Latest Coventry Airport News

Coventry Airport plans new FBO - 28 Jan 09

Coventry Airport is opening its own dedicated FBO (Fixed Based Operation) to serve the growing executive aviation market.

The new FBO will be situated in Rapide House on the south side of the airport and will be run by a designated airport management team. The building is undergoing a complete refurbishment to ensure the facility will provide for all the needs of this demanding sector.

For the business traveller there will be a beautifully furnished, tranquil lounge with refreshments on hand, workstations and fully equipped meeting room. Customers will be handled with the utmost discretion and a well appointed, secure en-suite VVIP lounge will also be available. Car parking is right outside the building, although direct apron transfers will be arranged where ever possible. Pilots will also be fully catered for with an operational briefing room, rest room with shower as well as kitchen facilities.

Coventry Airport is situated at the centre of the motorway network, affording complete ease of access from the M6, M40, M42, M1 and M69. Major venues are all close by including the Ricoh Arena, National Exhibition Centre and National Agricultural Society Showground. Smooth helicopter transfer to London’s Battersea heliport, only 35 minutes away, can be arranged with on-site operator Helicentre.

Speaking about the new facility, Airport Director Brian Cox said “We are extremely excited about the prospect of this dedicated executive aviation centre. Coventry Airport has always been popular with the business traveller due to it’s location at the heart of the Midlands; giving accessibility with a speedy and quietly efficient service. We will now be able to provide a top quality, purpose designed FBO terminal, to cater for every need.”

Work has already commenced on the facility, due to open at beginning of April this year. In the interim, flights will be handled through the newly refurbished Baginton Lounge, which will accommodate larger parties, giving customers flexibility and choice.

Although Coventry Airport exercised its right to appeal following the disappointing news that it had been turned down by the High Court for a 2 million per annum passenger terminal, the Airport Board has taken the decision not to follow up the appeal at this time and will concentrate on upgrading the current facilities.

Coventry Evening Telegraph - 9th December 2008

DESPITE a turbulent year the future of Coventry Airport looks promising, according to the new driving force behind the city’s aviation hub.

Brian Cox, the airport’s new director, is optimistic the recent loss of airlines Wizz Air and Thomsonfly will not have a detrimental effect on the business.

In fact, the 59-year-old family man from Ireland is determined to take a more aggressive approach to the running of Coventry Airport and hopes to concentrate on business aviation and cargo traffic.

But the father-of-three still has the firm objective of returning to commercial flights as part of his future strategy.

Brian took up the reigns at the end of March this year, after being lured out of early retirement to deliver an efficient and profitable operation at Coventry Airport.

The keen sportsman has a wealth of experience and knowledge after spending 38 years with Irish firm Aerlingus – 28 of which were spent in the UK.

During this time he was based at both Heathrow and Gatwick before returning to Ireland where he later took over responsibility for Shannon Airport.

Now, the golf and rugby enthusiast has put his retirement on hold – and plans to take the airport forward.

Brian said: “From my point of view, I have always enjoyed a challenge and Coventry Airport is a challenge.

"When I first came here there were many issues that needed addressing and we have dealt with them.

“I am a positive person and I have a very positive view on Coventry as a whole. However, we need to be aware of the limitations of Coventry Airport.

"Maybe in the past we have just focussed on the big airlines when perhaps we should be focussing our attentions on smaller organisations.

“I think that Coventry Airport has huge potential and plenty of opportunities and I would like to see us become a well-known cargo and business airport.”

It was only last month Thomsonfly announced it would be axing all its flights from Coventry – news announced just one month after Wizz Air pulled its flights from the city to Poland.

Thomsonfly operated 35 flights to eight destinations across Europe each week and the airline was due to launch four new routes next summer. But Brian is determined not be disheartened.

He added: “I would like to allay any concern the public or staff might have on Coventry Airport’s future and assure them that funding is in place for the foreseeable future.

“We are taking the aggressive approach, with a new management structure.

"While our final strategy has not been decided we are initially concentrating on business aviation and cargo traffic with the main objective of returning to commercial operation.

“We also want to make sure that Coventry Airport is involved in the 2012 Olympics.”

Bosses back city airport appeal bid

Nov 17 2008 By Christina Savvas

BUSINESSES in Coventry and Warwickshire are backing the city's airport directors over the plan to appeal against a recent High Court judgment.

The Federation of Small Businesses surveyed 3,300 members across the region about the airport expansions plans and more than 60 per cent agreed a new terminal should be built.

Business leaders are concerned the city will lose out on job opportunities.

Coventry branch chairman Ric Richards said: "The expansion of the airport is a logical development for the local region and is an essential part of the city's development. In a survey of our 3,300 members throughout Coventry and Warwickshire, over 60 per cent of respondents were in favour of the new terminal and subsequent expansion of the airport.

"The loss of passenger flights will be a blow to the city - indeed, with Thomson having decided to pull out, the effects are already being felt. There is no doubt the expansion would bring new business to the area, resulting in more employment opportunities and, for our members, increased business opportunities.

"This becomes even more pressing, in light of the current state of our economy. It is perhaps true that Coventry has not yet been as affected as the rest of the country, but this does not mean we can afford to ignore job opportunities when they present themselves. The downturn is destined to go on for quite some time and Coventry will not be immune in the coming months. To turn away from a development opportunity such as this, at such a time, is inexcusable."

The last passenger flight in to the airport touched down on Sunday, November 9 and marked the end of an era after four years of cheap Thomsonfly flights to Europe from Coventry. It leaves a huge question mark over the future of holiday flights from the airport at Baginton.

There are now no passenger jets using the airport although bosses say they are talking to other airlines about taking over.

Managers said they were planning to appeal against the controversial decision to refuse permission for a passenger terminal. The long-running expansion plan will continue - five years after the first planning application was submitted.

After the application was refused, an appeal was launched and a six-day court hearing took place earlier this year with airport bosses challenging the government's decision to block the expansion.

But two months ago, a High Court judge in London rejected the appeal for the new terminal which would double the airport's capacity to two million passengers each year.

Bosses say the expansion was essential.

Mr Richards added: "Those 'nay sayers' who do not want the expansion for, allegedly, green reasons, are simply pushing the problem elsewhere. No one who wants to fly will be prevented from doing so, but travellers from this area will simply add their emissions to the atmosphere as they travel more miles than necessary to whichever airport they have to go to.

"And that airport and its surrounding area will get the benefit of the jobs and the other benefits our community will lose out on. Coventry is the ninth largest city in England - we need to act as if we believe it and get behind this appeal."

Coventry Airport: Save our flights!

Oct 17 2008 By Jenny Waddington - Coventry Evening Telegraph

A DRAMATIC operation is underway to save holiday flights from Coventry Airport.

Bosses at Baginton have been talking to 19 airlines since Thomsonfly announced it was quitting the city.

At least three of the firms are big names who believe Coventry has potential for future passenger flights.

Although the airlines are not being identified, bosses claim they are looking at European and British companies, who could replace Thomsonfly.

The Telegraph reported yesterday that the low-cost flights from Baginton would end next month.

The airport's chief executive Chris Orphanou says he's optimistic about the future and revealed steps were already in place to find a replacement airline.

He said: "Everyone needs to appreciate that a regional airport of our size is often confronted with challenges.

"We are looking at a few areas where we can develop, and are already looking to persuade other carriers to come in with us. At Coventry Airport we have a dedicated team, whose job it is to speak to similar airlines to Thomsonfly. We have spoken to 19 carriers. Of those three or four are big play-ers who saw Coventry as having potential."

He denied that competition from Birmingham Airport had led to Thomsonfly's decision. They have been running 35 flights a week from Coventry to eight European destinations.

The announcement from Thomsonfly came days after a High Court judge threw out the airport's appeal to build a new passenger terminal.

The terminal would have doubled the airport's capacity to two million passengers a year. But Mr Orphanou said: "Birmingham's strategy is to service the long-haul market, whereas Coventry could look at the hotspots of the leisure area, such as Greece, Spain and Turkey.

"There is a market there that Birmingham doesn't have and I think Coventry and Birmingham could complement each other. I do not see Birmingham as a threat.

"We have got to be given the opportunity to see where we go from here. We need to look at alternatives and get everybody on board.

"There is a real chance of prosperity for the community and region as a whole. It will benefit the city if the airport is successful.

"Supporting Coventry is not just a task for myself and staff at the airport, it should be everybody getting involved."

The final Thomsonfly flights from Coventry will be on November 2, with the last holidaymakers arriving back on November 9. Anyone due to fly later will have to change their plans.

Thomsonfly has pledged to contact them to offer alternative arrangements or a refund.

A Cloud with a silver lining?

The current economic downturn might bring some extra business to Coventry airport. With the current high price of oil several airlines are planning to ground aircraft during the winter period. Coventry Airport is offering parking for some of these aircraft on a short or long term basis. Tom Freeman the head of business development at Coventry Airport said ' Coventry airport has ample space to acomodate multiple aircraft parking and is currently offering very competitive rates. We can handle most types of jets upto A320/B737 size'

High Court Hearing Closes

The high court hearing into the legality of last refusal of planning permision for a new terminal at the airport came to a close on Monday 28th July having unexpectedly been extended into a sixth day. However as expected the judge's judgement was reserved and can be expected sometime during the Autumn.

Overwhelming Support for airport Development from the Region.

In an article in the July 26th edition of the Coventry telegraph the newpaper reported that ' An overwhelming number of people living in Coventry and warwickshire are in favour of the city's airport expanding. The newpaper conducted an on line poll asking whether the airport should be allowed to expand with a massive 88.1% backing the plans for a permanent pasenger terminal to cater for up to two million passengers a year.

High Court Hearing Day 3 - 24th July 2008

The end of day three of the High Court Hearing into the airports appeal against the outcome of the public inquiry into its passenger terminal application saw the summing up of the airports case by its legal representatives. The final two days of the hearing will be taken up by barristers representing the government outlining their case why the decision should stand.

Chris Orphanou the airport's chief executive was quoted in the Coventry Telegraph in saying that the hearing was going extremely well. He also said when refering to some of the points put to the judge by the airport that ' The main point of out argument is that the recommendations made last year were flawed.' 'They said that as Birmingham is so near there was no need for Coventry to exist, but there are lots of examples round the country of neighbouring airports being successful and complementing each other.' 'The expansion of the airport will bring jobs to the area not just at the airport- it will attract other businesses to the region and will benefit the area economically.' Mr Orpanou said another issue raised had been a lack of public transport links to the airport but without permision to grow and bring in more carriers there was little incentive to do that.'

Once the judge has heard both sides of the argument he will consider his judgement. However due to the summer recess the announcement of this judgement cannot be expected before September. If it goes in the airport's favour a government anouncement as to what action they propose as a result of the judgement would be anticipated early in the new year.

High Court Hearing Day 1 - 22nd July 2008

The High Court hearing into the government's decision to refuse planning permission for a two million per annum pasenger terminal has begun in London. The airport is challenging the government decision in 19 areas arguing that the decision failed to comply with the necessary legal procedures and was therefore erroneous in law. On the first day the airport cousell Mr Peter Village QC argued that the inspectors report upon which the government decision was based failed to deal with all the evidence presented at the public enquiry, was selective in its anaylsis and did not give satisfactory reasons for not dealing with evidence that countervailed that put by the planning applications opponents. It was also claimed that the inspectors report contained errors in respect to noise and air pollution and that insufficient account was taken of the significient benefits of the scheme. In addition the airport is arguing that insufficient weight was given to the views of Warwick District Council, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Highways Authority who all supported the application.

The airport hopes that the outcome of the hearing will be an order for the current secretary of state Hazel Blears to reconsider the application for the new terminal. The hearing is expected to last five days.

Renewed Support for Airport Development
12th July 2008

In an article published in the Coventry Telegraph John McGuigan Coventry City Council's acting chief executive and city development director has called for a quality airport terminal at Coventry Airport. He is quoted as saying 'It is a very important part of our future. without being facetious I've flown out of Coventry Airport on three occasions and it is the most homely airport you can fly out of. This cannot be the long term future of its terminal facilities. The image of Coventry is changing and the airport is important to us. We want a quality terminal that gives the message that Coventry is the quality town it now is. It is important for everyone's benefit that Coventry Airport as a viable and attractive airport is sorted out as quickly as possible.

In the same article Louise Bennett the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce also leant her support for airport development saying 'We have always been in support of the controlled expansion of Coventry Airport because of the business benefit that it would undoubtedly bring to local business. The whole planning saga around the airport has dragged on for far too long and cost too much both directly and indirectly. We hope the plans that have been in place for so long will be able to be brought to fruitition.

Coventry Airport - The London City of the Midlands
11th July 2008

In an article on business aviation that appeared in 'Flight International' Howard Holdings the operator of Coventry airport revealed that as part of their much bigger airport expansion plans they have ambitions to turn the airport into the 'London City of the Midlands'. Blue City Aviation have been operating the FBO since earlier this year but airport managing director Chris Orpanhuh revealed that this is only the first stage of a long term plan to build a bigger facility catering for business aviation together with a heliport. He said ' Our business strategy includes bolstering the amount of corporate jet charters and with our 24/7 availability and close proximity to all the major motorways we have a real advantage in serving this bouyant fraternity. Our cost to are considerably lower than the London-centric business aviation airports'.

New Airport Magazine Launched
11th July 2008

Coventry Airport has launched its own airport magazine under the title 'Take Off'. The first edition was published in June with a twice yearly publication expected. Chris Orpananou the airport's chief executive said' Coventry airport is a key component of the Midlands Region and helps to boost the profile of Coventry and Warwickshire. We wanted a vehicle to promote our services and achievements to a wider audience as well as showcase new routes. Take off gives us the opportunity to do just that.'

The first edition focuses on Corfu one of four new destinations for summer 2009 and also includes articles on how the airport is reducing its impact on the local environment, business aviation and learning to fly.

The magazine will be available in the departure lounge and at various locations throughout Coventry.

Coventry airport best in UK claim
Apr 7 2008 By Dayle Crutchlow

COVENTRY Airport is the best regional airport in the country when it comes to waiting times, according to a new report.

The airport at Baginton has the shortest waiting times at security and passport control.

An online poll, managed by holiday firm Travel Counsellors, shows that passengers travelling through Coventry Airport over the past two months reported a wait of less than two minutes to clear security and didn't have to wait at all to get through immigration on their return.

Passengers at Manchester Airport faced the longest queues, placing the airport in the lowest position of 21st with an average delay of 23 minutes at security and 44 minutes at passport control.

New Polish Flights

Saturday March 15th saw the start of Wizz Air’s second route from Coventry by adding Gdansk to the previously served Katowice. The new service will operate three times a week initially on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Coventry private jet travel takes off CET 3rd March 2008

Ambitious plans to bolster the number of private flights from Coventry Airport are ready to take off. The airport has appointed Blue City Aviation to handle its fixed based operations (FBO) which covers private jet traffic with immediate effect. It has come after the airport witnessed a 35% increase in private jet traffic in 2007. Blue City Aviation is now responsible for general and business aviation services at the western end of the airport. Onward ground transportation, including chauffeur drive and executive car hire can be organised on request, together with hotel accomodation for incoming passengers and flight crew.

Chris Orphanou Coventry Airport chief executive said ' business aviation is an important and expanding industry. Our business strategy going forward includes bolstering the amount of corporate jet charters and with our 24/7 availability and our close proximity to all the major motorways we have a real advantage in serving this bouyant aspect of the market. Our costs are considerably lower to than too the London-centric business aviation airports.'

Blue City Aviation has been based at Coventry Airport since 2004 and complementing the handling side is Blue City Engineering which offers heated and secure hanger facilities at Coventry Airport for visiting private jets. Kevin Perry Blue City Aviation managing director said ' We are delighted to handle the FBO facilities at Coventry Airport extending our existing excellant working relationship. We are committed to provide our customers with the high levels of service they expect and we are planning further enhanced bespoke amenities in the immediate future.

New retail outlet 1st March 2008

A new branch of the Transair pilot's shop opened in the general aviation terminal at Airport West on Saturday 1st March. The new facility will be managed by the Almat Flying Club and will be open seven days a week. This will be the fifth Transair store the others being located in central London, Shoreham Airport, Fairoaks Airport and Gloucester Airport.

Plans would help us take off CET Feb 29 2008

MANY small businesses in the region are backing Coventry Airport's plans to build a new terminal.

In a recent survey, more than 60 per cent of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) members in Coventry and Warwickshire were in favour of the new terminal and consequent expansion of the airport.

The High Court hearing over the construction of a new passenger terminal at Coventry Airport is due to take place on July 21 this year.

The results of the FSB survey showed that small businesses felt that the expansion was a logical development for the local region and an essential part of the city's development.

Ric Richards, chairman of the Coventry branch of the FSB, said: "There is no doubt it would bring new business to the area, more employment opportunities and, for our members, increased business opportunities."

Improved parking for general and business aviation February 26th 2008

During the past week the aircraft hanger adjacent to the general aviation terminal has been demolished having been in a poor state of repair for some time. CASG understands that once the site has been cleared the space made available will be used as a general aviation parking area. This in turn will reduce the need for parking on grassed areas and will increase the area for business aircraft to park in front of the general aviation terminal.

Willenhall Wood's future guaranteed February 25th 2008

The airport has appointed the landscape planning group to prepare a long term woodland management plan for Willenhall Wood. As part of the preparation for this plan a detailed arboricultural,ecological,and landscape survey of Willenhall Wood will be undertaken. Once the survey work is completed the first draft of the woodland management plan will be presented to Coventry City Council in March/April for a consultation period that will include other key stakeholders including local residents.

It is anticipated that the 500 new trees offered at the time 52 trees in the wood were pruned under work ordered by the Civil Aviation Authority will be included in a significant replacement tree planting that will sustain the long term viability of the wood that currently contains a large percentage of older trees.

Airport Catering

The airport has announced an enhancement of its catering facilities in the area around the terminal building as part of a renewed contract with Skypartners that will now run for a further three years. A new landside Horizons Café Bar and Restaurant will be developed to replace the Max beans café that Skypartners has operated since 2004. Skypartners already run a Horizon Café at Newquay Airport and are developing a similar facility at Blackpool airport. They will also design a new airside catering and retail facility at Coventry.

New traffic lights to be installed on road alongside Coventry Airport runway Coventry Evening Telegraph Feb 15 2008

New traffic lights are to be installed on Bubbenhall Road which runs alongside the runway at Coventry Airport.

The three sets of lights, which were recommended by the Civil Aviation Authority as a safety measure, will be installed by the end of March.

Chris Orphanou, chief executive of the airport said "The lights will only be used when a plane is landing. Air traffic control will switch a button to turn them on and stop taffic. They will be on red for a maximum of about 60 seconds so it will cause minimum disruption. Planes come in at an angle and they have a safety margin in case they have to come in a bit higher or lower. By making sure there is no traffic in the safety zone it protects drivers against all eventualities."

Air Atlantique Classic Fleet - 17th February 2007

It has been widely reported that the coming season could be the last to see the passenger carrying DC3’s of Air Atlantiques classic fleet grace the sky over Britain. The culprits are the new European EU OPS regulations that come into force on July 16th. Up to now national regulatory bodies which include the CAA in Britain have had the power to grant exemptions to European regulations but this will not be permissible under the new EU OPS rules. The new regulations apply to all aircraft operating on a commercial air transport flight irrespective of circumstances and the age of the aircraft. The rules are more onerous on aircraft that can be fitted with more than 19 seats which includes the DC3. For the DC3 to meet the regulations this would require the installation of an airborne weather radar, a cockpit voice recorder, an emergency lighting system, a lockable flight deck door, crew protective breathing equipment and emergency slides on the exits. The cost of theses modifications would render the classic fleet operation unviable. After 15th July the DC3’s would not be grounded but would be restricted to survey flights and air display appearances unless the CAA can persuade the European authorities to grant an exemption.

This year the classic fleet will be flying at over 40 venues with three Rapides, two DC3’s a Prentice and a Devon earmarked for passenger carrying duties. The twin pioneer previously used in this role is having a wing strut reinforcement which will extend its fatigue life by over 2000hours. It is also hoped that one of the DC6’s will return to the USA during the summer including a visit to its Santa Monica birthplace in June to celebrate its 50th birthday.

High Court Hearing Update - 7th February 2008

It has been announced that the high court hearing into the airport’s legal challenge to the outcome of the last public inquiry has now been brought forward from October to the week commencing July 21st. The new hearing has been scheduled to last up to five days. All participants will be requires to submit their arguments to the court in advance of the hearing. No date was given for when a judgement will be made.

Expansion of Coventry Based Airline - 5th February 2008

It has been announced that Atlantic Airlines the Coventry based freight carrier has signed an agreement with British Aerospace for the long term lease of an additional six ATP freighters. Once in service this will give Atlantic Airlines an operational fleet of 11 ATP’S.

The aircraft are converted to the large freight door variant at the Romaero plant in Baneasa, Bucharest, Romania, from where they are delivered to Coventry for the freight interior to be fitted. Of the six aircraft that will be new to the airline two were delivered in the final quarter of 2007 with one already in revenue service, one is due for delivery in the first quarter of this year, followed by two in the second quarter with the final aircraft arriving in the third quarter of the year.

Of the five aircraft that were already part of the Atlantic Airlines fleet four are LFD variants on lease from British Aerospace while the fifth aircraft is a bulk loaded aircraft on lease from International Parts PTY ltd.
What routes these aircraft will operate has not been decided at this time.

High Court Hearing - 2nd February 2008

The approximate date for the high court hearing into the airport’s appeal against the result of the last public inquiry has been set. It will be heard by Mr. Justice Wyn Williams on the first available date after October 6th. The airport intends to raise 19 grounds as to why the decision of the public inquiry should be reconsidered including that the government decision did not sufficiently consider the views of Warwick District Council, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the Highways Authority.

The airport will also challenge the accuracy of the advice offered to the government by the inspector on aviation noise, sustainability, and the airports permitted development rights. The hearing is expected to last several weeks and a ruling is not expected before the early part of the new year. However even if the ruling goes in the airport’s favour, it is probable that various sections of the public inquiry will be ordered to be re run. In this event a final decision would still be over two years away.

Public inquiry comes to an end

The following article appeared in the August 1st version of the Coventry Evening Telegraph.

A seven month inquiry into whether Coventry Airport should be allowed to build a new passenger terminal serving up to two million passengers a year has finally come to an end. The public inquiry into the plans began in January and the bitter battle between the airport and its opposition has lasted at least three months longer than expected. At Leamington town hall yesterday representatives from the airport, local authorities and objectors gathered to hear the final summing up of the evidence.

Residents living near the airport have expressed worries about air and noise pollution which would be caused by having up to ten extra planes per day at the airport. And Birmingham airport chiefs have also objected to the plans claiming the expansion of Coventry would affect their own future growth. But Peter Village QC representing Coventry Airport at the hearing described this as ‘ nonsense on stilts’ and said Birmingham’s objection was purely commercial as it wanted a monopoly on Midlands air traffic.

A representative of the Civil Aviation Authority previously told the inquiry extra flights from Coventry could be safely accommodated if it worked closely with neighbouring Birmingham.

Mr. Village also hit out at ‘mud slinging’ claims that opposition witnesses were forced to undergo ‘ intimidating’ questioning during the inquiry. He said Birmingham Airport has no grounds whatsoever for objection and in order to convince the inquiry not to record that it maintained witnesses had been intimidated. ‘I have no doubt if the questioning was intimidating the chairman would have intervened and stopped it.’ Tens of thousands of people already use Coventry Airport to 10 destinations per day but that figure could rise with up to two million people a year passing through the terminal. Plans for a multi storey car park which could take up to 4000 vehicles have also been discussed. The results of the inquiry will not be known for several months.

Airport rivals clash at inquiry - Birmingham Post Jun 28 2006

Coventry Airport's plans for a "swanky new terminal" to be used by just one peak-time morning flight have been condemned by its Birmingham rival as unrealistic.

The resumption of a public inquiry yesterday heard Birmingham International Airport lawyers claim that the proposed expansion at Coventry would lead to increased air traffic and flight delays.

But fears about increased safety risks caused by the growth in air traffic above the West Midlands were dismissed by the Civil Aviation Authority which said they could be overcome if the two rivals worked together.

The inquiry, at Leamington Town Hall, is considering Coventry's plans for a permanent terminal at the airport - now called West Midlands International Airport (WMIA) - capable of handling two million passengers a year. BIA opposes planning permission for the terminal, at Baginton, because of fears it will hinder its own plans for a second runway.

John Steel, QC, for BIA, told the inquiry inspector Neil Roberts that both airports had been asked to provide a model showing possible scenarios for sharing airspace in the future. Currently, BIA's single runway caters on average for 40 aircraft an hour.

He accused WMIA of providing an incorrect model as it claimed it would only see one flight depart during the busiest time of the day, from 7am to 9am. "What is being modelled is one departure at 7am," he said.

"Now we believe that is unrealistic and we believe that evidence has been given to us, that the airport is not looking to stay there with a swanky new terminal and have no movements in the busiest part of the morning."

According to a BIA-commissioned report by the National Air Transport Service, and based on predicted WMIA growth by 2014, Coventry's expansion would lead to delays of up to 2.3 minutes per flight at BIA peak times.

A report by Philip Roberts, the assistant director of air space policy for the Civil Aviation Authority's Directorate of Airspace Policy, said it was possible for both airports to share the same airspace safely.

It said: "The CAA considers that, based on the results of the simulations conducted and the material produced by both BIA and WMIA, the airspace in the Midlands area can safely accommodate operations from both BIA and WMIA up to the two million passengers per annum anticipated as a result of the planning application under consideration by the inspector."

To ensure such levels of safety, the CAA said any delay would be manageable if the two airports worked together to introduce changes, for example scheduling changes or by reducing the time delay between flight take-off from five nautical miles to three.

This would mean the time delay between two flights taking off would be reduced in line with aviation standards.

In its opening submission, Coventry said BIA's objections were "misconceived and threadbare, exposing the naked commercialism beneath".

Groundless fears over aircraft - Kenilworth Weekly News 07/06/06

Steve Williams' assertions are completely groundless (Mr Williams' letter from the Kenilworth Weekly News is included below this letter). He has probably been misled by inaccurate reporting by local newspapers, writes David Depledge.

Firstly, he and you are confusing two issues. The first is one of Coventry having its own controlled airspace. This will not be resolved for a long time as official consultations have not even started yet.
It is, however, a complete fallacy to say that this would result in aircraft flying lower - just because a few people who do not understand the situation keep repeating this as a "fact" does not make it correct.

The second issue is new standard departure routes. These were agreed with Warwick District Council as part of the Section 106 agreement on the Interim Passenger terminal. These route the aircraft over areas of least population and are particularly good news for places like Kenilworth, Stoneleigh and Leek Wootton.

These are going through the necessary approvals with the CAA and are likely to be introduced in a few months time. These are likely to allow aircraft to climb higher, more quickly.

It is fairly obvious that final approach routing will only change if the runway moves (unlikely!). Further out on the approach, aircraft could stay higher longer if the controlled airspace mentioned above was in place.

The same Section 106 agreement with Warwick District Council limits night movements so I am not sure where Mr Williams idea of a 40 per cent increase comes from. In fact, night freight movements have fallen consistently from their peak 10 or 12 years ago.
Mr Williams speaks of 40 odd departures a day. This is double the maximum number the airport has told the Inquiry will be necessary to achieve the maximum passenger number of 2 million by 2014.
06 June 2006

Original letter to which this refers below:

"The articles in the Weekly News of May 26 make me despair for the future of our region, writes Steve Williams of Baginton.

Warwick District Council again appears to have been misled by their officers. The diagram of the routes shows only centrelines of very wide swathes of land, encompassing many Warwickshire villages as well as much of south east Coventry.

The airport want their own airspace to avoid conflict with Birmingham Airport, which will result in the planes flying much lower for far longer to stay under Birmingham's airspace, significantly increasing noise, pollution and visual intrusion for all departures to the south.
Also, the diagram doesn't even show inbound routes. Yet there is no modified Environmental Impact Assessment to study these affects, Warwick District Council cannot therefore have considered these adverse impacts and the airport have refused to comment. This smacks to me of yet another cover up.

The residents of our region simply do not know what will hit them if the new passenger terminal gets planning permission, as they are not being informed of the actual adverse environmental impacts of the proposals.

Just imagine up to seven passenger jets flying at less than 1,500 feet over one's head between 6am and 7am every morning, seven days a week, with another 40 odd passenger jet movements during the rest of the day, together with a40 per cent increase in night time freight traffic, and all the other non passenger flights on top. This may soon be reality if the airport gets their way."

Air collision worries 'misplaced' - 02 June 2006

Fears about aircraft colliding in increasingly busy skies above Warwickshire are misplaced, according to a former Heathrow air traffic controller.

Michael Wildin believes Coventry Airport's plan for a new 10,000 sq m terminal capable of handling two million passengers per year will not lead to aeroplanes flying dangerously close together, because technological advances will ensure they are kept sufficiently separate.
Protesters have long argued that aircraft flying from Coventry will conflict hazardously with those from nearby Birmingham - but Mr Wildin is adamant there is no cause for concern.

In evidence given to an inquiry at Leamington town hall into whether the terminal should be built, Mr Wildin said: "Future air traffic management systems, due for implementation within the timeframe under consideration, are expected to contribute greater capacity while maintaining or even improving safety.

"Many routes can be safely used within UK airspace through advances in aircrafts' navigation capabilities. These permit them to be separated earlier than at present, which will have a beneficial effect in reducing delays to current traffic levels or permitting more traffic through the system with only current levels of delays."

But Mr Wildin, who conducted his research on behalf of Coventry Airport, faces one-and-a-half days of questioning on his views from representatives of Birmingham Airport, which objects to the plan, and the Civil Aviation Authority. He is due to take the stand on June 29 and 30.

* Stopping tourists flying from Coventry Airport will lead to more business jets using the site instead, an industry figure claims.
Leonard Rayment is director of operations at Farnborough Airport, a "dedicated business aviation facility" in Hampshire. Giving evidence to the inquiry, he claimed refusing permission for a passenger terminal could lead the Baginton site to focus on serving businesspeople - something to which it is suited.

He explained a "successful business aviation operation" needs only "a simple building with access to landside parking and adjacent open space with reasonable access to the taxiway and runway" - and that "Coventry Airport fulfils these criteria."

Mr Rayment, who was asked to give evidence by the Baginton site's managers, added: "Business aviation has grown significantly over the past 15 years. The use of larger corporate aircraft is set to grow, alongside an increasing demand and market within the the business aviation sector.

"Coventry Airport is very well located within the West Midlands and potentially has a significant catchment area for business aviation operations. Should planning permission not be granted for the passenger terminal, the airport is ideally placed to grow significantly its business aviation function."

The airport's management has also claimed that it will operate more freight flights if its plans for a new terminal are thwarted.
Mr Rayment is due to be questioned about his claims on July 4 by a representative from Birmingham Airport.

* The inquiry is due to finish in July. Following John Prescott's change of role, Ruth Kelly, secretary of state for communities and local government, will have the final say on whether the terminal is built.

Terminal to remain!

story from BBC.co.uk 07 Apr 2006

A temporary airport passenger terminal at the centre of a planning dispute will not have to be knocked down, the deputy prime minister has ruled. Warwick District Council decided the building at Coventry Airport breached guidelines because it had been created without planning consent.

But John Prescott has ruled that although the council was right to take action, the building can stay. On Thursday, Thomsonfly announced it was to expand its services at the site.

The airport will now be subject to certain conditions as part of the agreement incuding restrictions on night flights and noise.

Sound insulation grant schemes will be available for local residents affected by aircraft noise.

However, an inquiry into plans to build another new terminal - capable of handling up to two million passengers per year - is ongoing and not expected to end until May.

Airport owners TUI recently sold the site to CAFCO, an American firm. The firm intends to continue with the planned development.

Bill Savage, chairman of the airport, said he was "absolutely delighted" with the decision.

Airport protesters have campaigned about the new terminal saying it raises issues of noise and pollution.

Airline's second birthday - CET Apr 7 2006

THOMSONFLY is celebrating two years of flights from Coventry Airport.

During that time the firm has made more than 1.5 million bookings through the airport.

And it says more than 400 jobs have been created - including cabin crew, pilots, managers, security, administration and other airport services.

Because of the airline's success, parent company Tui UK has extended the Thomsonfly name across the entire fleet of 48 aircraft, formerly branded Britannia Airways.

Thomsonfly is now offering low-fare flights to more than 80 destinations from 24 UK airports - more UK departure points, it says, than any other airline - and it all began in Coventry.

Maria Heckel, marketing director for Thomsonfly, said: "This has been an incredibly important year for everyone at Thomsonfly with the continuing success of Coventry and then the introduction of flying from Bournemouth and Doncaster."

Coventry supports its airport

In evidence given last week to the public inquiry into the application for planning permission for a permanent passenger terminal James Russell Coventry’s head of planning and strategic transportation outline why the city council is in favour of the development. The principle reason given was that development of the airport was beneficial to the local economy. He told the inquiry that the economic benefits were significant and that this view was shared by a number of Coventry based businesses and by the chamber of commerce. In a report prepared by the city council it was claimed that a survey had found that more than a third of businesses based in Coventry and Warwickshire had used the airport with its location being the principle draw with low cost flights being the second biggest draw. The report also said that 72% of this custom was business related and that 18% of businesses had won new business because of their proximity to the airport.

A change of heart

After being the principle opponent to the development of Coventry Airport, to enable it to re introduce passenger flights, Warwick District Council, in the form of planning officer Mike Dufett, gave evidence to the public inquiry last week outlining why they are now in favour of such a development. Mr Duffett told the inquiry that Warwick District invites the secretary of state to approve planning permission for the new terminal. He justified this by telling the inquiry that the package of measures that the council had agreed with the airport to limit the new terminal’s effect on its neighbours was enough to warrant granting permission particularly as there are currently no controls on flights from the airport.

He also stated that any refusal of planning permission could in the council’s view lead to a higher level of noise and pollution in the long term as an alternative line of development could be pursued. Without the terminal it was possible to foresee either an increase in the overall number of flights or a change in the character of noise generated with for example a higher level of night freight movements. Mr Duffett also detailed the economic benefits the development would bring to the area and how the application was consistent with the planning policies.

Another point of view

In an article in the March 10th edition of the Leamington Courier Bubbenhall resident and one time parish councilor Pete Wilkins has taken issue with the claim by current parish councilor John Border that he represents the vast majority of Bubbenhall residents in objecting to the planning application for a permanent passenger terminal at Coventry Airport stating that he believes the opposite is true. Mr. Wilkins is quoted as saying, ‘I and a lot of other people who were born and bred in Bubbenhall take exception to these people who claim to represent the 600 residents of the village. It’s a load of waffle.

The majority of these complainants have moved here in the past few years knowing full well that the airport was expanding. We don’t hear much of the Thomsonfly aircraft, we sometimes hear the parcelforce aeroplanes early in the morning but that’s been the case for years. And the lights they complain about come from the trading estate next to the airport not the airport itself.’

Road access not a problem

According to the March 3rd edition of the Leamington Courier one of Warwickshire’s leading experts found no reason to object to Coventry Airport’s expansion plans on transport grounds. Addressing the public inquiry into the planning application for a permanent terminal Kevin Hick’s the county council’s principle highway engineer said ‘we have no objection to the expansion of the airport subject to a suitable surface access strategy and travel plan being finalized’. Many protesters have claimed the proposals will cause clogged up roads especially as there is no rail link and the proposed bus link to Coventry is only half hourly.

However Mr. Hicks investigations concluded that there would not be enough disruption to justify refusing permission for the terminal. Mr. Hicks also believed that the reorganization of the parking from the west site that opened into Baginton village to the south side adjacent to the terminal and accessed through a business park would ease the problems for the airport’s neighbours. He said ‘the need to limit traffic within Baginton has been one of our key considerations. We believe that with the removal of passenger parking from Airport west together with measures such as improved signage, the issue of limiting traffic impact through Baginton has been suitably addressed.

That figures!

The following article appeared in the February 24th edition of the Leamington Courier.

Protesters against expansion at Coventry Airport this week questioned the claim that a proposed new terminal would handle two million passengers a year saying the real figure was more than nine million. Speaking on behalf of the Stoneleigh residents community group Will Blagburn addressed the public inquiry held to decide whether the airport’s enlarged design should receive planning permission. He argued that the new plans should be turned down because they are so different and the airport has taken advantage of a belief that an earlier smaller proposal could cope with two million passengers to submit the new design. Mr Blagburn likened the figure to a disease which spread without anyone knowing how.

He showed a letter from the airport’s operators to Warwick District Council planning officers which explained they were a theoretical maximum that could never be reached because of the realities of flight scheduling and the size of the building. He claimed that officers then used an illustrative worse case flight schedule drawn up using this theoretical figure which was then used to draw up the government’s white paper the future of air transport. He said the problem with the two million in this figure is that it has been catching. Ever since the figure progressed it wasn’t in the application in the first place that theoretical capacity has been attached to it. The airport’s operators had then submitted a larger design accepting a cap of two million passengers but Mr. Blagburn said the second design was capable of handling more than nine million if the same calculations were used. And he questioned how the environmental impact assessment for the new plan hardly differed from the first warning that noise and pollution would already be doubled if the two million figure was reached. He said noise is the biggest single problem we have to cope with. Where we live we cannot forget the airport day or night. As far as we are concerned there is no way of mitigating most noise problems. The size of the operation has a direct relationship for those who suffer the consequences every day of the week. We need to consider the long term master plan for the airport not just the first stage of a larger expansion. We will not tolerate piecemeal enlargements. Cross examining Mr. Blagburn Coventry Airport’s barrister James Strachen argued the principle of a terminal on the site had been agreed since 1990 and had been long known to residents. He said passenger numbers of 1.1 million were an under use of the terminal and using an anticipated 2012 flight schedule the airport could cope with 2.2 million passengers which it had agreed to reduce by 10%. And he claimed the airport would create 2000 jobs on site and in the local economy for every million passengers it dealt with. He said the airport’s eventual ambition was to handle two million passengers per year creating 4000 jobs a claim Mr. Blagburn dismissed as completely unrealistic. But Mr Strachen produced evidence from parliamentary debate which he said showed the figure had been accepted after it had been agreed plans for six and ten million passengers would never receive support. He said the government does not consider significant development beyond two million passengers current capacity is appropriate. It is clear Mr. Mc.Nullty recognized the current capacity was two million. This is the only significant fact.

Planning expert says government will support airport’s expansion.

Leamington Courier February 10th

Government has given its support to a new terminal at Coventry Airport in Baginton according to John Littman an expert hired by its owners. A planning consultant Mr. Littman this week gave evidence at the inquiry at Leamington town hall into whether a new 10000 square metre building capable of handling two million passengers per year should be allowed at the Baginton site. He believes the development would comply with local and national planning policies and should therefore be given permission particularly because he considers the government’s 2003 aviation white paper provides tacit approval. The document states ‘ Coventry Airport currently serves a specialist role within the region catering for business aviation, air mail and some freight and can continue to perform this role within existing constraints.

There is a current planning application for a terminal development at the airport. However in light of our conclusions on capacity elsewhere in the Midlands and having regard to potential surface access, environmental and airspace constraints we would not envisage any significant further development being appropriate beyond the level of passenger throughput in the current application.’ And although many opponents of the airport’s growth have used these paragraphs to support their cause, Mr. Littman thinks it shows the government is happy for the scheme to go ahead. He told the inquiry ‘The clear interpretation is that the government would envisage development up to and indeed beyond the two million passengers per year level but not significantly beyond that limit. Mr. Littman added that if the various concerns the White Paper mentions are resolved’ the airport is entitled to rely on the statement that a development for up to two million passengers per year is considered appropriate by the government.’

Risk to residents negligible

Increasing operations at Coventry Airport will present a tolerable risk to nearby residents the inquiry heard this week. Risk assessment expert Dr. Edward Smith was employed by the company’s management to investigate the possible effects of aircraft on the lives and belongings of people neighbouring the Baginton site. He found that the chance of those in the vicinity of being caught up in an aircraft crash in between 1 in 10000 and 1 in a million. Regarded as tolerable as long the risk are kept as low as reasonably practical. Dr. Smith said ‘ There are no risk factors associated with the development which could possibly justify a refusal of planning permission’.

Opponents of the development have cited a phenomenon known as wake vortex effect which they have described as being like a mini tornado. The vortex is created by aeroplanes and has been known to damage property. But Dr.Smith said ‘ The risk to buildings consequent from wake vortices generated by aircraft using Coventry Airport is very low. The risk of wake vortices to local residents is negligible.’ And he claimed risks would increase if the application for the terminal was refused as this could result in more dangerous cargo and business aircraft being used. Dr Smith said ‘ the risks would increase by a factor of about two in the high risk areas close to the runway ends. This is because the accident rates for these aircraft are historically higher than for passenger jets.’

New office development

According to the January 31st edition of the Birmingham Post a new 4.5 million pound office park is to be constructed on the Middlemarch estate adjacent to Coventry Airport. The Cobalt Centre which could create 350 jobs will feature 13 office suites and will be designed to appeal to inward investors and expanding companies.

Chris Swan the managing director of Cobalt is quoted as saying that the rising profile of Coventry Airport may well help to attract new companies to the park. He went on to say that it was a great location very close to the airport and with superb links to the regional motorway network. Coventry has a growing reputation as a place in which to do business and the increasing profile of the airport can only help in that.

"Airport Accessible" - Leamington Courier 27/01/06

Transport expert backs plans to expand Coventry Airport
Having millions of passengers travelling though Coven-try Airport will not cause problems with transportation, acc-ording to an expert in the field. Transport consultant Colin Townsley spoke on behalf of the airport on Wednesday at the ongoing inquiry into a proposed new terminal - and he believes there are no reasons for refusing the application on grounds of inaccessibility.

He explained to the planning inspector that the airport proposes to improve public transport to and from the site in Baginton as well as provide adequate car parking spaces for customers. He added: "I feel we are fully compliant with all the relevant policies that a small airport is required to follow." It currently runs a bus service to and from Coventry bus and railway stations from 7am to 7pm and there are plans to make them more frequent. But Mr Townsley feels further improvements will not be made until the new terminal is given planning consent. He added: "Knowing the bus companies, that will always be the case. They will not commit to anything which is not confirmed." Mr Townsley stated the new service is also being used by people who work in the nearby Middlemarch Business Park. He said: "An enhanced service between the city centre and the airport will be a further significant benefit for Middlemarch Business Park and for the potential to reduce cars attracted to and from it." Once the terminal is open there are also plans to run a bus service for Warwick and Leamington. The application proposes to create 1,675 parking spaces for every million passengers the airport handles each year. Birmingham Airport currently has 1,881 spaces per million passengers per year - but Mr Townsley believes it is difficult to compare the two businesses. He said Birmingham had grown over the years and attracted more customers and Coventry is likely to do the same. The report said: "Indeed the airport's proposed provision is more generous given that it has only very recently opened for substantive scheduled passenger operations." Car-sharing schemes are planned for airport staff this year and traffic flow during peak times will be controlled by scheduling the flights around busy times. The planning inquiry is expected to last at least until April, after which a report will be sent to deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who will decide whether to grant permission for the 10,000 sq m terminal. 27 January 2006

Rivals say airport lacks god transport links Leamington courier February 10th

Government has failed to support a new terminal at Coventry Airport according to an expert hired by its main rival. Planning consultant David Tucker was giving evidence this week to the inquiry at Leamington town hall. He believes the development would not comply with local and national planning policies and should therefore be refused permission. In particular this is because he considers such an expansion would jeopardize Birmingham airport’s own plans explicitly backed by the government’s 2003 aviation white paper. Speaking on behalf of Birmingham Airport which opposes the plans Mr. Tucker said ‘ Government guidance requires that airports are developed within the principles of reducing the need to travel and ensuring that where journeys are necessary the use of non modes of transport are maximized.

The proposed development of passenger services at Coventry airport would fail to meet government objectives on sustainable travel. This is in total contrast to even the existing operation at Birmingham which is located and designed so as to minimize the need to travel and which is proposed to improve further. To meet these objectives the provision for airport growth in the west midlands should be provided at Birmingham and not at Coventry. He maintained that all proposed air passenger services at Coventry can be provided at Birmingham. He said the proposal for the development of Coventry Airport should be concluded to be unsustainable and contrary to government policy and planning permission should be refused.

Business lobbies for Airport

In the business and industry supplement of the January 23rd edition of the Coventry Evening telegraph Ken Armstrong the newly elected president of the Coventry and Warwickshire chamber of commerce is quoted as saying, 'one of my first duties was to visit the Houses of Parliament to lobby our labour group of MP's. Around 15 business people travelled to London and we met James Plaskitt, Mike O'Brien, Bob Ainsworth and Jim Cunningham. The dominent topics of discussion were Coventry Airport and the possibility of the new Isle of Capri casino at the Ricoh Arena becoming the government's pilot project. These are both projects we feel are key to the economic future of Coventry and Warwickshire and we wanted to underline that fact to our democratic representatives.'

Support From Birmingham

In an article published in the January 23rd edition of the Birmingham Post councillor Mike Whitby the Birmingham City Council leader is quoted as saying ' There is no doubt that Coventry Airport is going to grow.' This was said in the context of support for Birmingham Airport as the major airport of the region with specific support for an extension of the main runway so that international links to India and the far east can be developed.

New terminal could improve job prospects

Growth at Coventry airport could improve employment opportunities in the surrounding area planning inspectors were told this week. Regeneris Consulting managing director Stephen Nichol presented a report to the planning inquiry on Wednesday detailing the social and economic effect a new passenger terminal which can handle two million passengersa year would have on those living nearby. His report states the benefits growth will have on those who have suffered from the decline in manufacturing industry. It reads ' There are some worrying signs of vulnerability and major structural change in the local area's economy. The most recent employment data for the Coventry Area indicates a significient fall in total employment between 2002 and 2003. This is part of the well established trend as large numbers of jobs are shed in the local manufacturing sector.

The loss of this employment is likely to fall disproportionately on those who are less well qualified and on residents of part of Coventry. Many of these would benefit from employment at Coventry Airport. Indeed the airport has already recruited some employees previously employed in the shrinking manufacturing sector in Coventry'. Mr Nichols also highlighted that an increase in passengers at the airport would aid the regeneration of the area. He said ' The Coventry City Council area has large and significient pockets of deprivation facing a number of regeneration challenges many of which are located close to Coventry Airport. This part of Coventry forms part of the Coventry and Nuneaton Regeneration Zone. In the zone levels of social exclusion and unemployment are high and additional employment opportunities would be welcome.' the report also explains that there has been a number of jobs created in recent years at the airport. It states' Employment levels at Coventry Airport had already increased by more than 500 jobs between December 2003 and August 2005 as a result of the development of the current passenger terminal and the consequent passenger growth. I estimate that by 2014 the traffic at Coventry Airport would support about 1470 direct jobs and 1910 total jobs in the sub region.'

This article appeared in the January 20th edition of the Leamington Courier.

An alternative to passengers

According to an article published in the January 18th edition of the Birmingham Post, Mr Hind, an air traffic forecasting expert speaking at the public enquiry on behalf of Coventry Airport, predicted that should planning permission be granted for a permanent passenger terminal then the cap figure of two million passengers per year would be achieved in 2014. This he said would at the peak times of year produce a total of 46 landings and take offs per day. Although these would not be evenly spread this amounted to an average of less than one take off and landing per hour. He also suggested that should planning permission for the permanent terminal not be granted then one alternative route for development the airport might take would be as an executive jet and air taxi centre and if this route were followed this could produce four times as many aircraft movements per day by 2014 than that projected for passenger traffic.

Questioning these conclusions the QC representing Birmingham Airport stated that the passenger aircraft projections were based on the traffic being carried in aircraft of similar size to those currently used by Thomsonfly whilst some low cost operators used smaller aircraft. If smaller aircraft were used more aircraft movements would be higher than the projections.

CASG comment
It is of course true if smaller aircraft are used there is the possibility that there would more more aircraft movement to achieve the same throughput of passengers although also into the equation has to be factored how near capacity each aircraft is operating at. However while some low cost operators do use smaller aircraft this is not the norm and most low cost operations are in similar or bigger aircraft. Thomsonfly for example do not have any smaller aircraft than the ones they operate through Coventry indeed apart from the four Coventry based aircraft they are all bigger.

The possibility of an alternative to passenger operations also poses somewhat of a dilema for Birmingham airport. Even if you accept the Birmingham airport claim that the development of a two million passenger airport at coventry through airspace constraints would effect their own expansion plans, which as a group we do not, the alternative which does not need planning permission could put even more aircraft into the same airspace and from Birmingham airport stand point make matters a lot worse.

More on Birmingham's Fears

Richard Heard the managing director of Birmingham airport latest comments on the future of Coventry Airport have been published on IC Solihull. In his latest pronunciation he has again claimed that airspace constraints means that expansion at both airports is not a realistic option. This time however he has gone further and claimed it is not possible to have simultaneous movements at the two airports saying that it is not possible to have an aircraft land at Birmingham at the same time as one is taking off at Coventry and that one aircraft flying into Coventry at peak times would prevent two aircraft coming into Birmingham. He also claimed that if Coventry could provide something different from Birmingham then it would be a different argument but that this was not the case.

Mr Heard is not being completely honest in either of his two statements. Presumably he was referring to passenger aircraft, as light aircraft flying under visual flying rules in and out of Coventry have no effect on Birmingham traffic at all and do not even have to talk to Birmingham air traffic control as they do not enter the Birmingham air traffic control area. With passenger flights, the effect the two airports have on each other very much depends on which runways are in use. There are sixteen possible combinations, of which two potentially have more than a marginal effect. One of these is aircraft landing at Coventry from the south west and at Birmingham from the south east but in this case the integration of the two airports is relatively straight forward if all inbound traffic follows an arrival pattern via the beacon on the disused airfield at Honiley. More problematic is if aircraft at Coventry are taking off towards the south west whilst aircraft at Birmingham are landing from the south east. However even in this case it should be possible to alter the current procedures to accomodate this traffic, for example the space needed to enable the Coventry traffic to depart can be used to allow more departures from Birmingham.

Nor is accurate to say that Coventry does not offer the airlines or the passsenger something different from what they receive at Birmingham. The airline has an alternative lower cost option at Coventry without some of the infrastructure they would receive at a full cost airport like Birmingham whilst the passenger has access to a smaller less intimidating facility.

Support from Coventry

In his opening remarks the representative of Coventry City Council at the public inquiry into the planning application for a permanent terminal explained why the council supported the development. It was stated that the proposals provide a real opportunity for the city and the sub region to benefit from the undeniable economic benefits which will result. It was also claimed that the employment and wider economic benefits to the city outweigh the mitigated environmental and traffic impacts. Commenting on Birmingham Airport's objections it was stated that the claims of preducice to future development plans were not backed up with any convincing evidence.