Airport Parking News

www.Parctel.com: More jobs and more routes take off this weekend as award winning airline flyglobespan commence their flying programme from their newest UK base at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

On Saturday morning flight GSM015 will fly from the North East airport to Palma and over the rest of the weekend further services will operate to Malaga, Faro and Alicante, all by a Boeing 737 which is to be permanently based at the airport.

As part of this new base 30 new staff have been recruited, the majority locally, and this will increase to 60 in late June when the airline will base another aircraft at the airport to operate a further five routes.
“I am pleased to welcome the first of two major programme launches from Durham Tees Valley Airport,” says flyglobespan chairman Tom Dalrymple.
“As well as improving the holiday options for the region, we have also brought employment into the area,” says Dalrymple.
“Due to our expansion in the North East, our recent recruitment drive has resulted in an additional 30 jobs for flight deck personnel and cabin crew members all from the local area. When fully established, the two based aircraft operation will create approximately 60 jobs.”
Later this year, the services from flyglobespan will increase further with flights to five more destinations, Ibiza, Nice, Menorca, Pula (Croatia) and Jersey – while the frequency to their original destinations will be considerably increased.

Since they announced their commitment to Durham Tees Valley last year, flyglobespan have been delighted with the interest generated and the uptake on flights and package holidays.

Hugh Lang, managing director, Durham Tees Valley Airport, “These flights will not only be attractive to the region’s holidaymakers, but provide another welcome boost to the economy with so many staff being recruited from North East England.”

Advanced bookings have been very encouraging and with one way prices currently on offer on their website from £39.99 including taxes, it is easy to see why the flights have proved popular.

Flights and package holidays are available at www.flyglobespan.com or by contacting 0871 871 0486.

flyglobespan staff at Durham Tees Valley Aiport

From left to right Back Row - Louise Gofton, Middlesborough, Linzi Draper, Northumberland, Gemma Pybus, Darlington, Louise Kirton, Eaglescliffe, Kirsty Gregory, Yarm, Heather Youngman, Stockton, Natalie Scott, Stockton, Helen Mapplebeck, Redcar, Nicola Robinson, Spennymoore, Marie Marshall, Barnard Castle, Lyn Mackey, Ingleby Barwick

Front Row - Paul Woods-Smith, Harrogate, Con Harrington, Middlesborough, Danial Minshull, Middlesborough, Stuart Brooke, Middlesborough

www.Parctel.com: BAA today responded as follows to its referral to the Competition Commission by the OFT and CAA.

Stephen Nelson, Chief Executive of BAA comments,

"I welcome the opportunity, the Competition Commission will have to undertake a thorough, unbiased and rigorous review of the UK airport market and airport charges.

“Our analysis is that the fundamental problem for passengers is lack of capacity, not the structure of BAA. The opening of Terminal 5 next March will begin to address this issue by vastly improving the experience at Heathrow and providing much needed new terminal space. Our intention is then to knock down Terminal 2 and replace it with another brand new terminal, Heathrow East. At Stansted, planning for a new runway and terminal is progressing well, and we expect to submit a formal planning application later this year. These plans amount to nothing less than the transformation of Britain’s biggest airports.

“Putting BAA in the dock for a complex set of problems – with deep legacy causes – will not help solve them. As well as tackling the immediate issue of queuing times, we are ready to make major, long-term investments in British airports, that will free the travelling public from congestion and provide a good experience at our airports, all for a few extra pounds per passenger. But to achieve this, we need a strong and united BAA. We have the balance sheet scale to finance these projects efficiently and retain the unrivalled expertise in planning and building new airport facilities on time and on budget. We look to the Competition Commission to deliver the right regulatory system and sensible financial incentives necessary to deliver these plans for passengers.”

www.Parctel.com: There was a new meaning to the word runway at Belfast International Airport today, as Jet2.com, the low cost airline, launched its new three times weekly service to Milan with a price tag of just £26.99 one way including taxes.

Budding models and designers, as well as other local travellers, can now fly Jet2.com direct from Belfast to the Italian fashion capital, famous for its intoxicating mix of designer shopping, sophisticated arcades and world-beating bargains.

To celebrate the inaugural flight, airport fashion store Clockwork Orange held a fashion show of Italian labels for the first passengers as they checked in, adding to the large slice of 'Dolce Vita' that the airline is now offering residents of Belfast and beyond.

Carly Brear General Manager - Sales & Marketing fromJet2.com said, "We have been inundated with requests for direct low cost flights to Milan, with many advance bookings from business and leisure travellers alike.

"Not only is Milan a great city but it offers unrivalled access to the Italian lakes, including Garda and Como Equally important is the high level of overseas bookings we are generating, with Italians booking in their droves to experience all Northern Ireland has to offer."

John Doran, managing director of Belfast International Airport, said, "We are delighted to be celebrating this new Milan route from Belfast with Jet2.com. We are confident it will be hugely successful and are looking forward to working with the airline to develop more new routes in the future."

"Our other airport shops are also planning an Italian theme by decorating their outlets and offering discounts on food and gifts to bring about a little Italian flair to Belfast. Today heralds the start of a bumper season for the airport with a total of 11 new routes launching this summer."

Sam Morrison from Clockwork Orange said, "Milan is the Italian capital of fashion and to celebrate Clockwork Orange thought it would be a great idea to get the first passengers in the mood for their trip. This flight will also be beneficial to local retailers like me who travel to northern Italy to source collections."

www.Parctel.com: Holland’s number one low-cost airline and now a favourite of the Scots too, celebrated its first anniversary of flying from Glasgow Prestwick airport on Sunday March 25. Lucky customers James and Elizabeth Innies from East Kilbride were the first to check in on transavia.com’s birthday flight and were presented with a bouquet of Dutch tulips and two free return tickets to Amsterdam with transavia.com to celebrate!

As a birthday present for all customers, transavia.com is also offering a ‘1p First Birthday Celebration Offer’, where one-way tickets from Glasgow Prestwick to Amsterdam cost just 1p, plus taxes and charges, for travel to the end of June 2007 when booked before midnight on Sunday April 1. This fantastic birthday promotion means tickets cost just £24.31 one-way, an excellent saving on the normal fare.

During the first year of operation, transavia.com has flown more than 50,000 customers between Glasgow Prestwick and Amsterdam. The service flies five times per week and the journey takes just 90 minutes, meaning a trip to Holland is just a short hop away! As one of Europe’s largest hub airports, Schiphol in Amsterdam also offers travellers the option of onward connections to 41 different destinations with transavia.com, and a total of more than 260 destinations in 90 countries.

Onno van den Brink, CEO transavia.com, comments “We’re delighted to celebrate our first birthday flying between Scotland and Holland. In our first year, we’ve had great feedback from customers on the reliability of our service, our great low prices and our convenient flight times, so we hope in the next year we can become Glasgow’s favourite, as well as Holland’s number one low cost airline!”

Mark Rodwell, Chief Executive of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, added: “transavia.com provided the airport with our first direct connection to Holland and it has proved popular with passengers travelling in both directions as Amsterdam is a brilliant destination.

“We are delighted to celebrate the route’s first birthday and hope the service will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come. As transavia.com is currently the only low cost carrier operating on the Glasgow to Amsterdam route and provides a friendly and efficient service, we are confident that will happen.”

Spring is a great time to visit the world famous Keukenhof Gardens, just 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam. Tulips and flowers galore are once again coming into bloom and the gardens will be open until 20 May 2007.

This year’s theme is ‘Linnaeus King of Flowers’ to celebrate the 300th birthday of the Swedish scientist. In keeping with this, the gardens were opened by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on the first day of spring and this season’s highlights include a huge, colourful flower-mosaic of Pippi Longstocking. www.keukenhof.nl

To book flights visit www.transavia.com or call 0207 365 4997

www.Parctel.com: Following an extensive public consultation exercise, Humberside Airport has today (Friday) published the final version of its Master Plan, which outlines the Airport’s future development up to 2030.

The Airport received a number of very useful responses to the public consultation and the main points of the draft Plan have been accepted in the final version. However, many suggestions made from this very positive process have also been accommodated into the final Master Plan.

Copies of the Master Plan have been distributed to all statutory consultees and stakeholders. It is also available to view from today on the Humberside Airport website www.humbersideairport.com.

The final Plan sets out how the Airport will grow and develop over the coming years in relation to the blueprint provided by the White Paper The Future of Air Transport (2003), which supported the continued growth of air traffic at Humberside Airport. The Plan also concentrates on how Humberside Airport will accommodate and capitalise upon the expected growth in the UK aviation industry, as the demand from UK passengers is anticipated to continue to grow significantly over the next 20 to 30 years.

The Master Plan will provide an invaluable document to chart the progress of Humberside Airport in the coming years and concentrates in detail on the development of the Airport up to 2016. However the Plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure it is meeting the Airport’s ongoing needs. Higher and lower growth estimates for passenger figures at the Airport have been included in the Master Plan, with figures expected to reach between 1 and 1.4 million passengers per year by the 2016 mark.

Rob Goldsmith, Managing Director Humberside Airport said,
“We are delighted to reveal the final version of the Master Plan for Humberside Airport. We received a positive response to the public consultation process and it is heartening that so many people have taken this interest in the development of their local airport.

“After careful consideration of all of the issues and comments raised during the consultation process, we have produced what we believe is a Plan which will see the Airport flourish and reach it’s full potential over the period outlined and beyond. With the support that we now have on a local and regional level and from Government, we are confident that we can achieve the aims laid out in the Master Plan and cement our position as the region’s airport of choice.”
Key Points of Draft Master Plan 2006

By 2016 Humberside Airport plans to:

* Increase jobs on site to 1,040 in ten years (1,230 in 25 years)
* Double the number of passengers to around 1 million per annum by 2016
* Increase its air freight business particularly in support of regional specialities like perishable food products
* Maintain all development within the existing site without the need for a runway extension
* Invest significantly to improve and enlarge its terminal and operational infrastructure
* More than triple regional employment income to £51m (2030)
* Underline its position as gateway to the Humber and a catalyst for inbound investment in the region
* Increased contribution/support for community initiatives including public transport links

www.JustParking.co.za: Bradford is a friendly, exciting and diverse city and has grown to be the fifth biggest in the UK. But recent reports have highlighted that the city's health is a cause for concern. Particularly worrying is that Bradford's infant mortality rate - the number of babies who die before they reach their first birthday - is amongst the highest in the country.

From from October 2006, all babies born in Bradford were recruited into the Born in Bradford research project. Their health is being tracked from pregnancy through childhood and into adult life. Data gathered will be analysed to shed light on why some people become ill and others do not.

The Born in Bradford projcet boasts Mr. Imran Kahn and Baroness Lockwood as patrons.

The Leeds Bradford International Airport has now agreed to have a Mumtaz vending machine in their international arrivals hall, in support of the Born in Bradford initiative.

The Mumtaz machine sells delicious Lassi yoghurt drinks – and all of the profits from the machine in the airport will go towards the Born in Bradford study.

Miles Scott, Chief Executive of the foundation trust, said: “Born in Bradford relies upon the support of the local community so the backing of Mumtaz and the airport is fantastic news”.

“It’s a massive project and we need as much support and help from the community as possible so that we can make a real difference in improving the health of children, not just in Bradford, but across the world.”

More about Born in Bradford

www.JustParking.co.uk: Hundreds of Thousands of travellers will be heading for the sun over the Easter Weekend and it would be well worth your while to stop and plan ahead as a very stressful start to your weekend could ruin the small Easter break.

Check Now that you have:

• Booked and paid for your flights.
• Booked and paid for your Airport Parking.
• Secured Travel Insurance.
• Booked and Paid for your Accommodation.
• Packed the Sun Essentials and are up to date with the new carry on regulations.

Also, make sure that you leave early for the airport and arrive well in time for your flight and check in.

For example over the Easter and Bank Holiday weekend 610,000 travellers are expected to fly out from from Manchester Airport. To help you have a hassle-free start to your journey MAnchester Airport have added new x-ray screening lanes, extra security staff and management volunteers to advise people on the restrictions as they prepare for security screening.

Manchester Airport Customer Service Advisors will also be handing out plastic bags to passengers for their liquids of 100mls or less, but the advice is “check the restrictions before you check in”.

Liquids include;

• Water and other drinks, soups, syrups
• Creams, lotions and oils
• Perfumes
• Sprays
• Gels, including hair and shower gels
• Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants
• Pastes, including toothpaste
• Liquid-solid mixtures
• Mascara
• Any other item of a similar consistency

View Full Current Security Restrictions

www.Parctel.com: A new holiday operator will be joining Humberside Airport this summer offering exciting getaways to Turkey - from July 2007, passengers will be able to experience an exotic break in Bodrum or Dalaman with Goldtrail Holidays direct from their local airport.

The Goldtrail Holidays programme will open up a wealth of Turkish resorts for customers from the region to explore. The resort of Bodrum itself has a cosmopolitan feel and comes to life at night, with great restaurants, bars and clubs. From Dalaman, people can opt to stay in Marmaris which boasts a luxurious marina, access to a wide range of water sports and a must-see covered bazaar.

Goldtrail Holidays has been a specialist operator to Turkey for over 10 years and is now the largest independent operator to the country. With extensive knowledge of the best holiday resorts and a dedicated overseas service, Goldtrail can help to create the perfect Turkish adventure to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. There are some great deals available with Goldtrail, including 3* Bed and Breakfast hotels from £236 per person for seven nights and 3* All Inclusive packages from £296 per person for seven nights, with all prices including flight meals, transfers, fuel surcharges and all taxes.

The weekly flights to Bodrum and Dalaman will commence on Tuesday 24 July with both flights provided by Onur Air.

Rob Goldsmith, Humberside Airport Managing Director said,
“We are delighted to welcome Goldtrail Holidays to Humberside Airport for the summer 2007 season. This new operator will provide holiday options to appeal to a range of passengers, with the lively resort of Bodrum for example catering for those seeking a vibrant nightlife, and will compliment our existing programme to Turkey.

“We look forward to welcoming many customers to the Airport as they travel to experience the delights of Bodrum, Dalaman and the surrounding resorts and we hope that both existing and new passengers will enjoy trying something special from their local airport.”

For more information on Goldtrail Holidays’ range of options from Humberside Airport, visit www.goldtrail.co.uk or book through Humberside Airport Travel on 0870 127 0005.

The fiasco over a promotional giveaway by the Daily Telegraph has swelled into a public outcry. Dozens of people — including the editor and circulation director of the newspaper — were given the heave-ho from a parking area overlooking the Mercer County Airport by a person who identified himself as a federal agent for Homeland Security, and other titles.

The newspaper annually hides a plastic oval in the shape of an egg with a coupon inside that will reward the finder with $1,000 upon return to the newspaper offices. Billed as The Great Easter Egg Hunt, the project annually has attracted scores of area hunters who study clues printed daily identifying the location of the treasure.

This year, the popular project turned ugly when many hunters complained about threatening treatment by an overzealous “security agent”, an unfortunate development that for many has marred the intentions of the giveaway.

At issue was the location of the hidden egg, which was found last Saturday and brought to the Daily Telegraph Monday morning for the $1,000 redemption.

The prize was hidden beside a large boulder at an unpaved parking area near the Airport parking lot. Recognized for years as a public parking area, the lot seemed a good location inasmuch as it did not interfere with any airport operation or business. There was no signage indicating any restrictions of trespass.

Even so, airport management took issue with the arrival of hunters and the person wearing a jacket with “Airport Security” emblazoned on the back aggressively forbade anyone from searching for the egg, although when it was placed there Thursday, March 15, there was no one present to warn of any federal security violations.

An airline official based at the airport called the newspaper Monday supporting the attention the airport got, and apologized for the ensuing fallout. He welcomed the 200 or more hunters who looked for the egg over the weekend.

We understand the budget restraints of all agencies everywhere and the resultant limits of hiring agents, but surely a more efficient, professional use of security measures could be found. After all, the public itself is supposed to be the subject of protection.

Arrogance for our own protection doesn’t wash with anyone.

When we innocently hid the egg on March 15, we had no way of knowing of any restrictions. If the unpaved popular parking lot is vital to our protection from attack, it should be clearly marked.

We strongly urge the Mercer County Airport Authority to move swiftly to deal with the multitude of complaints that have bombarded the newspaper since Monday.

As for the newspaper, we sincerely regret the verbal abuse endured by all those who simply were looking for an egg of treasure. We know the humility and the fright of legal bombast.

A footnote we feel is an overlooked quality of all who were run off: No one was arrested because no one seriously challenged the appearance of federal security. The respect for authority was there. For that, we all can feel proud.

Source: Bluefield Daily Telegraph

A Brown County judge on Monday ordered a woman convicted of stealing $112,223 while an airport parking cashier to pay $22,223 in restitution.

Rebecca Eland, 31, of Bellevue pleaded no contest to felony theft in November and was sentenced in January to five years' probation with one year in jail.

On Monday, Circuit Court Judge Kendall Kelley heard directly from Eland who said there was no way she could pay back the entire amount in the five years she'll be on probation.

Eland said she is currently earning $6.80 an hour as counter help at a fast food restaurant. She said she's working an average of 33 hours a week, but does not plan to be promoted because of her criminal record.

Eland said she receives sporadic child support from her ex-husband with whom she has two children. She said she has no other substantial assets and expects no significant changes to her ability to make money.

After questioning from her lawyer, Kelley asked: "What'd you do with the money you stole?"

Eland said she used the stolen cash — about $32,000 a year— to pay for rent, living expenses for her children, groceries and day care.

In ordering restitution, Kelley noted that the county has been made whole, repaid by Standard Parking, the Austin Straubel International Airport parking vendor. Deputy Brown County District Attorney John Luetscher noted that Standard's insurance company — AIG — paid $90,000 of the amount and Standard Parking made up the rest, which included a $10,000 deductible and investigative and accounting fees.

Kelley ordered Eland to pay the $22,223 to Standard for its losses in the case.

Kelley noted that AIG, in its role as an insurer, took on some of that risk of being a victim voluntarily.

"They get paid to bear that risk," Kelley said, noting that nothing prevents AIG from suing Eland in civil court to recoup their losses.

Eland began serving her year-long jail stint March 16 and expects to retain her job while she's allowed work release privileges.

Source: Andy Nelesen, Green Bay Press

www.JustParking.co.uk: Holiday makers looking for safe and reliable off-airport parking would do well to book with a member of IAPRA, the Independent Airport Park and Ride Association.

The Independent Airport Park and Ride Association is the trade association which represents the UK’s independent off-airport car parking industry. IAPRA was established in October 2002 and its members include all the key independent park and ride and off-airport car parks in the country. Its members offer a combined total of 45,000 parking spaces serving passengers at airports the length and breadth of the country.

The objectives of IAPRA include promoting best practice within the industry and ensuring that the industry’s voice is heard on issues of import to its members. It isn’t only the interests of its members that IAPRA monitor - the interests of the consumers are high on their list of priorities. Customers that park with an IAPRA member can be certain that where facilities are provided by airport authorities for drop off and pick ups, charges will be fair and reasonable.

IAPRA have a strict code of conduct that its members must adhere to with stringent guidelines for vehicle security. IAPRA state that their members must provide adequate protection from theft to customers’ cars along with reasonable safety measures to prevent the hazard of fire on the premises. A vehicle left with an IAPRA member is a vehicle left in safe hands. The Association ensure that its members have adequate insurance cover to protect customers cars at all times.

Members of IAPRA include Purple Parking, APH and Airparks Services. Airparks are holders of the Park Mark which is awarded by the Association of Chief of Police Officers. The Park Mark is given to parking facilities with comprehensive measures to deter criminal activities. Parking across each of Airparks’ 5 sites is secured by security fencing, CCTV coverage, regular 24 hour patrols and floodlighting.

Airparks Services have parking facilities at 5 airports across the UK - they offer a high level of customer service. Sites at Luton, East Midlands, Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham airports all offer a 24 hour reception and free transfers to the airport terminals. They even offer a jump start and tyre inflation service to their customers.

Booking an airport parking space with Airparks guarantees holiday makers peace of mind knowing their vehicle is in a safe hands.

Source: WebWire

www.JustParking.co.uk: As they say; "One man's meat is another man's poison" and that couldn't be better illustrated by this particular rant on the Lurking On The Web blog, about the price of Luton Airport Parking:

Well, I have to start somewhere so I thought I'd start with a moan...

Have you seen the amount it costs to park in the Short Stay car park at Luton Airport? I was there to pick up my Girlfriend flying in from Ireland an hour after I arrived at the car park. £6.50 for 1 hour!!!!! £10 for 2 hours!!!! You don't have to pay that much to park in Central London.

That set me in a bad mood, and from then until my Girlfriend arrived I tried to get some answers as to why they considered this justified. Imagine if the plane you are waiting for is delayed for some reason. The airline isn't going to care that they just cost you another £10 for parking just because their plane was late, so in effect, Luton airport (or NCP as it is their car park) are cashing in big time.

I spoke to the desk where you go to pay for your ticket, and they said it was NCP that set the charges, and they agreed that the prices were too high, and almost begged me to take the matter further, including going to the papers. All I got for NCP was an email address (which I shall be writing to shortly). I then asked to speak to a manager for Luton Airport. Instead, one of his staff came down to me as "the manager won't come down to speak to you about parking". He gave me an address to write to in Luton Airport to complain, but he said "I doubt you'll get anywhere, the airport has to make its money somewhere and they don't make much from the planes"

He explained the flight arrival times are available on teletext and on the internet, but sometimes I have to leave home to get to the airport before my girlfriends flight has actually taken off, and Ryanair in particular, (but other airlines too) are terrible to notify the passengers of a delay, until the very last minute. (and sometimes not even then).

He also said there was about 1000 spaces, and most of the time its around 75% full. If you imagine the average stay of 1 hour, thats £4875 per hour NCP makes from that short stay car park!! Flights come into and leave Luton airport from 7am to 2am! Thats potentially £92625 per day!!! Is this really justified?

Somewhere along the line, someone is sitting back and laughing their head off about the money they are making. For people waiting to collect someone from an inbound flight, the charge is unavoidable because of security measures, there is no waiting near the terminal, so you have to park up in the Short Stay.

All we can say is; "Join those making money and sign up as an affiliate to sell Airport Parking with JustParking.co.uk. Click here to sign up as an AFFILIATE.

www.Parctel.com: We recently highlighted the human trafficking that takes place at Gatwick Airport - Women for sale in the Gatwick slave auctions - and are pleased to report that Edinburgh Airport Parking attendants have received training to help them spot human trafficking.

Labour's Ann McKechin (Glasgow N) told the House of the training given to parking attendants at Edinburgh airport to help them spot people traffickers.

They then fed the information to police to help crack down on the trade, she said.

Tory Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth E) said: "Let us not forget that slavery takes many forms and despite the progress in removing the legitimate and overt forms of slavery it is now the illegitimate and covert exploitation of slavery that still exists."

Democratic Unionist Sammy Wilson (Antrim E) told MPs slavery was a "blemish" on the UK's history and was important to be remembered as part of the history of the UK.

www.carpark-fly.com: The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority commissioners have formally agreed to a revamped pricing structure for parking at Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

As of April 1, the two-hour free parking window in the airport's long-term parking will be eliminated with motorists expected to pay $1 per hour up to a $10 per day maximum and a $50 per week maximum.

Also rising on April 1 will be the daily maximum in short-term parking, which will increase from $18 to $20.

www.Parctel.com: ‘What we do and how we do it’ was the theme of this year’s Stansted Airport Noise Seminar attended by over 100 invited guests from the local community, schools, airlines, airports and business partners.

Headline speakers from NATS, the air traffic services provider, easyJet and Fedex gave the audience an insight into how the airport, airlines and NATS work together to keep planes on the right track and noise impacts to a minimum, discussing topics ranging from aircraft track keeping, the Arrivals Code of Practice to Continuous Descent Approach.

Speaking at the seminar, Terry Morgan, BAA Stansted’s Managing Director, said: “Here at the airport we are in no doubt that noise is one of the biggest issues in our local community. I talk to many people about it, my colleagues are out and about with me in the local community to discuss it, and our Noise Communications team deals with many enquiries on a day to day basis.

“Today is about explaining the good progress we are making in managing noise; to highlight what we are doing to keep local people well informed about the issue; to learn more about how the wider industry is taking seriously its responsibility in this important area and of course, just as important, to receive your comments and feedback.”

The seminar also saw the unveiling of new aircraft departure maps, showing the routes and heights of Stansted planes when taking-off from the airport. This follows last year’s successful launch of similar maps showing where planes fly on their arrival into Stansted. With these new departure maps, the local community now has the best ever information available to them on where planes fly when they operate to and from the airport.

Vicki Hughes, BAA Stansted’s Noise Communications Manager, said: “I am delighted that so many people were able to attend this year’s noise seminar as it’s a fantastic opportunity to share information and help improve understanding of what is a very important issue for many in the local community and surrounding areas. We are committed to being open and honest about the flights departing and arriving at Stansted, and that is why I’m really excited about the launch of the new departure maps. In providing this additional information we are able to help our local community have a clearer picture of where planes fly when they leave Stansted airport and their typical heights.”

A special edition of ‘Plane Talk’, Stansted’s community newsletter, will soon be available to local residents, detailing the topics covered at the seminar.

www.JustParking.com: BAA Gatwick’s North Terminal short term multi storey car park re-opens for business on Monday morning. Following an extensive six month refurbishment programme, the £5.5 million investment project has been completed a week ahead of schedule.

The work follows similar refurbishment projects at the South Terminal’s three short term car parks. All four improved car parks now incorporate better facilities for passengers, including digital displays to help car park users easily locate free spaces, clearer markings and surfaces as well as energy saving lighting.

To support this project North Terminal’s car rental office was temporarily relocated to the South Terminal. With effect from Friday 30th March, car hire companies will return to the North Terminal ensuring passengers have easy access to car rental at both terminals.

Ryanair, Europe's No.1 low fares airline, celebrates the start of European summer time with a fare offer of £9.99* on all routes from the UK to destinations across Europe. Our two Ryanair blonde stunners are ready to hit the hot beaches of Europe (though maybe they're a little under-dressed for March) and are encouraging people to stop hibernating and book a flight to the sun.

They've got their bikinis, their cocktails and their beach towels, and they're all set to find the sun this summer with Europe's largest low fares airline.

Ryanair's UK Marketing Executive Elaine Duff said: "It's time to throw away the winter coats and scarves and feel the sun on your face. Summer's coming and Ryanair has 455 fantastic low fare routes across 25 countries, all fabulous destinations offering summer sun at the lowest fares in Europe.

"Choose from the usual magical tourist hotspots in Spain such as Vitoria, Santander and Santiago or Italy's Ancona or Alghero, or even Marseille or Toulon in France, or maybe this summer consider something different - in Hungary, Slovenia or Latvia. They're off the beaten track, untouristed, and cheap as chips!

"Right now, fares start from £9.99* one-way, inclusive of tax, so get that summer break booked now on ryanair.com.

"At fares this low, we advise you to book them fast because once they're gone, they're gone."

Ryanair lovelies Ashleigh and Llana soaking up the sun at Prestwick Airport.

www.Parctel.com: The new air service between Anglesey and Cardiff will commence on the 08 May 2007 with the first flight landing at the new Maes Awyr Môn/Anglesey Airport at 08:35am. Tickets go on sale on Monday 26 March.

Highland Airways Ltd will be operating the service, which will provide two daily return flights from Monday to Friday [inclusive], with one return flight in the morning and one return flight in the afternoon.

Flights will depart Cardiff International Airport at 07:30am each morning and depart from Anglesey on the return sector at 08:55am. In the afternoon the Cardiff departure is at 16:15pm and Anglesey at 17:40pm. On Fridays the afternoon timetable is advanced by one hour to suit the earlier evening closure of RAF Valley.

A fully pressurised Jetstream 31 will be used for this service offering a passenger capacity of 18 seats each way and a maximum fare of £49.99 for a single journey on what is termed as a PSO (Public Service Obligation) route, the first ever such operation in Wales.

Flight tickets can be purchased online at www.highlandairways.co.uk from Monday 26 March 2007.

Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks said: "I would like to welcome Highland Airways on board and thank our partners Isle of Anglesey County Council and RAF Valley in their support in getting this service off the ground, this is a good example of partnership working. Airports and air services have a vital role to play within the framework of an integrated and sustainable transport system in Wales. This new service adds to the range of options for travellers between Anglesey and Cardiff.

"The service will provide improved business linkages, tourism opportunities and significant time savings for travel between North and South Wales, and is an important step in the continued economic development of north-west Wales."

Basil O'Fee, Commercial Director, Highland Airways Ltd said: "The new service will be of great benefit to Wales from a commercial and tourism point of view. Although it is subsidised for up to three years we hope it would be developed beyond that time. Our timetable is designed to permit a day's business to be achieved at either end of the route. Although fares are capped at £50 Highland Airways intends to offer a range of fares for those willing to book early online to encourage people to try the service."

The Station Commander, RAF Valley, Group Captain Tony Barmby, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming Highland Airways to RAF Valley and the start of scheduled air services in May. We are delighted to be playing a key role in developing this very important project that will benefit the Anglesey and North Wales communities and economy."

Isle of Anglesey County Council Leader Councillor Gareth Winston Roberts OBE welcomed this latest important milestone.

He said, "With tickets going on sale now, companies and other organisations based in the region can start planning for businesses trips to the Capital from May 8th onwards. The holiday season is also on the horizon, and the air service will provide an exciting new tourism link between North and South Wales."

Cllr Roberts added, "Maes Awyr Môn is a particularly exciting project for us here on Ynys Môn, as it will act as a catalyst for regeneration. The potential of future additional routes could also bring further economic benefits to North West Wales."

Jon Horne, managing director, Cardiff International Airport said, "Linking Cardiff with North Wales is a significant step for us. Not only will we serve the market within Wales, we are opening up the world for travellers in North Wales who can use Cardiff to connect to destinations around the globe."

www.JustParking.co.uk: Glasgow Prestwick Airport is to provide the cheapest long stay car parking facilities in Scotland.

When Car Park 7 opens on Friday March 30, passengers can leave their vehicles on-site when they jet off for as little as £9.99 for three days, or £22.99 for eight days – or even less.

Arlane Fleming, Glasgow Prestwick’s Commercial Manager, explains: “We are committed to providing the best car parking at GPA. We already provide the closest car parks for those who need them, now we provide the cheapest car parks and we plan to keep it that way.

“If you fly from Glasgow Prestwick, you can support the airport, support the cheapest flights and get the cheapest parking deals by booking your parking with us."

Passengers can also take advantage of various special offers when Car Park 7 Long Stay Economy, which will be located on the airport’s north side, opens for business.

The new car park will be fully floodlit and fully asphalted with 24 hour CCTV coverage, regular patrols, help points, passenger wait facilities and toilets.

www.Parctel.com: The first passengers on the brand new bmi regional flight to Copenhagen from Leeds Bradford were delighted to be travelling to Denmark this morning as they checked-in for the inaugural flight.

The check-in area was decorated with Danish flags to mark the occasion and airport staff wearing Viking hats dished out Danish pastries to all passengers.

Leeds Bradford International Airport's Marketing and Business Development Manager, Sally Ramsey enthused, 'This new service is going to be popular with both business and leisure passengers and is a welcome addition to the ever growing number of destinations available from Leeds Bradford Airport.”

The daily service is operated on a full service, jet Embraer 145 aircraft.

www.PArctel.com: bmi regional, a wholly owned subsidiary of bmi, is to launch a daily service from Manchester to Lyon from 25th May 2007.

The airline plans to use an Embraer aircraft on the route, which will offer both business and economy fares.

A spokesman for Manchester Airport said: “We’re delighted that bmi regional is to operate flights between Manchester and Lyon. It’s an extremely popular service with both business and leisure passengers and we’re keen to keep it on our route network.”

Manchester-Lyon Flight Schedule

Depart Manchester 10:30; arrive Lyon 13:15 (Monday to Saturday)*
Depart Manchester 14:45; arrive Lyon 17:30 (Sunday)
Depart Lyon 13:50; arrive Manchester 14:45 (Monday to Saturday)*
Depart Lyon 18:00; arrive Manchester 18:55 (Sunday)

www.PArctel.com: The pride of British and European aviation, the colossal Airbus A380 is expected to pay a flying visit to East Midlands Airport on Monday 26th March. Aviation enthusiasts from around the region will be able to view the aircraft from the Aeropark which will be opened specially by the Aeropark Volunteers Association for this ‘one off’ occasion.

At this time the aircraft is expected to perform a low approach and ‘go around’ during Monday ( hopefully at around 11am ) followed by a flight over the Rolls Royce Works at Derby where the A380’s Trent 900 engines are manufactured.

Trevor Fitchett, spokesman for the AVA commented; "We were all disappointed last year when the A380 visited Britain on two separate occasions and failed to appear in the skies over the East Midlands, especially with the obvious connection with Rolls Royce. However this visit, will I’m sure, make up for that disappointment and we are opening the Aeropark so everyone can get a real close up view of ‘the shape of things to come’ in civil aviation".

The A380 is set enter the record books with its enormous size, The length of the Double Deck fuselage is 73 metres, the height to the tip of the tail is 24 metres and the wingspan is a gigantic 79.metres. Already many of the worlds leading airlines have ordered the A380 and the first revenue earning flights should take place later this year in the colours of Singapore Airlines.

One final word comes from Trevor at the AVA who informs us that the Aeropark will be open from 9am on Monday with a charge of £2 that includes parking and all proceeds from the day will be going to the AVA for the ongoing development of the park.

The massive new Airbus A380 arrives over Farnborough in 2006 with the hopes of the British and European Aviation Industry. The same aircraft is expected at East Midlands Airport on Monday 26th March. Photo: Barrie White.

www.Parctel.com: The Chancellor’s decision not to impose further taxes on air travel has been welcomed by the Managing Director of Durham Tees Valley Airport as ‘good news for the industry, our customers—and the economy as a whole.’

Hugh Lang was speaking after Gordon Brown announced in his Budget speech that he would not be putting VAT on airlines tickets—a move which would have sent prices rising by 17.5 per cent—because he said the idea had ‘not been properly thought through.’

The Chancellor pointed out that such a move could only have applied to domestic flights, businesses would have been able to claim back the VAT and it would have produced only a small reduction in carbon emissions.

Said Hugh Lang “Clearly, if the Chancellor had paid attention to those voices calling for yet more taxation on the airline industry, it would have had a major impact on UK airports and our customers.

“Given that the whole of the industry is still absorbing the impact of the recent doubling in the level of Airport Passenger Duty, the imposition of VAT would have caused us significant difficulties.

“On this occasion the Chancellor appears to have recognised that such a move, whilst hitting a very important industry and increasing costs for millions of passengers, would have achieved very little in environmental terms.

“Everyone in the air transport industry is anxious to make a positive and constructive role to the environmental challenges we face, but simply imposing ever-increasing taxes is not the answer.”

The spring break holiday travel season is in full swing and that means parking pains here at the Honolulu airport.

Larger crowds can sometimes lead to frustrated travelers.

"You're trying to start your spring break you know, you're looking forward to it, then all of a sudden, you get all the frustrations of having to deal with the parking situation, then all the waiting in lines that you have to deal with travel," said traveler Ron Dormido.

The State Department of Transportation says the best alternative is to get a ride; others have their own creative solutions.

"Instead of parking my car here, for the trip, I had my brother drop it off and drop us off at the airport, and then he dropped off the car so we could pick it up, just because we were expecting it to be a hassle for parking," said Ron Dormido.

Some are aware of the problem and plan ahead, for others; the experience can be very stressful.

I feel bad for the people who have to deal with it for the first time; they just drive around for like a half-hour, trying to look for parking in all these garages, it's a headache trying to get to your flight on time," said traveler Christopher Bonilla.

To avoid those headaches, travelers are advised to add an additional 45 minutes to their airport arrival times in addition to the recommended two-hour pre-flight arrival time.

Overflow parking will be available at the former United Cargo lot on A'olele Street,

But if you're in a rush to catch your flight and you have a little extra cash, Valet parking is also another option.

Source: Roger Mari, KHNL

www.Parctel.com: One of our founder advertisers, Just Parking, has informed us that they also offer affiliates a chance to increase their income by signing up for the Just Parking Affiliate program.

This opportunity is ideally suited to webmasters who run a travel, flight or airport orientated site. Commissions are 15% on the value of the parking booked at all airports in the United Kingdom, plus 10% second tier commission, and you get your own free sub domain on Just Parking as well as direct and iFrame links to place on your web site.

Parctel will also create an RSS to HTML page for all webmasters signing up with Just Parking. All you need to do is let Parctel know the url of the page that you would like the Parctel news feed to appear on and we will do the rest and send you the necessary code to upload to your webserver and the feed, which is search engine friendly, will be dynamically served without you having to lift a finger.

Send Alan a mail (alan[at]parctel.com) with your Just Parking Affiliate Number and URL of the page you want the Parctel feed on.

And, whilst you are about it, submit your Airport Parking OR Travel Related Site to the Parctel Searchable Directory and then send us a story about your business which we will publish for free on Parctel.

Essential Links:
Just Parking Airport Parking
Just Parking Affiliate Sign Up
Parctel Directory
Parctel Free Story Submission

All passengers who ever flown out of Birmingham Airport know how much trouble, not to mention costs, car parking can be, particularly when you are in a hurry. I travel from Birmingham a few times each month on business, so I’ve used nearly all the airport parking services there.

The first thing I did was arranging car parking by pre-booking it online, which saved me some precious time and even a couple of pounds. I have picked up several useful tips regarding the various companies over the past five years, and I sincerely hope my advice on parking can make travelling easier for others as well.

There are around 10 different firms which operate parking services out of Birmingham International Airport and it isn’t very hard to reach all of them and provide professional security for your vehicle while you are travelling. If you think dog patrols and police patrols are very different, then you may want to check this out further, but otherwise, I’m very sure: wherever you park your car it will be safe during your absence.

The most important thing to be sure of is how much available time you have left prior to your check-in procedure and how much the airport parking service is going to cost you.

Definitely the easiest service, but also the most expensive, is to make use of the valet parking options of a firm such as CPS Meet and Greet. A company’s representative will meet you when you arrive at the airport and drive your car to the parking facility for you. You can then make an appointment with them to return your car when you come back from your journey and you’re off! Could it be easier?

The only parking facility which is situated 4.5 miles from Birmingham airport is the Airparks Birmingham park, which runs a free of charge and frequent shuttle service to both terminals. Transfers are available day and night, seven days per week. When you check-in a telephone number will be given to you which you need to call for a transfer back to the parking site at your return.

APH Birmingham’s car park can easily be found due to its location just off the M42 motorway and M6 toll road. The company offers valet parking services and from the car park there is frequent transportation to and from both terminal buildings. The duration of the trip is about 10 to 15 minutes. When you return from your voyage you will be picked up from the terminal after you have collected your baggage. Your car will be waiting at the return spaces area.

During the last five years I have tried several alternative opportunities, but by now I can say without a doubt that the online Birmingham airport parking companies mentioned below operate the fastest ways of ensuring car parking.

Source: Andrew Bond, Article Dashboard

Newcastle International Airport boss John Parkin was suspended from his job yesterday.

Chief executive John Parkin was suspended from day-to-day duties while a probe is carried out.

A statement issued by the organisation said: "Newcastle International Airport Ltd has today suspended its chief executive, John Parkin, from the day-to-day management of the Company, whilst an investigation is carried out concerning certain personal contractual issues."

An airport spokeswoman refused to release any further details last night.

It is not known whether Mr Parkin has been suspended on full pay or how long the investigation will take.

The spokeswoman said: "The airport company will not be making any further comment on this matter until the investigation has been concluded."

But the leader of one North-East council with shares in the airport described it as a "complex situation" of "great concern".

The decision is understood to have been taken at a meeting of the airport company board on Thursday.

Its commercial and aviation development director David Laws - until this week the only other executive director - will act as chief executive while the investigation is carried out.

A third executive director has now been appointed, the company announced yesterday. Simon Fisher will take up the position of finance director and company secretary.

The airport company is jointly owned by seven North-East councils, who between them have 51% of the shares, and Copenhagen Airports.

South Tyneside Council - which acts as the "lead authority" on the local authority holding company - would not comment.

But Newcastle Council leader John Shipley said: "As a shareholder, along with other local councils, this situation is obviously of great concern to Newcastle City Council.

"However, it would be inappropriate for the city council to comment further on what is clearly a complex situation."

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority member Greg Stone, said: "It's surprising news. He's been very highly thought of and considered to have done a good job."

Mr Parkin, 52, who came to Newcastle in 2002 after working as managing director of Bristol International Airport, is also a board member of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative marketing agency.

He was unavailable for comment at his home in Newcastle last night.

His suspension comes three months after a major re-financing deal was trumpeted, which released £80m to the five Tyne and Wear authorities and two county councils which hold shares. The finance was provided through a long-term loan by the Royal Bank of Scotland, which replaces a series of commercial loans entered into in 2001.

However, concerns were raised that its long-term implications may not be favourable, as the authorities refused on grounds of commercial confidentiality to disclose details of the extra borrowing taken on as part of the deal.

Flight plan started with the grass roots and soared to the jetstream

Newcastle Airport started life as little more than a hanger and a grass runway in 1935 - it is now the most rapidly-expanding in the UK.

It is the ninth-largest in the UK, but passenger numbers continue to soar - 5.19 million passed through its doors in 2005.

The latest big-name airline to arrive is Emirates, which in January announced a daily service to Dubai from September 1 this year.

Newcastle Airport is owned by seven local authorities - Durham and Northumberland County Councils, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland councils, who have a 51% stake, and Copenhagen Airport, which has 49%. At the end of last year, it was revealed that a re-financing deal at the airport left the local authorities sharing an £80m dividend. The airport paid the money out after it struck a deal effectively to re-mortgage the site.

The airport recently set out development proposals until 2016.

In the near term, these include building a multi-storey car park to replace the current short-stay parking area, a 187-bedroom on-site hotel and the expansion of the freight facilities.

There are also plans to extend the runway at its east end and connect the airport with the National Rail network.

Source: Ross Smith, The Journal

www.Parctel.com: When you get back from your holiday, collect your car from the Airport Parking Garage please try NOT to do what this guy does:

www.Parctel.com: Can you help out this poster on the PPRuNe Forums (The Professional Pilots Rumour Network Forums)?

Hi there folks, i'm hoping to get a new thread going on this history of the airport and how things were/looked inside the original terminal (T1) between it's opening in 1962 to the present day. Any info would be great.
To start with, does anyone remember the inclined travalator system that used to run from the arrivals level up to the check-in hall and possibly to the various multi storey car park levels? I think they may have been ripped out in the mid to late 80's and replaced with lifts.

Click here to reply

www.Parctel.com: This video of a Parking Meter in Boston shows how much parking time you get for every quarter / 25 US Cents:

Passenger numbers are up at Wellington Airport but a lack of capacity growth will constrain demand in the next 12 months, says infrastructure investor Infratil.

Infratil holds a 66 per cent stake in the airport, whose domestic and international passenger numbers rose last month by 4.2 per cent and 8.8 per cent respectively.

Load factors - the percentage of seats filled - were well ahead of last year and the airport expected a lack of capacity growth to constrain buoyant demand for travel in the next year.

Infratil said the experience at Wellington was just part of a bigger picture including an imbalance between demand and supply.

"There is an airline boom under way supported by high demand, constrained supply and, not surprisingly under those circumstances, significant increases in average fares."

February passenger numbers were up 6 per cent on last year at Glasgow Prestwick Airport and up nearly 30 per cent at Luebeck Airport.

Freight handled at Kent International Airport was up nearly 50 per cent on last year at 2408 tonnes.

Infratil's shares closed down 3c yesterday at $5.47.

Source: Owen Hembry, New Zealand Herald

One of Scotland's most historic town centres will experience a £300m renaissance under plans inspired by the successful rebirth of Glasgow's Merchant City.

Ayr, long a popular destination with central-belt day- trippers, will see a significant public-private investment drive to reinvigorate areas the local authority admits are "standing still" in the 1950s and 1960s.

The regeneration vision, given a 20-year timescale, includes plans to reconstruct Burns Statue Square - Ayr's civic centre, create a public plaza and build hotels, shopping centres and housing.
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The historic features of its medieval high street and various wynds will be retained, with moves made to discourage discount retailers and instead usher in upmarket cafes, bistros, restaurants and hotels, creating streetscapes similar to those found in the regenerated Merchant City.

Far from having the most dilapidated downtown area in Scotland, Ayr has the fifth-largest town-centre retail footprint in the country.

Nevertheless, the development has been welcomed as an integral means of increasing tourism to Scot-land as a whole, given its proximity to Prestwick airport and ferry routes, along with attractions such as Burns Cottage, Culzean Castle and Ayr racecourse.

Also mooted is a four-storey hotel and conference centre, shopping centres and modern office developments.

The town's bus station is also likely to be relocated, with indications suggesting it will be sited alongside the rail station to create an interchange.

The plans are being driven forward by South Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire. Together, they hope to attract significant private investment to the town, along with public financing, Heritage Lottery funding and money from the town's common-good funds. A single agency will be created to steer the project.

Councillor Gibson Macdonald, leader of South Ayrshire Council, told The Herald the overhaul was the most far-reaching development in the town's history.

"This is not a question of a makeover, a lick of paint, or the renovation of some buildings," he stressed. "This is radical thinking. The town clearly needs a wake-up call. We are in the 21st century, not the 1950s or 1960s, and Ayr has to be brought up to date.

"This plan is both practical and imaginative. What is realistic is that standing still is not an option. The town must move forward."

Michael Wright, manager of the Global Connections division at Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, said the proposals would ensure the town played a key role in the economic development of Ayrshire and Scotland as a whole, given its geographic location.

He said: "The town centre and seafront has a pivotal role to play in growing Ayrshire's tourism economy by supporting the world-class attractions we have in golf, Burns and the Clyde coast.

"The growth of Glasgow Prestwick Airport has already had a very positive impact on visitor numbers and it is essential we capitalise on this opportunity."

The overall strategy follows on from a nine-month consultation project on the town's future between the local authority and the enterprise body.

A full report, outlining the plans in detail, will be presented to the council's policy and resources committee next month.

Source: MARTYN McLAUGHLIN, The Herald

It's always a good idea to keep the pointy end going forward as much as possible.

In the ongoing battle between objects made of aluminum going hundreds of miles per hour and the ground going zero miles per hour, the ground has yet to lose.

If all you can see out of the window is ground that's going round and round and all you can hear is commotion coming from the passenger compartment, things are not at all as they should be.

Helicopters can't fly; they're just so ugly the earth repels them.

There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing. Unfortunately no one knows what they are.

British Airways has begun a campaign to recruit and train 20 graduates to fill vacancies in its IT department.

The airline plans to offer successful applicants 18 months' intensive training in IT support, development and delivery, and business analysis.

The recruitment drive, the first major campaign run by the airline in more than six years, follows significant investments by BA in systems such as online booking.

"After an absence of more than six years, the recruitment campaign for IT professionals offers both a great opportunity for candidates, who will receive tailor-made training in a cutting-edge environment, and to the business," said Bill Francis, head of resourcing and skills at BA.

The airline plans to put the graduates through a programme of hands-on and classroom-based training covering a wide range of IT projects, including rostering programmes, website design and check-in processes.

The trainees will gain experience in Linux and Web 2.0 technology and participate in major projects, such as the development of Heathrow Terminal 5, said Francis.

The airline is offering 10 graduate positions at Heathrow and 10 places at Newcastle Airport. Participants will be offered permanent roles based on their interests and abilities and business needs, the company said.

Paul Corby, chief information officer at BA, said that in the future the airline hoped to recruit graduates from a new range of IT degree courses that combine technology and business studies, which are being introduced by some UK universities.

"Individuals who have the ability to use technology to solve problems in business and public administration are essential to the needs of both BA and UK plc in general," he said.

Source: Bill Goodwin, ComputerWeekly.com

www.Parctel.com: The Port of Dover has retained its Park Mark for the quality of its car parks for the fifth time.

The award is granted by The British Parking Association on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the assessment lasts for three years.

“There is a clear link between good quality car parks and low levels,” says Stuart Agutter of the Port of Dover. “The Park Mark is awarded to those car park operators that demonstrate a clear commitment to reducing crime and, equally importantly, the fear of crime by implementing the required measures.”

Research has shown that where car park operators have a number of features within their car parks including design, lighting, surveillance by staff and/or CCTV, staffing levels and good management practices, crime is on average reduced by 70 per cent.

Mike Bibby, South East Regional Development Manager of the British Parking Association, inspected the port’s car parks and commented: “The traffic wardens working at the Port of Dover are amongst the most proactive I have seen. The amount of criminal offences they help to prevent and detect is really quite amazing.”

“People don’t often associate traffic wardens with crime prevention but ours are a tremendous asset and we are very proud of them.”

www.Parctel.com: The popular holiday company has now released its winter (2007/08) programme of package holidays to Alicante - direct from the Northwest’s new international airport.

Alicante, with its beautiful boulevard and pleasant shopping street, is one of the most well-known towns on the Costa Blanca.

Famous for its great weather, the coast of Alicante and the Costa Blanca owes its name to its miles of sandy beaches – a magnet for sun worshippers and pleasure seekers.

And with many historical buildings around the entire city, Alicante offers countless sightseeing attractions, from cathedrals to churches and of course a wonderful harbour area.

Gareth Kennedy, Director of Business Development said: “Blackpool International has been working with Thomson Holidays for years as it is a leading tour operator to Europe, and more satisfied holidaymakers come back to them than any other holiday company.”

www.Parctel.com: Zoom Airlines has announced details of its expanded Belfast to Canada service, strengthening its presence in the low-cost scheduled marketplace.

A direct service from Belfast International Airport to Halifax will depart weekly on a Saturday catering for the unprecedented level of demand for Zoom's low-cost full scheduled flights throughout summer. This route will also operate to Toronto increasing the number of summer flights on this route to two a week.

Zoom offers the lowest scheduled airfares across the Atlantic with prices on the Belfast to Halifax route starting from £99 one-way plus taxes. Flights are currently on offer all-year-round to Toronto and throughout the summer months to Vancouver with a plan to expand the Vancouver route into a year-round service starting this winter.

The introduction of low-cost scheduled flights from Belfast to Canada in 2005 allowed Zoom to cater for a high level of localised demand and achieve a number of firsts in the marketplace. Zoom was the first airline to offer low-cost full scheduled flights direct from Belfast all-year-round, the first to offer a non-stop service to Vancouver and now Halifax, and the first to offer a choice of Canadian destinations throughout the summer months.

Debbie Marshall, UK Director of Zoom Airlines said: "I am delighted to be increasing our Belfast service strengthening our presence in the transatlantic low-cost market place. We endeavour to offer more choice and flexibility on our transatlantic services and the Halifax route is testament to that. Our plan to expand the Vancouver route throughout winter is also very exciting and will appeal to independent skiers who will be able to experience the Rockies at prices similar to a typical European flight.

"We pride ourselves in offering the lowest full serviced scheduled fares from Belfast across the Atlantic and one of the key contributing factors to our success is the one-way fares policy we operate allowing passengers to fly into one destination and return from another."

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said "NITB welcomes today's announcement as more good news for tourism. The increase in direct international flights and the resulting improved access should help to ensure that 2007 is another successful year for NI tourism. Zoom's routes from Halifax, Vancouver and Toronto will provide even better opportunities to target Canadian holidaymakers and business tourists."

John Doran, managing director, Belfast International Airport, said, "Halifax is just the latest route to be added to our growing number of transatlantic destinations. We are extremely pleased that this route, along with the expansion of the Vancouver service, brings the number of direct transatlantic scheduled destinations to six from Belfast International Airport."

Canada has plenty to offer everyone, with spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers to national parks and vibrant cities with diverse multi-cultural influences. For outdoor enthusiasts there is an abundance of sporting venues offering everything from skiing to hiking, fishing, cycling, canoeing and white-water rafting.

A full scheduled service is provided onboard including in-flight entertainment, meal and free soft drinks for the duration of the flight. A generous 20kg baggage allowance is on offer on all flights with no additional carriage charge for ski or sporting equipment.

Premium class seats are also available on all Zoom flights from an additional £79 each way, offering additional legroom, superior in-flight meals, and complimentary drinks throughout the flight plus check-in and luggage benefits.

Concorde landing on runway 14 at Leeds Bradford Airport. With full aircraft and tower commentary.

Have a look at this video which is an aerial view from KLM flight from Amsterdam landing at Leeds Bradford Airport. Features views over Burmantofts, Quarry Hill House, The Headrow, Leeds City Centre, Little London, Leeds Met Uni, Leeds Uni, Hyde Park, Headingley, Becketts Park, West Park, The Ring Road, Northwest House, Horsforth, Cookridge, Leeds Bradford Airport.

The e-petition service started by Downing Street in November 2006 seems to be gaining some momentum with well over 4 500 e-petitions started by British Citizens since it's inception.

In a nutshell, Downing Street is working in partnership with the non-partisan charitable project mySociety to provide a service to allow citizens, charities and campaign groups to set up petitions that are hosted on the Downing Street website, enabling anyone to address and deliver a petition directly to the Prime Minister.

We did a few searches on the e-petition site looking for e-petitions mentioning airports and unearthed the following:

• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Scrap expansion plans at Heathrow, Gatwick & Stansted Airports and build a proper new one on reclaimed land in the Thames Estuary. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to to build a third runway at the London Heathrow Airport, to award some money to Gatwick and Stansted as well, and to avoid harming airlines. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stop expansion of Heathrow. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to order the Department for Transport and the British Airports Authority to abide by the wishes of the people of West London and the residents of local Unitary Authorities adjacent to London Heathrow Airport who do not want a third runway built. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Stop the Heathrow Airport Congestion Charging zone planning. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Fast track Heathrow additional runway to ensure airports can support 21st century transport. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to sponsor goverment legislation to fund and procure a massive expansion of London Heathrow Airport. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Scrap expansion plans at Heathrow, Gatwick & Stansted Airports and build a proper new one on reclaimed land in the Thames Estuary. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to scrap the continuous descent approach brought in for aircraft arriving at Heathrow in 2001 which has made life misery for huge swathes of densely populated areas of London previously unaffected by aircraft noise. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stop expansion of Heathrow. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to order the closure of Heathrow airport for civil aviation purposes for both environmental and homeland security reasons. More
  We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Allow airside pass holders (Engineers, crew, ground staff, etc) at London Luton Airport to take any food (beans, soup, yogurt etc) containing liquids over 100ml airside. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Support the recent application to the UK Civil Aviation Authority for direct flights between London and Ercan airport in northern Cyprus. Nearly 3 years have passed since the referendum in which Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the UN brokered comprehensive settlement, yet northern Cyprus remains isolated in spite of commitments from the UN, the EU, HM Government and the PM personally to end isolations. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Allow 30 minute parking at arrival and departure access roads for disabled drivers at all UK airports. More
  We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Stop the further expansion of Stansted Airport beyond 25 million passengers per annum. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to push forward with the Lydd Airport expansion. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to increase security procedures at UK airports to reduce the chances of terrorist attacks. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to to replace the air travel levy with the proceeds of an annual auction of take off and landing slots at all UK airports, until carbon trading is introduced for air travel to and from the UK. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ease the restrictions on transporting wine, shampoo, cosmetics and other easily identifyable liquid and gel products through Britain's airports. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to consider security at airports. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Exempt people from Air travel taxs if they off set their emissions through Carbon Trading Schemes. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to direct flights to northern cyprus and pressure to end the embargo. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Drop all plans for airport expansion and take steps to substantially reduce airport capacity. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Start to limit expansion of Air Travel through aggressive taxation; the Chancellors recent tax increase is an order of magnitude too low. The price differential between Railway travel within the UK and Continental travel using airlines is completely disproportionate. Limitless expansion of low cost air travel with serious environmental consequences is not a right of any human being. It cannot be a serious proposal to introduce road charging and allow strategic expansion of airport capacity. I have to get to work but going to Prague for a stag party is a luxury the planet cannot afford. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Support the inclusion of an exemption for Airports from the Smoking Ban. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Fast track Stanstead expansion to ensure airports can support 21st century transport. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Refuse expansion of Lydd Airport. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Suport the development of Lydd Airport in Kent as a small regional airport creating new jobs. More
• We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stop the skys above the Isle of Wight being used as a holding area for aircraft waiting to land at mainland airports. More

The e-petition with the most signatures so far is this one; "Stop the further expansion of Stansted Airport beyond 25 million passengers per annum." with 3038 signatures, followed by; "stop expansion of Heathrow" with 1913 signatures.

And, of course you can find a list of general parking e-petitions by clicking HERE.

www.Parctel.com: If you believe that the bus lane on the M4 motorway between Heathrow Airport and the M4 elevated section should be scrapped and that all vehicles should be allowed to use this part of the M4 motorway, then add your signature to the petition by clicking HERE.

You have to be a British Citizen to vote.

As the Civil Aviation Authority warns Heathrow and Gatwick airports to cut queuing times at security or face penalties, airport users have called for similar sanctions to be imposed on immigration queues.

Stansted airport has been singled out as the worst offender after passengers complained of “dangerous crushes” in an overcrowded hall, with ineffective queue management and delays of up to 50 minutes at passport control.

“I flew in from Seville last Sunday night and the crowd must have been 70 deep,” reported the Sunday Times journalist Katie Bowman. “It was more like being at a gig than an airport. Children were being pushed over by the crush and there was a danger of people being trampled. Clearly, they can’t accommodate the numbers of passengers now using the airport.” Steve Wong, who regularly passes through Stansted, said: “It’s chaos. The queues are a free-for-all.” The airport’s owner, BAA, disagreed, saying no improvements are planned for the immigration area. “We’ve got planning permission to extend the hall, but we’re not going to, because we don’t need to,” it said. “Yes, the immigration area does get busy, especially on Sunday nights, when all the weekenders fly home, but it never gets dangerously crowded.”

BAA insisted it monitored congestion and would delay transit trains if crowds developed, but said that responsibility for managing passport control lay with the Home Office. But when we called the Immigration Service, we got this rather cursory response: “The introduction of more comprehensive checks is a matter of government policy. It is recognised this has increased the time taken for passengers to pass through the controls, but every effort has been made to keep waiting times to a minimum.”

Source: Chris Haslam, Times Online

The Transportation Security Administration carried out surprise inspections on workers at five airports in Florida and Puerto Rico on Monday, one week after a baggage handler in Orlando allegedly used his airport credentials to smuggle more than a dozen firearms into a commercial jetliner.

Some 160 TSA officers, backed by Federal Air Marshals and local police, searched airplanes for contraband, shined flashlights in airport vehicles and patted down contractor employees involved in airport security.

The five airports inspected were in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The airport crackdown will continue through the week, spreading to other regions in the country as TSA increases random, unannounced searches targeting those who could misuse their access within the system.

"We realize the insider threat is a real threat, and we have to address it," said TSA spokesman Christopher White.

In Tampa's airport, the 28th busiest in North America, there are 8,000 full- and part-time employees. Some 6,300 of them have credentials allowing them access to various parts of the airport.

"I really believe that the vast majority are very good employees and very good people who have been through a background check who have the same concerns that we have in the Transportation Security Administration in regard to security," said TSA's Earl Morris.
Getting around security

Last week's incident in Orlando showed how those with access to the airport can circumvent an airport's security procedures.

Thomas Anthony Munoz, a Comair baggage handler, and a co-worker allegedly used their work uniforms and airport identification to get into restricted areas of the Orlando International Airport on March 5. The pair smuggled a duffel bag containing 14 firearms and eight pounds of marijuana onto a plane, authorities allege.

Munoz went through the normal TSA screening, used his airport ID to return to the secure area, retrieved the bag and carried it onto a Delta flight headed for San Juan, according to court documents.

A tipster told police about the smuggling episode, and Munoz was approached by TSA screeners when the plane landed, authorities said.

Munoz dropped the duffel bag on a table and said, "I'm busted," according to authorities.

Three others -- including another Comair employee -- have since been arrested. Both Munoz and the other Comair employee have been relieved of their jobs, a Comair spokeswoman said.

TSA officials said all employees who work in sensitive areas of airports are routinely fingerprinted and given background checks, but those checks don't assure employees will refrain from misconduct.

"I think you're going to find bad apples in any corporation or any form of government or anywhere in the world for that matter," Morris said.

Source: Jeanne Meserve and Mike M. Ahlers from CNN

Police and Bristol International Airport are seeking the support of aircraft enthusiasts to work together to ensure the site's safety and security as part of the Airport Watch scheme.

At a special event to be held on Saturday, March 24, 2007, police and Bristol Airport will brief the 'spotters' on activities to look out for to protect the airport from criminal and terrorist activity.

Inspector Chris Ware, in charge of the airport's dedicated police team, said: "There are many members of the public who regularly watch the activities at the airport from vantage points like Cooks Bridle Path.

"We have regular contact with many of them and are looking to harness their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm so they can be our extra eyes and ears around the airport.

"The briefing will go into detail about the kinds of things we would like them to look out for and what action they should take in response. In return, they will get a preview of future plans for the airport, which they should find interesting.

"Provided the public watch activity at the airport in a legal and safe way, it can only be to everyone's advantage to work together through the Airport Watch scheme."

Anyone who regularly attends the vicinity of the airport is invited to attend the briefing, which will be held in the Bristol Suite at the Old Terminal building at 11am on Saturday, March 24, 2007.

As space is limited, anyone wishing to attend needs to pre-register by emailing Cware@bristolairport.com

Source: Avon and Somerset Constabulary

From the Penn State Police Log:

Shortly after 3:00am Saturday, University Park Airport Security reported a male sleeping in the closed airport terminal. The male visitor was identified and found to have consumed beverage alcohol to the degree he was a danger to himself. He was issued citations for trespass and public drunkenness and released.

In the old days we would have said that he was as "drunk as a skunk" and unceremoniously slung him into jail along with Bubba and five of Bubba's sex starved friends. Nowadays we are extremely PC and more concerned about people being a danger to themselves.

Stay out of clouds. The silver lining everyone keeps talking about might be another airplane going in the opposite direction. Reliable sources also report that mountains have been known to hide out in clouds.

The probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival. Large angle of arrival, small probability of survival and vice versa.

You know you've landed with the wheels up if it takes full power to taxi to the ramp.

A 'good' landing is one from which you can walk away. A 'great' landing is one after which they can use the plane again.

When in doubt, hold on to your altitude. No one has ever collided with the sky.

A businessman flew home to find the car he had left with an airport parking company had been hired out for a wedding.

He was shocked to discover confetti strewn on the back seat of his Mercedes.

The victim, who asked not to be named, was among dozens of people who left their cars in the safekeeping of a company called Pink Meet and Greet.
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On their return they were shocked to discover the vehicles had been raced at 100mph and left in alleyways, a builder's yard and a shop car park.

Trading standards officers and police have been called in to investigate the scam, which involved the firm promising to park customers' cars in a secure compound with 24-hour security patrols and high fences.

Instead, vehicles worth tens of thousands of pounds were driven at speed and abandoned in insecure locations.

The scam was exposed by the BBC's consumer programme Watchdog and the company, based in Surrey, ceased trading last Thursday, with several vehicles still missing.

Police worked with Gatwick, NCP, and the owner of the company to trace the cars. NCP spokesman Tim Cowen said they were still trying to track down an Alfa Romeo.

A black Ford Escort was found parked in a builder's yard with an extra 364 miles on the clock and an empty tank of petrol.

Mr Cowen said: "We had not been able to relocate these two vehicles because we had no information relating to them. The Escort was eventually found but the Alfa Romeo is still missing.

"Then we found the black Mercedes, full of confetti, thought to have been hired out for a wedding.

"The businessman who owns it said there was certainly no confetti in it when he left it, so he's somewhat bemused."

The company's director, 34-year-old Steven Kittle, of Molesham Way, West Moseley, Surrey, blamed irresponsible staff for the state of the vehicles.

Most of the cars were eventually found in a builder's yard in Horsham.

Two were in Somerfield's car park in Crawley and another was parked behind a pub.

Brian Stone, head of consumer services for West Sussex County Council, said trading standards had been working closely with the airport managers, the police and NCP to find the vehicles.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 6070999.

Source: The Argus

Related Stories: Airport car park workers raced at 100mph | Pink Meet and Greet Parking video on YouTube | Pink Meet and Greet Airport Parking Firm Goes Bust | Pink Meet and Greet 'lose' three cars

The Commonwealth Court has unanimously upheld a Dau­phin County judge's ruling enforcing the Middletown school district's 10 percent tax on parking at Harrisburg International Airport.

Since its imposition on June 1, 2005, airport officials have claimed that the tax was unfair, even though district officials said they will not require airport officials to collect the tax and have even promised to share it with them.

In a decision written by Judge James Gardner Colins, seven Commonwealth Court judges agreed with Dauphin Common Pleas Judge Law­rence F. Clark Jr. that the dis­trict's 10 percent tax was not unreasonable under the Local Enabling Tax Act.

The court also said that re­quiring airport officials to maintain records of parking taxes collected does "not con­stitute the unlawful regulation of the Authority's business and cannot be characterized as any­thing other than reasonable measures taken to ensure the efficient collection of taxes."

Middletown Area School District Superintendent Audrey L. Utley issued a statement inviting airport officials to work with school officials to find a happy medium.

Both sides have met since Clark issued his decision in June but have not reached an agreement.

"The board believes an amicable resolution is the best course of action," Utley said. "Maybe the Commonwealth Court ruling will help make that happen."

The school district estimates that untaxed parking costs the district between $400,000 and $500,000 a year. The airport collected $4.88 million in parking fees in 2004.

The tax affects parking at the airport, Middletown Area High School, Penn State's Middletown campus, and the Cramer Airport Parking lot. The parking tax does not apply to residential parking.

School officials devised the tax as a way for the 2,400-pupil school district to make up for an estimated $1.5 million in tax revenue lost from acres of non-taxable properties occupied by Penn State Harrisburg and the airport.

Scott Miller, a spokesman for Harrisburg International Airport, said that attorneys for the airport were in the process of going through the opinion "line by line."

"We didn't expect the out­come, but were not surprised by it. We're going to go through it and review the en­tire opinion and, if necessary, we'll appeal it to a higher court," Miller said.

Similar taxes are in effect at airports in Philadel­phia, Pittsburgh and the Lehigh Valley.

Source: PennLive.com

With Spring Break and Easter vacations right around the corner, Tom Lombardi is getting ready for the onslaught. But Lombardi doesn't work for an airline, hotel chain or even a travel agency. His business involves helping travelers make sure they'll have a place to park their cars once they get to the airport.

"A lot of people take it for granted that they'll be able to just pull into an airport parking lot, find a space and go," says Lombardi. "They buy their plane tickets, make their hotel reservations, and leave plenty of time to go through security, only to arrive at the airport and discover the economy lots are full. Or even worse, they've got no place to park. Lots can fill up fast -- and they will at peak travel times like Spring Break and holiday vacations."

That's why Lombardi, who's president of six-year-old AirportParkingReservations.com, expects more than 500,000 travelers to visit his company's Website between March 10 and April 30 and reserve a space at one of over 200 airport parking lots near 65 American airports -- representing a 20% increase in reservations over the same period last year.

Many of the lots listed on AirportParkingReservations.com offer options for self-parking, valet and/or covered parking. Some even offer an array of car care services, including car wash, detailing and oil change. And all the lots listed provide luggage assistance along with free shuttle service to and from every terminal.

"Our customers repeatedly tell us how thrilled they are to be able to both save money and avoid the stress and inconvenience of driving around searching for a parking space at the airport," says Lombardi. "And when all is said and done, isn't that what taking a vacation is really about?"

Click Here to Book your USA Airport Parking using the AirportParkingReservations booking Engine

The propeller is just a big fan in front of the plane used to keep the pilot cool. When it stops, you can actually watch the pilot start sweating.

The ONLY time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

Flying isn't dangerous, but crashing is.

Push the stick forward, and the houses get bigger. Pull the stick back, and they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again.

Take offs are optional. Landing's are mandatory.

I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area. So I went to
the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never
showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a trained
professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, "Has your
plane arrived yet?".

In as little as two years, the University Park Airport could lose its title as the busiest commercial service airport without its own control tower.

Airport Director Bryan Rodgers said progress has been made securing funding for a $5 million air-traffic control tower. The hope is to design the tower in winter 2007-08 and put it out for bid in early 2008. Rodgers said it could take about a year to build.

"We've made great progress. We have a funding plan in place. There's still quite a bit of work yet to do, and all the pieces are not there," Rodgers said. But, he added, there have been "great strides in the past few months here at the airport and with the (Federal Aviation Administration.)"

He said certain funding sources need to come through, and he is "encouraged" that they will. He could not elaborate on what the sources are.

Betsey Howell, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, said a control tower would benefit tourism in the region.

"We want our visitors not only to be safe, but to feel safe," she said.

Rodgers said of about 120 airports served by Comair, a Delta Air Lines subsidiary, University Park is the only one without a control tower. For now, controllers in New York direct traffic.

He said the number of passengers increased about 200 percent between 1985 and 2005. Traffic has steadily increased with growth in the area. Rodgers said the airport is very safe, but the control tower will enhance the airport's safety.

"For the volume and variety of aircraft we see here, a control tower is a necessity," he said.

It will mean new rules, including making communications between aircraft and the control tower mandatory. The project also will include a $2 million instrument landing system.

Rodgers said the airport has submitted a study to the FAA on the preferred site of the 90-feet-tall tower in a grassy area near the parking lot. The airport is working with the FAA to get that site reviewed this summer.

Rodgers said he couldn't comment on funding sources for the $7 million project. But, in general, the airport gets funding from FAA grants, the state Bureau of Aviation and a $4.50 passenger fee.

"We've been at it for nearly three years," Rodgers said. "It's a project we continue to be excited about. We're going to be glad when we see that shovel in the ground. It's what this airport needs. It's what this region needs. It will have a great economic impact on the region."

Written by Anne Danahy.

Source: Centre Daily

CARS worth more than £100,000 have gone missing from disgraced airport parking firm Pink Meet and Greet.

West Sussex trading standards say that three customers of Gatwick-based Pink Meet And Greet returned from holiday, expecting to find their "top-of-the-range" cars, but were told there was no record of them ever being left at the airport.

Police are now investigating the disappearance of a £50,000 Range Rover and £30,000 Mercedes, both less than a year old, as well as a £25,000 three-year-old Alfa Romeo.

Two owners fear their homes could also be at risk as they handed over keys to both their cars and homes to the company.

Gatwick operators BAA were trying to reunite owners with their cars after the unlicensed company ceased trading last week and dumped a box filled with scores of holidaymakers' car keys with them.

Another parking firm NCP were called in to help return the abandoned cars with their owners, and said three Pink Meet And Greet clients had come asking for their cars, but they had no record of them.

A Gatwick source said today: "Three people turned up expecting to have these cars, but there was no record of them at all.

"They have been reported to police because it may well be that these cars have been stolen.

"When this company decided they were going to go out of business, someone might have thought they would just go home with one of the cars.

"The ones that have been reported missing are all expensive - all three are top of the range.

"Two of their customers also said they left their house keys with the company. They were on the keyring when they handed their car keys over to them to be valet parked.

"It's very worrying because the kind of people who would think nothing of stealing your car, would also not think twice of taking a look around your house and walking off with a plasma TV or a computer.

"This just shows the danger of trusting your car to unlicensed firms."

Pink Meet And Greet hit the headlines last month after BBC consumer show Watchdog exposed its staff damaging cars and joyriding in them while they were supposed to be securely parked.

Surrey County Council's trading standards department received several complaints that an airport parking company was not parking consumer's cars in a secure compound as it advertised. Instead, cars were being parked on the street.

Spokesman Simon Eden said: "We can confirm that three cars have gone missing after they were left with Pink Meet and Greet and are presumed stolen. The matter is now in the hands of the police."

Officers launched a probe and Pink Meet And Greet Ltd company director Steve Kittle, then told them the company had stopped trading.

Customers of the unlicensed firm were being directed to the NCP Valet building, who say they have now reunited most customers with their vehicles.

NCP Spokesman Tim Cowen said: "We have now reunited something like 40 customers with their cars, which amounts to most of them.

"We have been approached by three car owners who said they had left their cars with Pink Meet And Greet, but we have no record of them and have passed their details on to police."

Source: Life Style Extra

www.Parctel.com: Senior management at Liverpool John Lennon Airport went back to the classroom today as a new Customer Services Training initiative was launched in conjunction with the Liverpool Culture Company.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has joined forces with the Liverpool Welcome team to provide the Airport Community with customer service training in a bid to support Liverpool's aim to become 'the friendliest and most welcoming city in Europe'.

To help deliver this aim each employee at JLA will attend a half a day workshop in order to gain an understanding of the European Capital Culture and what to expect during 2008, learn what's on offer in the city and to enhance their customer service skills.

Andy Gower, Airport Director at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said: “JLA is now a 5 million passenger per year Airport and as a gateway to the European Capital of Culture high customer service standards at the Airport are essential and the launch of this focused training demonstrates our commitment. First and last impressions speak volumes and that's why the Airport Community is working alongside the Culture Company to make sure Airport users receive the right level of service. We aim to provide the best service possible to our visitors in the run up to and during 2008.”

Neil Peterson, Head of Liverpool Welcome at Liverpool Culture Company, added: “JLA sees thousands of visitors pass through its door every day, so their staff play a crucial role in establishing the city's reputation. We are delighted that JLA is dedicated to working with us on this initiative - as the airport has a huge impact on the first and last impressions people have of Liverpool. We've also provided customer service training for staff at Merseytravel and John Lewis and will be working with more key businesses to ensure visitors receive a customer service to equal the city's world class cultural offer.”

Between two and three sessions will take place each week from today until the end of the year which all staff will have the opportunity to attend. Each workshop will involve group discussion, presentations and role-play.

www.Parctel.com: Peel, owners of Mersey Docks & Harbour Company and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, today unveiled plans for one of the largest regeneration schemes in the country.

The visionary scheme will see Liverpool become one side of the ocean gateway to the North West, an international waterside destination to rival cities such as Dubai, Vancouver, New York and Shanghai.

Following on from their announcement last September that the Wirral waterfront will be transformed with a massive £4.5 billion waterside redevelopment scheme, Director of Development Lindsey Ashworth announced that a scheme of equal importance and magnificence will be developed along the Liverpool waterfront.

Liverpool Waters will see a £5.5 billion investment in a 150 acre site that stretches from Princes Dock in the South to Bramley Moore Dock in the North.

The 21 million square foot scheme will see the creation of a world class mixed use iconic development of over 50 buildings, many over 50 storeys high. Each building will be individually designed by leading architects from around the world to ensure a mix of iconic styles that will really put Liverpool on the map, bringing with it a massive increase in the number of tourists, tens of thousands of new jobs and inward investment to the area.

A couple whose car was damaged when they left it at Gatwick Airport are still fighting compensation 10 months later.

Stephen Clarkson, 37 and Rachel Cox, 38, thought their Rover 25 was safe as they jetted off to Florida in May 2006 when they left it with Ace Car Parking Solutions.

The couple, of Maple Court, Worthing, returned to find their car with £800 worth of damage.

Mr Clarkson said: "We got the car back and there was damaged to the bumper on driver's side, a wing mirror was smashed and there were a couple of scraps and scratches on the car. Needless to say we weren't very happy.

"So far we have had no luck at all with Ace Car Parking Solutions. We had to get three different quotes for the repair but they refused each one. They wanted to put our car through their own garage for repair but we didn't trust them after the last time they had our car."

Miss Fox said: "I was very upset because we had just come off a very long flight and we had to wait for them to to bring our car out. They said they would investigate and get back to us but they never did. We had to chase them through letters and phone calls.

"After giving us the runaround we decided to get the car repaired through our insurance company because we weren't getting anywhere and we wanted the car repaired.

"As a result I have lost my £200 excess because they won't pay and our insurers are out of pocket."

The couple said the holiday went really well, apart from some car trouble when they rented a hire vehicle.

Miss Fox has instructed solicitors over the wrangle.

Stan Wells, a director of Ace Car Parking Solutions, said: "In July we offered the couple to put their vehicle right in our own repair shop and they refused. Customers are important to us but unfortunately cars can get damaged accidentally from time to time.

"We do bend over backwards to put that right on the rare occasions it does happen. We are dedicated to giving customers a first class service."

Source: The Argus

www.Parctel.com: Just a little bit of commonsense will help you understand the different pricing structures in Airport Parking.

Consider the following terms:

• Undercover Parking
• Open Air Parking
• Short Term Parking
• Long Term Parking

Most Airport Parking falls into the above broad categories. You will get the most cost effective airport parking rates if you park in an open air long term parking lot. The closer you are to the terminal buildings and the shorter your vehicle's stay in the parking lot the more expensive your parking becomes.

This lesson in economics has not gone unnoticed by the airport companies who have now also introduced Undercover Terminal Parking in high rise parking facilities, allowing you to almost step out of your vehicle and straight into the terminal.

One other option in this equation is Meet and Greet or Valet Parking as it is known in the USA. Here a driver will meet you at the terminal curbside and take you car to a secure parking lot. Make sure that the parking lot is secure before you hand over your keys. Once again distance from the airport is the deciding factor in the cost of such parking. The basic rule of thumb is that the further the facility is away from the airport the cheaper the parking.

You could always Hire a Chauffer to take you to the airport or if you are really concerned about your Rolls Royce in any of the Airport Parking options, just park it in the closest disabled parking spot to the terminal that you can find - the local police will look after it very well in anticipation of collecting the fine from you when you get back. :-)

If you travel by air, you know it can get pretty expensive, but now it could get even more costly at Harrisburg International Airport.

Airplanes may not be the only things going up at HIA, the airport recently increased its parking rates.

The airport is already in a court battle with Middletown Area School District which wants to add a 10% tax on the airport's parking revenues, but now Lower Swatara Township says it wants to do the same thing.

The airport says it's already difficult to compete with other airports like BWI and Philadelphia, and raising the parking rate by 20% won't help.

Airport authority officials say they hope all three parties can sit down and reach some type of compromise.

Source: WHPTV

What is it with the customer service at the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport parking area? The golf cart only holds two people and the John Deere trailer is good for only a small amount of luggage. The walk is quite far at the moment and I have seen several disabled people trudging through the maze to the terminal. If you arrive on a late flight the golf cart isn't even available, and on top of that you have to follow a difficult, poorly marked maze in less than adequate lighting. Can you say "safety issue?" I have heard that even this minimum service will be shortly discontinued. What gives? I'm sure this will improve when the new terminal is finished, but doesn't the management care about its customers until then?

-- Mike W., Ashland

The airport certainly has changed a lot lately, Mike, but they certainly love each and every one of their customers.

If you're an infrequent traveler, the changes probably seem even more confusing. However, airport Director Bern Case said that compared to last fall, the walkways and parking area are much improved. He said access to the terminal meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Case said he was a little surprised by your comments. "This is the first complaint I've heard in a while," he said. Most people generally like the golf cart shuttle service, he said. "It's easy to get in and out of."

Golf cart drivers are even offered tips, he said, but because they are county workers they can't take them. Case said the airport won't continue to operate the golf cart 24 hours a day as the weather improves. The parking area and access to the terminal will remain the same for the next 18 months as the new terminal is built, which should make it less confusing for passengers.

Case said he does occasionally see passengers having difficulty making their way to the terminal. Just the other day, he saw an elderly man struggling, so he drove him in his own car.

Source: Mail Tribune

A passenger stopped by security staff at an international airport was found to have two chameleons in her pockets.

The four-inch creatures were taken from the woman at Stansted airport in Essex and she was allowed to travel on.

The reptiles, handed over to the RSPCA, are now being cared for at an animal centre near Braintree in Essex.

Stansted spokesman Nick Cole said: "It is very unusual to find live chameleons but in the past we have had cats, dogs and a tarantula spider."

Source: BBC

Eds Note: Stansted Airport staff deny reports that the chameleons were named Boy and George.

A couple of years back two guys have wasted their time at airports, in this case, London’s Heathrow, by writing down strange names and asking the airport Information Center to locate these people by calling out their names on the airport’s PA system. These guys would then hang out beneath the speakers and record the results.

In order to make it as believable as possible, they dressed up as chauffeurs and asked for help finding these people about 40 minutes after a Thai Airways or Air India flight had landed.

They acted as if they could not pronounce the names themselves, so as not to reveal the joke, but just handed over a note with the names printed on it and asked the employ at the Information Center.

After the fifth recording, they had to leave Heathrow as airport security figured out what was going on. The last recording is from Gatwick.

Listen to the recordings HERE.

Picking up on the deployment of the Rapiscan at London Heathrow Airport according to the Ponderlings blog around 94% of people are opting for the the Rapiscan in preference to the pat down:

Apparently this hyper sensitive, shameless X-ray machine has been used in airports since 2002. It allows security officials to look through the clothing of airline passengers for non-metal weapons. Measures have been made in the United States for a more "private" image which is, according to the report, nothing more than a chalkline image. In London's Heathrow Airport, it is apparently far less modest, however 94% opted for the x-ray rather than a pat down.

Tell us on your blog or comment here.

Read the story here.

POLICE were today investigating a fake passport scam operating on a "notorious" flight out of Birmingham Airport.

Scores of passport crooks trying to leave Britain with fake documents are said to be targeting one particular route out of the city.

West Midlands Police confirmed they were monitoring Air India's service from Birmingham to Toronto in Canada after a court case spotlighted the racket.

The probe comes on the day Home Office minister Liam Byrne announced a £100 million crackdown on illegal immigration.

The Hodge Hill MP is vowing to increase the number of people deported each year, currently running at 60,000, with a range of stringent new measures to crack down on illegal human 'trafficking'.

The Birmingham to Toronto route is so notorious that police have even produced pre-prepared witness statements to cut the time officers spent on each case.

The passport loophole was highlighted by Judge Marten Coates at Warwick Crown Court as he jailed an illegal immigrant for nine months for trying to board the flight with a stolen British passport.

Indian-born Harjit Singh, 25, of no fixed address, paid £2,000 for the document but was rumbled as he tried to check in. The judge said police had produced a "pro-forma" witness statement specifically for the flight.

West Midlands Police confirmed officers were aware of problems surrounding the flight.

A spokeswoman said: "We have been made aware of this issue and are monitoring the situation alongside Birmingham International Airport."

Air India officials insisted they had stringent check-in procedures and no passengers had been allowed to board the service with fake or stolen passports.

The Home Office said immigration officials did not routinely check the passports of travellers leaving Britain but airport spokesman John Morris said several agencies including the police and special branch officers scrutinised passengers' documents.

Air India said it was the only carrier flying between Birmingham and Toronto.

"There have been four cases in the past year and our security caught them all and they were not allowed to board," a spokesman said.

Singh worked at a farm in Evesham, Worcestershire, before trying to board the flight on January 21.

His UK passport, in the name of Shamus Hussain, was found to be false. Investigations revealed it had been stolen and Singh's photograph placed inside.

Singh admitted he had lived in Britain illegally since 1998 and paid for the false passport so he could reach Canada.

Source: Birmingham Mail

A survey by Holiday Which? found that flying could be cheaper than taking the train. Richard Harris tries some comparisons to see if this can be true.

TRAINS are more expensive than planes when it comes to travelling around the country according to a new report - but is this really true?

A survey conducted by Holiday Which magazine in November and December last year found that for three different long-distance journeys, airlines offered cheaper tickets and quicker journeys.

The Press found similar results yesterday, but not for probably the most popular long-distance route in the area, which is York to London King's Cross.

For this journey, the train was easily the quickest and the cheapest. Having booked yesterday and left this morning on GNER at 8am, one would be in London by 9.45am having paid a single ticket price of £88.50.

To fly one would have to catch the 6.55am flybmi plane from Leeds/Bradford arriving at Heathrow at 8.15am. But this would cost £167 for a one-way journey and passengers have to factor in the cost and time of getting to the airport - £12 on First York's shuttle bus and a 55- minute journey.
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But for people living in cities which have airports, the plane can be cheaper - and certainly faster - than the train.

We asked easyJet and GNER how much it would be to travel from Edinburgh to London at about 8.30am today on a single ticket.

Flying out at 8.30am and arriving at Gatwick at 10am, the price with easyJet, including tax, would have been £49.99.

But leaving Edinburgh train station with GNER at 8am and arriving at 12.42pm the best price on the ticket line was £97.20 - almost double the cost of flying. Even if one includes the £3.50 connection to Edinburgh airport and the £14.90 Gatwick to Victoria shuttle, the cost is still cheaper for the plane.

In comparison, National Express quoted a price of £31. But this would have meant leaving Edinburgh at 6.45am and not arriving in London until 6pm.

For an unusual route such as York to Southampton, the plane is far quicker and only works out £22 more expensive - and that includes the price of First York's shuttle service to Leeds/Bradford airport.

Travelling by GNER on a single standard ticket and leaving York at 8.34am, the price would be £113.50, arriving in Southampton at 1.14pm.

But if passengers caught First York's 7am shuttle bus they could board the 8.50am flybe.com flight to Southampton at 8.50am and arrive at 9.55am for a total cost of £135.99.

The report in Holiday Which had other examples which showed that for people wanting a return journey from Manchester to Exeter it could cost as little as £59.68 by plane, £87.30 by train and £57 by coach.

Similar results were found for return journeys between London and Glasgow and between Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Researchers also found that the cheapest advertised rail fares, which have to be booked n advance, were often unavailable and that the range of tickets was confusing. It was also discovered that sometimes it is cheaper to buy two tickets for a journey so passengers can take advantage of off-peak fares, if only part of their journey will be taken during peak times.

A spokesman for Holiday Which said: "Our research found trains are the most expensive way to get around the country - it's important to try and book early so you can take advantage of cheap deals.

"Look at prices carefully when you buy your ticket, though, as sometimes you won't necessarily be offered the lowest price; for example two singles tickets are often cheaper than a return."

RAIL
HOLIDAY Which may have claimed planes are cheaper than trains, but GNER insists the research is flawed. A spokesman for the company said the report fails to include domestic air passenger duty which adds £20 to every journey.

He said: "We carry millions of passengers every year on our lowest fares and we are very competitive with other modes of transport because we need to work hard to attract every passenger we carry."

The spokesman said for the Edinburgh to London example used by The Press, the train ticket quoted is valid on any train that day while the same flexibility with easyJet would cost £205.

In addition, GNER runs 36 trains a day between the two capital cities while easyJet has just four flights.

He said: "We think we're very competitive when you add in total cost and total journey time on the domestic routes that we run.

"Also you have to bear in mind the environmental benefits of rail in terms of emissions. It's a cleaner and greener way to travel."

He added that, for the Leeds to London route, rail travel has a 90 per cent share of the market while air travel only accounts for ten per cent.

AIR
ROGER Wiltshire, general secretary of the British Air Transport Association (BATA), said the reason why air travel is so cheap at the moment is due to greater efficiency.

He said: "It's not just efficient companies that we've got, the aircraft are more efficient than they were. Airlines are filling the aircraft up - the load factors on planes tend to be higher."

He said if trains and planes were considered across the whole day, planes on average would be fuller while at off-peak times trains tend to be quieter.

He said in turn this leads to special deals as airlines want to fill up their aircraft. These deals particularly benefit passengers who are flexible and who can book in advance, because airlines want to know well before that flights will not be half empty when they take off.

Mr Wiltshire said another factor in the low cost of flights today is the competitiveness of the market. Whereas railways often have single operators airports have different operators flying out of them. The prevalence of airports also means passengers can shop around for the very best deals.

But he did not believe air fares would drop in the future, although they could become cheaper in real terms. He said there is likely to be greater expenses for airlines due to increased security and environmental taxes.

He also said it was impossible to know what the cost of aviation fuel would be in a few years time, although he added that more modern planes would be developed with greater fuel efficiency.

ROAD
A SPOKESWOMAN for National Express said journeys are not just about travelling time and the company is improving its coaches to make them more comfortable and user-friendly.

She said: "It's not just a case of a journey takes x amount of time. We're making a lot of improvements to change the spirit of the journey as well.

"We've got wi fi and we're introducing leather seats.

"There's so many different audiences that we can target with our prices. It's not just for students who are looking for cheaper travel - it's also for commuters."

Rachael Clegg asks people on the streets of York what they think about the cost of travelling by train
Kellie Pritchett, 19, student, York St John University:
"I travel to Hull and it costs me nearly £16 one way, which I think is too expensive as it's not that far away. It would cost me the same amount of money to travel by car."

Laura Davis, 28, student, York St John University:
"It costs £9.20 to go to Doncaster, which is expensive considering it's only one stop away. It is too expensive to travel by train and much cheaper - for me anyway - to travel by car."

Maria Goulding, 56, retired part-time lecturer at the University of York:
"I travel from Durham and although the university pay for my travel, I think it is very expensive. I get the train to work because it would take too long to drive from Durham. It cost me £19.80 for a cheap day return. Prices vary so much, the other day it cost me £49, but other days it could cost £200. I travel by plane when I am travelling to Southampton as it would take too long by train and it only takes about an hour on the plane."

Vikki Towney, 39, civil servant:
"It don't think trains are too expensive. I have a family card and travel quite cheaply. Trains are environmentally friendly way of travelling as well and I like to think of myself as being green. When you are on the train you can have a cup of tea and it's child-friendly. I wouldn't fly anywhere in this country because I'd have to get a bus and a train to get to the airport anyway."

Source: The Press

Great blog post on The Levee Breaks blog:

Are You An EasyJet Speedy Boarding Tosser?
Picture the scene: we’re sitting in the departure lounge at Gatwick airport this afternoon waiting for the EasyJet flight back to Aldergrove. Over the tannoy the flight was announced, and before parents travelling with children or people with special needs, purchasers of EasyJet Speedy Boarding were called.

And a small handful of self-important looking business people shuffled to the desk.

I couldn’t help but glare at them. It’s not normally my nature, but how self-involved are these people, who need to sit their fat arses down on a plane before the rest of us? Or do they purchase this to qualify the fact that they’re flying low-cost?

Anyway, the other boarding groups were called and Mrs L and I discovered that we were two of the three people in boarding group “C”. So, we dutifully dandered down the stairs out to the….airport bus, where all the other passengers were waiting. Including those speedy-boarding twats who paid an extra fiver to sit on a bus.

Ha ha ha!

Needless to say, we all ended up arriving at the plane at the same time. Not only that, the speedy board suckers sort of ended up at the back because the later passengers like us were already at the doors. So we got on the plane first more or less!

What a stunning way for EasyJet to screw extra money out of customers who need to think they’re better than everyone else.
My Advice To Speedy Boarding Customers

Don’t be such an arsehole. Buying speedy boarding makes you look like a dick and sends out a clear message to your fellow passengers about you! You’re not that important that you need to sit on a plane ten minutes before everyone else.

Are you the same kind of person who stampedes out of your seat when the plane lands, only to stand bent double while they roll the stairs up to the plane?

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Sex-slave gangs are making the UK their number one target

Women are being sold into prostitution in modern day "slave auctions" at Britain's airports, it emerged yesterday.

The illegal immigrants are sold to the highest bidder for up to £8,000 a time. They are then forced to work in brothels where they can earn up to £800 a day for their "owner".

The chilling reality of human trafficking was spelled out yesterday by senior police officers at Scotland Yard.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ponting, of the Metropolitan Police, said young women from all over the world are trafficked into Britain after being promised well-paid work in bars or cafes.

But within hours of their arrival, they are sold to pimps. The youngest known girl victim was just 14.

In one notorious case, women were openly sold outside a coffee shop at Gatwick Airport.

Officers believe women are frequently raped, locked in flats and given no money to prevent them from running away from their captors.

Mr Ponting said: "There is some intelligence to suggest that individuals are sold at locations close to airports. One woman could fetch between £6,000 and £8,000. She could then earn her buyer £800 a day. It is appalling.

"These traffickers are making huge amounts of money from it and that is what we are trying to break. It has become a market.

"You have to remember the trauma and difficulties associated with this crime. Many of these women are so traumatised that it is just inconceivable they would give evidence in a trial.

"These women have been held against their will, raped many times and their lives have been ruined. That is why the courts treat this offence so seriously."

Commander Sue Wilkinson, also of the Met, added: "This trafficking has been reported as modern day slavery. I would not argue with that."

Scotland Yard yesterday launched a dedicated human trafficking team.

The 11-strong unit will be based in the capital and will seek to smash the gangs who force immigrants into brothels and sweatshops.

Source: thisislondon.co.uk

TAMPA - About $1 million separated the top two companies vying to provide parking and shuttle services at Tampa International Airport, even though the ratings of both proposals were practically even.

On Thursday, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board did not go with the airport staff's recommendation to choose the current provider, Republic Parking System, which priced the five-year contract at $4.37 million. Instead, the board awarded the contract to Ampco System Parking, which offered to provide the same services for $3.34 million.

"There's such a small difference in the scoring, and there's a $1 million difference in the cost," said Mayor Pam Iorio, a member of the authority board. "They are statistically even."

John Levins, senior vice president of Republic, told the board that Ampco offered a significantly lower price because it underestimated the number of miles logged by the shuttle buses and the cost of maintenance.

"Our number is based on our experience here," Levins said.

The airport staff recommended Republic, whose proposal received a slightly higher rating. But Louis Miller, the airport's executive director, said both companies are capable of doing the job.

The contract runs from July 1 to June 30, 2012.

The board also authorized the airport to study and design a light rail system and rail station serving the airport terminal. The consulting firm of Parsons, Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas will perform the study at a cost of $430,700.

The light rail project would be part of a regional transit system for the Tampa Bay area.

"When the region adopts a regional transit system, we have to make sure we're ready," Miller said. "More importantly, we have to define what won't work."

The study will be completed in September, Miller said.

The decision to move forward with a study is a giant step toward building a comprehensive mass transit system for Tampa, Iorio said.

"It's the first tangible piece of planning we have," she said.

Source: Airport Business

Parking at University Park Airport is very limited, and is approaching capacity. Those who must drive to the airport this week should plan for delays, as they may be redirected to a remote parking area. Officials are encouraging those planning to leave University Park Airport this week to have someone drive them to the airport.

Source: Penn State Live

Comment from the Rossblog on Flybe taking over BA Connect and cancelling all flights from Bristol Airport:

It looks like our flights to Edinburgh in May have been cancelled due to FlyBe taking over BA Connect and cancelling all their flights from Bristol Airport. C*nts! Sorry about the language but we've got 12 people booked on the same flight. Every cloud though... EasyJet flights have plummeted since the last time we tried to book with them. And we should get a full refund. Bleedin' pain in the wotsit though ain't it?! How I didn't crack open a tinny I'll never know!!!

THE top boss at Bristol International Airport has tried to allay 'significant concerns' raised by councillors about its expansion plans.

Managing director Andrew Skipp says the airport's masterplan is 'well made' and any concerns can be ironed out when a full planning application is submitted.

The masterplan involves doubling the size of the existing terminal, building more than 8,000 car parking spaces and massively increasing the number of passengers at the site near Wrington.

At a full North Somerset Council meeting on February 20, councillors registered six 'significant concerns', which included traffic, parking, a lack of information about subsidised public transport services and the need to look at how the expansion will affect the environment and businesses in the area.

Mr Skipp said: "We have worked closely with the council throughout the masterplan to provide a level of information which it has agreed to. The masterplan carries no planning status and does not go into the level of detail that will be required within the final planning application.

"The additional detail the council has asked for will be addressed as part of the airport's planning application. The masterplan underlines the economic case for careful growth over the next decade.

"We remain confident that we have supplied suitably comprehensive information as is fitting for the plan, and that the case for our planned expansion to meet the obvious and growing demand from people to travel to and from our region, is well made."

However, Susan Pearson, a spokeswoman for the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion campaign, said: "North Somerset Council's strong message to BIA was very clear - that there are major concerns over aspects of the masterplan such as growth in road traffic, the impact on biodiversity, growth in noise and other pollution issues.

"Nearly 5,000 members of the public opposed the airport's plans in the public consultation held at the end of last year. Since BIA plans to double in size by 2030, and by 50 per cent by 2015, this development cannot be considered to be 'careful growth'. It is a major development that will have considerable impact on local communities.

"In calling for an independent assessment into the cost or benefit impact on local and regional businesses, it is clear that the council has not been satisfied of the economic case for expansion.

Source: The Weston Mercury

This video from the end of 2006, highlights the following facts:

• Heathrow Airport handles 64.3 million passengers per year.
• 1260 aircraft take off and land at Heathrow Airport daily.
• 184 000 passengers use Heathrow Airport daily.
• 85 airlines use Heathrow Airport to fly to over 180 destinations in 90 countries.
• Heathrow Airport employs over 71 000 people.
• 219 000 items of luggage are handled at Heathrow Airport daily.
• 35.5% of passengers travel to Heathrow Airport via Public Transport - good news for Airport Parking firms as that leaves 64.5% travelling via private transport.
• Since the opening of Heathrow Airport in 1946 1.35 Billion people have flown to and from Heathrow Airport.

www.Parctel.com: Monday the 5th March 2007 was the 71st anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire – the prototype K5054 taking to the skies on the 5th March 1936 from Eastleigh Aerodrome (now Southampton Airport). It was designed, of course, by Supermarine's finest designer – R. J. Michell.

Together with the Hawker Hurricane the Spitfire gave the RAF the air superiority that defeated the German Luftwaffa – just over four years later – in the Battle of Britain.

www.Parctel.com: The UK's leading airport parking and travel services provider, has expanded its already extensive portfolio of services by launching meet and greet parking at Newcastle Airport and Bristol International Airport, and an airport lounge facility at Norwich Airport.

The introduction of meet and greet at Newcastle Airport and Bristol International Airport will make it even more convenient for travellers flying out of the airport to drive and park. In addition, passengers flying from Norwich Airport now have the opportunity to start their holiday in comfort by relaxing in the airport lounge while waiting for their flights

A sample price for meet and greet including seven days parking is £54 at Newcastle Airport and £69 at Bristol International Airport. Airport lounge at Norwich airport is just £15 per person.

Click Here to Book

A PILOT on a transatlantic flight was forced to lock the cockpit door and divert to Manchester Airport after an air rage incident involving a German banker.

Passengers on board the Delta Airlines Boeing 767 had to restrain 51-year-old Bert Niepel after he lost his temper and threatened members of the flight crew.

Niepel had upgraded himself to a seat in the first class section of the flight from Berlin to New York and refused repeated requests for him to return to his seat in economy class.

He eventually pushed an air stewardess backwards to the floor as she served drinks and had to be restrained in his seat by other passengers, including a German Army soldier.

The Delta Airlines pilot was so concerned about the disturbance in the cabin he locked the cockpit door and diverted the plane to Manchester Airport.

Niepel, a banker from Berlin, was arrested after the plane landed in Manchester on Saturday afternoon.

He pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner towards the crew on board flight DL79 when he appeared before Trafford Magistrates' Court yesterday. Cabin crew member Michelle Vinole said in a statement she had seen Niepel looking around the first class cabin before take-off.

Economy

The aircraft had been in the air for 15 minutes when Niepel walked into the first class cabin and sat down in a vacant seat.

Members of the cabin crew asked him to return to economy class, but he refused.

The court was told first officer Douglas Smith went to speak to him and told him he must obey cabin crew instructions or they would land and he would be arrested. He said in a statement: "I warned him four times, but he refused to return."

He said Niepel had responded that he would pay for an upgrade and would "die" if he returned to economy class.

Miss Vinole was serving drinks a few minutes later when Niepel came up and pushed her backwards.

She fell onto the console between two seats and hurt her back. Niepel offered no apology but went and sat in first class again.

The stewardess said in a statement read out in court: "It's not acceptable for any passenger to use force against myself or anyone else."

The pilots became more concerned about Niepel's actions after they were told he had pushed a stewardess.

They locked themselves in the cockpit and decided to land at Manchester.

A German marine who was on board the aircraft was asked to sit near Niepel and keep watch while the pilots decided to divert to Manchester.

Clare Hughes, prosecuting, said: "They were so concerned about his actions that they decided to land as soon as possible."

But when the pilots announced over the public address system they were going to land because of an uncooperative passenger, Niepel got up out of his seat.

There was a brief struggle during which the marine and other passengers pushed Niepel to the floor. They got him into his seat and they restrained him until the aircraft landed at Manchester.

Police boarded the aircraft and arrested Niepel. He told officers: "Get your hands off me."

In an interview following his arrest, at 1pm on Saturday, he admitted raising his voice but denied assaulting the stewardess.

He said he had pushed past her in the aisle, causing her to fall to the floor.

He expressed remorse for his actions but felt he had been treated unfairly by the crew.

Niepel, who was helped in court by an interpreter, told magistrates he had moved to the front of the plane because he had a pain in his abdomen and needed more room.

He felt the crew had ignored his concerns, but added: "My behaviour was a little bit out of control, I would say."

Pains

The prosecution did not accept that he had stomach pains or that the cabin crew were ignoring him.

He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £70 costs.

Maira Sellars, chairman of the bench, said Niepel had intended to commit the offence and had caused alarm and distress for passengers and crew.

It is understood he was heading to New York to see a friend and was then due to travel to California.

A spokeswoman for Delta Airlines said the safety and security of passengers and crew was its "number one priority". She said the airline had zero tolerance towards disruptive passengers.

Source: Manchester Evening News

www.Parctel.com: In a recent survey conducted by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) London’s BAA Heathrow Airport was voted the most family-friendly international airport. Heathrow Airport garnered 24.6 percent of the votes. The airport offers special rooms for feeding and changing infants, as well as a variety of age-appropriate play areas. For older children, there’s a flight simulator game and arcade stations scattered throughout the airport. Younger children might enjoy the free coloring books and crayons that are dispensed at the information desks.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport came in second with an 18.4 percent share. Not surprising given the airport’s designated play areas featuring slides, wagons and Legos. Older children can test their memory with educational computer games or kick back with a little Nintendo. Frankfurt with its multiple play areas came in third with 8.3 percent.

London’s Gatwick Airport was ranked fourth. Like its neighbor, Heathrow, Gatwick offers several play areas and video arcades scattered throughout the terminals. In fifth place was Singapore’s Changi Airport’s whose Family Zone includes nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations and a washing area, as well as a playpen for toddlers and a corner where parents and children can watch cartoons.

Place that you only went to to catch a plane.

Not according to Ms Take's Blog; as she says:

This is a DANGEROUS place! Even Terminal 3, that I flew from yesterday, has a vast array of absolute must-have's. so I walked out of there with assorted goodies.

In her haul were such must have items as Thierry Mugler "Angel" perfume, Too Faced Lip Injection, Veuve Clicquot Travel Case, Victoria's Secret Mood scent, some scented candles and a 138 pounds later.

Whatever gets you up in the morning Ms Take.

EDINBURGH Airport has enjoyed a near-doubling in private jet usage over the past five years as time pressures and increased security for scheduled flights push more executives to use what was previously seen as an indulgence.

The number of private jet movements at BAA's three Scottish airports increased by 50% to 7,319 between 2001 and 2006, according to the airport operator.

Edinburgh saw the fastest increase with an 84% rise. It is the base for local business leaders such as Royal Bank of Scotland chief executive Fred Goodwin as well as visiting tycoons and dignitaries including Bill Gates and Prince Andrew.

Glasgow enjoyed a 35% rise in private jet landings over the period, but business at Aberdeen was flat despite a few recent visits from Donald Trump, the US property tycoon who plans to build a golf course near the city.

Private jet users can circumvent the usual lengthy security queues and fly directly to their chosen destination, a bonus in Scotland where journeys too often include a change at one of London's busy airports.

But the convenience comes at a price. A typical private operator would charge about £4,500 to fly from Edinburgh to Paris, compared to a British Airways business class fare of £500.

NetJets, the private jet company owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway group, recently revealed plans to set up a staffed base at Aberdeen airport. The company has licences to fly to 16 other Scottish airports including Islay and Edinburgh.

A NetJets spokesman said the rise in private jet usage had been prompted by concerns about falling service standards on budget and mainstream airlines, and the inconvenience of tightening security measures: "Every time an important individual gets stuck at a Scottish airport, he's thinking maybe I should be spending the extra money flying privately.

"Once, the private jet was what you would do if you were the kind of person who wasted money. Now because of the time savings involved it is the fiscal conservative who is using private jets."

Source: The Scotsman

www.Parctel.com: City and business leaders in the capital today hailed Edinburgh Airport’s growing international route network, as airport operator BAA unveiled its final 2007 schedule, which includes 13 new direct services.

BAA Edinburgh’s 2007 schedule features new destinations in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and Switzerland, taking the total number of destinations to more than 80 served by more than 40 airlines.

Among the new routes from Edinburgh for 2007 are five new services operated by easyJet to Madrid, Munich, Milan, Dortmund and Palma. Flyglobespan will start a new transatlantic schedule service to Toronto’s Hamilton Airport in May. BMI’s new service to Zurich starts at the end of March and Norwegian Air Shuttle’s service to Oslo begins in April.

Managing Director of Edinburgh Airport, Richard Jeffrey, said: “We listen to what our passengers tell us and we know there is a real desire for people to be able to fly direct from their local airport. That is why I am proud that, with an extra 1.3 million seats on offer this summer, our passengers will have more choice and more flexibility than ever before in flying direct from Edinburgh.

“Our international route network sits at the heart of our country’s economy by strengthening business links and attracting visitors from across the world. For Edinburgh, a city massively dependent on tourism and financial services, the international connectivity provided by the airport keeps the city competitive on the world stage.

“Our focus is to provide an airport that continues to meet the demands of an ever increasing number of passengers and, as always, safety, security and service are our key priorities. Our multi-million pounds investment in security will keep queues and waiting times as low as possible. We will see new food outlets opening soon, giving more choice than ever before. We are also investing in additional aircraft stands to help accommodate extra planes. This is an exciting time at Edinburgh Airport and all of us are looking forward to meeting the challenge that will come with record numbers of passengers.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Councillor Ewan Aitken commented: "Airports are increasingly catalysts for economic growth. A strong, successful nation requires its capital city to act as its gateway for business, tourism and investment. It is no coincidence that Edinburgh's transformation into a world-class city of growing international significance has coincided with the rapid expansion of international routes directly serviced from Edinburgh Airport. The 13 new services that BAA Edinburgh has announced will come on stream during 2007 will further propel Edinburgh's reputation as a place to do business."

"I am also pleased that, in a world increasingly concerned with climate change, BAA Edinburgh is proactively introducing measures to protect the environment, to reduce carbon emissions and to ensure that our economy is not grown at the expense of our climate."

Scottish Council for Development and Industry Chief Executive Alan Wilson added: "Connectivity is crucial to the success of the Scottish economy. The major expansion in direct services from Edinburgh to other international financial and industrial centres will be of great benefit to many businesses.

"Whenever you visit Edinburgh Airport, you cannot fail to be impressed by the significant investment in new, modern facilities. These are not only helping to attract aircraft operators, they are providing employment opportunities in the regional economy and a high quality gateway to Scotland for tourists and global industries."

www.Parctel.com: International stars Brian Blessed and Sean Bean have been back to their Yorkshire roots to unveil a statue of fellow great British icon, Robin Hood at Britain’s newest Airport.

In a celebratory event to mark the success of Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield since it launched in 2005, the homegrown stars (Brian is from Doncaster and Sean from Sheffield) revealed the 10ft bronze statue at an official ceremony at the Airport on Wednesday (28 February 2007).

Sculpted by bronze specialist Neale Andrew, the statue is situated on the first floor for all passengers travelling through the Airport to see.

David Ryall, managing director, Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield said:
“Both Sean and Brian are proud of their Yorkshire roots and remain committed to the ongoing development of the region, so we were delighted that they were able to mark this occasion with us.”

Since opening in 2005, the Airport (part of the Peel Airports Group) has welcomed 1.68 million passengers through its doors. Serving a huge catchment area, including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, North Nottinghamshire and further afield, Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield has opened the region to new inbound tourists and business travellers from across the globe.

Neil Pakey, chief executive of Robin Hood Airport’s operators Peel Airports Group said:
“When we were choosing the name of the airport, we were amazed to learn of the real Robin Hood story and of how the band of outlaws first laid siege to the castles of Yorkshire before moving into North Nottinghamshire. The work of historian David Greenwood deserves great attention and the airport site is truly the epicentre of all things Robin Hood”.

Neil continued, “The statue, based on paintings from the time now adorning the walls of the church of St Peter and St Paul’s in Pickering, North Yorkshire, is as close as you can get to how Robin appeared at the time. We are delighted the image of how Robin Hood appeared is now available for all to see here at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield”.

Having started out with just a handful of operators – Thomsonfly and Ryanair being the largest – the airport now plays host to numerous operators, flying to 45 destinations, with new and exciting long haul destinations being added on a regular basis. Later this year, new routes to Canada and Pakistan will open.

Terry Hodgkinson, chair of Yorkshire Forward said:
“With the second longest runway in the North of England, Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield is a key addition to the region’s transport offering, bringing the number of international airports in the region to three. The regional economy is worth £75 billion, demonstrating the region’s capacity for global business and highlighting that with its geographical location at the centre of the UK, its ports network and international airports, Yorkshire and Humber is the ideal location for global business.”

Robin Hood Airport is committed to being a responsible airport and in conjunction with South Yorkshire Forest gives passengers the opportunity to contribute to their local environment and take a step towards offsetting the carbon emissions from their flight.

The new initiative known as ‘Last Call!’ provides passengers with the opportunity to contribute to their local environment before or after taking a flight from Robin Hood Airport by helping to plant trees in the nearby South Yorkshire Forest.

Peel is the first Airport group to take on a carbon emissions offsetting scheme of this scale.

www.Parctel.com: Love is in the air today especially for one lucky passenger who triggered celebrations at Liverpool John Lennon Airport by helping it become a 5 million passenger per year Airport. Having just arrived at JLA onboard easyJet's morning flight from Paris, Ms Bour Laurence was just about to reclaim her luggage when Airport staff surprised her and informed her that she had just helped the Airport break through the 5 million passenger per year mark.

Arriving on Merseyside for three months of studies at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, Medical Student Ms Bour Laurence, 21, accompanied by her fellow student Mr Martineau Aurelien, 22, both from Angers, near Nantes was presented with a pair of return flights courtesy of easyJet and two nights accommodation and meal for two, courtesy of The Capital of Culture Company to return to the City during the 08 celebrations next year.

The Airport just missed reaching this milestone at the end of 2006, rounding off another record year for staff at JLA with just under 5 million passengers choosing to use the Airport representing a 13% increase in passenger business compared to 2005 with over half a million additional passengers using Liverpool.

Once again this continued growth can be largely attributed to the increase in the number of destinations available from Liverpool with a total of 28 new services introduced by a number of airlines over the past 12 months.

Highlights include Ryanair's dramatic expansion at Liverpool, having introduced 21 new services over the past year taking their total to 35 destinations served from Liverpool and carrying some 1.9 million passengers - 61% more than in the previous 12 month period.

easyJet continue to be JLA's largest customer carrying some 2.3 million passengers with new services in 2006 to Marseille, Krakow, Mahon and Faro, whilst Wizz Air carried 74,000 more passengers last year on their successful services to Warsaw, Katowice and Gdansk.

Katie Stitson, easyJet Marketing Manager for Liverpool, said: “easyJet is delighted to have carried the 5 millionth passenger from Paris to Liverpool John Lennon Airport today. easyJet is the largest airline in Liverpool and has carried over 15 million passengers from its North-West base since it began operations in 1997. Later this year easyJet is looking forward to celebrating its 10th Birthday at JLA and next year will bring millions of visitors to Liverpool as it celebrates its status as the European Capital of Culture in 2008.”

Neil Pakey, Chief Executive of Peel Airports, commented: "I'm delighted to say that JLA is now a 5 million passenger per year airport. This is a tremendous achievement for all the staff here at the Airport who worked hard to reach this milestone. We have continued to work with the airlines to develop new routes and new business to enable JLA to offer more in the way of choice to its passengers.

“This is also a great success for the region as visitors from across Europe have had more opportunity to visit the region by flying direct to Liverpool. We are now less than 11 months away from the City's Capital of Culture celebrations and with all these new cities and regions linked by air with Liverpool we are better placed than ever before to attract visitors to this great region.

"Looking ahead, 2007 will see some further significant milestones for the Airport, none more so than the important New York JFK service that starts in May and I am confident that by the start of 2008 even more new services will have been announced."

Council Leader Warren Bradley, said:

''JLA's growth is one of the great success stories of Liverpool's renaissance and a sign post to the city's long term future prosperity. Thanks to the billions being invested in new hotels, the arena or Liverpool One and the triple whammy of World Heritage status, our 800th birthday and 2008 European Capital of Culture, Liverpool is on the lips of every major tourist operator. Let's face it, tourists in Liverpool are spoilt for choice when it comes to culture, heritage and nightlife and the quality of that experience is only going to get better. And thanks to the support of Ryanair and easyJet and the upcoming New York link, the only way is up for both JLA and Liverpool.''

UNIONS today warned Glasgow Airport could be hit by strikes after British Airways said it wanted to transfer hundreds of its ground workers to a private firm.

BA said it was in talks to transfer some of its ground handling operations at Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Manchester airports to Aviance UK in a move that would affect 730 jobs.

But the announcement provoked an angry response from unions.
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One leader said: "There could be strike action. We cannot rule it out. Today's announcement has provoked a lot of anger among our members."

BA say 160 workers at Glasgow Airport - most in customer services, such as check-in duties - would be affected, along with 273 at Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The planned switch to Aviance was announced after BA paid no-frills rival Flybe more than £100million to take ownership of loss-making regional subsidiary BA Connect. As a result, BA's ground handing services will be slashed 40%.

Ian King, negotiator for the GMB union, was in talks with airline bosses today after flying from Glasgow to Heathrow for an emergency meeting.

A GMB spokeswoman said: "This is clearly part of a major exercise by BA to withdraw from the regions and to solely operate out of Heathrow. We could end up with Heathrow Airways rather than British Airways."

BA has started a 90-day consultation on the plan. If a deal with Aviance goes ahead all staff will have existing pay and conditions protected under European work regulations.

Staff who refuse to switch employer will be offered an alternative BA job or a severance deal.

Geoff Want, who is in charge of BA's ground operations, said: "Our review has shown we can no longer sustain in-house ground handling at these airports. We need a cost-effective operation."

Source: Evening Times

www.Parctel.com: According to an internal memo circulated this year by a top official at Austin-Bergstrom Airport, the city's Aviation Department opposed expanding the perks after finding that some unnamed elected leaders were overstaying their welcome.

"Due to capacity issues in the garage and instances of abuse by a few members who use the garage as a long-term storage facility for their vehicles, the Aviation Department would prefer that access, if any, granted to state officials be reduced, if not entirely eliminated," said David Petersen, the airport's top lawyer.

A 59-year-old man sought in connection with an attack in Victorville that left his girlfriend unconscious was arrested in the Ventura County city of Santa Paula, authorities said.

San Bernardino County sheriff's officials received a tip that Murray Dane Clegg was living in his motor home at the Santa Paula airport, sheriff's spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire said Sunday.

About 6:14 p.m. Saturday, Santa Paula police took Clegg into custody, said Senior Officer Ryan Smith.

Clegg was being held in the Victorville jail on suspicion of domestic violence and attempted murder, Wiltshire said.

Bail is set at $500,000 for Clegg, who is expected to be arraigned Tuesday, Wiltshire said.

San Bernardino County sheriff's officials in Victorville had sought Clegg since Thursday when it was reported that Clegg may have assaulted his girlfriend in the parking lot of the Southern California Logistics Airport.

An employee of the airport in Victorville found Clegg's girlfriend, whose name and age were not released, in the parking lot, authorities said.

The woman told sheriff's deputies that she and Clegg had been living in a motor home in the airport parking lot, according to sheriff's officials. The woman said Clegg hit her and put his hands around her neck and threatened to kill her, according to authorities.

The woman lost consciousness and woke up in the parking lot. Clegg and the motor home were gone, authorities said.

Wiltshire said a deputy from Victorville traveled Sunday to Santa Paula to confirm Clegg's identity and transport him to San Bernardino County.

Source: PE.com
Related Story: How to 'glamourise' airport parking

The following is an extract from Hasan Salim Patel's blog:

Along with two friends from Leicester we embarked on a short wee trip to Bonny Scotland for a long weekend, after being terrorised by the Police at Birmingham Airport who were confused that why would three Asian men wanted to a plane to Aberdeen? Soon after they realised that we were not terrorists, we were running to the sound of the tannoy which was shouting our names as we were late, we got to the plane where we were seated by a confused cabin staff who was not exactly versed in maths. On the plane there was supposed to be 65 passengers, but somehow one confused fool was on the wrong plane, which meant that the plane had 66 passengers. The cabin crew counted the numbers at least around 6 times, only when the poor passenger realised that this plane wasn't going to Edinburgh, did he in an embarrasing haze hurried out of the plane. Yet how did this guy get on the plane with a wrong ticket in the first place? Now imagine if my friends or myself were in that position, quite possibly I would have ended up writing the diaries of a prisoner by sharing a room with Peter Sutcliffe and Abu Hamza.

Maybe one day police will not be so jumpy and classify travellers according to their ethnic origin. Your dry wit will certainly help.

Bosses of an airport car parking firm tried to dump a box filled with hundreds of holidaymakers' car keys before doing a runner after going bust, it emerged today.

Gatwick-based Pink Meet And Greet, which hit the headlines last week after staff allegedly took clients' cars for high speed joyrides, left the huge headache of reuniting cars with their unsuspecting owners to airport staff.

The firm ceased trading after its staff were exposed by BBC consumer show Watchdog for damaging cars and joyriding in them while they were supposed to be securely parked.

Many of the firms' customers were unaware of the chaos as they were on holiday overseas.

A Gatwick source said today: "Pink Meet And Greet went to BAA at Gatwick last Thursday night and basically said 'we are out of business thanks to you lot' and tried to dump a big box of keys with them so they could bugger off.

"BAA said 'actually, we don't want to have anything to do with this'.

"There is going to be a lot of chaos with people returning from holiday. There are hundreds of cars involved, it's a real headache.

"They aren't sure which keys go with each car. In fact, they don't even know where the cars were parked.

"The valet parkers were using peoples' cars to go for races down the street and leaving them in a residential area and a builder's yard in nearby Horsham.

"We don't know when holidaymakers will turn up; if people are on long haul holidays they might not be coming back for another three weeks and will have no idea what has happened to their cars."

Last night BAA were frantically trying to sort out the chaos.

Another car parking firm, NCP, was called in to help return the dumped cars to their rightful owners.

NCP spokesman Tim Cowen said: "We were asked if we could help out and of course we are delighted to do whatever we can in an emergency situation such as this.

"Legitimate operators such as ourselves work very closely with our clients BAA to ensure that the car parking operation runs smoothly."

Mr Cowan added: "Unlicensed operators like this give the whole industry a bad name."

A man answering Pink Meet And Greet's emergency phone line said: "We're already working in conjunction with the police and trading standards."

He added: "I don't work for the company. I'm just doing this as a favour."

The firm's website further confused customers by stating it had 'seized' [sic] trading.

A statement posted on its website read: "Pink Meet And Greet has seized trading sorry for any inconvenience caused.

"Any refunds needed due to this matter, pink will advise via our website, when advice has been seeked."

A Surrey police spokesman said today: "The company no longer exists. There was a company that got up to all sorts of things with people's cars. All we know is that it is being dealt with by BAA.

"We are aware of the situation, but we've never had an official complaint so unless somebody makes a complaint we've got nothing to investigate."

However, Surrey County Council's trading standards department received several complaints that an airport parking company was not parking consumer's cars in a secure compound as it advertised. Instead, cars were being parked on the street.

The council said that following a probe by its trading standards officers Steve Kittle, a director of Pink Meet And Greet Ltd, had given a "written undertaking" promising that he will stop misleading customers.

The council said that Mr Kittle had advised them that no further bookings for airport parking would be taken and that the company has ceased trading.

Trading standards officer Peter Denard said: "Consumers are entitled to receive the service they are paying for.

"If a company advertises that cars are parked in a secure compound, an offence is committed if a company fails to do this. Consumers should be able to go on holiday with the comfort and knowledge that their car is in safe hands".

A BAA spokesman said: "Following the closure of Pink Meet And Greet, Gatwick Airport Ltd working in partnership with the West Sussex Trading Standards and Sussex Police have stepped in to ensure the remaining 34 vehicles, left at the organisations former base near Horsham, are returned to their owners.

"The collection of these vehicles was conducted in the presence of former representatives of Pink Meet And Greet, Gatwick Airport Ltd, NCP and the West Sussex Trading Standards.

"All parties agreed the condition, mileage, and fuel level of each vehicle, prior to signing the vehicle over to Gatwick Airport ’s Official Valet Operator, who then drove the vehicles to a secure parking area at the airport earlier today.

"Pink Meet & Greet’s returning customers will now be directed to the NCP Valet building, where on identification by the police they will be reunited with their vehicles.

"Customers concerned about their vehicle, or about Pink Meet And Greet should in the first instance try and make contact with the company directly."

He said customers with outstanding issues that they have been unable to resolve directly with Pink Meet And Greet should contact Trading Standards Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506.

Source: Life Style Extra
Related Stories: Airport car park workers raced at 100mph | Pink Meet and Greet Parking video on YouTube

Plans to treble the number of passengers flying from Luton Airport each year will make life miserable for people in South Beds, according to South West Beds MP Andrew Selous.

He has said that if the airport expands to cope with 30 million people taking flights every year it will cause huge noise issues, make traffic congestion even worse and create more pollution.

Mr Selous argues that improving the rail network around Europe would give families an affordable alternative to flying.

He said: "Rather than tax lower income families out of the skies, more plentiful, cheaper rail travel would enable people to holiday in Europe and travel on business without increasing the output of carbon.

"This makes sense locally for South West Bedfordshire, where some villages like Tebworth and Wingfield are already greatly affected by aircraft noise, as it does for the wider world.

"Thirty million passengers arriving at Luton Airport does not bear thinking about with our current inadequate transport infrastructure."

Mr Selous was told by the Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, that there's a big EU commitment to improving high speed rail links across the country.

Source: Bedford Today

BOSSES at York bus company First was hit by a technical hitch as its eagerly-anticipated airport shuttle bus broke down on day two.

First's new service between York city centre and Leeds-Bradford Airport began operating on Monday.

But the service ran into difficulties yesterday when the vehicle on the 11.40am return trip from the airport broke down at about noon.

There were only four passengers on the bus at the time, two Dutch students, The Press feature writer Charlotte Percival, who was trialling the service, and First service manager, Rosie Stewart.

Miss Percival said the bus started to rattle and vibrate before grinding to a halt about 20 minutes into its journey.

Ms Stewart said: "We have contingency plans in place for this kind of event and normally a bus would be sent out to transport passengers to their destination.

"In this case, because there were so few passengers on the bus, we arranged for them to be picked up by car and taken to their destinations."

The journey, which should have taken about 55 minutes, took an hour and 45 minutes to complete.

Peter Edwards, First commercial director, said: "It's early days and the buses were only delivered to the depot a few days ago.

"It's not uncommon for this kind of thing to happen.

"No other services were affected by this breakdown and Volvo were called out straight away to take a look at the bus, which has suffered some kind of mechanical fault."

Yesterday, The Press reported the new service had been welcomed by budget airline Jet2.com, which is based at the airport.

Gillian Cruddas, the city's tourism boss, hailed it as "one of the most exciting pieces of news we have had for years".

Mr Edwards said ticket prices included the cost of a local First bus service to get passengers from their home to the airport bus stop, near York's railway station.

Passengers booking on the internet will be charged £10 for a single ticket and £15 return.

The price of an e-ticket will include free bus travel to and from the York city centre terminus.

Passengers buying tickets on the coach will be charged £12 single and £17 return.

Source: The Press

Air safety investigators are checking claims that an aircraft dumped fuel over a Devon town after a series of complaints about acrid fumes.

Some Ottery St Mary people felt sick and the post sorting office was closed as people were overcome by the smell.

The town is five miles from Exeter Airport but no aircraft have reported dropping fuel.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said fuel dumping was rare and should be carried out over sea at high altitude.

Headache complaints

Lynn Swaffield-Williams said she was sickened by the smell on Wednesday morning, which she and other residents suspected was aeroplane fuel.

She said: "I had never smelt anything like it. It made me and my 10-year-old daughter feel really sick for a couple of hours."

Sub postmistress Sharon Fabry, who had to evacuate the building because of the smell, said: "Children were moaning about feeling ill and a couple of people said they could not get rid of headaches all day."

The CAA, which is checking aircraft logs, said it would be notified if any aircraft dumped fuel.

A spokesman said: "The only reason would be an emergency.

"If a plane is too heavy it cannot land safely."

Wales and West Gas, who checked the area, ruled out a gas leak.

A spokesman said: "In the past this has happened when aircraft have offloaded fuel before landing.

"If the winds are strong vapour can be carried inland resulting in a similar smell to gas."

Spokesmen at both Bristol and Exeter Airports said no aircraft had discharged fuel.

Source: BBC

www.Parctel.com: An Egyptian woman resident in the UK was fined £300 with £65 costs at Brentford Magistrates Court yesterday after pleading guilty to illegally importing over 83 kilos of meat and dairy products at Heathrow Airport.

John Whyte, Head of Revenue & Customs operations at Heathrow Airport said:
"Customs are determined to crack down on those who attempt to smuggle illegal foodstuffs and will prosecute the more serious offenders who insist on breaking the rules."

The court heard that 34 year-old Doaa Bahaa El Din HOSSNI KHALAF of 2 Cresta House, 133 Finchley Road, London, was stopped by Revenue & Customs Officers at Heathrow on Sunday 25 February 2007, after she arrived on a flight from Cairo. Hossni Khalaf, who was travelling with her three children, was stopped following a positive indication by a Customs sniffer dog. Officers searched her baggage and found 83.82 kilos of illegal meat and dairy products in four of her six suitcases.
Hossni Khalaf was arrested, questioned and subsequently charged with importing prohibited foodstuffs under current product of animal origin import regulations.

This case was successfully prosecuted by the Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office ( RCPO ). RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority that reports to the Attorney General, and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases in England and Wales.

KIND-hearted Glasgow Airport staff won praise for their community spirit in the I-Volunteer Awards, which celebrate the work of BAA staff.

The Glasgow team won two top awards - and £10,000 in prize money to continue their good work - at a London ceremony hosted by ex-TV newsman Martyn Lewis.

Airport security officer John McMillan took the Best Volunteering Team Award on behalf of Collective Airport Staff Helping. Security officer and counsellor Avril Henderson won the top award for the outstanding volunteer from across BAA's seven airports.

Source: Evening Times

An MSP faces being banned from Holyrood meetings for five days after being found guilty of issuing a press release ahead of an official committee report.

Independent MSP Brian Monteith had set out to highlight his disagreement with a committee's decision to back the Glasgow airport rail link.

However, Holyrood's standards commissioner said Mr Monteith had issued the information prematurely.

Lib Dem Mike Pringle was given a five day ban last year for a similar breach.

The decision to bar Mr Monteith was made by MSPs on Holyrood's Standards Committee, following an inquiry by standards commissioner Dr Jim Dyer.

The verdict, if endorsed by parliament, means he cannot attend committees or meetings of parliament for that period.

However, he will be permitted to do other work within the building, such as constituency tasks.

White elephant

Mr Monteith was a member of a Holyrood committee scrutinising the proposed Glasgow airport rail link.

The committee gave the scheme its backing but Mr Monteith disagreed and warned the scheme could become an "expensive white elephant".

The former Conservative had claimed his press release had been published prematurely because the media had broken an embargo.

However, Standards Committee convener Brian Adam told MSPs that an official had advised that no information should be issued, embargoed or otherwise.

The MSPs said he had broken two parts of the code - one relating to the confidentiality of committee reports and one requiring dissenting committee members to wait for publication of a report before going public with their dissent.

Source: BBC

www.Parctel.com: Eager jobseekers descended on Stansted Airport’s latest Jobsfair on the 1st March, an event that showcased some of the exciting opportunities on offer at the airport.

Careers in a range of airport services including cabin crew, customer service, catering and retail were on display at the event, held at the Hilton Hotel, and organised in partnership by BAA and Jobcentre Plus.

Valda Edmunds, Stansted Airport's community executive, said:

"Stansted currently employs more than 11,500 people in over 180 companies and is the biggest single site employer in the East of England. The Stansted Airport Jobsfair is an extremely successful event that showcases the diverse and exciting range of career opportunities that exist at a growing international airport.

“The high turn out for the Jobsfair clearly demonstrates that Stansted Airport is an attractive and desirable location for people to work, either taking the first steps on the work ladder or looking for a new career direction.”

One of the many benefits of working at Stansted Airport is the wide range of public transport discounts available to staff. The Airport Travel Card offers an attractive option for staff to use public transport, offering significant savings on standard rail, bus and coach fares. BAA also operates a very successful staff car share scheme, which is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Peter Willis, employer engagement manager at Jobcentre Plus, said:
"Jobcentre Plus has developed a great working relationship with BAA to support employers' recruitment needs with a Jobsfair. This event has been another great opportunity for jobseekers to meet potential employers and find out more about the wide range of jobs available and the benefits of working at the airport."

www.Parctel.com: Sian Willbourne is well known to the Terminal 5 (T5) project, she’s the leukaemia sufferer who in December 2005 had over 400 T5 workers queuing to join The Anthony Nolan Trust’s bone marrow register in the hope of saving her life or one of the thousands of other patients currently waiting to find a donor. Sadly, after over two years of waiting to find a suitable donor Sian still hasn’t found a match. To help recruit more lifesaving donors a second bone marrow donation day was organised on T5 last week and again hundreds of T5 workers joined the Anthony Nolan register.

Since being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in June 2005, 31-year-old Sian has taken the unusual step of raising awareness of the urgent need for more people aged 18-40 to join the bone marrow register. Sian has been working hard to raise awareness and has set a target of recruiting 1,000 donors to the bone marrow register.

As a result of the first bone marrow donation day, one T5 worker has actually donated bone marrow and become a lifesaver. Other workers who successfully made a donation will stay on the register until they are 60 as they could potentially provide a match for many other sufferers.

Sian Willbourne says: “I feel very optimistic that there will be a match for me soon. The benefit of coming to T5 is the hope that the hundreds of workers who have been involved will spread the word about how easy it is to save a life”.

Sian’s friend Sarah Waltho, project manager for Terminal 5, has been central to organising the donation days on site along with The Anthony Nolan Trust. Ideally bone marrow donors are healthy males, aged between 18 and 40 and as there is such a large concentration of men working on T5 it’s the perfect location.

Mike Evans, T5 Head of Health and Safety says: “There is a very genuine spirit of generosity on the Terminal 5 project which is evident by the sheer number of workers who have joined the bone marrow register in the hope that they may soon save someone’s life.”

“Sian has made a big impact on Terminal 5 and we hope to find a suitable match for her this time round. Meanwhile, the fact that a T5 worker has potentially saved a life as a result of our first blood donation day is fantastic news.”

Before making a donation workers were counselled by Antony Nolan Trust staff to ensure they fully understand what the donation process involves. T5’s own nurses then took a thimbleful of blood which was taken to a lab for tissue-typing. If a T5 worker is found to be a match they will be contacted by The Antony Nolan Trust and asked to donate their bone marrow..

Unfortunately Sian’s condition has deteriorated which meant she was unable to attend the donation day on Terminal 5. The entire project is hoping that one of the hundreds of donors that have recently joined will increase the chances for patients like Sian.

Sameer Vasta posted a few snippets of conversation that he overheard at Heathrow Airport on his blog, Eloquation. Here are a few of the choice ones:

“Wait, we’re going on a plane? I thought you said we were flying there?”

“Look honey, he’s using his computer here. I didn’t know computers worked at airports!”

“Is there a place to sleep here? Because my flight doesn’t leave for another 3 days.”

“This country is so backwards. I can’t even find a copy of the San Francisco Chronicle in this shop.”

“Hot pink pants aren’t for everyone, but that guy really pulls it off well.”

(Man about to approach departure gate, after checking in long ago.) “S**t, I forgot my luggage in the taxi.”

“Is there a bathroom here? Because I’m about to explode, and I know explosions are not allowed on planes.”

“I’m so glad I fly first class. The other people here are all so normal.”

“Do they have the AC on? It’s colder than Canada in this terminal!”

“Qantas is a wonderful airline. They let you get drunk on the plane for free.”

“Is this Starbucks owned by same man that owns the one in Hong Kong? I think he stole that man’s logo.”

“They shouldn’t have shops in an airport. People might buy stuff.”

“Why did I have to go through security? It’s not like I’m insecure or something.”

This observation from Chipen Dale's Blog:

I kissed the tarmac at Manchester Airport or as close to the tarmac as I could get. It was actually the floor of the arrivals lounge and it tasted of strong disinfectant that made my lips sting. I’m glad that I experienced America. It has taught me of a world that’s harsher and odder than the one I’ve known in North Wales. People are no stranger over there but with so many gathered together in one place, there’s much more chance that a group of the very oddest should gather together and take part in orgies for the sagging and hairless.

Come on Chip (or is it Dale?) - only the Pope can pull off that stunt with elan.

Nairobi - European cocaine habits are increasingly fed through African nations and the Kenyan capital is the major transit point for trafficking the drug by air, said the United Nations drug watchdog on Thursday.

"Cocaine is smuggled by air into Europe via cities in eastern Africa, mainly Nairobi," said the UN's International Narcotics Control Board in its 2006 annual report on drug-trafficking trends.

"Significant seizures of heroin" are regularly made at airports in Kenya, Mauritius, Ethiopia and Tanzania, said the report.

Police seized a 1.1-ton cache of cocaine in December 2004 with a street value of about $88m, one of Africa's biggest drug seizures to date.

Several Kenya Airways employees were caught soon after, smuggling the drug into London's Heathrow Airport, raising fears of how some of the cocaine had escaped from police custody.

Thursday's report said trafficking networks took advantage of the region's weak interdiction capacity and lack of officers trained to investigate narcotics.

Kenya's assistant minister of health, Dr Wilfred Machage, told a news conference: "A lack of adequate funds and specialists... is contributing to Kenya becoming a major route for heroin and cocaine trafficking."

Diplomats say corruption among police and customs agents makes Kenya an attractive destination for smugglers.

Source: News 24

Related: Backscatter X-Ray | Cocaine into Gatwick | Ban on Fluids | Manchester Airport Guard Arrested

www.Parctel.com: Macquarie Parking, is the largest provider of off-airport parking services in the United States, whose airport parking business operates 30 facilities in 20 major airports markets across the United States. Together these facilities cover more than 40,000 car parking spaces.

The latest Airport Parking Financials show good steady growth:

• Gross profit at the Company's airport parking business increased 45.0 percent to $21.4 million in 2006. The increase was driven, in part, by the full year contribution from new sites acquired in late 2005.
• Revenue at comparable locations increased 7.2 percent year over year and gross profit percentage increased to 27.9 percent from 25.44 percent.
• EBITDA increased by 45.3 percent over 2005. Adjusting for unrealized (non-cash) loss on interest rate hedges, EBITDA would have increased 52.6 percent.
• The increases reflect the ongoing execution of a strategy to increase average revenue per car out and average length of stay - up 10.0 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, year over year at comparable locations.
• Net income was reduced by a non-cash impairment charge of $23.5 million related to the write-down of trade name values as a result of the re-branding of the business as FastTrack Airport Parking.

* EBITDA - Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and
Amortization.

Macquarie Full Financial Results

With reference to a BBC story where staff at airport parking company, Pink Meet and Greet raced a customer's car at more than 100mph while they were meant to be looking after it, we found this Sky News Report uploaded to You Tube over FOUR months ago, which exposes some nefarious business activities by Pink Meet and Greet, who operate from Gatwick Airport:

Rather book with our recommended Airport Parking Firm

Pilots have started voting on strike action that could see flights from Gatwick airport disrupted.

The British Airline Pilots Association has taken the decision after a row broke out over working practices with the British Airways subsidiary GB Airways.

A spokesman for the union said: "We feel the company is not moving at all on our concerns.
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"GB Airways has failed to consult properly on the changes to working practices. We believe that these will place additional pressures on pilots and increase the likelihood of fatigue."

If the strike goes ahead, flights to up to 30 destinations across Europe and North Africa could be affected during the Easter holiday period.

A spokesman for GB Airways, a franchise of BA, said: "We are very disappointed by Balpa's threat of what would be completely unjustified industrial action. We are continuing discussions with union officials this week and believe a strike is not inevitable." The firm said the dispute was "simply" about car parking at Gatwick Airport, saying there were not enough car parking spaces at the head office for all staff. "Reporting to an airport location is the same as the majority of other airlines at Gatwick, as is taking the bus from the car park to crew report. This does not amount to a change in terms and conditions of employment. There are no other suitable locations in the area. "This move follows a lengthy and detailed consultation process with all staff affected. We have agreed to a number of changes to cushion any impact and have worked hard to make this transition as smooth as possible. "Balpa has created a worrying time for our customers and our staff. We hope they will grasp the opportunity to put aside threats of disruption and resolve their concerns through further dialogue."

Source: The Argus

A SECURITY guard at Manchester Airport has been arrested by police on suspicion of possessing drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine.

It is understood the man was arrested in a car park at the airport yesterday.

Detectives swooped as he arrived for work at about 6.30am.

He was questioned and later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Manchester Airport confirmed that a member of staff has been suspended from duty.

A spokesman for the airport said: "An employee was arrested by police yesterday morning.

"The employee concerned has been suspended from his duties with immediate effect, pending further internal investigation."

It is believed the guard works on one of the security gates that passengers go through before they board a plane.

Officers began an investigation after a tip-off and have seized substances suspected of being drugs, which have now been sent for forensic analysis.

Source: Manchester Evening News

Twelve South East councils representing two million people have joined forces to fight "the continued, unlimited growth" of Heathrow Airport.

The cross-party 2M Group will fight Government plans that it says could lead to a 50% increase in flights from the world's busiest international airport.

With members from the London Boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth, the boroughs of Slough, Spelthorne and Windsor and Maidenhead and South Bucks District Council, the group said the Government had understated the environmental impact of Heathrow's planned expansion.

Councillor Mary Rose Gliksten, leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council, said: "We formed this group to give a voice to the two million people affected by the Government's policy of uncontrolled expansion at Heathrow.

"We are not anti-Heathrow but we are concerned that the Government consistently understates the environmental impact of growth while cynically overplaying the benefits to the economy."

She added, "Over the coming months we can expect a succession of Government announcements that will each add to the numbers of flights using the airport.

"In time this could lead to a 50% increase in flight numbers which in turn can only mean more noise and worsening air quality."

A number of key announcements are expected in the early summer which would all add to capacity at Heathrow, including plans to end the practice of runway alternation which would allow aircraft to use both existing runways in parallel.

A BAA spokesperson said, "BAA welcomes a free and informed debate and looks forward to explaining the enormous economic contribution Heathrow makes towards the UK economy."

Source: 24Dash.com

www.Parctel.com: In the summer of 2008 you will be transported from the N3 Passenger Car Park to the new Heathrow Terminal 5 in an unmanned light rail vehicle - or ULTra (Urban Light Transport). ULTra has been developed to provide an alternative to buses and trains. The ULTra system is an innovative form of PRT (Personal Rapid Transit). It is a system of driverless automatic pods travelling at a speed of up to 25 mph on their own guide-way network, available on demand to passengers.

Heathrow Airport's planned driverless passenger transporter from Car Park to Terminal

ULTra is the product name that Advanced Transport Systems Ltd have given to their innovative transport solutions pod. ATS have started a work programme under contract to BAA which will lead to a Pilot operation at Heathrow. The planned route for the pilot is from the N3 passenger car park to the new Heathrow Terminal 5. The route requires 4.2 km of track including station loops, and 18 vehicles. The guideway will connect into the Multi Story Car Park at T5 to provide a station at the entrance to the Terminal. The system will open for carrying passengers in Summer 2008 following the opening of T5 in March 2008.

Interior detail of ULTra PRT - Heathrow Airport's planned driverless passenger transporter from Car Park to Terminal

ATS Ltd

WOMEN in Wakefield are being asked to ditch their bras and support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as part if its latest fundraising initiative.
The charity is collecting unwanted garments and turning them into much-needed cash by selling them on to customers in the UK and overseas, particularly West Africa.

Pam Lawrence, team leader for the Wakefield area fundraising group, said: "The bra idea has been very well received, with enormous humour in the good sense of raising money." The charity is hoping to collect 200,000 bras and 4,000 have been collected already.

Based at Leeds/Bradford Airport, since October 2000, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a specially-adapted emergency helicopter. It can fly at speeds of 150 miles an hour straight to an incident where normal ambulance sometimes cannot reach. But it costs £3,500 per day to operate and is funded totally by charity.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance hit the headlines recently for the part it played in the rescue of Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond's following his high-speed crash. To make a donation or for more information, please contact Pam on 07825 560366.

Source: Wakefield Today

A team of scientists believe that they have created a computer programme that could drastically reduce the amount of pollution at airports around the world.

Researchers at Nottingham University in the UK claim that their programme will reduce plane waiting times, meaning less fuel is wasted by stationary aircraft, reports the BBC.

By taking into account the size and speed of planes, as well as the distance between individual craft, the computer system will calculate the most efficient take off schedule.

'This could cut a maximum of ten per cent to 25 per cent off the pollution from aircraft waiting at the holding area,' said Jason Atkin from the university.

The programme was designed with Heathrow airport in mind, as it is the world's busiest hub.

'The problem of Heathrow involves various restrictions you don't get at most airports because of its size and how busy it is,' added Mr Atkin. 'It is a unique implementation that fits the Heathrow problem.'

Researchers at the university are now waiting to see if the airline industry is interested in its programme.

Source: Opodo

www.Parctel.com: BAA Gatwick staff have been praised by new airport Managing Director, Andy Flower, as being shining stars due to their volunteering activities in the local community around the airport. As part of BAA’s commitment to employee volunteering through the annual ‘I-Volunteer’ awards, funded by BAA’s own charity The Communities Trust, 54 staff from across the airport were presented with cheques for their charities, or the organisations they have worked with over the last year.

The I-Volunteer Awards were established to celebrate the work of BAA staff who give up their time to fundraise and volunteer for deserving charities and projects. In the three years since its launch, I-Volunteer has donated nearly £300,000 towards good causes around BAA airports.

Of the 54 Gatwick employees who entered this year’s awards, three achieved highly commended under the categories of best volunteer team, ( Paul Couchman, BAA’s Design Manager, Capital Projects); best fundraising team ( David Bird, Head of Technical Development) and best fundraising individual ( David Houston, Security Officer ). All those who entered the awards received a grant for their charities from the Trust, totalling £18,500. Charities and organisations benefiting included organisations such as : St Catherine’s Hospice, Crawley; the NSPCC; Crawley and Reigate Cats Protection League; Children in Need and Cancer Research.

A special cheque of £2,000 was donated to each of the three Gatwick employees who were highly commended for their work. (1) The cheques were presented at a special event held at Gatwick on Monday 26 February by BAA Gatwick’s new Managing Director, Andy Flower.

Speaking at the event Andy said: “ I am delighted to be presenting these cheques in recognition of the hard work and commitment BAA Gatwick employees have shown in the past year. The range and quality of the volunteering and fund raising has been very impressive and has proved to be a real benefit to the local community around the airport. I would personally like to thank all the BAA Gatwick staff for all their hard work and commitment and I look forward to next year’s IVolunteer awards”