The_case_for_LAA
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London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Closer to You, Closer to the Market
Preface. London Ashford
Airport (Lydd) offers a fresh
choice to airlines looking to
serve the London and
southeast England markets
London Ashford Airport (Lydd) is In short, the airport (popularly known as LAA)
≥
being developed especially for you, represents a value-added aviation alternative
the airline. The management team that offers airlines a vast and constantly
here fully appreciates the extent of your growing catchment area, coupled with
financial pressures, the result of working in significant fuel savings.
an ever more competitive market, many of
which are outside your control. LAA is therefore ideally placed to serve the
ever-strengthening passenger demand for
Accordingly, we are developing our airport to easily accessible, time-efficient regional
an effective cost vision, in a prime location airports that offer ultra-modern services.
that offers some of the shortest sector
lengths from the UK to a wide range of A proactive, not reactive management style
European destinations on the Mediterranean characterises the exciting changes that are
and beyond. currently taking place at London Ashford
Airport (Lydd). So if you represent an airline
Our location is a huge asset. Free from the that is looking to take the same people to the
hefty air navigational charges that airlines same places, whilst cutting costs and saving
incur within the London Terminal fuel, then you might just want to consider
Manoeuvring Area (TMA), the airport is well switching your operations to LAA.
placed to serve the massive southeast
England catchment area, particularly the Closer to You
Kent and East Sussex markets. Closer to The Market
Photo: Roy Hinds
Location LAA.
Reykjavik
ICELAND
NORWEGIAN SEA
FINLAND
SWEDEN
NORWAY
Helsinki
Oslo
Tallinn RUSSIA
Stockholm ESTONIA
LATVIA
Riga
IRELAND NORTH SEA
DENMARK BALTIC LITHUANIA
Dublin Copenhagen SEA Vilnius
RUSSIA
UNITED
Minsk
KINGDOM
Amsterdam
London BELARUS
NETHERLANDS
Berlin POLAND
Brussels GERMANY Warsaw
BELGIUM Kiev
Paris LUXEMBOURG Prague UKRAINE
CZECH REP.
SLOVAKIA
Vienna Bratislava
FRANCE
Bern
AUSTRIA Budapest
SWITZERLAND
Ljubljana HUNGARY
Zagreb ROMANIA
SLOVENIA
Bucharest
PORTUGAL CROATIA Sarajevo Belgrade
BOSNIA AND SERBIA AND
Madrid ITALY HERZEGOVINA MONTENEGRO BULGARIA
Lisbon
SPAIN Sofia
Rome ADRIATIC Skopje
SEA
Tiranë F.Y.R.O.M
MEDITERRANEAN SEA GREECE AEGEAN
SEA
Athens
Welcome messages.
≥ London Ashford Airport (Lydd) is
located in the heart of one of the
fastest growing regions of the UK.
We have invested in our airport heavily, and
continue to invest in the development of
modern air- and landside facilities, which
will provide the aviation industry with a new
opportunity to operate efficiently in the
southeast region of the UK, whilst providing
local communities with a convenient and
well-connected airport facility that meets all
their air travel requirements.
Zaher Deir Our investment will play a significant role in
Managing Director the regeneration of Kent and establish new
London Ashford Airport (Lydd) sources of employment and economic
development for many years to come. At the
same time, our management team is
working very hard to ensure that all aspects
of our continued development will be
conducted in a sound and environmentally
responsible manner.
We invite airlines to take a fresh look at
London Ashford Airport (Lydd). Incoming
carriers can be confident in our dynamic
progress and expansion, which is backed by
strong and reliable financial resources. All
stand to benefit from a business model that
is dedicated to serving the modern
requirements of the aviation industry.
I look forward to welcoming you to London
Ashford Airport (Lydd).
The business community in this
≥
part of the Kent coast clearly
relishes the prospects of Lydd
Airport's ambitious expansion programme.
Quite simply, it's all about jobs and the
subsequent prosperity they will bring to a
rural area that has been in decline for too
long.
The Channel Chamber of Commerce, along
with other key partners, has been working
closely with the management team to create
a dialogue with stakeholders at local, county
Peter Hobbs and regional level and I am delighted to
Chief Executive confirm that an overwhelming majority fully
Channel Chamber of Commerce support the tremendous boost this initiative
will provide to our local economy.
GDP:Aviation
Space Solutions
Sefton Lane
Maghull
Liverpool L31 8BX
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 151 526 7788
F: +44 (0) 151 526 7799
E: mail@gdpeurope.com
www.gdpeurope.com
Consultant David Bentley
Project Director André Morrall
Editor Iestyn Adams
Graphic Design Andrew Cothliff
Managing Editor John Bannon
Administration Manager Paula Wildman
Managing Director Debbie Bannon
Project Co-ordinator Tim Gill (LAA)
Acknowledgements
The publishers would like to thank the
very many people at companies and
organisations who supplied information
and imagery in support of this
publication. Particular photographic
credit goes to Roy Hinds at LAA and to
Locate in Kent.
© Graphic Detail 2006
The opinions expressed within this publication are not
necessarily those of the publishers. No liability can be
accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.
No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted by any means, or stored in any information
retrieval system, without the written consent of the
copyright owners.
GDP:Aviation is a trade name of Graphic Detail (UK) Ltd.
Contents.
8 Overview 42 Kent
LAA is well placed to recapture its Delivering a dynamic and multi-
historically strong market share faceted vision to transform Kent
12 Airport fact file 46 Regional vision
Essential airport data for incoming Developing London Ashford Airport
carriers to consider (Lydd) will benefit local communities
14 New route opportunities 50 Corporate commitment
Highlighting a few of the many Environmental issues and the efforts
possible routes waiting to be taken up made by LAA to resolve them
16 Route development 52 Biodiversity
Presenting the case for a selection of The airport will be an environmentally
potentially lucrative services at LAA sound neighbour in this unique region
24 Voices of support 53 Tourism
...from the Ashford Rural Trust and Kent and East Sussex provide world-
the Channel Corridor Partnership class attractions for every taste
25 Ancillary revenue 56 1066 Country
Non-aviation income streams at the Immerse yourself in a uniquely
airport will help to ensure profitability historic and beautiful region
28 Lydd FBO 58 Summary
Highly luxurious and discreet services LAA’s dynamic, but sustainable
for the executive aviation market expansion is great news for airlines
30 First market mover
On the benefits of being the first to fly
here and the support you can expect
32 Location, location, location...
Profiling the dynamic UK southeast
region on LAA’s doorstep
34 Fuel efficiency
No congestion, less pollution. Cost
and environmental benefits
36 Parsons Brinckerhoff
The world-famous engineering firm
that set out the airport’s future
38 Foster Yeoman Contracting
Who efficiently and cost-effectively
carried out the runway rejuvenation
40 NATS
Profiling this leading air navigation
service provider and LAA’s new ILS
8
Overview. LAA’s rich heritage
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
and how incoming carriers
can benefit from the airport’s
many historic and location
advantages
≥
The UK is fortunate to have many despite the $55 billion earmarked for
commercial airports. Even the most infrastructure enhancements to European
isolated communities now have rapid airports over the next 20 years.
access to air transport facilities that fulfil
today’s business and leisure demands. The The UK Government’s White Paper (strategy
region encompassing London and Southeast document) of November 2003, ‘The Future of Air
England, the most populous part of the country, Transport’, stressed that, ‘there is scope for
is particularly well served, with eight airports other existing southeast airports… and some
transporting 130 million passengers every year. smaller airports, to help meet local demand,
and their further development is supported in
So why would the region need another airport? principle, subject to relevant environmental
The truth of the matter is that the better the FAL Aviation is the considerations’. Such statements from central
existing facilities, the more demanding people fixed base operator government – occupied with national issues
at Lydd
become. Moreover, in a global village most such as runway capacity at hub airports –
people think locally and quite often one finds indicate a new way of thinking about air travel.
that previously successful transport facilities of September 2001, the SARS crisis, wars,
that have become disused find a new life. natural disasters and the price of oil, the latter A report by the UK Civil Aviation Authority in
of which the Director General of the February 2005 substantiates this change.
London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has an illustrious International Air Transport Association called Passenger numbers using regional airports
history, but through no fault of its own fell out of ‘the 5th Horseman of the Apocalypse.’ have more than doubled since 1990, the report
favour while large hubs grew up in its vicinity – states, with the biggest growth in scheduled air
Heathrow and Gatwick airports for example. Air But that growth in itself presents a problem, as services to Europe – a result of the
travel has continued to grow, defying the existing airports have found it difficult to handle liberalisation of the European air services
predictions of pessimists, who saw only the huge numbers of people now travelling by market, the creation of no-frills airlines and the
stagnation, at best, arising from the terrorism air. Congestion also remains a serious issue changing nature of the short-haul business.
A LyddAir three-engine
Trislander shares the
tarmac with Lydd’s private
aviation community
Photo: Roy Hinds
London is easily
accessible by efficient
ground infrastructure
from Lydd
But it isn’t only the low-cost airlines that have Having acquired the airport in early 2003, the The management is understandably ambitious,
added to this growth. Many regional airports current owners embarked upon an ambitious given the part LAA has played in aviation in the
now offer realistic alternative connections investment programme. LAA is now pressing past. The immediate plan now is to develop the
avoiding London, via European hubs like ahead with major improvements, which, it is airport to handle two million passengers
Amsterdam or Paris and, increasingly, hoped, will take it up to two million annual annually by 2014 – an ambition that is wholly
adventurous passengers appear to be passengers in less than 10 years and six consistent with existing District and County
formulating their own short-haul connections million by 2021. structure plans.
at airports where ‘point-to-point’ airlines
operate. In this radically changing aviation £15 million has been spent already and it has That ambition will also benefit the local
world, LAA has an important part to play. rolled out a £7 million improvement community, delivering significant economic
programme that covers refurbishment and development opportunities. Expanding the
construction, the purchase of new aircraft airport will stimulate inward investment, job
On the way, not out of the way handling equipment and the establishment of creation, increased competitiveness and
The other key issue arising from the White offices for Customs, Immigration and other business opportunity and the facilitation of
Paper is bound up in that little two-word appropriate authorities. access, choice and growth for the community.
phrase with big implications – environmental
considerations.
World-class attractions
such as the mighty Leeds
LAA benefits from being both accessible and Castle can be found on
off the beaten track, situated on a coastal strip LAA’s doorstep
that has its own (beneficial) microclimate, but
within striking distance of wealthy, fast-
growing towns like Maidstone and Ashford
(home of a main Eurostar station), key Channel
ports like Folkestone and Dover and the
Channel Tunnel Link and heavily populated
areas of east Kent and East Sussex.
LAA describes itself as ‘the environmentally
acceptable and safe solution to runway and
airspace congestion in the southeast’. It is very
much on the way, not out of the way, just 25
minutes from the M20 motorway and equally
accessible by train via Ashford railway station
or by bus from Folkestone. Significantly, a
dedicated shuttle bus service is planned
between LAA and Ashford International.
Photo: Kent Image Library
Still, LAA is sufficiently isolated from housing
not to pose an environmental issue to the
regional population. How many airports can
claim that?
10 An illustrious history
The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened Lydd
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Airport on the 5th April 1956. It was the first
new post WWII airport in the UK and was built
in less than six months for just £400,000. Few
people know that on his outward journey to Le
Touquet in France the Duke exported two cars!
At that time, a decade or so before the era of
mass vacation travel and as wartime frugality
was becoming a thing of the past, vehicle air
ferries were gaining popularity. Several
entrepreneurs realised that converted wartime
bombers could transport both vehicles and
their owners to northern France, where they
could commence leisurely motoring vacations,
and that flying them there would avoid a long
wait for sea ferries.
Photo: www.reflections-images.co.uk
Naturally, these air-car ferries quickly became
popular. One of the first pioneers was Wing
Commander Taffy Powel, who set up Silver City Silver City Airways
transformed the airport’s
Airways, named after a silver mine in Broken commercial profile with
Hill, Australia. On the 7th July 1948, Taffy its air-car ferry service
Powel made the first British civilian flight
carrying a car, from Lympne, 10 miles up the
coast from Lydd, to Le Touquet, thereby ensured that low prices are available at most Lydd on their European adventures, making it
opening a fascinating and innovative new airports these days but the offer at that time one of the busiest airports in Britain! In 1962,
chapter in British aviation. was remarkable for the era: £4 per passenger Silver City was taken over by British United
and £25 for the car, and on a schedule every bit Airways (BUA) and its flamboyant Managing
The service was a resounding success. as comprehensive as that found in the highest Director Freddie Laker (one of the first people
However it soon became apparent that a more utilisation budget airline today – from 7.30 in to promote accessible air travel for everyone).
suitable location would have to be found and the morning to 11 at night!
Silver City quickly relocated to Lydd, which it BUA was the largest independent UK-based
called Ferryfield Airport, basing its fleet of Between 1953 and 1957, 137,000 cars and half airline during the 1960s and arose from a
Bristol 170s there. Budget airlines have a million passengers flew with Silver City out of merger of Airwork and Hunting Clan Air in July
Ilford
A40 A128 A130
M25 A13
Uxbridge Southend-on-Sea
Ealing
LONDON Canvey Island THAMES ESTUARY
M4 Woolwich
M4 Grays
Tilbury Sheerness
Hounslow
Dartford Gravesend
A228 Minster
Northfleet
ISLE OF Birchington Margate
M25 Kingston Upon Herne Bay
SHEPPEY
M3
Thames Swanley Rochester Gillingham Whitstable A299 ISLE OF
Croydon Chatham THANET Ramsgate
Esher M25
M20 Sittingbourne A28
Faversham
Epson
Biggin Hill M26 M2 A2 A257 Sandwich
Woking M25 A20 Canterbury
Leatherhead Caterham
M25 Sevenoaks NORTH DOWNS
Westerham A26 Maidstone A258
A25 Oxted A227 A20 Deal
Dorking Reigate Redhill A26 M20 A250
Guildford A251
A25 M23 A21
Tonbridge Wye
A24 A22 A274
Godalming A228 A229 A260
Horley Ashford
Southborough
A281 Dover
A28 A20 A20
Cranleigh A264 Royal
East Grinstead Tunbridge A262
A29 Crawley M23 Wells Cranbrook Folkestone
A21 Hythe
A26 Tenterden
Horsham Crowborough THE WEALD A28
A2070
A22 A267 A268
A23
A283 A275 A259
Billinghurst A281
Cruickfield
A272 A265 New Romney
A272 Haywards
A268
A29 Heath Heathfield
Uckfield Rye
A24
Pullborough Burgess Hill A28
A259
Henfield A267 A21
Storrington A22
A29 A26 Battle
A283
A271
SOUTH DOWNS Lewes
Hailsham Hastings
Arundel A259 St Leonards
Hove A27 Polegate
A27 Southwick Bexhill
Shoreham- Brighton
by-Sea A259 Newhaven ENGLISH CHANNEL
A259 Worthing
Rustington Peacehaven
Eastbourne
Seaford A259
1960. The merger was necessitated by the
monopoly of the state-owned airlines BEA and
BOAC (now British Airways).
BUA was particularly strong on Africa routes
but persevered with short-haul routes like
Gibraltar, the Channel Islands and Le Touquet.
By 1970 it was suffering financial difficulties
and merged with Caledonian Airways,
eventually becoming British Caledonian
Airways (BCal) in 1972. BCal itself was later
absorbed into British Airways.
This was the era when big meant best across
the entire travel industry, from aircraft
manufacturers to the distributors, the travel
agents and tour operators and the focus
moved increasingly to large hub airports.
Consequently regional airports became
sidelined, even though Lydd had gained other
destinations like Beauvais and Geneva.
LyddAir’s regular
Photo: Roy Hinds
services to Le Touquet
Transporting cars by air became unattractive remain a firm favourite
when rapid cross-channel hovercraft services, with holiday-makers
in addition to competitive roll-on/roll-off sea
ferries, rendered airfreight between the UK
and France uneconomic. Later, even faster LyddAir
catamarans superseded the hovercraft LyddAir, LAA’s resident operator, has a small fleet of two 18-seat Britten-Norman Trislanders
services between Dover and Calais. The last (which serve the historic route between LAA and Le Touquet) and several smaller aircraft
Bristol freighter flew from Lydd in 1970. employed for both business and leisure purposes.
The Le Touquet route hasn’t been forgotten The three-engine Trislander takes its inspiration from tri jets such as the Lockheed L-1011 and
and the service continues to be flown by the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 290 km/hour (156 knots), a
16-seat Britten-Norman Trislanders of cruising speed at 75 percent power of 267 km/hour (144 knots) and a range of 1,610 km. There
LyddAir, though no longer with cars onboard! is comfortable seating for 16 passengers.
Over the last three decades the airport has Recently, LyddAir decided to replace the two Trislanders with three Piper PA-31 Navajo
enjoyed mixed fortunes under various owners, Chieftain aircraft from the USA. The 10-seat, 220 mph cruising speed aeroplane has a long
principally as a General Aviation airport, for fuselage with a strengthened floor allowing loading of cargo pallets. The acquisition of the
which it has built up a strong reputation. Chieftains will allow LyddAir to continue the Le Touquet service while increasing executive and
specialised passenger charter and freight activities. Cities like Hamburg, Prague and Nice lie
LAA has carried on its excellent tradition of within its range.
catering for private and business aircraft. The
airport and the BUA cross-channel car There are weekend services during the winter months to Le Touquet, increasing to a full daily
transporter based there starred in the James service from the beginning of June to the end of September. Prices for the round trip are from
Bond film ‘Goldfinger’ and celebrities who £59.47 to £109.47 and include airport charges and free parking for day trips.
have graced the tarmac include the Queen
Mother, Diana Dors, King Faisal of Iraq, LyddAir’s direct flights to Le Touquet have helped to keep going the cherished connection
Gregory Peck and Humphrey Bogart. between the two town-regions and to ensure that Le Touquet remains a firm favourite with
regional vacationers.
Lydd is also an important cargo airport.
Skyways Cargo Airline began operating at Paris-Plage – every bit as fashionable as the Riviera
Lympne in 1971, with scheduled freight Le Touquet Airport is only a short walk from the town centre. Situated on the coast, around 38
services to Antwerp and Beauvais. In 1974 the miles south of Calais, Le Touquet became as fashionable as the French Riviera in the 1930s,
airline moved to Lydd following the closure of when Noel Coward, P G Wodehouse and others entertained in villas amongst the pinewoods
Lympne. The Skyways operation was then and luxury hotels were built for the English aristocracy.
renamed Dan-Air Skyways.
Today, Le Touquet is still the ‘Cannes of the Cote d’Opale'’ and continues to be known as
Over time, Lydd’s significance faded. But we’ve ‘Paris-Plage’ for its role as the favourite beach resort for well-off Parisians. Its casino, chic
come full circle and air travellers are again designer shops, art galleries, golf course, flower-trimmed lawns and wealth of cafés and
looking for the local airport with the local restaurants makes Le Touquet an excellent and attractive choice for a civilised short break and
touch. The expansion proposals come at just an ideal base for exploring Northern France. With the expansion of LAA, Le Touquet is bracing
the right time to tap into a growing market itself for an upsurge in visitors from a wide area of southern England.
and even air-car ferries, which can penetrate
deeper into France than the coastal LyddAir also offers the aviation equivalent of the ‘round the harbour’ restaurant cruise. This is
catamaran services, might become popular the Fly’n’Dine Dinner flight, which operates on Saturday evenings from April to September, and
again. Who knows? As the saying goes, at lunchtime year-round. LyddAir’s continuing faith in London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has been
stranger things happen at sea. well rewarded and it is now set to reap the benefits.
12
Airport fact file.
Airport codes: Saudi Arabia-based conglomerate engaged in Operational hours: 0900-1900 daily, 24-hour
IATA code: LYX a wide range of commercial activities such as on request. Customs and Immigration facilities
ICAO code: EGMD engineering and construction, also available 24 hours as required.
telecommunications, healthcare, financial
Airport Operator: services, leisure, travel and real estate. FAL Airport area: 122 ha
London Ashford Airport Ltd Holdings now employs some 4,000 people
Romney Marsh worldwide. Staff: 68
Ashford
Kent TN29 9QL Chairman: Air Marshall Clifford Spink
United Kingdom Managing Director: Zaher Deir Runway statistics
T: +44 (0) 1797 322 411 E: zaher.deir@lydd-airport.co.uk Heading 03/21, 1,505 metres (4,937 feet)/LDA
F: +44 (0) 1797 322 419 Marketing Director: Robin Gordon 1,470 metres by 37 metres, PCN 46/F/C/X/T,
E: frontdesk@lydd-airport.co.uk E: robin.gordon@lydd-airport.co.uk Lighting: HI edge, ALS.
W:www.lydd-airport.co.uk Marketing Manager: Tim Gill
E: tim.gill@lydd-airport.co.uk It is proposed to lodge a planning application
London Ashford Airport Ltd is a wholly-owned Project Manager: Roy Hinds to extend the runway to 1,799 metres (plus a
subsidiary of FAL Aviation Ltd. The ultimate E: roy.hinds@lydd-airport.co.uk 150 metre starter extension), subsequent to
holding company is FAL Holdings, a Riyadh, Chief Consultant: Jonathan Gordon the completion of a comprehensive
environmental impact assessment and a Landing and parking charges 13
revised scoping report. In fact, approval was
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
given at a public enquiry carried out 10 years Up to 1500kg £10 including VAT*
ago, but the approval lapsed, thereby requiring 1500kg to 2750kg £20 including VAT
a reapplication. 2750kg to 6000kg £50 plus VAT
*VAT = Value Added Tax
A 1,800-metre runway (1,950 metres including
the starter extension) would be a full 500 Landing/Handling Fees for heavy aircraft
metres longer than that of London City Airport, Band Weight/Kg Landing Handling
which has a much steeper angle of approach 1 6000-7999 £75 £45
and which is permitted to handle these 2 8000-9999 £100 £60
Photo: Roy Hinds
aircraft: ATR42, BAe146/Avro RJ70/85/100 3 10000-11999 £125 £75
family, BAe 41 Jetstream, DHC-6 Twin Otter, 4 12000-14999 £150 £90
DHC Dash 7, Bombardier Q series, DHC Dash- 5 15000-19999 £200 £120
8, Dornier Fairchild 288, Dornier Fairchild 328, 6 20000-29999 £300 £180
Embraer 135, Embraer 195, Fokker 50, Fokker available at Ashford International Station, with 7 30000-39999 £400 £240
70, Saab 340, Saab 2000 and Shorts 360-300. connection times from Lydd of just 20 minutes. 8 40000+ £500 £300
For every additional 10000kg (or part thereof) Landing + GB£100,
Handling + GB£60
Most popular business jets can operate from a Hangarage: The T2 building has been fully
runway of 1,800 metres. refurbished, allowing up to BAe146 access with
more hangarage space planned for the future. Parking charges (First night free)
Airport position: 50°57´00"N, 000°56´00"E, Band Weight/Kg Parking
Elevation 3m (9ft) Cargo Facilities: Capacity 20,000 tons 1 6000-7999 £25
(44,092,000lbs), Transit Zone, Free 2 8000-9999 £30
Air Traffic Control & Navigational Aids: NDB, Port/Foreign Trade Zone 3 10000-11999 £35
DME, ILS (operational from June 2006), from 4 12000-14999 £40
which time LAA becomes a full-service Environment & Noise: Noise abatement 5 15000-19999 £50
international airport. The ILS permits safe procedures in place 6 20000-29999 £75
landing in very poor weather. 7 30000-39999 £100
Aircraft Maintenance: LAA is JAR 145 8 40000+ **
In August 2005, the UK Civil Aviation Authority approved. As an established fixed base * Based on maximum take-off weight
** For every additional 10000kg (or part thereof) + £10
officially approved the newly upgraded Air operation, LAA has on-site JAR 145
Traffic Control system, which considerably engineering facilities, Jet A1 and Avgas fuelling
enhances the monitoring and control of flight facilities, hangarage, passenger and aircraft To encourage future air service development,
movements around the airport. handling and catering. LAA offers:
Safety & Security: Cat 5 RFFS (fire) The base maintenance provider is Sky-Sure • A three-year commitment to assist
Aircraft Engineering, a specialist in General carriers route development prospects
The airport’s security systems and passenger Aviation work. • Phased per passenger charges
handling facilities have been upgraded for T: +44 (0) 1797 322 430 • An innovative, partnership based approach
NASP compliance. The Aerodrome Fire Service F: +44 (0) 1797 322 436 to marketing
has been steadily improved and the airport
now has two major foam tenders plus one light
foam tender giving equipment capability able
to handle Category 6 or 7 aircraft.
The fire crew is on a continuous programme of
courses that have been upgrading its fire-
fighting skills to match equipment capability.
Annual Capacity: 250,000 passengers
Airport Services: 2 check-in desks, 1 gate, 250
car parking spaces, Restaurant, Cafeteria, Bar,
Tourist Help Desk, Car Rental available locally,
Taxi Service/Rank, First Aid, 20 aircraft stands.
A new terminal building is planned for,
depending on the outcome of the same
environmental impact assessment report as
that affecting the proposed runway extension.
Eventually 25,000 sq metres is to be built in
two stages for 500,000 and two million
passengers per annum respectively.
Photo: Roy Hinds
Minimum Rail Connection Times: Regular
domestic services to London and international
services via Eurostar to the continent are
Reykjavik
Sto
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Newcastle
DENMARK
Copenhagen
Dublin Manchester
UNITED
KINGDOM
Cardiff Hamburg
Plymouth
LAA
Isles of Scilly Rotterdam Berlin
Düsseldorf
Channel Islands
Köln Bonn
Paris Prague
Lyon
Nice
Barcelona
15
New route opportunities.
Destination Possible Carrier Nautical Air Miles
UK
ockholm Manchester Flybe 186
bmi regional
Jet 2
Newcastle Flybe 263
RUSSIA Plymouth Air Southwest 194
Edinburgh Scotairways 338
Glasgow Flybe 359
Channel Islands Flybe 160
Aurigny
Blue Islands
Isles of Scilly Skybus 283
Ireland
Dublin Aer Arran 303
Belgium
Brussels VLM 134
SN Brussels
Warsaw The Netherlands
Amsterdam Scotairways 164
VLM
KLM Regional
Rotterdam VLM
France
Lyon Brit Air 355
City Airline
Nice Régional 506
Spain
Barcelona Air Nostrum 584
16
Route development. LAA offers
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
a clean sheet for commercial
route development, but with
some important historical
reference points
≥
The area already has a close bond operated from Manchester, 250 miles north 2005, the typical per person French airport tax
with Northern France and this (2004 passenger numbers 21 million). was €13, compared with €1.5 in Spain, €5 in
region awaits further exploitation. Secondly, the further east one goes, the Germany, €6 in Italy and €7 in the UK.
Airports along the southern English coast have greater is the apparent appeal of France.
traditionally benefited from the entente For this reason, Ryanair, which featured
cordiale between the two countries, more so The very proximity of La Manche (the English France as the first country in its international
then other British regions. Channel) seems to stimulate Francophile network in 1997, says it is now a smaller
tendencies amongst British travellers and, destination for the airline than Germany, Italy
Southampton Airport, for example, serves no overall, France attracts around 15 million or Spain, where it only began operations in
less than 12 French city-regions – Angers, Britons to its shores each year. 2003! This despite the fact that France attracts
Avignon, Bergerac, Bordeaux, Brest, 75 million foreign visitors a year – more than
Chambery, Cherbourg, La Rochelle, Limoges, Another factor that needs to be taken into any other country.
Paris, Perpignan and Rennes. Further west, account is that, slowly but surely, French
Bournemouth Airport offers flights to Lyon; airports are starting to be privatised. Grenoble, Small wonder, then, that several airlines
Exeter, in the southwest, has regular flights to Chambery and Angers are already in private (especially budget carriers) are fearful of
Bergerac, Brest, Chambery and Paris. hands and proposals exist for up to 10 more opening new routes to France in case they
major French regional airports to be privatised upset their investors. However, airlines flying
Two facts are evident. Firstly, there is clear if Aeroports de Paris is successfully listed on to privatised airports have appreciated the
demand from the entire south English coast the stock exchange in 2006. service-cost offer available. Flybe generated
for air services to a broad range of French city- 25,000 new passengers in a year at Chambery
regions. Compare, for example, the nine Privatisation is important because French and there appears to be a knock-on effect,
scheduled routes operated out of Southampton airports – mainly run by local Chambres de with a greater appreciation by government
Airport (2004 passenger numbers 1.5 million) Commerce, under licence from the central officials of the need to make a competitive
to France, to the five scheduled routes government – tend to levy high charges. In offer to airlines at other airports.
A service from LAA to Lyon,
possibly by Brit Air or City
Airline, would facilitate
travel between many
European destinations and
Kent/East Sussex
LAA could present Flybe
with a perfect UK
Photo: Bombardier
southeast base from which
to continue its dynamic
network expansion
Flybe would be an excellent The Q400 – a perfect fit
operator at LAA Blending jet-like speed, passenger comfort and fuel economy, Bombardier’s DHC-8 Q400
The main operator at both Southampton and aircraft is a perfect fit for LAA. The order book for the Q400 stands at 163 aircraft. As of
Exeter (its base) airports is Flybe. We propose September 30, 2005, 104 Q400 aircraft had been delivered to 12 operators in North America,
that Flybe would make an excellent base Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
operator at LAA. ‘Best Low Cost Business
Airline’ and ‘Most recommended UK low fares It is a 70-seat twin-engine turboprop usually powered by Pratt & Whitney PW150A engines. The
airline’ – the accolades are many. Q400 is fitted with Bombardier's NVS active noise and vibration system, which reduces cabin
noise to levels comparable to the CRJ jet, even when flying at maximum cruise speed (360
Flybe has expanded dramatically in the last few knots) – as fast as most jets on routes of less than 800 km and with a climb rate to match.
years since its repositioning as a ‘some-frills’
airline – marrying good old-fashioned service The Q400 is pitched at the short-haul regional airliner market for stage lengths of 550 km or
with low prices. This has proved popular with less. Turboprops are usually more economical over shorter stage lengths and Bombardier says
business and leisure travellers alike and the the Q400s breakeven load factor for a 360 km stage length is just 29 passengers. Its maximum
airline was voted ‘Best Low Cost Business range with 70 passengers and reserves is 2,400 km, so one could fly from LAA to many popular
Airline 2005’ as well as ‘Most recommended destinations in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.
UK low fares airline 2003’ (Holiday Which).
Turboprofits
Other airlines have tried to do the same With speed and comfort matching regional jets, the remaining difference is economics. And
without success, but Flybe has found the right here, Q400 operators like Flybe have an uncontested advantage. This allows Q400 operators to
formula, partly by avoiding high-cost city generate what Bombardier calls ‘turboProfits’. Significantly lower fuel burns give the Q400 the
airports and favouring regional ones and by lowest operating costs per seat in the regional aircraft market. The flexibility of the Q400 allows
stimulating demand through astute marketing. it to operate profitably in a wide range of markets, from full-service to ultra low fare markets.
Flybe began life in 1979 as Jersey European Bombardier also claims that the Q400 is truly a green machine. The Q400 respects the
Airways (JEA) and was taken over in 1983 by environment by setting new standards for environmental protection. Compared to
the Walkersteel Group, parent company of comparable aircraft performing the same mission, the Q400 offers:
Blackpool-based charter airline, Spacegrand.
The two airlines were amalgamated in 1985. • Community noise levels well below FAR 36 and ICAO Annex 16 Ch 3. requirements
JEA flew its first London route (from Guernsey) • Reduced noise exposure for ramp personnel and reduced engine emissions
in 1991 and in 1993 began operating jets. It • 40 percent below Part 34 requirements for Smoke Number
also started to build up a franchise partnership • 40 percent below ICAO Annex 16 requirements for gaseous emission
with Air France and in 1999 established London
City Airport as a base, thereby helping to Flybe’s MD, Jim French, says: “They’re the mainstay of our fleet. The Q400 is delivering very
transform the airport’s fortunes. low operating costs which has allowed Flybe to become one of the largest low-cost operators
in Europe, competing successfully with narrow-body jet operators in our chosen field of
The new millennium saw JEA re-branded as operation – European region to region service… By standardising on the Q400, we will drive
British European (BE), reflected the true size of millions of dollars in operating costs savings.”
what was now the UK’s third-largest scheduled
airline. Like all airlines, BE was affected by the Supporting Jim is Jeff Pinneo, President and CEO of the US’s Horizon Air, who said, “The Q400
shocking events of September 2001 and low- has proven to be an effective tool that has enabled Horizon Air to restore profitability, even in
cost airlines subsequently took advantage of the low fare arena.”
Photo: Newcastle Gateshead Initiative/Roger Coulam
Photo: www.britainonview.com
Edinburgh and Newcastle
(left) represent important
domestic destinations
that could be served
successfully from Lydd
the new paradigm. By the summer of 2002, it modern Bombardier 50 seat Dash-8 aircraft popular with its regular passengers. The D328
was forced dramatically to change its business (the Q400’s predecessor), which provide has exceptional take-off and landing
model to survive. exceptionally low seat costs that enable Air performance, allowing it to operate safely from
Southwest to offer very competitive fares. relatively short runways such as London City
Flybe was born and along with it a bright and Dundee – and LAA. Once airborne, its
modern brand and changes to commercial, Air Southwest’s routes run from Plymouth, power and efficient wing design gives the
fleet and operational policies that were to Newquay and Bristol to Manchester, Leeds, aircraft a cruise speed of 350 miles per hour
transform the airline into what it is today. the Channel Islands, London, Dublin, Cardiff and a maximum altitude of 31,000 feet.
and Norwich. LAA might provide an alternative
In 2004 Flybe focused on France, with the to Gatwick for a wider area of the southeast Aer Arran
launch of new ‘sun and ski’ routes, and and one that isn’t so accessible by alternative Aer Arran is a Dublin-based commuter and
announced record half-year profits of £14 modes of transport like rail and motorway. It regional airline that has an extensive network
million. By now it was evident that new aircraft also raises the question of whether an ‘Air connecting eight cities in Ireland, 11 in the UK
were needed to replace its ageing Bombardier Southeast’ could fill a similar role for the LAA plus the Isle of Man, two in France – L’Orient
Dash-8s and Canadair Regional Jets and to catchment area. and Angers – and Liege (Belgium).
expand the fleet.
Scotairways Aer Arran claims to be one of the world’s
So, in January 2005, Flybe signed a deal with Scotairways began life in the 1980s as Suckling fastest growing regional airlines, with a yearly
Bombardier Aerospace for 20 of its Q400-78s Airways, when it operated from a grass airstrip turnover in excess of €94 million and
and added Liverpool and Norwich to its UK at Ipswich to Amsterdam. Later, it moved to passenger numbers of just under a million for
domestic operations bases – a new base has Cambridge, offering additional services to and 2004 (an increase of 62 percent on 2003).
been announced for Manchester in 2006. There from Manchester, which have since been
are now 36 aircraft, flying 100 routes that discontinued owing to intense competition. Aer Arran has grown substantially over the
connect 40 airports in eight countries. Flybe past year, opening nine new routes, increasing
expects to carry 5.5 million people in 2005/6. The carrier is based at Cambridge, but has two flight frequency and adding two ATR72 aircraft,
80 percent of its routes are domestic key Scottish routes – Edinburgh and Dundee – bringing its fleet total to 10 – a mix of 66-seat
(compared to 22 percent for easyJet and just to and from London City, as well as services –72s and the smaller 50-seat –42s.
seven percent for Ryanair), confirming Flybe’s between Southampton and Amsterdam.
commitment to its core market. The logical route for Aer Arran would be Dublin
Scotairways offers several intriguing to LAA. In every part of the UK there is an
opportunities at LAA and has experience of ethnic Irish market waiting to be tapped and
Other airlines waiting in the wings operating at smaller airports. In its early days, Dublin is the magnet for the majority of British
Of course no airport should ever ‘put all its it was the sole commercial operator at Ipswich tourists to the Emerald Isle. Aer Arran already
eggs in one basket’ and there are many other and became the sole operator at Dundee. operates from Waterford to Luton, 30 miles
UK and European airlines that could take Evidently, the management does not shy away north of the capital, and from Cork to
advantage of LAA’s excellent offer. Fortunately, from a challenge. It also has knowledge of the Southampton. Yet there is a distinct network
the UK in particular is blessed with many Amsterdam market, which we propose as a gap to the south and east of London.
successful regional airlines. key feed airport for LAA. Finally, it also
operates Scottish services, opening up the Aer Arran tends to fly routes from provincial
Air Southwest possibility of a service to Edinburgh. Irish cities to the UK. The carrier may be
Air Southwest is a new regional airline nervous of taking on the Irish super low-cost
dedicated to providing air services to and from Scotairways operates seven modern 31-seat airline, Ryanair, in direct competition on major
Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It operates Dornier 328-100 aircraft, which are very routes to the UK.
19
However, it has experience of operating a Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia, offering a
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Dublin-Sheffield City service, until that airport distinct alternative to flights out of Heathrow.
closed to commercial flights in 2003. A Dublin-
LAA service would make sense, perhaps in Skybus
combination with an en route city like Based at Land's End, near St. Just and
Blackpool or Douglas (Isle of Man). Penzance in Cornwall, Skybus operates
seasonal and year-round domestic scheduled
Eastern Airways services to the Isles of Scilly, with connections
Eastern Airways, based at Humberside Airport, to Land’s End, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol and
has grown rapidly and now connects 17 UK Southampton. Its main base is Land's End
cities. It is particularly strong in the east, Airport (LEQ), with a hub at Newquay Airport
where the majority of its airports are situated. (NQY). Ticketing is via Isles of Scilly Travel.
In fact, Eastern Airways replicates many of the
routes flown by Air UK in the 1980s and 1990s. Skybus operates the DHC-6 Twin Otter, a 20-
seat STOL feederliner and utility aircraft
Subsequently taken over by KLM, Eastern as well as four 50-seat Saab 2000s. Again, developed by de Havilland Canada. The carrier
provides a valuable service along eastern there is a noticeable gap in the route map in would be an appropriate operator at LAA, able
Britain and facilitates travel between major England’s southeast corner, the nearest to draw tourism interest into the Isles of Scilly
ports and oil and manufacturing city-regions airports served being Southampton and from the lucrative south east UK market.
like Norwich (Great Yarmouth), Humberside London City.
(Hull, Grimsby, Scunthorpe), Durham Tees
Valley (Middlesbrough, Stockton) and bmi regional Interest from Mainland Europe
Aberdeen. 85 percent of its traffic comes from bmi regional is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VLM
the business community. bmi, Heathrow’s second largest airline. It The Belgium-based carrier VLM is a prime
operates from nine UK airports including candidate to serve LAA. Formed in 1993, VLM
Today, Eastern has no less than 10 routes into Aberdeen, Jersey, Leeds-Bradford, Norwich, operates a fleet of 14 Fokker 50 aircraft (50
and out of Aberdeen and also flies thin west- Nottingham East Midlands and Stornoway. bmi seats) with a maximum range of 2,400 km,
east cross-country routes like Manchester- regional is a subsidiary of the £830 million mainly on business routes. For example, it
Norwich and Newcastle-Bristol. Apart from turnover/10.5 million passenger carrier that is operates between London City Airport and
Aberdeen, the airline has no obvious hub and based at Heathrow and Manchester. Manchester, connecting England’s two major
is clearly prepared to seek the main chance. financial centres and also from London City to
For example, in late October 2005 it announced The smallest aircraft in the bmi fleet is the 37- Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg. Its two
a new twice-daily service between seat Embraer 135, a suitable size for an airports in southern England so far are London
Southampton and Brussels, its first European expanded LAA. Significantly, bmi only serves City and Southampton.
service and one vacated at short notice by London Heathrow in southern England. With
Belgian airline VLM. an appropriate aircraft in place, bmi regional VLM has been adventurous in recent years,
could provide feed to the Manchester-based making a bold attempt to build up an air
Eastern operates a mixed fleet of Jetstream 32 intercontinental services, which include service between London and Liverpool, one
(18 seats) and 41 (29 seats) aircraft, 21 in total, Chicago, Las Vegas and, in the Caribbean, that has failed on several previous occasions.
The potential exists for Channel Islands
Aer Arran to open a route The Channel Islands remain very popular
between LAA and Dublin,
perhaps stopping at leisure and business destinations with British
Blackpool or Douglas en travellers. LAA has the ability to feed the
route
southeast market efficiently into Jersey and
Guernsey – the aircraft types operated by
Flybe, Aurigny and Blue Islands are a perfect
fit for LAA.
Aurigny already serves Southampton and
London Gatwick, so the lower DOCs
available at LAA could prove very attractive.
Blue Island also operates equipment that fits
perfectly with LAA’s current capabilities, such
as the 19-seat BAe Jetstream 32EP, which
serves Bournemouth and the 9-seat Britten
Norman Islander, which serves both
Bournemouth and Shoreham. Blue Island also
operates the 16-seat Britten Norman
Trislander to Bournemouth and Shoreham.
Flybe operates from London Gatwick to
Guernsey and also to Jersey from London
Photo: Eastern Airways
Southend and London Luton. The market for
connections from the southeast to the Channel
Islands is easily proven.
20 It has also announced an air service that will against the influence of Paris. The home of
connect the Isle of Man to London City and on Interpol, the International Criminal Police
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
to Brussels. VLM has been quick to realise the Organisation, is coming under surveillance
potential for air services between major port itself by several airlines keen to start or expand
cities and operates between London, operations there.
Rotterdam (Europort) and Hamburg.
City Airline
Of course one need not point out the potential One such carrier is Sweden’s City Airline,
attractions of marine business at Dover and currently working closely with SAS, which
Folkestone, with their ferry, cruise and cargo operates to Lyon as part of a seven-route
business. network from Gothenburg. Two of those routes
The vibrant city of
Dublin – an enduringly
are to the UK – Birmingham and Manchester –
Virgin Express/SN Brussels popular destination for and City Airline has no southern UK services.
British tourists
These two Brussels-based airlines have The carrier operates Embraer 135 (37 seats)
recently merged to form a hybrid full-service and 145 (50 seats).
airline/low-cost carrier. Virgin Express’ routes Brit Air is one of the leading regional airlines in
are predominately south, to Portugal, Spain, Europe and is an associate of Air France. It is City Airline’s CEO has said that Lyon has ‘great
Switzerland, Italy and Greece, with one essentially a business airline, operating 260 potential’ and has hinted that an expanded
eastbound route to Berlin. The fleet exclusively daily flights: 210 under its franchise agreement service between the two cities might include an
comprises of the Boeing 737-400. and 50 directly for Air France. en route city in the UK. Although there is a
service from London Heathrow to Gothenburg
SN Brussels, as befits a national carrier, has a All airlines featured here have unique selling (from the congested Terminal 3), there are
comprehensive network of around 56 European propositions that link them to LAA. For Brit Air, currently none from either London Gatwick or
destinations, plus a wide range of flights to it is the Lyon hub, which receives three waves London City. Furthermore, London Ashford
Africa and Asia. Most of the airline’s European of interconnecting flights daily, with connecting Airport (Lydd) would fit City Airline’s strategy of
routes are flown by AVRO RJ85, AVRO RJ100 or times under 35 minutes, and links a network of flying to and from secondary airports.
BAe 146 aircraft. SN Brussels Airlines has 29 French cities, four in Spain, four in Italy,
about 14 Avro RJ85 aircraft at its disposal. three in Germany and one each in Belgium and So it can be seen how a little imagination in
Denmark. Brit Air links Southampton to Paris combining route possibilities can produce a
SN also has 12 AVRO RJ100 and 6 BAe 146 and London to Lyon and Strasbourg. potentially viable new service that would satisfy
aircraft, with 97 and 84 seats respectively. the ambitions of all the stakeholders.
These aircraft may be appropriate to Critically, the Lyon hub links to Barcelona,
operations at LAA. A connection to Brussels, Madrid, Rome and (via an Air France Air Nostrum
the political capital of Europe and home of connection) Venice. A service from LAA to Lyon Spain’s Air Nostrum (Iberia Regional), also
NATO and many other organisations, is would therefore potentially open up four known as Iberia 8000, is a regional airline that
essential to the prospects of a regional airport. important European cities to south Kent/East offers the potential for direct services to Spain.
Sussex travellers, whilst ensuring another key
Brit Air French Connection to build on. Air Nostrum has an extensive network serving
The Brittany-based Brit Air is on the fringe of France, Germany and Italy. Presently, its only
potential operators at LAA. The airline operates Lyon’s stock in Europe is rising steadily as the UK route is London-Menorca. Air Nostrum has
Canadair RJ50 and RJ70 and Fokker 100. French regions begin to assert themselves a presence at 24 Spanish cities, particularly at
VLM’s tradition of
operating air links The (old) world is LAA’s oyster.
between port cities These are, of course, only examples of eminently
makes LAA a natural
choice for Dover and viable routes that could be opened to and from
Folkestone London Ashford Airport (Lydd); many other
routes within Europe could be flown profitably
from LAA.
The trick is to identify what sort of airport LAA
can and should be in advance of any serious
promotional activities. There will almost
certainly be a demand for some point-to-point
services connecting Southeast Kent/East Sussex
with regional airports in the UK and further a-
field.
However, it is likely that a maximum of three of
four of these routes will be initially viable. Once
they have successfully proved themselves, other
routes can be added.
The slow but steady progress made at Liverpool
John Lennon since easyJet set up there in 1997
is a good reference point. That airport is now a
Photo: VLM
major base for easyJet and both Ryanair and
Flybe set up bases within the last two years.
Munich. In the past, it has operated Newcastle- 21
Copenhagen for SAS. The fleet consists of five
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
ATR 42s, six ATR 72s and three CRJ200 jets.
European Air Express
Finally, another useful airline acquisition
would be Germany’s European Air Express
(EAE). EAE has five ATR 42s connecting five
cities in Germany, two in Switzerland and one
in the Netherlands. The logical route would be
to Cologne/Bonn or Berlin. Cologne would
offer the opportunity of connecting flights to
Nuremberg and Geneva. Another route worth
investigating is Munster/Osnabruck, still a
significant place of entry and exit for the UK
and US armed forces that remain in Germany.
Photo:www. berlin-tourist.information.de
Calling on the business
community for support
Some of these routes will be outright business
services, calling on the local business
LAA-Berlin has huge
potential, particularly for community for support. Apart from the Dover
European Air Express docks company, the Kent community
(EAE)
embraces such multinational companies as
Pfizer, the pharmaceuticals multinational
four main hubs – Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and principal port, is (Sandwich), one of the largest global buyers of
and Seville. Apart from Madrid, most UK-Spain increasingly popular with short breakers and business travel.
services focus on Barcelona (or Gerona, it’s offers connections with TAP to South America.
‘budget’ airport), which is popular with city- PGA also flies to Porto (the Manchester service The life of British Energy’s Dungeness B
breakers as well as being Spain’s commercial flies a circular route that connects Lisbon and nuclear power station at Romney Marsh has
capital, and Alicante (Costa Blanca), home to Porto as a domestic leg) and to the Atlantic recently been extended until 2018; business
almost 100,000 British ex-pats. islands. There is, therefore, the opportunity to and technical services travel to and from the
offer the LAA catchment area vacation breaks facility remains significant and will continue to
Air Nostrum’s 61-strong fleet comprises to mainland Portugal, the islands and even up- support air services beyond the plant’s
ATR72, Fokker 50, Dash-8 and CRJ 200s, most and-coming destinations like the Cape Verde eventual closure date and throughout the
of which would admirably suit an operation out islands, which are served by both TAP and lengthy decommissioning process.
of LAA. The ATR, Fokker 50 and Dash-8 could TACV Airlines of Cabo Verde from Lisbon.
comfortably handle a Barcelona service. Other major employers include the fragrance
Régional manufacturers Quest International (Ashford),
Portugalia A subsidiary of Air France, which primarily P&O Ferries (Dover), Saga Group (Folkestone
Portugalia (PGA), Portugal’s second airline that services ‘thin’ inter-regional European routes, and Margate), Smiths Industries (Hythe),
co-operates with the state airline TAP, is Régional operates a fleet of Embraer 135s, logistics company Amethyst Group (Itochu) at
frequently praised for its proficiency and was which is perfectly suited to LAA. Nice has Tunbridge Wells, AXA PPP Healthcare (also
named ‘Best Regional Airline Company in proven to be a very popular leisure destination. Tunbridge Wells), paper manufacturer
Europe’ in 2005 for the fifth consecutive year. for the southeast market, with easyJet and Kimberley Clark (West Malling) and brewers
Since 1987, PGA has established itself on the British Airways operating services from Shepherd Neame (Faversham).
European market as a private innovative airline London Gatwick. Nice is served by Régional on
with a reputation for high standards, just as the Amsterdam route, yet there is no service Of these, LAA has great potential to serve the
LAA does in the airport sector. by Régional to London. Saga Group’s expanding air charter and
scheduled air transport needs, and
PGA’s fleet is based on six Fokker 100s, an Cimber Air complement the company’s already strong
ageing but comfortable aircraft kitted out with An air route to Denmark would be an aviation capabilities. One prime opportunity
leather seats. Supporting the F100 are eight extremely valuable addition to LAA’s route would be a charter service from Manchester to
Embraer 145s, two Saab 2000s and one network. Apart from the clear business and LAA, perhaps a convenient fly-cruise package
Beechcraft 1900D. touristic attractions of Copenhagen, with an to transport passengers to the Port of Dover.
improved road and rail network the entire
LAA to Lisbon is some 975 miles on the Great country is now easily accessible by surface Also featured is an array of Small & Medium
Circle Route (the shortest distance between connections, as is southern Sweden. Moreover, Enterprises and their supporting organisations
two points on a globe), comfortably within the SAS offers a very comprehensive network of like Chambers of Commerce and Business
range of all three aircraft; the Saab 2000 is inter-Scandinavian services and Links. In East Sussex, these companies
perhaps best suited because of its take off and intercontinental connections. comprise Parker Pen, West Pharmaceutical,
landing characteristics and seating capacity. General Dynamics and Hastings Direct
Formed in 1950, Cimber Air operates 10 routes amongst their number. East Sussex is
PGA is strong in Spain, France and mainland of which six are domestic. It also seeks out becoming a popular location with businesses
Europe. There is only one UK route presently innovative foreign routes and flies to Warsaw, looking to locate in the UK. Recently, a
(Manchester), but that has been successful, so Basel and Bucharest as well as operating a successful bid secured money to develop
it could be time to consider more options. German domestic route between Kiel and Inward Investment in Rives Manche, France. A
22 little further a-field are BOC, Glaxo Smithkline, and ferry companies, not to mention Channel
Schering Health Care, Thales and Unilever – Tunnel Group and Eurotunnel Freight, hints at
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
some of whose executives may well find LAA to how big this business could be for the right
be a more convenient airport. airline, or even as belly freight in small
passenger airlines.
Some companies have very large travel
budgets and particular destinations they visit Dover is the 10th largest UK port by tonnage
frequently – the site of a subsidiary or major handled, processing 18.8 million tonnes in
client, for example. But the choice of airline 2003/4 out of a UK total of 557 million tonnes
may be restricted to their executives by and the Terminal is used by many top carriers.
corporate deals signed with major airlines, the (The Medway ports are 11th with 15.6 million
sort that are more likely to operate out of tonnes). It has roll on/roll off facilities, one of
Heathrow or Gatwick. the fastest growth segments of the port
industry with a 40 percent increase in units
All regional airlines face this problem, which handled nationally between 1996 and 2004.
has been mitigated somewhat by the success On the other hand, such is the breadth of the
of budget airlines. Thanks to this trend, both network offered by Air France at Paris Charles The holiday cruise market is expanding fast in
travellers and administrators now realise that de Gaulle airport and SN Brussels at Brussels Kent, with the Port of Dover recently opening
small, local and regional are nowadays key National airport that an LAA schedule to both a second cruise terminal. Dover catered for
words in their air travel search criteria. may be justified on the strength of that some 140 cruise vessels in 2005 and officials
network alone. Occasionally, offering a route expect that number to increase in the years
Multinationals in particular require feeder like this identifies supplementary marketing ahead. Given its close proximity to the port,
flights to major hubs like Paris, Brussels, possibilities that would otherwise remain LAA would be a natural choice for passengers
Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Just as important, hidden. For example, as a result of a peculiar seeking a fast and easy trip to their ship.
businesspeople will go out of their way to avoid set of circumstances, at the time of writing
certain hubs (Heathrow is one), if they can use (October 2005) there is no air service between Dover is a 24-hour port with no locks or tidal
‘single roof’ continental alternatives, even London Gatwick and any Paris region airport, restrictions; vessels can berth at any time,
though this adds at least one more flight to and that has been the case for over a year. day or night in as little as 40 minutes. Situated
their itinerary. at the closest geographical point to the
So, London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has the Continent, close to all the main shipping lanes,
The strength of Eurostar at Ashford indicates opportunity to develop a small number of Dover is also directly connected to the M2 and
that point-to-point traffic from LAA to Paris sustainable point-to-point routes and has the M20 motorways, which connect to the M25
and Brussels may be limited by direct potential to add frequency and successful new London orbital route, giving fast and smooth
competition and, initially at least, Amsterdam services in line with the management’s access to central London and all other parts of
may therefore offer a better route alternative – business plan. the UK. And Dover is just one of seven ports
for both origin & destination and hubbing that lie within LAA’s two-hour road travel
travellers. Amsterdam is also a very popular catchment area.
destination from the whole of the UK east Airfreight
coast and KLM, together with its subsidiaries, Globally, airfreight has been growing more But it isn’t only sea-to-air and vice versa
has efficiently supported regional UK airports quickly than passenger traffic. The proximity of freight that offers potential. As the nearest UK
for many years. the Dover Docks and the supporting freight airport to the continent LAA could have a role
The opportunities from
LAA are many and
include domestic cities
like Manchester and
international hubs such
as Brussels (left)
Photo: www.britainonview.com
as place of landing for a range of perishable Airport at Manston when that airport was These could take the form of single or series 23
and instant use goods, from speciality foods to functioning for passenger traffic, simply tours arranged by local companies. The very
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
foreign newspapers. With a large population because, for the first time, they existed. Cited existence of a ‘local’ airport is often the spur for
and a good road infrastructure, mail services amongst these are Dublin and Spanish cities. entrepreneurs in the neighbouring travel
could feature prominently. community to arrange and advertise their own
tours and for tour operators based elsewhere to
Cruising into the sunset consider the new opportunities suddenly
Vacations unlimited One of the major growth areas of the tourism presented to them.
It is coincidental, but hardly surprising, that the industry is international cruise. The UK is the
Saga Group and its Saga Leisure subsidiary second most important market for cruise Yet another opportunity arises in the form of
should be headquartered in nearby Folkestone. passengers after North America and the UK’s private hire of business jets for high net worth
England’s south coast is home to a growing ports receive about 725,000 passengers each individuals or groups for vacations. This is
number of ‘Greys’ – middle aged or older year, up by 50 percent in five years. becoming increasingly popular almost directly
people, some of whom have taken early in relation to the continuing expansion of
retirement, with time on their hands and Growth is expected to continue in the medium budget airline services.
disposable income. term, following investment by cruise operators,
the increasing popularity of cruise travel One of the main operators is Jeffersons, which
Greys can be adventurous consumers and any amongst younger people and increasing arranges one to four night short break and
of the destinations mentioned here might come demand both for shorter and cheaper cruises. ski/sport vacations to up-market city
up on their collective radar, particularly city destinations. Jeffersons will fly from any airport
breaks. Many southern English people own or All this points to the possibility of fly-cruise with sufficient demand and adequate
rent homes in Spain (primarily Murcia and operations at ports close to LAA. In fact the infrastructure, which is certainly true for LAA.
Alicante) and France, the latter already a airport already receives occasional visits by
popular destination from LAA! chartered aircraft bringing passengers to join The advantage offered by LAA to companies like
ships at Dover. this is the existence of a fixed base operation
The French Connection is there to be exploited. geared towards private jets and the proximity of
Indeed, Saga Holidays itself has a French Short the airport to areas of high disposable income.
Break offer using hotels, chateaux and rural Charter options
cottages. Charter operators such as TUI (Thomson),
Monarch and MyTravel tend to use jet engined Domestic routes – the backbone
According to local travel agents, vacationers in aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and 757 series of an airport’s offer
Kent and East Sussex choose destinations that and the Airbus A320 family on short and Domestic routes are very important to most UK
blend low costs with convenience. For example, medium haul charter flights to Europe. In the airports. Despite the fact that the UK is fairly
long-haul passengers would consider a longer immediate future such aircraft will not be small and has a comprehensive rail and road
air journey via somewhere like Amsterdam if appropriate to LAA. network, air is still the first choice for many.
the price reduction justified it and as long as
they were not inconvenienced by a very long But opportunities exist for ad-hoc charters This is largely because road building and
wait at the intermediate airport. using smaller aircraft, especially turboprops, development of the national rail network
which are making a comeback owing to their continue to lag behind other European
They also report that certain destinations economical operating characteristics over countries and consequently road journeys can
became very popular from Kent International shorter distances. be both long and tiring.
Southeast Kent and East Sussex are some
The airport could act as a
premier fly-cruise distance from other parts of the country. A trip
destination, particularly by car to northern England, for example, would
in conjunction with the
expansion of cruise take most of the day – and time is money.
services at Dover
Travelling by air and then by hired vehicle for
business to cities beyond the airport served can
be cost-effective, for example, Manchester for
Leeds-Bradford, Liverpool or Sheffield,
Edinburgh for Glasgow/Silicon Glen. And air
travel to all these regions has the added bonus
of avoiding the tiresome necessity of changing
between rail stations in London.
Finally, the increasing propensity for
immigrants from East Europe and beyond to
settle in the area around the Channel Tunnel
and Kent Ports needs also to be considered.
Presently the tendency is manifested in terms
of containment, dispersal and policies to handle
social problems, but in the absence of any
fundamental change in government policy the
Photo: Port of Dover
potential will arise in time for immigrants to be
regarded as clients of airlines at LAA, both in
and outbound.
24
Voices of support. Both the
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Ashford Rural Trust and the
Channel Corridor Partnership
back the airport’s sustainable
development objectives
Ashford Rural Trust the airport developed alongside other major
Ashford Rural Trust, an organisation set up to projects like the high-speed rail link into Kent.’
help protect the region from damaging and
excessive development, backs the upgrading Janice underlined the CCP’s firm commitment
and modernisation of London Ashford Airport to playing a key role in helping London Ashford
(Lydd). The Trust campaigns to ensure that the Airport (Lydd) efficiently ‘plug into’ the many
rural character of Ashford is not lost. other public and private sector bodies that are
active in the region.
Some 30 members of the Trust made a special
visit to the airport in October 2005 to listen to a ‘There are all sorts of issues, like skills
Photo: Locate in Kent
presentation given by Marketing Director Robin shortages and training, that we are addressing
Gordon. Among the points raised were the and we will bring the airport into discussions
proposed lengthening of the main runway, the that we are co-ordinating with other local
safe removal of newts to a nearby location and business networks,’ she added.
the erection of a new terminal and terminal
building, coupled with parking facilities for organisation is on stimulating economic growth Zaher Deir, managing director of London
aircraft. and following our visit we now believe that Ashford Airport Ltd, said: ‘We were very
there is a strong case to be made in support of encouraged to see that the Board members of
Trust Chairman Ian Grant explained that: the airport’s role in encouraging new the Channel Corridor Partnership came here
‘There have been many claims and counter employment and stimulating the regional with an open mind and were prepared to
claims about the proposed development of the economy. We want to ensure that Lydd Airport debate all the issues surrounding our plans to
airport at Lydd and our members were keen to is part of a co-ordinated long-term approach to develop the airport. We look forward to working
visit the site and learn the facts for themselves infrastructure development and we want to see closely with the Partnership in the future.’
before forming an opinion. Overall, we believe
the modernisation of the airport will provide
benefits for the region.’
Boosting economic regeneration
The development of London Ashford Airport
(Lydd) will have a positive impact on
employment and economic regeneration in
Kent. That’s the conclusion of an influential
group of business and local authority leaders.
The Channel Corridor Partnership is a private
and public sector organisation set up to
promote and improve economic prosperity
along the M20 corridor council districts of
Shepway, Ashford and Maidstone.
The Partnership held its December 2005 board
meeting at Lydd, giving members the
opportunity to find out more about current
proposals to modernise and upgrade the
airport. Board members received presentations
from airport Managing Director Zaher Deir and
Senior Consultant Jonathan Gordon.
Photo: www.kentimages.co.uk
The Partnership’s executive director Janice
Wason said: ‘We were there to learn about the
plans to develop Lydd. The main focus of our
25
Ancillary revenue. Airports
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
throughout the world make
their money in several
different ways, many of which
might surprise you
≥
Traditionally, they have done so especially retail shopping and food and International Airport that offers public
from fees connected directly to the beverage, through the expansion of flights in ex-military fighters
landing and take-off of aircraft and concession facilities. Some have been able to • Loyalty cards, pioneered by Bahrain,
the processing of their passengers, supported tip the balance of revenue generation as Vienna and Bristol Airports and now
by parking and hangarage fees, possibly office much as 60:40 in favour of non-aeronautical commonplace
accommodation charges and navigational income and that is now considered an • On-site gambling. Las Vegas McCarran
services. achievable target. Their methods include: airport is reputed to earn $25 million from
this activity and up and coming airports
They also relied on highly profitable Duty and • On-site supermarkets and factory like Blackpool will aspire to do the same if
Tax Free sales to boost revenues, as did most (discount) shopping outlets the town is granted the UK’s only licence
of the airlines. • Business parks for a super casino
• Restaurants, either within the terminal
But Duty Free sales before, on or after building or along perimeter roads However, in recent years it has been the
European flights have been abolished for • A motor dealership (Auckland Airport) smaller regional airports that have become the
several years and, in the face of pressure from • Discotheques, for example Frankfurt, trailblazers as they sought ever more
airlines to reduce fees (especially from the Munich and Dresden imaginative ways to generate income.
budget airlines), airports have had to be much • Sport facilities, such as golf (Hong Kong’s
more imaginative and develop co-investment SkyCity development) and motor racing The methods they have used include terminal
opportunities. (Kuala Lumpur) concession income, car parking income, real
• Theme Parks, like Canada’s Calgary estate income and market making – creating
At first it was the major airports, like London Airport (a Coca Cola sponsored theme park revenue sources out of operational areas that
Heathrow, Frankfurt and Rome, which called Kidscape) and Thunder Bay, an were not previously considered appropriate to
ratcheted up their non-aeronautical sales, aviation attraction at Cape Town profit generation.
Car parking represents a
major revenue stream at
most airports, including
Germany’s low-cost
trailblazer, Frankfurt-Hahn
Photo: Frankfurt Hahn Airport
The new departure lounge
at LAA, one of many
landside infrastructure
improvements
Much can be done within the bounds of the Wide-open spaces In the longer term, once a critical mass of
terminal building itself, from the provision of Of course, many of these revenue generators commercial air services is achieved there is
appropriately sized retail opportunities would not be appropriate to LAA, but there are potential for CIE, with the possibility of
(newsagent/bookstore, bar/restaurant, post opportunities for the airport to turn itself into combining meetings with incentive events such
office, tourist bureau), via advertising to car an attraction in its own right. The airport as orienteering, karting, water sports and
parking. benefits from its location in a largely themed activities such as ‘aviation’ (pleasure
uncongested area, but equally within close flights/flight training) or ‘military’ (typically
LAA has a large area of flat land on which to proximity to towns with substantial population. manoeuvres or use of firing ranges). These
provide further car parking beyond the current activities could be promoted in advance of the
250-vehicle limitation and has little need in the In fact LAA has already begun to promote itself build up of commercial flights.
immediate future to build multi-storey facilities. to the multi-million dollar conference, incentive
Advertising and promotion can be a very useful and event (CIE) industry, taking advantage of For high value groups, high standard
form of subsidiary revenue. publicity surrounding the expansion of the accommodation facilities would be needed on
business jet operation and VIP Terminal by FAL site, at least international three-star standard,
London City Airport, for example, makes good Aviation. In the short term the plan is to attract with equivalent quality meeting facilities
use of its location to demand high revenues for business visitors with their own aircraft and included to provide flexible and convenient
advertising contracts and is often used by film those that can take advantage of corporate networking. Plans have already been approved
and television companies as a setting for scene aviation services, to hold business meetings in to build a new £7.5 million four-star hotel to
shooting. Almost every airport has something a relaxing atmosphere with easy access, and support the Lydd Golf Club. However no firm
to offer advertisers and film directors! also those that can get to the airport by road. build date has yet been agreed.
An architectural vision of
the proposed £7.5 million
hotel development at
Lydd Golf Club
27
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Lydd Golf Club
A fine 18-hole Links style golf course is
located right on LAA’s doorstep. Since
opening in 1994, Lydd Golf Course has
worked alongside the airport and today
offers passengers, particularly those in the
General Aviation sector, with the ideal
environment in which to unwind in style
between flights.
The course has matured well over its first 12
years, its championship quality design
ingeniously taking advantage of the natural
terrain to provide challenging greens and
Lydd Golf Club can act as fairways that test all players’ abilities.
an incentive for
travellers to use the
airport – its facilities are With 10 lakes for water hazards and a
available for many
different kinds of event blustery wind that often blows in from the
sea, bringing with it ever-changing weather
conditions, no two rounds are alike.
The further development of existing golf airports have factory outlets or major chains
facilities presents another opportunity, in that such as Ikea located within their boundaries. Small wonder, then, that the course is widely
the various CIE amenities can be merged with The development of aviation services and other regarded as one of the finest golfing venues
it into one offer. The same company that aerospace related businesses where there is in Kent, on a par with the area’s more
operates the airport owns the Lydd Golf Club. an appropriately sized land bank is part of the established courses.
The tough course has already been used for business planning for small regional airports.
championships and the arrival of new air Not only do they help the airport earn Regular fixtures held here include the British
routes will help spread further its reputation. additional income; they also enhance the Boys Championship Plate, as well as
economic competitiveness of the areas in Professional fixtures and County Matches,
Golfers are always looking for a challenge – which they operate. but availability is rarely an issue – the flexible
they even flock to Iceland and Greenland to tariff policy operated at Lydd Golf Course
play at midnight with fluorescent orange golf One UK regional airport operator, for example, means that you really can fly in for a round,
balls or to the Middle East to play on courses has based its strategy on the provision of choosing a package that complements your
that resemble huge sand bunkers! General Aviation services for private aircraft, individual travel calendar.
business jets and helicopters, supporting fuel
The combination of golf facilities, a high-class farms, also flying schools and training and The course also has a 24-bay floodlit driving
hotel, a professional destination management maintenance facilities – even where it is range and a five-hole academy course for
company organising meetings and events and successfully attracting low-cost airlines! beginners and those who wish to improve
much easier access will really put the Romney their short game. A resident golfing
Marsh area on the corporate map. The experience of the military is that where professional is on hand for expert one-on-
such a cluster of aviation experience builds up one advice, covering everything from
A further opportunity is ‘green’ tourism.’ it is easier to attract other industries, for technique to types of equipment.
Birdwatching in particular is much in demand example specialised vehicle manufacture, to
through dedicated tour operators worldwide the area. This would be of benefit not only to Lydd Golf Course boasts all the facilities you
that serve small numbers of relatively high LAA, but also to the regional economic would expect from a modern golf club,
spending vacationers, appropriate to a niche development plan. including a warm and intimate clubhouse,
airport like LAA and its surrounding environs. plenty of parking, disabled facilities, full
hospitality services for up to 140 people, a
On a slightly more mundane level there is the club restaurant, lounge and fully-equipped
opportunity to provide retail services for the professional shop.
local population not linked directly to air travel,
for example in the form of a factory outlet Lydd Golf Club and Driving Range
store or mall. Kent has a population of almost Romney Road
1.4 million, of which Dover, Folkestone and Lydd
Ashford alone count 270,000 consumers. Romney Marsh
Kent TN29 9LS
Kent’s consumers are keen shoppers, as
testified by the success of the 330-store T: +44 (0) 1797 320 808
Bluewater shopping complex in the north of F: +44 (0) 1797 321 482
the county. Non-terminal retail is big business E: info@lyddgolfclub.co.uk
in Australia, a good case study where many www.lyddgolfclub.co.uk
28
Lydd FBO. Kent’s very finest
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
executive aviation facility is
already well established at
LAA – closer to you, closer to
the market
Location – a key factor for
≥
If you are looking for an alternative
fixed base operation (FBO) located FAL Aviation
in the UK southeast that is assured This exceptional situation was instrumental in
to be quiet, discreet and 100 percent focused the choice of the fixed base operator (FBO),
on the needs of the executive aviation industry, FAL Aviation, to locate at London Ashford
then look no further than London Ashford Airport (Lydd) in the summer of 2005. The new
Airport (Lydd) for a fast, efficient and cost- FBO features a sumptuous 64-sq metre
effective executive airport gateway. lounge, complete with state-of-the-art
conference facilities.
The airport is open for business seven days a
week, from 9am until 7pm (all hours are based The company provides handling services with
on local time). Movements at other times can, its new ground equipment, fuel, landing and
however, easily be arranged by obtaining prior parking services, as well as exclusive use of a
permission – just telephone ATC on +44 (0) VIP lounge, for corporate, business and
1797 320 881. private aviation clients who own or charter
LAA represents a friendly, efficient and small jets. Additional services include:
Located only 53 miles south of central London welcoming FBO that provides all the exclusive
and less than 10 minutes by air to France, LAA services required by the passengers and crews • Conference rooms
represents a superb, value-added location that in the Corporate Aviation sector – without the • Flight planning room
offers considerable sector length and fuel stress, slots or waiting time often encountered • Crew rest areas
savings to a host of international destinations at London’s city airports. First opened in the • Customs & Immigration
in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal and summer of 2005, the facilities are brand new, • Aircraft ground support
the southern Mediterranean coast, to name comprehensive, tailored to modern market • Crew transportation
just a few. demand and, of course, highly efficient. • Crew accommodation arrangements
Friendly, efficient and
comprehensive executive
aviation services come as
standard at Fal Aviation
Location and access 29
By train
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
London Ashford Airport (Lydd) is situated 22
km south of Ashford in Kent. Visitors
travelling by train should travel to the airport
by rail (to Ashford International Station) and
then take either a bus or taxi for the last
section of the journey. Ashford is
approximately 13 miles from the airport.
A feasibility study is underway to reinstate the
Lydd-Appledore railway line across Romney
Marsh, which passes close by the airport.
This could enable connections to be made
from Ashford International to a proposed LAA
rail station. As an interim measure coach
services might operate from and to Ashford
International.
By bus
Regular local bus services are operated by
Stagecoach East Kent. Bus services from
The 64-sq metre lounge Folkestone stop at the airport terminal and at
exudes style and comfort,
with everything that the end of the approach road.
executive travellers need
close to hand
By car
Exit the M20 at Junction 10 and join the A2070
• Catering arrangements London Ashford Airport (Lydd) from June 2006, southbound. The airport is well signposted
• Slots & permit arrangements with ATC & underlining the airport’s unwavering from this road. Take the A2070 to Brenzett,
Eurocontrol commitment to its aviation partners and from there take A259 to Romney Marsh and
• Secure Parking located immediately next providing airlines (and their passengers) with finally the B2075 to Lydd and the airport.
to the terminal the very highest levels of operational safety at
all times. Motorway to Terminal journey time is
FAL prides itself on offering a friendly and approximately 20 minutes and from London
loyal service. Its clients are all treated approximately one hour 20 minutes.
individually and FAL aims to cater for every Maintenance and repair
requirement. In Sky-Sure Aircraft Engineering, LAA has its Apart from the A2070, the other major road in
very own base maintenance provider. The the area is the coastal road A259, which runs
As well as all the usual handling services for company can be contacted on +44 (0) 1797 between Folkestone and Hastings, going on to
the aircraft, such as fuel, repositioning and 322 430 and offers airlines: Eastbourne, Brighton and beyond, and which
sanitary needs, FAL offers a vast array of passes close by the airport.
personal services, from chauffeur-driven • The annual 50-hour check
vehicles, limousines, helicopter charter and • Aircraft re-sprays The airport has car parking adjacent to the
luxury sky catering to floral arrangements, • Interior services Terminal Building. Day parking is free and
accommodation, conference facilities – even • High quality cloth or leather refits long stay parking is only £3 per night.
those last-minute gifts clients may have • An engine exchange program
forgotten to buy while on a business trip. The airport also has its own golf course. Lydd
Members of the executive aviation industry Golf Club is an 18-hole Links style golf course
Aircraft crews are also pampered and taken looking for a world-class FBO offering with a 24 bay floodlit Driving Range. The golf
care of, with a designated rest area, showers, superior quality and service levels should club adds to the ambiance of LAA and offers
transport, accommodation arrangements and contact: executives an ideal place to meet and relax
flight planning area. either before or after a flight.
FAL Aviation exhibits at a number of business
aviation shows and conferences annually,
including EBACE and the Business Travel
Show in London.
The launch of FAL Aviation marked the
successful completion of a £400,000 project of FAL Aviation UK Ltd
works, aimed specifically at upgrading London London Ashford Airport
Ashford Airport (Lydd)’s existing passenger Kent TN29 9QL
terminal to cater for every possible 21st United Kingdom
century air travel requirement. T: +44 (0) 1797 322 480
F: +44 (0) 1797 322 481
The latest model Instrument Landing System E: info@falaviation.com
(ILS) is now installed and is fully operational at www.falaviation.com
30
First market mover. Don’t
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
hesitate! Come and talk to us
and reap the many benefits of
being the first carrier to
operate here
≥
Although all airlines have a lot to do the last decade (for example Luton Airport • Designated economic growth area
to build new routes there are clear grew by 245 percent in 10 years and Stansted • Excellent surface transport links
advantages in being the first one to by 600 percent), a recent survey by the Greater • Closest proximity to mainland Europe
fly them. At larger airports this often manifests London Authority concluded that the majority • Well-established local and regional
itself in the obtaining of ‘grandfather rights’ on of Londoners still tend to use an airport close tourism attractions and infrastructure
the allocation of slots. to where they live. • Attractive operational characteristics in an
uncongested region
The wider advantage, especially at a smaller This explains the even bigger growth
airport, is the opportunity to establish the experienced at London City Airport over the A start-up airline at LAA still has a challenge
airline as an innovator. Innovatory airlines tend same decade – a staggering 700 percent. as it would elsewhere, despite all these
to chime in with the thinking of innovatory Pitching its attraction at business people, benefits, especially in the selection of routes.
consumers – those with adventurous minds London City has also successfully generated But help may be on hand.
and the disposable income necessary to satisfy outbound leisure travel to consumers in both
their desires. the richer and poorer areas of East London. LAA actively involves the local community in its
development plans. Managing Director Zaher
Southeast England has many of these people London City has few budget airline flights, Deir says: “In preparing our development
amongst its population; the region consistently suggesting that an airport does not have to be plans for London Ashford Airport (Lydd), we
has the highest propensity to travel by air in locked into one business model to succeed. have involved residents, local authorities and
the UK, despite a higher cost of living than The opportunity is there for regional airlines other interested bodies every step of the way
most other UK regions. to take first advantage of LAA’s strong offer: during the consultation process.”
It’s also worth mentioning that despite the • A broad and relatively uncontested “We have an airport consultative committee
huge growth of budget airline services during catchment area and we also promote an open-door policy so
Intense negotiation and
the establishment of a
route development forum
were key factors at
Bergen Airport Flesland,
on the Norwegian Fjords
that anybody with an interest in LAA is (BAFDF), which held its first meeting in ordinated marketing support and tailored 31
welcome to visit and find out for him or herself January 2005. As a consequence, Bergen assistance throughout every aspect of the
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
what our business plans involve.” Airport Flesland stepped up a gear in its route marketing process.
mission to deliver new cost-efficient routes
We are keen to encourage an extension of into the airport and support carriers interested Airlines undertake considerable due diligence
consultative committees into the business of in opening routes there. before embarking on any new route. Each
route development, believing that the best BAFDF member appreciates the complexities
people to decide on the routes necessary for It was felt that the establishment of a of route development and their role to support
long-term success are local stakeholders. dedicated networking forum had long been the airport marketing process, from budget
overdue. After all, focused marketing of the spending, marketing and advertising strategies
Those routes need to be cost-effective, both to fjords and cruise line business has been to data gathering and reporting.
the airline operator and to the passenger, so extremely successful in establishing Bergen
that they offer economic benefits to all parties. firmly on the cruise itinerary map. Although still in its early stages, the forum,
There is little point having an air service that is now managed by Bergen Chamber of
withdrawn after a couple of months and that is Networking and marketing groups have given Commerce and chaired by an executive of
something that happens all too often in an era significant support to the cruise line industry Deloitte & Touche, will provide valuable
of budget airlines with a very portable product. and inbound tour operators, at the same time assistance to new airlines and will also work
as promoting the fjords as a strong within the wider transport plan for the region.
In Canada, all the major airports are set up as international brand and ensuring positive
‘not-for-profit organisations’, run by and on image placement throughout the worldwide The process at Bergen Airport Flesland has
behalf of their stakeholders, which include travel industry. certainly been successful – the BFADF has
municipalities, business and commerce, trade helped to develop 15 new aviation routes in just
unions, pressure groups and even pension under two years and bring a number of new
funds. However, perhaps it is more pertinent to Many heads better than one airlines to the region.
look at an example closer to home. Bergen’s development forum is an all-inclusive
initiative that comprises important regional
Bergen Airport Flesland in Norway bears some stakeholders from politics, tourism and Parties recognise they all have a
similarities with LAA. It’s much further from business. As Bergen Airport Flesland embarks part to play
Oslo than LAA is from London but its on an aggressive campaign to secure new Today, the forum is in its early stages, but
immediate passenger catchment area is airline routes it is safe in the knowledge that already there is much stronger focus on the
similar and Bergen has a cruise ship business carriers will receive information culled from a airport amongst the local community.
where LAA has the ferry (and cruise) ports of wide variety of sources to help reach critical Stakeholders recognise that it is not just
Folkestone and Dover. However, we can’t really route development decisions. Avinor’s (the state airport operator)
compare the Norwegian fjords to the White responsibility to generate traffic growth at
Cliffs of Dover! The BAFDF structure was designed to have Bergen Airport Flesland.
member contacts across every conceivable
The airport in Bergen, working in co-operation aspect of the airline, airport and passenger- Political, tourism and economic leaders also
with critical stakeholders, established the handling value chains so that it can provide up- have an important role to play in the process.
Bergen Airport Flesland Development Forum to-date tourism and economic data, co- So how would it work at London Ashford
Airport (Lydd)?
Clearly, many public bodies and individuals
would be interested in participating, from
Parish Council level, through District and
County (including Ashford Borough Council
and East Sussex County Council), to the
regional South East England Development
Corporation (SEEDA) and Kent & Medway MPs
and MEPs.
Apart from the airport operator itself, service
providers would need to be represented, plus
travel agents and freight forwarders and at
least one participant from industry, commerce
and leisure.
The main point about these forums is that
rather than adding to bureaucracy, they can
actually help to cut across it. They are set up
for a very specific purpose that has fixed and
agreed objectives.
Once those objectives are achieved – usually
Photo: Bergen Flesland Airport
when the airport reaches the point where its
optimum operating capacity is (or clearly can
be) attained – the forum is disbanded and is
only reinstated if there is a major unforeseen
change in circumstances.
32
Location, location, location...
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Only these three things
matter, as the saying goes,
and LAA is well placed for
London and the UK southeast
This is Britain’s wealthiest area, Right place 60 minute drive time
≥
close to London and the European Considering that the English Channel forms a Private households 483,943
continent – and, significantly, its boundary to the east and south, LAA’s Usually resident population 1,114,680
inhabitants have the greatest propensity to fly catchment area is considerable and it will 90 minute drive time
of anyone in the UK. As far as location goes, undoubtedly attract passengers travelling to or Private households 1,798,188
London Ashford Airport (Lydd) is the right from districts outside the immediate vicinity. Usually resident population 4,150,606
airport, in the right place, at the right time. Drive time populations (2003). Source: MapInfo
Almost all of Kent lies within a one-hour drive
of LAA. Perhaps surprisingly, a much bigger Of course not everyone in this enormous
Right airport area lies within a two-hour drive. This is catchment area will wish to use LAA. There are
As we stress throughout this route because of the M20, which links directly into plans to expand Stansted and Luton airports,
development prospectus, LAA will be the sort the London orbital motorway, the M25, itself for example, and to add an extra runway and
of airport that today’s increasingly connecting with arterial motorways (M1, A1 even a sixth terminal at Heathrow. LAA can,
sophisticated traveller seeks – one that is both [M], M3, M4, M11 and M40), running north and though, aim to offer services to niche
handy and convenient, hosting regular air west of the capital. destinations, with a friendly and welcoming
services to whichever destinations are atmosphere that certainly can attract
required, uncongested, easy to move through In fact the two-hour drive time stretches as far passengers from further a-field – especially
and offering a range of comfortable and as Colchester in Essex, Stevenage in where people from different regions wish to
modern facilities. Hertfordshire, Bracknell in Berkshire, Alton in travel together, which can happen both for
Hampshire, Haslemere in Surrey and business and leisure reasons.
Easily accessible by private vehicle, public Littlehampton in West Sussex. It embraces all
transport is being improved so that it, too, will of London’s commercial airports and a region Further development of transport in the sub-
provide a viable option for passengers to get to of close to 15 million people – the same region, including the placement of LAA within
and from the airport. population as that of the Netherlands. the overall scheme, is currently undergoing a
period of consultation, led by Kent County
Council under the auspices of the Southeast
The recently refurbished England Regional Assembly.
and grooved runway
already allows for a
diverse range of regional It is a major piece of work being carried out by
aircraft and jets
the Assembly and will set out a vision for the
region through to 2026 in the areas of housing,
transport, economy and the environment.
The full plan will be submitted for Government
approval in Spring 2006. Once it has
Government approval it will become a legal
document that local authorities and other
government agencies in the region will have to
follow. District and Unitary Councils will still
deal with local planning applications, but they
will have to ensure their decisions do not
conflict with the principles in the Plan.
Right time
Time is money, as the saying goes, and LAA
can help the traveller to save time in two ways.
Firstly, the airport is easily accessible and
passengers need not worry about having to
Photo: Roy Hinds
park their car well away from the terminal
building and catching a bus just to get to the
check-in desk.
The London TMA (Terminal 33
Manoeuvring Area)
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
This air traffic control region covers all
airfields in the southeast of England,
westwards to Southampton, south and east
to the coast and northwards almost as far
as Birmingham. It is responsible for all take
off and landing activity at commercial
airports and business airfields and for all
airspace activity up to 25,000 feet.
These congestion factors play havoc with
timetables and, worse still, cause the
burning of excessive amounts of fuel on the
ramp and taxiway.
It isn’t unusual to wait 20 minutes to take
off from Heathrow after the aeroplane has
been given the all clear to depart, or to
circle it for 30 minutes waiting to land.
Airspace issues faced at
airports within the
Photo: Bombardier
London TMA area – such In Malaysia, the low-cost airline AirAsia
as London City – can be
largely avoided by
calculated that the total cost of operating at
carriers servicing LAA Kuala Lumpur International Airport rather
than at the smaller Subang Airport was 30
Heathrow and Gatwick airports are hopelessly capable of matching the offer of Stansted and percent greater – and brought about by
congested, as their regular users will testify. Luton. LAA is the obvious choice. excessive delays at peak periods resulting
But smaller regional airports continue to take in greater fuel burn.
away their market share. Take this example. Figures for specifically European (including UK
domestic) passengers at the main London No such problems are envisaged at LAA,
In 1987, the market share of the four main airports are also interesting to compare. In which is situated well away from London
London airports was 92 percent in favour of 2004, London Heathrow managed an increase area approach and take off tracks and
Heathrow and Gatwick, with just six percent of 6.4 percent over 2003 in passengers to and offers airlines rapid direct approach and
using Stansted and Luton. Not much had from Europe and Gatwick 13.5 percent. Luton’s departure over the English Channel, with
changed by 1997, with 94 percent market increase was 13.25 percent and Stansted’s 18 only occasional need for noise abatement
share at the two big airports. But by 2003 that percent. London City managed an impressive operating restrictions. All this, of course,
share was down to 79 percent. 28.3 percent, thus confirming the continuing enables airlines to maximise their daily
swing in favour of regional airports. rotations.
Until now there has been no comparable
regional airport to the south of London And of course it should not be overlooked
The ATC conundrum that London Ashford Airport (Lydd) is the
Secondly, there are benefits to the airlines. closest airport to the European continent.
London area market share, 1997 The biggest problems facing airlines operating Many of the destinations we refer to in this
into the London TMA are the regular changes prospectus can be reached just as quickly
6%
of approach to avoid congested sectors, (and often more quickly) on a turboprop
stacking of aircraft waiting to land and the aircraft from LAA as they can from other
delays encountered on the ground while airports by jet – and that’s without taking
waiting to park and again take off again – even into consideration the additional customer
delays on the ground are classified as ‘ATC’ benefits of greatly reduced access, parking
(air traffic control). and check-in times.
94% There is nothing worse for a passenger than Departing from LAA, aircraft must join the
the long trek along a taxiway followed by a ATC system somewhere of course but flying
lengthy wait for a gate to become available. from a regional airport to other regional
London area market share, 2003 The nature of the congestion has meant that airports they will be able to avoid the main
21% issues of safe separation between aircraft, air lanes, whether within the UK or on the
especially those coming into land, have also to Continent.
be brought into the equation.
By way of example, Ryanair has been able
Congestion remains aviation’s biggest long- to exploit these secondary air routes into a
term challenge. It causes delays and lattice-like network that avoids any hiatus
unreliability for passengers, reduced efficiency except at major bases such as Stansted and
and massive waste of energy and materials. Dublin. Flying these routes additionally
79% The extra fuel required could mean an aircraft offers airlines a greater opportunity
burns 20 to 30 percent more fuel than it ought legitimately to cut corners, with attendant
Heathrow and Gatwick
to during the flight. British Airways alone fuel and time saving.
Luton and Stansted burns up to 25,000 tonnes of fuel each year
just by circling London Heathrow.
34
Fuel efficiency. Hand in hand
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
with time savings is the
thorny subject of pollution
and noise – on every count,
LAA passes the test
Throughout Europe, North America Aircraft entering a carrier’s fleet today are
≥
Noise exposure to more than 65dBA
and now Asia, local communities typically 20 dB quieter than comparable
are putting airport expansion under 1.7% 1% aircraft in service some 30 years ago, which in
7.3%
the microscope and making increasingly tough practice corresponds to a reduction in noise
demands on management; not surprisingly, as annoyance of about 75 percent (Source: ATAG -
the noise of aircraft taking off and landing Air Transport Action Group).
along flight paths of major airports can exceed
100 dBA. Air transport contributes only one percent to
the nuisances superior to 65 dBA, at which 80
Sound levels are typically measured in decibels 90% million people of European Union are exposed
(dB). Humans hear sound within a limited (road transport contributes 90 percent).
frequency range, which is reflected in a value
known as A-weighted dB, or dBA. According to 80 million people of the European Union’s
community noise guidelines published in 1999 population are exposed to continuous day-time
37%
by the World Health Organisation, for a good outdoor noise levels caused by transport above
63%
night’s sleep background sound levels should what are generally considered to be
not exceed 30 dBA. acceptable, more than 65 dB(A). An additional
170 million citizens are exposed to noise levels
In outdoor living areas, sounds above 50 dBA between 55-65 dB(A), which is the level at
are annoying to humans. Jet engine noise which people become seriously annoyed
comes predominately from two sources. An Air transport Road transport during the day time.
approaching jet creates a high-pitched whine
as the fan pulls air into the engine. As the jet Rail transport Other sources Road transport is the dominant source,
passes by, a low-pitched rumble is created by accounting for nine tenths of the proportion of
exhaust leaving the engine.
The rise of air transport
The advantage to the local community of the at the airport, especially
using turboprops, makes
expansion of London Ashford Airport (Lydd) in good environmental and
terms of better transport, improved economic economic sense
prospects and tourism opportunities is not
negated by any significant downside in terms
of either noise or pollution.
To put the matter into perspective it should be
pointed out that aviation is by necessity an
efficient industry. Efficiency is a first step on
the road to sustainability and this is the key to
minimising aviation’s environmental impact.
Compared to other means of transport,
aviation has an enviable environmental record,
but this is still too much a well-kept secret!
For example, it is considerably less polluting
than other forms of transport and industry
sectors, as shown in the charts (above right).
Noise
Fleet renewal based on the use of improved
Photo: Bombardier
technology has significantly reduced total noise
exposure around airports despite the
cumulative market growth.
the European Union’s population exposed to Nations and the European Commission for the Sources of pollutant emissions 35
levels of noise over 65 dB(A). As for rail, 1.7 introduction of an environmental tax on
3%
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
percent of the population – and air transport a aircraft, which may or may not be related 6%
further one percent – are exposed to these directly to these gaseous emissions. The latter
high levels. wants to apply it to all flights within the EU.
The timetable and even the ideology remains
25%
vague at this time but already some countries
The turboprop is the ideal have taken unilateral action of their own, such
regional airport aircraft as Sweden, which will introduce an €8 (£5) 64%
While it is true that early turboprops were ‘green’ tax in 2006.
noisy, newer versions have noise/vibration 12%
reduction systems and are at least as quiet as BA is running a voluntary scheme, probably to
Air Other transport
regional jets, in many cases more so. test public reaction. Already some low-cost
airlines have withdrawn from routes because Rail transport Road
The type of aircraft that we envisage operating schemes like this have been introduced.
Energy
at LAA is a modern turboprop such as the
French-Italian ATR-42 and –72, which is What is certain is that the cost will be passed
operated by 120 airlines – one out of every on to the customer. It seems that the typical A study to measure emission levels,
three turboprop-powered aircraft in the world charge per passenger will be between €1 and comparing different transport modes with
– and that are all equally keen to minimise fuel €6 per sector; not a great amount but one that emissions coming from industry and energy
emissions and protect the environment, an will add to the already impressive tax burden sources, revealed that only three percent is
especially important concern to safeguard the borne by air travellers. attributable to air transport.
planet and to respect the Kyoto agreement.
If such a scheme is introduced, fairly, it should Energy consumption
The low fuel consumption of these benefit turboprop operators because of their Aviation consumes about 12 percent of the oil
‘environmentally friendly’ aircraft meets both lower emissions. supplies used by the entire transport
external noise and gaseous emission level industry. Significantly, the generation of
regulatory requirements with ample margins, Most airlines are yet to articulate an official aircraft being produced today is about 70
with short-field capability. position on aircraft emissions taxes but there percent more fuel efficient per passenger/km
is an underlying concern that legislation, which than those of 40 years ago.
Turboprop aircraft in general can justify their has an adverse impact on profitability, might
view that they are already respecters of the lead to postponement of further investment Emissions
environment and good neighbours for airlines into environmentally acceptable aircraft. Today, aviation is responsible for less than
and airport communities. three percent of world annual additions to
In view of the ever-declining resources of the greenhouse gases and less than three
As far as noise is concerned, the noise world, the catalyst for low emissions – low fuel percent of the production of nitrous oxide-
footprint at 90 EPNdB (a measure that consumption – is equally important. On a 200- type gas.
introduces the duration of a noise event) of a mile sector, ATR calculates that the –500 uses
modern turboprop like the ATR 72-500 is only 11 percent less fuel per passenger than a Climate change
1.2 sq miles (3.5 sq kilometres) compared with typical European car and 41 percent less than Aircraft emissions contribute an estimated
2.1 sq miles (5.4 sq kilometres) for a modern a jet. Or, to put it another way, it uses as much 3.5 percent to the overall climactic effects
regional jet. fuel as a B747 does in 10 minutes taxiing! resulting from all man-made activities.
Statistics for 30-year old aircraft demonstrate As aeroplanes operating from LAA can expect Infrastructure improvements
how times have changed. A turboprop of that 20 minutes of fuel saving each way on a short The accelerated introductions of
age has a noise footprint of 5.2 sq miles (13.5 journey like this over those operating at communications, navigation, surveillance and
sq kilometres) and that of a jet, a huge one of Heathrow for example, this can amount to 1.6 air traffic management (CNS/ATM) systems
11.3 sq miles (29.3 sq kilometres). And most tonnes saved, per sector. And with oil regularly and additional infrastructure could enable
aircraft these days are modern – the average exceeding $70 a barrel and projected by some airlines to fly the shortest distances and
age of European Regional Airlines’ fleets, of forecasts to go over $100 in the years ahead, reduce fuel consumption.
which 55 percent are turboprops, is just seven this miserly fuel consumption must help keep
years. One take-off by a Boeing 727 is the air ticket prices down. Improvements in air traffic management
noise equivalent of 100 take-offs by new could reduce fuel burn per trip by between
regional aircraft. Finally, one other benefit of the turboprop is six percent and 12 percent for today's global
worth mentioning that has little in common air fleet.
The most recent measure of pollution, by the with these technical features. They are far
Air Transport Action Group, demonstrates that more readily accepted now by passengers Fuel efficiency
advanced turboprops operate more efficiently because of the improvements in particular in Airlines have doubled their fuel efficiency
on short routes. They emit 20 percent less CO2 cabin noise levels, but also because their over the last 30 years. Further improvements
(carbon dioxide) per passenger-kilometre than design profile often means they have a wider in efficiency are expected to reduce
newer jets and up to three times less than cabin profile and so can be quite comfortable emissions growth to around three percent a
older ones! Not only that, emissions of NOx, on board and they also afford a better view as year, compared to a forecast growth of five
(Nitrogen Oxides) by all regional aircraft are at they do not usually fly as high as jets. percent in traffic.
low altitudes, well below the levels at which
ozone depletion is a major concern. So London Ashford Airport (Lydd), the right
airport at the right place at the right time,
CO2 emissions are of particular concern should prosper by playing host to the right
because there are proposals within the United aircraft… to the benefit of all concerned.
36
Parsons Brinckerhoff.
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Authors of the 2004 Master
Plan that set out the vision for
the dynamic development of
London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
≥
To be successful, all airports need Significantly, this impression had already been To do so, LAA had to import its infrastructure
to plan strategically for their long- confirmed that year by the Government White so that it could respond efficiently to this major
term development, even if a Paper: Future of Air Transport. capacity shortfall and attract suitable new
succession of short-term changes keep the airlines and other operations.
management constantly on its toes, coping Equally as important for Parsons Brinckerhoff
with contingencies! was the significance of the airport to the In order to take this clear opportunity forward,
economic development prospects of this part of Parsons Brinckerhoff had rapidly to put a
The renowned consultants Parsons the country. As a regional wealth and practical, comprehensive and proactive Master
Brinckerhoff (PB Ltd Aviation), a world-leading employment generator, the airport clearly had Plan into operation.
planning, engineering and programme and much to offer.
construction management organisation, was The Parsons Brinckerhoff report was
appointed by London Ashford Airport (Lydd) From their side, LAA’s managers wished to concerned with identifying a development
back in 2003 to prepare a Master Plan that plan the proposed expansion of the airport strategy that would provide the facilities
would set out the future development of the infrastructure in an orderly, careful and cost- necessary to satisfy traffic levels forecast in the
airport over a 10 year period. efficient manner, so as to be able to respond LAA Business Plan over the medium term.
quickly to the current and future demands of
Parsons Brinckerhoff initially concluded that air transport. Conceptualising these facilities also permits
although LAA had become almost dormant as expansion beyond the limits of the initial
a commercial and cargo airport in the wake of Parsons Brinckerhoff quickly understood how Business Plan, should this be required in the
hovercraft and catamaran services, which took the airport’s superb geographic location short term.
away its air-car ferry business, additional offered a rare opportunity for LAA to take good
runway capacity was still greatly needed in the advantage of the severe capacity saturation at The Master Planning document was
southeast of England – and LAA was well London’s main airports and particularly at presented to the management team early in
placed to take advantae of this shortfall. Heathrow and Gatwick. 2004, following which the LAA management
With the first phase of
development complete,
the door is open for other
carriers to join LyddAir at
the airport
Photo: Roy Hinds
Looking down over the
airport’s runway and
current air- and
landside infrastructure
extended Parsons Brinckerhoff’s areas within the site that are designated as The first development phase alone has
appointment to include Design and Contract SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest: an revealed the airport’s massive potential and
procurement responsibility for the first phase area of special interest, as designated by the changed the fundamental nature of its
of the airport’s development. Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981). infrastructure offer. This has given LAA the
opportunity to promote its advantages and
This included: By paying the utmost attention to protecting begin to compete on an even footing with other
these areas, the company ensured that European airport operators.
• Strengthening the existing runway environmental considerations were (and will
• Creating new apron areas remain) paramount throughout the airport’s Parsons Brinckerhoff will continue to play an
• Installing taxiway and apron lighting current development and beyond. extremely important role at LAA, using its
• Resurfacing the one mile long access road unique planning, engineering and construction
• Carrying out all associated drainage work At the same time, all works were designed management expertise to create a highly
specifically to keep the airport operational with efficient commercial airport that can
Incumbent upon Parsons Brinckerhoff at all minimum disruption to existing traffic patterns accommodate the needs of all 21st century
times has been the need to recognise the two in the greater Ashford region. airlines and airline travellers.
PB in Brief
One of the world’s oldest continuously Other major projects followed – including services for Austin Bergstrom International
operating engineering firms, Parsons charting a 1,000-mile railroad in China from Airport (Texas), opened in May 1999.
Brinckerhoff (PB) provides its leading planning, Hankow to Canton. Then, in 1906, Parsons
engineering and programme and construction joined forces with the pioneering highway PB defines success by the sustainable value it
management expertise to several of the engineer Henry M. Brinckerhoff… and PB was offers its clients, communities,
world’s largest and most important public born. employees/owners and its profession.
works projects.
A long period of evolution and expansion From promising beginnings, the company has
Clients include Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel, followed, which continues to this day. Now, PB developed into a worldwide provider of major
Network Rail in the UK, the Sabiya power plant is widely regarded as one of the world’s cutting-edge infrastructure services and will
in Kuwait, Cairo’s Metro and Singapore’s Deep foremost transportation engineering firms, continue to shape much of the world’s most
Tunnel Sewerage System. providing comprehensive services for all types noteworthy infrastructure systems for many
of infrastructure projects, including power, years to come.
The company’s roots extend all the way back to buildings, environment and
1885, when the engineer William Barclay telecommunications.
Parsons first opened his office in downtown
Manhattan, New York City. From the start, his PB has completed thousands of high-profile
projects were deliberately ambitious – projects and today helps its clients serve the
Parsons’ very first task was to design the New public in nearly 80 countries around the world. For more information about Parsons
York City subway, the IRT, which was Brinckerhoff and its global competence
completed in 1904. Recent achievements include the Delhi Mass base, go online at www.pbworld.com, which
Rapid Transit System, the BART (Bay Area also has specific information on the company’s
The system remains the world’s most heavily Rapid Transport) San Francisco Airport Aviation UK capabilities. Alternatively, you can
used rapid transit system. Extension and full programme management phone +44 (0) 161 200 5000
38
Foster Yeoman Contracting.
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
The specialist aggregate and
asphalt company that
transformed LAA’s outdated
airside infrastructure
≥
Founded in 1923 at Dulcote near
Wells (Somerset, UK), Foster An aerial view of London
Ashford Airport (Lydd)’s
Yeoman Contracting Limited (FYC) new 1,505-metre runway
is widely considered to be one of the world’s
most innovative and successful quarrying and
logistics businesses. Customer-focused and
solutions-driven, this family-run company has
consistently led the way in the supply of
aggregate and asphalt products for such high-
profile projects as the Thames Barrage, M25
motorway and Channel Tunnel.
The company has played an equally important
role at London Ashford Airport (Lydd), following
LAA’s decision to engage Parsons Brinckerhoff
to set out (and then undertake) a major
programme of works that would modernise
and upgrade the existing airside infrastructure,
thereby allowing the airport to meet its goal of
handling up to two million passengers by 2014.
2004 saw the £3 million construction contract
at LAA for Phase One of the redevelopment go
out to competitive tender. Out of the 10
bidders, the client opted for Foster Yeoman’s
bid, which clearly provided the best value for
money. In brief, the contract called for:
• The resurfacing of the main runway and
associated taxiway in a manner that would
allow for the continued use of the airport
• The development of a new 24,000-sq metre
apron, to enable improved access to airport
facilities, comprising of the reuse of part of
the second runway and associated
taxiways, new apron construction and
associated drainage
• Additional airport lighting upgrades
• New airfield markings
Constructing innovations
The project design was for a traditional
engineering specification that included
importing primary material and disposing of
unsuitable material. FYC proposed value-
added alternatives to the project specification.
In particular, their tender including using in-
situ material, which would be recycled on site,
and stabilising the existing subsoil with
cement and lime – reducing the need to import
primary aggregates by some 35,000 tonnes.
Photo: Roy Hinds
FYC rejuvenated the
runway and constructed a
new apron – all without
disrupting air activity
Despite the cost and environmental savings, vehicle movements of around 14 miles each
there would be no compromise on quality. To way – a saving of 49,000 vehicle miles. If the
ensure that this work would match or exceed existing subsoil had been removed from the
the requirements of the traditional site, another 1,250 vehicle movements would
specification, whilst reducing the overall have been required.
impacts of the project, all proposals were sent
to the designer, Parsons Brinckerhoff, for Throughout its involvement at LAA, Foster
verification, before forming part of the Yeoman adhered firmly to its sustainability
specification and final contract award price. agenda, recycling and reusing all old materials
so that nothing would have to be sent to
Work began in September 2004, with the landfill sites.
installation of a Parker Black mobile asphalt
plant, capable of manufacturing 80 tonnes of Significantly, FYC explained and demonstrated
asphalt per hour for the duration of the to the client and designer the overall benefits
project. of using recycled materials and alternative
with the middle 505-metre section resurfaced technologies to reduce primary aggregate use,
A Goliath mobile crusher and Foamix plant at night so that the airport could remain fully whilst proving through testing that the overall
also arrived on site to handle the recycling operational during the day. performance requirements of the contracts
element of the operation, which involved would not be compromised.
breaking up the old disused second runway to Construction of the new 24,000-sq metre
make a cement-bound material that would apron began with ground stabilisation, as an Both client and designer have been extremely
form the base of the new apron. alternative to type one sub base. Material from positive about the price and quality of this
the secondary runway was crushed, screened large-scale infrastructure redevelopment,
It took 11,400 tonnes of bitumen and some and graded to produce a recycled 200 mm which has transformed the airport’s
30,000 tonnes of asphalt to rejuvenate the layer of cement bound base. The new apron commercial air transport capabilities.
main 1,505-metre long runway, taxiway and surface comprises a 60 mm Marshall binder
existing apron, which were already over 50 course and 40 mm surface course.
years old.
After crack treating the aged runway and Sustainable development
overlaying the old surface with a nominal Significant cost savings were achieved using
thickness of 50 mm of 20 mm Marshall binder the recycled aggregate and soil stabilisation on
course and 40 mm of 14 mm Marshall surface site, rather than importing 35,000 tonnes of
course, the project called for surface grooves imported aggregate. Normally, type one
to be cut into the newly laid surface to aid material would have come all the way from
water disposal and increase runway surface Somerset, by train to an existing railhead 14 Further information on Foster Yeoman
friction, with the grooving at right angles to the miles from LAA. Contracting and its many products and
centre line of the runway. services is available online at www.foster-
The reuse of recycled aggregates meant yeoman.co.uk. Alternatively, you
The asphalt resurfacing work on the main significant rail depot and transport cost can call the General Enquiries line: +44 (0)
runway took place in three 500-metre sections, savings, eliminating the need for some 1,750 1373 451 001
40
NATS. With over 40 years of
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
experience of air traffic
provision, NATS is a world-
leading Air Navigation Service
Provider (ANSP)
Throughout its long and to relocate and commission the airport’s
≥
distinguished history, the company Instrument Landing System (ILS). ILS is used
has successfully delivered cutting- to guide approaching aircraft down to the
edge air traffic solutions in some of the world’s landing runway.
most demanding operational environments. So
it is hardly surprising that when airports need The ILS at LAA was originally installed in
innovative and reliable air traffic services and 2003/4, but unfortunately because of the
technologies they choose NATS. complexity of the surrounding airspace the
original system design could not be
NATS provides a wide range of en-route and accommodated and the ILS never entered
airport-related air traffic services, both in the operational service.
Photo: Roy Hinds
UK and overseas. Our airport operations
extend to ATC and related engineering As it does with every client, NATS worked
services, which are currently provided at 16 closely with the management team at LAA and
airports, from Gibraltar to Aberdeen. the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to deliver
requirements to installation, commissioning an appropriate design solution that could
In supporting the airport business NATS and in-service support of all communication, accommodate nearby areas used by the
maintains dedicated engineering project and navigation and surveillance systems. military and areas that could potentially
maintenance support teams at Heathrow present a hazard to aircraft executing a missed
Airport. approach.
ILS relocation at LAA
By rigorous application of safety management It was with our experience of navigation The solution was to ‘offset’ the localiser
NATS engineers provide through-life support systems that we were able to assist London approach – the localiser is an element of the
to all major airport systems, from developing Ashford Airport (Lydd) with their requirement ILS – and LAA negotiated with the MOD to
A close up of the NATS
ILS system at London
Ashford Airport (Lydd)
was assembled with an offset and was aligned 41
to intersect with the physical centreline in front
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
of the runway threshold on the approach path.
The ILS decision height was fixed to a range of
1.5 NM and was designed by the Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) – the UK’s nationwide aviation
safety regulator – to allow for a port engine
failure on a missed approach. This range
would allow the aircraft to make a missed
approach safely and avoid the Dungeness and
Lydd military training areas.
On completion of the Localiser work, the
Glidepath (another critical element of the ILS
system) was checked over and set up ready for
the mandatory flight inspection. When this
inspection was completed, only one
adjustment was required to the ILS.
This was a centreline adjustment on the
Photo: Roy Hinds
Localiser, which was found to be just outside
the specified CAT 1 limits for commissioning.
The Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) was
also adjusted to provide zero range to the
reduce the size of one of the military training NATS survey teams firstly laid out the position theoretical threshold of the offset localiser.
areas, to allow a modified instrument and orientation of the new Localiser site and
approach for LAA. then drew up a full set of detailed installation The CAA came to the airport to witness the
and construction drawings, which were Flight Inspection and Site Acceptance Testing
LAA retained NATS to provide a full turnkey produced in time for the civil contractor to and the project was then formally handed over
project service. This included civil work start work at the site. to our client, LAA, on the 2nd February 2006 –
aspects, the physical relocation of the localiser a full two weeks ahead of the original project
equipment and the flight inspection and The NATS ILS installation team’s first task was deadline.
commissioning services. carefully to dismantle the existing localiser and
to move the equipment to the new site. For further information about NATS and its
Also included were the safety management many large-scale projects and highly
aspects of the project, including the provision The re-construction of the localiser took eight innovative services, please visit
of a supporting system safety case. The days to complete including the installation of www.nats.co.uk or contact Christopher Oake –
contract was placed in December 2005 with a new fibre optic cable for the remote control NATS Bids & Proposals Manager at
challenging 10-week completion deadline. connection to the control tower. The localiser christopher.oake@nats.co.uk.
NATS – The Headlines Other recent projects
• In August 2001, NATS was established as a • Procurement, installation and
Public Private Partnership (PPP), jointly commissioning of all the ATC systems
owned by the UK Government (49%), associated with the new control tower
Airline Group (42%), BAA (4%) and building at Edinburgh Airport
Staff (5%) • ATC Systems Designer and Integration
• NATS turnover in the year to March 2005 specialist for the provision of the new
was £639 million control tower building at Heathrow Airport
• Last year, NATS handled 2.3 million flights, • EFPS (Electronic Flight Progress System)
which carried some 200 million provision at Stansted and Gatwick Airports.
passengers • ILS replacements at Edinburgh, Aberdeen
• NATS currently employs over 5,000 ATC, and Gatwick Airports
Engineering and Support Staff • SMGCS (Surface Movement Guidance &
• As well as supporting our traditional ATS Control System) provision at Heathrow and
business, NATS provides many additional Gatwick Airports
client services. These include Project & • SMR (Surface Movement Radar) provision
Maintenance Engineering Services, at Glasgow Airport
Safeguarding, Capacity Studies & • VCCS (Voice Communication and Control
Simulations, Safety Management, ATCO & System) replacement at Birmingham,
Engineering Training, Consultancy, Cardiff and London City Airport
Software & Systems development and • MET Systems (SAMOS / IRVR) Heathrow,
Instrument Procedure / Airspace Design Manchester, Aberdeen and Edinburgh
• TAAM (Total Airspace & Airport Modeller)
modelling at Stansted, Birmingham,
Photo: Roy Hinds
Manchester and Heathrow Airports
• System Safety Case development
42
Kent. A growing population
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
and a challenging
development strategy are
fuelling dynamic change
in Kent
As one of the strategic growth areas realise the full economic potential of growth.
≥
in England’s South East, identified The South East Regional Economic Strategy,
by the Government as part of its the Channel Corridor Partnership Area
Sustainable Communities Plan, Ashford is set Investment Framework, Ashford’s Community
to grow quickly in the years ahead and to Plan and the strategies of the other partners in
double in population by 2031. Ashford’s Future lie behind these objectives.
Naturally, working in partnership is critical to
Currently, 57,000 people live in the town of its success.
Ashford and 102,000 in the wider borough. The
town’s population is set to rise to 110,000 by The vision for Ashford is that it will become…
2031, by developing 31,000 new homes and
Photo: Locate in Kent
28,000 new jobs in the area through • A strong, self-sustaining and growing
redevelopment and development of new sites town, recognised as a world-class
for housing, community and commercial uses. exemplar location combining an
environment rich in resources with a
A partnership of the key strategic agencies Ashford’s Future is made up of a range of technologically enabled, knowledge based
involved in the growth of Ashford has been public and private sector partners, who are learning economy
established (‘Ashford's Future’) to drive firmly committed to delivering Ashford’s • Recognised for the excellence of its
forward the growth agenda with financial economic vision. physical, cultural, economic and digital
support from the Office of the Deputy Prime connectivity with its surrounding region,
Minister, which is responsible for housing, The partners seek to ensure that these actions the UK, Europe and the wider world
local government, regeneration, planning and complement and actively promote the Greater • The preferred location in the South East
urban and regional issues. The board of Ashford Development Framework (GADF) and where, given the quality of the built
Looking down over the Port
of Dover, one of the UK’s
primary maritime hubs
Photo: Locate in Kent
Photo: Locate in Kent
5. To improve the ability of property markets: 43
industrial, commercial, office and
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
residential to support Ashford’s future
needs
6. To revitalise the town centre as a venue for
living, retail, leisure, business and related
activities
7. To improve significantly the provision,
uptake and completion of education,
learning and skills programmes within
Ashford
8. To retain a larger share of Ashford’s 15 to
34 year old age group to live, work, study
and pursue their careers in Ashford and to
attract members of that age group from
outside
9. To identify and support initiatives to
enhance the quality of life for residents and
visitors in Ashford
10. To grow Ashford as a community with
active participation, enabling all to take
advantage of the opportunities offered by
Photo: Locate in Kent
growth, ensuring that local
transformations benefit all segments of
the population, particularly those in
greatest need of economic inclusion
11. To build on the strong base of small
environment and the quality of life, people 2. To develop a unique identity and economic business, attracting more businesses to
of all ages aspire to work, study, live, relax brand to promote Ashford locate in Ashford, facilitating new firm
and visit, and can fulfil their potential 3. To grow Ashford’s economy in a way that creation through the provision of enabling
considers the views of the existing infrastructure and encouraging the
To support the direction given by the vision 11 community and is complementary to those development of Ashford’s reputation as the
strategic objectives have been identified. In of the surrounding towns and coastal best place to do business
summary the strategic objectives are: areas, bringing benefits to the sub-region
and region more broadly To achieve these objectives, four themed action
1. To have in place strong political, 4. To ensure that Ashford’s infrastructure of plans have been implemented under the
community and business leadership to road, rail and other physical as well as headings of Enabling Leadership, Place
create an environment conducive to digital infrastructure is exemplary in order Making, Developing Communities and Creating
realising Ashford’s vision to support and drive forward growth Competitive Businesses.
Business is booming in
Kent. An ever improving
road, rail and air
infrastructure is needed to
continue this trend
Photo: Locate in Kent
Photo: Locate in Kent
Enabling Leadership deals with developing Vibrant Town Centre describes how it will be maximising opportunities arising from the
strong leadership with clear strategic revitalised into a ‘pole of attraction’ for cultural heritage and location of the town.
direction, cultivating a well-defined identity residents, investors, domestic and
that differentiates Ashford from its international visitors. The level of skills and training will be
surrounding area, and ensuring sub-regional increased to provide Ashford’s existing and
integration. Developing Communities explores learning and growing population with the necessary tools to
skills development, youth retention, quality of survive in an increasingly competitive and
Place Making has three sub-themes: Physical life and community engagement. knowledge intensive economy. This will serve
and Digital Infrastructure, Property Markets as a magnet for retaining Ashford's missing
and Vibrant Town Centre: Ashford has a generous endowment of assets generation of 15 to 34 year olds, and attracting
and further initiatives to enhance the quality of young people from other parts of the region,
Physical and Digital Infrastructure is life for residents and visitors are encouraged, the rest of the UK and abroad.
concerned with job creation and property
development, which are equally dependent on
The quality of life available
the existence of a strong supportive in Kent suits people of all
infrastructure, the quality of which will ages and interests
differentiate Ashford.
At present there are significant physical
infrastructure constraints impacting upon
development which must be unblocked to
realise Ashford’s economic potential: Ashford
is well positioned to develop as an exemplary
regional transport node linking road (M20, M2),
rail (Channel Tunnel Rail Link international
and domestic) and air (London Ashford Airport,
Kent International Airport).
There are also digital constraints but Ashford
is well positioned to develop as an e-enabled
town, with exemplary fibre and wireless
technologies incorporated within its
developments.
Property Markets refers to the removal of
factors constraining the supply of space,
boosting confidence within the market and
Photo: Locate in Kent
promoting sustainable solutions, to support
Ashford’s need to attract high quality private
sector investment.
Kent Prospect (Consultation Draft, March 2006) 45
Kent Prospects 2006 to 2012 provides a framework to influence, guide and co-ordinate the
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
delivery of economic development and regeneration activities, thereby adding detail to the
Kent Partnership’s Community Strategy – the Vision for Kent. The framework takes a range of
countywide initiatives and strategies into account, including the Kent Agreement, the
Supporting Independence Programme, the Kent and Medway Structure Plan, Local Transport
Plan and Kent Environment Strategy.
First produced in 1996 and updated in 2002, the 2006 review highlights the continuing
relevance of the ’20-year’ mosaic economy scenario, which proposes a Kent of thriving,
diverse enterprises, towns and neighbourhoods:
• Where existing strengths and new opportunities are developed
• Where regeneration issues are addressed
• Where the county’s environment and quality of life is safeguarded
To make the best use of Kent’s assets, location, opportunities and people, the Vision for Kent’s
long-term economic success objectives are gathered together in four thematic headings:
Enterprise and competitiveness, which focuses on developing the skills base and knowledge
economy; attracting inward investment and high quality jobs; supporting enterprise, in
particular Kent’s diverse range of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs); promoting
innovation; providing workspace; developing an enterprise culture; promoting key clusters
Photo: Locate in Kent
and market opportunities, including tourism; and developing international links.
Regeneration, which highlights Kent’s diverse range of towns, neighbourhoods and rural
communities. This necessitates a multi-faceted approach to issues and opportunities in the
Thames Gateway Kent and Ashford growth areas; the rural areas; East Kent and the coastal
A critical element will be to grow Ashford as a towns, North Kent, West Kent and the Channel Corridor.
community with active participation in creating
the future, enabling all to take advantage of Scope also exists to use the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics as a catalyst to change external
the opportunities offered by growth, ensuring perceptions of Kent and attract inward investment. A key requirement is the securing of
local transformation benefits all segments of additional funding from Government and new sources for infrastructure investment.
the population, particularly those in need of
economic inclusion. Pathways to sustainable prosperity, which relates a growing urgency to address climate
change and environmental issues, to smart growth opportunities, through: better design and
Finally, in the arena of Creating Competitive sustainable construction; greater resource efficiency and productivity; energy efficiency and
Business measures will be taken to stimulate renewable energy production; and more informed decision-making that takes into account
business formation, specifically to build on environmental and social considerations.
Ashford’s existing base of small businesses by
facilitating new firm creation through the Accessibility and connections, which highlights Kent’s economic development and
provision of enabling infrastructure, high regeneration opportunities. These need to be supported by investment in Kent’s
quality tailored advice and support networks infrastructure and smarter use of existing resources and assets.
that enhance the development of Ashford’s
reputation as the best place to start and A key requirement in this regard is further support from Government and new sources of
develop a business. funding. Issues considered include: accessibility and integrated transport; Kent’s European
gateway location; the enabling role of ICT; and investment in utilities and services, particularly
Development of indigenous firms and in growth and regeneration areas.
facilitating of additional ‘clustering’ will
underpin the image that Ashford is a vibrant More information is available online at www.kentprospects.org.uk
and active business community and ensure it
is a powerful magnetic force.
Ashford will seek to attract a greater share of
inward investment by promoting and
positioning Ashford’s ‘offer’, taking advantage
of opportunities in key growth sectors.
The key issues relating to the delivery of the For further information please contact:
growth agenda are the implementation of Kent County Council, Regeneration & Economy Division
domestic services on CTRL in 2009, the Environment & Regeneration Directorate
improvements to Junction 9 and 10 of the M20 Invicta House
motorway to enable the growth to take place, County Hall
the remodelling of the ring road in Ashford Maidstone
Town Centre and implementation of a new link Kent ME14 1XX
road at Victoria Way, and the implementation T: +44 (0) 1622 694048
of an integrated public transport system to F: +44 (0) 1622 691418
service the new development areas. E: r&einfo@kent.gov.uk
46
Regional vision. In an
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
increasingly global economy,
effective transport links help
to stimulate economic growth
and business development
≥
However, as the Department of second runway. The key factor at LAA is that
Transport’s White paper ‘The Future the existing runway would merely be extended
of Air Transport’ (November 2003) slightly and even that is not critical to the
highlighted, the need to balance economic and expansion of regional services.
environmental issues with airport expansion is
also paramount. LAA’s investors saw a similarly under-utilised
solution at Lydd, which could solve the
That document made it clear that a third pressures of airspace congestion and landing
runway for London Heathrow, the world’s slots in the UK southeast and at the same time
busiest international airport, and any further make a positive environmental contribution.
Photo: Locate in Kent
terminals after Terminal 5, would be
contingent on the airport operator meeting
stringent environmental limits, irrespective of The success of LAA will bring
the economic consequences. significant economic benefits
to the region
The economic side of this equation is utilise existing infrastructure, rather than to On-going investment plans include the
considerable. The aviation industry directly establish new airports or build new runways. development of a new terminal building and a
supports 200,000 jobs in the UK and half the runway extension. This investment has already
country’s entire population gets on a plane at On the opposite side of London to LAA, the created a four-fold increase in direct
least once a year. owners of London Luton Airport argued that its employment at the airport and provides the
under-used facilities could offer an alternative basis for good regional transport links, notably
It is therefore essential for the UK economy to the further development of Heathrow. for the town of Ashford, which has been
that growth can be sustained and logically the Unfortunately, that proposal was not accepted selected as the growth town of choice in the
best way to accommodate future growth is to when it was linked to the construction of a southeast region over the coming decade, by
marrying affordable accommodation with the
more affluent suburbs that already exist.
Several high-profile IT and
technology-driven
companies have settled in Airports Council International, the
Kent in recent years
organisation representing over 1,500 of the
world’s leading airports, calculates the job
creation potential for every one million
passengers at an airport, using input from
specialist agencies and consultants.
The latest calculations (using 1998 and 2004
statistics) indicate a consistent relationship
between job creation and airport throughput,
as demonstrated here:
1998 2004
Direct employed 1,100 950
Indirect and induced 1,100 1,050
Catalytic 1,800 1,800
Total 4,000 3,800
There are often variations in these
calculations. For example, between very urban
and very rural areas, and figures can also vary
in accordance with the particular ‘multiplier’
used by the academic calculator. Furthermore,
Photo: Locate in Kent
while the ‘Direct’ and ‘Indirect/Induced’
categories are clearly understood – for
example ‘Direct’ usually refers to on-airport
jobs and ‘Indirect/Induced’ to off-airport ones development strategies whilst also helping to 47
like taxi drivers working mainly at the airport, fulfil Kent’s ‘European Gateway’ role.
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
air cargo warehouse staff and travel agents – In purely economic development terms the
the ‘Catalytic’ (i.e. ‘spin-off’) category is a little growth of the airport would help to deliver the
vague and its accuracy sometimes challenged. County Council’s ‘Vision for Kent’ by facilitating
inward investment, creating employment and
Nevertheless there is a clear rule of thumb generating wealth by complementing business
here that for every one million passengers development strategies in the area. In addition,
using an airport, 1,000 direct or indirect jobs by focusing upon the Channel Tunnel Corridor
will be created and retained. Throughout in particular it will be both complementary to
Europe there are consistent examples that and separate from development plans at
sustain the theory. Manston Airport on the North Kent coast,
helping to provide choice in transport to both
On this basis, and including the catalytic jobs, business and the community.
LAA estimates that the two million annual
passengers using the airport by 2014 will upgraded rail link that already exists on the Ashford
support 1,852 direct, 2,047 indirect and 3,510 airport’s doorstep and you have a complete As Ashford is the nearest large town to LAA we
catalytic jobs, totalling 7,409. Even with the transport infrastructure for the region. need to consider just what a ‘Regional Growth
possibility of the UK losing the strong Area’ is and what interplay it will have with the
economic position it has attained in the last Timely airport. Ashford, recently described in a
five years (and even entering a recession), that The timeframe proposed by the Kent Structure television documentary as one of the 10 best
is a very positive development for the area. Plan and LAA’s plans in particular complement places to live in the UK, has been identified as
the proposed spatial development of ‘The the Growth Town of Kent and is one of Central
Channel Tunnel Corridor’ – one of the four Government’s key areas targeted for economic
LAA’s development is good for sub-regions identified by the Structure Plan – expansion in the South East of England.
the County and the District which potentially links the Lydd region directly
Complementary to the development of Maidstone, Ashford and Throughout the UK, ‘growth towns’ have gone
LAA complements regeneration and economic Shepway DC areas. hand-in-hand with airport development, be
development in East Kent and the County as a they small towns or large cities like
whole by helping to spread the location Relevant Manchester (which based its bid to host the
advantages enjoyed by the eastern part of the The LAA proposals would complement Commonwealth Games of 2002 and previous
county. These location advantages include Ashford’s development as a Regional Growth Olympic Games largely on its airport),
proximity to London and mainland Europe. Area and support the development of Liverpool and Leeds.
Folkestone and Hythe as Priority Areas for
LAA will complement the expansion of rail Regeneration and Romney Marsh as a Rural Stansted Airport has spawned the enormous
services at Ashford, an existing International Priority Area. growth of Bishop’s Stortford from a village into
rail gateway and one that is scheduled to a thriving town. Blackpool, a fading holiday
receive a considerable boost by virtue of its European Gateway resort, has been reinvigorated by new airline
new high-speed rail link to London and beyond In all of these cases LAA can contribute to services at its privately-owned airport and
when it opens by 2009. Combine this with an County and District urban, rural and coastal could be set to become the location of Britain’s
Commercial services to
and from LAA will
complement an already
diverse regional transport
infrastructure
Photo: www.britainonview.com
Photo: www.kentimages.co.uk
Kent’s unique history,
beauty and culture are
and will remain valuable
assets in the years ahead
only Super Casino. The area around Corridor is above that benchmark. The number
Nottingham East Midlands has become a of companies in knowledge-driven production
significant freight distribution centre, growing is slightly higher than the national average,
in line with the airport’s air cargo business. while those in knowledge-driven services is
slightly lower.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the
Regional Planning Guidance for the South East Kent’s economic development is expressed in
identified Ashford in March 2001, when it was the scenario of a ‘Mosaic Economy’ – a county
formally noted as one of four South East areas of thriving and diverse enterprises, whose
where significant growth would be encouraged. economic success is based on an up-to-date
It was designated as suitable for massive and innovative approach to the traditional
expansion, and the South East England sectors whilst harnessing and safeguarding
Development Agency (SEEDA) was tasked with the many environmental and social strengths
creating 31,000 new homes and 28,000 new of the county.
jobs by 2031.
Gateway (London City and Stansted), London- The Mosaic Economy is made up of individual
This ambition is set within the wider context of Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough (Stansted components, all of which are important and
a wider goal – to establish 45,000 homes and Airport) and Milton Keynes-South Midlands distinctive in their own right and, when put
84,000 jobs in the Thames Gateway region by (Birmingham, Coventry, Luton and Stansted together, add up to form a larger complete
2021. In July 2005 Prime Minister Tony Blair airports). The exception, until now, has been picture. This approach recognises that each
updated that commitment to 120,000 homes Ashford. LAA’s time has come. distinctive area has a vital but different part to
and 180,000 jobs by 2016. play – including, of course, the provision of air
services that help sustain that economy.
SEEDA joined forces with Kent County Council, The mosaic economy
English Partnerships, Ashford Borough Kent is certainly a growing county. In only one
Council, the Environment Agency, The Housing of the 13 administrative districts has there French companies are well
Corporation, the Government Office for the been a decline in population during the last established here
South East (GOSE) and a host of others to put decade and in the county overall population Kent is quite rightly identified in ‘Kent
in place the targets set within the Sustainable has risen by 4.4 percent in that period. Kent is Prospects’, the Vision for the region (2002) as a
Communities Plan. the 13th most prosperous sub region of Britain gateway to and from mainland Europe in the
(of 53), but with a wide variation in incomes. expectation of closer European Union market
Separately, the Government announced a £200 integration, including impact of the Euro. In
million fund for transport projects that would The average income in Thanet for example is particular, the Vision identifies Kent’s
bring forward new housing development in the less than half that of Sevenoaks. With an European regional context, recognising it as a
four Growth Areas. In the Ashford area, the employment rate of over 76 percent, the county regional partner with the Nord-Pas de Calais
initial focus was on remodelling the town’s ring fares better than the national average, but region of France (capital, Lille). In view of this,
road, to regenerate the central area together slightly worse than the southeast region. a project has been initiated, ESAN, to research
with other upgrading, to provide access for policy development and delivery across this
3,400 homes. For skills and qualifications, Kent ranks 29th in ‘Transmanche Euroregion’.
Britain with a score just below the national
Significantly, three of the four Growth Areas benchmark. However, there are sub-regional There are already 61 French-owned companies
are close to established airports – Thames variations and the score in the Channel in Kent, employing 8,300 people and a further
EC state aid guidelines don’t apply here! 49
A great deal of unease was voiced by many regional airports and their supporting airlines in
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
2005 about legally binding Guidelines issued by the European Commission (EC) concerning the
application of state aid by local, regional or central government to airlines wishing to operate
at regional airports. These subsidies traditionally take the form of marketing support to the
airline or reductions in landing and other user fees, even to the point where no charges are
levied at all. In extreme cases, the airport might even end up subsidising the airline!
These arrangements aren’t unusual. The air transport business is extremely competitive and
every angle must be considered to attract and retain airline services. In a small number of
cases there has been a degree of notoriety, when airlines, usually ‘flag carriers’ or those
operating at primary airports, have complained about state support at other, nearby regional
airports (usually to ‘low-cost airlines’) and where this has ultimately led to court proceedings.
The best-known case of this is Charleroi/Brussels South airport in Belgium, where Ryanair
was forced to repay subsidies and the airport to pay tax on the value of the support – a
judgement the airline continues to contest through the European Court of Justice.
The EC has brought in these guidelines to create a level playing field and, in its own words, to
Photo: www.kentimages.co.uk
‘encourage the development of regional airports’. They mainly cover airports with less than five
million passengers a year and declare that aid would only be acceptable if it covered no more
than 30 to 50 percent of the additional costs incurred in establishing new operations at
regional airports. The service benefiting from the aid must prove profitable, and quickly,
because aid is restricted to three years, or five in the case of disadvantaged or remote regions.
Reactions to the Guidelines have varied immensely. The Association of European Airlines, a
18 in neighbouring East Sussex. These include body largely representing state airlines using primary airports, takes the view that start-up aid
Bouygues SA, Aventis SA, AXA, Vivendi distorts competition and that public bodies must carry out analysis of the impact of new routes
Environmental SA, La Farge, Michelin and the on existing ones: “AEA supports the fact that the application of taxpayers money must be
hotel company Group Evergure, which is strictly controlled and limited in duration, intensity and scope”.
responsible for the Bleu Marine, Kyriad,
Campanile, Premier Class and Louvre brands On the other hand, the Assembly of European Regions (AER), the political forum and
with over 900 hotel and restaurant locations in organisation of the European regions and the Forum of European Regional Airports (FARE), are
Europe. ‘seriously worried’ by the impact that the Guidelines will have on the development of regional
airports and their effect on regional economies.
Foreign investment is a key to the future
prosperity of Kent. There are already over 400 AER and FARE consider the time limitations for start-up aid to be too short and rigid, and that
foreign-owned businesses in Kent and in they deny small airports the degree of flexibility, which is necessary to negotiate new air
2003/4 they were responsible for the most services in today’s highly competitive market. They accuse the Guidelines’ authors of
valuable investment projects, accounting for demonstrating ‘remoteness’ from real commercial air transport practices, of ignoring the right
some 75 percent of the £86.5 million capital of EU citizens to mobility, of neglecting the needs of islands and other isolated regions and
investment attracted. even of favouring train over air transport.
The airlines affected are coming to terms with the fact the Guidelines might have a very
negative effect on their strategic plans. One of them calculates it may cost the airline €100
million of business. Whatever the reasons for the decision, it is clear that the regulations
concerning air route development at these airports will become a minefield.
But there is good news. Despite the widespread privatisation of airports, many remain under
municipal control. There is a sound argument for government-owned airports to shed their
historical baggage and face the future with the drive, management experience and financial
acumen of committed private owners – the Guidelines’ minefield offers a further incentive.
Privatisation is happening even in France, where until recently almost all airports outside of
Paris were operated by local Chambres de Commerce, under licence from central government
– benefiting in particular the low-cost airline industry, which was badly underdeveloped there.
The good news is that LAA, as it is under private ownership, does not fall directly within the
influence of these EC guidelines. The only way in which it might is if regional development
funds (RDF) for air route development were specifically allocated to it. That is not envisaged as
a function of the Route Development Forum that we suggest elsewhere.
These partnerships between the public sector, airlines and airports are a voluntary version of
the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route support instruments that have existed in thinly
populated regions of Europe for many years. There are a number of such RDFs in existence in
the UK, but none is as yet envisaged for this region.
Photo: 1066 country
So if the airport management could cut a mutually attractive deal with an airline, there is
nothing to stop it. In many ways, private is best and this is fast proving to be the case here!
50
Corporate commitment.
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
Never before has the impact
of environmentalism been so
paramount to the affairs of
airport operators
≥
Increasing numbers of airports mitigation to ensure that future growth can be
around the world are being sold by sustained. Changes in the fundamental nature
governments and private investors. of economic regulation mean that private
The value placed upon these assets is airport operators cannot ignore issues of
determined by the extent and profitability of public interest, especially those of
their existing operations and their potential for environmental concern.
growth. This, in turn is affected by the airports
infrastructure capacity and the likelihood of Indeed, far-seeing airports have employed
Photo: www.kentimages.co.uk
approval being granted for further capacity departments dedicated to sustainable aviation
enhancement. since the 1980s.
Environmental issues can significantly affect The reasons for this are evident. Pressure
the operation and growth of airports and groups such as the British charity the Royal
therefore alter their market value. The Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
implications of climate change for the future commission their own reports whenever a
development of aviation in general, and Local environmental issues can give rise to piece of legislation is proposed and the RSPB
individual airports in particular, are only just operational constraints and have resulted in has been instrumental in helping to kill off
beginning to feature in market assessments. failure to achieve planning approval for further plans to build new airports facilities in wetland
development. This has significant implications areas that are also bird habitats – for example,
However, the local impacts associated with in terms of the potential financial return that the proposed new airports for London at Cliffe
airport operations have for some time had a can be expected from the asset and requires (also in Kent) and close to the Severn Estuary,
significant impact upon the value of airports. considerable investment in environmental near Bristol.
Aircraft will not have to
wait to land at LAA, which
provides significant fuel
savings
Photo: www.kentimages.co.uk
Located close to Romney
Marsh, LAA is well aware
of its environmental
responsibilities
The many environmental issues and pitfalls assessing future air quality around appreciate the benefits the airport offers over
facing airport operators include: Heathrow and this single issue may the perceived threats to their quality of life.
prevent planning approval for a
• Aircraft noise capacity and restraints: the third runway at this important airport. Some of the best examples of this are to be
frequency and noisiness of aircraft • Third party risk and safety: the risk of found at (noisy!) military airfields, many of
movements and the proximity of aircraft crashing into an urban or semi- which are being transferred to commercial
communities to the airport’s boundary and rural area with (actual or threatened) use. In fact it’s often forgotten that the Lydd
its departure and arrival flight paths. attendant injury or loss of life. In the UK and Romney Marsh area has a long association
• Local air quality: determined by the car this has happened in the last decade at itself with the military.
(often the biggest source of pollution), London Stansted (a Boeing 747 freighter)
aircraft emissions and apron activities and Coventry airports (a Boeing 737 Quite often, in examples as far apart as
such as refuelling. The UK Government is freighter), close to Leeds-Bradford airport Doncaster and Culdrose (Cornwall) in England
and on a motorway in the Midlands. These and Hahn in Germany, not only have local
incidents are few and far between but people become accustomed to the hustle and
cause considerable, disproportionate and bustle of military aviation activity, but they have
lasting alarm to people living near airports. been able additionally to benefit from good
• Ground surface water contamination: from aviation and non-aviation jobs arising from it as
apron and de-icing activities and waste the military moved out and business moved in.
disposal sites.
• Habitat protection: airports by their very Even so, the LAA management has had to face
nature cover large areas of land and create up to objections put forward by local residents,
a habitat that is either hostile to wildlife or who have set up a pressure group to try to
a monoculture (such as grassland). The curtail expansion, even though the plans were
surrounding areas can, however, be of approved 10 years ago by a public enquiry.
considerable ecological value, particularly
if the airport is located in a green belt
surrounding a major urban conurbation. What is the LAA management
• Infrastructure and environmental capacity: doing to allay these fears?
The capacity of an airport is directly related According to Zak Deir, Managing Director of
to its airspace, runway, taxiway and apron LAA, the environmental pressures on aviation
capacity, the size of its terminals and will continue to grow and LAA is uniquely
landside services and the capacity of its placed to allow aircraft to reach optimum fuel
ground access facilities. A number of burn cruising altitude more quickly than any
environmental issues can constrain airport other airport in the South East, by virtue of its
operations – airport operators can invest a uncongested airspace.
great deal of money in new infrastructure,
but not have the environmental capacity to Another key contribution will be made to the
allow it to be put to full use. environment by the reduction in surface
journeys made by many residents of the
Photo: Roy Hinds
It’s often found that people living near busy southeast region, who currently travel north to
airports get used to the daily goings-on. the airports of Heathrow, Stansted and Luton
Despite initial fears, they quickly come to to make journeys south to mainland Europe.
52
Biodiversity. The airport’s
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
close proximity to Romney
Marsh and Dungeness Point
and environmental measures
for their protection
≥
According to Thomas Ingoldsby Nowadays Romney Marsh is a quiet and Set up to support what it calls the ‘Silent
(aka the Reverend Richard Harris) peaceful, mostly agricultural area, full of Majority’ in the Lydd region, FLAG promotes
in his book ‘Ingoldsby Legends in quiet lanes and fields dotted with sheep and LAA as an important Regional Airport
the 1840s,’ the world is divided into Europe, is rich with its own special flora and fauna. Infrastructure, in line with District, County
Asia, Africa, America… and Romney Marsh. and Government integrated transport
The nature reserves at Dungeness are full of policies.
Anyone who has visited the bleak landscapes wildfowl and waders for most of the year and
of Dungeness Point, with its nuclear power the airport estate itself has Barn Owls With due regard to Air Travel Safety and
station, shingle deserts, wood cabins, fishing breeding and hunting on its grasslands and environmental impact, FLAG encourages and
boats and the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Skylarks pouring forth their beautiful song. defends the development of LAA, which will
Railway will appreciate this designation of generate new jobs, both at the airport itself
Romney Marsh as a fifth continent – although LAA intends to be an environmentally sound and throughout the region.
what became of Australia is anyone’s guess. neighbour within its local community and will
take all the appropriate consultation and As a result of the improved transport links,
The 100-sq mile marsh began to be environmental impact procedures to ensure other companies will be attracted to Romney
reclaimed from the sea after a severe storm that this is the case now and in the future. Marsh, while local business will improve
in the 13th century, when New Romney was a because more people will be in work.
thriving Cinque Port, trading wool from
Romney Sheep for French brandy and wines. Friends of Lydd Airport Group FLAG intends fairly to represent the factors
Based in Lydd, the ‘Friends of Lydd Airport that will affect the area regarding the
Its 925-year old church of St Nicholas was Group’, otherwise known as FLAG (www.f-l- number of flights likely, the true flight paths
started by Bishop Odo, half-brother of a-g.co.uk), has several thousand supporters, these aircraft will take, the levels at which
William the Conqueror, in 1080 and wool to counter the ‘scaremongering and half they will fly, a true reading of the low decibel
smuggling, known as ‘owling’, was a local truths’ being circulated by misinformed level these 3rd and 4th generation jets
obsession right until the mid 19th century. opponents of the airport’s development. achieve and a realistic volume of road traffic.
Photo: www.kentimages.co.uk
The declining Skylark
still sings its beautiful
song on the Romney
Marsh
53
Tourism. The many world-
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
class tourist attractions
situated close to the airport
equal the very best that
Britain can offer
≥
Four million tourists discover connections!), Lydd attracted wealth and this is
England’s ‘secret garden’ every year believed to be one of the reasons why it is
and almost a quarter of them come home to the largest church in Kent. All Saints
from overseas. Collectively they contributed Church is more commonly known as the
£1.2 billion to the economy in 2004. ‘Cathedral of the Marsh’ – an impressive 60
metres (200 feet) long by 40 metres (132 feet)
A wealth of opportunities awaits visitors old high, and with a tower that partly dates back to
and new to the Garden of England and East AD 740. In fact Lydd is full of historic buildings
Sussex areas when they are able to access including the Guild Hall, the (reputedly
them so easily via London Ashford Airport haunted) George Hotel and the Beehive, once a
Photo: www.kentimages.co.uk
(Lydd)! There are more castles and historic pub renowned for bare knuckle fighting.
houses here, for example, than in any other
part of the UK – always a sure-fire draw for Those with a passion for history and military
foreign visitors. affairs might want to check out the region’s
military connections. These go back a long
Those opportunities start right outside the time; the town of Lydd gave its name to lyddite
airport’s doors at Lydd and the Romney Marsh During this period, smuggling began to flourish (picric acid), an explosive used to fire shells
and continue through the Garden of England and continued to be recorded until well into the during the South African War and WWI. It was
into south and east London and westwards 19th century, with several notorious smuggling first tested at the military camp in Lydd in 1888.
through historic ‘1066 Country’. It is a complete gangs using the Marsh. Many Marsh smugglers During WWII ‘sound mirrors’ for the detection
vacation destination in its own right. fought and died in pitched battles with customs of enemy aircraft were trialled at Lydd, before
officers, and the memorial stones for some can the advent of radar. They didn’t work, but the
The Saxon town of Lydd, the most southerly in be seen in All Saints’ graveyard, Lydd. strange looking domes can still be seen near
the whole of southeast England, is at the centre As it has been an active port for so long (and Dungeness. Lydd was also instrumental in the
of ancient Romney Marsh, the third largest possibly because of its smuggling Pluto (Pipeline Under the Ocean) project to
coastal wetland in Britain at 100 sq miles and a
mysterious and enchanting region of Kent, rich
A spectacular panorama
in history and legend. The Marsh and nearby
of the magnificent Leeds
Dungeness is a place of outstanding natural Castle at Maidstone and
beauty, famous for the diversity of its habitats, surrounding scenery
geomorphology, flora, fauna and wildlife and is
recognised as being of international scientific
importance.
Sometimes referred to as ‘the fifth continent’,
The Marsh is alive with history. Man was
present in the area in the Mesolithic era (8300-
5500 BC) and axes dating back to
approximately 2300-800 BC found in gravel
workings near Lydd show activity continuing
into the Bronze Age.
Human habitation of the Marsh increased in
Roman times (AD 43-409) and Roman burial
remains; pottery and bricks have been found at
sites in Lydd and Dymchurch. During the Saxon
period (AD 410-1065) and the Norman age, the
region’s rivers and proximity to mainland
Europe saw Romney Marsh develop as a key
Photo: 1066 country
trading area, with many towns becoming key
English ports and several (including Lydd)
granted the privileged status of Cinque Ports.
Photo: 1066 country
Photo: 1066 country
Kent and East
Sussex – a perfect
holiday destination
for all the family
deliver petrol to allied forces in London, aided Bishop Odo, the half-brother of William the Plan your own pilgrimage
by the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway. Conqueror. Made from stone imported from the There’s Whitstable, the ‘pearl of Kent’ famous
At various times in the war German spies Caen area in France St. Nicholas’ Church took for its oysters, Sandwich, a picturesque village
visited the town, but were eventually caught over 50 years to build. full of historic architecture and Broadstairs,
and several enemy bombers were fooled into with its quaint cottages and seaside ways.
thinking they were over occupied France by Clearly there are attractions to keep visitors
dummy radar installations, only to land at Lydd occupied just within sight of the airport, but Canterbury is home to the world-famous
and be captured by the Home Guard or ‘Dad’s they don’t end there. There are castles – Cathedral, where Thomas Becket was
Army’ as it was popularly known. Rochester, Upnor, Walmer, Sissinghurst, Dover murdered in 1170 and the site of Chaucer’s
and Leeds. Canterbury Tales. Kent Tourism entices visitors
The world famous Romney Hythe and to ‘plan your own pilgrimage’ and a million
Dymchurch Railway is just a few minutes from Leeds Castle, at Maidstone, has been tourists visited the cathedral in 2004.
the town, where visitors can examine and ride described as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’
on a scaled down, but fully operational, steam and in addition to its 2,000 year history, Dover And all this set in a landscape of rolling hills
railway. Once known as ‘The World’s Smallest Castle fascinates old and young alike with its and wooded valleys, orchards and vineyards –
Public Railway’ it is 13.5 miles of mainline sound and light show ‘Siege Experience’, English countryside at its best.
track in miniature and an attraction to railway secret wartime tunnels and atmospheric tour
enthusiasts all over the world. deep into the White Cliffs to the underground Special events are
hospital where Sir Winston Churchill planned held at many of the
region’s historic
Those seeking a little more adventure can try the evacuation of Dunkirk in the darkest days landmarks. This is
jet skiing, water-skiing, speed boating and of the Second World War. Rochester Cathedral
paint balling, or karting at one of the top three
tracks in Europe. There are woodland discovery and wild animal
parks, museums, caves, stately homes and
Nearby, New Romney has its own attractions. gardens, a historic steam train ride between
Granted the status of Cinque Ports in 1278 the Kent and East Sussex and historic naval
town enjoyed important privileges for over 200 dockyards at Chatham, where the 200th
years, during which it and the other Head Ports anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar was
provided the Sovereign with a fleet of ships for commemorated in a Nelson and Napoleon
defence – and which also served as private exhibition during 2005.
transport for the King.
In the once fashionable resort of Margate,
During the 13th century the town suffered its culture is being used to change the fortunes of
own version of latter-day tsunamis and storm the town with the building of the £25 million
surges, during which the harbour was lost and Turner Contemporary galleries, scheduled to
shingle and mud were swept up into the town, open in 2007.
severing its links with the sea and raising the
ground level. Fancy a drink after all this? Kent has its own
vineyards and you can take a tour of Britain’s
Photo: 1066 country
This is evident at St. Nicholas’ Church, whose oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, with the
western edge is lower than the road. Its opportunity to sample the award winning ales
construction commenced in 1080, started by and lagers.
the abbey that King William later built to Sporting types will welcome the two 55
commemorate the event, you can imagine championship standard golf courses in the
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
you’re standing on the very spot where the county and for simple relaxation who can beat
defeated King Harold fell. elegant Eastbourne, one of the UK’s favourite
holiday resorts and home of the famous
The battlefield and abbey were purchased for Beachy Head, a 162-metre (530 feet) high
the nation in 1976 and today a substantial chalk sea cliff, the tallest in Britain.
portion of the abbey buildings remains. A free
interactive audio tour re-creates the sounds of On a clear day it will be possible to see aircraft
the battle, as you stand at the point where the taking off and landing at LAA, 40 miles away.
Saxon army watched the Normans advancing
towards them.
Accommodation to suit
Among the other notable attractions at the site every pocket
is the Discovery Centre, a fun, activity-based Of course, despite the presence of a modern
exhibition. There’s also an exhibition, ‘The airport and interesting attractions, the success
Prelude to Battle’, and a children’s themed of any tourism offer depends equally on the
outdoor play area. Close by is a virtual tour local infrastructure – accommodation, places
through the last 100 years at Yesterday’s to eat and drink and surface transport.
World.
In this respect both Kent and East Sussex are
Photo: 1066 country
East Sussex isn’t only about history. Budding not found wanting. There is a wide range of
The glorious gardens
at Herstmonceux in
astronomers like Sir Patrick Moore (who lives quality accommodation on offer, from camping
full bloom locally) will find the Observatory Science and caravanning for the more adventurous to
Centre at Herstmonceux near Hailsham, and attractively priced Bed & Breakfast
once the home of the Royal Greenwich guesthouses, hotels from two to four stars and
1066 Country Observatory, fascinating. an array of self-catering cottages. Business
Across the county boundary in East Sussex visitors will find both room and event facilities
there is also a myriad of attractions. This, of Herstmonceux also boasts its fine castle, set in that cover every need.
course is ‘1066 Country’, a region whose 550 acres of glorious parkland and Pevensey
history had implications for the whole of Castle with its towers and dungeons is great Good road and rail facilities are to be found
Britain and beyond. fun for children. Lovers of the great outdoors throughout the region. High standard primary
will take like ducks to water to Bewl Lake, the roads connect the main urban areas, winding
The Battle of Hastings was fought here on 14th southeast’s largest, on the Kent border near through attractive scenery, and the close
October 1066 – a date that changed the course Royal Tunbridge Wells. proximity of London ensures that commuter
of British history, it being the last time the rail services are fast and frequent.
country was successfully invaded and There are numerous steam railways and, for a
conquered. radical change of transport mode, the Bentley The main road artery is the M20, placing the
Motor Museum at Lewes. The City of Hastings capital and its attractions less than an hour
The actual battle site is just southwest of the has many attractions including the first away from LAA – not that London will be high
town of Battle, five miles northeast of Hastings Norman Castle, smugglers’ caves and on the wish list of visitors with so much to see
and some 15 miles from LAA. In the ruins of Underwater World. and do here!
How LAA’s development will benefit Kent’s Tourism Alliance Strategy
The tourism brand strategy for Kent was set The Kent brand, which differentiates it from the can disembark anywhere but are more likely to
in 2001 by the Kent Tourism Alliance. competition in target markets, was identified continue to their ultimate destination – and
According to the strategy, the target markets as including Countryside & Gardens; Maritime London, for example, is a highly attractive and
were identified as: Coast; Historic destinations and attractions; magnetic destination. There is little
Accessibility to and from London; Base for trips encouragement offered by rail operators to
• Empty nesters (people with children that no to the Continent. All under the strap line ‘Kent stop en route.
longer live at home) – the Garden of England’.
• Dual income no kids (those with a joint What LAA will do is to help establish Kent (and
income in excess of £50 thousand per Of course, foreign visitors have the option to East Sussex) as the final destination. It will also
annum) use the available train services (whether local encourage direct experience of the ‘emotional’
• Caring parents social class ABC1, or Eurostar) or sea ferries, to access the Kent elements of the branding – relaxing, enjoying,
interested in their children’s education region. However, ferry travel has been being inspired, being uplifted spiritually, as
declining for some time, owing largely to much as the rational ones (the actual tourist
Secondary target segments were: aviation competition, primarily coming from features). The need to be or to feel revitalised
low-cost airlines. is a common theme promoted to the intended
• Professional affluent singles, aged between target markets.
20 and 35 As Associated British Ports recorded in its 2004
• Wealthy retired couples, between 55 and 75 Annual Report, international ferry passenger Not only that, it will also open up the region to
volumes declined by 15.5 percent from 1999 to a range of potential clients, for whom the
These key target markets were identified 2003. sheer distance and remoteness of the region
through research and geographically reside in from their place of residence previously
urban and suburban areas of the UK, France, The disadvantage of rail is that it is by nature negated any attempt to ply them successfully
Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. linear rather than point-to-point. Passengers with the emotional brand elements.
56
1066 Country. An enticing
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
blend of historic monuments,
rich culture and events,
beautiful natural scenery and
glorious sandy beaches...
Travel just a short distance west 1066 Country’s rich culture extends into the
≥
from London Ashford Airport (Lydd) present and high-profile events include arts
and you will find yourself immersed festivals, a half-marathon, a large-scale May
in one of Britain’s most historic, beautiful and Day celebration and several carnivals.
friendly regions.
The 940th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings
Blending dramatic monuments, castles and will be celebrated on the 14th October 2006
manors; tranquil woodlands and gardens; and and the whole weekend of 14th/15th October
unspoiled historic towns and villages – not to will be marked by a massive re-enactment of
mention some of the best weather in the UK – the battle at Battle and a spectacular torchlight
Photo: 1066 country
1066 Country is a distinct, memorable and procession and firework display in Hastings.
superbly varied holiday destination that is
equally suitable for day trips, short breaks and When you add its natural attractions, such as
longer stays. the fine golden beaches of Camber Sands and
verdant gardens at Hurst Green, for example,
The area, of course, is most famous as the north of Hastings, and its imposing abbey that it’s clear that there really is something for
setting of William of Normandy’s invasion of marks the exact spot of Harold’s death almost every taste in 1066 Country.
England in 1066, his victory over Harold and 1,000 years ago.
coronation as the first Norman King of So whether you’re searching for a peaceful
England. 1066 Country is a spectacular Several well-preserved castles can be found location for a relaxed break, an escape from
combination of coast and countryside, nearby – at Pevensey, Herstmonceux and the pressures of everyday life, or a base from
scattered with historic relics and ruins. Bodiam – as well as the towns of Rye and which to sample a great selection of the
Bexhill-on-Sea, underpinning the region’s country’s finest historic treasures, clean,
Today’s visitors can get a real flavour of the credentials as a leading brand in the historical golden, award-winning beaches and beautiful
past at the colourful market town of Battle, experience sector. rural landscapes, 1066 Country has it all.
Photo: 1066 country
Watch 1066 come to life
before your eyes as
enthusiasts keenly
recreate the Battle of
Hastings
attractions and events, as well as our online 57
booking system, can be easily explored by
The Case For London Ashford Airport (Lydd)
visiting our the 1066country.com website,”
Boorman concludes.
For further information please contact:
Battle Tourist Information Centre
Battle Abbey Gatehouse
High Street
Battle
East Sussex TN33 0AD
UK
T: +44 (0) 1424 773271
E: battletic@rother.gov.uk
Hastings Tourist Information Centre
Queens Square
Priory Meadow
Hastings
Photo: 1066 country
The region is well known East Sussex TN34 1TL
for its long, warm UK
summer days and perfect
golden beaches T: +44 (0) 845 274 1001
E: hic@hastings.gov.uk
International focus Netherlands, Germany and France,” continues Rye Tourist Information Centre
“We primarily market ourselves as an all-year- Boorman. “However, we know that France has The Heritage Centre
round short break destination and particularly massive potential and continue hard to develop Strand Quay
target affluent cash-rich time-poor residents that market.” Rye
within a three-hour travel time,” says Kevin East Sussex TN31 7AY
Boorman, Manager of 1066 Country Marketing. “We attract visitors from near-Europe through UK
consumer advertising,” he explains, “through T: +44 (0) 1797 226696
Significantly, this does not only mean those attendance at public and trade shows and our E: ryetic@rother.gov.uk
living in southeast England, but also work with the travel trade, particularly
incorporates many north European markets – overseas journalists. We have had some Rother District Council
markets that will become even closer and notable successes with the latter, attracting Town Hall
easier to penetrate when London Ashford some excellent coverage in French, Belgian Bexhill-on-Sea
Airport (Lydd) begins to fulfil its huge potential. and Dutch magazines and on French TV.” East Sussex TN39 3JX
UK
“In order of magnitude, our most important “This year we are investing a lot more time, T: +44 (0) 1424 787 878
overseas markets are Belgium, the money and effort into e-marketing; our key F: +44 (0) 1424 787 879
Top 10 countdown
1. Battle Abbey marks the spot of King 6. Pevensey was the landing point for the
Harold’s death and the actual battle site is Romans in the 4th century and William the
located nearby (English Heritage). Battle Conqueror in 1066. Pevensey Castle is one
also offers a fascinating local history of 1066 Country’s finest historic relics.
museum, Yesterday’s World museum and 7. A maze of medieval and Georgian
even its own organic vineyard! buildings overlooking the Romney
2. The De La Warr Pavilion, located at the Marshes, Rye is a vibrant market town
Edwardian resort of Bexhill-on-Sea (the that’s alive with history.
birthplace of British Motor Racing), a 8. Pashley Manor Gardens at Hurst Green
unique Modernist gem that today hosts surround a Grade I timber-framed manor
contemporary art exhibitions and live built in 1550 and blend romantic
performances. landscaping, stunning planting and fine
3. Bodiam Castle is the perfect image of a old trees, fountains and ponds.
medieval castle, complete with 9. Set in beautiful parklands, Herstmonceux
battlements, portcullis and moat. Castle is simply magnificent. Nearby
4. Camber Sands is renowned for its attractions include the Observatory
awesome natural beauty, with mile after Science Centre.
mile of perfect golden sands and safe 10. Lovers of the Jungle Book should head
bathing. straight for Batemans, the atmospheric
5. Besides being home to Europe’s largest stately house that once belonged to its
beach-launched fishing fleet, Hastings author, Rudyard Kipling.
Photo: 1066 country
has a picturesque old town, an ancient
Norman castle, an array of high quality
museums and a fun-packed seafront.
58
Summary. London Ashford
Airport (Lydd) has all the
right credentials to become a
dynamic southeast UK air
transport facility
≥
Kent, the ‘Garden of England’, and A total of £35 million is being invested in
the neighbouring county of East London Ashford Airport (Lydd) by 2014 to
Sussex are well known to tourists, transform the airport into such a modern
but we are now seeing huge business growth facility, one capable of handling two million
here too. passengers annually and stimulating up to
4,000 additional jobs that are clearly related to
Major companies have moved their the investment.
headquarters to the region and a number of
small and medium sized enterprises from London Ashford Airport (Lydd) is poised to
countries such as France and Belgium have expand, with a strong emphasis on
found it advantageous to locate here. sustainability. Local inhabitants need not fear
another Stansted on their doorstep, nor
The British Government is investing in future blocked roads and sleepless nights, and the
growth through its ‘Thames Gateway’ strict environmental criteria that must be
development, including a major transformation satisfied leave no room for half measures.
of Ashford, which will see the addition of tens
of thousands of jobs and homes and there is The opportunities are there to build on this
already a fast rail infrastructure in place. already dynamic facility and greatly enhance
the image of the region, measured against the
But growth regions function best when there is realities of the air transport industry in the
a complementary modern and efficient airport, new millennium.
both to facilitate travel by the indigenous
population (be it for work or pleasure) and to
encourage others to visit.
Photo: Roy Hinds
frontdesk@lydd-airport.co.uk
www.lydd-airport.co.uk
Produced with the kind support of the following organisations:
