Over recent months there has been an increase in the number of posts in which forum members, who are both passengers and airport/airline workers, have expressed concerns over problems at the airport which appear to relate to the staffing levels and performance of the sole major handling agent at LBA.
Since the performance of the handling agents directly impacts on the airport performance and public perception of LBA, and in my role as a founder of the Airport Support Group, I wrote to the airport recently outlining the concerns expressed recently without of course, identifying exactly who or where the complaints/information had come from. I also took the opportunity to have a bit of a go about the shambolic web site, particularly relative to the arrivals/depatures board and the failure to update it during bad weather events and its inability to show unusual destinations/departure points.
This is therefore just to advise you all of the outcome. I received an acknowledgement of my letter within 24 hours and was advised that all the issues had been passed to the relevant directors and managers within Bridgepoint. Today I received a call from a Senior Terminal Manager who was grateful for the information provided. She confirmed that all the issues raised re handling agent performance had been put on the agenda for their next liaison meeting, to be held next week and also passed to Tony Hallwood, Ops Director. She confirmed that there were issues raised which she could identify with herself and she was very grateful that these matters had been brought to their attention, particularly since it is the handling agents who leave passengers with their impression of the airport in many cases. Bridgepoint are particularly keen to ensure that all companies based at LBA are working towards the same targets as they are with regard to customer service and these matters will be taken very seriously and fully discussed.
The issues regarding the web site are also recognised and they are trying to improve the system - however it would appear that due to issues with the systems, this is not proving to be straightforward.
She confirmed what I have said before - that if anyone has any concerns about anything to do with the airport, they would like to hear about it so they can investigate and try to put in place procedures/systems that will improve matters.