Telling the history and future of Plymouth City Airport, the Stolport, aviation in Plymouth and Brymon Airways
Most information has been compiled from reports from the Evening Herald with my opinions added.
Summary of news:
Runway Improvements not to start until 2003.
Mail flight to be axed from 2001.
Celtic Airways services delayed Airport owners' new plans Celtic Airways are evicted from the airport
727 Naval Air Squadron formed
Paris flights axed from 2002
Direct Jersey/Paris flights are scrapped from January 2002
Cork and Dublin flights are axed; Bristol and Gatwick flights are reduced from mid 2002.
Air Wales take over Cork route
New Airport?
New airline Airsouthwest fliys to London, Newquay, Bristol, Manchester and Jersey
Air Wales fly to Cardiff, Cork, Dublin and Newcastle
Press Page Present day to 1983
09/03/09 Direct to London City for £29 Air Southwest are to launch a twice daily service direct from Plymouth to London City from April 20th with most flights costing just £29.
02/02/09 Guernsey flights re-instated: Air Southwest are to re-introduce the Plymouth-Guernsey route from April, a route once operated by BrymonBA. The service will compliment the existing Jersey service on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday's from April.
01/12/08 Newquay Airport closes for 3 weeks: Newquay Airport
will be closed for 3 weeks and all all airsouthwest flights will operate
from Plymouth direct to the destination. This will increase the
availability of flights from Plymouth, reduce the flying time and provide
an increase in the number of direct flights. Cornwall County Council will
be paying for passengers to use a free shuttle bus service between Newquay
and Plymouth.
04/11/08 Planning application submitted: A planning application
has now been submitted to improve the facilities at the airport which
involves the closure and redevlopment into housing of runway 06/24.
09/06/08 Chambery
service changed to Grenoble: Air Southwest will change it's Winter ski
route to Grenbole when it commences in December 2008.
05/06/08 New airport development: A
proposal to develop runway 06/24 into a new development including 495
houses and a redevloped aircraft parking area, new hangars, taxiways and
engine run bays has been announced. The work could start next year.
04/04/08 Airport land to be sold off: Press release from SHH: A secure future for Plymouth City Airport 4 April 2008 Plymouth City Council and the Sutton Harbour Group have successfully concluded negotiations for a ground-breaking agreement which protects both the current operations and future development aspirations of Plymouth City Airport. The new agreement paves the way for the innovative use of airport and adjacent land to be utilised for mixed-use development, and for improvements to be made to the airport’s facilities and services. Combined with the closure of the little-used secondary runway, and a relocation of maintenance facilities, the new plans will also address environmental concerns. Such actions have been adopted by a number of UK airports and will not affect the integrity of the airport’s operations. Michael Knight, Chairman of the Sutton Harbour Group said: “This is a huge step forward in the future of the airport and is good news for the city of Plymouth and for our shareholders. We are delighted that this package of strategic measures should ensure the future success of the airport, whilst facilitating the retention and growth of its network of air services, and means further investment can be made into the facilities. ”The airport's location at the heart of Devon and Cornwall makes it an ideal gateway for inbound tourism and business, and air links are crucial for the continuing economic prosperity of the city." Councillor Ian Bowyer said: “We are very pleased to have completed negotiations with the Sutton Harbour Group on an agreement that will safeguard the future sustainability of Plymouth City Airport. This deal will release land that is not needed for any future expansion of services to and from the airport and generate capital receipts that will improve airport facilities, including measures to reduce noise impact on local residents. The arrangement will represent a very significant investment by the City Council in the airport and is a clear signal of the high value the City Council places on the airport in supporting the city’s economy and in securing the important air links between Plymouth, London and other key destinations.” Laurie Price, Director of Aviation Strategy for consultants Mott MacDonald said: “We are delighted to have been advising Plymouth City Council in support of this innovative agreement and to help secure the future of Plymouth City Airport and its crucial network of air services.” News of the completed deal comes as Plymouth-based low fare airline Air Southwest prepares to double the number of destinations it offers from Plymouth City Airport. From 28 April, new services will be added serving Glasgow, Newcastle, Cork and Dublin, whilst a new winter-ski service to Chambery in the French Alps takes off in December. Michael Knight added: "Our new flights from Plymouth, starting later this month clearly demonstrate our firm commitment to Plymouth and its airport."
03/04/08: Fly-in: This years fly-in will be held on 31st August.
29/10/07 Huge expansion of flights: From April 2008, Air Southwest is to launch new flights to Glasgow, Newcastle, Cork and Dublin. They are also to commence a Saturday service to Chambery from December 2008.
20/09/07 Land to be sold off? The airport is considering selling off 18 acres of land and the second runway in a bid to raise finances.
01/06/07: Runway plan still alive: Air Southwest state that they have no requirement for a longer runway at the moment but the Sutton Harbour Group say that the expansion of the airport and the runway should not be ruled out.
25/05/07: A dissapointing year for airline: Sutton Harbour Holdings have announced that it has been a difficult year for AirSouthwest. Services to Norwich and Cardiff have been dropped but the airline will consider new routes from Plymouth in 2008.
16/05/07: Airline sets up shop in city centre: Air Southwest have set up a temporary travel shop in the Drake Circus Shopping Centre.
29/04/07: Airport hosts fly-in: The Devon Strut today held their second annual fly-in at the airport. A visitors entrance was created along Tavistock Road and aircraft and visitor were parked in line on the north side of the airport.
08/12/06: Special
Scilly flights: Skybus are to operate a number of special flights over
the next few weeks to allow islanders the opportunity to visit the new
Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth.
01/11/06: Manchester upgrade: Air Southwest will re-introduce its
morning service to and from Manchester from January 2007. The service
departs at 0630 and returns from Manchester at 1055. It has also been
reported that Capital Air Charter will base a Beech 200 aircraft at the
airport from December.
15/05/06: 727 Naval Air Squadron: The 727 NAS who use 5 Grob aircarft operated by VT Aerospace are to move to Yeovilton by the end of this year. The Britannia Royal Naval College began training pilots using Tiger Moths at Plymouth in 1949.
30/04/06: Open day: On 14th May the airport will host an open day to coincide with the opening of Plymouth Flying School's new facilities, a fly in by The Devon Strut and an MG Car Club event.
17/04/06: Runway
expansion?: A 252 page report which has recently been published
suggests the airport has the potential to handle up to a million
passengers by 2030 but this would only be possible if the runway was
extended.The council is carrying out a study to consider the possible
expansion options.
The report states that due to CAA runway safety regulations, eirther a
short extension or an extension to 1300m will be required and it suggests
expanding the terminal and aircraft parking areas by closing runway 06/24
and selling part of that land to finance the extension of runway 13.31.
12/02/06: Air Wales leave Plymouth: Air Wales have decided to end its Sunday to Friday Plymouth-Cardiff-Newcastle-Aberdeen route from 20th February, blaiming poor passenger loads. It is unlikely that the airline will re-introuduce the Cork service and its Exeter and Newquay flights to Cork appear to have had the number of weekly flights reduced.
01/02/06: New flight schools: After Aviation South West/Plymouth School of Flying decided to move its operations to Exeter, 2 new Plymouth based schools have been formed. Plymouth Flying School (tel 01752 773335) who use 2 Cessna-152's and a PA28, inherited from Plymouth School of Flying and Plymouth Flight Centre (tel 01752 766676), who are using a PA38 aircraft.
28/12/05: Air Wales: Both the BBC and Evening Herald have publicised the ending of the Plymouth to Dublin route. The airline has stated the reason for the cancellation is due to poor passenger figures. Air Wales has announced that the Cork service will be reintroduced from March 27th. It will operate an Exeter-Newquay-Cork service on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and Plymouth-Newquay-Cork on Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays.
20/11/05:
Dublin and Cork services to end. Air Wales have
announced that with effect from 4th january 2006, they are to end their
Plymouth to Dublin service and transfer its Cork flights to Exeter.
20/11/05: Airsouthwest have announced that they are to purchase a
fifth aircraft and commence new services in April 2006 routing
Newquay-Cardiff-Manchester, Bristol-Norwich as well as increasing their
existing Manchester and Leeds-Bradford flights from Newquay and Bristol.
Flying School Aviation South West, having being formed from Plymouth School of Flying have decided to move all administration to Exeter. Two of its aircraft are still based at the Plymouth Flying Centre hangar for rental and instruction.
15/01/05 Update Air South West now have 3 Dash-8 aircraft. The third aircraft has been used as a back up for the existing 2 aircraft and also has been used as a shuttle aircraft to support Plymouth Argyle. The airline is to commence new flights from Newquay to Dublin, Bristol and Manchester, and from Plymouth/Bristol to Leeds Bradford from April. Air Wales have extended their Plymouth-Cardiff route to include onward links to Liverpool and Aberdeen. A new website has also been launched at plymouthcityairport.com
03/05/04 Road scheme approved: The government has approved works to widen the A386 and construct a park and ride site on the airport's grounds. This will enable the runway safety area to be increased towards the west and for the runway to be resurfaced with new airfield, approach and runway centreline lighting. The A386 widening is expected to take nine months, with the runway safety area work commencing in the New Year.
20/04/04 Air Southwest update: Air Southwest have been reported to be using a chartered Boeing 737 to operate the Gatwick service. The aircraft has been operating into Newquay, with passengers being transported to Plymouth by coach.
31/03/04 2nd Cardiff/Newcastle service: Air Wales has commenced a second weekday Plymouth-Cardiff-Newcastle service, with a new arrival to Plymouth at 1140 and departure at 1510.
08/03/04 News
update, March 2003-March 2004: British Airways Citiexpress ended all
services from Plymouth at the end of October 2003. The following day, at
the start of the winter schedules, Air Southwest, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the airport's owners, Sutton Harbour Holdings Limited
continued the Plymouth-Newquay-Gatwick service. Unlike British Airways
Citiexpress, Airsouthwest are a low fare airline, with their website
airsouthwest.com showing the cheapest flights in an easy to use low fare
finder. At the time of instigation, Air Southwest had two Dash-8-300
aircraft. These aircraft were previously operated by British Airways
Citiexpress but now have the airsouthwest.com livery. The airline
commenced Sunday to Friday Plymouth-Bristol-Manchester flights at the
start of this month, with airsouthwest.com offering half price flights as
a special offer for this first month of operations. Flights operate twice
a day during weekdays. A further route will start on April 2 when a
Plymouth to Jersey service will begin.
Air Wales now use ATR-42 aircraft and operate Sunday to Friday services
direct to Cork and Dublin. On December 8, the airline commenced a
Plymouth-Cardiff-Liverpool-Newcastle schedule which has now been altered
to route direct from Cardiff to Newcastle after the Liverpool sector was
withdrawn. Air Wales also offer a connection at Cardiff to London City and
Brussels. Full details of these flight times can be found at the
timetables page at at the Air
Wales and Airsouthwest.com
websites.
Although originally planned to start last Summer, the plan to develop a
plot of the airport's land for a park and ride development, which would
also allow the runway safety area to be extended to the west; has not yet
commenced. It would also allow for the runway's surface to be re-surfaced
and for the runway lighting to be improved. Following the release of the
governments further release of its consultation on the future of air
transportation for the UK, which did not mention Plymouth, Sutton Harbour
Holdings have again recently shown their interest in extending the runway
to the east. This would either involve purchasing and demoliting the
current factories or creating a bridge on stilts as the land in this area
would require significant surfacing to overcome the noticeable ascent of
the land.
Airsouthwest have also recently shown their interest in operating a
Plymouth service to Paris or Amsterdam which could commence in 2005.
23/02/03 update: Air Wales are to re-instate the Plymouth to Jersey route from the end of March. They will operate a Saturday service using one of their new ATR-42 aircraft. The airline's ATR-42 aircraft, beleived to be G-KNNY and G-TAWE should arrive soon and replace the existing leased Beech 1900 aircraft. Following BA's announcement that they wish to dispose of their Dash-8 fleet, there are rumours that the Brymon name could be making a comeback as a new airline may soon be announced which will take over the Dash-8 fleet.
17/12/02 BA CitiExpress to run Gatwick route until at least 2005: BA have announced that they will continue to run the Plymouth-Newquay-Gatwick route until at least 2005, by which time the airline hopes to have an all jet operation. They hope to find another airline to operate the route and one who will lease two Dash-8's from them. Their are rumours that the airport's owners, Sutton Harbour Holdings plan to take on the route themselves, by setting up a new airline.
09/12/02 Flying school could quit city: Plymouth School of Flying have stated that they could be forced to pull out of the city if it is told to stop all weekend training flights.
Air Wales publicises services: Air Wales are advertising daily for its Dublin and Cork services. A 'winter madness' offer of a return flight and a nights 4 star accommodation has been offered with special departures on 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18th December. Special departures on the 8, 9, 15 and 16th December are being tied in with an offer of 2 nights at £129 and 3 nights at £159. Gift vouchers are also available. In a second offer, the airline is offering single fares at £29 and numerous offers including 3, 4 and 5 star accomodation. http://www.airwales .co.uk / tel 01792 200250
06/12/02 complaints over weekend noise: The ombudsman has ordered the council to pay over £1,000 in compensation and told them to 'resolve the problem with the flying school' whch is the 4th investigation since 1989 over weekend training flights.
19/11/02: Airport owners propose new airport which would create 11,500 jobs: Sutton Harbour Holdings have put forward plans to close Plymouth City Airport and Exeter International Airport by selling their land for housing developments in order to fund a new Airport at Deep Lane, Sherford, close to the A38 and just outside Plymouth. A new east/west 09/27 runway of 2,500 metres would be built with low cost, scheduled and charter services proposed with aircraft such as the Boeing 767 being used. The owners of Exeter Airport, Devon County Council, are opposed to the closure of Exeter and they, as well as many others, believe that Exeter can support the region alone. Sutton Harbour Holdings believe that Exeter has the right facilities but is in the wrong location: being too close to Bristol to enable any major expansion of scheduled or charter flights. By 2030, the following services are proposed:
Domestic Full service: Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, Isles of Scilly, Manchester, Newquay Low cost: Belfast, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle
Other Scheduled Full service: Amsterdam, Brussels, Cork, Guernsey, Jersey, Paris
Low cost: Alicante, Barcelona, Cologne, Dublin, Faro, Jersey, Malaga, Palma, Paris
Charter: Alicante, Corfu, Chambery, Dalaman, Faro, Fuerteventura Funchal, Gerona, Geneva, Heraklion, Ibiza, Innsbruck, Kos, Lanzarote, Larnaca, Las Palmas, Las Vegas, Luxor, Lyon, Mahon, Malaga, Malta, Monastir, Naples, Orlando, Paphos, Palma, Puerto Plata, Reus, Rhodes, Salonika, Salzburg, Tenerife, Toronto, Verona, Zakinthos
Thisis Plymouth have published a question and answer section compiled with Sutoon Harbour Holdings:
" 5.1 Why does Plymouth need an airport? Plymouth is one of the most remote cities in the UK with its peripherality being identified as one of the main reasons for its comparatively poor economic performance. On average, it is 4.25 hours by road from London, and 3.36 hours by rail (Sources: the AA and Railtrack respectively), making it more remote from the South East than the vast majority of regional centres, with the exception of Carlisle and Edinburgh. There is little prospect of any significant investment in rail or road improvements in the South West within the next 10 years, while demand for air travel is expected to treble over the next 30 years. Local companies say that air services are 'crucial' to maintaining inward investment in the region and many of them rely on the existing Plymouth and Newquay service to Gatwick to conduct their business. 5.2 Why is it necessary to relocate Plymouth Airport? Plymouth City Airport is severely constrained by the length of its 1,100-metre runway. It can only accommodate turboprop passenger aircraft and many operators are moving away from these types of craft and investing instead in larger passenger jets, none of which can land at Plymouth. Furthermore, the Department of Transport has estimated that passenger numbers through Plymouth could increase four or five fold, from the current 100,000 per annum, in the next 10 years. This could rise to 1.3 million by 2030 if aviation facilities remain constrained in the South East. Such an increase is clearly not sustainable in the present location. 5.3 Can't you extend the runway? It is not a viable option to extend the Plymouth City Airport runway to cater for anything larger than a 70-seater turbo prop type aircraft due to a combination of steeply sloping land to the east, a main arterial road to the west and housing to the north and south. To accommodate a 737 for example, which is the aircraft of choice for many operators, the length of the runway would need to be increased by 700 metres and widened from 75 metres to 150 metres. This would require massive infill at huge expense to the east and the demolition of houses on either side of the airport, neither of which is desirable. The proposed re-alignment of the A386 Tavistock Road will help meet new Civil Aviation Authority safety enhancements, but will not have a material affect on the length of the runway. 5.4 If Plymouth is so constrained, why not close it down? If Plymouth City Airport was closed and not replaced, it would have a huge negative impact on the local economy and would result in the loss of the region's only link to Gatwick Airport. Independent research has shown that the closure of the airport would result in a minimum of 2,300 jobs losses in the Plymouth and Newquay areas, and the loss of almost £35 million a year from the local economy. It could also do untold damage to the perception of the region, especially among inward investors. 5.5 So what are you proposing? A new airport for Devon to replace Plymouth City Airport and Exeter Airport, offering a mix of scheduled services, leisure charters and low-cost flights. We need a regional solution for the future of Devon and Cornwall's air services over the next 30 years. The existing provision, from Plymouth, Newquay and Exeter, is fragmented because no single airport can offer the mix of services the region requires. By building a new airport, the existing airport sites could then be redeveloped for housing and accommodate the majority of the homes currently being proposed for new settlements in the South Hams and East Devon. 5.6 Why are you suggesting this now? The Government is consulting on the future of air travel in the United Kingdom as part of its forthcoming Aviation White Paper, which will set the framework for aviation policy for the next 30 years. We want to ensure that all possible options for the future of air travel in the Westcountry are fully explored before the Government decides its future strategy. 5.7 Can't we just leave things as they are? No. The Government's own consultation paper on the future of aviation in the South West, which was published in August, acknowledges that Plymouth, Exeter and Newquay airports are each incapable of offering the full range of air services the region will require over the next 30 years. Furthermore, research undertaken by aviation consultants the Route Development Company on behalf of Sutton Harbour says: "Airlines looking to the South West have a choice of three operating bases, none of which can claim to serve the catchment as a whole. The picture is one of fragmentation, and the result is that the South West region is very poorly served by air services." 5.8 But Exeter's a perfectly good airport, so why not develop that instead? Sutton Harbour Company has commissioned independent research into the viability of Exeter as the region's main airport from the Route Development Company. There are a number of reasons why Exeter Airport cannot offer a regional solution to Devon and Cornwall's aviation needs: · Exeter is a perfectly good airport but it is in the wrong place. It is too close to Bristol and Bournemouth airports to be able to attract scheduled or low cost services, otherwise it would have done so by now. Despite Exeter's long association with flybe (formerly British European) for example, which is based at the airport, this has not translated into a significant scheduled network. This is reflected in the type of traffic Exeter handles, 86% of which (according to the Department for Transport) is leisure-based outbound charter traffic. Airlines are unlikely to want to set up scheduled services into Exeter when those services may compete with existing services they already offer elsewhere. For example, low-cost operator Go, which has a Bristol base, is unlikely to set up a service one hour down the road in Exeter for fear of diluting its existing Bristol catchment. · Exeter is also much closer to London. Although only 43 miles closer to London than Plymouth, Exeter has much better road and rail links, with journey times for both modes being about one hour faster than from Plymouth. These excellent communication links work against Exeter in trying to attract scheduled and low cost services. · There is no evidence that Exeter could replace Plymouth's Gatwick services if Plymouth were to close and not be replaced, or if the Gatwick services were withdrawn in the future. A report earlier this year by consultants ERM for the South West Regional Development Agency said: "Brymon/British Airways have informed both ERM and SWRDA that they would not consider Exeter to London to be viable. Furthermore, no other airline has indicated a desire to start such a service." The report adds that a Newquay-Exeter-London service would also be unlikely: "Exeter International Airport is unable to produce market research evidence that supports its claim that Exeter to London would be viable and SWRDA has evidence that airlines are of the view that Newquay-Exeter-London is not viable, and Airports Policy Division is of the same opinion." Closing Plymouth without building a new airport would therefore result in the loss of the region's direct flights to Gatwick, with the economic consequences outlined above (see question four). 5.9 So why not close Plymouth and have the region served by Exeter and Newquay? The Route Development Company has also considered this option, but ruled it out for the following reasons: · An analysis of airport catchment areas showed that even a two-airport policy, built around Exeter and Newquay, could not provide a suitable solution for the region. On a competitive basis, Exeter could continue to develop outbound charter services, while Newquay could compete for inbound leisure services. However, neither airport is able to properly cater for both inbound and outbound markets. Cornish passengers would still be faced with a long drive to Exeter for their holiday flights, while inbound flights would succeed at best in delivering low traffic volumes to each airport. · Working together as complimentary airports also appears doomed to failure. To succeed, each airport must be able to serve the other's catchment, yet Exeter and eastern Devon aren't even in the Newquay catchment. This kind of approach would only serve to lose yet more passengers to Bristol and London. Building a future strategy around these two airports is unlikely to properly serve the region and would not create critical mass. 5.10 If Exeter Airport closed, what would happen to the site? The Exeter Airport site, which is owned by Devon County Council, could be sold for development and part of the proceeds used towards the cost of the new airport at Plymouth. Exeter Airport is in a prime position with excellent road and rail links. It is located five miles east of Exeter City Centre, covering 173 hectares (397 acres). Some 4.3 hectares of this is currently covered with terminal buildings, aprons, hangers etc. The latest draft of the East Devon Local Plan has earmarked a nearby 143 hectare (328 acre) site between Rockbeare and Broadclyst for a new town consisting of 2,900 homes. The local plan calls for the construction of 3,500 new homes in total, plus 40 hectares of employment land, by 2011 Meanwhile, outline plans have been submitted to East Devon District Council for the proposed development of a new passenger terminal to be located on the north side of the airfield. Planners are currently trying to reconcile the need for new homes with the future requirements of the airport, which is expected to reach capacity by 2008. The new community would be 1,400 metres from the aircraft testing site at the airport. Sutton Harbour commissioned consultants Arup to undertake a redevelopment capacity study at the Exeter Airport site. The study found that the site could comfortably accommodate 4,200 dwellings in 120 hectares; five hectares of employment space; eight hectares for two or three new primary schools; ten hectares for retail, leisure and community uses; ten hectares for open space and 20 hectares for infrastructure, roads and landscaping. Exeter Airport could therefore easily accommodate all of the new homes identified in the local plan, without having to develop the greenfield site between Rockbeare and Broadclyst, 20% of which (28 hectares) is on a flood plain. The new homes proposal is also fiercely opposed by local people, with 10,000 objections received to date. 5.11 What would happen to the existing Plymouth City Airport site? Like Exeter, the Plymouth site would be sold for development and the proceeds from both the freehold (owned by Plymouth City Council) and the leasehold (owned by Sutton Harbour Holdings plc) could be used towards the construction of the new airport. Plymouth City Airport lies to the north of the city centre and has good access to the highway network. It occupies 53 hectares (130 acres) and 3.4 hectares of this is currently covered with terminal buildings, apron and hangars etc. Building homes on the site would relieve pressure on the western South Hams where 3,500 new dwellings are being proposed through the construction of four new villages at Sherford, south of the Deep Lane junction of the A38, due to a current lack of sites for new housing within the Plymouth city boundary. This is also the possible site of the new airport, which would take up less land than the new settlements and would be a much more compact development, bounded by greenfield safety zones where no future development would be permitted. Consultants Arup have calculated that the existing Plymouth City Airport site could accommodate up to 3,500 dwellings on 35 hectares of land as part of a mixed-use scheme. This would also include three hectares of employment land; two hectares for retail, leisure and community uses; two hectares for a new primary school; three hectares of open space and eight hectares for infrastructure, roads and landscaping. 5.12 Where could the new airport be built? At Sherford, about five miles to the east of Plymouth and one mile south of the A38 Deep Lane junction. 5.13 Why has this site been chosen? Because it provides a unique combination of proximity to Plymouth, topography and clear approaches from both east and west, minimising noise impact to residents. In addition: · The site comprises poor quality agricultural land, requiring minimum site clearance or loss of habitat · Relatively straightforward civil engineering works · Access can be provided to the A38 Devon Expressway, about one mile to the north · The location and orientation of the runway is such that neither approach directions overfly major residential areas 5.14 Hasn't this been suggested as a site before? Yes, it was first identified as a possible site in 1990 in a report commissioned by Brymon Airways. Since then (between 1991 and 2000), the South West has seen higher growth in passenger numbers than any of the UK regions (11% compared to 8%) and a solution needs to be found to accommodate growth in the future. 5.15 How big would the airport be? The airport site would cover around 170 hectares (390 acres) in a narrow strip running east-west, parallel with the A38 Devon Expressway. It would have a 2,500 metre runway, which is longer than Exeter (2,087); Bristol (2,011) or Bournemouth (2,272), with a parallel taxiway. The north end of the airfield would have space for a 15,000 sq metre terminal, plus space for maintenance, cargo and auxiliary support facilities. 5.16 What would the impact be on the environment? A full environmental impact assessment would have to be carried out before any decisions on the site of the new airport could be made, but it is possible to identify some benefits now. The existing airfields at Plymouth and Exeter could become brownfield housing sites, meeting Government policy for more development sites in more sustainable locations. This would prevent hundreds of acres of the Devon countryside from being developed for new homes. Having one main airport in Devon with a wide range of destinations would decrease the number of car journeys currently made to other airports. In 2000, for example, 340,000 people from Plymouth Airport's catchment area travelled to Heathrow, the vast majority of them by car. The new airport would make many such journeys unnecessary. Furthermore, the airport's location, less than a mile from the A38 and close to Plymouth and Ivybridge railway stations, would make it readily accessible by public transport. Much of the new airport's area would be in the form of greenfield safety zones where no actual development would take place, nor would it be permitted in the future for safety reasons. This means the airport, unlike a new settlement, would not 'sprawl' into the countryside. A positive spin-off would also be the requirement to dismantle existing pylons and put power cables underground on the approaches to the new airport, again for safety reasons. 5.17 What would the impact be on the economy? A full detailed economic impact assessment has yet to be done, but initial studies by the South West Economy Centre at the University of Plymouth predict that the new airport could be worth almost £400 million to the local economy by 2030, creating more than 11,000 new jobs. Safeguarding routes to London would also protect a minimum of 2,300 jobs and almost £35 million a year in the local economy. (See pages 6 - 7 in Section 3.0 - The economic impact) 5.18 What would the impact be on Exeter's economy if Exeter Airport closed? Exeter Airport currently employs around 600 people, the majority of them with the airline flybe (formerly British European), which is based at the airport. Were Exeter Airport to close, there would be some short-term impact but according to a report by the South West Economy Centre, there would be no overall negative impact on Exeter's economy. The report states: "Clearly, the closure of Exeter would have some impact on its local economy as a consequence of the loss of the jobs associated with the direct operations of the airport. "However, Exeter is a relatively prosperous part of the far South West and does not face the severity of the transport communication problems that affect Plymouth and Cornwall. Exeter would also derive some benefits from the ability of a new, modern airport at Plymouth to generate substantial additional tourism. "Moreover, new developments such as the move of The Met. Office should also help the local economy to more than compensate for any job losses in the air transport sector." 5.19 What would the impact be on traffic on the A38? A full traffic impact assessment survey would need to be carried out as part of any development proposal. 5.20 How many passengers would use a new airport? The new airport would combine the services currently offered at Plymouth and Exeter, offering a full range of scheduled and charter traffic for the region. It is also expected to attract a significant low-cost operator. The combined effect is likely to result in a throughput of 750,000 people in its first year of operation, rising to 3.5 million by 2030. This compares with a current combined throughput at Exeter and Plymouth of approximately 440,000 passengers per annum. 5.21 Where would I be able to fly? There would be a mix of scheduled, charter and low-cost services all available from a single airport, instead of being spread across three airports, as is the case now. This would include a range of UK domestic services, mainland European capitals like Paris and Amsterdam, and some international charter services such as Orlando and Las Vegas, together with 'sunshine' and 'ski' destinations. A separate report on traffic analysis, including destinations and passenger numbers, is attached. 5.22 What would all this mean for Newquay airport? It is likely to lead to a substantial increase in traffic to and from Newquay through feeder flights from Plymouth. For example, we would expect to see scheduled services from Plymouth to UK and European destinations like Manchester, Gatwick, Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels routed via Newquay. Because of the distance between Plymouth and Newquay, it is not anticipated that the new airport would have any negative impact on Newquay's low cost inbound market, such as the daily flights currently operated by Ryanair. In fact, it is likely to have a positive impact as identified above. 5.23 How much would the new airport cost? Initial estimates put the cost at around £150 million. This is equivalent to the cost of building 10 miles of high-speed railway, which would cost an estimated £15 million a mile, excluding tunnels and other complicated engineering work (source: First Great Western). 5.24 Who would pay for it? The cost could potentially be met entirely from the proceeds of the sale of Plymouth City Airport and Exeter Airport for development, with no cost to the taxpayer. 5.25 When would it open? It is possible that the new airport could be operational within five years, but a lot depends on the region being able to agree to the proposal. 5.26 How many flights would there be? By 2030, when the new airport is forecast to handle 3.5 million passengers a year, there would be approximately 46,100 air traffic movements (ATMs) every year. To put this figure in context, there are currently 35,000 ATMs at the existing Plymouth City Airport. Some 7,000 of these are passenger aircraft, while the remaining 28,000 are non-passenger movements, such as Royal Navy flight training and flying clubs. The vast majority of movements at any new airport would therefore continue to be smaller, non-passenger aircraft. 5.27 What sort of passenger aircraft would use the airport? It would be capable of handling aircraft up to the size of the Airbus A321 (185 passengers) and Boeing 757 (240 passengers) without payload restrictions, or Airbus A330 (245 passengers) and Boeing 777-200 (300 passengers) with payload restrictions. The ability for such aircraft to use the runway would offer greater airline operational flexibility, open up opportunities for higher capacities on European routes and new longer range services, including some transatlantic flights. 5.28 From which direction would the aircraft land and take off? The vast majority of aircraft (85%) would approach from the east, where there are no major centres of population. Aircraft would take off to the west, flying over Chelson Meadow before banking to the left and flying down the River Plym out over Plymouth Sound. An aircraft would have an altitude of 1,000 ft by the time it reached Mount Batten, and 2,000 ft at the breakwater in Plymouth Sound. If an aircraft had to approach from the West due to weather conditions, it would descend in a straight line over Torpoint and overfly Plymouth City Centre at an altitude of about 1,000 ft. 5.29 How noisy would the airport be? Initial investigations have shown that very few people would be affected by noise because of the airport's location in a valley (see figure 4 for a map showing noise contour bands). Very few properties would be within the 63 decibel and 69 decibel contour band. Some farm buildings and some residential properties in Billacombe and the eastern areas of Prince Rock might be affected by noise levels of 57 decibels, which is roughly the same level of noise as normal conversation. However, it should be noted that the number of properties impacted by noise would be significantly lower at the new site than at the existing airport at comparable traffic levels. To put these decibel levels in context, below is a table showing comparable noise levels for different scenarios (source: Health & Safety Executive). · normal conversation, 50-60 decibels · a loud radio, 65-75 decibels · a busy street, 78-85 decibels · a heavy lorry about seven metres away, 95-100 decibels · a pighouse at feeding time, 110 decibels · a chain saw, 115-120 decibels 5.30 Would the airport ever get planning permission? Any decision would ultimately rest with the Secretary of State and any firm proposal for a new airport would inevitably go to a full public enquiry. Both the Devon Structure Plan and Regional Planning Guidance make provision for next summer's Aviation White Paper and the need to accommodate its key conclusions in the Regional Transport Strategy. The existing Plymouth local plan acknowledges the need to identify a new site for Plymouth City Airport, while the South Hams local plan says the council will work closely with Plymouth City Council to monitor the availability of brownfield sites in the city before any greenfield development will be permitted in the South Hams. 5.31 Wouldn't Sutton Harbour Holdings plc be better of selling Plymouth City Airport and keeping the money? No. We are a responsible business and it wouldn't be in the interests of Plymouth, the company or its shareholders for us to dispose of one of our key assets for a one-off, short-term benefit. Furthermore, although we own the leasehold on Plymouth City Airport, the city council owns the freehold so we would not simply be able to sell up. Our preference would be to work with Plymouth City Council on the disposal of the site and roll both our capital receipts into the construction of the new airport. 5.32 So what happens next? Sutton Harbour has published the findings of our research to stimulate a region-wide debate on the future of air transport in Devon and Cornwall, and will be making a formal submission shortly as part of the Government's consultation process. We are suggesting that the possibility of a new airport for Devon should be fully explored as part of the upcoming Aviation White Paper. We look forward to discussing out proposals with Devon County Council, the Regional Development Agency, the Department for Transport and other stakeholders in the region on the future of air services in the South West.
18/09/02: Air Wales to re-instate Dublin service: Air Wales will commence a Monday-Friday Plymouth-Dublin scheduled service from October 7th.
05/09/02: Planning permission approved: The Council has improved the scheme to develop the western side of the airport by increasing the runway safety area. The work will begin next Summer and be complete the following year.
30/08/02: Meeting to discuss A386 proposals: At a meeting held to discuss the three schemes which will cost £10.6 million, begin in 12 months and be complete in 2005 coincided with the release of illustrtaions to show how the development will look when completed. Among current objections are that the runway improvement should be made at the eastern and not the western side and that the runway safety area should be 120m and not 90m. The council's planning committee will meet next THursday to discuss the plans.
Airport changes: The latest Notams (Notices to Airmen) show that the airport will close all flying activities during four half-hour periods at weekends. Runway 06/24 is also closed due to work in progress (www.ais.org.uk)
19/08/02: Air Wales launch flights: Following daily newspaper advertisements, Air Wales today commenced a scheduled service to Cork, the day after BA axed the route. Carlton TV's Westcountry Live filmed the inaugral service, on a leased Avanti Air Beech-1900, amongst the media, Plymouth City Airport and Air Wales Management. The Air Wales MD announced that the airline expect to announce a new Plymouth-Dublin service by the end of the week.
09/08/02: Air Wales: Air Wales are to continue the Plymouth-Cork service on August 19th, with a daily, except Saturday service operated initially with a 19-seat capacity leased Beech-1900. BA CitiExpress's daily Dash-8 service is to be axed from August 18th. Air Wales's price for the flights start from £99 return. See http://www.airwales.co.uk or call 01792 200 250 for more information.
27/07/02: Critics of the £10 million scheme which will include an improvement of the Runway Safety Area, and due to start next Summer, have called for a full public enquiry.
24/07/02 Airport Set for Take-off: Plymouth could grow 15-fold to take 1.5 million passengers a year. By 2030, between 500,000 and 1.5 million passengers a year could be flying from Plymouth according to a consultation relating to the growth of UK regional airports. The airport is said to be in talks with airlines with the hope of introducing new services to Cork, Dublin, Amsterdam and Manchester. There is also the pledge to gain a ring fencing of the Plymouth-London service and the hope that the Heathrow service can be re-instated if a third, commuter aircraft only, shorter runway is opened at the London airport.
12/07/02 New deal with Let's Go Travel: Independent Travel Agent, Let's Go Travel have purchased seats from BA on the Plymouth/Newquay to Gatwick service. Passengers booking a holiday with Let's Go will be able given a free flight to Gatwick if they are connecting with another BA flight.
11/06/02 Ruling on A386 and airport plan: The report into the three planning applications is to be presented to the City Council's Planning Committee on Thursday. The public consultation included over 3,000 responses, 74% of those living in the city supported the idea as did 70% of the local residents.
24/04/02 Severe blow to the city and the airport as more flights are axed: BA have announced that it is to axe the Dublin-Bristol-Plymouth-Cork service, leaving no flights from Plymouth to Ireland, only one daily service to Bristol and it also brings the axing of the Bristol-Plymouth-Gatwick service, leaving only four flights a day to Gatwick. This follows the recent axing of all Plymouth-Channel Islands service in what can only be seen as a major step back in progress some twenty years and puts the future of the development of the airport and its scheduled services operated by BA in jeopardy. The scrapping of the flights will take place in the heart of the Summer, a time last year when there was a daily service to Dublin and Cork in addition to an extra flight on Sundays, a daily Jersey and Paris service, up to three flights a day on Saturdays to Jersey as well as a Plymouth-Guernsey service. By coincidence, the airport owners, Sutton Harbour Holdings have today launched the new airport website at www.plymouthcityairport.co.uk and Business leaders met at the 'Westcountry Freedom to fly campaign' to promote the regions airports and their services. The local paper carried an article on page 21; shouldn't such a major blow to the city be made front-page headlines and a campaign launched to support the services at the Airport? As Plymouth is severely limited by its size and prospect of future growth, it will be hard to attract new airlines to take the place of the axed services. In the mid 1990's, local airline Air South West attempted scheduled flights to Dublin, Cork and Manchester and Skybus operated flights to the Isles of Scilly; the later is now not in operation and Skybus now concentrate on Newquay, Exeter and Bristol. Last year, Celtic Airways planned a Cork-Plymouth-Brussels service but they were evicted from the premises and went into liquidation without even getting a single aircraft. Since Ryanair began a daily-Newquay-London Stansted flight, it looks likely that these services will be expanded as the paying public become more and more attracted to the low cost airlines, new destinations will be added as the future of BA at Plymouth, now no longer Brymon Airways but BA CitiExpress looks uncertain. Please comment on these issues by sending me an e-mail to mailto:airport.plymouth@btinternet.com
04/04/02 Lower London fares: As Ryanair began its daily afternoon Newquay-Stansted service, with fares from £19, BA have reduced the lowest fare to £89 return on its Plymouth/Newquay-Gatwick flights.
01/02/02 Brymon now CitiExpress: With the start of the Summer schedules, Brymon Airways has changed its name to British Airways CitiExpress, following the merger with British Regional Airlines.
19/02/02 5 Dash-8's to go: Flight International reports that due to the losses by Brymon's parent company British Airways and with the creation of the British Airways CitiExpress company, 5 Dash-8's will go from the companys' fleet.
14/02/02 Runway work could start in Summer 2003: The Regional Development Agency has proposed a grant of up to £1.5 million for the runway improvements and nearly £3 million to improve the road. If progress is not made to purchase some areas of land, a compulsory purchase order may have to be instigated. Planning applications have been applied for these developments: 02/00139/FUL for extension to the runway safety area(RESA) at western end of 13/31 and ancillary works including retaining structure, 02/00140/FUL for the creation of a park and ride with passenger facilities and 02/00141/FUL to realign two roads and allocate some land to the airport.
13/02/02 Wait for impacacts of BA's job cuts: as BA today cut a further 5,800 jobs, there is uncertainty as to how this will effect Brymon Airways and Plymouth City Airport.
31/01/02 Ryanair to Newquay: Brymon/BA will have a competitor from April 4th when Ryanair will begin a daily weekday service and a twice daily weekend service from London Stansted to Newquay using a Boeing 737. FR9902 will arrive from Stansted at 1710 and depart as FR9903 at 1735 back to Stansted; a one-way ticket will start at £39. It is seen as a major achievement for the region, attracting tourists to Cornwall and the South West and may see more services starting from Newquay.
29/01/02 Skybus route licences approved: The CAA have approved Skybus' application to serve Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey from Plymouth and Newquay.
07/01/02 British European promotes its flights to Jersey: Their website announced that following the withdrawal of the Plymouth-Jersey route, they can provide an alternative with their 3 times daily Exeter-Channel Islands route which could increase if there is a demand. They say that Exeter is only a short 40 minute drive from Plymouth and that they also offer a direct service from Exeter to Dublin! The press in Plymouth carried a miniscule article about the axing of the Plymouth service which little people have noticed.
06/01/02 Last Jersey flights: Today sees the last of the Plymouth-Jersey-Paris scheduled services, meaning that passengers will now have to connect with flights at Bristol or Gatwick. In a related matter, The Isles of Scilly Skybus have applied for route licences from Newquay and Plymouth to Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey. Newquay last had a scheduled Channel Islands service when Newquay Air (who later became Air South West) operated to Jersey using a Piper Navajo Chieftain. Celtic-West have previously applied for and shown interest in operating these scheduled flights. New Contract: British International, who service, hangar and provide maintenance for Brymon and the ex-Bond owned Dauphin helicopters, now service the Sikorsky S61's of the Penzance Isles of Scilly scheduled service.
15/12/01 Plymouth to Paris flights are scrapped: The daily Plymouth-Jersey-Paris route is to be scrapped from January 7th as British Airways say it was a loss making service. They report unacceptable losses on the route but remain committed to services from Plymouth. It is uncertain whether this means that Plymouth-Jersey flights will be rescheduled, reduced or have all flights from Plymouth to Bristol connect with its flights to Jersey.
07/12/01 Squadron off to a flying start: A special service commemorated the start of the new 727 Naval Air Squadron when the Lord Mayor, amongst Naval crew, attended a special church service from within the VT Aerospace hangar yesterday. There was also a flypast by a Chipmunk and Grob. It will provide up to 60 places for a free two-week taster, Summer flying course for potential recruits
06/12/01 Strike disrupts flights to France: Today's strike by French Air Traffic Controllers meant that the daily Paris service terminated at Jersey in both directions. It's lift off for new squadron: The 727 Naval Air Squadron has been formed at Plymouth, utilising the Grob-Herons of VT Aerospace and will enable potential recruits to test their abilities in summer schools for those aged 16-23 in an attempt to attract new recruits for the Royal Navy and Air Forces Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
05/12/01 Sutton aims to shrug off setbacks: Airport owners, Sutton harbour Holdings (SHH) had a five percent profits rise to £681,000 in its results to 30 September 2001. SHH said some business had declined on services from Plymouth and Newquay since the events of 11 September but how long this downturn may last is unknown.
17/11/01 Noise levels break international guidelines: The City Council has recorded noise levels in excess of 100db but said that by law, it is powerless to do anything about it. It said talks on the renegotiation of the lease between the council and SHH were continuing. It was pointed out that noise levels had improved, partly due to the relocation of Brymon's engineering base to Bristol Airport. Runway plans by Christmas? The planning permission for the runway improvements is expected before Christmas. A 16-week environmental impact assessment would follow this submission.
18/10/01 Free child flights now available: As part of British Airways' World Offers promotion, with flights to Europe costing from £69 until March 2002, it means that children can also fly for free on its services.
10/10/01 Airline boss stole £1.9m as revenge: The Brymon Financial Controller has been sentenced to a four year prison sentence.
25/08/01Airport extension plan unveiled: Planning permission is to be applied for next month for the realignment of the A386, a park and ride, and a 30 metres increase in the safety area of the main runway. 74% of the 3000 residents questioned were in favour of the scheme going ahead. Many are calling for a change in plans and instead the purchase of the Stafford Miller factory at the other side of the airport, enabling an increase to the runway length. Councillor Wiggins hoped that the Regional Development Agency would acquire the land so that the airport could use it for future expansion. 23/08/01: Celtic Airways have gone into liquidation.
10/07/01: Brymon is flying high: A record 1 million passengers flew Brymon last year; up 13% with a total workforce now numbering 770. 29/06/01: Make your money go further all year round: British Airways are offering return fares to Cork and Dublin for £80 and to Paris for £120. Travel must include a Saturday night stay. See www.britishairways.co.uk or call 0845 77 333 77.
07/06/01: Celtic Airways are evicted from the airport: Celtic Airways have been reported to have been evicted from Plymouth City Airport due to unpaid rent. They had planned to start Dash-8-300 services to Cork and Brussels two months ago, but little has been heard or seen of them since. MH-53 Pave Low arrives for air show: The giant helicopter arrived this morning amid much media interest
06/06/01: Air worker faces six charges: Brymon worker Derek Saunders was given unconditional bail at court. He is charged with 6 counts of deception by cheque amounting to £68,970.69. Giant of the skies flying in for show: Tomorrow, the day before the show will see a huge safety operation as the MH-53 Pave Low lands on the Hoe. For its arrival, nearly the whole of the Hoe will be closed off, and attendees will include the Lord Mayor, 50 civilian and Police security, Plymouth City Airport and local fire crews, RNLI and ambulance crews. ( www.plymouth-air.com )
02/06/01: Air Worker charged: A Brymon worker has been charged with six offences of 'procuring valuable security by deception totalling £433,198.84.'
01/06/01: High Flying Sutton records record profits to 31 March 2001: The Chairman stated that there is still under utilised capacity available at the airport and that they are encouraging new flights. Sutton Harbour Holdings have integrated much of its management from Plymouth-City and Newquay-Cornwall Airports and moved many into its offices in the harbour. They have also brought in-house many of the daily duties at the airport. The Post Offices increased efficiency was blamed for the axing of the mail flight in January 2001. The cancelled, delayed and unserviceability of Brymon aircraft during the winter had a 'detrimental effect' on their income, which has now been overcome and also saw new flights to Dublin and more flights to Cork. They plan to 'partially redevelop the interior of the existing Plymouth terminal' and increase parking spaces 'in line with increased passenger numbers' under short-term measures while they consider their longer-term plans. They state it is crucial to have a happy medium between the local residents and 'the longer term commercial aspirations of a growing airport.' They talk of the acquisition cost of £2,000,000 for the airport at a time when Plymouth City Airport Limited (PCAL) had assets of £1,665,000. An £446.000 uplift in the value of the leasehold property has been quoted after a financial review. The purchase saw a one -off lease of £600,000 being paid to Plymouth City Council to avoid having to pay £63,000 per annum. This price included a 4-acre site near to the terminal that will be used to extend the car park and improve facilities. (More in depth figures and the full report can be found at the SHH website here
25/05/01: Top gun jets in exclusive visit: F14 and F18 are lined up to exclusively appear at Plymouth Air 2001 while they are deployed to Yeovilton. 24/05/01: Airport Loses Lords appeal: The Airport has lost its appeal against a ruling that it must pay £3.1 million to home owners who say the value of their homes have dropped as a result of the airport. It arose after anti-airport campaigner Mr G.Thomas sold his house in 1997 and claimed it was sold for less than it was worth. He was awarded £39,000 in legal fees. He moved next to the airport in 1988 and has since campaigned against the moving of two helicopters, based at the airport for the Royal Naval Flag Officer sea Training. Relocation: Plymouth City Airport Limited management are now based at their new owners officers in Sutton Harbour.
19/05/01: Plymouth air 2001: The Utterley Butterly wingwalkers are looking for a volunteer to take part during a special display on the Hoe during the air show on Sunday June 10th. More than £45,000 has so far been spent booking aircraft for the display. www.plymouth-air.com
17/05/01: Lord Mayor's Day Show: Saturday 19th will see a air sea rescue display over the Hoe at 1230pm, a Battle of Britain Dakota at 130pm and a Harrier at 4pm.
15/05/01: Airport displays runway disaster: more than 100 workers raced to the scene of a mock accident of a Dash-8, which involved 29 Casualty Union actors. The exercise was delayed due to the late departure of the Gatwick schedule.
11/05/01: Brymon's new name: The merger by British Airways of Brymon Airways and British Regional Airlines will see the new name of British Airways CitiExpress come into effect.
10/05/01: USAF giant to land on Plymouth Hoe: A Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low is planned to be on display on Plymouth Hoe for Plymouth air 2001. www.plymouth-air.com
09/05/01: Mock emergency training day: The airport will shut for two hours on Sunday as part of a bi-annual requirement to test the response and effect of the emergency services.
23/04/01: Police probe missing £1.8m: Two Brymon workers were arrested at Plymouth City Airport over the alleged theft of £1.8m and later released on bail without charge.
20/04/01: Celtic Airways are rumoured to have delayed starting flights until September 2001.
11/04/01: Jersey flight for only £49: Brymon have recommenced their early morning Saturday departure which returns from Jersey in the Evening, enabling a £49 cheap day return on Saturdays during the Summer
20/03/01: Row erupts over future of airport: A Torbay MP says Devon should only have one airport, and that to rid competition between Plymouth and Exeter, Plymouth should close and Exeter developed. The Deputy leader of Plymouth launched a scathing attack at the MP, sighting the need for Plymouth City Airport.
10/03/01: Celtic Airways flights delayed: Unconfirmed reports suggest that Celtic Airways are to delay the start of their Cork-Plymouth-Brussels service until June 2001. They may also use Fokker 50 aircraft instead of the proposed Dash-8-300's.
09/03/01: Brymon Airways news: British Airways has purchased its franchise British Regional Airlines and plans to merge its operations with Brymon Airways. The Managing Director of Brymon, Louise Fowler said it will not mean cutting routes, but the future operations at Plymouth as a result of the merger will be looked at over the coming months. Brymon has recently had a severe shortage of both Dash-8's and ERJ-145's, resulting in daily leases of Titan Airways' ATR-42's and BAE-146's. Brymon even had to recently operate a Titan Boeing-737, G-ZAPM into Exeter to operate the Plymouth-London Gatwick service. For the summer season, Brymon is to operate a Sunday Jersey-Plymouth-Cork service, along with other variations to their schedules; see my timetable page for more.
08/02/01: Court of appeal grants rite: The court of appeal has approved residents to claim for compensation, mainly over FOST helicopter flights. The main opponent is ex resident Gil Thomas, who is claiming part in the compensation that could amount to more than what the airport was sold for last year. The previous owners, British Airways have to contribute to at least half of the cost. The Lands Tribunal will give the final decision.
24/01/01: Residents must wait for airport ruling: 3 Judges have reserved Judgement at the Court of Appeal in London and expect to announce a decision next month over compensation to residents.
20/01/01: Airport appeals against court's ruling: David Holegate QC is representing the airport against the ruling to compensate residents over noise since 1995 over the new helicopter flights.
08/01/01: Plane noise plan halted: 25ft high by 318ft wide sea freight containers as sound barriers are likely to not be put in place. The visual impact would not be good, councillors said. Irish service: A champagne send off of a city councillor and Irish dancers is to launch the new service to Dublin tomorrow.
29/12/00: Snow problems: Overnight snow and ice on the runways have brought the airports' scheduled flights to a standstill over the past few days.
04/12/00: Government awards money: The Government has awarded £8.4 million to finance the A386 perimeter road and runway improvements, as part of a £621m Local Transport Plan
08/12/00: First road/runway meeting: nearly all of the 70 attendees voted against the plans to move the road, many questioning why the other side of the runway was not improved.
07/12/00: Air show: The organisers of Air Aid 2000 have planned another charity air show for the Hoe, for the 8/9th June 2001.
06/12/00: Fears over height of landing planes: Bill Brown, Chairman of the Derriford East and Birdcage Residents association has the possibility of an accident will be brought closer when the height of landing aircraft will fly 18ft lower over the houses with the runway changes. He questions why the other end of the runway is not being changed, as previously proposed. The airport director said the glide path would be changed to 4.15 degrees instead of 3.75 degrees. Rail troubles see air bookings soar: The Plymouth/Newquay service has seen a ten percent rise in passengers on last year, helped by the current rail crisis
30/11/00: Sutton Harbour Holdings announce results and plans. The new airport owners have announced their results for 2000 at www.sutton-harbour.co.uk . The mail flight which routes Exeter-Plymouth-Exeter-East Midlands is to be axed from January 2001. The service is currently operated by BAC Express and had previously been operated by Streamline Aviation and Titan Airways. They confirm 17 new flights from the airport in the new year. The Airport acquisition has had a "significant affect on their profits. The report says that £8.5 million of public funds "have been committed to upgrade the infrastructure around the airport which will allow it to cater for 70 seaters." The new Dublin and increased Cork flights will operate under a code share with Aer Lingus. They are encouraging other Civil and Military operators to both Plymouth-City and Newquay-Cornwall airports. See the full report here
27/11/00: Airport road goes public. People are being asked for their view on the diverting of the Tavistock road to improve the size and safety area of the runway. A delay of at least two years on previous plans now include a planning application in March 2001 and work to start in Spring 2003. The airports land will be increased at the end of the runway, but a large part to the northwest will become a park and ride site. Static displays are now on show, including at the airport on the 4th-8th December from 1800-2100. Public meetings are to be held at the Community Colleges at Southway from 1830 on the 7th December and 1930 at Woolwell on the 8th December.
20/11/00: Air Links help city economy take off: Brymon Airways is to start a scheduled service to Dublin. The service, as well as the current Cork service will become a mixed Club Europe and Euro Traveller Dash-8 service. The Dublin service, also operating to Bristol will run from January 8th on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The service will increase to daily from February 26th. The Cork service will also become daily from that date, instead of the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (Summer only), and Sunday service. The proposed London-City service has reportedly not got the required backing for the new service.
10/11/00: Celtic Airways would land at City Airport-plan for direct London flights. Celtic Airways are planning a non-profit making service on January 8th if at least 20 companies support the service. People would buy shares in the company which would be known as Celtic Express and run on a three month trial basis that would become a permanent Celtic Airways route if successful. The service will leave Plymouth at 0930 and London City at 1830 and may include a stop at Exeter. Interest is needed and The Marketing Director John De Uphaugh can be called on 01752 786111.
06/11/00: Stormy weather. Low cloud and heavy wind and rain caused cancellations to most flights. Fly Victoria. New website launched by Victoria Aviation, since their ownership takeover by Cambridge based ILS Air (see my page here for more. They are also part sharing aircraft with Exeter based Celtic-West with PA-31's and Directflights Cessna 406's.
01/11/00: Major proposals for Tavistock Road and Plymouth Airport. A major bid was set to the government to fund these improvements; a bid that will be given the outcome in December. There is to be extensive public consultation on the proposals; local papers, questionnaires, public exhibitions and meetings.
28/10/00: Partially sighted teenager learns to fly: Iain fulfils his dream to take to the skies.
12/10/00: Airport plans a sound barrier: A temporary barrier of shipping containers are to be placed on the runway "where planes rev their engines before takeoff" to cut noise to local residents. They are an experiment and may lead to a more permanent structure if successful.
11/10/00 Progressive Plymouth: Airliner World magazine looks at the past, present and future of the airport. Before the end of the year, work will commence to re route Tavistock Road to allow for the runway improvements, which are set to be fully in progress from the end of 2001 and be operational a year later. The improvements will include the removal of the 16ft obstruction, restricting the use of the full runway at present. A new ILS will be installed on runway 13. See www.airlinerworld.com
13/09/00 Fuel crisis: fuel protestors allow an emergency truck to leave to refuel the airports fire service Air Show doubt: The coming weekends Battle of Britain Air Salute could be affected by the fuel crisis Remembering: To remember the Battle of Britain, the Herald caries an article on Flt Lt Renvoise who flew from the airport at the time. The airport had to be protected and had a unit of Hurricanes were based here. Roadblocks and barbed wired fences prevented spies and intruders from entering the airport. Flightpath residents to get pay-out: The Conservatives have agreed to overturn the previous Labour governments refusal to pay £250 to three local residents associations in relation to flights by the flying school. The council leader said it was a gesture of good faith to the residents. The labour councillor said " what it recommends is an unofficial compensation scheme for people who don't like aeroplanes-I think it is an abuse of public money-we have nothing to apologise for as there has been no misadministration." The new government have followed the ombudsman's recommendations that the previous council refused to abide by.
02/09/00 Celtic Airways to apply for licence this month. Celtic will have to pass stringent tests before it will be granted a licence to operate services.
20/08/00 London air link plea for business South West MEP Glyn Ford is campaigning for the reinstatement of the Plymouth-Heathrow service after the Japanese business community criticised Plymouth for having poor transport links. Plymouth-Gatwick is said to be inadequate. The slot service at Heathrow makes it difficult to re-start the route, but the MEP says EU law allows allocation of slots to a regional air service.
08/08/00 Direct flights will bring potential visitors to city in style-airline backing on huge demand for route Celtic Airways is funded by private backers and plans a turnover of £10 million in its` first year.. They are confident about being able to secure further funding for the new airline. One backer is EuroTelecomm. TC Rolt are in line to provide hire cars and chauffeur drivers to transport passengers to destinations from Plymouth.. They said " In year three we will have to cap figures at 80 percent because demand will outstrip our ability to supply," and say Plymouth was found to be their best choice of airport. They also commented on the excitement that people have shown towards the new venture.
20/07/00 New Service will link city with Brussels Celtic Airways moved into Plymouth offices last week and plan to created a 100 jobs and start a Cork-Plymouth-Brussels twice daily service with 2 Dash-8-300s and also a Saturday Newquay-Brussels service. The flights will begin form March 2001 and the airline plans to take a third Dash-8-300 in September 2002. Airline founder John Orpin said Brussels would become increasingly important to the city thanks to objective one and two funding. The airline has been planning for 3 years and could introduce further services.
21/07/00 Plymouth-Belgium in 75 minutes-link could boost trade Celtic Airways will gain a Civil Aviation Authority Licence in September. The airline expects the Brussels flights to be full every day with Business travellers paying Business class fares of £400. The route will be the only one to Brussels west of Bristol and the airline hopes to use 85 seaters when Plymouth is large enough to take them.. Celtic plan to link with Sabena and Swissair for connections and introduce more Plymouth routes like Manchester. The flights allow people to return on the same day.
15/07/00 Full alert at city airport emergency teams were put on full alert as a light aircraft reported a light indication in relation to its undercarriage. It tried at Plymouth but eventually landed safely at Exeter in strong winds.
07/06/00 Landing scare at city airport Full scale emergency when BA4031 from Bristol with 28 passengers reported an undercarriage fault. It was found to be a faulty light bulb
07/06/00 Air Operator triples size Brymon has seen a 9 percent rise in passengers over the past year. It has tripled its size. Turnover increased to £90 million. Investment reached £100 million 01/06/00 Boosting profit by air and sea Sutton Harbour Holdings announce huge profits for the past financial year; an increase of 19 percent from £4,004,000 in 1999 to £4,750,000 in 2000
16/05/00 High Flyers Sutton Harbour Holdings has big plans for the city's key link-Airport Buyer's vision is ready for lift-off. Plan to renew the link with Plymouth City Council and the airport. They say the runway plans would enable BA to upgrade to regional aircraft like the 70 seater whisper jet. They plan to open up the airport to other airlines. BA will still provide over £1.5 million a year of investment, guaranteed for three years. Sutton will encourage new operators and Brymon to open up new scheduled routes to the city. These will depend on market demand, but they are looking at France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, the Netherlands and Germany
06/05/00 Making it plane Brymon Airways has launched a computerised passenger information service, updated every 30 minutes with flight information.
06/05/00 Conservatives win vote and think there should be wider consultation on the runway plans.
19/04/00 Acquisition: Sutton Harbour Holdings pledges more flights-Plymouth airport business boost-the new owners say they will increase scheduled flights to the city. Councillors say it is a tremendous boost to our competitiveness. The chairman of the new company, E.Winser said the proposed runway improvement will go ahead as soon as possible. The new owners reported a turnover of £2,600,000 for the six months to September 1999 and has already secured over £41 million in the city's development.
18/04/00 £2.6m takeover at city airport-Sutton Harbour Holdings buy the lease to the airport from Plymouth City Council-previously it had been British Airways. The new company has signed a 150 year lease. British Airways has promised a five year revenue guarantee. The new deal is said to open up the airport to new carriers and "could mean scheduled flights to more destinations in Europe-scheduled flights will be increased say the company. read the press release via Sutton Harbour Holdings: www.btinternet.com/~richard_p_woods/suttonpress.htm
11/04/00 top job for airport chief-Brymon MD Gareth Kirkwood to become MD of British airways world cargo and become chairman of Brymon airways and Plymouth City Airport
18/02/00 survey on airport takes off-survey to be circulated to airport residents about the £8.5 million runway improvements plan. To be based on the SWAT format which encourages views on strengths and weaknesses. The instigator feels that residents have been left in the dark about the airport plans.
16/02/00 Exeter plan not a threat to Plymouth, expansion no flight of fancy-re: £20 million plan to build a new terminal at Exeter by 2003.158,691 passengers flew from Plymouth last year. Building at Plymouth is expected to start in mid 2001 and last 12 months but a planning enquiry may take place. Exeter serves a completely different market says the brymon MD. 80% of passengers live or work in the Plymouth and east Cornwall area that use Brymon flights. The southwest regional development agency is funding £3 million towards the runway improvements.
12/02/00 flying start for business-business leaders welcome plans to improve the runway at Plymouth safeguarding vital air links-to improve the runway by diverting the Tavistock Road-to be funded by the RDA and the rest borrowed if the government approves-the council must win planning permission and an enquiry could take place with reference to the road. It should mean larger aircraft can use the airport and fewer diversions due to bad weather. excellent news for the 400 people working at the airport. Growth has been 16% over the last three years says Brymon MD. It is excellent with the rise of e-commerce says the regional development agency. The airport has been waiting six years for these plans-a £26million plans to demolishing factory were discussed in the past. Important to secure the runway slots at Gatwick say business leaders. -Park and ride site is also in the pipeline-to be placed in the far corner of the airport site....The improvements include a 90 metre safety zone at the start of runway 13 by moving the main road 60 metres to the west-making it closer to homes
12/02/00 airport road furry-worried families demand a public enquiry into the runway improvement plans-angry they were not consulted earlier on the noise, disruption and pollution-there is no way you are ever going to get bigger planes at Plymouth says a representative-it is just being used as a status symbol.
11/02/00 council unveils plan to secure airport's future and solve road congestion-the whole of the runway will be usable-we are tackling three problems at once. It will mean larger planes and will allow a crucial 90-metre safety zone at the end of the runway and the runway will also be resurfaced with a porous material to cope with weather conditions. Brymon has indicated it has no long-term plans unless these plans go ahead
04/02/00 high court rules £14,000 payout in costs for resident, claims may take off in airport case-100`s of residents could follow this win. The council failed to respond to the 1973 land compensation act. the complaint was against engine testing and its effect on house values. The former residents solicitor said-it should certainly give residents some encouragement that airports can't get away without paying compensation
03/02/00 SWRDA considering £3m of improvements, airport plan is on the runway-the RDA had approved the runway scheme in principle last April.
09/12/99 restaurant style meals are being served to Brymon Airways passengers out of Plymouth. 12/99 air jobs go, 90 engineering jobs lost in switch to Bristol airport-Brymon is to move its maintenance base to Bristol by next spring but says this has no effect on the services out of Plymouth.
28/10/99 helicopter in drama-a royal navy helicopter made an emergency landing Sat Plymouth after developing a malfunction while at sea. It was shadowed in by another seaking and landed safely
30/09/99 airport claims reviewed-the city council is to discuss claims by a local government watchdog that it failed to pay out compensation over the city airport. the local ombudsman found no injustice over noisy arriving flights but did in relation to helicopter movements.
29/09/00 city airport helps flying record-Brymon carried a record 19,923 passengers during one week-a 20% growth-841,187 flew with the airline last year-a 42% increase. The Plymouth to Bristol services have grown 12% over the past year. The airline is introducing ERJ145 aircraft next year.
25/09/00 ombudsman slates refusal to pay compensation order, airport noise row, council under fire-twice guilty of failing to pay a total of £2,500m but refused to pay
07/08/00 after 25 years airline gets set to move HQ, Brymon flies out of the city-10 0f the 200 staff at Plymouth to be affected as the engineering base moves to Bristol-a unit here since 1973 when the airline moved to Plymouth after being set up a year earlier
07/08/99 airlines expansion plans hits turbulence-Plymouth based airline AB Airlines set up by former Brymon Airways staff has been put under the control of administrative receivers.
07/07/99 Cancellation: youth travelled by coach-tourists £170 trip to the city-Brymon gives £100 compensation
30/06/99 Traffic jams: leave early or miss your flight-roadwork's blow for passengers-roadwork's on A386 10/06/99 Flying hazardous on day of eclipse-there simply isn't enough air traffic control -Paul Haywood named Brymon operations manager
21/06/99 Plane ditch alert fear-a Pa28 from Cherbourg to the Scillies encountered engine problems and diverted to Plymouth 10/06/99 Pilots blamed for bump-landing-the commander allowed a inexperienced pilot to land in high crosswinds in February. The aircraft lost height nearly 4 times more than it should have on landing, dipped from side to side and landed heavily on its left undercarriage. The commander was demoted to first officer. 08/06/99 Euro air tax demand threatens city airport
06/06/96 new lift takes off: Brymon has new wheelchair lift at airport.
29/05/00 Rejected: city councillors defy ombudsman's latest order-pay-out refused on `copter noise-refused to pay £1,750 compensation -Big spenders: but city airport is too small for the new planes-Brymon makes £270m jet order-Brymon will create 140 new jobs.
13/05/99 Air service comes in for client complaints-expanding the airport isn't as important at looking closely at appalling service from Brymon Airways, an angry air passenger has said
21/04/99 Airport runway gets backing-the southwest regional development agency gives detailed appraisal for the extension of the airport runway.
14/04/99 City council taken to task by ombudsman
13/04/99 Preparing for take off-business analysis of airport-4 plans are to gain slots in London-Heathrow and Gatwick or use Northolt/support Brymons services/encourage other operators/lobby for funding for improved runway-involves demolishing a factory and allowing BAE 146`s to use the airport.- airport facts-Plymouth City Airport Limited is owned by British Airways-the only airport it owns. PCAL rents the site from the council. PCAL also run Newquay-Cornwall airport. An increase of 14 companies occurred since 1993. PCAL waives est£20,000 yr for all charges to the Police and for rescue helicopters. -361 people work for 14 businesses at the airport( PCAL employs 40 and Brymon employs 175) 1996-97: Turnover(£2.8m) Payroll(£722,000) Pre tax Profit (£216,000) 1997-98: Turnover(£3.1m) Payroll(£740,000) Pre tax Profit (£225,000)
02/03/99 Airport opens-then closes the airport reopened after a 2 day closed forced after a crash-landing-the runway had to be inspected and repaired after the aircraft was finally removed to the hanger.
09/02/99 Flights take off Brymon had a 38 % increase in passengers in the last nine months
23/01/99 Council stalls on airport payout refuse to pay £750 to 3 city residents
12/01/99 New general manager Brymon Engineering David Tattersall
14/01/99 Lifting of restrictions is no green light for runway Government plans to relax borrowing restrictions
12/11/98 Fire in airport in hanger burnt out airport workshop overnight
03/11/98 Plane lands safely after bulb alert Brymon Dash-8 from Bristol after undercarriage light problem with 27 passengers lands safely
24/10/99 No action yet, but council orders new airport probe Committee investigates further into noise, but continues with runway plan
22/10/98 Council considers curb on airport noise suggests building more walls in the noise bund area.
01/10/98 Anger over delays to business flights/Brymon considers Plymouth-Manchester flights.
29/09/98 Brymon breaks passenger records running 31% more passengers than last year
18/09/98 Tunnel scheme to be probed-£10m plan may boost airport-council considers diverting the main road under a tunnel to be built under an extended runway
28/07/98 Business welcomes bid to restore air links-as MP`s fight to safeguard routes
07/07/98 West air services reviewed the extension could double the airports business to around 316,000 a year
09/05/98 Apology after never-ending journey to Glasgow Airline passenger flies into trouble-left stranded at Plymouth
14/05/98 Council fights on for runway cash
23/04/98 Airport future causes a storm 24 jobs go at the factory that has to be demolished if the runway is to be extended at the 31 end.
17/04/98 Runway extension is short of backing as Brymon receives its first Dash-8Q, no funding has been offered by businesses. Airport takes off 103,000 people used flights in 1997
28/03/98 Green light for runway but airport told to cut the noise 3 authorities are in talks about funding
20/03/98 AIRPORT PLEA: £21m bid to save vital air links-Time for Take-of-a new campaign to extend the runway 200m was launched today-a £21m investment and Residents misery at runway plans a resident says "We can hear engine testing every day". If the plan goes ahead it means 60/70 seaters, double passengers over five years, attract new airlines, decrease diversions, increase safety, improve ground run facilities.`
18/03/98 Plane boost for airline Brymon orders 8 new dash-8`s for £60m creating 27 jobs
05/03/98 MPs told of air-link lifeline
21/02/98 Airport runway decision delayed
09/02/98 More flights Brymon to increase flights to Jersey and Cork for the Summer.
23/01/98 Runway threat to city air links-airport is key to our economy -realignment and extension of the runway would take at least 18 months and even if go-ahead was given today it would be Winter 1999 before all was completed, at the earliest. Businesses will stop at Exeter if improvements do not go ahead.
20/01/98 Talks on city runway dragging on -demolishing the factory is crucial
19/01/98 Lightning hits plane A plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Plymouth after being struck by a bolt of lightning as storms batter the region.-Dash-8 with 13 passengers.
25/11/97 Airport put to test-action stations for mock disaster
21/11/97 Brymon boosts SW in airport ad blitz -promoting the region at Gatwick
07/11/97 Brymon takes off with 100 new jobs
23/10/97 Minister promises city help with BA Transport Minister Glenda Jackson
22/10/97 Capital fight for London air link City council officials meet to restore Heathrow link 14/10/97 Soft landing on switch to Gatwick it has not dented the south west economy as much as first feared.
07/10/97 Airport decision within months over runway extension
04/10/97 Chairman warns: airport must expand-Think bigger says BA Chief Marshall wants to bring more people and bigger aircraft to Plymouth.
23/09/97 New Irish flight wings in Saturday flight to cork added
13/09/97 City warms up Antarctic British Antarctic Twin Otter to take £60,000 of items to the Antarctic from the airport
26/07/97 Battle of the skies leads to £750 fine council ordered to pay over aircraft noise
03/07/97 Brymon staff will not strike over British Airways catering
12/06/97 Brymon aircraft are to get a new lick of paint new livery revealed Bill Bryce, founder of Brymon and the airport nominated as an honorary freeman of the city
04/06/97 Brymon loses BA livery in shake-up: corporate livery planed for all aircraft
28/05/97 Safety focus on airport talks-Euro-MP meets to discuss
27/05/97 Stand in helicopter lifts show Bond Dauphin replaces Seaking at show
14/05/97 Helicopter claims fly in to airport claims over devaluing houses from Dauphin helicopters
10/05/97 Sky wars-helicopters whip up big cash claim residents say the claim could involve 400-500 homes
12/05/97 Brymons flying high again 10% increase
22/04/97 Its great to be home-nightmare return for passengers stranded in London
21/04/97 Terror allert on city plane-travel plans paralysed by bomb threats
02/04/97 Brymon launched its first full service between the city and Gatwick yesterday-Brymon off to a flying start
01/04/97 Fog delays new London service-Late dash for Gatwick commuters
27/03/97 Brymon to start daily service to Jersey
21/03/97 Gatwick just doesn't fly-fight to regain Heathrow link
14/03/97 Flying in the face of public perception-Gatwick-we don't like it because its a tourist airport Flights daily to Paris
13/03/97 Kinnock acts in airport row-over Heathrow link
26/02/97 Chamber tests new air link for Plymouth-Business takes off at Gatwick
13/02/97 Gatwick option is pulling in fares says Brymon
08/02/97 No going back now says Brymon boss-Gatwick here we come and grow
17/02/97 Flights idea runs into flack Euro MP urges businesses to buy the right to use Heathrow
07/02/97 Plan grounded-safety fears shoot down hanger idea-by the flying school
07/02/97 Airport mission ends in failure to secure Heathrow
06/02/97 City to lobby Curry on air switch
05/02/97 Flak may gun down fliers hanger plan-residents complain over flying school
31/01/97 Airport flies ahead-services set to increase as European airways pull out of Exeter, as Air South West will take on the passengers on the Plymouth-Manchester route. They also plan a route to Stansted. The Euro MP also calls on Virgin to help regain the link with Heathrow.
29/01/97 Plea to PM in air link fight
24/01/97 Air Taxi firm offers a silver lining Air Care South west has influx of calls following the pull out of Heathrow.
10/12/96 Blast for Brymon on poor service: Plymouth trade unionist Vaz Gregory was delayed after a KLM accident at Heathrow causing delays and the cancellation of BA8605 10/12/96 Airport expansion is a priority: at a transport conference it was declared the airport is the single most important issue in creating a successful economy.
12/11/96: Up up and away with Air South West-Manchester air link is already looking a winner: The twice daily service to Manchester is a success after only one week. Air South West has created 13 Plymouth jobs just for this service. Company may now set its sights on Europe: Air South west has been operating for four years and now has an annual turnover of £3 million and has 40 staff. CEO Gary Hitchen and Tony Mooney own a 50/50 share in the airline. They hope to begin Plymouth to Paris and Amsterdam flights and purchase larger aircraft.
29/11/96 Brymon is up, up but not going away: MD Gareth Kirkwood is dismayed at how people think Brymon are not committed to the airport.
20/11/96 Sort out this airport mess, say city firms: Gil Thomas cant ignore what happens at the airport: when FOST helicopters operate up to 80 times a day, engine testing and weekend training flights. He said "We people are mostly afraid of jet aircraft" He is not against the principle of the airport-only some of the current problems. He suggests selling the airport to finance a new one. Council hopes to solve the problem of the runway extension by early in the new year.
19/11/96 Backing for airport: Plymouths Labour leader john Ingham wants to end the myth that the council is not committed to the airport. Businesses will not expand unless the airport question is resolved. 07/11/96 BA refuses to deny it may axe flights to Plymouth: they refuse to deny claims that the American Airlines alliance will force them to axe the Heathrow route.
02/11/96 Heathrow landing slots wont be sold off say transport officers: Ring fencing the slot for Plymouth would solve it.
31/10/96 Extra Brymon landing slots for the Heathrow route at weekends. Birds take off-airport chiefs explain noises: Pre recorded loud speakers are used to scare off birds.
29/10/96 City rejects claim its holding up future by delaying key decision: It is more important to secure slots than deciding on afew metres of tarmac said Labour Tudor Evans.
28/10/96 Heathrow flights joy: additional slots won at Heathrow
26/10/96 Act to end doubts over airport: The extension of the runway would guarantee handling of modern aircraft over the next century.
24/10/96 Heathrow air links must be protected. The EU must protect the slots.
22/10/96 Airport converts old milk floats into trucks for baggage handling
19/10/96 Thousands of jobs at risk in the west: 3,000 jobs could be lost in the south west if slots are sold at Heathrow.
18/10/96 letter: In May 1940, taking off from Roborough, the pilot said: "D'you know, one day they will build houses down there and then they will complain about the noise of aeroplanes."
02/10/96 Manchester in style: Air South West will launch a new Plymouth-Manchester service: Taken 1:20 for a £99 return for the twice a day service, aimed at business travellers. 01/10/96 Radar system to be used less: Wembury residents find that the radar unit will only be used for six hours a week, against 168 previously.
05/09/96 Talk of new runway is premature: Brymon admitted there was a commercial urgency but stressed it would take some time.
29/08/00 Navy call for more chopper flights: The Navy want to make more use of the Weston Mill Lake heliport to more than 20 flights.
09/08/96 Aircraft history of brake failure: The Air South west PA31 which overshot the runway at Plymouth has had 2 previous brake failures: one just two months before, when the aircraft slipped of the runway at Exeter. The brakes had been changed five days before the accident at Plymouth. The aircraft ran down the grass bank and stopped at the barbed wire fence. The airline declined to comment. 31/07/96 A day in Paris for £99: running until the end of October with Brymon.
26/06/96: pilot cleared for take off from the bottom of his garden: hanger approved for local pilot.
25/06/96 High-flyer takes control at Brymon: new MD Gareth Kirkwood
10/06/96 Fog grounds all flights at city's airport.
05/06/96 Schoolgirls puffin is the new BOAC logo: Brymon Offshore Air Charter is created to run £10 million contract to transport North Sea Oil workers.
27/05/96 Its noisier than ever!: The Royal Navy is to replace a dauphin with a super puma for winches.
24/05/96 New Brymon plane dashes in from Canada: the last of Brymons Dash-8-300s has arrived in the city
21/05/96 Plane mishap lands seven in hospital: An Air South West PA31 hit the perimeter fence after a scheduled flight from Dublin. Fire vehicles were at the scene in 60 seconds and a there was reported to be minor damage to the aircraft. The accident occurred just before 230pm. The incident was said to be the first of its kind at the airport and caused the runway to be closed.
20/05/96 Airport deer killed: a marksman has been forced to kill two deer at the airport because of their danger to aircraft.
07/05/96 City airline soars to new heights: Brymon is awarded an Investors in people Award.
04/96 New Dublin air link: Air South West is to start scheduled flights from Plymouth to Dublin and Cork from May 1st-"putting Plymouth on the airport map." Howe asked to end `copter noise: armed forces minister asked to end FOST flights.
06/03/96 He who pays for a piper calls the tune: Air Care South West has bought a third £150,000 executive PA31. Air Link is crucial: Tony Blair says on visit to city. We wont pay over `copter noise.
02/02/96 City council turned back on residents: says resident G.Thomas in reply to the airport director. He claims that he is not anti-airport, engineering is unsuited at Plymouth, flying school against the lease, FOST helicopters shouldn't be here, lease prohibits business jets, The mail flight is noisier than other aircraft, his first complaint was in 1990.
26/01/96: whoosh, time flies: dash-8 details.
25/01/96 Huge investment secures city's London air link: Brymon dash into future: Brymon is to buy 5 new Dash-8 aircraft to replace 3 existing Dash-7 aircraft costing £26 million. Brymon boss Mike Jones claimed that the new aircraft are no noisier than a bus as a groups claimed they were noisier; But neither aircraft even register on the equipment at Heathrow. Why protest over airport should stop-by Airport Director John Humprey in response to G.Thomas: His views are merely those of an anti airport minority And not the majority(the group refuses to produce minutes from their meetings) Their hit list is: Brymon Engineering, FOST helicopters, no business jets, no mail flight, no late flights after 1030-they must divert. Mr Thomas bought his house in 1988; 12 months after the runway developments had been completed. The airport directly employs 400 people.
22/01/96 Watchdog hits out at council over airport: In 1994, the council was found guilty of misadministration over noise and was recommended by the ombudsman to pay three residents £1, 250
24/11/95 Near miss claim pie in the sky: Claims of a near miss have been dismissed after it was discovered there were no aircraft in the sky. The airport director, after a investigation said no Brymon aircraft were in the air between 1532 and 1752, and no Bond helicopters between 1628 and 1709, and that the cloud base was 2-300ft. Air Traffic Control would have reported such a miss.
23/11/95 I saw `copter in city near miss: resident Thom Russell watched as the FOST helicopter was forced to suddenly veer of its flight path as a Brymon Dash-7 approached at 440 last Monday, he told a public meeting. The Navy knew of no incident and said the airport was the best base for them. G.Thomas said it was a civilian not military airport.
22/11/95 Make airport helicopter row public: says Gil Thomas
18/11/95 City hijacked by MOD on flights
17/11/95 Airport copter secrecy attacked. G.Thomas said the meetings should have been made public.
14/11/95 Jet engine shatters minute silence: Plymouth Executive did engine runs on the runway during a Armistice remembrance. -He latter said he had to support a very important customer and didn't realise about the silence.
01/11/95 Outlook 2000: Call to extend airport runway:
15/06/95 Aviation minister promises flying visit to city:
08/05/95 Call to end to training flights: Tudor Evans received a 175-name petition to stop weekend flights-small planes are not supposed to be doing this.
08/03/95 Brymon may buy failed rivals flights: Brymon may run Eurodirects Paris and Amsterdam flights and operate them from either Plymouth or Exeter
07/03/95 airline set for busiest summer.
24/01/95 Brymon forced to turn back after tail problem: Brymons flight had to turn back to Heathrow after the "tail was about to drop off."
02/01/95 Expansion of airport is key to city's prosperity: Chamber chief warns loss of airline could hit economy Rail strike increases Brymon passengers.
31/06/92 Jet airport for South Hams? Secret plans for a "30 million pound airport have been taking place to replace Roborough. It would include a 2,500 metre runway.
15/03/90 Brymon take on staff: Brymon MD Malcolm Naylor said Brymon will introduce direct weekly services to Dublin from April 7th. Services will be introduced daily to Paris, Glasgow and Belfast via Bristol in the autumn. Their will be a full Dash 8 training school at Plymouth.
08/03/90 'Copter service launched: Lomas Helicopters flew Exeters Mayor from Plymouth to Exeter to mark the launch of a new VIP charter helicopter service Between the two cities.
25/04/89 Letters-Sleeping through the 146: Some complain that the 146 is too quiet!
18/03/89 Heading for touchdown: Strong winds forced a Dash-7 to use the smaller runway, arriving over Plymbridge Road.
27/04/88 Heroic pilot back in the air: a Plymouth chipmunk had a n engine failure and landed safely in Totnes.
29/04/88 Cost could defeat Brymon's jet plan: Brymon wants to replace the Dash 7 with an 80 seater BAE 146 on the Heathrow link, but cost is a negative factor in the decision.
31/03/88 rare plane damaged. A Pitts Special., due to display at the boat show smashed into a portable cabin at the airport and is being repaired by Plymouth Executive Aviation.
18/03/88 their art takes to the skies: Citybus Engineering are doing the sign writing on Brymon aircraft: The City of Plymouth, City of London and the Villa de Paris.
15/01/88 Brymon hit by move to jets: While Brymon is committed to the dash 7 at London city, London City Airways is to use faster 146 aircraft.
04/11/87 Hitch plane cuts flight short: A brymon dash 7 from London to Plymouth had to land at Exeter after hydraulic problems.
26/10/87 Flying start for city airport: Brymon made the first commercial flight to London City, arriving from Plymouth. A strike at de Havilland was to force Brymon to lease a BAE 748, but the company stepped in at the last minute to provide a stand in Dash 7.
23/10/87 Brymon break the aircraft noise barrier: Despite 130 letters of protest, planners have approved the use of a BAE 748 for 3 months on the Heathrow route, which is twice as nosy as the Dash 7. .
24/09/87 Council urged: change lease for early city flights: The city's Chamber of Commerce have backed the early 0630 flight to London city and were horrified over Brymons threat to move.
17/09/87 We'll take off warns Brymon boss: Brymon chairman Charles Stuart has threatened to pull out of Plymouth if key early services to London City are abandoned. He spoke to 300 people at a residents association, claiming the 0630 flight was vital and that he could go to Birmingham. Airline hopes to buy jet: Brymon is in talks with British Aerospace over using a 146 on its Plymouth/Newquay-Heathrow and London-Paris routes.
09/87 Airline flies into heavy flak: Residents have become so angry over noise that they have threatened to block the runway. The airline said the Dash 7's are quieter than 125cc motorcycles. Air boss admits error: A major training programme of Brymon pilots disrupted the Bank Holiday weekend. Brymon Chairman Charles Stuart has written a personal explanation to 2,500 homes in the area. The residents association also accused the council of "exacerbating the problem by allowing residential developments to spring up near the airport.
17/08/87 Brymon test new aircraft to replace Otters: The 30 seat Embraer Brasilia was given the test drive on Saturday by Brymon staff over the Hoe, who were impressed by the aircraft. They have been testing the Dash 8, ATR 42 and Saab 340. Cityclass: Brymon wants to introduce Cityclass concepts based on Plymouth at other airports, including Brussels.
01/08/87: Stunning sky thrills: Daredevil pilot Roger Hinchcliffe is to display at the airport in a Pitts Special next Saturday at the airport. Brymon will also display a Dash 7 on the Hoe event that will include the Red Baron.
30/07/87 Plymouth to go American: Anglo-American Air show for July 30
22/07/87 The first jet plane lands at Plymouth: 500 guests watched the 75 seater Royal aircraft land at Plymouth in the "largest gathering of aviation heads in Britain this year" said Malcolm Ginsberg. Plymouth must be the "fastest airport development in Europe.
21/07/87 Residents back tests on super-quiet jets: The 1500 neighbours will be asked to give their verdict on the arrival of the first jet tomorrow. Brymon may buy the jets for its Birmingham to Heathrow route.
18/07/87 Vintage plane for pleasure flights: A DC-3 Dakota is to operate 30 minute pleasure flights from Plymouth on July 24th for 3 days on a turn up and fly basis service run by Air Atlantique.
16/07/87 City first for Royal aircraft: The Royal 146 is to fly into the airport next Wednesday, an aircraft that Brymon itself could buy. Since 1931, Royal members have had to arrive by helicopter if travelling by air.
15/07/87 Airport will cope with all weather: the airport will open on July 22nd to visitors of Dash 8, Saab 340, BAE ATP, Dornier and Embraer aircraft.
21/06/87 "Brymon: Roborough Airfield to Plymouth City Airport." The £2 million improvements to the airport will be opened tomorrow by the Lord Mayer, 30 weeks after being given the go-ahead. The work was contracted to E Thomas Construction. The airport handles 12,000 passengers a year, flying to Heathrow, Gatwick, Channel Islands, Cork, Aberdeen and from October, to London Docklands. E Thomas's parent company John Mowlem & Company is also nearing the completion of London City Airport. Plymouth becomes the first Cityclass airport. The best civil air transport exhibition this year will be held tomorrow as the public visit the new airport. A fly off of competing aircraft will attend for Brymon to witness. London City will be the second of Brymon's Cityclass airport. People are invited to visit the airport at any time, to see with the excellent viewing facilities at "one of the South West's busiest airports."
01/06/87 Brymon land first at docks airport: Pilot Harry Gee landed perfectly at the new £26m airport in London. He was awarded a Queen's birthday honours for service to the air. World first in 2.6m airport package: Plymouth is to be the first worldwide to have a commercial dual ILS system, which would also enable training for the steep London City approach.
18/05/87 Brymon all set for historic landing: The companies entire staff will witness the first ever landing at London City when a Dash will arrive from Plymouth on May 31st. The first takeoff will be by a Eurocity Express Dash 7.
04/05/87 Brymon plane mid-air drama probe: The CAA is investigating into how a Brymon Twin Otter from Birmingham to Gatwick was in an near miss with a departing Concorde.
17/04/87 £20,000 overhaul job for Brymon: Brymon is completing a complete service of Maersk Air's three Dash-7 aircraft at Plymouth.
15/04/87 Soaring away to a bright future: the significance of the Plymouth operation and expansion was crucial to the new London Airport. British Midland could have had a controlling stake in the airline in 1985, but now they are competing and Brymon has the support of British Airways.
09/04/87 Brymon clear for take-off: Brymon today won the go-ahead to start flights from London-City, include the Plymouth and Newquay services, but they should compete on the European routes with British Midland. Brymon is to take on 100 new jobs to cope.
26/03/87 Up, up and away: Westwood Engineering of Plympton treated their 18 staff to free helicopter trips to celebrate.
20/03/87 Brymon hunts for new pilots: 20 First Officers are needed.
12/03/87 Brymon gets big shot in the arm: A big business consortium, including Television South West, Avon Enterprise Fund and 3i want a 15.5% stake in the airline.
09/03/87 The big test for Brymon: Brymon is to fight for services from London City; to Plymouth, Newquay, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. British Midlands Eurocity Express is to fight for the European routes as well. They accuse Brymon of trying to have a monopoly over the new airport. Eurocity will use 5 Dash-7's, but wants to use BAE 146's. Brymon boss Charles Stuart said, "Brymon has no plans to use the 146, it would be an economic disaster for any airline that tried to bring it in."
28/02/87 Pledge on noise by airport boss: Boss Brian Beal has said there will be as little noise as possible as developments take place to redevelop the airport.
26/02/87 Brymon hits turbulence: Brymon flew into a planning storm as they flew over the dockland's in view of the protestors who named the Dash-7 the "Brymon Bomber."
05/02/87 Brymon's flying start on runway project: Work began today on the £2 ½ million expansion at Plymouth. Airport manager Brian Beal will declare the project officially open, and wants the project to be complete by May to cope with the demand in the summer.
29/01/87 Brymon unveils £60m growth plans: as British Midland Group's Eurocity Express tries to compete at London City.
18/12/86 Christmas flights: special flight programme
13/12/86 New contract air firm are soaring away: Plymouth Executive Aviation has won a £125,000 a year contract. They were launched two years ago by Barry Pover and Paul Bristow. The new contract is with Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering, which complements contracts including GEC, Bass Charrington and Kwik-fit Euro.
12/86 Brymon cutting a dash: The Brymon Dash-7 is the most heavily used of any in the world; The Heathrow to Plymouth service is 11 hours usage daily. As there is no hanger at London City, aircraft will have to rotate daily to Plymouth for night maintenance.
30/10/86 Airport runway approved: The number and types of aircraft to use the runway will be rigorously scrutinised on Brymon's allowed 100 movements per day, which includes the chipmunks operations.
17/10/86 Five Dash-ing years! Brymon celebrates five years of operating the Dash 7
11/09/86 Making way for City Airport: More than 50 tenants of allotments are to be given notices to vacate them to enable an Instrument Landing System to be built
10/06/86 Airport expands: A Letter from Brymon CEO Charles Stuart is being sent to airport residents.
04/06/86 Brymon bid to double runway: Marketing manager M. Ginsberg said the main runway would increase form 550m to 1,190m to handle new Dash 8 aircraft, and the other runway would be used less. 31/05/86 Crewman hurt as Catalina hits buoy in the sound at end of historic flight-SPLASHDOWN! A Spectacular landing by two veteran seaplanes to make the first Atlantic air crossing ended when on hit a buoy. It sank as it was towed to RAF Mount Batton. The injured crewman was picked up at the Barbican steps by an ambulance. The injured crewman was picked up at the Barbican steps by an ambulance. The original flight in 1919 was to be of 3 aircraft, but two were struck by bad weather, ditched in the sea, but the crew survived.
20/05/86 Greedy airport aims for new trade: Airport manager Gordan Richards wants to take away as much trade as possible from Exeter Airport. Talks of using HS146 aircraft and being the main hub of Brymon are claims. City promised a supersonic salute: A Concorde charter has agreed to divert to Plymouth for free to flypast the Hoe to celebrate Lord Mayer's Day.
04/02/86 Brymon caller set to land sea or air: A Grumman Albatros flying boat is at the airport undergoing maintenance with Brymon. In May, the same team are to recreate the 1919 flight from New York to Plymouth in a Catalina. £2.5m boost fro city airport: 100 new jobs are to be created as plans to extend the runway by 400m near Plymbridge lane, improve parking and landing aids. M. Ginsberg said Brymon were 'thrilled'
18/12/85 Brymon first in for historic 'Dash' to city: Brymon spokesman Malcolm Ginsberg said Brymon would be the first to fly into the new London airport as plans were unveiled at Plymouth for the first time. "Without a shadow of a doubt the first aircraft will come from Plymouth," he said. De Havilland currently has a 75% stake in Brymon due to recent financial problems.
12/85 History: 50,000 people turned out in Plymouth in 1825 to watch a couple of famous balloonists fly into Plymouth. The couple were rescued by boat between Stoke Head and Realm point, but soon departed towards France 'never to be seen again.' In 1919 the first crossing of the North Atlantic took place and ended near the Barbican. Mail flights were tried from Chelson Meadow to London and Manchester in 1923. The Chamber approved the Purchase of Roborough in 1928 and the Prince of Wales officially opened it in 1931. In 1960, the Harrowbeer Airport Bill (Yelverton) was rejected and Plymouth kept its city airport. Brymon arrived in 1973 and laid a tarmac runway in 1976.
31/10/85 Heliport City jobs boost? Plymouth could become a busy heliport within the next ten years due to an expansion of the oil industry and the improved terminal facilities. 16/08/84 Brymon-the company that's cutting a dash! Brymon is confident the Dash 7 will be quiet and effective in the new stolport. Company showing new Dash: Brymon is to introduce a new 36 seater Dash-8 at Plymouth.
15/08/84 Ten new planes, 150 more jobs on way A £50 million pound investment programme is announced as the new London airport is to be approved.
18/10/83 Brymon forges link with BA: British Airways staff in Terminal 1 is handling Heathrow passengers Bill Bryce quits for airport project in London/no takeover: The new boss is Charles Stuart
01/07/83 Brymon flies into watching dockland A Dash-7 paid a visit from Heathrow after its arrival on the Plymouth service to the amazement of crowds. It made two landings in Herons Wharf. A major inquiry into the setting up of the site is likely to drag on until October.
28/06/83 Plane hits Plymouth terminal: Brymon boss Bill Bryce promised an investigation after a Dash-7 about to depart for Heathrow, collided with the terminal building.
02/06/83 Dash-ing up to London at 250mph-launch flight: Brymon 815 Dash-7 departs Plymouth, needing 500ft of the 1,800ft runway on the lunchtime service to Heathrow. 1983 City cash is safe says chief A row has erupted over a Plymouth City Council loan of £600,000 loan to Brymon Airways. Airport boost for city jobs Brymon is using the case of Plymouth as a basis for supporting its London Stolport, which would mean jobs for its Plymouth bas. 1
2/12/75 New airport control tower ends 'radio ham's' nightmare to replace the old 1930's stack
Interesting moments from the past:
28/07/83-Dash-7 collides with passenger terminal(CB)-click here
26/02/90-gust flips over plane(CB)-click here