Aberdeen Airport boss answers newspaper readers questions
04.12.05
Aberdeen Airport announced plans last week to spend £50 million over the next 10 years. The plans include a runway extension that will bring more international destinations within reach. After announcing the plans, the airport's managing director Andy Flower answered questions from the Aberdeen Evening Express Newspaper's readers'.
1. I would like more airlines to come to Aberdeen as you have to go down to Glasgow for a larger selection of flights and destinations. If the runway is bigger, will Boeing 747s be able to land safely?
The taxiway system and aircraft parking stands make it virtually impossible for Boeing 747s operations at Aberdeen due to the large wingspan. In 1999 the Sultan of Brunei used an Airbus A340 aircraft when he visited Aberdeen and although it landed it was unable to park adjacent to the terminal building.
We hope to offer similar European destinations to those operating out of Glasgow. A Boeing 747 has 400+ seats, while we are anticipating developing routes using 180-250 seat aircraft. To travel the longest anticipated distances these would be Boeing 767 or new Boeing 787 rather than Boeing 747.
2. Given the increasing concern about the impacts of climate change, it hardly seems right to plan to double the capacity at Aberdeen Airport. Thousands of new trips to the airport along the bypass or other city streets will lead to more air pollution to damage health in our communities, more climate change emissions and more congestion.
We are working with our stakeholders within the local transport community to increase the number of passengers using public transport. We are investing to replace many of our own fleet of vehicles with those that are LPG or electric powered. We will continue to provide an improved service to allow the airlines to grow and meet the aspirations of the travellers of the North-east. We are committed to do this in an environmentally friendly way and our sustainability achievements to date and our future plans recently won us the award at the Northern Star Business awards dinner.
3. I had to wait more than 30 minutes on a very cold wet day unable to get into the covered area due to the number of people waiting for a taxi. It is amazing that only certain cabs are allowed to pick up fares yet many cabs are leaving the airport empty. It does not give a good impression to visitors. I also got very wet and cold after exiting an aircraft and walking to the arrivals hall. Are there any plans to improve this situation?
The taxi licensing arrangements are regulated by Aberdeen City Council. We are putting in place management initiatives to improve service and we will invest in additional weather protection. We are currently reviewing our forecourt arrangements with a view to improving customer service and weather protection in the longer term. On airside walkways none of our airline customers are keen for us to invest in airbridges, we are looking at alternatives.
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