EU caves in to car industry pressure to weaken NO2 emissions limits for diesel cars for years
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Public meeting in Crowborough hears from Bo Redeborn about his review of Gatwick flight paths
Saturday, 31 October 2015
The MP for Wealden, Nus Ghani, organised a meeting on 23rd October for people in the Crowborough area who are being disturbed by flights over them, arriving at Gatwick. In August, in response to the high degree of opposition to changes to fight paths, Gatwick set up an “independent review” of air traffic, which will focus on Westerly Arrivals. This is being led by Bo Redeborn, who is being “assisted by a small independent review team which has been tasked with ensuring the involvement of local communities most affected.” The review is to look at whether everything that can reasonably be done to alleviate the problems which local communities are raising is in fact being done, (by Gatwick, NATS, CAA, DfT or the airlines); and the approaches which Gatwick has adopted for providing information to the local community and for handling complaints are fully adequate for the task. Bo Redeborn was present at the Crowborough meeting, and also Graham Lake, the Technical Adviser to the review team. They answered questions from concerned residents, who are not persuaded that Gatwick has either done enough or responded appropriately to concerns. To submit your views about Gatwick Airport to Nus Ghani MP download a copy of the consultation form: Gatwick Feedback Form.
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Terms of Reference for the Review can be found at the following link.
A couple of hundred people at Gatwick meeting in Crowborough
26.10.2015 (Crowborough Life)
Nus Ghani Wealden MP has thanked the residents who attended a public meeting at which constituents were able to question the leaders of the independent review of air traffic around Gatwick Airport.
The Gatwick meeting was held In response to complaints about noise by some local residents. Gatwick has commissioned an independent review of the flight paths taken by arrivals.
The review is being led by Bo Redeborn who was previously Principal Director of Air Traffic Management at EUROCONTROL, the pan-European air traffic management organisation.
After the former MP Sir John Major stepped into the row earlier this year, Sir Roy McNulty Chairman of Gatwick said they were willing to look again at the policy which resulted in complaints from householders living under the flight path.
Mr Redeborn is being assisted by a small independent review team which has been tasked with ensuring the involvement of the local communities most affected. The stated aims of the review are to consider whether:
Everything that can reasonably be done to alleviate the problems which local communities are raising is in fact being done, whether this involves action by the airport or by other parties most closely involved – NATS, CAA, DfT or the airlines;
and;
The approaches which Gatwick has adopted for providing information to the local community and for handling complaints are fully adequate for the task.
At the meeting at All Saints Church in Crowborough on Friday evening (23rd October), Nus was joined by Mr Redeborn and Graham Lake, Technical Adviser to the review team. They had both kindly agreed to meet with her constituents and hear their concerns.
Nus said:
A huge number of my constituents feel very strongly that Gatwick Airport has not been doing enough to respond to their concerns about noise pollution. They are also clear that changes can be made to alleviate the disturbance they face, while making sure that Gatwick remains a vital economic resource for East Sussex.
That’s why I asked Bo and Graham to join me for this public meeting, which I’m very grateful to them for doing. Hundreds of consultation forms were filled in, which I hope will inform the conclusions of this independent review so that we can reach a mutually beneficial solution for all concerned.
Those who were unable to make the meeting shouldn’t feel that their voices are going unheard. I’ve posted the consultation form on my website, so anyone who wants to have their say should send it to me by Friday 30 October and I will pass their feedback on to the review team.
To submit your views about Gatwick Airport to Nus Ghani MP download a copy of the consultation form: Gatwick Feedback Form.
Nus Ghani’s email address is: nusrat.ghani.mp@parliament.uk.
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Gatwick airport page on the Review
Earlier:
Gatwick noise campaigners “optimistic” about flight paths review by Bo Redeborn
After weeks of negotiations, campaigners have reached an agreement with Gatwick over the terms of its review into controversial flight paths. Since last year there has been disturbance, upset and anger for miles around Gatwick, from increased aircraft noise, narrowed and altered flight paths. In August Gatwick’s Chairman, Sir Roy McNulty, commissioned an “independent review” of air traffic, which will focus on Westerly Arrivals. It is led by Bo Redeborn, who for many years was Principal Director of ATM for EUROCONTROL. Local group Gatwick Obviously Not had threatened to ‘step up its campaign further’ if ‘substantial concerns’ about the terms initially proposed by the airport were not addressed. These included doubts about the transparency and impartiality of the process, its failure to consider both easterly and westerly arrivals and, crucially, the absence of ‘a fair and equitable dispersal’ policy. Now meetings have left campaigners optimistic that the process could be helpful. The review’s terms of reference have been altered, to include an assurance that “the review team will give particular attention to assessing the feasibility and implications of adopting a policy of fair and equitable dispersal’ which a number of campaign groups have expressed as a priority.”
Gatwick announces “independent review” of Westerly Arrivals due to the extent of opposition to changed flight paths
Due to the level of disturbance, upset and anger for miles around Gatwick, from increased aircraft noise, narrowed and altered flight paths, Gatwick’s Chairman, Sir Roy McNulty, has commissioned an “independent review” of air traffic, which will focus on Westerly Arrivals (ie. planes arriving from the east, to the airport, when there are westerly winds). The review will be led by Bo Redeborn, who for many years was Principal Director of ATM for EUROCONTROL. Gatwick airport says Mr Redeborn “will be assisted by a small independent review team which has been tasked with ensuring the involvement of local communities most affected.” The review is to look at whether, for westerly arrivals: “Everything that can reasonably be done to alleviate the problems which local communities are raising is in fact being done, whether this involves action by the airport or by other parties most closely involved – NATS, CAA, DfT or the airlines.” And if Gatwick’s approach to providing “information to the local community and for handling complaints are fully adequate for the task.” Thousands of people do not believe Gatwick is succeeding on either. The review is to begin on 1st September 2015. It may end in November, but may be extended if more consultation is needed. There will be a review of Easterly Arrivals later on.
via Airportwatch http://ift.tt/1Mo8kyh
Molesey hope to form an alliance with the Teddington Action Group, opposing a 3rd Heathrow runway due to unbearable noise impacts
Friday, 30 October 2015
Molesey, south west of Teddington, has been badly affected by aircraft taking off from Heathrow, when there are easterly winds (around 30% of the time). Now a Molesey woman, Fiona Fraser, who is tired of the aircraft noise, which even makes her windows and doors “shake and rattle” has stepped up her campaign against plans for a Heathrow 3rd runway – which could only make the situation worse. She is now linking the Molesey group up with the Teddington Action Group (TAG), which has been working effectively to get improvements to the noise problems they are caused by Heathrow. Fiona said that the aircraft noise – part of which comes from A380s flying lower than planes used to – is making life unbearable, especially early in the morning and last thing at night, up to 11.30pm. She commented: “… if it carries on I’ll have to move. I just feel very helpless.” Paul McGuinness, from TAG, has welcomed Elmbridge residents wanting to join the campaign against Heathrow’s expansion. Community groups have been forming over a wide area affected by Heathrow [likewise at Gatwick]. Anyone opposed to the third runway proposals at Heathrow can help create a new Elmbridge action group by emailing fionafraser2013@gmail.com.
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Molesey woman steps up campaign against Heathrow third runway with plans for Action Group
30.10.2015 (Surrey Comet)
A Molesey woman who says planes cause windows and doors in her home to “shake and rattle” has stepped up her campaign against plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
Fiona Fraser, from West Molesey, joined other protesters at the Say No to Heathrow demonstration in central London several weeks ago, and now wants to form a Molesey alliance with the Teddington Action Group, an organisation firmly against expansion.
Miss Fraser said: “The past five weeks have been really bad. The noise makes the house shake, the windows shake. It has become completely unbearable, particularly in the morning and last thing at night.
“It was all day yesterday, it was so bad that my front door shook with both of the planes going over. It actually rattled.
“I love living in Molesey, but if it carries on I’ll have to move. I just feel very helpless.”
Elmbridge Council has created an airport expansion task group to explore the impact of the expansion on the borough, a spokesman said.
Paul McGuinness, of the Teddington Action Group has welcomed Elmbridge residents wanting to join the campaign against expansion.
Protesters at the Say No to Heathrow demonstration in London several weeks ago
He said: “There are community groups cropping up all over the place that are horrified at the prospect of a third runway and we’d be very happy for that [a Molesey-based affiliated action group] to happen.
“To some extent we are the children of the 2014 flight trials and many people of course realise that the matter of the trends in which the planes are flying is quite awakening.”
East Molesey Councillor Steve Bax has also campaigned against Heathrow expansion.
He said: “It’s quite frustrating as a councillor and for residents. We definitely know it’s noisy on the ground and people are being disturbed at unreasonable hours of the day.”
East Molesey Councillor Peter Szanto said he did not think residents needed to form an alliance with other action groups in neighbouring boroughs.
He said: “We have a route today into senior management at Heathrow and really what people should be doing is channelling their comments through to Steve Bax rather than spreading the focus across several groups.”
Heathrow bosses claim that 80,000 people in London are on board with the expansion, which they say will create up to 38,400 jobs and £35.1bn worth of economic benefits by 2050.
The Airports Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, recommended Heathrow for expansion this summer.
The Government is expected to make its decision by the end of the year.
Anyone opposed to the third runway proposals at Heathrow can help create a new Elmbridge action group by emailing fionafraser2013@gmail.com.
Are you affected by the flight paths from Heathrow? Would you like to join an action group against the third runway? Get in touch at rachel.dickerson@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6313
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Earlier:
Teddington Action Group show – from Heathrow report – that they are now suffering more aircraft noise
Residents in Twickenham and Teddington have been aware of greatly increased aircraft noise from Heathrow, over the past year. However, Heathrow have for months insisted that the noise has not increased. Now an independent report commissioned and paid for by Heathrow, by PA Consulting has shown that the residents are right. Examining data between November 2011 and May 2015, the report confirms that planes – especially the heavier, noisier types – are flying lower than previously over the area, in greater numbers and concentrated within flight paths. Also that the periods of greatest disruption are increasingly late at night and early in the morning. Rather than being associated with the 2014 Flight Path Trials, which saw record numbers of noise complaints from residents, the report states that these developments merely reflect the general trend of fleet development and air traffic movements. TAG say they have more of the noisiest long haul planes flying over lower than before, sometimes at little more than 2,000 feet in Teddington and 1,400 feet in Twickenham. Worryingly, if this disruption stems from new flight trends, it is only likely to get worse, and for many other areas overflown by Heathrow planes.
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Teddington Action Group prepare to sue Airports Commission over lack of fair consultation on air quality
The Airports Commission and the Department of Transport have been notified by Neil Spurrier and Teddington Action Group (TAG) of their intent to apply for a Judicial Review of the Commission’s work. TAG is a group of residents affected by environmental nuisance in terms of emissions and noise from Heathrow flights. They have taken advice from leading counsel, and allege that the Airports Commission’s 3 week consultation on air quality, in May, was rushed and insufficiently publicised. This meant they (and many others) did not had a fair chance to respond. The consultation document was a highly technical 200 page report, containing a large amount of technical data. TAG say the lack of proper engagement by the Commission in relation to the latest air quality consultation is unacceptable and local people should be consulted in a meaningful way on an issue that directly impacts their health and well-being. TAG say the 3 week consultation is far shorter than the Cabinet Office guidelines which recommend three months for controversial or technical consultations. The length and nature of the air quality consultation was widely criticised, as being inadequate and unfair. TAG also questions the continuation of Sir Howard Davies in the role of chair of the Commission in the light of potential conflicts of interest, as he has been appointed to RBS.
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Teddington residents miserable under Heathrow easterly take-offs – though officially they are not affected
Teddington is an area largely affected by easterly take-offs from Heathrow. The wind direction in the south east of England is generally for westerly winds for around 70 – 77% of the time. The level of aircraft noise over Teddington is therefore not a problem during westerly take-offs. The way aircraft noise is measured – by taking an average over a period of time, and over many months, rather than the plane noise on a particular day – means that Teddington and areas like it, are not deemed to be within the noise contours that imply a significant level of noise nuisance. However, during periods of easterly winds, which can last for over 10 days, the level of noise is deeply intrusive. The campaign, Teddington Action Group, has made a powerful short film that illustrates the noise they are subjected to, for perhaps 25 -30% of the year. Yet, on the noise averaging system used by the CAA and the Airports Commission, they are considered not to be affected by noise. They wonder how many other areas can be regarded as untroubled by noise, when the reality on the ground is very different. And how much worse would this situation get, with how many more affected, if there was a Heathrow 3rd runway. Watch the film.
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via Airportwatch http://ift.tt/1N0i3vg
Heathrow staff face reduced pension rights and one third will get 30% reduction in salaries by 2018
Thursday, 29 October 2015
Heathrow airport is preparing designers, architects and suppliers to build its third runway, though it has not has its runway plans approved – let alone all the stages of consultations, legal challenges, parliamentary stages and planning procedures. But Heathrow says it will be looking at contracts in January for the workers it will need in the first couple of years to get planning consent. John Holland-Kaye keeps up the PR and the spin, capitalising on every opportunity to do so, though refusing to agree to Heathrow paying for associated transport costs, or to no night flight, or even to rule out a 4th runway. But the Financial Times said that Heathrow is “also looking to make more savings on employee costs. By the end of 2018, Heathrow aims to have about a third of its employees on salary packages that are about 30% lower than existing terms and conditions.” Heathrow has to cut its overheads, and agreed with the CAA to remove £600m of costs during the 5 years 2014 to 2018. The FT says it has already secured £400m of cost efficiencies. Heathrow is renegotiating its defined benefit pension plan, to cut costs. The changes include the introduction of an annual cap of 2% on future increases to pensionable pay for active members, resulting in a one-off reduction of £236m in the scheme’s liabilities.
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Shock news for Heathrow staff; reduced pension rights and 30% reduction in salaries by 2018
28.10.2015
John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, has announced that following renegotiations to its defined benefits pension scheme which will cap increases to 2%, he also seeks to inflict pay cuts of 30% on a third of the workforce by 2018.
The announcement was made this afternoon in an article with the Financial Times announcing another profitable year for the airport.
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Mr Holland-Kaye said the renegotiation of its defined benefit pension plan, which came into effect from October 1, would further improve costs. The changes include the introduction of an annual cap of 2 per cent on future increases to pensionable pay for active members, resulting in a one-off reduction of £236m in the scheme’s liabilities.
It is also looking to make more savings on employee costs. By the end of 2018, Heathrow aims to have about a third of its employees on salary packages that are about 30 per cent lower than existing terms and conditions.
Full FT article at
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Earlier:
Heathrow cutting 200 jobs (20% of total core staff) due to CAA restriction on landing charge rises
Heathrow Airport is planning to cut 20% of its core workforce despite turning its first profit since 2006 and said it is undergoing a “major” restructuring. Its full-year results statement showed it made a £426m pre-tax profit last year, up from a £33m loss previously, helped by the £1.5bn sale of Stansted in February 2013. Heathrow says it is making the staff cuts due to the CAA not allowing it to increase landing charges, though Heathrow can appeal till March 27th. These will be reduced in real terms by 1.5% below the rate of inflation every year until 2019. Colin Matthews said the cuts are likely to affect around 200 staff but no front-line roles, such as security, will be affected. Heathrow employs 7,000 people in total but 1,000 of those roles are part of its “central” head office structure, which is where the job losses are, partly due to having sold off its other airports. In 2013 Heathrow’s revenue rose 11.3% to £2.5bn, and it had 72.3 million passengers, though that is far below earlier forecasts for 2013 traffic. Excluding money from selling Stansted, Heathrow’s EBITDA rose 23.1% in 2013 to £1.4bn. The number employed by Heathrow Airport Ltd in 2012 was 5,278 (compared to 5,265 in 2011 and 5,148 in 2010).
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via Airportwatch http://ift.tt/1io86zt
Local group, PAGNE, at Pulborough and Amberley, in the South Downs, working to get reduction in Gatwick noise
Thursday, 29 October 2015
Though at least 20 – 25 kilometres away from Gatwick, the area of Pulborough and Amberley, in the South Downs National Park, suffer from plane noise. A local group – PAGNE, Pulborough Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions – formed last year to oppose the changed Gatwick flight paths. They are affected by arrivals into Gatwick, especially when there are easterly winds, and planes land at Gatwick from the west – which happens around 30 – 35% of the year. Due to the height of parts of Amberley, rising to well over 500 feet, the noise from planes are around 5,000 feet is significantly greater than would be experienced at sea level. PAGNE’s Chairman, Ian Hare, said he was working with other flight path groups around Gatwick and with groups around Heathrow to press the government to get flight paths dispersed without any concentration over rural areas. PAGNE also wants aircraft to come in at a higher altitude. Current government guidance is for air traffic management to prioritise minimisation of noise below 4,000 feet; balancing noise and CO2 emissions from 4,000 to 7,000 feet; and prioritising CO2 emissions over 7,000 feet. Groups want noise prioritised up to 7,000 feet, because of the impacts on those being over flown.
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Protest group PAGNE focuses on Gatwick flight paths
Ian Hare addresses the meeting
23 October 2015 (West Sussex County Times)
A protest group told Amberley Society that it has had some success in its campaign against Gatwick aircraft noise.
Pulborough Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (PAGNE) chairman Ian Hare said his main topic for the meeting was the growing number of flight arrivals.
He said that when there is an easterly wind – about 35% of the time – planes approaching Gatwick fly low over Pulborough and Amberley, causing ‘pronounced air traffic noise’. [The highest point of Amberley reaches to 180 metres, which is around 580 feet, in the South Downs National Park].
Screenshot from Casper showing some of the Gatwick flight trails around the area
Pulborough is around 20 kilometres south west of Gatwick, and Amberley is around 5 km further south.
Ian said PAGNE and other action groups around both Gatwick and Heathrow want to see flight paths dispersed without any concentration over rural areas. PAGNE also wants aircraft to descend from a much higher altitude, with noise as the primary consideration up to 7,000ft. [ DfT Guidance to the CAA on air navigation prioritises reducing environmental impacts like noise at heights below 4,000 feet, balancing impacts like noise with CO2 savings between 4,000 and about 7,000 feet and prioritising CO2 savings at altitudes higher than 7,000 feet. Gatwick Airport Ltd is responsible for flight paths below 4,000 feet. NATS (National Air Traffic Services) is responsible for flights above that height.]
“A ban on night flights would also be nice,” he said, “but realistically, that might be harder to achieve than some of our other objectives.”
He went on to explain that the action groups had achieved some notable progress.
Easyjet is now retro-fitting a device to the Airbus A320 to significantly reduce whine from the aircraft; and Gatwick Airport has arranged a series of meetings this autumn with NATS, the air traffic control organisation, to consult over better use of airspace. See link
Grahame Joseph, Chairman of the Amberley Society said: “We arranged the meeting in response to public demand in order to better understand the problems and gauge the weight of opinion and level of interest on the subject of aircraft noise.
“It was a good evening of debate and has raised public awareness in the village.”
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DfT document, Guidance to the Civil Aviation Authority
on Environmental Objectives Relating to the Exercise of its Air Navigation Functions
January 2014
http://ift.tt/1joW1pw
This states:
4.1 The usual maximum altitude for a Noise Preferential Route (NPR) is 4,000 feet (amsl – above mean sea level) and this reflects the long standing view that noise from aircraft flying above this level is much less likely to affect the key noise metrics used for determining significant community impacts. As aircraft continue to climb from 4,000 feet (amsl) their noise impact reduces. Set against this, there is also a need to ensure that aircraft operations are efficient and that their emissions are minimised. So when considering airspace change requests, the CAA should keep in mind the following altitude-based priorities:
a.
in the airspace from the ground to 4,000 feet (amsl) the Government’s environmental priority is to minimise the noise impact of aircraft and the number of people on the ground significantly affected by it;
b.
where options for route design below 4,000 feet (amsl) are similar in terms of impact on densely populated areas the value of maintaining legacy arrangements should be taken into consideration;
c.
in the airspace from 4,000 feet (amsl) to 7,000 feet (amsl), the focus should continue to be minimising the impact of aviation noise on densely populated areas, but the CAA may also balance this requirement by taking into account the need for an efficient and expeditious flow of traffic that minimises emissions;
d.
in the airspace above 7,000 feet (amsl), the CAA should promote the most efficient use of airspace with a view to minimising aircraft emissions and mitigating the impact of noise is no longer a priority;
e.
where practicable, and without a significant detrimental impact on efficient aircraft operations or noise impact on populated areas, airspace routes below 7,000 feet (amsl) should, where possible, be avoided over Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks as per Chapter 8.1 of this Guidance; and
f.
all changes below 7,000 feet (amsl) should take into account local circumstances in the development of airspace structures.
via Airportwatch http://ift.tt/1HeWbdD
New group formed in Tunbridge Wells, against increased aircraft noise from Gatwick
Thursday, 29 October 2015
The area to the west of Tunbridge Wells, and the town itself, have found themselves increasingly affected by aircraft noise from Gatwick over the past year or more. Now the local councillor for The Pantiles and St Mark’s ward has backed the formation of a new local group to oppose the noise nuisance, which many are finding intolerable. The new group is “TW No To Gatwick”, set up due to an upsurge in complaints about plane noise and to get the voice of Tunbridge Wells heard. This group joins the many others that have sprung up recently, including Gatwick Obviously NOT – which originated around Penshurst, the Langton Green Village Society, the Speldhurst Action Group and the High Weald Councils Aviation Action Group. The new group is keen to work in conjunction with the other groups, avoiding any nimby tendency for each area to ask for the flight misery to be put over someone else. The increased number of flights has been especially noticed this summer, due to altered flight paths and also Gatwick having a busier summer than usual. The group’s email is TWnotogatwick@gmail.com and local people are urged to get in touch and sign up, if they are concerned about plane noise.
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A screen shot from Gatwick’s Casper website, showing planes over two hours, arriving into Gatwick from the east. Many fly over, or close to, Tunbridge Wells at around 3,800 to 4,000 feet (ie. noisy) http://ift.tt/1xZdjif
New anti-Gatwick group to fight the ‘intolerable’ noise
21st October 2015 (Times of Tunbridge Wells)
A borough councillor has thrown his support behind the creation of a Tunbridge Wells action group to coordinate the fight against ‘intolerable’ changes in Gatwick’s flight paths.
Cllr Lawrence Heasman, who represents The Pantiles and St Mark’s ward, said TW No to Gatwick is ‘in its infancy’ but had come about in response to an ‘uprising’ of people complaining about the recent surge in aircraft noise.
And while much of the surrounding countryside has seen action groups spring up to represent the villages and small towns affected, a group for Tunbridge Wells has been noticeably absent.
Overflights
He said: “I feel given the feedback I’m getting as a councillor that residents in Tunbridge Wells are fed up with the persistence of overflights.
“There are many residents’ groups that I’m sure would wish to join with TW No to Gatwick action group in order to get Tunbridge Wells’ voice heard.”
Mr Heasman said that although changes to the flight path started to have an effect last year, it took time before people really noticed the impact.
He added: “It’s only more recently that Tunbridge Wells became aware of the huge amount of flights overhead but people have realised it is now a lot more noisy.”
The fledgling group already has the backing of the Warwick Park Residents’ Association, Cllr Heasman said, with other associations showing an interest in signing up.
Mr Heasman is keen to capitalise on the review into flight paths which has been launched by Gatwick, as reported by the Times last week.
He said: “It’s a good thing a review is being held and it will be an opportunity to get our voice heard. I shall be attending a meeting with review leader Bo Redeborn next week at Gatwick.”
Mr Heasman is clear on his desire to co-operate with neighbouring action groups rather than look out for Tunbridge Wells alone and push the problem on to others.
He said: “We want the voice of this town in the mix, but it is vital we work with the other groups.”
But while the email address TWnotogat-wick@gmail.com has now been registered by Mr Heasman, he warned the group will not get very far unless people took a proactive approach.
He explained: “We need younger residents in Tunbridge Wells who can help set this up just as Gatwick Obviously Not has managed to do.”
Jo Howell, a Wealden district councillor who represents Frant, said she ‘welcomed’ the creation of a new group for Tunbridge Wells adding: “None of us chose to live next to an airport, but recently Gatwick has had a huge impact on people, businesses and tourism in this area.
“We don’t mind taking our fair share of flights, but we do mind taking all of it.”
Reaction
Sally Pavey, a committee member of Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (Cagne) also welcomed the creation of a Tunbridge Wells action group, adding that it is one of many new groups set up in recent months.
She said: “They are not alone, we are seeing the formation of many specific groups. It is a reaction of residents to the typical ‘go away’ letters from Gatwick.
“Until Gatwick accepts concentration of flight paths does not work, many more groups will pop up. We would very much like them to work with us in trying to resolve this.”
Screen shot from Casper on 29th October 2015 at 06:02:46 showing a plane from Dubai (OMDB) flying over Tunbridge Wells
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via Airportwatch http://ift.tt/1Nbmmby
Solena, the company meant to be producing jet fuel from London waste for BA, goes bankrupt
Thursday, 29 October 2015
In February 2010 it was announced that British Airways had teamed up with American bioenergy company Solena Group to establish “Europe’s first” sustainable jet fuel plant, which was set to turn London’d domestic waste into aviation fuel. The plan was for BA to provide construction capital for a massive plant somewhere in East London. BA committed to purchasing all the jet fuel produced by the plant, around 16 million gallons a year, for the next 11 years at market competitive prices. BA had hoped that this 2% contribution to its fuel consumption – the equivalent to all its fuel use at London City airport – would give it green credibility, and it would claim it cut its carbon emissions. The timescale for the plant to be built kept slipping. Nothing has been heard of it for a long time. Now it has been announced that Solena has gone into bankruptcy in the USA. It was never clear why, if genuinely low carbon fuels could be produced from London’s waste, why these should not be used for essential vehicles in London – and why they would instead become a PR exercise for an airline. British Airways and the company Velocys are listed as creditors of Solena.
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Solena Fuels
Solena’s Integrated Biomass-Gas to Liquid “IBGTL” solution is based on a Fischer-Tropsch platform coupled with Solena’s proprietary high temperature plasma gasification technology to produce sustainable fuels from low carbon-bearing organic waste. Solena has developed best-of-breed relationships with world-leading technology and engineering companies to implement its IBGTL solution worldwide. As it addresses the substantial and rapidly growing demand for sustainable fuels at market prices for petroleum based fuels, Solena is considered a highly attractive solution and market leader in the sustainable synthetic fuels industry.
A unique characteristic of the IBGTL process is that it can handle a wide variety of feedstock and thus is completely “fuel flexible”. Unlike standard gasification technologies, Solena’s IBGTL process utilizes a powerful and independent heat source – plasma torches – and can thus accommodate varying heterogeneous feedstock. The company has several projects in development in India (highlighted above), and with Lufthansa, Qantas and Turkish Airlines.
The British Airways project. In 2010, British Airways announced its GreenSky London project — and in November 2012 the airline announced its binding offtake and investment commitment to GreenSky London. GreenSky London will transform tonnes of municipal waste – normally sent to landfills – into Bio-SPK, Green FT Diesel and Green FT Naphtha.
The chosen location for this innovative project is the Thames Enterprise Park, part of the site of the former Coryton oil refinery in Thurrock, Essex. The site has excellent transport links and existing fuel storage facilities. One thousand construction workers will be hired to build the facility which is due to be completed in 2017, creating up to 150 permanent jobs.
This ground-breaking fuel project is set to revolutionise the production of sustainable aviation fuel. Approximately 575,000 tonnes of post-recycled waste, normally destined for landfill or incineration, will instead be converted into 120,000 tonnes of clean burning liquid fuels using Solena’s innovative integrated technology. British Airways has made a long-term commitment to purchase all 50,000 tonnes per annum of the jet fuel produced at market competitive rates.
In November 2013, Solena Fuels is in discussions with city authorities in Chennai to use the city’s 5,000 tons of MSW per day to produce 120 million liters of aviation biofuel and 45 million liters of diesel per year. The facility would cost $450 million to build with an eight year ROI. Solena’s technology is syngas-based using plasma reactors to treat the feedstock.
More on Solena.
http://ift.tt/19zMFqV
Solena Fuels Corporation
Maryland Bankruptcy Court
Chapter 7 Case # 0:15-bk-24430
Filed Oct 16, 2015
1 Chapter 7 Voluntary Petition, Schedules A-J & Statement of Financial Affairs Fee Amount $ 335 filed by Steven H. Greenfeld of Cohen, Baldinger & Greenfeld, LLC on behalf of Solena Fuels Corporation. (Greenfeld, Steven)
http://ift.tt/1kWi90z
British Airways is one of their creditors.
http://ift.tt/1kWiaS7
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Velocys CEO suspended over allegations of ‘serious misconduct’
Velocys, the energy company backed by the billionaire owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich, has suspended its chief executive Roy Lipski over “allegations of serious misconduct”.
6.7.2015
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Earlier:
3rd July 2012
Oxford Catalysts (Part of Velocys) Selected for GreenSky London Commercial Plant
Oxford Catalysts Group PLC, the leading technology innovator for synthetic fuels production, is pleased to announce that it has been selected by Solena Fuels Corporation (“Solena”) to supply their GreenSky London waste-biomass to jet fuel project, whose leading partner is British Airways. GreenSky London has been established to create Europe’s first commercial scale sustainable jet fuel facility.
After a formal evaluation of available technologies performed by Fluor Corporation on behalf of Solena, the Group was selected by Solena as the sole supplier of Fischer-Tropsch (“FT”) technology for GreenSky London. In addition, Solena has entered into an understanding with the Group for the supply of FT units to its future Biomass to Liquids (“BTL”) projects with many of the world’s leading airlines and shipping companies, including GreenSky California, Rome and Stockholm.
British Airways is working with Solena to establish Europe’s first sustainable jet fuel plant, GreenSky London, and intends to use the low-carbon fuel to power part of its fleet as of 2015. Successful implementation of the GreenSky London project and receipt of the order will generate revenues to the Group in excess of $30 million (during the construction phase to 2015), and additional ongoing revenues of more than $50 million over the first fifteen years of the plant’s operation.
Roy Lipski, CEO of Oxford Catalysts Group said:
“Our selection for this project ahead of conventional technology from larger companies is further evidence of the superiority of our offering. We are pleased to be part of the GreenSky London project and to contribute to British Airways’ strategy for sustainable aviation and Solena’s worldwide roll out plan.”
Dr. Robert Do, CEO of Solena Fuels said:
“With the advice of Fluor, we carried out a rigorous evaluation of available suppliers for the Fischer-Tropsch process, an essential part of our integrated BTL solution. Oxford Catalysts’ technology offers modular sizing and the advantages of high-efficiency, fixed bed reactors. We’re very pleased to be working with them on the GreenSky London project, and on realising our strategy of rolling out multiple sustainable fuel plants throughout the world.”
Earlier:
Location just west of Canvey Island named as BA / Solena plant to make jet fuel from London urban waste
A site for the project, by BA and Solena, to convert landfill waste into jet fuel has finally been announced, after long delays. The site will be in the Thames Enterprise Park, a regeneration project just east of London on the Thames estuary (a few miles west of Canvey Island). The site includes the redundant former Coryton Oil Refinery. Work on building the GreenSky facility is expected to start in 2015 and be completed in 2017. BA is providing construction capital and has committed to purchasing all the jet fuel produced by the plant, around 16 million gallons a year, for the next 11 years at market competitive prices. BA is hoping that this 2% contribution to its fuel consumption will give it green credibility, and it will claim it cuts its carbon emissions. In reality, if liquid fuels can be made from urban waste, there is no reason why aviation needs to be the user of them – especially as aviation intends to greatly increase its total fuel consumption in coming decades. Liquid fuels that can genuinely be considered “sustainable” could be used by any other consumer. If aviation appropriates these “sustainable” fuels, and uses increasing amounts of fuel, the net effect is that other users have to use high carbon fuels. No net benefit. Other than in (flimsy) green PR terms for BA.
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British Airways + Solena plant to make jet fuel from London’s rubbish – announcement soon?
GreenAir online gives an update on the anticipated biofuel plant (costing around $500 million) to be built in east London, to produce diesel and jet fuel. GreenAir says that according to British Airways’ a 20-acre (8ha) site has been selected for its GreenSky project with Solena and an announcement is expected within weeks. Getting the required planning permission had proved “extremely challenging.” GreenSky will convert around 600,000 tonnes of London municipal waste into 50,000 tonnes of biojet and 50,000 tonnes of biodiesel annually, and will – they hope – meet BA’s total fuel needs at London City Airport. BA hope they can claim annual carbon savings of up to 145,000 tonnes of CO2. “It’s very much a demonstration plant for us. If we can prove this works commercially then we will build a number of them in the UK – potentially up to six – at this scale or even bigger.” “The economics is driven by a current UK landfill tax of about £80 per tonne, so the scheme hopes to get the rubbish cheaply – saving councils the landfill tax. Under its 10-year contract with Solena, BA will purchase all the fuel produced by the plant. They hope to start building in early 2015 and start producing fuel in 2017.
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British Airways pledges to buy Solena “GreenSky London” jet fuel made from London waste for 10 years – site location still not known
British Airways and Solena “GreenSky London” say their project to build a jet biofuel facility in East London is gaining momentum. However, they won’t reveal the location of the plant but say an exclusive option on a site for the facility and consent work has begun, with the aim of having it operational and in production by 2015. BA has confirmed its commitment to purchasing, at “market competitive” prices, the anticipated 50,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced per year for the next 10 years, which equates to around $500 million at today’s price for conventional jet kerosene. BA expects enough of this fuel will be produced to power 2% of its fleet departing from London Airports. GreenSky say it will process 500,000 tonnes of London’s waste into 50,000 tonnes of jet fuel, equating to 1,100 barrels of jet fuel per day (bpd) which is 16 million gallons. It will also process 50,000 tonnes, or 1,100 bpd, of ultra-low sulphur diesel.
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Solena partnership with BA to produce jet fuel from London municipal waste – delayed over 2 years?
In 2010 it was announced that Solena and BA would build a plant to produce jet fuel in London. Solena hoped the new aviation fuel would be produced from several types of waste materials destined for landfill. The airline said it plans to use the low-carbon fuel to power part of its fleet beginning in 2014. In 2010 they said the self-contained plant will likely be built in east London. It’s expected to convert 551,000 tons of waste into 16 million gallons of green jet fuel each year. However, the timetable has slipped. There is no planning application yet. It seems they hope for “notice to proceed” in 2013. One website said the project will start in 2nd quarter of 2014 and end 2nd quarter 2016. Oxford Catalysts were selected to supply the modular Fischer-Tropsch technology . There has been no planning application yet at Rainham Marshes. The timetable seems to have slipped by at least 27 months.
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15 FEBRUARY 2010
British Airways set to produce jet fuel from waste
British Airways has teamed up with American bioenergy company Solena Group to establish “Europe’s first” sustainable jet fuel plant, which is set to turn domestic, agricultural and industrial waste into aviation fuel to help power the airline’s fleet.
The self-contained gasification plant, which is likely to be sited in east London, will convert 500,000 tonnes of waste per year into 16 million gallons of green jet fuel. British Airways claims this volume of fuel would be more than twice the amount required to make all of its flights at London City Airport carbon-neutral.
The renewable fuel will be produced by feeding waste into a patented high temperature gasifier, producing BioSynGas. An established process known as Fischer Tropsch will then convert the gas into biojet fuel and bionaphtha – which is used as a blending component in petrol and also as a feedstock for the petrochemicals industry.
According to British Airways, the Fischer Tropsch process offers greenhouse gas savings of up to 95% compared to fossil-fuel derived jet kerosene.
The airline has confirmed that it aims to use waste with a high carbon biomass content – including domestic, agricultural and industrial waste – but added that other waste, including paper and food scraps, may also be used in the plant.
Four sites in the east of London are among those under consideration for the construction of the bio-jet fuel plant. Once a site has been chosen, British Airways will be entering into negotiations with waste companies and local authorities for the waste supply.
The partners also claim that the project will make further savings in greenhouse emissions by reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill, therefore avoiding production of methane, as well as significantly reducing local authority landfill tax bills.
British Airways calculates that the plant could save £36 million in landfill costs for local authorities by utilising 500,000 tonnes of biomass feedstock per year. This is based on local authorities paying the 2013/2014 landfill tax of £72 per tonne for the disposal of waste to landfill.
Solena Group Inc will be building the biomass plant and British Airways has signed a letter of intent to purchase all of the fuel it produces.
It is hoped that the scheme will lead to the creation of up to 1,200 jobs in the chosen area and the plant is also expected to generate 20MW of excess renewable electricity a year for export to the national grid.
Unique
Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways, said: “This unique partnership with Solena will pave the way for realising our ambitious goal of reducing net carbon emissions by 50% by 2050.
“We believe it will lead to the production of a real sustainable alternative to jet kerosene. We are absolutely determined to reduce our impact on climate change and are proud to lead the way on aviation’s environmental initiatives.”
Dr Robert Do, chairman and chief executive of the Solena Group, said: “The Solena – British Airways BioJetFuel project will efficiently convert biomass into clean renewable fuels and electricity and is completely carbon neutral.
“The plant will be a state-of-the-art renewable fuel manufacturing facility, distinct from a standard waste to energy incinerator facility. It will not produce any polluting emissions or undesirable by-products.”
Vision
The partners believe their project could help towards the Mayor of London’s “Foodwaste to Fuel Alliance” vision, set out last year, to speed up the development of infrastructure to convert London’s food waste into eco-fuel to cut landfill rates and carbon emissions (see letsrecycle.com story).
Commenting on the project, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I welcome this fantastic new ‘carbon lite’ fuel production facility in London.
“City Hall has been working with British Airways and Solena to drive this project forward to help untap the massive potential to generate cleaner, less polluting energy from waste, otherwise destined for landfill. We are working to bring together more organisations in this way to harvest the capital’s rubbish to fuel homes, businesses and even transport.”
Principal consultant
International consultancy, design, engineering and management services company ARCADIS has also announced today (February 15) that it has been given the role of principal consultant, advising on and managing the delivery of the project.
Stephen Didcott, managing director for ARCADIS in the UK, said: “The advanced biopower and biofuels processes now being developed will be fundamental in shaping the industrial sector of the future.
“Projects like this demonstrate that the technology is viable and the end results are extremely desirable and we are proud to be a part of this important development.”
ARCADIS is currently working on identifying potential sites for the new facility which will require approximately 20 acres of land.
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Birmingham airport to get 8 flights per week to Doha by Qatar Airways
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
After the runway extension at Birmingham was finally opened in May 2014, the airport has been keen to get some long haul flights to justify it. Now from March 2016 there are to be 8 flights per week by Qatar Airways Boeing 787s between Birmingham and Qatar. There will be one flight per day, but two on Saturdays. This means there is capacity for 100,000 people per year to fly between Birmingham and Qatar. The 787s have 22 business class seats,and 232 economy seats (= 254 seats. Variants of 787 seating plans can be from 242 to 335 passengers, so this few passengers is not particularly fuel efficient). Birmingham says they are the 4th airport (with Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh) in the UK to have flights to Qatar. This is being sold as being a useful link for people from the Midlands wanting to watch the World Cup final in 2022. Birmingham airport’s CEO, Paul Kehoe is enthusiastic about “a choice of 152 destinations served by the airline, including South East Asia, China and Australasia” from Qatar, for “commercial and leisure links.” With more Qatar flights from Edinburgh and Manchester, it will operate 71 flights per week between the UK and Qatar from March 2016. Again, reducing the alleged need for a new south east runway, for this sort of flight.
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New Doha flights as Qatar Airways signs up with Birmingham Airport
27.10.2015
BY GRAEME BROWN (Birmingham Post)
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Eight flights a week will travel to Hamad International Airport, in the Qatari capital, from next March. Flights from Birmingham to Doha will be offered on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787.
New flights from Birmingham to Doha have been announced after Qatar Airways became the latest airline signed up by the city’s airport .
Eight flights a week will travel to Hamad International Airport, in the Qatari capital , from next March, with Birmingham becoming just the fourth UK airport to offer them.
The tie-up, the first time Qatar has flown from Birmingham, means Brummies will be a single flight away from the World Cup final in 2022.
The flights mean more than 100,000 people a year will be able to head from the city to Doha, which is one of the world’s strongest economies.
Birmingham Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe said Qatar becomes the tenth new airline to announce or launch from the city this year.
He added: “Not only will our passengers have the choice of flying with the award winning carrier to Doha’s state-of-the-art hub Hamad International Airport, they will have a choice of 152 destinations served by the airline, including South East Asia, China and Australasia.”
The Qatar Airways flights will begin on March 30 and will fly every day of the week and twice on Saturdays.
Currently, the UK’s only direct flights to Doha are from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh.
While the potential for a World Cup visit will interest many, it is Birmingham’s business credentials which attracted the airline.
Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said as this was home to the largest concentration of businesses outside of London, boasting 34,285 companies including over 700 international firms, it was the right place for the airline.
He said: “We are delighted to announce Birmingham as Qatar Airways’ fourth destination in the United Kingdom from March 2016. This additional route strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to the regions across the UK and will create new commercial and leisure links between the city of Birmingham and the 152 destinations served by the airline.”
The route will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner which has 22 seats in business class and 232 economy class seats.
It opens up onward flights to places like Pakistan, Thailand Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Qatar Airways UK and Ireland country manager Richard Oliver said: “The addition of Birmingham to the Qatar Airways network marks an important milestone in our commitment to the UK market. Following our recent increase in services to both Edinburgh and Manchester, Qatar Airways will operate a total of 71 flights a week between the United Kingdom and Qatar from March 2016.”
Schedule between Doha and Birmingham from March 30th 2016.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Doha (DOH) to Birmingham (BHX) departure 1.25am arrival 6.45am
Birmingham (BHX) to Doha (DOH) departure 9.15am arrival 6.05pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Doha (DOH) to Birmingham (BHX) departure 7.30am arrival 12.50pm
Birmingham (BHX) to Doha (DOH) departure 3pm arrival 11.50pm
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Earlier:
American Airlines to launch direct flights to New York from Birmingham
Birmingham Airport says it will have a daily service to JFK New York, by American Airlines, from next spring. It hopes to have nearly 100,000 seats on the route, per year. There is already a route from Birmingham to Newark, by United Airlines. The route is likely to be used by more people on leisure trips, than business, though some American tourists may come to places like Stratford and further afield. But the airport CEO Paul Kehoe said: “Last year, the West Midlands exported £4.5 billion worth of goods to North America and has the largest trade surplus with North America of any UK region… etc etc.” This is seen as the first test of the business model of the runway extension. The route will be operated by a Boeing 757 aircraft with 22 Business Class seats and 160 Main Cabin seats. Whether or not this new service actually needs the new runway extension, or could have managed on the old runway, is a moot point. 757s can use Luton’s runway (2160 metres), and Birmingham’s was 2,650 metres before the recent 400 metre extension, to now be 3,050 metres long. So justifying the extension?
Click here to view full story…
Birmingham delighted to get daily flight to India, largely for tourism and VFR
Birmingham airport’s is encouraged by a decision by Air India to increase the number of flights between Birmingham, Delhi and Amritsa from 4 per week to 7 per week. This will start from November, when its 18th Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is inducted into service. Birmingham has now had direct flights to India for one year, after having none for 5 years. Though some passengers are on business, the majority are tourists and people visiting friends and relatives in India. Having three more flights per week will mean an extra 1,500 seats a week, as the Air India Dreamliners have 256 seats (256 x 3 x 2 = 1,5360. Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s Chief Executive, said “The West Midlands receives more foreign direct investment from India than any other region outside of London and Birmingham’s VFR (visiting friends and family) market grew by 71% in 2013, now attracting more visitors from India than any English city other than London.” The runway extension, that opened in April, is enabling more flights to longer haul destinations. The flight path trials, due to the runway extension, are causing real concern and distress to those south of the airport, now finding themselves seriously overflown.
Click here to view full story…
Birmingham Airport wildly optimistic in anticipating 8,000 jobs from its runway extension
April 11, 2014
David Cameron has visited Birmingham airport, and effusively welcoming the announcement that 8,000 new jobs would be created, principally as a result of the long-awaited runway extension, with anticipated direct links to destinations like the West Coast of America and China. Shamelessly linking the airport jobs announcement with totally unrelated Government tax-cutting measures, the PM boomed: “The announcement of 8,000 jobs from Birmingham Airport is more great news in a week when we are cutting tax for 26 million hard-working people and taking over three million people out of income tax altogether.” Paul Kehoe used the PM’s visit for his PR purposes. Kehoe says by 2020 he forecasts Birmingham airport will have 15 million passengers a year, up from 9 million now. He claims this will create 4,000 jobs on-site and a further 4,000 in the immediate supply chain (doubtful figures, generally involving much double counting and optimism). “Politicians and business leaders are very good at talking the talk, but not always so assiduous at walking the walk.”
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Petition origination from USA asks academics and universities to reduce flying
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Direct flights from Manchester to Beijing, starting June 2016, announced on President Xi’s UK visit
Sunday, 25 October 2015
Manchester airport started Cathay Pacific direct flights to Hong Kong in December 2014. Now with the state visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UK, the first ever direct air link between Beijing and Manchester has been formally unveiled. President Xi was joined at the airport by David Cameron for the announcement of the Hainan Airlines service, which will fly four times per week, from June 2016. There are the usual claims of huge impacts on the economy with the link contributing “£50m annually to the city’s economy” and the usual mentions of both economies being “open for business.” Also the “northern powerhouse.” There are also other “substantial cooperation agreements” being signed between the two countries, covering economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, scientific innovation, manufacturing and sports. The Manchester Airports Group has been keen to get direct Beijing flights for years, to link northern businesses to the Far East economies – and get high spending tourists. The Chinese state-owned Beijing Construction and Engineering Group (BCEG) has already invested heavily in Manchester’s “Airport City.” There is also to be a £130 million ‘China Cluster’ to provide a commercial base for Chinese businesses arriving in the UK, based around two campuses within the Manchester Airport City development.
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Chinese President Announces New Manchester-Beijing Flight & £130m ‘Chinese Cluster’
“New flight could contribute £50m annually to the city’s economy”
by Larry Neild (Manchester Confidential)
23 October 2015
THE first ever direct air link between Beijing and Manchester has been formally unveiled today by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is currently on a state visit to the UK. He was joined at the airport by Prime Minister David Cameron.
The ‘China Cluster’ will provide a commercial base for Chinese businesses.
The four-times-a-week service will be operated by China’s Hainan Airlines and will start next June, although, ahead of the announcement, ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming has revealed seats can already be booked on the Hainan website.
It is estimated the new flight could contribute £50m annually to the city’s economy.
The ambassador said: “Both China and the UK are open for business. Their respective strengths in economic and trade cooperation are well matched. During the state visit, President Xi will attend the launch of a new direct flight between Manchester and Bejing.
“These are on top of a host of substantial cooperation agreements to be signed between the two sides, covering economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, scientific innovation, manufacturing and sports.
“Together, they will catapult exchanges and cooperation between Manchester, the Northern Powerhouse and Chinese cities across the board.”
The new Manchester to Beijing flight could contribute £50m annually to the city’s economy
Securing a direct flight to China has been a long term ambition of both Manchester Airports Group and the city as a whole.
It will be seen as a huge shot in the arm to efforts to boost trade between the north of England and the fast-growing Far East economy. A direct link between Manchester and Hong Kong is already proving to be a success. That recently introduced flight was the first ever between Manchester and China.
But airport bosses at Manchester have always viewed direct flights to Beijing as the golden prize, with a direct link to Shanghai also on their wish list.
Credit for the Beijing link follows the launch of a Manchester-China Forum, which has worked behind the scenes for direct flights.
Mr Jinping and Mr Cameron also announced the launch of a new £130m ‘China Cluster’ at Manchester Airport’s proposed £800m business and industrial hub, Airport City, which aims to lure global firms to the giant business park. Airport City has already seen significant investment from the Chinese state-owned Beijing Construction and Engineering Group.
The ‘China Cluster’ will provide a commercial base for Chinese businesses arriving in the UK and will be based around two campuses within the Airport City development – Wuhan Square and Shenzhen Gardens.
Manchester Airport’s £800m Airport City will include a £130m ‘China Cluster’
Mr Dai Binbin, Chairman of Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG), said:
“Airport City Manchester is one of the best tangible examples of how Chinese investment is revolutionising Northern infrastructure.
“Since Airport City was launched in 2013, BCEG has been struck by the huge number of opportunities for Chinese investors in both the North West and across the wider UK.
“BCEG has been instrumental in conceiving the concept of the ‘China Cluster’ and believe it will prove to be a compelling platform from which ambitious Chinese companies can enter the UK and engage with one of the UK government’s key strategic priorities; the development of the Northern Powerhouse.”
BCEG has also recently invested in a major development programme by former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.
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China Pumps £60m Into Northern Powerhouse Schemes
Osborne’s latest deal includes investment in 2000 new homes at Middlewood Locks
23 September 2015
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Manchester airport hope its first direct flight to Hong Kong will bring business and tourism boost
There is now a new direct Cathay Pacific flight from Manchester to China (Hong Kong), avoiding the need to hub via Heathrow, or any other European airport. This makes Manchester the first airport outside London to offer a non-stop direct route to China – which may be a boost to the region’s economy. There will be 4 flights per week. The airport hopes rich Chinese visitors – as well as business people – will come direct to Manchester, rather than all going to London. Manchester’s “Airport City” has had key investment from the Beijing Construction and Engineering Group. It has taken Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group, 3 years to secure the link. Mr Cornish has been appealed to the Airports Commission to ensure the country’s future aviation needs are met by a ‘network of regional airports’ – rather than money ploughed solely into Gatwick and Heathrow. The route will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, which can carry 300 passengers. From Hong Kong, passengers can connect to 22 cities in mainland China. As they have done successfully from flights from Heathrow for decades – without more direct city links from Heathrow. The UK has always had good links to Hong Kong, for historical reasons.
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Manchester Airport City to boost its marketing efforts to attract global companies
February 7, 2014
Manchester airports “Airport City” says it will be a “£800 million landmark property development, creating a globally connected business destination” and a “vibrant economic hub with connectivity at its heart, the UK’s first Airport City will provide 5m sq ft of development, a mix of offices, hotels, advanced manufacturing, logistics and warehousing. Airport City is expected to be one of the largest regeneration schemes in the UK since the 2012 Olympics redevelopment”. It executives are now trying to create thousands of jobs by luring global firms to the area. They have now appointed two Manchester marketing agencies,Start JudgeGill and theEword to “focus on a strong and impactful international strategy to take Airport City to key territories” such as China and the Middle East. Airport City sits at the heart of Greater Manchester’s Enterprise Zone, which means companies relocating there can get tax breaks and other incentives. Last year, a deal was done to secure investment in the scheme from the Beijing Construction and Engineering Group. Meanwhile work is starting on a 4th platform at the airport’s rail station, which the airport say is key to boosting passenger numbers, and luring businesses to its Airport City scheme.
Click here to view full story…
Birmingham Airport loses out to Manchester on China flights
23.10.2015 (ITV)
Birmingham Airport has lost out to Manchester Airport in securing direct scheduled flights to China, ITV News Central has learned.
Birmingham Airport has been talking to Hainan Airlines for some time about starting a scheduled service but the airline has decided to go to Manchester.
ITV News (Several video clips)
The news comes after the Chancellor George Osborne told ITV News Central in February that it was important to “back the skills” in the Midlands as a key driver of economic growth in the UK.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Birmingham Airport said:
“We have had two successful summers running a programme of charter flights to Beijing and we do not believe that this news will impact on next year’s charter service due to an established programme and strong relationship with the operator involved.
“We will continue to engage with a number of Chinese carriers to secure a direct scheduled link to China from Birmingham in the future.” – SPOKESPERSON, BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT
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Lands Tribunal rules that residents near Farnborough can claim if their homes have been devalued by more flights
Saturday, 24 October 2015
The Lands Tribunal has ruled that residents impacted by operations at Farnborough Airport, whose homes have been devalued by flights, can claim against the airport operators TAG. Law firm Hugh James is already dealing with 200 claimants and estimates that compensation could run into the millions. The ruling concerns claims for compensation under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973, which provides a right to compensation where property value has been depreciated by increases in noise and other physical factors caused by the use of certain works including airports. The deputy president of the Lands Tribunal ruled that claims can proceed for any depreciation in property values caused by the addition of the airport’s West One Apron, completed in May 2010. This Apron was considered to be a substantial alteration built with the purpose of providing facilities for a greater number of aircraft. A partner at Hugh James said: “It’s yet to be determined whether any depreciation has been caused to property values and if so by how much, but it will now be the subject of ongoing proceedings.” Any claims for compensation arising out of the decision will need to be brought prior to the expiry of the statutory limitation period in May 2017. Other claims for work done at the airport in 2002 cannot be made, as these are now out of time.
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“You can sue Farnborough Airport”, homeowners affected by flights told
23 October 2015
BY NATALIE GARLAND (Get Hampshire)
Farnborough Airport owners TAG may have to pay out millions of pounds to residents affected by airport operations following a tribunal decision.
Last week, the Lands Tribunal ruled that residents impacted by operations at Farnborough Airport, whose homes have been devalued by flights, can claim against operators TAG.
Law firm Hugh James is already dealing with 200 claimants and estimates that compensation could run into the millions.
The ruling concerns claims for compensation under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973, which provides a right to compensation where property value has been depreciated by increases in noise and other physical factors caused by the use of certain works including airports.
Martin Rodger QC, deputy president of the Lands Tribunal, ruled that claims can proceed in any depreciation in property values caused by the addition of the airport’s West One Apron, completed in May 2010.
The West One Apron provided an additional 12,800sqm of apron space for aircraft parking and operations at the airport and increased the area of the old West One Apron from 19,800sqm to 32,600sqm.
The tribunal was satisfied that this was a substantial alteration built with the purpose of providing facilities for a greater number of aircraft.
Neil Stockdale, partner and head of environment at Hugh James, said: “This is a real step forward for the claimants as they seek redress.
“It’s yet to be determined whether any depreciation has been caused to property values and if so by how much, but it will now be the subject of ongoing proceedings.
“However, any claims for compensation arising out of the decision will need to be brought prior to the expiry of the statutory limitation period in May 2017.”
Some claims relating to earlier works at the airport – to extend the runway and construct new aprons that were completed in 2002 – were rejected by the tribunal on the basis they had been brought out of time.
One claimant, Glenn Morrison, from Mytchett, said: “I think the impact on everybody is personal.
“That’s one of the things that makes it difficult to quantify.
“It’s the noise and the invasion of privacy at weekends and bank holidays that is really unfair.
“I have lived in and around Mytchett for 14 years and the RAF were good neighbours, but TAG are just in it for profit.
“Seeing our properties depreciate in value over time has been indescribable, therefore the ruling concerning more recent works is very encouraging as we seek redress from TAG Farnborough Airport.
“For the first time the airport’s expansion has been recognised locally, and that’s fantastic as it’s only going to get worse for the residents.”
A spokesperson for TAG said: “TAG Farnborough Airport and its legal team note the judgment made by the Lands Chamber (Upper Tribunal) on October 15 2015 and are assessing this.
“As it is an ongoing legal matter subject to the court process, we have no further comment to make at this time.”
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STATEMENT FROM HUGH JAMES:
LAW FIRM REPRESENTING 200 CLAIMANTS RESPONDS TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL’S DECISION ON PRELIMINARY ISSUES RELATING TO TAG FARNBOROUGH AIRPORT
19 October 2015:
The Lands Tribunal last week published an important decision affecting local residents impacted by operations at FarnboroughAirport. The decision, in respect of a number of test cases, paves the way for claims for compensation against the airport’s operators TAG Farnborough Airport Limited that could run into the millions.
The ruling concerns claims for compensation under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973 which provides a right to compensation where property value has been depreciated by increases in noise and other physical factors caused by the use of certain works including airports.
Representing more than 200 claimants seeking compensation, Neil Stockdale, Partner and Head of Environment at law firm Hugh James, commented: “In the decision Martin Rodger QC, Deputy President of the Lands Tribunal, has ruled that claims can proceed in respect of any depreciation in property values caused by the addition of the airport’s West One Apron completed in May 2010. This is a real step forward for the claimants as they seek redress.”
The West One Apron provided an additional 12,800m2 of apron space for aircraft parking and operations at the airport and increased the area of the old West One Apron from 19,800m2 to 32,600m2. The Tribunal was satisfied that this was a substantial alteration built with the purpose of providing facilities for a greater number of aircraft. The Tribunal also accepted evidence that a study commissioned by the airport’s operators indicated that the effect of adding the new West One Apron was to increase theoretical annual capacity of the airport by tens of thousands of movements. ”
Neil explained: “It’s yet to be determined whether any depreciation has been caused to property values and if so by how much, but it will now be the subject of ongoing proceedings. However, any claims for compensation arising out of the decision will need to be brought prior to the expiry of the statutory limitation period in May 2017.”
The test cases were not, however, entirely successful as the Tribunal rejected over 200 claims for compensation relating to earlier works at the airport to extend the runway and construct new aprons that were completed in 2002. The Tribunal dismissed those claims on the basis that they had been brought out of time.
The claimants had argued that they had brought their claims relating to the 2002 works in time on the grounds that they relied upon a statutory statement issued by the airport giving details of the relevant dates for claims. However, the Deputy President concluded that the claimants were not entitled to place reliance upon that statement. The Tribunal also dismissed the claimants’ argument that these earlier works should be treated as part of a single scheme together with the later works completed in 2010.
The Deputy President also found that the earlier claims could not proceed due to provisions in the Land Compensation Act that provide immunity for government departments. The Deputy President found that the Ministry of Defence was still in occupation of the airport when the 2002 works at the airport came into use and therefore immunity was conferred in relation to the claims. This finding was reached despite the Deputy President acknowledging that it was not the intended purpose of the legislation to provide protection to private companies such a TAG Farnborough Airport Limited that would otherwise have been responsible to meet any successful claims.
In response, Neil added: “The claimants are considering whether to appeal the adverse findings in the test cases and have until 13 November to lodge an appeal.”
Reacting to the judgement, Glenn Morrison from Mytchett, said: “Whilst we are naturally disappointed with the conclusion concerning the earlier phase of works, we very much welcome the ruling that claims can proceed relating to the addition of the airport’s West One Apron which was completed in May 2010. Seeing our properties depreciate in value over time has been indescribable – therefore the ruling concerning more recent works is very encouraging as we seek redress from TAG Farnborough Airport.”
Residents who believe that they may have been affected can call the Environment team at Hugh James for advice on 0808 115 8071.
ENDS
Hugh James
Based in Cardiff and London, Hugh James is the largest Welsh law firm and its specialist team of leading environmental solicitors has a long and impressive track record of successfully conducting environmental nuisance claims for whole communities affected by various forms of nuisance.
Over the years, Hugh James has built up a team of environmental law experts and has had unrivalled success in applying the law to protect the environment. The team has particular expertise in environmental nuisance claims caused by landfill sites, sewage treatment works and factories. They are also specialist solicitors in claims pursued under the Land Compensation Act relating to new or altered highways, airports and other public work. This includes judicial reviews of government and local authority decisions.
In addition, the team is made up of specialists dealing with health impacts of environmental hazards, such as illness or injury caused by exposure to pollution, high magnetic fields or food contamination.
A Top 100 firm, employing a team of around 550 people, including 44 partners, the firm has been consistently ranked for many years in the top tiers in both Chambers UK Guide and the Legal 500 for personal injury and clinical negligence claims.
For further information visit www.hughjames.com
Earlier:
Airport ‘listens to neighbours’ concerns’ in redesign of flight paths
3 JULY 2015 (Get Hampshire)
BY JOSHUA SMITH
Farnborough Airport report says there will be fewer aircraft flying over Fleet and Church Crookham, but other villages to the west of the airport will experience and increase
Residents of Fleet and Church Crookham will no longer experience low flying planes entering and leaving Farnborough Airport, if proposals to change the way air traffic is controlled in the area are pushed through.
As part of ongoing planning developments with Rushmoor Borough Council, TAG Farnborough Airport has published results of a consultation with neighbouring residents on proposals to change the way airspace in the area is controlled.
Under these proposals, planes would be required to take off towards the south west, meaning those living to the west and north west of Farnborough would not be over-flown by departures from the airport .
However, some villages will experience an increase in over-flying aircraft as a result, but the airport claims this will not be a problem for residents.
Currently, the airspace is classed as uncontrolled, meaning aircraft passing through are not required to make contact with Farnborough air traffic control towers.
If proposals to make the airspace controlled are accepted, planes will be required to ascend much more quickly, meaning less noise pollution for residents and the report estimates 345,000 fewer people will be over-flown by planes below 4,000ft as a result.
It is hoped this will help the airport reduce its environmental impact, increase safety and improve efficiency of the airspace.
Speaking to the News and Mail, CEO of TAG Farnborough Airport Brandon O’Reilly said: “This started in 2012 when we sent in our design which then went out to public consultation and out of that we had 13,000 responses.
“There were a number of responses which were concerned and particular notice has been taken of each feedback, as a result of which we redesigned our proposal taking all of this into account.”
The consultation period took place between February 3 and May 12 last year, when 2,500 interested parties registered concerns, but Mr O’Reilly believes they have now addressed issues raised in the new proposals.
He added: “The three main points are that these plans are more environmental – less people will be overflown as Fleet and Church Crookham will no longer be overflown, with no aircraft taking off to the west.”
“As a result of more direct flight paths, traffic will be managed and less CO2 will be omitted which will make it a more efficient use of airspace and lastly safety. Controlled airspace requires pilots entering our airspace talking to Farnborough control towers making it much easier for us to manage.
“This will give us more consistent and more predictable airspace because pilots don’t always get in touch with our people in the control tower but they will have to if it’s controlled.”
However, Mr O’Reilly did confirm other villages in the area would have more low-flying air traffic as a result, but insisted residents would not find this problematic.
He said: “We targeted built up areas to the west in the redesign, which we hope will please residents of those areas. Other villages will be overflown but planes will climb more quickly so this will be at a much higher level.
“Now, the Civil Aviation Authority will go and they will then decide if the airspace changing is warranted.”
Mr O’Reilly said this process could take up to 16 weeks, and can be extended if further deliberation is needed.
via Airportwatch http://ift.tt/1H1Tz2L
Heathrow slots that should be ‘ring fenced’ for Scottish flights redeployed for leisure routes to Spain, Italy & France
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Simon Calder reports that precious landing slots at Heathrow that had been “ring fenced” for Scottish routes are being redeployed by British Airways to open new routes to Spain, Italy and France – leaving Scotland with one million fewer seats a year. When BA bought BMI, it was forced to hand 9 daily slot pairs specifically for use on routes connecting Heathrow with Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The so-called “remedy slots” had been used by BMI to operate flights from Heathrow to Scotland, and were taken up by Virgin Atlantic, which ran them for 2 years as “Little Red”. But last month Virgin scrapped Little Red. Therefore the slots revert to BA, which is using them to launch routes to Menorca, Biarritz and Palermo (starting next spring) – as opposed to the “emerging markets” in Asia, Africa and Latin America that are often cited in support of a 3rd runway at Heathrow. There will also be increases in the number of departures to long-established destinations such as Berlin, Stockholm and Venice. ie more holiday destinations. If another contender were to come forward for the “remedy slots”, BA would be obliged to hand them over. It is difficult to see, though, an airline that could make a success where Virgin Atlantic failed.
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Heathrow landing slots ‘ring fenced’ for Scottish flights redeployed for routes to Spain, Italy and France
Virgin Atlantic has been forced to throw in the towel over the so-called ‘remedy slots’ after sustaining heavy losses
By Simon Calder Travel Correspondent (Independent)
22.10.2015
Precious landing slots at Heathrow that had been “ring fenced” for Scottish routes are being redeployed by British Airways to open new routes to Spain, Italy and France – leaving Scotland with one million fewer seats a year.
When BA bought its rival BMI, it was forced to hand nine daily slot pairs specifically for use on routes connecting Heathrow with Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
The so-called “remedy slots” had been used by BMI to operate flights from Heathrow to Scotland, and were taken up by Virgin Atlantic, which ran them for two years under the “Little Red” brand. But last month Virgin threw in the towel after sustaining heavy losses.
As a result, the slots revert to BA, which is using them to launch routes to Menorca, Biarritz and Palermo – as opposed to the “emerging markets” in Asia, Africa and Latin America that are often cited in support of a third runway at Heathrow.
The flights begin next April and May, along with increases in the number of departures to long-established destinations such as Berlin, Stockholm and Venice. They follow a pattern that British Airways has established over the past few summers of serving a range of holiday destinations from its main business airports, Heathrow and London City, during the summer.
The airline is believed to be testing out the latest routes for possible long-term operations, rather than commit to another long-haul destination from Europe’s busiest airport.
If another contender were to come forward for the “remedy slots”, BA would be obliged to hand them over. It is difficult to see, though, an airline that could make a success where Virgin Atlantic failed.
The two most successful low-cost airlines in Europe are Ryanair and easyJet. Ryanair has said it has no interest in flying to and from Heathrow. And while Britain’s biggest low-cost airline, easyJet, has pledged to fly from Heathrow to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, it depends on the Airports Commission recommendation of a third runway at the airport going ahead.
BA has also announced that it will restart services from Gatwick to New York after a gap of seven years. The airline will compete against its low-cost rival, Norwegian, on the route to JFK and has chosen timings that closely match its competitor. Opening fares start at £390 return.
The airline is to transfer its Las Vegas flights from Gatwick to Heathrow in April next year.
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Earlier:
Virgin Atlantic to start domestic flights between Heathrow and Edinburgh & Aberdeen as well as Manchester
Virgin Atlantic will be operating daily domestic flights from Scotland to Heathrow from spring 2013 after being offered all the remaining slots that BA was forced to relinquish after its takeover of bmi. The flights to Edinburgh and Aberdeen are in addition to flights to Manchester (3 per day), starting in April 2013, that were announced in August. They will use an A320 that carries around 150 passengers. European competition authorities compelled BA to give up 14 slot pairs at Heathrow as a condition of approving its merger with bmi – that was opposed by Virgin. These domestic flights could be considered as boosting passenger numbers on transfer flights to destinations such as the USA out of Heathrow. However, Virgin has also said it will be using some of its new slots for point to point flights to Nice. [This appears to be evidence that scarce slots at Heathrow are not urgently needed for flights to the emerging or new economies for businessmen. The slots are instead used for whichever route is most profitable]. Virgin is also to trying to get a pair of slots for flights to Moscow, which the CAA recently granted to easyJet.
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BA uses its new BMI slots at Heathrow, not for emerging economies, but largely leisure destinations. As usual.
BA got 42 daily Heathrow slots from taking over BMI. And it said very publicly, in March, that it would be using these to fly to the emerging economies – in Asia, Africa and Latin America – which is part of the myth that the aviation industry is peddling at present. So what are the slots actually being used for? One flight per day to Seoul. The rest are domestic UK (Aberdeen Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester, Leeds Bradford), or Zagreb, Las Vegas, Barcelona, Marseilles, Phoenix, Zurich and Bologna – with more flights to some. So that is where the money is. So much for the allegedly desperate need for slots to fly to second tier Chinese cities. This really proves what a lot of misleading PR is being put out by BAA and the airlines at Heathrow.
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via Airportwatch http://ift.tt/1XlPrUN
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