Newcastle Airport investors worried about debt
Posted on December 16th, 2009
Investors in Newcastle Airport are holding a special meeting to seek assurances that their investment in Newcastle Airport is safe.
There is a currently a £300m debt which needs refinancing and cash hit councils want guarantees that taxpayers money will not be used.
Tyneside councils are the majority shareholders in the airport and have benefited from payouts in previous years, however with the debt set to be refinanced in the coming 3 years, councilors are worried about their investment if the new terms do not have favourable rates.
Newcastle Airport Parking will keep youup to date on all the latest news from Newcastle Airport.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Newcastle Airport passengers face misery if British Airways staff strike
Posted on December 16th, 2009
Passengers flying with British Airways from Newcastle Airport could face problems over the Christmas period as cabin crew are set to strike.
The walkout could last for 12 days from 22nd December and Newcastle Airport bosses are awaiting further information on the impact of the walkout.
A Newcastle Airport spokeswoman said: “We are awaiting further information from the airline about the potential impact of today’s announcement. Passengers booked to travel with British Airways on the affected dates are advised to visit the airline’s website for further information and advice.”
Here at Newcastle Airport Parking we will keep you up to date with developments.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Newcastle Airport wins two top industry awards
Posted on December 12th, 2009
Newcastle Airport is reveling in the news it has one two major awards in the airline industry in the space of just 24 hours. Newcastle Airport was named the most punctual airport in the UK by the Civil Aviation Authority.
This came after they were announced as the best airport in the country at a travel industry awards ceremony in London. The British Air Transport Association (BATA) voted Newcastle International Airport the UK’s best airport. The award is even more significant as BATA members include some of the world’s leading airlines and tour operators.
Roger Wiltshire who is the general secretary of BATA explained why Newcastle Airport won the award: “Airlines, like most customers, are a demanding bunch. They like their airports to be responsive, commercially-minded and, of course, cost-effective.
“All three airports on the shortlist were seen this way by UK airlines. In the end, Newcastle took the prize for being, in the words of one airline ‘a really good partnership airport’.”
Newcastle Airport chief executive Dave Laws was particularly pleased to win the award saying: “These awards are decided by the travel industry and to be recognised by your business partners says a lot.
“As we come out of the recession, the airport is absolutely vital and when you think we are being told there is no money to upgrade road or rail services, we have got to get behind the airport to ensure the businesses in this region have the connectivity they need.”
Alan Clarke, who is chief executive of regional development agency One North East said: “This is great news for Newcastle International Airport and is an important accolade in terms of its potential to support future new investment from airlines and operators.
“By securing exciting routes such as the Emirates flight to Dubai and beyond, the airport has helped North East England, not only to attract international visitors, but also opening up new trade opportunities for the region’s businesses.
“The tourism sector is now worth £4bn to the regional economy and the continued success of Newcastle International Airport is making an important contribution to that.”
Airlines were also quick to congratulate Newcastle Airport. Angela Cook, airport manager for British Airways at Newcastle, said, “This is wonderful news for Newcastle International Airport. We truly believe they deserve to win such a prestigious award; we have enjoyed a long, successful and positive working relationship with Newcastle for the benefit of millions of passengers enjoying our Heathrow service.”
Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer of Flybe, said, “Our sincere congratulations to the entire Newcastle Airport team headed by Dave Laws, who is particularly deserving of this award for having consistently led with complete distinction.”
Frank Pullman, Managing Director of Thomas Cook Airlines said, “Newcastle Airport is very popular with our customers, so much so, that we have introduced two new flights for next summer to Izmir in Turkey and Burgas in Bulgaria.”
If you are using Newcastle Airport why not take advantage of our great Newcastle Airport Parking rates.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Newcastle Airport hotel faces opposition to expansion plans
Posted on December 12th, 2009
The Britannia Hotel at Newcastle Airport is facing opposition to a planned expansion. The hotel, whcih currently has 99 rooms, wants to add another 160 rooms which would make the hotel an L shape and make it one of the biggest hotels at Newcastle Airport.
However Newcastle Airport itself has objected to the plans saying it would create too many rooms and there simply isn’t the demand at the moment. The airport are also against the design of the new expansion saying it is of poor quality compared to the high quality of other recent developments around the airport.
Nearby residents have also raised objections and are worried about parking and traffic in the surrounding area.
However One North East claim the expansion is essential if the North East wants to continue to grow as a business hub for the UK especially with the increase in flights from Newcastle Airport.
If you are thinking of staying at Newcastle Airport why not have a look at some of our Newcastle Airport Parking hotel deals.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Newcastle Airport connection to London under threat from Tories
Posted on December 12th, 2009
Airport bosses at Newcastle Airport have warned the Tories could put the North East economy under pressure if they continue to plan to block moves for a third runway at Heathrow.
Currently there are up to 6 daily flights between Newcastle Airport and London’s Heathrow making it an ideal connection for business travellers travelling to and from the capital.
However if a third runway doesn’t go ahead some of these flights may have to be lost.
Willie Walsh, the CEO of British Airways has said: “We can’t turn our back on this now, these airport links are an integral part of the country’s growth.
“They (the Conservatives) have to be aware of the consequences for jobs and industry, not just in London, but for regions across the country and in particular for the North East.”
He added: “This is about not just connecting Newcastle to London, because there are many ways to get there, but to the rest of the world. Businesses here in Newcastle are not just trying to sell to people in Tyneside but to get investment from the rest of the world.
“More and more airports have lost their connection to Heathrow because of the lack of slots and that threat is growing.
“It makes sense for us to continue connecting to Newcastle but without a third runway we cannot guarantee those links will remain.”
If you are using Newcastle Airport why not take advantage of our great Newcastle Airport Parking rates.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Flybe announce one off day return from Newcastle Airport for Newcastle United fans
Posted on December 12th, 2009
To help Newcastle united fans for their long trip to play Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on January 2nd Flybe have announced a special 1 day return from Newcastle Airport to Exeter Airport.
Flight times:
Departs Newcastle 0900 Arrives Exeter 1015
Departs Exeter 2000 Arrives Newcastle 2115
The special one of “King Kev Toon Flight” will be on Flybe’s Kevin Keegan aircraft which was unveiled in 2008 by Newcastle United’s legendary former manager.
The flight is an attractive option rather than the long journey by road or rail.
Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Rutter, says: “From the moment the balls came out of the hat for this important tie, we knew that Newcastle fans faced a hugely challenging journey just to reach the game. Flybe is delighted to be able to arrange this special convenient and cost effective alternative. This service will allow Newcastle fans to enjoy both the pre and post match atmosphere all without the dread of having to drive several hundred miles or endure the stress of an extended and possibly delayed train journey at this time of the year coupled with an overnight stay in Plymouth.”
If you are looking at travelling on this route why not take advantage of our great Newcastle Airport Parking rates.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
X-factor finalist, Joe McElderry, visits home via Newcastle Airport
Posted on December 12th, 2009
X Factor finalist Joe McElderry returned to his home in South Shields in the North East with his mentor from the program, Cheryl Cole.
Joe arrived at Newcastle Airport from Heathrow and visited his former college, Harton Technology College. He performed one song to a packed school hall.
Dave Laws, Newcastle Airports chief executive, said: “We are all rooting for Joe at the airport and will be keeping our fingers crossed for him in the final. If he wins we will no doubt have requests to rename the airport McElderry International!”
Joe will be appearing in Saturdays final and everyone here at Newcastle Airport Parking wish him the best of luck.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Flybe add new route from Newcastle Airport
Posted on December 12th, 2009
Flybe have added a new route from Newcastle International Airport. The budget carrier will operate a service from Newcastle Airport to Hannover 3 times a week.
The route will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from March 31st until October 29th. This will be a great route for those looking at flying from the North East on a city break or to Hannover on business.
Flybe is now accepting bookings on this route with one way fares starting at £39.99 including all taxes.
Flights will leave Newcastle Airport at 9am, landing in Hannover at midday. Return flights will then depart at 12:25pm arriving back at Newcastle at 13:25.
Mike Rutter, a spokesman for Flybe commented: “With this brand new route to Hannover we’re giving Newcastle travellers an unbeatable low-cost offer for direct travel to the German city,”
Mike added: “Despite the economic challenges of the past 12 months, Flybe has continued to grow and we remain committed to providing the widest, most convenient and affordable range of regional services for our passengers.”
If you are looking at travelling on this new route why not take advantage of our great Newcastle Airport Parking rates.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Mad dash for couple at Newcastle Airport after flights to their wedding were given to someone else.
Posted on November 16th, 2009
A mix-up with a booking almost led to a couple being late for their own wedding in Las Vegas. Michelle Laybourn and Allan Wyness arrived at Newcastle Airport to be told that their seats had been given to someone else, meaning they would miss their connection at London out to Las Vegas.
Luckily an alternative flight was arranged and the couple made the connection with a mad dash. Lets hope they took the hassle out of their parking by booking a good rate with our Newcastle Airport Parking rates.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »
Local school helps Newcastle Airport with it’s noise levels
Posted on November 12th, 2009
A local school, Ponteland Middle School, near Newcastle International Airport is helping Newcastle Airport monitor it’s noise levels. Working together Newcastle Airport has placed noise monitoring devices at the school which provide the airport with real time data on noise levels. That way the airport can help reduce the noise where possible and make sure it is operating within an acceptable range.
As a result of this partnership pupils at the school were invited to the air traffic control tower and take a tour of the airport. This gave pupils and insight into the life of an air traffic control officer as they watched radar screens and listened to the communication between aircraft and the tower. The air traffic control team also showed the pupils how monitoring and changing the arrival and departure of aircraft can help keep noise pollution as low as possible.
Helen Hughes, who is environmental advisor for Newcastle International, said: “Newcastle International is delighted that our environmental activity has allowed us to work with local schools to help teach young pupils how we’re committed to keeping the environment clean.
“Having a noise monitoring device at Ponteland Middle School provides an excellent opportunity for us to work together to manage the local environment whilst fulfilling our obligations set out in the Noise Action Plan. It also gives the children an insight into how businesses manage their environmental impact. We hope that pupils in the school have also learnt some valuable lessons about the importance of managing the environment.”
Ponteland Middle School teacher Martin Froggatt said: “It was a great day out for these children, who have a keen interest in the environmental issues which surround their lives.
“The day at air traffic control clearly taught the children about how Newcastle Airport tries to reduce their noise pollution as much as possible. We are very much looking forward to the next visit from the environmental coordinator, and are excited about what else we’ll be taught.”
If you are taking the kids away for some winter sunshine over Christmas have a look at our great range of Newcastle Airport Parking rates.
Filed under Newcastle Airport News | No Comments »