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Post by Thames Gateway on Apr 24, 2009 16:38:03 GMT
With reference to the Icejet Dornier Jets, (11th Feb post), they have not used Southend for quite a while now. I heard that apparently Oxford are doing well out of them though.
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Post by expressflight on May 12, 2009 10:15:17 GMT
Stobart Group published their results to 28 February 2009 this morning.
Their profits, at around £24 million, were slightly above market expectations and the shares have gained 8% this morning.
With regard to SEN, Andrew Tinkler describes it as "having fantastic potential" and the report also states that the planned developments (including the station) "will facilitate growth in passenger and freight services". The notes to the results also confirm that £5 million of the £21 million purchase price paid in December 2008 is only payable upon planning consent for the runway extension being granted in due course. The net asset value of LSACL at the time of purchase was £25 million, so the £21 million (maximum) paid is rightly described in the accounts as "a bargain price". Stobarts seem well pleased with their purchase and obviously accept that considerable investment will be needed over the next couple of years in order to reap the benefits.
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Post by roche on May 15, 2009 16:41:28 GMT
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Post by devonian on May 15, 2009 16:58:34 GMT
Yes, that all sounds very positive. Nothing new here, but good to see it re-stated. Where are all these flights to Europe going to come from? Is it just wishful thinking, or are Stobart in discussions with serious airlines? Maybe they are going to run their own outfit?
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Post by expressflight on May 16, 2009 7:08:31 GMT
The paper I drew up for them offering various options for a viable CAX-SEN service linking to other European destinations ex SEN was well received. I think it is fair to say that they are probably in discussions with various operators as there are at least three operational options for actually running the services and they will want to establish the most attractive from their point of view. Whether this turns out to be an existing operator flying the routes in its own right, an ACMI arrangement with the aircraft flying in Stobart colours or the establishment of 'Stobart Airlines' (this last being unlikely in my view) remains to be seen.
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Post by Humberside on May 16, 2009 8:15:47 GMT
An ACMI deal would be very expensive long term. If an ACMI was set up it would probably be just to launch any airline operation quicker, while the process of getting an AOC continues at the same time
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Post by expressflight on Jun 1, 2009 16:13:45 GMT
Confirmation that Stobart Group received shareholder approval on 30 May 2009 to purchase Carlisle Airport from Stobart Air is one further step in establishing a scheduled service between CAX and SEN. The actual potential date for commencement of such a route (if it happens at all) will depend on how quickly the CAX runway strengthening/resurfacing takes place and when the passenger terminal there will be open.
On another point, I see from the latest SEN Press Release that "over 400 people" had a guided tour of the airport (on a Stobart-liveried bus) over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Included in the tour was "... a demonstration by the Airport Fire Service of their new vehicles ..." so these must have been delivered recently. Any Forum members take this tour?
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Post by devonian on Jun 3, 2009 18:14:05 GMT
Better news from the Echo yesterday, with the Essex Federation of Small Businesses coming out in support. This should bolster the Tories in case they were wavering a la Lib Dems:
"The expansion of Southend Airport has been backed by the Essex Federation of Small Businesses.
The pressure group has said the expansion, which includes extending the runway across Eastwoodbury Lane, will bring extra business and visitors to the area.
Bosses published their own policy paper with a number of recommendations for the airport. They said roads surrounding the area must be improved and paid for by the airport before the expansion of the airport and the business park takes place.
It also suggests that a minimum of 25 per cent of contract value should be given to Essex-based firms, as well as sufficient parking and a park-and-ride scheme for future employees at the airport and business park.
Terry Taber, chairman of the south east Essex branch of the business association, said: “Essex FSB supports the principle of expanding London Southend Airport as bringing extra prosperity to the area and attracting new businesses and visitors. "
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Post by expressflight on Jun 6, 2009 7:45:29 GMT
The Minutes of the 11 March 2009 Consultative Committee have been published on the SEN website (to be found in the 'Local Interest & Community - Environmental Responsibilities' section).It states that "commercial terms" still had to be reached with Network Rail concerning the station in order for it to open on schedule. This ties in with talk I have heard recently that this agreement had still not beeen concluded. It also says that an option to build the hotel was expected to be granted to an operator shortly 'for a period of 3 months'. If they didn't commence work in that time a new developer would be sought - doesn't sound as positive as one would have hoped at this stage.
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Post by Tarquin on Jun 15, 2009 16:16:07 GMT
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Post by expressflight on Jul 6, 2009 7:14:32 GMT
One piece of good news which will affect SEN is that the application for a Judicial Review of Carlisle City Council's decision to grant Stobarts planning consent to redevelop CAX has been rejected by the High Court last week. In another development, the present Operations Director at LTN has been recruited as the new Airport Director for CAX and will take up the post in September.
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Post by expressflight on Aug 29, 2009 8:40:57 GMT
In an interesting exchange I had yesterday, I was told that there will be a couple of pieces of news coming out in the next two weeks which I believe will fall within the broad definition of 'Progress'.
It was good to see a former Liberal Mayor of Southend coming out strongly in support of the airport this week. The Echo story certainly generated some responses and I reiterate that I think it's important for supporters of SEN to correct inaccuracies when they appear in the press, either on 'Your Say' below the story on the website or by writing a 'letter to the editor' on the subject. Yesterday, for example, an 'anti' posted that "Stobart are flying small freight from Southend airport as we speak...". Unless these sort of statements are corrected they can easily become accepted truths. I'm reliably told that Councillors often read these responses in order to gauge opinion on the planned expansion.
Just for my own information, is the BinAir Kassel rotation the only regular night flight, or do any resident aircraft fly freight flights? ETD/A would be appreciated please from those in the know locally.
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Post by Tarquin on Aug 29, 2009 13:18:04 GMT
As far as I am aware Binnair are the only regular night freight Out at 10pm local in around 0330Lt. However the D228 and BN2T from FRA are regular visitors at various times. But that is not freight and no set times due. Or the rare hospital flight. The Police helicopter is a regular night visitor to Southend. But rarely actually uses the airport itself.
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Post by Thames Gateway on Sept 8, 2009 21:47:52 GMT
I see the aviators bar at the Flight Centre has been renamed as 'The Lancaster'. I guess with the B52's no longer there, they should be in a position to make a go of it.
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Post by jon on Sept 10, 2009 12:22:24 GMT
signs of life today, blocks moved, a crew van, digger and people on the southend road side of the station. The digger had been moving about on the airport side the last few weeks but has been a lonely figure.
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