Here is the Baildon Community Event Report from last night with approximately 20 attendees. May be the odd duplicated point from my Menston Report last year but those are probably relevant hot topics:
VH confirmed there will only be 6 new stands rather than 10 as it has been realised that the passenger increase forecast can still be delivered but by using fewer larger aircraft. This is also providing savings to offset other parts of the project that are over budget - mainly the refurb of the old terminal where unforeseen issues have arisen. No specifics provided.
Any delay to E-gates is all down to BF's own technology issues/delays and nothing to do with LBA.
LBA has a 98.5% on time performance record. No time frame mentioned.
The new CSZ should be open in September 2026.
One here for
@LBA4EVER is that the TDZ cannot be moved/extended and after consultation with Boeing and Airbus there is no need for this to happen to accommodate current and future narrow bodies. There is however a plan to lower the ILS slightly to increase take off distance which makes the US/ME and Pakistan more accessible.
There is a focus on increasing frequency to existing destinations and restoring/improving links to European cities.
Due to the feedback on the Avro Lounge this will be going altogether but will mean a slight lowering of current standards in the 681 Lounge.The space for the ex Avro Lounge will be divided up into a dedicated Adult Only area and a dedicated Family Area.
Our esteemed Mayors new Bus Franchising project has set back improved services to the airport as all parties walked away from the original negotiating table once TB announced this. For the record it was mentioned the A1 is profitable in its own right but the A2 and A3 are loss making.
VH again confirmed that Jet2 will retire all their B733s by the end of 2027.
If ever there was no LBA, there would be no other airport for Leeds meaning travel to surrounding airports. That was basically a response to a statement from the audience stating making more money from a windfarm on current LBA site. Whilst VH didn't disagree he did say LBA is going nowhere.
One lady couldn't wait to get her night flights question in during the wrong section so was politely asked to wait until the relevant time. Any audience moaning about a perceived increase in night flights was politely shot down by facts from VH and despite protestations to the contrary VH was not for turning. Extremely astute at handling this.
The AENA transaction should fully complete in May 2026 after final regulatory hurdles are completed. No problems anticipated (or at least mentioned).
And here is the biggy - I think. Negotiations with LCC remain ongoing re the night flying quota. LCC have suggested to LBA to submit a revised CLEUD, which will be done in the next couple of weeks. This is apparently because the outcome of that CLEUD will affect the wording of the full Section 73 application which is initially written with the hope of submitting it later this year. It sounds like LBA and LCC are having positive discussions.
VH mentioned that £4.2M was spent on the new terminal application and was why once it was called in they reverted back to the current already approved Regen to avoid further costs and delays.
There is currently no CGI for Phase 2.
Should be Mid 2027 for the additional carousels to be operational.
There are a couple of new retail names just about finalised but due to commercial sensitivity no specific details could be provided. However VH did say they are particularly excited about 1 of them.
Well that's it folks, hope you enjoyed reading. Not expecting much different out of Meanwood on Wednesday but if there is I am sure
@LBAYORKIE @northsouth or I will feedback accordingly.
