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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 |
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Latest news stories:
Avation industry pessimist frets over the industry’s future …
A long article by David Bentley, an aviation analyst, expresses his fears for the future health of the UK aviation industry. His concerns stem from the Conservative - Lib Dem government decision to scrap plans for a third Heathrow runway, and also new runways at Gatwick and Stansted. Also fears about a generally more environmentally aware government, ash clouds over Europe, ever growing financial pressures amd competition from Europe.
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Cameron’s Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition cabinet: Philip Hammond at Transport
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Emirates posts strong profits – 400% up on a year earlier
For most airlines the recession has meant huge losses, reduced capacity and cost cutting but Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier, has bucked that trend and posted a huge increase in profits. It said its profits in the year to the end of March had increased by over 400% - compared to a year earlier - to $964 million. Emirates has reduced its costs by 2.7% and pressed on with expansion plans. Passenger numbers rose by 20.8% to 27.4 million. (Times)
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Coalition sets out plans on runways and nuclear
The UK's new coalition government has cancelled controversial plans to build a 3rd runway at Heathrow, and also refuse new runways at Gatwick and Stansted. However, it is not clear what this will mean for other airports in the region, such as London City Airport. In their first press conference Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg both pledged a low-carbon economy, but there are doubts about whether low-carbon energy targets will be met, and nothing on regional airport growth. (BBC)
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Birmingham Airport says it “Offers Solution to the ‘Heathrow Problem'”
Birmingham Airport's CEO, Paul Kehoe, has wasted no time in putting in his plug about the airport benefitting from the decision to scrap plans for a 3rd Heathrow runway. The airport says it now handles 9 million passengers per year, and there is enough spare capacity to take another 9 million passengers immediately – and another 21 million passengers in future years, with its runway extension, for which Planning Consent has already been given.
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Full Text: Conservative-Lib Dem deal (environmental section)
The specific environmental/transport measures mentioned are these: The establishment of a high-speed rail network. The cancellation of the 3rd runway at Heathrow. The refusal of additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted. The replacement of the Air Passenger Duty with a per flight duty. The provision of a floor price for carbon, as well as efforts to persuade the EU to move towards full auctioning of ETS permits.
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Heathrow 3rd runway ‘buried’: how the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition affects London
Heathrow's 3rd runway was "dead and buried" today after Labour was ousted from power. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats sealed their opposition to its expansion in the coalition pact agreed last night. John Stewart, chairman of HACAN, said the runway is firmly dead and buried, and there will be rejoicing amongst the residents of west London and beyond. There is no possibility of a U-turn because of the coalition and commitments by both parties to oppose it.
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Heathrow runway plans scrapped by new government
Plans for a 3rd runway at Heathrow have been scrapped by the new government. Local residents and campaigners are absolutely delighted. There were parties all evening in Sipson, which was due to be demolished under the plans. Residents under the flight path are delighted and people who stood to lose their homes are relieved. But there is caution from campaigners because of previous "broken promises", and BAA put out a statement about "work with the new government to provide strong trading connections".
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Plane crash in Libya ‘kills more than 100 on board’
A passenger plane onwed by Afriquiyah Airways, (a low cost Libyan airline set up 9 years ago) has crashed in Libya, killing more than 100 people on board. The Airbus 330 crashed on landing at Tripoli airport after a flight from Johannesburg. Several dozen Dutch nationals were among the 93 passengers, and one Dutch boy is the sole survivor. The cause of the accident is not known, but the plane appears to have crashed close to the runway. (BBC)
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Europe to examine case for bigger CO2 cuts
Europe's climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard is to set out the case for a unilateral 30% EU cut in CO2. At the end of May she will unveil research examining the consequences to Europe's economy of outdoing the current 20% target. She warned the fall in CO2 during the recession meant a 20% cut would not drive the clean energy innovation Europe needed. The EU needed to do something to drive up the carbon price in order to drive invention. (BBC)
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BAA says ash chaos cut passenger numbers by a fifth – but air cargo up
In April the volcanic ash closed UK airspace for 6 days (20% of the month). BAA figures for April show a drop of 22.7% in passenger numbers compared to April 2009, and a drop of 28.2% at the Scottish airports. Heathrow was down by 20.8%; Stansted down by 24.4% and Southampton down by 19.4%. Air cargo increased by 6% with Heathrow cargo up by 7.8% and the Scottish airports up by 24.7%.
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Ryanair admits volcanic ash in engines of two planes
Ryanair has said that volcanic ash has been found in the engines of 2 of its aircraft at Belfast City Airport. Initially, the airline said the planes all had separate technical problems unrelated to the Icelandic eruption. But after further tests on Sunday, it confirmed 2 aircraft at the City airport showed small traces of ash in their engines. "These aircraft will return to service once the manufacturer's approved procedures for return to service". (BBC)
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British Airways – fresh round of strike dates announced
The BA cabin crew union, Unite, has announced fresh strike dates in its long-running dispute with the airline. Cabin crew will walk out for 4 separate 5-day strikes in May and June. The first strike will begin on 18 May, ending on 22 May, with the 3 further strikes beginning on 24 May, 30 May and 5 June. Unite members rejected a fresh deal for cabin crew earlier this month, and 81% voted against BA's offer last week, which sought to resolve the dispute. (BBC)
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BA passengers down 22% in April, largely due to the volcano problems
During April, some 6 days of flying (20% of the month) were lost due to the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano. Available Seat Kilometres was down 20.9% on April 2009. Revenue Passenger Kilometres fell by 22.4%. This resulted in a passenger load factor decrease of 1.5 points versus last year, to 76.6 %. There was a 19.8% decrease in premium traffic and a 22.9% decrease in non-premium traffic. Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne Kilometres, fell by 11.0%. (BA)
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Durham Tees Valley airport wins 4 year legal battle with bmibaby
The Appeal Court has ruled that bmibaby had breached its contract with the airport when it axed its services in 2006. The decision reversed a High Court ruling last year, which found that the terms of the contract were so vague and uncertain that they were unenforceable. Three judges sitting at London’s Civil Appeal Court yesterday found bmibaby in "repudiatory breach" of the contract. The airport lost money for 8 years when a contract was cancelled. (Echo)
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Volcanic ash cloud grounds more flights and could bring summer of disruption
Vulcanologists predict that some ash will be produced for months ahead. The last time this volcano erupted, it erupted for 2 years -from 1821 to 1823. The key to flight disruption, and a summer of discontent, is not ash, but the wind. Northerly winds on average occur 15% of the time during the summer. There is no certainty that all future travellers will have insurance to pay for delays and cancellations caused by the ash. (Guardian)
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What the political parties told “Gatwick Can Be Quieter” about their aviation policies
On 29th April, Gatwick Can Be Quieter (GatCan) asked 32 local election candidates in the area, and the central offices of each major party to make their views on aviation matters known to the electorate. The asked what plans the parties have for controlling spiraling growth in air traffic, making the polluter pay in aviation, phasing out old and inefficient aircraft, regulating the aviation sector etc - the replies received are printed in full. (GatCan)
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Stansted airport planning application to rent out surplus warehouses refused
SSE is delighted to report that members of Uttlesford District Council’s Development Control Committee voted unanimously to refuse BAA’s planning application for permission to rent its surplus warehouse space to all-comers. The Council could find no material reason for making an exception to its own longstanding policy of only permitting airport-related businesses to operate from within the Stansted Airport site. (SSE)
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Volcano ash: EU ministers review air traffic control
EU transport ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss ways to improve on their response to volcanic ash disruption. Ways to improve the EU's management of air traffic will be considered. EU transport ministers are now under pressure to speed up implementation of a plan that would introduce trans-national airspace blocks. Ministers are also expected to discuss what compensation, if any, should be given to the airlines affected. (BBC)
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13 near-miss incidents for flights in the Yorkshire region in the past 3 years
CAA data on airprox incidents shows there were 13 near miss incidents at Yorkshire airports. Inattentive military pilots, hapless trainee air traffic controllers and wayward model aircraft are among the causes of a catalogue of incidents involving passenger airliners and other commercial aircraft flying in and out of Leeds Bradford, Humberside and Doncaster Robin Hood airports. One was a Category A, and several involved the RAF. (Yorkshire Post)
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Tribunal’s airports decision ‘perverse’
Peter Freeman, Competition Commission chairman, said he would strive to reverse an independent tribunal judgment that scrapped an order for BAA to dismantle itself because its dominance harmed passengers' interests. He said the decision to allow BAA to maintain much of its airports near-monopoly is "perverse, wasteful and wrong", and he is pushing through a counter-appeal against the ruling - which affects the possible sale of Stansted. (FT)
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Volcano ash flight ban ‘might have ended sooner’
The suspension of UK flights after the volcanic eruption in Iceland might have ended sooner. If airline engine manufacturers had specified a safe level of ash earlier, the CAA says it could have reopened the skies earlier. Manufacturers probably knew roughly what a safe level was, that they knew there was an acceptable level of safety but they were not prepared to underwrite the risk and validate it. The issues has been discussed by the industry for years.(BBC)
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EU transport chief urges Single European Skies (SES) acceleration as post-volcano recovery measure
EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas has urged acceleration of the Single European Sky programme to deliver integrated airspace management by the end of 2010 – 2 years before the scheduled implementation date of 2012. In response to the recent disruption resulting from the volcanic ash cloud Kallas presented a series of recovery recommendations on 27 April. The aim is to have a better coordinated approach to assessment of flow and react quickly to problems.
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Ash impact on aircraft warning – air conditioning system damage
Airlines may not have seen the last of the ash cloud crisis. The impact of ash on aircraft air-conditioning systems could be serious, warned aviation lecturer Stephen Wright of Leeds University. Planes will be "hoovering up" the additional ash and this could lead to planes having to make unscheduled or emergency landings. The air-con systems may need to be changed after just 3 - 4 months, whereas they're expected to last around 18 months.
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Volcano ash chaos cost airport operator BAA £28m (and other airline losses)
BAA says the ash crisis caused it losses of £28 million. BAA reported a pre-tax loss for the quarter ending in March, of £195.5 million, an improvement on the £316.2m loss seen a year earlier. BAA warned that the months ahead could be tough. BA said they had lost around £15 - 20 million per day of the ash event; Air Southwest lost around £300,000; Jet2 said it lost £2.8 million. IATA said earlier that airlines collectively had lost around $1.7 billion.
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New operator – Man for Cardiff to Anglesey air service
Isle of Man based Manx2.com with its partner FLM Aviation will resume the Cardiff-Anglesey service on Monday 10th May for 7 months. The Welsh Assembly government said a further tendering process will begin to appoint an operator for a 4-year contract. The Cardiff to Anglesey air link started in May 2007, with two flights a day both ways, attracting 40,000 passengers to date. The journey is a slow one by rail. (BBC)
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March aviation CO2 data shows the UK has by far the highest emissions in Europe
Data for CO2 emissions from the European aviation industry for March show that the UK has by far the largest emissions of any country in the EU. UK aviation emitted 4,591,019 tonnes of CO2, with Germany 2nd with 3,380,864 tonnes, and then France at 2,437,198 tonnes. (UK is 25% of the EU total). Heathrow is responsible for by far the most CO2 - in March, 1,739,734 tonnes of CO2, with Frankfurt 2nd at 1,133,326 tonnes, and Charles de Gaulle at 985,933 tonnes.
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New owners agree deal to save Coventry Airport
A deal has been signed for Sir Peter Rigby to become the airport's new owner. Negotiations between the airport landowners Coventry City Council and Sir Peter’s aviation group Patriot Aerospace, have been ongoing for several months. He says his plans include resurrecting commercial flights from the airport and creating more jobs. He hopes for low cost flights to Europe, including scheduled flights. (Coventry Telegraph)
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Uttlesford Council wants to break its own rules to help BAA’s financial plight
Uttlesford District Council planning officials are recommending that Councillors approve a BAA planning application to allow it for the first time ever to rent 60,000 sq foot of Stansted Airport warehousing space to non airport-related tenants. BAA has asked for a lifting of the "airport-related" planning restriction for 7 years so that it is free to rent the airport warehouses on the wider local market. Opponents, including SSE, say the airport has an unfair advantage in having cheaper land through compulsory purchase.
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Volcanic ash crisis cost airlines £2.2 billion
The Icelandic volcano ash crisis has cost the airlines €2.5 billion ( £2.2 billion), according to the European Union's executive body. Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas says the EC was asking member nations to provide airlines immediate relief with measures such as making market-rate loans and deferring payments for air traffic control services. But he warned EU member states not to grant state aid other than loans at market rate. (Telegraph)
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London City: Quiet sky raises Fight The Flights’ challenge to politicians
Residents across east and south east London who live beneath the flight paths of London City and Heathrow Airports were given 6 days of respite during the no flight ban due to the volcanic eruption. Residents have been monitoring noise levels as part of a project set up by Fight the Flights in alliance with UCL. The results, to be released next week, will compare the difference in noise levels between the flight ban and normal flight activity over the area.
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Aberdeen airport launches noise insulation consultation scheme
Aberdeen Airport has started a noise insulation consultation scheme. Details of the public consultation are being sent to communities affected by living near the airport flight path, in the 66 decibel contour. The scheme should allow local residents to apply for double glazing. The consultation scheme is open until the end of June, with the proposed phased project running until 2012.
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BA executives ‘agreed fuel price-fixing deal with Virgin Atlantic’
Four BA executives fixed the price of fuel surcharges in a secret deal with Virgin Atlantic, Southwark Crown Court has been told. They agreed with others at Virgin "to make and implement agreements which would lead, and which in fact did lead, to price-fixing". The 4 deny a cartel offence under the Enterprise Act 2002. The prosecution is by the OFT. BA was fined for another price fixing offence in the US 4 years ago. (Times)
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Birmingham Airport using the plane-free period to boost its runway hopes
Birmingham airport expansion supporters are using the 6 days without flights to boost their campaign to get the runway extension paid for. They claim the "extremist green lobby" are completely misguided and out of touch. It says "The time has come to redouble efforts to make sure Birmingham gets its runway extension". (Birmingham Post)
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Plane Stupid targets Red Bull-sh*t over London City Airport plan
Plane Stupid has deposited a large mound of manure outside the south London HQ of soft drink giant Red Bull. Three activists, dressed as ‘avenging air hostesses’in Red Bull's colours, crowned the mound with placards reading: ‘Red Bull-sh*t’, ‘Red Bull gives you (plane) wings’ and ‘No second runway by stealth.’ The move was prompted by the revelation that Red Bull has applied for planning permission to build an aerodrome opposite London City Airport.
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Volcanic ash: air industry was warned in 2007
The International Airways Volcano Watch Operations Group, a division of the ICAO, discussed 3 years ago establishing what might constitute "safe" levels of ash for aircraft to fly in. But the aircraft manufacturers were reluctant to talk about the issue. In 2007 it acknowledged that establishing a safe lower limit was a "difficult and longstanding problem", and that airspace shutdowns were likely and there could be over-warning causing airlines costs.(Observer)
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Ash cloud chaos could have silver lining for UK tourism
As a result of the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano, many industry experts believe the UK’s visitor economy may actually benefit in the long term, as the delays, cost, and discomfort suffered by stranded holiday makers may cause people to think twice about holidaying abroad in the future. One expert said: "With the latest problems we could see an uplift of 20% or so for the UK tourism industry." (Brand Republic)
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Peter Lockley: Fly less and we’ll all be happier
Pete is Head of Transport at WWF-UK. For every tourist who couldn't fly in to the UK, almost 2 couldn't fly out, and those two may well be spending money at UK tourist destinations that have suffered in recent years from the rise in cheap flights. The biggest economic winner thus far has been the telecommunications industry. Video-conferencing companies are reporting a boom in bookings. WWF's "1 in 5" campaign is helping more businesses cut flights.
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Empty skies proved that airports cause pollution, say researchers
Scientists have used the no-flying period caused by the ash cloud to show for the first time that airports are themselves significant causes of pollution. Although long suspected, the fact that mass take-offs and landings are large pollution sources could never be proved before, because aircraft pollution could not be measured as separate from the pollution caused by vehicles. Levels of NOx fell massively around Heathrow and Gatwick. (Independent)
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Iceland volcano gives warming world chance to debunk climate sceptic myths
Climate sceptics' favourite theory that volcanoes produce more CO2 than human activity has exploded in their faces with Eyjafjallajokull eruption. The US Geological Survey states: "Human activities release more than 130 times the amount of CO2 emitted by volcanoes" and all volcanoes – submarine as well as subaerial. Extrapolated over a year, the emissions would place the volcano 47th to 75th in the world table of emitters on a country-by-country basis.
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Why airlines resisted setting safe dust level for flights – until now
The reopening of the skies over the UK followed intense lobbying from an airline industry that for years has resisted efforts by regulators to set a "safe" level of volcanic ash at which it is considered that flights can continue. Airlines had been afraid of the potential damage to their reputation and finances in the event of one of their planes being lost due to dust after an all-clear had been announced, with fear of legal action. (Guardian)
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Two main UK political parties pledge to replace APD with per-plane tax
The Conservatives and the Lib Dems say they will replace APD with a per-plane tax, which is fairer in that an almost empty plane costs the operator more to run than a full one, and cargo is also caught. The low cost airlines prefer the per-plane tax, as they benefit. Airlines like BA currently do not pay APD for transit passengers, or for air freight. If Labour was returned to power, the rates of APD would rise again in Nov 2010. (GreenAir online)
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Judge confirms Heathrow campaigners win in Court – and 60% of costs
Lord Justice Carnwarth confirmed the campaigners against Heathrow expansion scored a significant win in the High Court last month. In a short court hearing today to apportion costs the judge said "Frankly you are entitled to say you have won substantially." He ordered the DfT to pay their own costs plus 60% of the opponents’ costs. TfL was asked to pay its own costs. The DfT was also asked to sign an undertaking that it would carry out the terms of the judgment.
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Airlines Seek Bailout From EU For Ash Crisis, British Airways Losing $30 Million Per Day
Airline losses from the volcanic ash cloud climbed above $1 billion on 19th April, and the industry demanded compensation from the EU as officials agreed to let flights resume on a limited basis. Airlines are losing as much as $300 million per day, with some like BA suffering the most. Air France-KLM is losing $47 million a day. SAS is losing up to $12.5 million a day, while Alitalia is losing $6.7 million to $13.4 million. Also $500 million in lost freight revenue.
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£32m Birmingham Airport road scheme gets city council backing
Plans for a £32 million diversion of the A45 to allow the runway extension to be built have won Birmingham City Council’s backing. Council leaders agreed to pay half of the cost after seeking legal advice, though there had been questions whether the council had the powers to make a £16 million contribution to Solihull Council to get the A45 scheme off the ground. Lawyers said Birmingham could go ahead, and felt there were other transport benefits.
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Gatwick: Survey of ‘unexpected peace and quiet’
While having every sympathy for those stranded without flights, GACC is using the unanticipated closure of Gatwick as a scientific opportunity to test what the Surrey, Sussex and Kent environment would be like with much quieter aircraft. GACC will be conducting a survey of councils and environmental groups (around 100 are GACC members) to establish how much road traffic is related to the airport, and the contrast with the peace and quiet at present.
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Iceland volcano: Kenya’s farmers losing $1.3m a day in flights chaos
Kenyan farmers are dumping tonnes of vegetables and flowers destined for the UK, 4 days after the volcanic ash cloud over Europe grounded cargo flight. Kenyan farms have laid off 5,000 staff. Kenya's flower council says the country is haemorrhaging $1.3m a day in lost shipments to Europe. Kenya normally exports up to 500 tonnes of flowers daily. AAA growers ship 10-15 tonne tonnes of produce daily and has donated or dumped 50-60 tonnes of vegetables.
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British Airways calls for compensation on flight ban
BA has called for the EU and the UK government to compensate it for lost revenue from the ban on flights caused by the cloud of volcanic ash over Europe. It said it estimated its daily losses through the ban were £15m-20m, including lost revenue from passengers and cargo and the cost of supporting stranded and delayed passengers. At the start of the flying restrictions on April 14 it had more than £1.7bn of cash and more than £400m acredit lines.
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Europe counts saved carbon emissions as flights stay grounded
The grounding of 63,000 flights over the past 4 days (and continuing) has saved 1.3 million tonnes of CO2, more than the annual emissions of many developing countries. Aviation is responsible for about 2% of global emissions of CO2, but for more than 6% of Britain’s CO2 emissions. On a normal day, the 28,000 flights in European airspace emit about 560,000 tonnes of CO2, or a third of the world’s aviation emissions. Some flying habits may be changed permanently.
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Volcano cloud pushes European airlines to the brink: analysts
Airlines and other travel industry sectors already face a huge bill from the closure of European airspace and there will be growing pressure for the European Union to give financial aid. "After the banks, we will now be expected to help the airlines." A crisis advisory company estimated the shutdown has so far cost the European travel industry more than £1.0 billion pounds in cancelled flights, lost hotel rooms and empty cruise liners. It has warned the disruption could go on for another two weeks.
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Heathrow Runway 3 will leave UK £5 billion worse off – says new NEF report
The NEF has produced a new and comprehensive analysis, using Social Return on Investment, which shows that a 3rd runway at Heathrow would leave society worse off by £5 billion. The study used the same economic modelling programme as the DfT, but updated on economic growth rates, exchange rates, carbon prices, fuel prices etc. The £5 billion cost estimate includes negative impacts on the local community valued at £2.5 billion. DfT’s analysis put this at only £0.4 billion.
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A world without planes: – Alain de Botton and Stuart Jeffries muse on how a slow life might be …
The philosopher, writer and recent writer-in-residence at Heathrow airport imagines a world without aircraft... In a future world without aeroplanes, children would gather at the feet of old men, and hear extraordinary tales of a mythic time when vast and complicated machines the size of several houses used to take to the skies ... The wise elders would explain that inside the aircraft, passengers, who had only paid the price of a few books ...
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Air chaos to last weeks as even more volcanic ash belches out
Britain is today bracing itself for what scientists warn could be weeks of disruption after experts predicted the volcanic dust cloud blanketing Europe will continue to cause chaos for the foreseeable future. With no sign of the eruption easing, volcanologists said ash, which is drifting in a cloud extending up from 8,000-30,000 feet and stretching across much of northern and central Europe, could disrupt flights off and on for up to 6 months. (Indy)
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Overnight Delivery to Europe? Not While the Volcano Is Spewing
International shipping companies are scrambling to keep their operations moving, as volcanic ash closes down air traffic across much of Europe. UPS says its services are closed indefinitely and storing packages till they can resume. Some DHL planes re-route to alternative hubs, such as Italy, with shipments then traveling via ground transportation. Lorry delivery only means the goods arrive a day later. So it all this night cargo flying really so crucial?
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Environmental Audit Committee report: UK air quality still not good
More evidence that poor air quality, with increased NOx, increased ozone and more particular matter (PM) damages health. London is not likely to cut nitrogen dioxide levels enough to meet EU levels, and an expanded Heathrow would ensure limit values are exceeded. A new report by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee confirms the extent of the problem, and estimates that people in the UK dies 7 - 8 months early, due to air pollution.
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Heathrow residents say peace is blissful
While having sympathy for stranded travellers, residents under Heathrow flight paths described the clear skies as "bliss". A Hayes resident said "I can't describe how blissful it's been," he said. "It's like another world." The contrast has allowed people to realise how noisy the planes are, and how much they have missed peace and quiet. There have been thousands of comments and Twitter tweets about people enjoying several nights of undisturbed sleep.
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Iceland volcano: Airlines ‘to lose $200m a day’
Airlines will lose at least $200m ( £130m) per day in revenues as a result of the volcanic ash-linked disruption, according to IATA. Its members would also lose further money as a result of expensive contingency plans. KPMG said it expected UK flights alone to cost airlines in excess of £200m per day. UK airspace remains closed. Ryanair said none of its flights in northern Europe would operate until at least Monday afternoon. Airline shares are down. (BBC)
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EU issues ‘final warning’ on high costs of legal challenges in the UK
A 'final warning' to the UK over the prohibitive costs of launching legal challenges to planning decisions has been issued by the European Commission. Under European law, the public has a right to know about the impact of industrial pollution and to challenge decisions based on their potential environmental impact. The EC is concerned that the cost is preventing individuals and NGOs in the UK from launching challenges.
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Further breaches at Leeds Bradford airport ‘won’t be tolerated’ by council
Leeds Bradford airport is being warned that further breaches of night-flight rules will not be tolerated. Leeds planners have agreed to formally warn Leeds-the airport after considering a report which detailed 32 incidents over the past year when aircraft have breached the deadline. The vast majority involved Pakistan International Airlines and its predecessor Shaheen Airlines. The council wants a firm timetable for tackling the problem. (T & A)
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Europe flights could be grounded for 48 hours by ash
Eurocontrol, the European air traffic control organisation, says flights could be disrupted for another 48 hours by ash spewing from a volcano in Iceland. A lack of wind in the area meant the ash cloud was "progressing very slowly eastwards" and remained "very dense". Up to 5,000 flights could have been affected by the end of Thursday. The UK, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium and the Netherlands closed their airspaces. (BBC) France shut down 24 airports in the north of the country, including the main hub of Paris-Charles de Gaulle, while Germany's Berlin and Hamburg airports were also closed on Thursday evening.
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Inverness Airport set for longer opening time for night mail
Inverness Airport will extend its opening hours to allow night flying if it wins a major contract for mail deliveries. Post for the Highlands and Moray is currently flown to RAF Kinloss, but the base’s contract for the service expires next year. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited is keen to clinch a deal with Royal Mail. It would mean the airport, which now shuts at 9.30pm, staying open during the early hours of the morning when mail flights arrive. (P & J)
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Liberal Democrats launch Manifesto including policies on aviation
This acknowleges that emissions from rising aviation are a problem but some flights are vital and some benefit the economy. Lib Dems would try to ensure people use alternatives where possible. They would replace the per-passenger APD with per-plane duty (PPD), so capturing air freight for the first time. Also a higher rate of PPD on domestic flights for which there are alternatives, and cancel the 3rd runway at Heathrow and any expansion of other airports in the South East.
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Brighter skies for BMI after restructuring
A sweeping restructuring programme has put BMI on track to halve its losses this year. It involves 800 redundancies, cutting the aircraft fleet by 10 and eliminating unprofitable routes. There are currently no plans to break up BMI. There has been speculation about BMI after its auditors cast doubt on its ability to continue as a going concern. BMI has around 10% of the Heathrow slots, but has sold some recently to other airlines in the Lufthansa group.
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European airlines: passenger numbers down 5.8% in 2009 – back to growth in 2010
The Assoc of European Airlines say passenger numbers fell -5.8% in 2009, compared to 2008. Revenue passenger kilometres (distance flown by the passengers) fell by -4.5% showing each fly slightly further. Available seat kilometres fell -4.2%, and load factor fell -0.3%. During the second half of 2009 the traffic declines were not as great and by December passenger numbers were up once more on a year-over-year comparison. Details airline by airline.
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“Gatwick Can Be Quieter” issues an election challenge
The new local group at Gatwick, "Gatwick Can Be Quieter" has put out a challenge to the prospective parliamentary candidates near the airport to say what they will do to reduce the impacts of aviation, and its expected growth. They particularly want to get answers from candidates on making the polluter pay, controlling spirallying aviation growth, and phasing out older, inefficient and noisier aircraft.
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Leeds Bradford Airport under scrutiny over late-night flying
Councillors will this week consider a report which details 32 breaches of planning rules (7 between Nov 2009 and Feb 2010) over noisy night-time flying at Leeds Bradford International Airport. A late-running Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight to Islamabad has created all the breaches in the rules, which operate to reducenight flying between 11pm-7am. (Guardian)
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Environmental policies the green NGOs want in the next government
The main green organisations have put together their key policy demands. A 40% CO2 cut onb 1990 by 2020 is a key shared demand. Greenpeace says we need policy to limit climate changing pollution from aviation growth. Also the UK needs a commitment to reverse the decision to build a 3rd runway at Heathrow within the first 100 days in office and to freeze regional airport expansion, which would show that the Climate Change Act will be taken seriously and enforced properly.
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Labour party manifesto backs Heathrow 3rd runway but no other new runways
Labour's manifesto is out. It says: Heathrow is Britain’s international hub airport, already operating at full capacity, and supporting millions of jobs, businesses and citizens who depend upon it. We support a third runway at Heathrow, subject to strict conditions on environmental impact and flight numbers, but we will not allow additional runways to proceed at any other airport in the next Parliament.
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Call to speak out over draft airport noise action plan at Leeds Bradford
People are being urged to take part in a consulation process - on the draft noise action plan - over noise levels at the Airport. Completed questionnaires must be returned by April 27, but Aireborough Civic Society believes many people are not aware of the consultation. Copies of the document and a questionnaire are in local libraries and on the airport’s website, and the civic society is urging people to speak up as the consultation affects airport noise for the next 5 years.
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Manston, Kent: Air Cargo Carrier MK Airlines Suspends Flights
MK Airlines, which operated 2 or 3 B747 freighters from Manston, has suspended operations because of financial problems and returned its operating licence and air operator’s certificate to the UK CAA. The freighter operator suspended operations on Friday, having told customers it had become impossible, with its current financial resources, to maintain the service and safety levels expected. Staff wages have not been paid in full for some time. (Various)
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Lydd highlights battle between airport expansion and eco-concerns
The vote by Shepway councillors to approve the expansion proposals has hardened battle lines. Climate-change campaigners and environmentalists defending wildlife sanctuaries now confront flying enthusiasts and those eager to bring jobs to an area with few large employers. The Sec of State at DCLG is due to decide on 11th June on a public inquiry. Current policy is to use existing landing capacity wherever possible before building Boris Island. (Guardian)
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2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash kills 97 including Polish President
A Tupolev plane carrying the Polish President and 89 leading Poles crashed on approach to Smolensk, in Russia, in fog with no survirors. The accident's cause is till being established, but may be human error. The plane crashed into trees, around 0.9 miles from the airport and unconfirmed reports say flight control at Smolensk advised the plane to land at another airport due to fog. The crash happened on the 4th approach, after the first 3 attempts failed. (BBC)
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Birmingham airport should come clean over expansion aspirations
The runway extension planned for Birmingham will not be built for 5 years at least. But it is still not clear who will pay for it, and for associated road improvements. Birmingham and Solihull councils have both offered to pay £16 million of public money for this. Details remain private. Expansion of the airport goes against UK climate targets and guidance from the CCC in December. FoE are asking that the airport makes details of its plans public. (FOE)
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Policies of the main parties on transport, including aviation
The main parties have set out their policies on transport, which include mentions of aviation. None mentions growth of aviation, or the expansion of regional airports. See the text from their policy documents.
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Eddie Stobart to take to the skies from Southend
Stobart bought Southend airport 3 years ago in a £21m deal. Although it is currently a hub for aircraft maintenance and private business jets, a partnership between Stobart and a European airline could transform Southend. Stobart hopes to carry 2m passengers a year to and from North Africa and southern Europe in time for the start of the Olympics in 2012. It is suggested planes with Stobart livery might each be given a girl's name, like the trucks.
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Obstacles pile up for Birmingham Airport runway extension
Birmingham's campaign to market itself as Heathrow’s 3rd runway could turn into a money-spinner, but only if legal difficulties can be resolved. BIA has already said the business case for the extension doesn’t stack up in the current straitened circumstances and is resisting Birmingham City Council’s insistence that a longer runway, allowing non-stop flights to China, India and the west coast of America, must proceed immediately. (Birmingham Post)
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Edinburgh airport’s tree project is trampled by its carbon elephants
Edinburgh has almost tripled the number of passengers in the past 15 years. It is one of the UK's fastest growing airports. It is paying for 500 trees to be planted. The airport is making "every effort" to cut airport emissions, consistent with ensuring the departure lounge can up its throughput of passengers from the current 9 million to 14 million by 2013. Anything, it seems, to avoid discussing the elephants on their runways. (Fred Pearce)
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Peel Holdings to sell airports (Liverpool, Doncaster and Durham Tees Valley) to fund purchase of ports company?
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Birmingham Airport extension in doubt over road row
A £32 million road improvement plan to kick-start the airport's runway extension is in doubt – because funding arrangements may not be lawful. The A45 Coventry Road must be moved from the airport perimeter before work on the extension can begin. Birmingham City Council intends to split the cost with Solihull Council. There are concerns that the city council cannot be seen to directly fund the airport, which is a private company. (BP)
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Heathrow 3rd runway ‘kiboshed’ by High Court ruling – Lord Lawson’s opinions
Lord Lawson, a well know climate sceptic, has told the Lords he thinks the Climate Act should be suspended, in order to allow Heathrow's 3rd runway. He said "The third runway at Heathrow has been kiboshed by the courts as the direct and predictable result of the Government's absurd Climate Change Act, which was passed with enthusiasm and complete thoughtlessness and acclaimed by all parties in this House and the Commons."
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