(25 Oct 2016, 8:53 pm)Tamesider wrote [ -> ]I totally agree with your sentiments, but the issues (and therefore the standpoint) differ between Airports. You would know better than me whether the capacity is available at Newcastle, and what the logistical and environmental implications are. In itself, Newcastle would surely need more direct flights, as it is a long way from any meaningful alternative. Leeds-Bradford (and Liverpool) are different, and I suspect want it both ways; They want better (rail) access to Manchester Airport, but also more connecting flights to Heathrow. Manchester is unique, and probably stands to lose the most, noting revelations last week that the figurehead of the "Northern Powerhouse" (Osborne) is now amongst those saying that not only should Heathrow get its 3rd Runway, but consideration to a second runway at Gatwick should still be an option, combined with May replacing the "Northern Powerhouse" with the "Midlands Engine". Few people in the Manchester area believe HS2 will ever go beyond (say) Wolverhampton, and it has been noted for some time that Midlanders without direct flights from Birmingham often prefer the convenience of driving to Manchester than the "hassle" of getting to through Heathrow.
As you may know, Manchester has daily direct flights to something over a dozen North American cities, as well as 3x A380s a day to Dubai; 700 seats a day to Abu Dhabi, and regular direct flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Pakistan, Istanbul and dozens of European destinations. Manchester is very much the Munich or Milan of England AND is more centrally located than either of those non-capital cities seen as economically vital to their respective nations.
In terms of capacity, Manchester is probably the reverse of Heathrow, in that our second Runway is underused, partly as a result of the Recession last decade, but flights have very high load factors. Although my total number of flights from MAN is probably less than 100 over the last 40 years or so, I don't recall more than 2 or 3 that have been less than 95% full. Heathrow clearly has high "demand" for Runway use, but given the market conditions (it is STILL cheaper to fly via Heathrow than direct from Manchester), corporate contracts with businesses forcing staff to fly through London (presumably the contracts are with BA) and the number of TV, magazine and other businesses offering free/cheap flights/holidays from Heathrow or "a choice of London Airports", I suspect load factors are still poor. I remember when T5 was being planned, the Environmental lobby said it wasn't needed because the equivalent of 6 empty 767s were flying the London - New York route alone, every day. That equated to load factors of 65-70% at the time, whilst it was the norm for volunteers to be "bumped" on every weekend flight between Manchester and the US, because of overloading.
I am also surprised (and disappointed) by the Scot's reaction. They want devolution from England, but would still prefer to feed its biggest dragon than expand their own Central Belt Airports.
Newcastle are stating they're happy with the third runway, as it guarantees the service between the two airports. Apparently BA were wanting to give up domestic slots to feed foreign demands.
I personally doubt that would have happened - without the spokes, the hub doesn't work.
With regards to Newcastle's capacity, the buildings and carparks have grown over the years - but public transport hasn't really evolved too much. I think the Metro arrived in 91 and that's about it as a far as regular public transport goes.
I have flown BA Newcastle - Heathrow a number of times and the loads are always decent. However, just to touch back on the capacity/facility issues - the last time I flew Heathrow - Newcastle, delays with the aircraft arriving from the continent and other issues when on-board, meant the plane scheduled to depart after us, departed Heathrow and arrived at Newcastle before us.
The dedicated gate and channel for BA at Newcastle was therefore taken, so we we were left at a different gate with a quick scuttle across the tarmac towards the terminal building.
Assuming additional flights are added to the schedules between Newcastle and Heathrow, there needs to be a bigger headway - or improvements at Newcastle.
However - the third runway at Heathrow, could benefit some of the smaller airports, such as Durham Tees Valley.
They lost their direct flights to London in the past and the facility is struggling. A flight or two now (coupled with the existing Schipol flights), could save the place.
As far as flights go, Newcastle has evolved massively over the years. From being a hub for the likes of Gil Air (their aircraft were very small!), Dan Air and AirUK - and charter stuff, it now sees daily flights (with bigger aircraft now than initially) to Dubai (granted far less frequent than Manchester) and increased demand to continental European cities for both business and leisure travellers.
