Leeds Bradford International Airport - Thread 2

[SmartCity]

Originally Posted by Orgoglioso

ooh Lille, suppose its good to link with our twin city, i thought that it was easy to get to though, don't Eurostar go to Lille from London, or do you have to change Paris.

[LS16]

Lille will be announced tomorrow.

Flight BD499 departs Leeds at 10:15 for Lille and gets back into West Yorkshire as BD500 at 2pm.

So Smartcity, if you called this one, how confident are you about these other new routes????

LS16

[Leeds rules]

bmi british midland regional are to commence a new 6 times weekly Leeds/Bradford to Lille route. Though this has not be officially announced anywhere yet.

Flights will commence to the French twin city of Leeds on Monday April 23rd 2007. With Embrear 145 regional jet aircraft. The new flights are now book able on bmi’s website at www.flybmi.com. Prices start from £49 one-way including the tax and charges.

Timetable

Leeds/Bradford – Lille Lesquin
BD499 12345-- 10:15 12:30
BD499 ------7 17:55 20:10

Lille Lesquin – Leeds/Bradford
BD500 12345-- 13:40 13:55
BD500 ------7 20:40 20:55

[SmartCity]

Originally Posted by LS16

Lille will be announced tomorrow.

Flight BD499 departs Leeds at 10:15 for Lille and gets back into West Yorkshire as BD500 at 2pm.

So Smartcity, if you called this one, how confident are you about these other new routes????

LS16

The American service about 30%
The Pakistan or Indian service 30%
The Middle East 40%
More stuff to Europe from the leading two loco airlines at LBA 98%

[silverriver]

ooh thats better than nothing, hopefully we will get one of more of frankfurt/madrid/lisbon/berlin/stockholm. i do think lille is a strange choice tho considering its not a big airport, not that far from CDG, easy to get to on the train (esp with the new st pancras link) etc (and the environmentalist in mean says if its so accessible surely this is unnecessary pollution). was lahore cancelled? i never got what happened, dubai and NYC would be great

[XEROX1]

The American service about 30%
The Pakistan or Indian service 30%
The Middle East 40%
More stuff to Europe from the leading two loco airlines at LBA 98%

When the airport has been bought and the dust has settled, these odds will increase.

Even though money can be made on the Pakistan route, its most likly to be done via the middle east, or London Heathrow if or when BMI are to start their rumoured Pakistan route, its the same case with routes to India, could be done via the ME or through a chartered service directly (i.e destinations to Goa, Kerela etc).

IMHO, any chances of an American and or Canadian service will be in 2008 or after.

[Leeds rules]

Hi

Heres is the official press release from the flybmi website.

first ever direct flights between UK and Lille - bmi regional to start services from Leeds Bradford

release date: 28/02/2007

bmi regional, officially the UK’s most punctual and reliable airline, today announces another new international air route from Leeds Bradford and a first for the UK.

Starting 23 April, direct flights will link Leeds Bradford with Lille in northern France six days a week with convenient flight schedules for both business and leisure purpose travellers. Flights are also timed to offer excellent connections at Leeds Bradford to and from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The new flights not only mark the first direct air route between the French airport and the UK, but will also create an important air link between two key industrial cities which are also twinned. Both Leeds and Lille are busy transport logistics hubs, serving many similar industries including mail order and textiles. Lille is also France’s third largest city, a leading commerce centre with a growing profile and gaining popularity as a tourism destination and alternative gateway to northern France. Previously unserved from the UK, passengers travelling to Lille would need to fly into Paris and take onward ground connections, similarly travellers to Leeds and the north of England would need to travel via London or Manchester.

Stewart Adams, managing director bmi regional, said:
“This is an important addition to the bmi regional European flight network and underlines our commitment to serving Leeds Bradford Airport and the surrounding region.

“Leeds and Lille already share a common and special link with their twin-city status. This important new air link will not only serve to strengthen that bond in terms of both business and tourism, but will also raise their respective profiles and encourage more opportunities.”


Cllr Stewart Golton, Chair of the Board of Directors of Leeds Bradford Airport said:
"It is exciting news to hear that Leeds Bradford will be the first UK airport to have a service to Lille. With strong business links in the Yorkshire region, Lille will prove extremely popular with the textile and mail order sectors. As we are also twinned cities, this news will be greatly received and will strengthen the connections and existing relationships even further.“

Jean-Christophe Minot, Lille Airport ceo, said:
“The Lille community and airport welcomes bmi regional and our first scheduled air service to the UK. Leeds and Lille enjoy a close business and historical relationship. Our two dynamic cities will now become even closer thanks to the new, direct flights.”

This latest announcement from bmi regional follows the recent news that the Aberdeen based airline and subsidiary of bmi will be increasing its jet aircraft fleet by 25% during 2007 and also launching direct Leeds Bradford-Copenhagen flights from 26 March.

Using modern Embraer jet aircraft on the new route, passengers can look forward to attractive business and economy fares and the renowned bmi regional service, which continues to offer complimentary in-flight refreshments to all passengers.

bmi regional also continues to be the UK’s most punctual airline, according to CAA published statistics. Unrivalled punctuality and reliance in the air is matched with speed and efficiency on the ground with business lounge facilities and range of check-in options, including online or self-service check-in.

[SmartCity]

Originally Posted by silverriver

ooh thats better than nothing, hopefully we will get one of more of frankfurt/madrid/lisbon/berlin/stockholm. i do think lille is a strange choice tho considering its not a big airport, not that far from CDG, easy to get to on the train (esp with the new st pancras link) etc (and the environmentalist in mean says if its so accessible surely this is unnecessary pollution). was lahore cancelled? i never got what happened, dubai and NYC would be great

Aviation only accounts for 3% of carbon emissions so i'd feel more guilty travelling on a half empty train, using my car to go to Asda or farting .

[LS16]

Thanks for the update Smartcity. To be honest though, doesn't sound like "Loads of announcements regarding new services from Leeds Bradford are to be made over the next few weeks". Pakistan, Middle East, America only have a 30% - 40% confidence factor, so can't see them being announced soon.

Suppose it depends what you think might be happening on the loco front to Europe where you seem much more confident. That said, Ryanair, Jet2 and Flybe are the only major loco operators at LBA. Ryanair won't touch LBA until they find out who the new owners are and what deals can be struck. Flybe have too much on with the BACON takeover and not having enough crews to cover the combined network, which leaves our old friends at Low Fare Finder House. They are leaving it very late for any developments this summer, unless they are planning some city destinations - or the annoucnements will actually relate to the winter schedule.

LS16

[skybonse]

I have been hoping for some time to see more international flights coming on the cards fo LBA, especially long haul to the States and Canada!

I'm something of an eco geek so not a big fan of increasing air traffic and pollution, although I think this only serves to be more convenient for those living this side of Manchester to get their flights, rather than going all that way.

There certainly also needs to be some sort of rail service with the airport and Leeds

[mark*ie]

Originally Posted by skybonse

I have been hoping for some time to see more international flights coming on the cards fo LBA, especially long haul to the States and Canada!

I'm something of an eco geek so not a big fan of increasing air traffic and pollution, although I think this only serves to be more convenient for those living this side of Manchester to get their flights, rather than going all that way.

There certainly also needs to be some sort of rail service with the airport and Leeds

What with all those extra planes, trains and traffic that's more CO2 ! Your defo an eco geek ! but your not a warrior "Thank God"
Global warming I love it, bring it on !

[skybonse]

Originally Posted by mark*ie

What with all those extra planes, trains and traffic that's more CO2 ! Your defo an eco geek ! but your not a warrior "Thank God"
Global warming I love it, bring it on !

I did say "although" and explained my reasoning. No need to try make things personal really is there...

I try to balance my thoughts between what is needed and its impact on society and the environment. As I said, bring services to LBA would probably see a drop in that experienced at MAN therefore the impact may not be so great on the environment. And for it to work, better transport links than just a bus service to the airport need to exist.

[SmartCity]

Originally Posted by XEROX1

When the airport has been bought and the dust has settled, these odds will increase.

Even though money can be made on the Pakistan route, its most likly to be done via the middle east, or London Heathrow if or when BMI are to start their rumoured Pakistan route, its the same case with routes to India, could be done via the ME or through a chartered service directly (i.e destinations to Goa, Kerela etc).

IMHO, any chances of an American and or Canadian service will be in 2008 or after.

Pakistan's second airline announces flights to LBA

Try this then?

http://www.ababeel.co.uk/saheen.php

[Typhoo25]

I have to say that the Lille flight is great news. yes you can get the train there from london, but you have to get to London. So as a business traveller you get to Leeds station, take two hours to Kings X and then have to get to Waterloo (currently) to then take a train which must take circa 1 hour 20 minutes or so. So presuming that all trains run on time and connect with no waiting times, it would take you about 4-5 hours to get there. Or you can now take a 1 hour 15 flight from LBIA. I know what I would be doing.

It has to be good news for the airport when it can claim to have a first. Looking forward this also shows the confidence that BMI have in LBA and with them announcing Copenhagen and extra Scotland flights and now Lille, who knows where next. Maybe they are seeing that they can fulfil business routes without hubbing through Heathrow all the time.

Top news about Pakistan, providing the airport can cope with the bus loads of people waving off in the terminal and the last second rush through security (I have seen it - Nightmare).

[XEROX1]

Pakistan's second airline announces flights to LBA

Try this then?

Well if the national carrier of Pakistan, PIA, are having most of their fleet banned from flying into the E.U on safty and mantinence grounds, then what can we expect from these bit part players we never heard of.

[Val Verde]

Originally Posted by SMARTCITY

Pakistan's second airline announces flights to LBA

Try this then?

http://www.ababeel.co.uk/saheen.php

Excellent news regarding what should be the first of hopefully many long haul routes from LBA. Does anyone know how frequent this service will be and what sort of planes will be used and would it be direct or would it stop at London Luton along the way as they are also planning to fly from there? Would it be a 737 as the picture below suggests or would a larger plane be used?

[Rob]

The website says direct flights, that must mean at least a 757 or 767 as anything smaller doesn't have the range.

[Leeds rules]

The original plan was to operate a Boeing 767-200 Aircraft that was bought from a lessor. But Shaheen wont be able to put her in service anytime soon as it has been sent back because it needed to much work to be carried out for operations in the EU and UK.

So Shaheen are set to start services to London Luton first and then add a Leeds/Bradford route at later date by using this wet leased Airbus A310, TC-SGC She currently works for Mahn air of turkey.

[Leeds rules]

Hi

News about the pending sale off the Airport

This artical is from this morning's Yorkshire Post about the confirmed final bids that have been submitted last night. Also theres a hint that the price of £150m maybe a bit too high. Instead £120M is thought to be about the right asking price now.

THE groups competing to buy Leeds Bradford Airport submitted their final bids last night ahead of its privatisation which is expected to be completed next month.

Up to five groups have made the shortlist but those close to the bidding process say it could be as few as three.

Those believed to have made the shortlist include private equity group Bridgepoint Capital and a consortium involving construction giant Balfour Beatty which bought Exeter Airport for £60m earlier this year.

While speculation has suggested the airport could fetch as much as £150m it is thought that it is more likely to be about £120m.

The airport, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and had almost 2.8 million passengers last year, is owned by Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees councils, with Leeds and Bradford each owning 40 per cent.

Richard Tollis, the aviation partner at accountancy firm Ernst & Young, who is leading the team handling the sale of Leeds Bradford for its local authority owners, said that a decision on a preferred bidder would be made at a meeting of representatives of the councils on April 4. Bidders will also have to outline their plans to develop the airport's services.Groups which have declared an interest include Regional and City Airports, part of Balfour Beatty's specialist airport investment and development group.

Another bidder is private equity group Bridgepoint Capital whose bid is being led by Sir Graham Hall, former chief executive of Yorkshire Electricity and the former non-executive chair- man of regional development agencies Yorkshire Forward and The Northern Way. Bridgepoint is being advised by merchant bank N M Rothschild, led by its Leeds managing director David Forbes, and law firm Addleshaw Goddard.

[Leeds rules]

Hi

Here's another artical about the sale of Leeds/Bradford Airport that appeared in the Times news paper.

Balfour on final approach for £140m airport acquisition
James Rossiter

Balfour Beatty has teamed up with a French infrastructure fund to submit its final bid today for Leeds Bradford airport, which is expected to sell for about £140 million, £20 million more than the original asking price.

Balfour, the schools to hospitals and roads builder, has formed a joint venture for its airport bid with Galaxy, the European private equity fund specialising in infrastructure projects set up by the French state-owned bank Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, The Times has learnt.

The five local authorities that own the northern regional airport have selected a handful of final bidders thought also to include GE Capital, the private equity firm Bridgepoint and a local developer. They have until today to submit final bids.

Last year Balfour was part of a losing consortium for City airport in London. That airport was sold for £750 million to a group comprising GE, American International Group and Credit Suisse.

Balfour, however, bought Exeter City airport in October for £60 million, a deal that finally closed in January.

Anthony Rabin, the finance director and head of the investment and developments division at Balfour, said that the bids for Leeds Bradford “will be significantly more than £100 million”. First-round bids were pitched at about £120 million after the airport’s owners put it up for sale in November.

Last month Ernst & Young, the advisers handling the sale, are understood to have taken bids of up to £135 million, valuing the regional airport at about 30 times earnings.

Mr Rabin said that Balfour was ready to expand the company’s airports business both in the UK — he will look closely at bidding for a big stake in Birmingham airport, which has come on to the market — and in continental Europe. “It is not difficult to see our share of airport investment being between £150 million and £200 million.”

The Dublin Airport Authority is mulling the sale of just over 24 per cent of Birmingham airport, while Macquarie Airports, a division of Australia’s Macquarie Bank, is already in talks for the sale of its 15.5 per cent stake, last valued at about £95 million. Other airports that are on Balfour’s radar include Hamburg, Naples and Lisbon.

Balfour’s figures, which were published yesterday, revealed that the company was sitting on a £9.1 billion order book at its December 31 year end, a 20 per cent annual rise.

That has since risen to about £10 billion, according to Ian Tyler, the chief executive, helped by yesterday’s win of a $500 million (£260 million) US military housing contract for Balfour’s newly acquired Centex Construction division, bought last month for $362 million.

Pretax profits rose £18 million to £152 million, at the top end of analyst expectations, on revenues up 18.5 per cent to £5.85 billion. The full year dividend is up 12 per cent to 9.1p.