargo plane crashed into a national park in Alaska. They included the owner of the airline. A Fairchild C-123, registered to All West Freight of Delta Junction, Alaska, crashed into the south slope of Mount Healy in Denali National Park about 290km north of Anchorage. It burst into flames on impact, causing an enormous forest fire. The cause is not yet know. This comes just 4 days after a military cargo crash, in Achorage. (IFW)
Click here to view full story...
Rivals poach customers from BA after months of strikes
While all airlines were affected by the ash airspace closures. However, BA also had to contend with protracted strikes by flight crew that some competitors claim have led to a big shift in business away from BA. Virgin Atlantic said it estimated at least 50,000 BA passengers switched to it during the stoppages. EasyJet said it saw "a benefit of about £7m as consumers switched to EasyJet." The BA dispute with its cabin crew contiues. (FT)
Click here to view full story...
We must restart the fight against global warming (Observer)
New evidence has now been produced to support showing man-made global warming. It has been deeply regrettable that the "climategate" and other climate denier assertions have been given so much publicity, and been allowed to stifle the urgency of getting proper debate and action on climate. The Observer editorial says: "It is both baffling and sadly predictable that it should be so hard to turn a matter of near certain scientific urgency into political action."
Click here to view full story...
“Manston plans to open Gateway” or “China Gateway Bigged Up In Property Week”
Property Week have a piece enthusing about the prospects of a massive business park by the north Kent coast, close to Manston airport. Its developer is China Gateway. However, though it obtained planning consent for the first phase back in October 2008, it will need planning for the next phase. This cannot go ahead without a great deal of financial input, probably from the Chinese, who want to use it - and that does not look too likely for the time being.
Click here to view full story...
DfT research on “Public experiences of and attitudes towards air travel”
The DfT has published a new report on people’s experiences of and attitudes towards air travel. Some of its many findings: 47% of adults had flown in the past year. 16% made 3 or more flights. 18% had made a long haul flight. 21% thought they would fly more next year. The proportion of respondents who agree that ‘air travel harms the environment’ fell from 70% in the 2006 survey to 66% in 2008 and 62% in 2010. 39% did not know if flying harmed the environment.
Click here to view full story...
Manchester Airport Group posts big drop in profits in year to end of March
Manchester Airport Group has posted another big drop in annual profits but said they would have been even lower without a tight rein on costs and an investment programme which helped to shore up revenues. Operating profits for the year to March 31 nosedived 28.4%, from £78.4m to £56.1m, although turnover held up relatively well with a -6% decline from £371.3m to £348.9m. Passengers were down 12% and cargo down 5%. Profits were made from shopping and car parking.
Click here to view full story...
British Airways reports £164m loss in first quarter
BA has revealed a steep loss for the April-June quarter after being hit by cabin crew strikes (15 days in the reporting quarter) and disruption caused by the ash crisis. Its pre-tax loss was £164m, larger than the £148m loss it made in the same period last year. BA's revenues were were down 2.3%. BA and Iberia may merge, with Iberia having till the end of September to decide. Its total costs were down 3.3% and per passenger yield rose b 12.7%. (BBC)
Click here to view full story...
Bristol campaigners say NO to airport hotel
Stop Bristol Airport Expansion is calling for the withdrawal of the planning application for a hotel at the Airport which will displace car parking onto green belt land, until a decision has been made by the Sec of State on whether to allow development on green belt. The hotel should not be given the go-ahead because that space should be used for further car parking to save green belt land on the south side. The hotel will damage trade for local B&Bs, hotels etc.
Click here to view full story...
Lufthansa Cargo Plane Crash-Lands in Riyadh After Fire Onboard
A Deutsche Lufthansa AG freight aircraft was destroyed after crash-landing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pilot of Flight LH8460 reported a fire in the cargo bay of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as he approached King Khaled International Airport. It was carrying 80 metric tons of freight from Frankfurt to Hong Kong with stop overs. The cause of the incident is being investigated. The weather was good. The pilot and co pilot are not very seriously injured.
Click here to view full story...
Hammond confirms Government opposed to Heathrow mixed mode
The government has ruled out increasing capacity on existing runways through mixed-mode operation – allowing aircraft to take off and land on the same runway. Philip Hammond told the transport select committee that the disbenefits to local communities outweigh the benefits. He also rejected a Thames airport and the idea that regional airports could expand in place of Heathrow. He reaffirmed the commitment to move domestic traffic from air to rail.
Click here to view full story...
Airblue passenger plane crashes near Islamabad – survivors unlikely
An Airblue Airbus A321 from Karachi carrying 152 people (of whom 6 were crew) has crashed into the hills near Pakistan's capital, during heavy rain. The cause of the crash is not yet known. There may be no survivors. Airblue flies within Pakistan as well as internationally to the United Arab Emirates, Oman and the UK. Witnesses said the plane appeared to be flying very low over houses in Islamabad perhaps awaiting permission to land.
Click here to view full story...
Southend Council taken to court over runway extension planning permission
Southend group, Stop Airport Extension Now, is aware that an application for permission to apply for a Judicial Review is being lodged with the High Court. The claimant is a local resident SAEN member very concerned at the decision by Southend Borough Council to grant planning permission for an extended runway and has SAEN's full support. There is particular concern over the potential impact of night flights and the economic case has not been made. (SAEN)
Click here to view full story...
Passengers could face new flight levy to cover airline failures
Airline passengers could face a £1 levy on plane tickets bought in the UK to fund a scheme to get holidaymakers home when a carrier collapses. The Coalition is ready to revive the plans which were rejected by Labour, following pressure from major airlines. Under current arrangements protection under ATOL is limited to those who have bought a package holiday. However, now more families put together their own packages via the internet. (Telegraph)
Click here to view full story...
Farnborough airshow: aviation industry “optimism” grows over future use of biofuels
The aviation industry has expressed its optimism for future "carbon neutral growth" using biofuels. Exhibitors at the United Alternative Aviation Fuels Display - algae-derived oil producer Solazyme, bioenergy company Solena and Honeywell unit UOP - spent the week "trying to ensure the aviation community gives visibility" to biofuel producers. Their plan is an algae derived fuel that grows in the dark using a carbohydrate food source. Worrying.
Click here to view full story...
Manchester airport “goes green” (as long as you don’t include the flights)
The airport has published its first sustainability report – it intends to become ‘carbon neutral’ by 2015 by low energy light bulbs and recycling bins. Its plans to become one of the "greenest" in Europe. But the commitment does not cover emissions from aircraft using the airport, which the airport says are the responsibility of airlines. Manchester FoE are highly critical and say the airport produces in a year ‘the same amount of CO2 as the whole of Uganda’.
Click here to view full story...
Hypocrite Trump Blocks Expansion at Airport near home in Florida
Plane Stupid in Scotland have found out that Donald Trump, whose planned housing and golf course would "lead directly to airport expansion" at Aberdeen airport, has been involved in opposing construction of a second runway at Palm Beach International Airport, near his Mar-a-Lago estate and members-only beach club. Opponents of expansion at Aberdeen airport see this as amazing hypocrisy.
Click here to view full story...
Private majority shareholder Galaxy withdraws from Siena Airport. A Citizens’ victory!
Galaxy Management Services, offshoot of Galaxy Srl, a private equity fund based in Luxembourg, is withdrawing from the company Aeroporto di Siena SpA. The plan was initially for airport expansion to 700,000 passengers per year by 2020 and Galaxy is believed to have operated in an underhand manner in influencing the board. Citizens in the Siena area deeply regret the amount of public money that has been wasted on the airport project.
Click here to view full story...
Mawhinney report on high speed access to Heathrow published
Commenting on the independent report by Lord Mawhinney on High speed rail access to Heathrow, a CPRE spokesman said "It is clear from this report that Lord Mawhinney found no compelling case for a high speed link to Heathrow at present. ... Instead the report recommends better planning to integrate the proposed High Speed 2 route and Heathrow into the existing rail network."
Click here to view full story...
Hammond unveils proposals on reform of framework for the economic regulation of airports
The Transport Secretary published proposals to improve airports to put passengers first. Also to encourage competition between airports and promote investment which will make Britain's major airports better, not bigger. The CAA will also be given a supplementary financing duty to drive passenger focused investment. There is nothing on the environment and nothing to protect the public who are not passengers. (DfT)
Click here to view full story...
BA and Solena plan to “create 1,200 London jobs” at biofuels plant
BA hopes to source much of the aviation fuel needed by one or other London airport from a waste-to-biofuels plant in east London, which will burn plastics, paper and food leftovers - which are not recycled in a better way. Two potential locations near Dagenham have been proposed. 200 jobs might be created at the factory. BA hopes to buy 16 million gallons of fuel for 10 years and hopes production could start in 2014. Solena is seeking sources of finance.
Click here to view full story...
Ash crisis sees Ryanair profits fall 24% in first quarter of 2010
Ryanair forecast that fares could rise by 10 - 15% over the summer after it reported a fall in 1st-quarter (ending June 30th) profits of 24%, partly caused by the ash cloud. Profits fell to €93.7m. The disruption caused by the volcano led to the cancellation of 9,400 Ryanair flights, travel chaos, and cost Ryanair €50m. About 1.5m passengers disrupted by the ash received refunds for their tickets. During the quarter average journey lengths increased 13%.
Click here to view full story...
Small change to VAT on larger private planes
The recent budget has made a small change to the way VAT is charged. The supply, repair, or maintenance, of an aircraft is zero-rated for VAT purposes if it weighs 8,000kg or more, and is not designed or adapted for recreational or pleasure use. After 1.1.2011 aircraft will be zero rated only if it is used by a commercial airline operating on international routes, regardless of weight. But this will only affect private planes, not commercial airlines.
Click here to view full story...
Manchester Airport Group agrees deal with solicitors representing local residents
Manchester Airport has agreed a compensation package with residents over the creation of the 2nd runway. Homeowners in Mobberley and Knutsford have been saved a lengthy court battle after the airport and the firm of solicitors acting on its behalf came to an agreement. Over 330 householders have lodged compensation claims. A lawsuit – to be heard by the Lands Tribunal – was due to take place in Sept but this will now not go ahead. (Knutsford Guardian)
Click here to view full story...
Push up cost of air travel to cut demand, say Institute for Civil Engineers
In a new report the Institution of Civil Engineers say the price of air travel should be increased and the Coalition’s decision to scrap Heathrow’s 3rd runway could also leave Britain lagging behind its European rivals. The report calls for a minimum carbon price to make flying more expensive, as APD is too low to have any effect in reducing demand. A DfT spokesman said we cannot allow air traffic growth to continue at the levels it has in the past. (Telegraph)
Click here to view full story...
2009 saw the fastest drop in Brits travelling abroad recorded since 1970s
The number of trips made by Brits to foreign countries fell at the fastest rate since the 1970s, according to the ONS. It recorded 58.6 million trips compared to 69 million in 2008. The fall was mirrored by fewer foreign visitors coming to Britain, (a drop from 31.1 million to 29.9 million). Visits abroad have grown by 4% on average per year in the past 25 years and visits to the UK have grown at 3.2% on average. Numbers of business trips fell every more sharply.
Click here to view full story...
Rise in global, European and UK air freight over the past six months
Click here to view full story...
Passengers down -1.7% in June compared to June 2009 at BAA’s airports
BAA's passenger traffic in June was affected by the BA strike at the start of the month. BAA's UK airports handled 9.5 million passengers, a drop of 1.7% on June 2009. Without the strike BAA estimate that Heathrow would have seen 140,000 more passengers last month and would have seen a 2.5% increase on last June. Passengers were down at Stansted, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen by -5.2%, -2.0%, -7.0% and -4.0% compared to June 2009. Cargo grew by +21.7%
Click here to view full story...
Birmingham Airport receives funding for expansion plans
Birmingham Airport has secured the £45 million funding it wants to extend its runway, which would allow for bigger planes, as well as a long-haul service to destinations in Asia and on the west coast of the US. The funding was obtained from provided by Santander Corporate Banking and Royal Bank of Scotland. Work is also ongoing on the merging of Birmingham Airport's two terminals.
Click here to view full story...
Which? says airlines fail to refund APD on flights not taken
If passengers do not take their flight, or miss it, they are rarely able to reclaim the APD. The tax ( £11 on a short haul flight in Europe, and £55 economy class for the longest) is kept by most airlines. Most charge a fee, often much larger than the value the APD to pay for administration for the fee's return. EasyJet is the only airline that refunds it without a fee. The money just goes into the airline's coffers. (BBC)
Click here to view full story...
Could the exhaust from jet engines provide wind power to generate free electricity for airports?
A US industrial designer believes he has come up with a novel concept that harnesses the jet exhaust from aircraft waiting to take off to create freely available wind-generated electrical power for airports. The FreeWind generator units would be sited in the vicinity of blast fences positioned at almost all airports to defuse jet engine exhaust that can reach 300mph. The inventor wants to build a prototype so the concept can be tested in a real-life situation.
Click here to view full story...
Aviation taxes in danger of pricing people out of flying, says Willie Walsh
Willie Walsh has said - rather predictably - that millions will not be able to afford to fly unless the Government stops hiking aviation taxes. He wants an end to APD when aviation joins the ETS in 2012. He says "We are in severe danger of pricing large numbers of people out of flying." And "We cannot go on layering ever more punitive tax burdens on this industry." He is worried about a global climate tax, and that his industry is seen as a flying cash machine.
Click here to view full story...
Community meeting on Stansted aircraft noise on 23rd July
Sir Alan Haselhurst MP will join local councillors, SSE and BAA to discuss the ongoing problem of noisy aircraft and the problems they cause to the people of the Hallingburys, Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak and beyond at a special meeting. The issue of increased aircraft noise came to a head last summer after newly-introduced departure practices for planes leaving Stansted coupled with the intrusion caused by the ear-splitting Air Asia X Kuala Lumpur service.
Click here to view full story...
New chief – Charles Buchanan – appointed at Manston airport
A new chief executive has been appointed to run Kent International Airport Manston. Before joining airport owners Infratil Charles Buchanan worked for more than 10 years at London City Airport, ultimately as Strategy and Communications Director, where he presided over extensive growth.
Click here to view full story...
Lydd Airport chief Jonathan Gordon steps down
Lydd Airport’s managing director has resigned after the airport’s £25m expansion plans were called in by the Government. Jonathan Gordon said it would be in the "best interests" of the project. Mr Gordon, who was brought into the expansion project in August, spoke of his busy schedule as a consultant to other aviation organisations. The senior management team at Lydd has taken overall control of the business and will fight the public inquiry.
Click here to view full story...
Beijing Airport overtakes Heathrow as world’s second-largest
This is a sign of China's growing dominance of international travel. In terms of seat capacity, it is now second only to Atlanta Hartsfield. It has been boosted by a sharp growth in the number of passenger seats to Asia, and this growth is expected to continue. The world's busiest airports by seat capacity are Atlanta, Beijing, Heathrow, Chicago O'Hare, Tokyo Haneda, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Los Angeles, Frankfurt and Dallas Fort Worth.
Click here to view full story...
Airport trolley charges double at Bristol, Luton and Cardiff
The cost is rising from £1 to £2 and is non-refundable. The cost increase will be rolled out across a number of other airports later in the year.
Click here to view full story...
Dublin airport ‘an alternative hub to Heathrow’, for North American destinations, says Aer Lingus
More on reasons why Heathrow will not be the only hub airport for UK passengers in future. Aer Lingus is expanding its long-haul business to North America and says more passengers in the north of England and Scotland are happy to fly to the US and Canada via Dublin, as opposed to Heathrow. Aer Lingus said it had a 36% increase in the number of UK passengers flying to North America via Dublin in June compared to a year earlier. It carries some 100,000 UK passengers a year to destinations in North America from Dublin. Passengers from the north of England and Scotland who transfer through Dublin can clear US customs in advance to avoid large queues in the US. Flying via Dublin also avoids Air Passenger Duty. Aer Lingus claims Dublin recently overtook Schiphol as the preferred hub for UK passengers who want to avoid flying via Heathrow to North America.
Click here to view full story...
Bristol Airport campaigners set up fighting fund for legal challenge
Stop Bristol Airport Expansion has set up a fund to launch a legal challenge against North Somerset Council's decision to allow the airport's expansion plans. The council approved the expansion, subject to 70 conditions, in May. If Eric Pickles does not call a public inquiry, necessary as some of the development is on green belt land, then SBAE will launch their legal challenge - claiming there is no government policy to support the decision.
Click here to view full story...
Globally March, April and May were the hottest since records began in 1880
NOAA data for combined global land and ocean surface temperatures show this May was the hottest on record. This April was also the hottest on record. So was March. The 7 months before (Aug 2009 to Jan 2010) all had ocean surface temperatures in the top 4 or 5. The global land surface temperatures for May and the March–May period were the warmest on record, at 1.04 °C and 1.22 °C above the 20th century average, respectively. So much for the climate sceptics....
Click here to view full story...
Britain first country to curb growth in “binge flying” to aid climate
The New York Times reports that the UK coalition government has set out to curb the growth of what has been called "binge flying" by refusing to build new runways around London to accommodate more planes. Britons have become accustomed to easy, frequent flying — jetting off to weekend homes in Spain and bachelor parties in Prague — as England has become a hub for low-cost airlines. Britain is bucking a global trend while other countries build more runways.
Click here to view full story...
Blimps could replace aircraft in freight transport, say scientists
Sir David King has told a conference that massive helium balloons – or blimps – would replace aircraft as a key part of the global trade network as a way of cutting global warming emissions. Boeing and Lockheed Martin were working on designs, and the US defence department had recently made a large grant to help develop the technology. Helium-powered ships might be carrying freight – and even passengers – in as little as a decade's time. (Guardian)
Click here to view full story...
EU Airbus subsidies illegal, says WTO
The WTO has ruled that subsidies paid to Airbus were illegal. The US lodged a complaint with the WTO six years ago, but the decision has only now been made public. Meanwhile the EU has made a similar complaint over the US's alleged support of its rival aircraft giant Boeing. The European Commission said it would decide whether to appeal the ruling. It has 60 days to do so. (BBC)
Click here to view full story...
MPs sign up to back Thames airport on ‘Boris Island’
An all-party group of over 20 MPs has been formed, by Bernard Jenkins, to rescue Boris's controversial vision of an island airport in the Thames. The MPs have signed up to campaign for "Boris Island". It might be 4 or 6 runways. But Bernard Jenkins' email appeal for members was given short shrift by Kent Tory MPs, such as Jackie Doyle-Price and Gordon Henderson. Most Conservative MPs oppose it, as do Labour, who support Heathrow runway 3.
Click here to view full story...
Committee on Climate Change urge new UK climate policies
The CCC has produced its 2nd report to Parliament. Last year UK greenhouse gas emissions fell -8.6%, mainly due to the recession but also because of increased fossil fuel prices. The fall was NOT due to any progress on reducing emissions. The UK needs a step change in policies. The CCC says that as our emissions are 8% down, the UK could go for a 42% cut compared to 1990 emisssions (rather than the current 34% target) by 2020.
Click here to view full story...
Attack of the vapours – how jet trails block out the sunshine
The Mail had realised that planes jetting holiday makers off on their jaunts cause vapour trails, which leave cloudy skies. The phenomenon occurs when aircraft fly above 25,000ft, where the air temperature is around minus 30C. This causes water vapour emitted by the engines to crystallise and form contrails. If the atmosphere is damp, these can linger for hours, if the extra moisture makes the air over saturated. These can cover one fifth of UK skies.
Click here to view full story...
Politicians to hear Belfast residents’ concerns on plane safety and noise
The Ulster Unionist Party leader, Sir Reg Empey, will be among a number of local politicians speaking at a public meeting on 30th June on aircraft noise and safety, organised by Belfast City Airport Watch. The meeting is being held in response to rising concern among local people, following two recent incidents in which roof tiles were dislodged from houses, apparently by aircraft, in the Parkgate area. People want answers from local politicians.
Click here to view full story...
IATA announce that air travel rebounded in May above pre-recession levels
May 2010 figures compared to May 2009 show the number of global air passengers rose by +11.7% (in Europe it was +8.3%) while air freight rose by +34.3% (in Europe +21.9%). Passenger traffic is now 1% above pre-recession levels, while the freight market is 6% bigger. In Europe the passenger load factor was up to 77.4%. In Europe, the growth rate is the slowest, and there is expected to be slower demand growth than is experienced in other parts of the world. (IATA)
Click here to view full story...
Transport Minister says domestic flights ‘thing of the past’
Philip Hammond has claimed that flying within the UK is heading for extinction. It will be a thing of the past, he said, and fast train links will be critical to addressing growing demand for air travel. Airlines like Flybe, the UK's largest domestic operator, and BA doubt this and say there will still be demand from people in the UK regions to fly to the Heathrow hub. Hammond talked of "spare capacity at Stansted". A new working group has been set up. (FT)
Click here to view full story...
Southend Airport expansion says it is ‘on target for 2012’
At Southend airport, the new railway station, with trains to Liverpool Street, is nearing completion. The new control tower is due to be operational by February. Plans for a 129-bedroom hotel at the airport have been "unveiled", and the airport is hoping to cash in on Olympic traffic in 2012. Roadworks to divert Eastwoodbury Lane to make way for the extended runway will begin in the autumn, and plans for the new terminal building are starting. (Echo)
Click here to view full story...
Climate 9: Found guilty of breach of the peace at Aberdeen Airport
The Climate 9 have been found guilty of breach of the peace. More serious charges of vandalism were dropped. The charges were significantly reduced over the course of the 2 week trial. Sentence was deferred until August. The protesters were campaigning against any expansion of the airport, claiming it would lead to more harmful carbon emissions. The 9 are celebrating their victory in showing that peaceful protest is a necessary and legitimate way to take the action needed on climate change.
Click here to view full story...
London air pollution ‘worst in Europe’ with high PM10 level
The City of London is one of the most polluted places in Europe after monitoring equipment recorded dangerous levels of PM10s for the 36th time this year. Parts of London breached the annual EU levels after just 6 months. Other parts of central London are close to the limit and can be expected to break the law within weeks. Aircraft produce PM10s (from engine, brakes and tyres) and FoE said London City Airport should not be expanded, producing more PM10s.
Click here to view full story...
Farnborough Airport Inquiry: carbon emissions by business aviation worse
CPRE Hampshire and local residents have given evidence. This was the 1st test case of its kind since the Heathrow High Court judgement in March. CPRE’s case is that the contribution of ‘business aviation’ passengers to climate change is far greater than has been generally recognised. The average plane-load for a typical Farnborough business jet is just 2.5 passengers, so each one is responsible for more CO2 than by any other means of transport.
Click here to view full story...
Online ‘Slot Shop’ for airlines to trade take-off and landing slots
Owned by 9 major UK airlines and run independently on a not-for-profit basis, Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) is responsible for allocating slots at UK airports. It has launched its new online service, SlotTrade, to the world's airlines. In the past, it depended on airlines finding each other. Now airlines can post their slot requirements and respond to other airlines wishing to acquire or dispose of slots. Probably only relevant at Heathrow and Gatwick.
Click here to view full story...
Climate9: Day 9. Reflections on the Trial – Last day tomorrow
On the penultimate day of the Climate9 trial, the defendants reflect on the roller coaster ride of the trial, why they invaded the runway at Aberdeen airport. The biggest win came from the legal discussions around the relevance of the Climate9's witnesses. They won the right to have their climate defence experts heard as their defence. This is the 1st time in Scotland that a jury has been allowed to hear a climate defence. Great photo outside court too.
Click here to view full story...
Gloucester airport: light plane crashes five metres from road
A 72 year old pilot narrowly escaped disaster when his light aircraft crash-landed at Gloucestershire Airport. It smashed into a hedge, which cushioned the impact, 5 metres from the busy Bamfurlong Lane as it attempted to land at the Staverton airfield - 50 metres from the main runway. The pilot was not seriously injured. Staverton airport handle between 70,000 and 90,000 flights a year. The Air Accident Investigation Branch will be investigating. (bnet)
Click here to view full story...
Lydd Airport Action Group welcomes Public Inquiry
LAAG welcomed the decision of the Secretary of State for DCLG, Eric Pickles, to call in Lydd Airport’s planning application for a public inquiry. The case for a public inquiry was compelling as the application satisfied 4 of the 5 government criteria to determine if a inquiry should take place. These include conflict with national policy on important matters; significant effects beyond the immediate locality; and substantial regional or national controversy.
Click here to view full story...
Climate9 trial: UK emission cuts ‘not radical enough’, airport protest trial told
Government plans to cut UK carbon emissions by 80% over the next 40 years are not radical enough to prevent "dangerous" climate change, a trial of nine climate protesters heard today. The climate scientist Dr Alice Bows, a specialist from the Tyndall centre for climate change research, also told a jury that the growth in aviation was a "big issue" because its emissions caused particular harm at higher altitude. (Guardian)
Click here to view full story...
Osborne postpones action on Air Passenger Duty or per plane tax till the autumn
The government has postponed its decision on AGP. George Osborne said in his budget: "The government will report back in the autumn on its proposal to impose a per plane tax as opposed to a per passenger tax to contribute towards a reduction in carbon emissions." Much of the UK travel industry - airlines and travel agents - has called for the tax to be scrapped. The Treasury plans to raise £3.8 bn in 2014-15 from air travel, compared to £1.9 bn last year
Click here to view full story...
Peel sells airports stake to Vancouver Airport Services
Peel Holdings, the private infrastructure company, has agreed to sell a 65% stake in its airports business to Vancouver Airport Services (VAS), the Canadian operator. Peel Airports owns Liverpool John Lennon airport, Robin Hood airport, a 75% stake in Durham Tees Valley airport and Manchester City airport. It has been looking for a strategic partner as the recession has hit traffic at the airports, which rely heavily on charter flights and low-cost airlines.
Click here to view full story...
Budget 2010: Air traffic control organisation Nats to be sold off
George Osborne announced in the budget that the Treasury is to open discussions with fellow shareholders in NATS (National Air Traffic Services) over selling its 49% stake. Nats is 42%-owned by a consortium of airlines including easyJet, BA and Virgin Atlantic, with 5% controlled by staff and 4% owned by BAA. EasyJet is opposed to the sale, if it put profit before running an efficient service. The union of air traffic controllers is opposed. (Guardian)
Click here to view full story...
Budget 2010: Green policies ‘sidelined’ and little on aviation
The only proposals in the budget, relevant to aviation, were that the government will look at how to dispose of its shareholding in air traffic body NATS - it owns 49% at present. And will report back in the autumn on its proposal to impose a per plane tax as opposed to APD. Green groups were disappointed that there was little on climate change. Some expressed concern that 25% cuts in government departments could damage the environment.
Click here to view full story...
Climate 9: Expert witnesses to give evidence on climate change on Wednesday
Expert witnesses Dr Alice Bows, top climate scientist from the Tyndall Centre, and Dr Geoff Meaden, Geographer and key witness for the Kingsnorth6 case will be testifying to the urgent need for climate action on the 8th day of the Climate9 court case. The prosecution has now finished and the defence case began this Monday. Further expert witnesses will be called for the rest of the week and the case is currently expected to be closed on Friday.
Click here to view full story...
Climate 9: Criminal damage charges dropped against 2 of the 9
On Day 6 of the trail in Aberdeen, the Crown Prosecution came to a close. The Procurator Fiscal dropped the charges of Criminal Damage for the two protesters on the roof of Aberdeen airport. The defence case is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The protestors made the link between Donald Trump's proposed golf course, and expansion of the airport to encourage golf players to fly in.
Click here to view full story...