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Post by buspilot on Sept 29, 2014 13:32:52 GMT 1
From the airport website:
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Post by ian531 on Sept 29, 2014 14:57:18 GMT 1
This would be very sad if the sale doesn't go ahead and the airport is forced to close.
Another one for Peel?
Just hope a deal can be done before the deadline
Fingers crossed Ian
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2014 17:02:46 GMT 1
Sadly, I fear that no-one with aviation connections will come forward. I imagine that a number of property developers are already sharpening their knives ready to carve up the land for themselves. The council will make far more money from a developed site and the road network around the airport is reasonably conducive to property development, so there'll be no objection from them. Morrison's will be rubbing their hands with glee.
I, for one, will be particularly sad to see it go. I spent three years working there for Air UK in the late 70s/early 80s and have some very happy memories.
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Post by Biggles on Sept 29, 2014 21:13:01 GMT 1
If the worst comes to the worst and aviation at Blackpool ends, I wonder of all the diverted flights that seem to be attracted to BPL will if needed think of Liverpool or as has usually happend find an alternate to use. Also where will Jet 2 settle ? Hopefully aviation remains viable as it has a long history and will be a sad loss to the NW for many people.
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Post by bulldog on Sept 29, 2014 22:39:32 GMT 1
I cannot realistically see Jet 2 doing anything from ljla why should they when they have the infra structure at Manchester. Could be more interesting as to the business aviation/ GA side of things. Problem I fear is no hangars for any maintenance organisations.
They will presumably have to go somewhere or close. I doubt Manchester would want that stuff.
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Post by buspilot on Sept 30, 2014 8:03:59 GMT 1
...but Manchester City Airport aka Barton might.
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Post by ronturner on Sept 30, 2014 8:20:13 GMT 1
Very Sad event if Squires gate were to close. There is no doubt, it is a prime location for development, and I suspect that there is already a plan. (EG. Manston, the same, to name but one.)
I cannot see much opportunity for the transfer of users to Liverpool. Yes, maybe Bond and some private aircraft. I cannot see why Jet2 would be interested in moving to Liverpool, and going head to head with Ryan or Easy unless it was to utilise an aeroplane in the short term. Passengers who would have used Blackpool would find the journey to either Liverpool or Manchester equally tiresome.
The management at Liverpool might like to think about offering something to Jet2, " as a gesture of support to disappointed travellers " with free landings and other services. Prompted by a short term emergency, maybe it could become permanent on more realistic terms. A long shot, I agree!
The users who stand to lose most, in relative terms, are the GA community with few options, not much money, and a real prospect of going out of business.
I remember great spotting days there, and taking the tram on to the promenade. My Cessna G-AXVB was imported through there by Westair in 1969, and my first take off, as pilot, in Dragon Rapide G-AEML, was also from Blackpool.
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Post by buspilot on Sept 30, 2014 9:27:34 GMT 1
I wonder if Stobart Air may move their services to Carlisle, which they own?
Also, another long shot, is there any mileage in Jet2 considering acquiring Blackpool? Would give them cheap parking in the winter period for their non-flying fleet for one thing,maybe another maintenance base.
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Post by buspilot on Sept 30, 2014 10:12:09 GMT 1
Another point.
Should the £10 per departing passenger, Airport Development Fee still be being charged?
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Post by maverick on Sept 30, 2014 10:18:14 GMT 1
Another point. Should the £10 per departing passenger, Airport Development Fee still be being charged? It should never have been charged - ever. What business funds its future development directly as an add-on?
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Post by bulldog on Sept 30, 2014 11:38:22 GMT 1
Writing is on the wall. Current owners Balfour Beatty(according to TV) are deep in the mire themselves. They have issued several profit warnings this year and share price well down. Suspect this is one of reasons why they suddenly need to remove a loss making "asset" from their books. Don't know when they bought Blackpool but critical point reached where they need to offload or serious drag on whole business.
As ever once something like this is announced then average person is not going to book a flight from there if impending closure. So schedules I imagine are already likely to be doomed. GA cannot keep somewhere the size of Blackpool in operation. So only hope presumably is someone who has daft amounts of money that they are happy to lose.
Like the old adage, How do you make a small fortune?. Start with a large fortune and buy an airline!
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Post by ronturner on Sept 30, 2014 13:37:15 GMT 1
I float the germ of an idea, for somebody to expand on as they see fit. Replicating somewhat, the lifestyle I have here in France, Blackpool would be an ideal place to develop a "village aeronautique" A place where owners can taxi their aeroplane right up to where they live. There are numerous in USA. A vast chunk of the existing airport could be given up to development, and providing the runway, or part of it, or a new runway could be facilitated, aviators could make use of it in the way we do. The aerodrome would be private so a lot of CAA nonsense would be left behind, although it could still be used by ad-hoc and other visitors. Even a maintenance facility could exist there. Blackpool is a great town so I am sure there is potential here. I am no expert on planning matters, but as President of Atlantic Air Park, I know a great deal about how to establish and run such a place. I am willing to give my assistance to any seriously interested party. see www.atlanticairpark.com and also look up our neighbours, at Vendee Air Park too. vendeeairpark.fr/Ron Turner
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2014 13:53:50 GMT 1
I don't think the airport will close. Someone will step in at the last minute, just hope it's a proper aviation company
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Post by bulldog on Sept 30, 2014 18:49:34 GMT 1
Ron an excellent suggestion but suspect infrastructure cost would make it not possible. I fear the land for housing is the most valuable asset. I always said one day I will retire to an air park in France so may see you in France one day.
manston closed with a relative whimper recently, two airfields in a year would be very sad for uk aviation.
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Post by planemike on Sept 30, 2014 21:22:15 GMT 1
Sadly............add Panshanger to the list !!!
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