Latest News
The team at Leeds Bradford Airport Parking will bring you some latest stories from Leeds Bradford Airport, which we hope you will find interesting
Ryanair Landmark at Leeds Bradford Airport February 26 2010
Ryanair today welcomed its twenty-fifth millionth passenger flying to Barcelona Girona Airport from all over its European network - a thirteen-month-old baby boy flying from Leeds Bradford Airport!
Young Archie Longley from Bramley was flying from Leeds Bradford Airport to the popular Spanish airport on the Costa Brava with his Mum and Dad Kirsty White and Ryan Longley.
Young Archie and his proud Mum and Dad received a celebratory holiday to Barcelona Girona.Ryanair from midnight tonight 26 February will release one million £9 seats for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in late March and April (excluding Easter week). These £9 “all in” fares will be available on over 500 of Ryanair’s European routes but must be booked on ryanair.com before midnight, Sunday (28 February).
Ryanair’s Laura McCormack said: “Ryanair is delighted to celebrate its twenty-five millionth customer at Barcelona Girona with a family from Bramley in Leeds. Ryan, Kirsty and Archie, who were flying to Barcelona Girona today, were the lucky passengers. They have received Ryanair flights for another trip to Barcelona Girona and hotel accommodation in Hotel Grèvol de Llanars.
“Leeds Bradford is Ryanair’s thirty-fourth base with two based aircraft and 14 new routes (17 in total) being launched on March 25, 2010. Ryanair’s 14 new routes from Leeds Bradford to Carcassonne, Faro, Ibiza, Knock, Krakow, Limoges, Malaga, Malta, Montpellier, Murcia, Nantes, Palma, Pisa and Venice Treviso will start next month and increase Ryanair’s traffic at Leeds Bradford to one million passengers per annum which will create and sustain 1,000 well paid local jobs in Yorkshire. Ryanair currently offers flights to Dublin, Barcelona Girona and Alicante.
“Ryanair sells Europe’s lowest fares with a no fuel surcharge guarantee. In addition to our lowest fares we also deliver the No1 on-time performance across over 1,000 routes. Passengers can book our one million £9 seats for travel on over 500 European destinations in late March and April. These seats can only be booked from midnight tonight until midnight Sunday (28 February) and are sure to be snapped up fast so we urge passengers to book them on ryanair.com before they sell out.”
Nice surprise at Leeds Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport closed due to snow February 22 2010
Leeds Bradford Airport was closed for a time today ( Monday) as more snow took everyone by surprise.
Morons sending Bogus Messages to Leeds Bradford Airport Controllers January 30 2010
Pirate broadcasters have been risking lives by posing as air crew and sending bogus messages to air traffic controllers at Leeds Bradford Airport.
A police investigation has begun to catch the illegal broadcasters who have been using specialist equipment – and specific airline ‘call signs’ – to disrupt planes landing or taking off from the Yeadon airport.There have been two incidents reported to police by airport staff since Christmas, sparking safety concerns.
Andy Leat, a constable with the Leeds-Bradford Airport police, who is based in Otley, said West Yorkshire Police had stepped up patrols around the airport in a bid to catch the airwave pirates.
They are believed to be in their late teens or early 20s and have “specialist knowledge” of aircraft and airports.PC Leat said: “To be able to broadcast on an airport frequency, you need specialist equipment.“Each airline has a call sign and they were using the correct call sign for an airline which uses Leeds-Bradford Airport.“It generated into general chat but they initially called up as an airline.”
A spokesman for Leeds Bradford Airport said it did not want to comment as the incidents were being investigated jointly by the police and Project Griffin staff.
Leeds Bradford Airport Noise Control January 24 2010
Plans have been released to control noise at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBIA)
LBIA has published a 27-point action plan to minimise noise levels and it is inviting local people to comment.The plan, which can be downloaded from the airport’s website, looks at ways of tackling the problems of noise whilst allowing expansion of services.Officials at the airport are stressing it’s importance to the economic vitality of the region – with 900,000 overseas visitors in 2003 alone spending around £294m in the regional economy and helping to support an estimated 160,000 jobs.In 2005 the airport handled 2.6 million passengers and this is projected to increase year on year.
The airport’s CEO says: “Where there is a demand for flight services there will always be an impact of noise on the local region from arriving and departing aircraft and LBIAis no different.“Measures and controls are in place to limit the noise generated through activities and operations at LBIA to reduce the impact upon surrounding areas and where possible mitigate noise sources.LBIA will continue to review noise from activities produced by the airport and develop further measures to reduce these impacts as appropriate.
“Over the years LBIA has worked towards improving positive engagement with the local community and as a service we identify that our success derives from our local community. LBIA takes seriously its work with the local community and intends to find new ways to improve the effectiveness of its communication in order to work towards its goal of minimising noise impact.”
Now the airport has published its draft noise action plan for the next five years and wants local people to give their opinions and suggestions before the plan is finalised.The plan summarises the extent of aircraft noise from the airport; it details restrictions already in place and sets out proposed actions for the next five years to mitigate the impact the airport has on local communities.
The consultation document points out: “It is not possible to eliminate noise from general operations of the airport and so where practicably possible preventative measures, together with careful management and control is carried out.”
The document stresses the importance of the airport to the local economy.
“LBIA is an important economic generator, providing jobs, encouraging inward investment, boosting local tourism and providing world wide access to the North of England.”
The airport has set itself a series of targets for the next five years, which it says will continue its commitment to reduce aircraft noise impacts.
It aims to: encourage the operation of the quietest fleets possible; encourage airlines to adopt the quietest practicable operating procedures; have effective and credible noise mitigation schemes.
It says it also wants to introduce new methods of communication with local communities to get a better understanding of their concerns.
It also hopes to influence planning policy to minimise the number of noise sensitive properties around the airport.
The consultation document points out that the airport has already carried out two noise insulation schemes over the last 25 years, and has established noise preferential routes so that jet aircraft fly over less populated areas.
Other measures already in place include restrictions on type and number of night-time aircraft.
Leeds Bradford Airport wins safer parking award January 22 2010
Leeds Bradford Airport has been awarded the prestigious national ‘Safe Parking’ award in recognition of its high standards of on-site parking facilities for the sixth year running. The scheme aims to reduce crime and the threat of crime whilst increasing safety and security within parking facilities around the country.
The owners of Leeds Bradford Airport have invested many millions of pounds in re-development and improvements over the last fews years, including improved car parking facilities, the terminal frontage, and a streamlined rapid pick up and drop off zone, redevelopment of the short stay car park and improved pedestrian walkways.
Leeds Bradford Airport owners confident January 12 2010
Although passenger numbers fell by 4.5%, more than two and three quarter passengers passed Leeds Bradford Airport last year.
The owners of Leeds Bradford Airport have an ambitious plan to spend more than £70 million, in improvements and expansion to the airport. The intention is to take passenger numbers over 5 million by 2016.
The improvements will mean a new departure lounge, shops and passenger screening zone and improved immigration facilities. Local roads and bus links will also be improved.
Airport Buses stuck at Leeds Bradford Airport January 12 2010
Some Leeds Bradford Airport coach drivers had to abandon their vehicles on the A658 Pool Bank New Road on Monday after they failed to climb the hill up towards Leeds Bradford Airport.
The airport itself also suffered some delays and two local schools, Ashfield Primary in Otley and Pool-in-Wharfedale CE Primary, were closed while Horsforth School (which was open as normal for exam students) opened at 11am.
Leeds City Council announced last week that it would be restricting gritting to the main roads to conserve its salt supplies, so buses on many routes have been avoiding side roads and estates. The 757 service, meanwhile, has been ending at the airport and not continuing to Leeds Bradford Airport to Otley section of the route.
Passengers to be able to check in on-line at Leeds Bradford Airport January 12 2010
Thomas Cook Airlines has become the first charter airline in the UK to launch an internet check-in service for passengers. Customers will now have the choice to book in online in advance of arriving at the airport, or continue to use the traditional method. Online check-in is currently available for outbound Thomas Cook Airlines flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Leeds Bradford Airport, Bristol, Belfast and Newcastle. The service is due to be extended to the other UK airports from which Thomas Cook flies in the near future. Online check-in couldn’t be easier or more convenient. Joanna Wild, Director of Customer Services at Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “We’re always looking at ways that we can give our holidaymakers more control over their booking and this innovation gives people the freedom to chose where they sit as well as making the airport experience a quick and easy one. “We’re really proud that we’re the first to offer this to charter passengers and look forward to rolling it out to our full flying programme soon.
Leeds Bradford Airport flight diverted - police called in January 6 2010
A flight bringing tourists back from Spain was diverted from Leeds Bradford Airport because of the weather.Howver, they were not allowed to disembark for two-and-a-half hours, apparently because of ice.This upset a 39-year-old man from Hartlepool was arrested and cautioned for using threatening behaviour on an aircraft.Thomson Airways said passenger safety was its "number one priority".
The flight from Alicante had been due to land at Leeds Bradford Airport on Tuesday night, but was diverted to Newcastle, and when that closed it landed at Durham Tees Valley.
Diversions 'unavoidable'
Passengers grew angry when they were told the plane would still take off when safe and fly on to Newcastle - almost 50 miles further north.
Finally, the captain allowed holidaymakers to disembark at Durham - but only after informing police of the trouble. The man was interview by Police and given a warning.
A Thomson spokeswoman said: "The airline intended to fly customers back to Newcastle Airport, once it had reopened, to ensure passengers could be transferred to Leeds Bradford more quickly.
"However, passengers became disruptive on board the aircraft whilst at Durham Tees Valley Airport and, in the interest of safety, the pilot decided to disembark customers at Durham.
"In accordance with the airline's standard procedures, the pilot notified the police of this disruptive behaviour.
"Coach transfers were arranged for customers from Durham Tees Valley Airport to Leeds Bradford.
Here is a blog we saw
"Date: January 1, 2010
Time: 12:05 to 12:40 a.m.
Hi, I live in Eccleshill Bradford and I had gone to bed at 11-00pm, but woke to the sound of fireworks. I had not been drinking at all and from about 12-05 to 12-40 I saw a number of round objects appear to fly in various places in the sky. I can see as far as Leeds Bradford Airport and one flew right over the house before turning and heading south. I tried to photograph, but could not though I did get something on video.
Email Brian Vike: v_factor_paranormal@live.com"
"It's the news that travelling Tykes everywhere have been waiting for – they can now take their FERRETS on flights from Leeds Bradford Airport. A private aviation company based at the Yeadon airfield has become the first in the region to accept animals on their planes under the new pet passport scheme.
It means for the first time, people flying in and out of Leeds Bradford can now bring their cats, dogs or ferrets with them – providing they can afford to travel on a private plane, of course.
Multiflight's base has been approved as a UK entry point for pets under the Government's Animal Health Pet Travel Scheme (Pets) which allows animals to come in and out of the country without being quarantined – as long at they meet strict health rules.Owners must also obtain proof of vaccinations, as all are potential carriers of rabies, and the pets
must own a pet passport and be microchipped.
Multiflight handling manager Heather Cawthorne said: "Multiflight has become one of only a few private aviation companies approved as a UK entry point for pets and we feel this is an additional service that will be warmly welcomed by pet owners wanting to travel with their pets through Leeds Bradford International Airport.
"We are always looking at ways to improve and expand the service we provide to clients and to always meet their needs and expectations: pet travel approval is an important part of this on-going process."
Multiflight's Pet Travel service will process all necessary paperwork for owners or handlers and the animals will be allowed to travel in the cabin.
The general Leeds Bradford Airport terminal does not yet offer animal owners on the chance to take their pets on board mainstream flights.
A spokeswoman said the airport was geared up for the Pets scheme but, as yet, airlines flying there had not expressed any interest in taking up the option."
Good Passenger numbers at Leeds Bradford Airport January 1 2010
In the last few days between Christmas and the New Year more than 30,000 passengers passed through the Leeds Bradford Airport, said its commercial director Tony Hallwood. The top hot spots for people seeking winter sunshine are the Canary Island resorts of Tenerife and Lanzarote and Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh resort, he said. Snow-sport enthusiasts are heading for the French Alps, taking advantage of heavy snow.
Mr Hallwood said: “We’re not quite as busy as just before Christmas but people are still heading off for a well-earned break before going back to work. There’s no doubt the bad weather we’ve been having here has driven lots of that demand.”
He also said post-festive short-break flights to Paris and Amsterdam had taken off with people booking last-minute escape destinations before getting back to work.
Allbury Travel Group, which traded as Libra Holidays, Argo Holidays and JetLife, ceased trading at midnight on Friday
The Hertfordshire-based firm ran air package holidays and flights to Greece, Cyprus and Egypt out of Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Bimingham airports as well as Leeds Bradford Airport
The number of Leeds Bradford trips affected by the group's problems is thought to be relatively small as the only winter route it operated from the airport was to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt.
People due to travel with Allbury are being advised against going to their departure airport and should instead submit refund claims to the CAA.
The CAA is also making arrangements to fly people stranded abroad home.
Bosses at LeedsBradford International Airport are hopeful that initial talks with an international airline chief will lead to an expansion of key routes within 18 months.
They are keen to develop more services for destinations used by business travellers, many of whom currently drive to Manchester Airport to catch direct international flights.
Henry Hourcade, the new UK boss of airline Air France-KLM, made his first visit to LBIA and met with Tony Hallwood, LBIA’s commercial director.
KLM operates three flights a day between LBIA and Amsterdam Schiphol airport which provides an international gateway to more than 600 destinations worldwide.
Airport chiefs want to expand that service and also introduce extra flights between LBIA and Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, probably in 2011.
Mr Hallwood, who recently launched a regional campaign to bring daily New York flights to LBIA, is also keen to expand services to Europe.
He briefed Mr Hourcade, Air France-KLM UK chief executive, about the £28 million upgrade and expansion of the main terminal complex on which airport chiefs hope work will start in the first half of next year.
Mr Hourcade said: “I agree with the aim of reducing the number of travellers who currently drive across the M62 to Manchester.
“It is against this background that we will look to consolidate our Amsterdam services, which provide Bradford and Yorkshire business and leisure travellers with a convenient link to more than 600 international destinations through Schiphol. We have a common interest with LBIA, whose development plans I saw for the first time and was impressed with the plan to attract more passengers to the major international hub of Amsterdam Schiphol.
“These are difficult times for aviation but I would hope that we can work with LBIA with a view to further expansion of our operations.”
Mr Hallwood said: “It’s early days, but we were very encouraged by our first meeting with Henry who underline Air France-KLM’s commitment to the airport.
“We need to get more people to recognise the benefits of using the Amsterdam route and I’m also hoping that we could see extra services between LBIA and Paris, probably in 2011.”.
Low-cost airline Ryanair, which is transferring its operations from Manchester to Leeds Bradford Airport next March, has pulled out of talks with Boeing.
It had planned a potential multibillion-dollar order for up to 200 new aircraft.
The decision will result in a major change in strategy for the airline, which has no plans to reopen discussions with other aircraft manufacturers While a separate deal for the delivery of 112 Boeing 737s over the next three years will still take place, Ryanair said it will reduce growth and capital expenditure beyond 2012 to maximise returns to shareholders.
Heavy snowfall overnight has done little to disrupt travel and public services in the Ilkley area.
Although many roads and paths were covered as snow fell last night and this morning, no roads in the area were closed.
Bradford Council gritting crews were out throughout the district all night, and gritters are also expected to be out through the day today.
Schools in the area, due to break up for their Christmas holiday at the end of the week, remained open today. Bus services are still running although operators advised Metro they are running ‘as normal a service as possible’.
Metro says some estates with untreated roads may not be served by buses, at the drivers’ discretion.
Rail services on the Wharfedale Line are also running, with just slight delays to some services this morning.
With more snow forecast for this weekend, Bradford Council says it will stay vigilant.
Bradford Council highways manager, Kevin Whitaker, said: "The gritting crews have been working all night and we have now had a change of shift so they can carry on through the day. They are still out gritting at the moment and we are waiting for an update in the weather forecast so we can adjust our strategy to suit the circumstances.
"If more snow is forecast we will do our utmost to make sure the district’s roads are kept as clear as possible."
Some outbound flights at Leeds Bradford International Airport were cancelled on Thursday night, and some arrivals were diverted to Manchester. Passengers were ferried to Leeds by coach.
There were delays of several hours to some arrivals in Thursday night, and slight delays are expected on arriving flights today.
Santa flew into the region early this year for a special Yorkshire Christmas celebration. The man in red joined 200 Ryanair staff and their families on a “Santa Special” flight from Dublin to Yorkshire to launch Ryanair’s 14 new services to Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA). Santa and his party then spent the day in York, where they enjoyed a Yorkshire Christmas lunch with the Lord Mayor of York Councillor John Galvin and Lady Mayoress Val Galwin, before wrapping up their festive day by watching the panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at York’s Grand Opera House. Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, the region’s tourism agency which helped put the trip together, said: “By offering a fabulously festive day out to Ryanair staff and their families we now have 200 more ambassadors for the region. With the new Ryanair routes launching next year we are opening up the region to a combined population of over 5 million possible visitors, which is fantastic news for Yorkshire’s tourism businesses.” The group were welcomed by Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, who added: “It is vitally important we showcase York to the very people who are marketing our region. We’ve all had a great day and I am confident the strong relationships we continue to build will ensure continued success in overseas visitors to York and Yorkshire.” he airline will open its LBIA base in March 2010, bringing an additional 14 routes into the airport and increasing its annual Yorkshire passenger numbers up to one million. Following a particularly successful year for Yorkshire, the new Ryanair routes will supplement the number of overseas visitors to Yorkshire and is expected to help boost the region’s tourism economy.
Leeds Bradford Airport could be the only UK airport to see a rise in passenger numbers next year as the travel industry continues to struggle during the economic crisis.
Leeds Bradford’s chief executive, John Parkin, said the Yorkshire airport was on target for double digit growth in business for 2010, with work continuing to increase the number of direct routes from 79 to 120.Parkin also revealed that construction on the new £28 million terminal development would start in the first half of next year. Airport owner Bridgepoint is pumping £70 million into Leeds Bradford in a bid to double passenger numbers to five million.
All of us at Leeds Bradford Airport Parking wish them well.
A charter airline operation that sold out tickets for the Hajj Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in less than a month is already planning a larger programme for next year. Jet2.com operated three return flights out of Leeds Bradford Airport to Jeddah on its Jet2charters.com service, which were then packaged up by travel agent Sky Fly Connections. The three return flights are all scheduled to depart this month, returning in December. Jet2.com passenger services director Phil Ward said the operator is considering providing more charter services next year out of more airports, following the success of this year's programme. He said: "We chose Bradford originally as we are based near there. The opportunity to do this next year from other airports is being looked at."
As the aviation industry continues to grapple with the far-reaching effects of global recession, the Leeds Bradford airport will be the only UK airport that is all set to expand next year, its managers have said.
The Leeds Bradford International Airport is poised to record a double digit number in terms of growth for the financial year 2010. It is one of the few UK airports to show any growth during these trying times. The number of direct routes available from the airport is also set to increase, reportedly from 79 to 120.
Though a specific date has yet to be set, the airport intends to build a new terminal in the next year. The reported cost of the project is estimated to be around 28 million pounds.
In the pipeline is a five-year transformation programme which is expected to cost around 70 million pounds. The two-storey terminal to be built will be the focal part of this programme. The plan was put in place by the airport’s new owners, Bridgepoint, who aim to provide better facilities and attract over 5 million passengers in the next few years.
Ryanair had announced its transfer from Manchester to LBIA, and this move has given the Leeds Bradford airport a significant fillip.. Around a thousand additional jobs for every extra million passengers are expected to be generated due to the said move.
Meanwhile, talks to LBIA with a rail service are also in process, although no final outcome has yet been announced. A campaign is going to be set up to consider the possibility of a tram train link to provide commuters with easy access to the airport. This move has the potential to reduce the number of cars heading to LBIA by 4 million a year. Also, if the plans do indeed go through, LBIA would get its own rail station, which would be part of the regional rail network.
The statistics showed that 89 per cent of the airport's flights were either on time or early.
Leeds Bradford also came top of the league table during the first quarter – January to March 2009 – of the year, notching up an enviable 93 per cent for on time flights.
Tony Hallwood, commercial and aviation development director at Leeds Bradford, said: "We're delighted that we've topped the punctuality league table once again for both our charter and scheduled flights.
"We've worked particularly hard with our airline partners over the spring period to set a high benchmark for other airports to now follow."
""Residents have been warned to brace themselves for more jets flying over Ilkley, but Leeds Bradford Airport insists there has been no increase in air traffic over the town.
Ilkley Parish Council chairman Alan Morrell claimed that more planes will fly over Ilkley when Ryanair starts new flights from the Yeadon airport early next year.
Residents would have to ‘get used to it’, said Coun Morrell, claiming that there has already been a steady increase in noise from aircraft both taking off and coming in to land over Ilkley this year.
But Leeds Bradford International Airport says it has checked flight tracking records and claims there has been no rise in the number of aircraft flying over the town.
Low-cost airline Ryanair plans to open a new base at Leeds Bradford Airport, offering 14 new routes and 63 weekly return flights.
The move is expected to also create 1,000 jobs at the airport.
The airport recently defended itself against claims that more jet airliners had been flying ‘off track’ over Burley and Menston.
The latest figures show that 90 per cent of planes taking off from Leeds Bradford stick to designated routes, which are designed to minimise disturbance to Wharfedale resi-dents.
Coun Morrell asked if other local coun-cillors had noted an increase in aircraft noise.
“One thing I’ve noticed, and other people have commented on, is the substantial increase in aircraft noise above Ilkley, both from outbound and incoming aircraft in recent months,” he said.
“This is going to increase if there are more aircraft. We have to just get used to it. It’ll be something we have to come to accept.”
Coun Morrell reminded fellow councillors of the debate over off track aircraft in Menston.
“Quite a lot of them have moved a mile or two up the valley to Ilkley.” He claimed this had led to a significant increase in aircraft noise.
An airport spokesman, however, checked the flight track records and said there has not been an increase in flights over Ilkley. The period checked extends back two years.
Leeds Bradford representatives have been working closely with people in Menston recently, following complaints about noisy jets flying ‘off track’ over the village.
The airport revealed in July that only a tenth of the airliners were now flying off the Noise Preferential Route, compared to 50 per cent a year earlier.
The improvement was said to have come as a result of the air traffic services team working closely with the main airlines operating out of Yeadon to improve tracking performance.
In a bid to be a responsible neighbour, the airport works closely with members of Menston Parish Council and Menston Community Association.""
Passengers flying from Leeds Bradford International Airport to Turkey faced delays yesterday as police investigated complaints that a 21-year-old air hostess was working while drunk.
The Onur Air flight to Dalaman was grounded while police questioned the woman, passengers said.
After the woman was arrested at the airport in Yeadon she was found to have no alcohol in her breath but airline passengers were becoming angry by the latest in a series of delays.
The flight had been due to set off on Tuesday night but had been diverted to Manchester, and then grounded by “heavy fog” an airline spokesman said.
It had already been rescheduled for take off at about 1am yesterday but had to be rescheduled again because the crew needed more sleep to fly safely under industry regulations.
But when the Turkish airline staff returned for the plane in an attempt to take off a second time at about 6.30am, a member of airport staff smelled alcohol on one of the members of the air crew, a West Yorkshire police spokesman said.
Officers from the force’s Operational Support Unit, who were travelling from Wakefield to a drugs raid in Bradford, were diverted to the airport and arrested the woman, who has not been named, on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol.
She was given a screening test which indicated she had been drinking but gave a zero reading in a full test at Weetwood police station and was released, a West Yorkshire Police spokesman said.
The legal alcohol limit for flight crew is ten microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
The police spokesman confirmed that a Turkish woman member of cabin crew was arrested at Leeds-Bradford Airport yesterday on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. The spokesman said: “She was taken into custody but released later after giving a negative breath test. She returned to the flight which then went on its way.”
The flight eventually set off at 8.45am.
A spokesman for tour operator Goldtrail, which contracts flights from Istanbul-based Onur Air, said she could not comment on the allegations against the hostess but said the airline was investigating it as a “separate incident”. She said flight agents working for Onur Air had provided welfare and overnight accommodation to passengers during the “very regrettable” earlier delays.
She said: “We do offer our sincere apologies to all our clients for any inconvenience encountered during the delay to the flight.”
Hooligan found guilty at Leeds Bradford Airport September 16 2009
A 20-year-old Bradford man could face a custodial sentence after he shone a laser at the West Yorkshire Police helicopter.
Luke Rawson admitted shining the laser pen three times at the aircraft.
He appeared at Bradford Crown Court today and pleaded guilty to a charge of recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger aircraft, in breach of the Civil Aviation Act.
The charge specified that on June 3 this year, at Bradford, Rawson, of Rawson Street, Wyke, shone a green laser pen at the West Yorkshire Police force helicopter.
His lawyer, Philip Ainge, said Rawson accepted shining the laser pen three times at the helicopter.
He asked for a probation report before Rawson, who had no convictions of a similar nature, was sentenced.
The judge, Recorder Bryan Cox QC, adjourned the case until October 20 and granted Rawson unconditional bail.
The Civil Aviation Authority said it took any threat to aviation safety seriously.
A spokesman said: “Any member of the public shining a light at an aircraft or helicopter could endanger the safety of the flight, and any person found guilty of such an offence could face a custodial sentence.”
There has been a big rise in laser incidents, from 29 in 2007 to 206 last year.
Earlier this year nine aircraft were targeted by laser guns as they landed at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Pilots can be blinded for several seconds by the light. This is followed by several minutes of visual effects such as glare and flash-blindness. Pilots are asked to see an aeromedical doctor or optometrist before flying again.
Bob Jones, head of flight operations at the CAA, said the message was clear to individuals targeting aircraft with laser devices.
“You will be caught and you will be prosecuted and you could spend up to five years in prison,” he said.
“We strongly urge anyone who sees a laser being used against aircraft to contact the police immediately. These things are not toys, they pose a serious risk to all flight safety.”
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said last night: “Shining laser pens into the cockpit of any aircraft is extremely dangerous. Doing so could dazzle or distract a pilot and puts lives at risk. Such reckless behaviour will be investigated and we hope today’s conviction acts as a warning to others.”
Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford International Airport's commercial director, will be flying the flag for the Leeds City Region at the 15th World Route Development Conference in Beijing next week.
Delegates from across the globe will meet in the Chinese capital to discuss new route development opportunities and LBIA will be meeting 18 carefully selected airlines to encourage new destinations from Yorkshire's international gateway airport.
Mr Hallwood said: “Beijing will be the perfect shop window for Leeds Bradford to highlight its growing market potential and promote its new £28 million terminal development.
“We are confident that we will be successful in attracting new scheduled airlines to operate new business routes to LBIA early in the next decade.”
A travel plan drawn up for the airport sets targets to limit the number of single occupancy car journeys people make to get to work.
According to the plan presented to the council's west plans panel, by the end of 2012 at least 30 per cent of staff employed by the company that runs the airport should get to work using transport other than single occupancy car.
The proportion falls to 20 per cent for workers employed by other firms at the airport.
A report to the panel said: "It is evident that airport company staff are more likely to work 9am-5pm while other business partners work shift patterns where travel in any mode other than private car is difficult."
Panel members argued that sanctions were needed should the targets be missed and a system of financial penalties – sums to be agreed but they could potentially run into tens of thousands of pounds – is to be agreed.
The travel plan is part of a range of conditions and agreements which, when signed off, will allow formal approval of planning permission for a new £28m terminal extension at the airport expected to create up to 2,000 jobs.
The panel last month gave its backing to the scheme.
As part of the planning consent, a forecourt management plan will be drawn up to show how pick up and drop off points will work outside the expanded terminal. It will also indicate how long people will be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers.
Among many planning conditions, the airport will contribute up to £1m towards improved bus services and other transport measures. The phased payments will be triggered by higher passenger numbers and increases in traffic volumes linked to the airport.
A steering group is to be established to monitor activity at the airport and its impact on roads in the area. It will recommend how the payments should be spent, although the final decision will rest with Leeds City Council's chief planning officer.
Representatives from the airport, Metro and Leeds, Bradford, York and North Yorkshire councils will sit on the steering group.""
Is there no escape from these people. We have one idea, Leeds Bradford Airport staff should be given allocated Leeds Bradford Airport parking slots, free of charge, and send the bill to the petty beauracrats.
Thomas Cook expands at Leeds Bradford Airport September 3 2009
THOMAS Cook Airlines has announced three new destinations from Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA), which will be added to its winter 2009/10 and summer 2010 programmes.
Passengers will now be able to head for the sun this winter, with the addition of Sharm el Sheikh, in Egypt (November 3 to April 27), and Monastir, in Tunisia (November 1 to 22 and March 7 to April 25).
New for next summer, Thomas Cook is offering the beach resorts of Antalya, in Turkey, and Sharm el Sheikh.
Both of these popular destinations will be available from May 4 to October 26.
Tony Hallwood, LBIA’s commercial director, said: “As Yorkshire’s premier gateway, we are delighted to offer passengers a wider selection of services and routes.”
New Leeds Bradford Airport flight to Gatwick proving popular August 27 2009
Flybe, the UK’s number one domestic carrier, has reported strong demand for the new early morning flight now featured on its popular Leeds Bradford Airport to London Gatwick schedule that, following the airline’s decision to night stop an aircraft at the airport, allows it to offer a convenient early morning flight to the capital. This means that, at the start of the Winter Schedule, effective October 25th, travellers will have a more convenient choice of weekday flights, Monday through Friday.
The new schedule has been designed with the business traveller in mind, with an early morning departure from Leeds Bradford at 0700, that’s two hours earlier than the current timetable; with a late return from London Gatwick departing 1955, giving those travelling on a day return an additional hour in London in the afternoon! This greatly extends the business or shopping day.
Says Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer: “The addition of this early morning flight shows our continued commitment to serving Leeds Bradford and to listening and acting to the needs of what our passengers actually want.
“We remain committed to working with Leeds Bradford airport to keep business on the move and to serve the region by providing the most frequent, affordable and convenient services available. We recognise this key route as being of crucial importance and have pulled out all the stops to secure the right slots at London Gatwick that has enabled us to design a robust and convenient Winter schedule that features a strategically-timed service to satisfy the weekday needs of our corporate passengers.
“With the early release earlier this week of a selection of our Summer 2010 schedule that includes the Leeds Bradford to London Gatwick service for travel through to June 30th, 2010, we would advise people to book early to take advantage of the lowest fares possible on this popular route.”
Busy Bank Holiday Weekend for Leeds Bradford Airport August 27 2009
More than 40,000 people are expected to use Leeds Bradford Airport this coming weekend.
There has been a sudden rush to book a holiday in the sun with the most popular destinations being Spain and Portugal.Rome, Prague, Krakow, Pisa, Paris and Amsterdam are also proving popular.Domestic flights are also in high demand as passengers aim to avoid road and rail delays.
Tony Hallwood, the airport’s commercial director, said: “We are delighted to see so many passengers using the airport over the Bank Holiday weekend. We look forward to offering a relaxing start to the weekend for our passengers.”
Leeds Bradford Airport passengers join in TV filming August 23 2009
Leeds Bradford Airport was the setting for a feisty on-screen drama when ITV1’s Yorkshire soap Emmerdale filmed a scene at the airport.
Staff and passengers became extras at the airport in scenes where a plan by Val Pollard (Charlie Hardwick) to trick her husband Eric (Christopher Chittell) into thinking she has set off to the airport backfires.Astonished passengers looked on as Val chased Eric as he boarded a Flybe flight.Val arrives at check-in too late and is unable to get Eric’s attention as he walks through security.As the Flybe plane prepares for take-off he’s stunned when Val takes the seat next to his and demands to get off the plane.Tony Hallwood, commercial director at the airport, said: “It was a great day for both staff and passengers who were asked to become extras in the scenes.
“As the drama unfolded it created a real buzz in the terminal and we are all hoping that the airport will play host to the couple’s reunion after their recent traumas.”
Thanks to the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
War of words over Ryanair move to Leeds Bradford Airport August 14 2009
The Yorkshire Post carries a story of two airlines falling out at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Jet2 has plastered an advert on its website, featuring a mask-wearing burglar, urging passengers not to be "fooled by some of the robbers out there with hidden charges".
Ryanair, headed by controversial chief executive Michael O'Leary, announced on Tuesday it plans to plough about £84m investment into the airport, creating 1,000 "well-paid" jobs in Yorkshire.
Leeds Bradford, which recently won approval for a separate £28m overhaul and expansion of its terminal, will become the airline's 34th base.
Aviation sources said the looming battle could be good news for passengers, meaning more choice and lower fares.
Although the Jet2 advert does not refer specifically to a rival by name, Philip Meeson, chief executive and chairman of the airline's parent company Dart Group, told the Yorkshire Post he wanted to highlight Ryanair's hidden charges.
"It's a myth, their low prices," he said. "People often find we are competitive and cheaper.
"This is a Yorkshire company run by Yorkshire people – they are going to look after their mates."
Mr Meeson also questioned Ryanair's tactics of "mirroring" its routes – with Jet2 already serving nine of the 14 "new" routes Ryanair is proposing
"They are doing quite a lot of the sunshine destinations that we do," he said. "It doesn't seem to have a lot of imagination.
"It's not great for the environment to have two airlines flying on the same routes from a regional airport."
Jet2 currently flies 36 routes from Leeds Bradford and has grown to become its biggest user since it was founded in 2002.
Its many awards include best passenger airline from the Baltic air charter association and was highest-rated low-cost airline by consumer magazine Which?.
"We are very positive," insisted Mr Meeson, who added he was "amazed" airport officials did not discuss the Irish carrier's expansion plans with him.
"We will be here for many years to come. We are the people who built up Leeds Bradford and we are delighted to provide a friendly service."
The advert, in a style reminiscent of the Irish carrier's own controversial marketing tactics, urges: "Don't be fooled by other airlines – you will be robbed – for a cheap flight with transparent pricing don't delay – book with Jet2.com today."
It claims "other airlines" charge £115 for 22kg of baggage – compared with its £7.99 fee, and also rails against "hidden" charges for sports equipment and check-in.
An aviation industry source said: "Clearly passengers are going to have more choice and probably slightly cheaper flights."
Airport commercial and development director Tony Hallwood said: "We want to provide choice and just as a lot of our passengers love Jet2.com it's important that customers in the region on thicker routes – where we have the greatest leakage – are given choice of who they fly with."
Ryanair was not available for comment.""
Leeds BradfordAirport Expansion set to begin August 13 2009
LeedsBradford International Airport (LBIA) is set to begin a £28 million overhaul of its passenger terminal – including a new-look commercial offer – after it received approval last month from Leeds City Council’s Planning Committee.
The airport said it aimed to create “best in class” facilities to enhance LBIA’s status as the ‘Gateway to Yorkshire’.
The plans include a new two-storey building extension and internal improvements to the existing terminal, providing:
• A new airside Departure lounge
• Expanded passenger security screening zone
• Redesign of the domestic baggage reclaim hall
• A wider selection of retail and food & beverage facilities
• Re-modelling of the airside immigration facility
The extension will add around 4,600sq m of new space, of which 2,300sq m will be provided at ground level to improve the concourse, check-in and security facilities. The other 2,300sq m at first floor level will provide a new-look Departure lounge and retail facilities.
This follows the recent completion of a £2 million redevelopment of the airport forecourt, including pick-up and drop-off areas, a redeveloped short-stay car park and improved pedestrian walkways.
Manchester Airport targeted by new Ryanair Leeds Bradford base August 12 2009
Ryanair is targeting Manchester airport with a new base at Leeds Bradford Airport, its 11th in the UK.
It plans to serve 14 new routes from the airport and hopes to attract some of the 3 million Yorkshire residents who currently cross the Pennines when flying abroad on holiday or business.
The low cost airline said it expected to create 100 direct jobs and double its passenger numbers to 1 million at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Ryanair on Tuesday revealed plans to invest £85m in the airport, launching 14 new routes across Europe catering for one million new passengers.Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary claims the move – which follows the announcement of a £28m revamp of the airport – will help create and sustain up to 1,000 jobs.
However, many of the new routes mirror ones already being run by Leeds-based Jet2.com.
Mr O'Leary threw down the gauntlet to Jet2.com and flybe.com, which also operates out of Leeds, saying: "We have come to Leeds because it is one of the airports that doesn't really have any of the low cost airlines.
I know it has a couple masquerading as low cost and I have been told not to criticise any of the current airlines, but it's a fact to say that they charge high fares.
"This (announcement] is nothing but good news for everyone with the exception of a couple of the high fare airlines who are charging fares that are too high. But we will force them all down over the next year.
"If the airport can support three million passengers currently paying high fares then I don't think we will have a problem getting another one million at low fares."
Jet2.com boss Philip Meeson retorted: "He would say that because he doesn't have much else to say. Ryanair pretend to have low fares but there are lots of hidden extras which make the advertised air fares extremely expensive for families in particular who need to take luggage."We are sorry that he has not chosen new destinations because we feel we are already meeting demand in that area. Let's see if Ryanair are still here in two years' time."Airport chief executive John Parkin said the deal with Ryanair, coupled with the forthcoming expansion, would help the airport with its ambition of achieving five million passengers a year.He added: "This is a vote of confidence in the region and in the airport. It makes Leeds Bradford an important player."
Deputy leader of Leeds City Council Andrew Carter said: "This expansion is extremely welcome in these economic times."
Ryanair will open its Leeds Bradford Airport base – its 11th in the UK and its 34th in Europe – in March 2010.
Boost for Leeds Bradford airport