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The team at East Midlands Airport Parking aim to bring you some news stories concerning East Midlands Airport, which you hope you will find useful.
East Midlands Airport to introduce drop-off charges July 18 2010
East Midlands Airport has followed several other UK Airports and introduced a new £1 charge to drop-off passengers at the main terminal.
Passengers can be dropped off for an hour at its long-stay car park for free and take a bus to the terminal, but use of the "rapid drop-off zone" will cost £1 for 10 minutes.
East Midlands Airport managing director Penny Coates said: "We are offering a free shuttle to and from the terminal from the long-stay car park."
The charge can be paid by using a collection basket, or "hopper", or by credit card.
Passengers have said there was congestion in the previous system, she said.
The short stay car park has also been reorganised into five new zones for blue badge holders, short stay, car hire, valet parking and the £1 passenger drop-off area.
The airport said the new layout would "significantly improve the traffic flow and reduce congestion at peak times".
The airport has also installed automatic number plate recognition system in all its car parks.
It said it would recognise cars that have pre-booked spaces when entering and exiting the car park, saving passengers time when arriving for a flight.
This story was brought to you by eastmidlandsairportparking.org.uk
Jet2.com gearing up at East Midlands Airport March 11 2010
Jet2.com are looking to drive down the cost of fuel consumption with newly designed, light-weight seats on board their Boeing 757’s that have begun to arrive at East Midlands Airport.
The launch of the new streamlined seats, which are thought to enhance customer comfort as well as save space due to an ergonomically designed shape, coincided with the arrival of Jet2.com’s planes at East Midlands. This summer Jet2.com are launching cheap flights to 7 new destinations – Corfu, Dalaman, Heraklion, Lanzarote, Paphos, Sharm el Sheikh and Tenerife - starting from 19 May.
As well as driving down the cost of fuel consumption, the extended list of resorts is expected to create 200 new jobs.
Good new for East Midland Airport.
Irate Passenger eats winning scratchcard en route to East Midlands Airport 6 March 2010
While budget airline Ryanair has been known to charge steep prices for its in-flight meals, one passenger consumed what may well be the most expensive meal onboard an airplane. On a Ryanair flight from Krakow to East Midlands Airport, a passenger ate a scratch card worth 10,000 euro.
The unnamed passenger won the prize on flight FR1724 on 25 February. However, when the crew informed the lucky man that he could collect the 10,000 euro prize from the scratch card company upon his arrival in the UK, the man became angry that he would not receive the cash right away and proceeded to eat the scratch card.
What a twerp
Aid plane leaves East Midlands Airport January 21 2010
Aid worth £140,000 left East Midlands Airport for Haiti, as part of the UK relief effort.
East Midland Airport Border Staff on the mark January 12 2010
President Obama's half brother has been in bother at East Midlands Airport.
If President Barack Obama and his national security team — including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton –wish to study a successful program involving visas, travel lists, and undesirables using fraudulent documents, all they need to do is study the case of Obama’s own brother and his run-in with United Kingdom security officers.
Around the time of the presidential inauguration last year, President Obama’s half-brother, Samson Obama, was denied a visa to enter Britain following an accusation that he attempted to sexually assault a young British girl.
The Sun reports that Samson Obama, a Kenyan national, tried to enter Britain while he was on his way to Washington, DC for his brother’s Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2009.
However, according to The Sun reporter Gloria Di Piero, immigration agents at East Midlands Airport, using the latest biometric tests, discovered he was linked to an incident in the United Kingdom that occurred in November, 2008. Information on the database revealed that Samson — who manages a mobile phone shop just outside Nairobi, Kenya — was in fact the man who was arrested by police officers in Berkshire after he allegedly approached a group of young girls, including a 13 year-old, and allegedly tried to sexually assault one of them.
According to The Sun report, the children took refuge inside a cafe, but Obama followed them and became aggressive towards them at which point the cafe owner asked Obama to leave and called the police.
When police officers arrived, Samson Obama was still in the vicinity and, after questioning him, he was placed under arrest by the officers.
During his processing, Obama gave officers a false ID — claiming to be Henry Aloo, a genuine refugee and asylum seeker — and supplied his mother Mum Kezia’s address in Bracknell, Kenya, according to Di Piero.
Mum Kezia, 67, who has lived in Bracknell for six years, had married President Obama’s father Barack Obama, Sr. in Kenya while still a teenager.
After Samson’s arrest he was fingerprinted but not formally charged and then he was allowed to leave the United Kingdom. But his “pedigree” and the details of the arrest were stored on the Home Office’s new database of prints and biometric details.
Samson Obama was apprehended as he attempted to slip back into Britain to visit relatives en route to his half-brother’s inauguration. The Sun also reports that the White House was informed and a Home Office source is quoted as saying,”This was obviously an extremely sensitive issue when it was flashed up by the database.”
“But the system is designed to flag people who have come to the attention of the police in the UK and are then trying to return,” he said to The Sun reporter. “This was a good example of how people who may be undesirable can be refused another visa.”
It is thought that Samson Obama — one of the President’s 11 half brothers and sisters by his father who had four partners — managed to travel on to Washington for the inauguration after boarding a connecting flight to the States from East Midlands. He was able to do so despite not having a UK visa because he remained in transit and never left the airport.
On April 10, a Home Office spokesman confirmed that Samson Obama was refused a visa after immigration officers noticed one of the documents he supplied with his visa application was false. That led them to make further inquiries.
A UK Border Agency spokesman to The Sun: “We consider all visa applications based on their merits. We will oppose the entry of individuals to the UK where we believe their presence is not conducive to the public good.”Thus far, President Obama has remained silent on this incident and the members of the U.S. media are loathe to even mention it.
Thanks to mensdailynewsfor the story.
East Midlands Airport to get Wind Turbines January 12 2010
Planning permission was granted for the 45m high electricity generating structures on the site near Castle Donington nearly two years ago but construction has yet to start.
An airport spokeswoman said there were still internal planning measures that needed to be completed before the building phase of the project could begin.
She said: "We are still pressing ahead with the turbine plan. We do not have an actual date set for it but we hope it will be before the end of the year."
When they are built, the turbines will generate 900 kilowatt hours of electricity, without any emissions to pollute the environment.
Ryanair ignore complaints over late arrival at East Midlands Airport January 8 2010
"Last October, my Ryanair flight from Alicante back to East Midlands Airport was delayed by three hours.
During this time I, and my fellow-travellers, expected to be offered refreshments in accordance with my rights under EU Regulations 261/2004 and alluded to on my Ryanair boarding card.
I received nothing and, despite writing to Ryanair, I have heard nothing. The phrase "no frills" appears to include no courtesy, no acknowledgement and no compensation. Perhaps you could remind them of this fact. PF, Nottingham"
Please do not take the lack of communication personally. Whenever I try to contact Ryanair, they ignore me, too, and this occasion was no exception.
EU Regulations 261/2004 lay down the level of assistance you must be given when flights are delayed, which includes refreshments, but it is dependent on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight. Alicante to East Midlands would appear to be a distance of 1,610km which means the refreshments would be required if the delay was more than three hours.
Your delay was an agonising one minute too short, which means you were entitled to nothing – but Ryanair could have had the decency to let you know that at least on this occasion, they were in the right!
Sometime, one wonders why anybody flies with Ryanair.
Security Staff to be laid off at East Midlands Airport January 4 2010
The decision comes days after Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced plans to step up airport security checks with the introduction of full body scanners.
G4S Aviation Services, the firm that employs EMA security staff, said fewer flights were also a factor.
EMA officials said the reduction would not affect passenger safety.
Unite said the union was trying to ensure as few job losses as possible, but up to 30 could go.
A spokesman for G4S Aviation Services said: "We can confirm that, as a result of reduced passenger loads and flights, the number of security agents deployed at East Midlands Airport is being rationalised.
He said the firm was working closely with union and airport officials to look at "alternative working practices" to reduce the impact of the downturn.
An EMA spokesman said: "East Midlands Airport will continue to work closely with G4S Aviation Services while they undertake their consultation to rationalise resources due to reduced passenger numbers during the quieter winter months.
"The importance of passenger safety remains paramount at all times and the airport will continue to apply the strict security regime set by government.
"The decision by G4S Aviation Services will not impact on the level of security at the airport."
Gordon Brown yesterday pledged to move "quickly" to enhance airport security after the "wake-up call" of the failed Christmas Day airliner attack over Detroit.
Within days, a review of physical security and the systems used to identify potential terrorists will come up with recommendations for all UK airports.
The use of full-body scanners will be among measures to be discussed with the US in a bid to prevent a repeat of the attempted atrocity, the prime minister has said.
The scanners, which take a "naked" image of passengers, are being trialled at Manchester Airport, run by the same company as East Midlands Airport.
The Castle Donington based airport yesterday said it had not been planning to install the technology there, but the decision would ultimately be taken by the Government.
A spokeswoman said: "Security is taken extremely seriously.
"The airport will continue to work closely with the police, Department for Transport and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure our security procedures, which are set by the Government, are robust and effective. Manchester Airport is currently trialling body scanners.
"There are various different types of technology we have looked into, and will continue to look into."
There are no transatlantic flights in the winter from the airport but services to Orlando, Florida, are set to resume in the spring.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, allegedly attempted to ignite explosive stored in his underwear as Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam, carrying 280 passengers, made its final descent.
BMI still commited to East Midlands Airport December 17 2009
Castle Donington based Bmibaby has today announced that due to current market expectations and through optimising its operational efficiencies it will retain two aircraft between its East Midlands and Birmingham Airport bases.
bmibaby aircraft This will further reinforce its position as a leading low cost airline in the Midlands and cements its expansion programme from East Midlands Airport in 2010. This plan will include flying to the previously announced eight new routes and increasing capacity to the most popular destinations in 2010 from East Midlands Airport.
bmibaby will operate 326 flights a week from and to East Midlands Airport and carry 77,000 passengers during the peak summer months. The airline will fly to 23 European destinations from East Midlands Airport: Alghero (Sardinia), Alicante, Almeria, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bastia (Corsica), Belfast International, Cork, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Edinburgh, Faro, Geneva, Glasgow International, Jersey, Malaga, Malta, Mahon (Menorca), Newquay, Nice, Palma, Paris (CDG), Prague and Venice.
Crawford Rix, managing director, bmibaby, said:
"It is great news that due to current market strengths, and through optimising our efficiency, we are able to retain two additional aircraft. This means we can continue with our expansion plans from East Midlands Airport, with the addition of eight new routes and increased capacity on the most popular services in 2010.
"Sales for summer 2010 continue to be strong, a clear indication that the market is improving and that consumers are not willing to give up their holiday or short breaks.
"We not only offer great low fares, but also benefits such as allocated seating for everyone, and customers can join bmi diamond club, the UK's most generous frequent flier programme. We are also the UK's most punctual low cost airline.
"The East Midlands is home to bmibaby and we have gone from strength to strength at the airport. We will continue to provide our customers with competitive low fares, as well as services to a wide range of attractive European destinations for both business and leisure passengers."
Penny Coates, managing director, East Midlands Airport, said:
"It is great to see that bmibaby remain committed to the region and continue with their expansion plans for 2010.
"bmibaby have continued to go from strength to strength with their East Midlands Airport operation by providing passengers with a comprehensive range of business and leisure destinations combined with competitive low fares.
"bmibaby recently increased capacity on routes from East Midlands Airport to meet extra market demand and added eight new European routes including brand new scheduled services to Corsica, Croatia and Sardinia for next Summer."
And the promise of a visit to an enchanted forest, sleigh rides and the chance to meet Father Christmas himself, made the three hour flight from East Midlands airport to Rovaniemi in Finland this morning all the more worth it.
The 68 children from across the East Midlands on the trip will visit the Santa Claus village and get the chance to watch reindeer pull sleighs across the snow in temperatures of around minus five degrees.
Callum Gould, four, of Mansfield, suffers from severe allergies and asthma.
He said: "I'm really excited about it. I've been counting down the sleeps. I'm looking forward to seeing Santa and to tell him what I want for Christmas.
Tammie Waplington, six, of Sawnby Close, Arnold, was travelling to Lapland with her dad Peter.
She said: "I'm looking forward to seeing Santa and seeing real snow."
Tammie had a brain tumour just before her fourth birthday which was removed, but she has to return for regular MRI scans.
Her dad said: "Her illness has had an effect on her, she gets tired and is quite shy, but we've been really excited.
"I know she's going to love it today."
Jacob Bond, four, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was travelling with mum Tracy and dad Chris. He has had treatment for leukaemia for the last three years.
He said: "I'm excited about today. I'm looking forward to the snow most. I want to make a big snowball and throw it at my mum's nose!"
The trip has been organised by Nottingham-based Wish Upon a Star. The charity aims to grant the wishes of children with serious and terminal illnesses.
We wish them all well
EasyJet has announced it will cease its East Midlands Airport operation in early 2010.
According to the airline, the last easyJet flights will run at the Leicestershire travel hub on January 5th, after which the 107 staff members based there will be moved to other airports.
Customers who have booked tickets on flights after the date will be given the option of a full refund, a free transfer to another easyJet base or a free transfer to an alternative flight from East Midlands Airport with bmibaby.
A spokesperson for the company said: "EasyJet will continue to fly from 14 other UK airports and is dedicated to providing low fares and a great range of destinations to our customers.
"We would like to thank our customers who have flown with us from East Midlands Airport and apologise for any inconvenience this decision will cause."
The carrier also plans to scale back its London Luton Airport operations by 20 per cent in the New Year by cutting services to Athens, Vienna and Cagliari, as well as reducing the frequency of services to Edinburgh, Alicante, Geneva, Glasgow, Nice, Paris and Dortmund.
Gasrec, the UK's first commercial producer of liquid biomethane (LBM), said the fuel could cut a vehicle's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60 percent if it replaced diesel.
The six-month trial with a Cobus 3000 passenger bus would look into potential changes in air quality, carbon emissions, costs and vehicle performance at the airport.
Gasrec processes decomposing organic waste in landfills into LBM.
In separate trial, Gasrec supplied LBM for a refuse collection vehicle in London, which resulted in 62 percent saving in greenhouse gas compared with diesel.
Runway extension at East Midlands Airport approved November 4 2009
The Castle Donington site has been given the green light to extend its operational runway by 190m, to a total of 3,080m in length.
However, the airport will have to abide by conditions attached to limit night-time flying and noise.
They include a 55-decibel limit on jet engine noise at the outer reach of a 16sq km area around the airport.
Supporters have hailed the impact of the move on the economy.
The extension will make the UK's third biggest freight airport more attractive to longhaul cargo carriers, particularly in America.
However, detractors are concerned that the average aircraft noise between 11am and 7pm will be up to 25 per cent louder than current levels.
Nick Rushton place shaping champion for North West Leicestershire District Council, which approved the plans, said: "We have been concerned about noise levels and the impact on local residents from the airport for some time. East Midlands Airport is one of very few major airports in the UK that has no restrictions.
"By imposing these conditions on the airport through this planning application we can ensure the local community is protected from an unchecked growth in flights.
"We believe these conditions will allow the airport to continue to operate as a viable business while balancing the needs and concerns of local residents."
Dr Paul Grimley, from the Melbourne Civic Society, called for further improvements to be made to noise to the district council's planning committee.
He said: "There will still be a 25 per cent increase in nighttime noise levels for people in the vicinity of the airport, which we are not happy about.
"While we are pleased that enforceable noise controls, which are overdue, will be in place for the first time, what we want is for a scheme for progressive improvements to further reduce noise levels over time."
Speaking to the Mail after the meeting, Heather Wheeler, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, confirmed further talks would be held with airport chiefs.
She said: "From the point of view of the local economy it was very important that the extension was approved.
"Equally, the fact that night time flying and noise controls have been uppermost in the planning decision has to be applauded.
"There are going to be more discussions with the airport over the changes and this will be done in a very open way."
Runway expansion at East Midlands Airport set to go ahead. October 31 2009
The Castle Donington airport first applied to add 620ft to its 10,000ft airstrip nine years ago.
The aim is to allow heavier planes to take off and make the UK's third-biggest freight airport more attractive to long-haul cargo carriers, especially across the Atlantic.
Opponents of the £4m plan have objected to the scheme – mainly because they believe it will lead to more jet engine noise and air pollution.
However, officers at North West Leicestershire Council – which has the final say on the matter – have said there are no grounds for blocking the development.
It comes after the airport cleared a significant hurdle earlier this year when a Leicestershire County Council report found the environmental impact would be marginal, given the growth in flights predicted in the future.
County Hall told the district council it had no objections to the extension being approved.
On Tuesday, councillors at the district council planning meeting will be told the application should be approved, but with some conditions attached to limit night-time flying between 11pm and 7am.
Steve Charlish, of campaign group Demand East Midlands Airport is Now Designated (Demand), has called for restrictions on night flights at Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow airports to also be applied at Castle Donington.
He said: "We always assumed the district council would approve this extension, but we would have wanted much stricter restrictions than what's on the table.
"It's going to be business as usual at the airport and it's going to open the door to more and more aircraft, whatever they may say.
"This should really be put on hold and the airport should have to be designated, which would mean the Government could properly police noise levels.
"At the moment it's all done voluntarily by the airport."
Other opponents to the extension have included Leicestershire Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and parish councils, including those in nearby Kegworth and Castle Donington.
Official figures show 2,632 complaints were made about disturbance from aircraft engines around the airport between April 2008 and the end of March 2009.
Over the years the airport has spent £1.5m insulating 502 nearby homes to keep out jet noise.
A consultation on the airport's draft noise action plan, a document it must produce to show how it is going to manage noise and reduce it where necessary in the coming years, ended on October 21.
Pledges from the airport include insisting airlines and freight operators use quieter aircraft, and giving financial support to people in the area who may need measures like new, soundproofed windows.
New hotel and East Midlands Airport Car Park Planned October 24 2009
Manchester Airports Group, which owns and runs the airport, has outline planning permission for a four-star hotel with more than 200 rooms at Pegasus Business Park, in Castle Donington.
It has now submitted detailed plans for the design of the hotel to North West Leicestershire District Council.
The hotel would include a restaurant, bar, conference facilities and health suite, including a pool, sauna, steam rooms and gym.
There would also be 300 car parking spaces.
In its latest planning application, the firm said the hotel would create 150 jobs, up from the 60 jobs it previously said would be generated from the proposals.
The application said: "The proposed hotel will add to the facilities at the airport for passengers – both leisure and business travellers.
"It is felt that there is a real opportunity for the site to provide a high-quality hotel and conference facilities – not just for the airport, but for the whole district."
A decision is expected from the planning committee by the end of November.
East Midlands Airport and bmibaby support charity. October 16 2009
Passengers will now have the opportunity to donate £1 to the charity simply by ticking a ‘Donate to Pudsey' box when making a booking online at bmibaby.com. This is the sixth consecutive year bmibaby has supported BBC Children in Need and last year raised over £40,000 for the charity.
As well as collecting via the bmibaby website, the airline is collecting on board every flight until the end of November and holding fundraising events at East Midlands Airport. bmibaby launched its fundraising appeal for the charity by unveiling ‘Pudsey, baby', an aircraft covered in spots just like the famous bear's spotty bandana.
Crawford Rix, Managing Director, bmibaby, said:
"We are proud to be supporting BBC Children in Need for the sixth consecutive year and we hope to raise even more money for the charity this year.
"By adding another way for people to donate, this time via our website, we are making it quick and easy for people to show their support for the BBC Children in Need Appeal. The new method of donating online has only been running for a couple of weeks and we have already raised over £1,600, which is a great start. We are also collecting onboard every flight until the end of November, selling Pudsey keyrings onboard and holding fundraising events at our head office and four UK bases."
New Jet2.com service from East Midlands Airport October 15 2009
Low cost carrier Jet2 has announced the commencement of a new direct weekly flight connecting the UK to Tenerife in Spain. The flights will connect to Tenerife from the East Midlands airport.
The weekly flight will begin operating from May 2010, and prices start at 67 euros for a one way ticket. Booking reservations are already open. The flights are expected to provide convenient new passage to Tenerife for residents of cities like Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield, all of which are close to the East Midlands airport.
Jet2 also connect East Midlands Airport to the Canary Islands (Lanzarote), Dalaman in Turkey, Corfu and Heraklion in Greece, Cyprus (Paphos) and and Sharm The Sheikh in Egypt.
The airline provides others links to Tenerife from the UK. Belfast in Ireland has been connected recently. Other destinations Jet2 connects with Tenerife are airports in Blackpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle.
Tenerife’s sunny climate, warm temperatures and beaches attract a great many UK tourists. UK and Ireland is one of the main markets for overseas tourism in Tenerife, with over 900,000 tourists from UK and Ireland said to have visited the Spanish destination in the first eight months of 2009.
Tenerife has a strong percentage of return travellers from Britain. Its varied choice of accommodation and diverse offerings of family entertainment and attractions mean many UK families return to the holiday destination year after year, making British tourists a mainstay for tourism businesses in Tenerife.
Another award for East Midlands Airport October 13 2009
For three consecutive years, East Midlands Airport has secured the ‘Star Regional Airport' title at the Travel Bulletin 2009 Star Awards.
Caroline Plant, East Midlands Airport's Marketing Director, said:
"We are extremely proud to have secured this award which recognises the airport's achievements over the last year",
"As well as highlighting the successes of the airport, the award clearly demonstrates the confidence, trust and respect our travel partners place in the airport."
East Midlands Airport places a strong focus on working with and improving relationships with the travel agents across the region. Last night, the airport was commended for using innovative systems and approaches to supporting travel agents and tour operators, and praised for the implementation of recent initiatives such as, a new facility which offers travel agents the chance to give their feedback on all types of travel issues.
Caroline Plant attended the awards ceremony and received the award on behalf of East Midlands Airport.
Leicestershire County Council has asked airport managers for proof its penalty of around £1,000 is enough of a deterrent.
They have also criticised airport bosses for relying on information from 1996 to prove they do not need to do much more to tackle noise pollution.
The issues raised are part of the authority's response to the airport's draft noise action plan, a document it must produce to show how it is going to manage noise and reduce it where necessary in the coming years.
Pledges from the airport include insisting airlines and freight operators use quieter aircraft, and giving financial support to people in the area who may need measures like new, soundproofed windows.
A formal response to be agreed by the county council's cabinet tomorrow says that airlines have been fined 22 times for being too noisy.
A county council spokesman said: "The plan restates the operation of the penalty scheme and whilst some information has been given on the number of fines and income from those fines there is no indication as to whether the fines are a sufficient deterrent.
"The noise levels are set to rise to an arbitrary level that was around in 1996. No convincing reason is given why this date should be used. Why should the airport work to an old noise standard?
"Their intention to introduce quieter aircraft is a good thing but better information is required about how this will be done and what happens if it doesn't.
"There is confusion over which noise maps should be used and the amount of people likely to be affected by noise that these maps show. This needs better clarity."
Councillor Max Hunt, County Hall's Labour leader, is calling on the council to reject the plan outright.
He said: "There's a feeling that East Midlands Airport are simply ticking the boxes.
"What we seem to have is a promise not to get any worse than it was more than 10 years ago."
Over the years the airport has spent £1.5 million insulating 502 nearby homes to keep out jet noise.
Official figures show 2,632 complaints were made about disturbance from aircraft engines between April 2008 and the end of March 2009.
Earlier this year, the airport was criticised for offering £10,000 relocation grants to help people escape the roar of overhead aircraft because there are no homes that qualify for the cash.
The county council says this is also a concern, but the airport said today it would not comment on any of the complaints until the consultation is over.
An airport spokesperson said: "We welcome the response by Leicestershire County Council to the noise action plan consultation and will consider their comments carefully."
Comments from the public and councils have to be in on October 21.
UFO's at East Midlands Airport? September 24 2009
UK-UFO has this for us:
""Although the sighting was very close to East Midlands airport, this was by no means a plane! What we saw was a number of white lights in a circular formation that seemed to be spinning very quickly, whilst also expanding and contracting. The size was immense. Although at first we thought it may be laser beams, we saw no rays of light coming from the ground. Additionally, the lights seemed to be shining from behind the cloud. Did anyone else see this? If so, do you believe it was simply a laser beam? It was very eerie! Also…I think it would be irresponsible to have such powerful laser beams so near to a flight path anyway.""
It will introduce eight new European routes, base three additional aircraft at the Castle Donington airport and increase the frequency of flights on major routes.
The firm says that the expansion plans will mean an extra 350,000 passengers will fly with the airline on an additional 2,872 flights from East Midlands Airport in 2010.
The flights, to Alghero in Sardinia, Barcelona, Bastia in Corsica, Cork, Dubrovnik also in Croatia, Malta, Newquay and Venice, will go on sale tomorrow
Accident near East Midlands Airport September 6 2009
Police were called to the collision, which happened at junction 23a, near to East Midlands Airport, shortly before 9.40am today. (Sunday)
The man was freed from the car, a Peugot 306, and airlifted to Coventry Walsgrave Hospital.A Leicestershire police spokesman said the car had swerved off the motorway and hit a lamppost. The driver suffered leg injuries.
bmibaby moves to fill gaps at East Midlands Airport September 4 2009
Low-cost airline bmibaby has announced plans to run extra flights on existing routes from East Midlands Airport after Easyjet's decision to pull out.
An airport spokesperson said bmibaby and other low-cost airlines had indicated they could also take on eight of the nine routes dropped by Easyjet.
Easyjet said it was pulling out of the Castle Donington site to go to what it believed were more profitable airports.
Jet2 announced it was moving to the airport from next spring.
One destination, Venice, may be lost as a result of Easyjet's move.
But other routes, including Barcelona and Geneva, are expected to be operated by other airlines, an airport spokeswoman added.
Crawford Rix, managing director of bmibaby, said: "We want to reassure the people of the region we will remain committed to East Midlands Airport.
"As a result of Easyjet's decision to leave the airport, we will be increasing capacity over our current network so that the East Midlands market continues to have the capacity it needs.
"East Midlands Airport is home to bmibaby and we are currently exploring other opportunities to fill the gap left by EasyJet at the airport."
Easyjet has said flights to and from the airport up to the end of the year will be unaffected by the announcement.
A spokesperson said: "We cannot see a growing long-term future and we have decided to move our assets to markets with better long-term potential."
Thanks to the BBC for the story.
EasyJet to close East Midlands Airport base. September 3 2009
EasyJet dealt a blow to East Midlands Airport today by announcing it is to close its base at the airport.
The airline said it “cannot see a growing long-term future” at East Midlands and will redeploy planes to continental Europe.
Chief Executive Andy Harrison said the need to use aircraft most efficiently meant “responding to airports with uncompetitive costs”.
Harrison said airline passenger duty hit regional airports hardest and added: "We cannot see a growing long-term future (at East Midlands) and we have decided to move our assets to markets with better long-term potential."
Penny Coates, East Midlands Airport’s managing director and a Manchester Airports Group board member, said: “We’re sorry to hear about easyJet’s proposal to leave the East Midlands region from 2010 but we can reassure our passengers that this has virtually no impact on the choice of low cost destinations available from East Midlands Airport.
“Although two destinations could be lost, we’ve already had very positive indications from other low cost airlines that they will fill this small gap, including bmibaby who have served the East Midlands region for 45 years."
Lets hope replacement carriers will be found. Otherwise, many businesses will suffer, including retail, foods and drink outlets, and, of course, eastmidlands airport parking.
Business leaders welcome Jet2.ccom to East Midlands Airport August 31 2009
Business leaders have hailed a deal to bring a low-fare airline to East Midlands Airport as "fantastic news for Derbyshire". Budget airline Jet2 announced plans to open its eighth UK base at the airport, near Castle Donington, yesterday .The move will create 250 jobs, all of which will be recruited from the East Midlands, and bring an extra 130,000 passengers to the airport each year.Flights will start in May to seven destinations, including Lanzarote, Corfu, Tenerife and Sharm El Sheikh.Jet2, which operates out of airports in the north of England, will join a number of other budget airlines including bmi baby, Ryanair and easyJet.
John Forkin, director of Marketing Derby, said the firm's 10-year deal would help cement the airport's reputation as one of the fastest-growing in the country.
He said: "East Midlands Airport has an excellent track record in terms of freight transport but, over the past 10 years, it has developed real credibility as an international airport.
"The fact that the airline has chosen it as its next base shows it has confidence in the area.
"The deal is very good news because it means two things – it guarantees continued growth at the airport and it could mean greater numbers of inbound tourists coming to visit the East Midlands and Derbyshire from other parts of Europe."
The 250 jobs will include an 80-strong workforce based at the airline's Castle Donington offices from next year.
Other roles include catering, cleaning, security and baggage handling staff.
George Cowcher, chief executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said the deal was a positive sign for the economy.
He said: "This is extremely encouraging news for the region as a whole, as the gradual upturn in our economic fortunes continues.
"The deal will enhance the airport's growing profile and the jobs created will provide a welcome boost for business and consumer confidence alike."
Jet2 will start with one plane, making nine flights a week to destinations including Dalaman, Heraklion and Paphos.
Over the next three years, it plans to bring in more planes as passenger numbers increase to a projected 300,000 each year.
Ian Doubtfire, Jet2's managing director, said: "The airline is well established in the north of England and it was a natural progression for us to expand further south.
"East Midlands Airport was a clear contender from the start as it has a growing reputation, fantastic staff and excellent travel links.
"This deal is the culmination of months of hard work by both parties and we are thrilled and excited about the future."
This expansion will also bring in much revenue from East Midlands Airport Parking, so remember to book early with us, and get the best prices.
Bank Holiday weekend busy at East Midlands Airport August 29 2009
This weekend will be the busiest day at East Midlands airport with 19,000 passengers flying.
The most popular destination this weekend is Palma in Majorca, followed by Alicante, Malaga and Tenerife.
East Midlands Airport Post Office Drivers to go on strike August 28 2009
Heavy goods drivers based at East Midlands Airport were due to go on strike from 4am today until 4am tomorrow as part of national strike action.This will be repeated next Wednesday.It has also been revealed there are plans for strikes at the Lower Parliament Street office for next Friday, affecting deliveries in the NG3 postcode area, after workers voted on Tuesday in favour of a strike.The strikes are part of a national dispute about changes in the Post Office as it adapts to new demands because of the impact of the internet and online shopping.
Simon Edmonds, branch secretary for the Nottingham and District Communication Workers' Union (CWU), said he couldn't confirm the Lower Parliament Street strike at this stage, but said that more industrial action was planned for Notts. He said: "It's pointless them trying to get a national agreement on modernisation."We are trying to get Royal Mail round the table. We have got no protection and people are changing jobs. It's slash and burn savings."
A Royal Mail spokesman said they were aware of the strike by network drivers at East Midlands airport and that this would affect mail getting through their network. It would not have an impact on the air operation or on local deliveries.
He said they were not aware of planned action taking place on September 4.
He said: "Having met the union more than 50 times in recent months, it is increasingly clear that the CWU refuses to believe that mail volumes are declining, despite the clear evidence of this in the UK and in every other postal market around the world.
"We again condemn the CWU for striking locally over much-needed modernisation and change which has already been successfully implemented by our people in the majority of offices around the UK and is working well."
This certainly seems to be the season for strikes.
Jet2.com to set up base at East Midlands Airport August 28 2009
About 250 new jobs should be created at East Midlands Airport following an announcement the airline Jet2 will have a base there from next spring.
The extra carrier means about 130,000 more passengers each year will be able to fly to destinations including Turkey and Egypt.
Jet2 will initially base one aircraft at the airport, making nine flights each week to seven destinations.
Airport officials said the 10-year deal was a major coup.
'Positive indicator'
Jet2 will start with a Boeing 757, with further investment and growth planned over the next three years.
Eighty of the new jobs will be based at the airport, with the rest spread across the region.
The airport's managing director Penny Coates said: "We have been talking to Jet2 for some time about a base here.
"They have got some great destinations and are a good brand.
"This news is a positive indicator for the future and puts East Midlands Airport in a strong position as we continue to extend and develop our route network."
East Midland Airport offers grants to nearby residents July 23 2009
The airport is offering people who bought their houses before 2003 financial help to move if they suffer aircraft noise levels above 66 decibels.
However, at present the nearest homes to the airport in Castle Donington have noise levels of around 55 decibels.
The payment packages are part of the airport's recent draft noise action plan, which it was required to draw up by the government.
The airport says the scheme has been drawn up in case noise levels rise in the future."
Thanks to thisisleicestershire.co.uk
Public Meeting over East Midlands Airport noise July 21 2009
East Midlands Airport has put in place measures to reduce the volumes of noise from planes, but many people living nearby say they are still woken by night flights.
The European Union recently announced a new directive requiring airports to come up with a plan to further slash the volume of flights.
However, staff at East Midlands Airport said they would need to change little from their existing plans to fall in line with the EU scheme.
At a public consultation meeting held in Melbourne last night, airport staff met with locals to listen to their views.
Peter White, 81, and his wife, June, 79, were at the meeting and said they were regularly woken at night by planes flying overhead.
Mr White, of Pack Horse Road, Melbourne, said: "When the weather is hot we can't open our windows because it is so noisy.
"The airport offers people in a certain radius compensation to get insulation from the noise but we are outside that.
"It's not improving and over the years the number of planes going over has increased.
"Coming here tonight has not furthered anything.
"The airport could divert night flights or use bigger cargo planes so they don't have to fly so many, but it is not doing anything."
Mrs White said: "When the planes come down to land there are lights shining and they shine right in our bedroom, waking us up."
The meeting, at Bill Shone Leisure Centre, in High Street, was one of four being held by the airport during a consultation period before a plan is drawn up to submit to the EU.
The EU directive says all airports, major roads, railways and urban areas with more than 250,000 residents have to produce action plans outlining how they will combat excessive noise.
Austin Williams, 51, said planes flew so low he could see people waving in the windows.
Mr Williams, of Spinney Hill, Melbourne, said: "We get woken up most nights in the summer, which is when the planes go over. People in Kilburn have it worse as planes go over more regularly there.
"I would like to see reductions in night flights or have them banned altogether. There are other airports who don't run any flights at night. The airport is a business and is out to make money. They don't seem concerned enough."
The consultation period ends in October, when the airport's plans will be submitted to the Government.
Neil Robinson, director of sustainability at East Midlands Airport, said it had already implemented some measures and had others planned.
He said: "In 2006, we drew up a masterplan to improve the airport and we are happy that our work on reducing noise will satisfy the purpose of the EU directive.
"We have invested £1.5m in the last two years on installing double glazing in houses that fall within a radius around the airport, determined on the basis of noise and distance.
"We have also introduced a new smoother method for planes to descend, which can reduce noise by five decibels.
"In addition, we are working towards making sure all planes which use the airport fall in the quietest noise category by 2012."
Thanks to thisisderbyshire.co.uk for the story.
More UFO's at East Midlands Airport ?
Story from UFOUK
Witness Statement: me and a friend watched as between 15-20 white and orange glowing balls of light flew in from the derby area going west, some in triangular formation and some on top of one another, but all were going the same speed,and all were at a low altitude,for the next hour or so we watched some of these objects fly behind the clouds and reverse back out again in a straight line, covering some distances in only a few seconds, we could gauge this by the m1 motorway lights opposite us, i know east midlands airport flight path is very close to here, but ive seen enough planes coming in to land over the years to know this was something completely different to what i normally see whilst night fishing…
Consultation on noise levels at East Midlands Airport
The BBC Nottingham reports today, July 18 2009:
"people are being urged to comment on noise from East Midlands Airport as part of a consultation exercise.
European Union rules mean the airport must produce a report on its noise impact by the end of the year.
The consultation will see a series of roadshows offering local communities, councils and other groups the chance to discuss the issues.
Plans to extend the airport runway have faced opposition from residents worried about greater night time disruption.
'Right balance'
The consultation period will run until 21 October, with public meetings at Bill Shone Leisure Centre, Melbourne, on 21 July, Castle Donington Village Hall on 25 August and Kegworth Parish Council Rooms on 29 September.
East Midlands Airport's Director of Sustainability, Neil Robinson, said: "The airport is an important part of the region, employing more than 7,000 people and providing travel opportunities to over 90 destinations.
"We take the negative impact of our operations very seriously, particularly the impact on our closest neighbours."
He added: "We hope this consultation will allow the local community another valuable opportunity to feed back their views and help the airport strike the right balance between reducing the negative impact and the substantial benefits the airport brings to the regional economy."
Plans to extend the runway by about 190m (623ft) to make it 3.08km (1.91 miles) long, allowing direct flights to the US, are currently being considered by North West Leicestershire District Council ."
In our view here at East Midlands Airport Parking, we believe direct flights to the USA would be a great boost to the region.
Hooligans putting lives in danger
Yobs armed with hand-held laser pens, have been trying to dazzle air crew as they land and take off from East Midlands Airport.
Figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority show there were six incidents in the past nine months of lasers being pointed at aircraft and one at a helicopter flying over Leicester.
Both passenger and freight aircraft have been targeted.
The general secretary of the British Airline Pilots' Association, Jim McAuslan, said each incident could have caused a crash.
He said: "These laser guns, some no bigger than a ball-point pen, cost less than £10 and can be obtained from websites and even from some corner shops.
"They have a range of up to 37,000 ft. It is extraordinarily dangerous to shine them at the cockpits of planes when pilots are concentrating on landing or taking off."
Mr McAuslan said the beams have temporarily dazzled pilots and have the potential to permanently damage sight.
He added: "Fortunately no pilot has lost his, or her, sight permanently, but that is not to say it won't happen. None of us can afford to let the use of these laser guns go on unchecked."
The union said 206 laser incidents were reported across the UK in 2008 – compared to 29 the year before. Only three were reported in 2003. It wants more to be done to catch and prosecute laser users. The maximum sentence is five years in jail.
The latest incidents in Leicestershire were:
May 30: The crew of a Boeing 737 reported a green laser being shone at them.
May 22: The crew of another 737 was targeted at 3,000ft as it came in to land.
March 13: A 737 coming into land had a laser shone at it when it was 4,500ft in the air.
November 27 last year: A laser was shone at a Boeing 769 as it was landing.
Three attacks on October 10: On