Leeds Bradford International Airport - Thread 2

[LeedsLad]

I'd be interested to hear how people interpret this line from the report:

The planning
approval is conditioned to be implemented within 3 years of the date of decision –
i.e. by 14th December 2012. All of the conditions which need to be discharged
before work starts on the extension ( pre commencement conditions) have been
discharged apart from Condition 14 relating to the Forecourt Management Plan
(FMP).

Does this mean that construction has to commence this year? Or does it mean all of the conditions have to be met by the end of this year, regardless of whether construction commences or not?...

Further I don't really see why this plan is a condition - it doesn't allow for the new construction, and in fact plans for some parking on the footprint of what would be the new building... I would have expected any plan to be in place allowing for the new building?...

[Leeds No.1]

I don't really know, but Red Routes would help enforce it either way. I've long thought we need Red Routes on some of the congested A roads where dualling is not an option such as the A65 and A660.

As for terminal work commencing, I suppose this year would make sense. The first phase of redevelopment will be complete and with the airport pretty much at capacity, they'll surely want to expand quickly to continue the success they've had with securing new routes and airlines.

[Leeds rules]

Looks like Yorkshire based low cost Airline Jet2.com is back in expansion mode at Leeds/Bradford Airport. As yesterday they announced the following.

http://www.jet2.com/News/Jet2holiday...liday_Options/

Jet2holidays Growth at Leeds Bradford Airport ‘Hots Up’ Holiday Options

07th June 2012

-Leading the way to the Eastern Mediterranean with 100% growth on Turkish departures
- New Croatian gem, Split, announced for 2013 with package holidays from £415 per person
- Additional 757 aircraft based at the airport

Yorkshire’s leading package holiday company Jet2holidays has cemented its position as Leeds Bradford Airport’s largest holiday provider by expanding its services for 2013. This includes a further sun destination, increased capacity on Eastern Mediterranean routes, plus an additional 757 aircraft to be based at the airport.



Jet2holidays, which already offers the most destinations to the Eastern Mediterranean, with seven Turkish, Greek and Cypriot holiday hotspots to choose from, has today added the stunning resort of Split to its growing portfolio of Croatian gems. Plus, to cater for increased demand, services to Turkish favourites Dalaman and Bodrum have been significantly increased, with flights to Dalaman increasing to four per week and Bodrum to two per week. This doubles the capacity to Turkey for Yorkshire travellers for 2013.

An additional 757 aircraft will arrive at the airport for summer 2013, giving sister airline Jet2.com a fleet of 11 aircraft at the base. This will increase capacity by more than 30%. Holidaymakers to Alicante, Majorca and Malaga will also benefit from double daily flights with Jet2.com during the peak season.



Steve Heapy, Managing Director of Jet2holidays and Chief Commercial Officer of Jet2.com, said: “As the region’s leading holiday provider, we are committed to ensuring local travellers have the greatest choice of their favoured destinations as well as increased flexibility when it comes to when they travel and the length of their stay. We’ve significantly uplifted capacity and frequency to our most popular locations to meet increased demand and also to ensure customers still have a fantastic range of destinations to choose from at their local airport.”

Spanish favourites, which already have 66 departures per week - the most from Leeds Bradford - are also being strengthened with eight services to the Canaries and Ibiza each week. Capacity to Gran Canaria will be increased by 50% to allow more than 10,000 seats as the destination, launched just this year for Yorkshire passengers, continues to be a sizzling hit with sun seekers in the region. The twice-weekly flights to Gran Canaria, mean holidaymakers have the flexibility to choose 10 and 11 night stays for the first time direct from their local airport. The additional larger aircraft will also see an increased number of seats available on popular routes including Menorca.



Steve added: “With more than 140 departures every week to over 40 destinations, our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive service from Leeds Bradford Airport remains at the heart of our business. We are delighted to announce this positive growth along with the exciting addition of Split, which means our loyal Yorkshire holidaymakers can continue to take advantage of even more great value package holidays.”

ATOL protected Jet2holidays’ great-value packages include flights with sister company Jet2.com as well as resort transfers and a generous 22kg baggage allowance. Together with allocated seating and friendly flight times, sun seekers can be sure to get the most out of their break with the award-winning holiday specialist.

[Leeds No.1]

Good news, although some of the packages on offer from Leeds really need to be brought down in price a bit. We're winning passengers back, but it could be even quicker with more attractive prices. Often Jet2Holidays are double or more that of Easyjet Holidays from Manchester or Liverpool.

[SmartCity]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

Good news, although some of the packages on offer from Leeds really need to be brought down in price a bit. We're winning passengers back, but it could be even quicker with more attractive prices. Often Jet2Holidays are double or more that of Easyjet Holidays from Manchester or Liverpool.

Flying with an airline that is financially secure is more important these days. At least you know you're not going to have your holiday cancelled. Take Thomas Cook for example who are £££ in debt through selling holidays too cheap despite flying with good loads. Selling too many holidays for less than what they cost catches up eventually.

[Val Verde]

Originally Posted by SmartCity

Flying with an airline that is financially secure is more important these days. At least you know you're not going to have your holiday cancelled. Take Thomas Cook for example who are £££ in debt through selling holidays too cheap despite flying with good loads. Selling too many holidays for less than what they cost catches up eventually.

Didn't a lot of Thomas Cooks financial woes come from building up huge debt levels by buying loads of holiday companies around Europe and beyond which are presumably financed by debt in addition to ignoring those who prefer to book flights and accommodation independently as a result of the growth of low cost airlines and websites such as Experia and Last-minute as well as having a large store estate becoming more of an anachronism in this era of booking holidays online? Could the same apply to Thomson which has followed a similar model of expansion as personally speaking I wouldn't book holidays with either imo as they are clearly companies that have become too big to be viable imo. If Thomas Cook, Thomson or both go under would ABTA / ATOL be able to refund all holidays considering the huge size of both companies?

Still it is good news about the extra Jet2 flights for 2013.

[SmartCity]

I understood it that TCX were selling holidays for less than the cost value as last minute holiday deals to fill aircraft. The hotel business has contributed to the problem as it detracts the focus away from the core of the business.

[Leeds No.1]

Apparently work on enlarging Security will start soon, says the airport on Facebook.

[LeedsLad]

Don't know if it was ever picked up on here, but would seem the airport applied for an extension of time for the new terminal extension due to expire this year, however this application for an extension has recently been withdrawn...

[Leeds rules]

Tour operators Thomson Holidays & First Choice Holidays both part of the tui group have today announce further expansion from Leeds-Bradford Airport and announced that they will permanently base an aircraft at the airport next summer 2013 season.

It was about 2 months ago it was announced that they would becoming back up the road using a partly weekly based Monarch Airlines aircraft. They announced 4 new routes to Turkey-Dalaman, Cyprus-Paphos, Tunisia-Enfidha & Egypt-Sharm el Shikh along with there existing 2 once weekly service to Greece-Corfu & Majorca-Palma.

Well just to stick the knife in further to are friends down the road at Doncaster-Sheffield Airport Thomson's/First Choice Holidays have today announced a further 4 new routes from Leeds-Bradford for next summer 2013 season. New routes have been added to Greece-Rhodes, Menorca-Mahon, Ibiza & Tenerife-South plus they will also add 2nd weekly departures to both Turkey-Dalaman & Majorca-Palma.

See press release below. http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.u...mson-expansion

(Red Tie) LBA’s Tony Hallwood celebrates the announcement with Thomson and First Choice Manager, Paul Cooper (Blue Tie)

News story

More choice, more variety and exclusive local routes for Yorkshire’s sun seekers

21 June 2012

Thomson and First Choice are pleased to announce that in Summer 2013 they will be doubling capacity at Leeds Bradford Airport through the introduction of four brand new routes to Menorca, Ibiza, Rhodes, Tenerife and the addition of another weekly flight for existing Mallorca and Turkey routes. This follows the launch earlier this year of exclusive routes from Leeds Bradford to Sharm El Sheikh and Tunisia.

The move to introduce these routes is part of the UK’s largest tour operator’s strategy to ensure customers across the UK can fly from their local airport and stay at the best hotels in some of the most exciting destinations.

Not only will customers from Yorkshire be able to fly to far flung destinations, but they will also have the opportunity to choose varying durations - not just the standard seven and 14 night stays. The changes also mean that Thomson and First Choice will be the only tour operator flying customers to Sharm El Sheikh and Tunisia from Leeds/Bradford in Summer 2013; and Thomson Cruises will be operating the largest flight/cruise programme out of the airport to Majorca, Corfu and Turkey.

Local Yorkshire customers will now have access to some of Thomson and First Choice’s most highly scoring flagship hotels including; our five star Sensatori Egypt, which gives customers a luxury holiday experience, featuring world class spas and gourmet dining; and Holiday Village Rhodes which delivers everything a family could want in one place – great entertainment, food, kids clubs and lots of activities to keep the whole family occupied.

Paul Cooper, Airport Negotiations Manager for Thomson and First Choice, said of the move:

“Doubling capacity at Leeds Bradford Airport demonstrates our continued commitment to the Yorkshire region and following the success of our expanded programme announced earlier in the year at the airport, we know that the demand is there.

“Modernising our operations across the UK is a key part of our overall strategy and this move is definitely a step in the right direction towards creating an enhanced holiday experience for our customers.”

Tony Hallwood, Marketing Director of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

‘LBA is delighted to see the widening of holiday choice for both Thomson and First Choice in summer 2013 from West Yorkshire. With a total of 10 exciting destinations now on offer from the UK’s largest tour operator, holidaymakers can now fly conveniently from their local airport.’

NOTES TO EDITORS:
A photo of Paul Cooper and Tony Hallwood will be available from 9.15am. One to one interviews will be considered – please register your interest by contacting Claire Borgeat at the Thomson and First Choice press office on 07432 677940.

[Val Verde]

Good news regarding the Thomson / Monarch flights. Is there no word on when the Heathrow flights with British Airways will be officially be announced?

[Skychaser 2005]

Originally Posted by Val Verde

Good news regarding the Thomson / Monarch flights. Is there no word on when the Heathrow flights with British Airways will be officially be announced?

Really good news. Think BA announcement is planned for some time in July for an Autumn launch

[yorkguy]

Originally Posted by Val Verde

Good news regarding the Thomson / Monarch flights. Is there no word on when the Heathrow flights with British Airways will be officially be announced?

Interesting that when you go on to the BA website, LBA appears on the drop down menu as a destination (unlike many UK airports). I tried a dummy booking for late 2012 but no joy. Encouraging that it's there though........

[SmartCity]

Announcement expected on the 27th June
http://www.forums4airports.com/topic2337-100.html

[cmj]

Originally Posted by yorkguy

Interesting that when you go on to the BA website, LBA appears on the drop down menu as a destination (unlike many UK airports). I tried a dummy booking for late 2012 but no joy. Encouraging that it's there though........

According to the folks at forums4airports that's been there since the BMI days (did BA codeshare on the LBA-LHR route?) and they never took it out.

[SalsaShark]

Originally Posted by cmj

did BA codeshare on the LBA-LHR route?

I think so. I flew to Australia with BA/Qantas in 2002 from LBA (LBA-LHR-SIN-DRW). It was all on one ticket and, not having done much travel at that point, I was absolutely amazed that I could check my luggage in at Leeds and not pick it up again until Darwin.

[cmj]

BA back from December 9th, according to http://www.britishairways.com/travel...s/public/en_gb

"A new service will connect Yorkshire with British Airways’ extensive global route network at Heathrow. Up to four flights a day will fly from Heathrow Terminal 1 to Leeds Bradford from 9 December 2012."

[Leeds No.1]

A shame it won't be a connection within the same terminal but nevermind.

I hope these flights will be a success, but I'm worried that BA will eventually cut these flights. If there's valuable runway capacity available, do BA really want to give 4 slots away to Leeds when they could give that to linking London with an emerging Chinese city, for example?

[yorkguy]

http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.u...6-27-ba-launch

[cmj]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

A shame it won't be a connection within the same terminal but nevermind.

I hope these flights will be a success, but I'm worried that BA will eventually cut these flights. If there's valuable runway capacity available, do BA really want to give 4 slots away to Leeds when they could give that to linking London with an emerging Chinese city, for example?

The terminal is meant to change to T5 in due course.

While I am glad to see BA return, I too share your concern as to how long the route will last, and I also hope it doesn't impact KLM too much as they have stuck with LBA (and the other regionals).

I did read one of the reasons LBA is getting the slots is because they're the old BMI Manchester ones, and it's about the same time to LBA as to MAN.