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Summaries of, and links to, the latest aviation news stories appear below. News is archived into topics
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Latest news stories:
Plane crazy as skies get busier with planes from City over Havering
Residents are up in arms and one is being forced to move as increased flights over their homes quite literally shake them from their sleep. The increase is partly due to London City Airport redirecting its flight paths over Havering, a spokesman admitted this week. A resident has kept a log of the flights and says they are most frequent between 7.30am and 9.30 and 4.30pm and 7.00pm, sometimes jetting overhead every four minutes. (Romford Recorder)
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Oil rich sheikhs to fund ‘Boris Island’ airport in middle of Thames estuary
Oil rich Arab sheikhs are prepared to fund London Mayor Boris Johnson's ambitious £40billion plan to build an airport in the middle of Thames estuary, according to its supporters. The project might be entirely bankrolled and owned by Gulf states such as Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and even the Chinese are interested. It would replace Heathrow and plans show it would dwarf the capacity of Heathrow's existing two runways. (Mail)
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Halophyte plants “could create renewable fuel”
Boeing has announced that it will begin studying the use of saltwater-based plants for renewable jet fuel in a joint effort with UOP, a division of Honeywell. Abu Dhabi is viewed as a viable location for conducting a lifecycle-analysis study. The Masdar Institute is looking at these species in a formal research framework, to see if certain types of halophytes meet the carbon reduction and socioeconomic criteria. (The Engineer)
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Aer Lingus to cut almost 800 jobs
Irish airline Aer Lingus said it would cut almost 800 jobs as it tried to save 97m euros a year by 2011. Fewer flights, new working methods and new IT systems will see 676 jobs go, in addition to 100 staff who have already been told their contracts will end. Under the proposals higher-paid staff will see their basic salaries reduced, and all employees will see falls in the allowances they receive. (BBC)
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Tories pledge to axe Heathrow third runway
Julian Brazier, the Shadow transport minister, has confirmed that the Tories will include a commitment to scrap plans for a t3rd runway at Heathrow in their general election manifesto. Brazier said building more runways round London is not the answer. However, he added they want to focus instead on improving capacity at regional airports and building more high-speed trains. Only a quarter of Heathrow passengers are doing business in Britain. (Standard)
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Airport Noise Action Plans Not Fit For Purpose
Environmental Protection UK has considerd a number of the airport draft noise action plants, and feels overall that they are not fit for purpose. They are in essence a summary of what the airports are already required to do and, with airport operators as the competent authority, the plans contain very little in terms of additional controls that would avoid, prevent and reduce environmental noise from these airports.
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Impacts of Noise on Immune System
A new article has been published in the Noise and Health Journal, looking at whether excess noise weakens the immune system. It examines current research into the effects of noise exposure on the physiological systems of stress, and looks at the possible ways this might have an impact on the immune system. There are 2 groups of people: 'high reactors', and 'low reactors' who show little or no change in heart rate and blood pressure.
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Airbus Applauds Synthetic Fuels Breakthrough
Airbus says it welcomes the latest steps toward the approval by ASTM for the use of a 50% synthetic jet fuel in commercial aviation. They are hoping eventually for a 100% xTL blend made entirely from bio feedstock, such as woodchip waste. Synthetic liquid jet fuels can be made from biomass, natural gas or coal, all of which are known as xTL fuels. Airbus envisions roughly 30% of jet fuel will be "sustainable biojet fuel" by 2030. (Air Cargo World)
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BA all-business flight grounded by engine fault on second day
The new British Airways business-class-only flight to New York, which launched to much fanfare yesterday, has been struck by an engine fault. The problem left the aircraft grounded at London City Airport for nearly two hours on only its second day. It was carrying mainly travel press. The part was an engine sensors which had to be delivered from Gatwick and then tested. (Times)
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BA to axe short-haul flights if third runway is blocked
BA says it will be forced to scrap "significant" numbers of domestic and European flights out of London if no 3rd runway is built at Heathrow. The Tories have pledged to ditch the Government's plan for extra capacity at Heathrow if they win power. Willie Walsh said BA, which lost £401 million last year, would focus on more profitable long-haul services if it was stopped from expanding its way out of the recession. (Evening Standard)
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Newham Council sued on City flights rise
Newham Council has been taken to court for allegedly failing to consult residents before allowing a 50% increase in flights from City Airport. Fight the Flights said it was suing because the council approved the expansion in October without consulting residents and other affected boroughs - and failed to consider the government's policy to reduce aviation emissions to below 2005 levels by 2050. They say councils should have a duty to cut emissions. (BBC)
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Heathrow Airport Queen’s Building demolition work beginning
Demolition of the oldest building at Heathrow has begun as part of a £1bn refurbishment. The Queen's Building at Terminal 2, which opened in 1955, will be knocked down by January 2010 when demolition of the rest of the terminal will begin. BAA said Terminal 2 serves 8 million passengers per year but it will serve 20 million when refurbishment is complete in 2013. (BBC)
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Judge defers ruling on Carlisle man’s airport challenge
A Carlisle man who is fighting plans for redevelopment of the airport took his challenge to the scheme to the High Court. Thomas Gordon Brown, of Irthington, objects to the granting of planning permission for a freight storage and distribution facility at the Crosby-on-Eden airfield. The site’s owner, Stobart Air Ltd, secured permission earlier this year, but opponents believe the Carlisle City Council decision was "unlawful" and should be overturned.
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City Airport protest as “Son of Concorde” all business flight launches
Protestors at London City Airport gave the new BA all business, luxury service to New York a noisy send off. The flight, which has to refuel at Shannon on the way because City's runway is too short for a fully fuelled plane, will bring yet more misery to those affected by the airport. The new flight is one of the least fuel efficient means there is to get to New York, in plane designed for 110, but converted for only 32 full length bed seats.
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BA’s new luxury, all-business New York flight taxis for take-off from London City Airport
BA is defying the aviation gloom to launch a luxury, all-business class transatlantic service to New York from London City Airport today. It is BA's first ever to New York from City. BA will use two specially configured A318 aircraft and use the BA001 flight number made famous by Concorde. The planes are equipped with just 32 flat-bed seats (the plane could fit in over 110) that can lie flat, and the latest OnAir communications technology. (Telegraph)
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Campaign group takes council to court over expansion of London City Airport
Newham Council is being taken to court today by local residents over its decision to allow a 50% increase in flights at London City Airport without considering changes to Government policy on climate change or consulting local people. Fight The Flights says that before approving the airport's expansion in July this year, the council should have considered the Government's intention to reduce aviation emissions to below 2005 levels by 2050. (FoE)
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Stansted buys ‘runway risk’ homes
BAA has now bought all but 6 properties within the proposed boundary for a 2nd runway. Homes threatened by noise blight are also being purchased giving BAA ownership of about 270 properties, bringing the BAA total spend to £90 million. Six home owners have refused to sell. A local resident commented that there is a sense of impermanence, and a feeling of creeping blight building up, with signs of properties becoming slightly unkempt. (BBC)
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Luton airport launches Draft Noise Action Plan Consultation
The Airport has launched its "Noise Action Plan" for public consultation until 17th January 2010. The Luton NAP has no targets and dates, other than a few mentions of increased monitoring of noise. There is no mention of reducing aircraft noise, and no measures that might inconvenience or add costs to airlines. The only mention of "reduce" is in the numbers of people affected by noise.
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Farmer’s legal challenge to Carlisle airport heard today
A legal challenge to the redevelopment of Carlisle Airport is due to be heard in the High Court. Gordon Brown, who farms at Lane End opposite the Crosby-on-Eden airfield, is seeking a judicial review of Carlisle City Council’s decision to grant planning permission. A judge sitting in Newcastle threw out his original review application in July. But Mr Brown has pursued the case, th is time at the Royal Courts of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division. (News & Star)
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London City Airport finally launches its Noise Action Plan
London City Airport has launched a 16 week public consultation on its draft noise action plan. The consultation started on 28 September 2009 and conclude on 15 Jan 2010. It will cover the next 5 years. Most other airports producing NAPs are now nearing the close of their consultation periods. It appears that it is just "business as usual" as it does not contain any actions with any measurable and timetabled outputs that would avoid, prevent or reduce noise.
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New York service helps to put London City Airport on flightpath to growth
With premium business travel in the grip of the recession, British Airways' decision to launch a high-end executive service from London to New York appears to fly in the face of common sense. BA's new service when it launches on Tuesday. Two A318 aircraft have been fitted out with just 32 fully-flat beds, and at more than £4,000 a return ticket will be four times the price of the cheapest business-class equivalent. (Telegraph)
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The market price of cutting airline emissions
Robert Peston asks if we should be glad about the IATA pledge to cut their CO2 by 50% by 2050, and concludes the industry doesn't expect to stabilise emissions until 2020, which psychologists would say is too far away to work. And the commitment to improve so-called CO2 efficiency by 1.5% a year on average is vitiated by the inclusion of the words "on average" - it allows too much wriggle room. An emissions pact that is share-price neutral is probably not carbon neutral.
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GLOBAL AIRLINE INDUSTRY ANNOUNCES EMISSIONS PLANS – GREENPEACE RESPONSE
Reacting to IATA's statement on cutting net aviation emissions by 50% by 2050, Greenpeace said this is little more than an elaborate conjuring trick, designed to make the public think the industry is serious about climate change while it carries on trying to grow. Greenpeace says the announcement is designed to allow the industry to carry on with business as usual, and amounts to little more than corporate greenwash. Airlines cannot offset their carbon or depend on biofuels.
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Airlines plan ‘to cut emissions’ to half the 2005 levels by 2050
At a conference today in New York, Willie Walsh will say that the aviation industry is to pledge to cut CO2 emissions to half the 2005 levels by 2050. This will force air fares up and could prompt a race for green technologies among aircraft makers. The deal between airlines, airports and aircraft companies will be presented at the UN's climate summit. The aviation industry's plan is to head off criticism at Copenhagen over increasing emissions. (BBC)
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Climate deal in peril, says Brown
Gordon Brown has said the climate deal planned for Copenhagen in 10 weeks' time is in grave danger of failure, and he is the first world leader to offer to go to the Danish capital to help seal the deal. He said there was no second chance to undo "catastrophic damage" to the environment if "we miss the opportunity to protect the planet". The annual climate negotiations are normally done by environment ministers. Some may question this latest initiative. (BBC)
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Airlines vow to halve carbon emissions by 2050 … (really??)
In a bid to seize the initiative from environmental groups clamouring for higher taxes for aviation, the plan will be presented to world leaders at the UN forum on climate change. The pledges, drawn up by IATA, are: To reduce net CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050, compared with 2005 levels; To make all industry growth carbon-neutral by 2020; To cut CO2 emissions by 1.5% per year over the next decade; To submit plans for joining a global carbon trading scheme to the UN by November 2010. (Guardian)
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New MD – David Johnston – appointed at Stansted Airport
BAA today announces that David Johnston has been appointed managing director of Stansted Airport, succeeding Stewart Wingate, who has chosen to leave the company to join Connaught plc. David is currently group procurement director, having joined BAA in 2007 as managing director of Edinburgh Airport.
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Economic case for Heathrow 3rd runway flawed, figures show
The Lib Dems say new figures show the government's support for the new runway is a 'sham' and have demanded that plans to expand the airport are scrapped. Their analysis shows economic benefits of a 3rd runway ay Heathrow will be almost wiped out by the increased costs to the environment. Ministers have hugely underestimated the financial impact of the extra greenhouse gases produced by a 3rd runway, which would be a climate change disaster. (Guardian)
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Macquarie Airports sells its stake in Bristol airport
Australia’s Macquarie Airports has reshuffled its European portfolio. It is selling its 35.5% stake in Bristol Airport. The Bristol stake is being sold for £128m ($211m) to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. The shake-up comes as Macquarie Airports separates itself from Macquarie Group, the Australian investment bank. The sale price of the Bristol stake is at a 12.7% discount to the asset’s value at June 30. (FT)
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Manston, Kent starts consultation on increasing night flights
Kent International airport has put out information on a consultation about increasing night flights. The application was submitted to Thanet District Council by Infratil on Monday 17 August 2009 stating their intention to commence night time flying in 6 months time. This application also put forward the suggestion to move to a quota count system. The Quota Count system is highly unsatisfactory as a means of measuring noise at night.
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IATA – Deeper Losses Forecast – Falling Yields, Rising Fuel Costs
Just focusing on the freight part of the IATA announcement: global cargo demand is forecast to decline by 14% in 2009 (from 2008). The market remains weak. Yields are expected to drop by 15%, and are not expected to recover soon. Cargo utilisation remains at less than 50% desite the removal of 227 freighters from the global fleet. IATA expects losses to continue into 2010. It hopes for a revival of air cargo by 5% in 2010, yields of 0.9% and oil at $72 a barrel.
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Jobs threat at Luton Airport
UK airport staff face a fresh wave of redundancies over the next month as more flights are axed for the winter season. With overseas travel down by 14% on 2008, Servisair, one of the world's biggest ground handling firms, will a axe its Luton operation because there is not enough work for staff. Ground handling firms - those offering check-in and baggage handling services - are expected to be the worst hit as fewer Britons fly this winter. (UK Airport News)
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London City Airport job creation estimate halved
The economic benefits of the expansion of London City Airport were exaggerated, it has been reported. In July the airport was given the go-ahead to expand flights from 80,000 to 120,000 by the end of 2010 on the back of projections that the development would bring 1,000 new jobs to East London. However, in a recent letter to Newham MP, Stephen Timms, Newham Council said the airport had now acknowledged that only 480 new jobs will be created. (UK Airport News)
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London Gatwick Airport hosts final public event on noise consultation
London Gatwick Airport will be hosting its final public session on the content of the draft noise action plan on Thursday 17 September 2009. The formal 16 week public consultation started on 18 June 2009 and will close on 7 October 2009. It will be held between 19.00 and 20.00 at the Gatwick Conference and Business Centre, 7th Floor, Norfolk House, South Terminal, Gatwick Airport, RH6 0NP.
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Multi-million claim over ‘airport hell’ at Manchester
Manchester Airport faces a multi-million pound lawsuit over claims that noise and fumes from planes have slashed the value of nearby homes. More than 200 householders have lodged compensation claims over the airport's 2nd runway, which opened in 2002. The airport hopes to come to an agreement with residents, but if that fails the legal cases will go on into next year. The claims could cost up to £9m. (Manchester Evening News)
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Belfast City – Plane probe over house roof smash
A resident of a house right under the Belfast City flight path has had about 30 tiles ripped from her roof, and smashed in her garden, due to air turbulence caused by the planes flying overhead. Fortunately her daughter was not in the garden at the time. East Belfast Assembly member, Sir Reg Empey said someone could have been killed and the airport should not expand any further. (BBC)
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Jetting off to la-la land on carbon cuts
Charles Clover (End of the Line author) argues that flying has become, for now, an inextricable part of modern life. But that does not mean we have to accept flying on business trips and cheap holidays will go on expanding at an exponential rate until 2050 as the government says it will. Realistically the rest of society cannot cut its emissions by 90% to allow for more holidays. Brits already fly the most. Future aviation expansion is bound to be limited.
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Council objects to Bristol airport plan
Politicians in Bath have objected to the £150 million expansion of Bristol International Airport amid fears over climate change. Bath and North East Somerset Council this week voted to ask its neighbouring authority to reject the airport's planning application. The final decision on the plan, which would see passenger numbers increase to 10 million in 8 years, rests with North Somerset Council. Bristol City Council has also urged the rejection.
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A380 Super jumbo comes to Birmingham
An Emirates A380 - the largest commercial airliner - landed at Birmingham, on the airport's 70th anniversary. The plane can potentially carry 800 passengers, though instead it has 2 onboard showers and 1st and business class passengers can also use an onboard lounge and bar on the plane's upper deck. The day also saw the opening of the new £45m International Pier. The extended runway could be in place by 2013, if funding for the project can be finalised. (BBC)
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Carbon emissions cap may halt 3rd Heathrow runway
Plans for a 3rd runway at Heathrow came under fresh assault as the CCC - the Government's own climate change adviser - called for deep cuts in Britain's CO2 emission levels. Its report came as leading Labour backbencher Jon Cruddas urged Gordon Brown to abandon his plans for the runway, a move that puts at risk a swathe of marginal seats in west London. He said it made environmental and political sense to halt the new runway before it was too late. (Standard)
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Government to be challenged by the CCC over expanding aviation industry
The Government is likely to be challenged by its own climate change advisory body on its decision to approve a third runway at Heathrow and permit a doubling in air travel by 2030. The Committee on Climate Change believes rapid expansion of air travel is inconsistent with the Government’s legally binding commitment to cut overall CO2 emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050. Allowing aviation to expand at the rate proposed by the Government could place an unacceptable burden on other industries to achieve the cut. (Times)
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Biofuels: Making the climate crisis worse, not better – 12th October protest
There will be a protest on Monday 12th October, outside DECC in London, at 6.30pm. This is organised by CCC, BiofuelWatch and Food Not Fuel. The protest will highlight the way the government is diverting renewable energy subsidies (or Renewable Obligations Certificates – ROCs) to subsidise power stations that use ‘agrofuels’ - and palm oil is the cheapest fuel they currently use, with a huge carbon footprint. (Not an aviation protest, but related).
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Climate Rush – time to get on your high horse and cart
Climate Rush on the Run is a a horse-and-cart tour designed to raise awareness and get people involved with campaigning to reduce emissions for climate change. They set off on 4th September, with Sipson the first stop. Their tour, which is petrol-free, winds it way to Exeter and Totnes by the end of September, with Oxford airport as one of its stops. This is just one of many activities in the run-up to the Copenhagen summit in December.
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Lydd Airport’s planning application – decision postponed again
Shepway District Council have again delayed the date for the detmination of the application by Lydd Airport for expansion. The date would have been 24th Sept, but will now be "Feb/March 2010". Shepway District Council’s planning officers recommended in their report published on July 1st, 2009 that Lydd Airport’s planning application be rejected largely on environmental grounds. The airport has been unable to provide assurances about environmental damage. (LAAG)
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Threat to 250 jobs as easyJet axes routes – (Luton and East Midlands)
EasyJet is shutting its operation at East Midlands and is cutting flights from Luton by 20%. It blamed the cuts at Luton, which is at the heart of its operations, on 'the airport's failure to recognise the commercial realities of the recession', and complained Luton's costs had risen by 25% over the past 3 years making it 'no longer competitive'. The closure of its operation at East Midlands will hit the Nottingham, Derby and Leicester area. (This is Money)
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Can we stop noise pollution using human rights laws?
There are no specific human rights laws relating to noise, but excessive noise pollution is covered by Article 8 [Right to respect for private and family life] of the European Convention on Human Rights, and incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act. Article 8 protects the right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence. However, article 8 is what is known as a "qualified" right. A lawyer discusses its protections. (Guardian comment)
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Birmingham Airport chief steps up campaign to get high-speed rail link
Birmingham Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe has stepped up his campaign to bring a high-speed rail service to the airport. Arguing strongly for a new public transport hub at BIA and the NEC, where 200mph services to and from London would stop, Mr Kehoe said failure to plan for a new station now would cost future jobs and investment and contribute to economic decline in the West Midlands. Network Rail currently plans to bypass the airport/NEC. (B'ham Post)
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Consultation underway on Bristol Draft Noise Action Plan
Bristol Airport has launched its draft Noise Action Plan consultation, which will close on 22nd December. New proposals include reviewing where aircraft park and the introduction of a tracker system to record the routes. SBAE said "Noise action plans on road and rail operations are drawn up by independent organisations. Why would an airport operator impose constraints on their own operations that could possibly lose them business?"
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Campaign for Heathrow 3rd runway told not to repeat misleading advert
Future Heathrow has been ordered by the ASA not to repeat an ad which claimed "a third runway won't make Heathrow any noisier or dirtier". The lobby group was also found to have made a 2nd misleading statement in the advert in claiming another runway "won't get the green light unless local air quality meets stringent EU standards on concentrations of nitrogen dioxide". BAA responded on behalf of Future Heathrow to the complaint by an MP. (Standard)
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Gatwick airport submits application for North Terminal extension
Gatwick has put in a planning application for an extension to the North Terminal and other works to enable the airport to expand from its previous peak of 35 million passengers a year to 40 m, with 20,000 extra flights a year. The increase sought is larger than the total size of many regional airports, and will mean more noise, and more pollution. The impact of the application would be more than double the total climate change impact of Crawley Borough.
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Alaska, seven other airlines, to buy synthetic diesel
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and seven other carriers have agreed to buy up to 1.5 million gallons per year of renewable synthetic diesel fuel for use in ground-service equipment at Los Angeles International Airport. The airlines signed the agreement with Rentech, Inc. and Aircraft Service International Group to buy the RenDiesel fuel starting in late 2012. Rentech will produce the fuel primarily from urban woody green waste. (Seattle)
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Ryanair quits Manchester with loss of 600 jobs
Ryanair is to close or switch 9 of its 10 routes at Manchester airport from October. It blamed Manchester airport's refusal to lower its charges for the decision, which will mean the loss of up to 600 local jobs. A total of 44 weekly Ryanair flights will be lost at Manchester from October 1, with the loss of 60,000 passengers a year. Ryanair's Manchester routes to/from Girona, Bremen, Brussels, Cagliari, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and more, will cease.
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Heathrow runway court hearing welcomed by Chiltern campaigners
Conservation groups in Buckinghamshire have welcomed the news plans for a new runway at Heathrow airport will be reconsidered. say planes would fly lower than they do currently over a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and would increase pollution and ruin the area's tranquillity. Tranquillity measurements don't reflect the perception of noises against different backgrounds, and noise is heard differently in quiet areas. (Bucks Free Press)
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Leeds Bradford – Jobs created by new Ryanair base
Ryanair is to set up a base at Leeds Bradford, allegedly creating hundreds of jobs. O'Leary said the announcement would have a "significant impact" on the Yorkshire region - and sustain 1,000 jobs. The airport is on course to almost double in size after planners recently gave permission for a £28m development. Ryanair will offer 14 new routes and 63 weekly return flights to and from Leeds Bradford in an investment of over £84m in the airport. (BBC)
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Low Cost Carriers creating no-frills model of consumerism
The proliferating low-cost carriers are signaling the rise of a "no-frills" model where competition isn’t just restricted to fares but also for the discretionary spending of consumers. Fares are low enough to mean someone can choose between a dinner out, or a new mobile phone, or to travel. Airlines increasingly make their money on selling non-travel products, such as hotels an car hire. Buying aircraft tickets is like any other bought commodity.
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Accurate information for Stansted Noise Action Plan consultation needed, SSE tells Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn
SSE has called on Hilary Benn to intervene in BAA’s draft Noise Action Plan consultation to ensure that correct figures are published which show the true extent of the noise impacts from Stansted Airport. This is essential to allow public consultation to be conducted on the basis of accurate and consistent data. Analysis by SSE has revealed that BAA’s consultation misrepresents and understates the number of people affected by overflying due to the airport.
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New Heathrow terminal plans unveiled
BAA has unveiled plans for the new £1 billion Terminal 2 which will become the new home for Star Alliance airlines and will provide an estimated 20 million passengers every year. The development of Heathrow’s Terminal 2 is part of a £4.8 billion investment across the airport. Construction on the first phase is due for completion in 2013, and phase 2 in 2019. It will increase the capacity of Terminal 2 to 30 million passengers a year. (NCE)
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Heathrow’s bumper July gives BAA hope of recovery
Heathrow had its third busiest month in July in the latest sign that "the worst of the UK aviation downturn may be over." It handled 6.48m passengers, up 0.9% year-on-year – though total traffic for the latest 12 months is down 3% at 65.7m passengers. BAA’s total passenger numbers fell for the 16th consecutive month, down 2.4% to 14.5m. The surge was partly due to families giving up on hopes of English sun and booking last-minute breaks abroad.
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Bristol Airport flights mapped
Campaigners at Bristol have produced flight maps, showing that flight paths have deviated from regular routes and the extent of the Bristol area where planes fly. More planes travelling wide of regular flight paths will cause more suffering for local residents. Plans for 10 million passengers, and 13.8m by 2030 can only mean that things are going to get much worse. The airport is rubbishing the study. Consultation on expansion closes on 17th August.
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I’m in a dirty old business but I try – Branson and biofuels
Piece about Branson, and his alleged interest in environmental issues, while running airlines and encouraging flying. Study in hypocrisy. He wants green business to be good for the planet and planes to fly on isobutanol, perhaps made from sugar. He has sunk several million pounds into a company called Gevo that makes it. Branson’s aim is that in 5 years some or all of Virgin’s planes will be running on isobutanol and he will be selling it to rivals. (Times)
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BAA expects rise in Heathrow passenger numbers
BAA showed a rise in July passengers at Heathrow of 0.9% compared to July 2008. Total passenger numbers across the group – including all BAA UK airports showed a marked slowdown in the rate of decline, down -2.4% on July 2008. It says this reinforces the claim that it does not need to sell Gatwick to meet a £1bn debt payment. The company argues it can make a crucial £1bn debt repayment next March without having to sell assets or access new capital. (Guardian)
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Problems Found in Airspeed Sensors on Airbus A330 Planes
A component suspected of playing a role in the crash of Air France 447 over the Atlantic Ocean on June 1 has also malfunctioned on at least a dozen recent Northwest Airlines flights, federal investigators have discovered. The part helps a plane measure its airspeed. The discovery suggests the problems on planes are more widespread than previously believed, and gives new urgency to airlines to replace the part, and find why errors went undetected. (NY Times)
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Bristol airport planes off track
A dramatic image released by the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion campaign shows just how many flights from Bristol International Airport are spreading out from standard flight paths. The image shows flights departing from BIA during one week at the end of May. The data illustrates just how wide an area flights from BIA have covered. Plans for 10 million passengers, and 13.8 million by 2030 can only mean that things are going to get much worse. (SBAE)
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Heathrow expansion protesters win legal challenge
The case against the expansion of Heathrow will be heard in public later this year after a High Court victory by a coalition of green groups, councils and local residents. The judge ruled that the case for the 3rd runway must be held in open court because of the public interest element. A 3-day hearing, expected in the autumn, could pave the way for the full judicial review. Mrs Justice Dobbs said there are some areas in which clarification is desirable. (FT)
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Heathrow campaigners granted Court hearing over third runway decision
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Scotland – Funding needed for new international air services
The Scottish Council for Development and Industry said financial support from government was needed to develop new routes and claimed a Scottish route development fund, axed by Brussels under state aid rules, should be restored after a court ruling questioned the ban. It also called for the restoration of the Heathrow service from Inverness, a guarantee for the existing service between Aberdeen and Heathrow and other help. (Press & Journal)
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REDBRIDGE: MP joins chorus of concern over City aircraft noise
A Redbridge MP is to take up the apparent increase in flights over the borough with aviation authorities after a flood of complaints from residents. Lee Scott said he was "very concerned" about the "significant" increase in noise from planes flying over the borough in recent months. People have noticed a significant rise in the number of planes since the spring. BAA said there had been no increase in flights from Heathrow, and offered no explanation.
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Heathrow airport noise pollution study ‘illogical’, says top aviation scientist
The CAA's former chief scientist has called on the Government to commission a new study into the effects of aircraft noise on residents around Heathrow. Anti-expansion campaigners and local councils, including Wandsworth, said the call could be used as part of a legal challenge against the Government’s planned expansion. Professor Brooker said the Government’s position on aircraft noise was "illogical", and the onset of "significant community annoyance" is 50 decibels rather than 57 - the DfT level. (Local Guardian)
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Chinese Investment Corporation buys 10% stake in Heathrow – so Ferrovial now owns only about 34%
China Investment Corporation (CIC), which is China's sovereign wealth fund, has bought a 10% stake in the firm that owns Heathrow airport - which was called BAA and is now Heathrow Ltd. CIC was set up in 2007 to invest some of China's foreign exchange reserves. Despite concerns in other countries about Chinese access to key assets, the UK has been developing closer business ties with China. This is CIC's 2nd major investment in UK infrastructure, as in January, it bought 8.68% of the firm behind UK utility group Thames Water. The latest airports deal will see CIC pay £450m for a 10% stake in Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd. CIC International, a subsidiary of China Investment Corp, is paying £257.4m to Ferrovial for a 5.7% holding in Heathrow Ltd and £192.6m to its other owners for an additional 4.3%. The deal comes less than 3 months after Qatar Holding, the Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund, reached an agreement with Ferrovial, Britannia Airport Partners and Singapore’s GIC to buy 20% of Heathrow Ltd for £900m. Ferrovial’s stake in Heathrow will fall from 49% to 33.7%.
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London – Paris traffic down 50% since launch of Eurostar services in 1994
London and Paris are only around 350 kilometres apart. Passenger numbers on this air route peaked in 1994 at just under 4 million, since when the introduction of the high-speed Eurostar rail services has gradually taken an increasing share of the total travel market. Gatwick and Stansted services to Paris disappeared completely. Annual passengers in 2008 were half the number in 1994. There are now 102 flights a week from Heathrow to Paris.
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Southend Campaigners’ fury over police photos
Campaigners have criticised police for taking their photos at Southend Airport. Greenpeace Southend members were invited to talk with Liberal Democrat transport spokesman, MP Norman Baker, about the site plans in the airport's cafe, which is open to the public. He visited the site and met local members of Greenpeace and SAEN. A Greenpeace member found the taking of photos unpleasant and intidating. The police said they thought people might disrupt the meeting.
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Lydd – Matthew Horton Q.C. to represent LAAG on 24th Sept
Lydd Airport Action Group (LAAG) is pleased to announce that Matthew Horton QC will represent Lydd Airport Action Group at Shepway’s full council meeting to determine Lydd Airport’s planning application for a runway extension and new terminal. Mr. Horton is recognized as one of the foremost barristers’ in the country specializing in Planning and Environmental law. The full council meeting will now be held on Thursday September 24th, 2009 at 7pm. (LAAG)
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London City Airport – Critic of airport under attack
A former Havering mayor, Cllr Galpin, has been accused of "jumping on the bandwagon" too late in a battle to stem the number of aircraft flying over Havering. Cllr Georgina Galpin and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell launched a petition last week in Hornchurch against the expansion of City Airport after receiving scores of complaints from local residents. Earlier this month Newham Council agreed to allow the terminal to increase flights by 50%. (Recorder)
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Farnborough – Counting the Carbon Cost of Airport’s Big Plans
The consultation period for the Farnborough airport expansion application closes on 27th July. CPRE Hampshire has clarified that while the average annual carbon footprint for a UK resident is about 12 tonnes CO2, one return flight to Geneva from Farnborough produces about 6.7 tonnes oer passenger. 25,000 such flights per year at present produce about as much CO2 as 35,000 people. The proposed expansion is about the same as 17,500 extra people.
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Conservative MP calls for council to back Southend Airport
James Duddridge MP [Conservative - for Rochford & Southend East] told the Commons that councillors should back the expansion of Southend Airport rather than worrying about political point-scoring. He was speaking in the adjournment debate. He opposed the 3rd runway at Heathrow and also the proposals for an airport in the Thames Estuary, known as Heathrow-on-Sea or Boris Island, but he fully supports the expansion of Southend.(UK Airport News)
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‘Wrong time for expansion’ at Leeds-Bradford
The boss of the largest airline operating from the airport has criticised the £28 million expansion plans given the go-ahead this week by Leeds councillors. Chief executive of Jet2.com accused LBIA’s owners Bridgepoint (which bought the airport at the top of the market) of planning the terminal extension mainly to boost shopping facilities to recoup the £140 million it paid, and he believes the extension could push up costs for his company and others. (Telegraph&Argus)
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Leeds Bradford Airport expansion plans approved
Plans to extend Leeds Bradford, which would double its capacity in 5 years, have been backed by Leeds councillors. The proposals include a £28m extension to the terminal building, a new departure lounge etc. In April the council rejected an original plan due to concerns over the impact on roads around the airport. Projections show the airport's expansion plans mean it would consume all of Leeds' carbon budget by 2050. 80% of letters to Leeds City council were against the expansion. (BBC)
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Campaigners to challenge London City Airport flights increase
Fight the Flightsare to launch a legal challenge against controversial plans to increase the number of flights over east London from London City Airport. Earlier this month residents were outraged when Newham Council agreed to allow an extra 50,000 plane journeys from the busy airport, bringing City's annual flight total to 120,000. The increase will lead to greater pollution and noise for people living nearby and under the airport's flightpaths. (local Guardian)
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Coughing up before taking off – Airport Terminal shopping
With the addition of T5, Heathrow is now home to more than 500 shops, while Gatwick, which is currently refurbishing its South Terminal, has started to attract cooler brands such as All Saints. BAA says passengers can choose from cutting-edge brands they might find on the high street but at airport prices. A retain expert says customers are getting the "brand experience." You get the service and the branded bag - that adds a certain glamour. (Metro)
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Tories deny they plan to drop opposition to new Heathrow runway
The Tories today sought to quash talk that they will abandon their opposition to a 3rd runway at Heathrow. Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers slapped down a fellow frontbencher, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who had said the party's policy on airport expansion may have to be "revisited" after the general election. Ms Villiers said: "Our position is clear and will not change. Under a Conservative government there will be no 3rd runway". (Standard)
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