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UK airport consultation: A pilot’s view

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

What the proposed Thames Estuary airport could look like

Yesterday it was announced that the government’s consultation on a new UK aviation hub will begin in March. The process will focus on the need to retain the UK’s status as a major aviation hub and the options for siting a new airport close to London – including a detailed assessment of the ‘Boris Island’ Thames Estuary airport proposal.

This is welcome news – given we have previously built our biggest London airport in exactly the wrong spot from a safety perspective. Here’s why.

In order to reduce the ground speed required for flight and the length of runway required, aircraft take off and land into the wind. This means that, at Heathrow, aircraft are predominately flying low and slow over Greater London to land on the two westerly runways – as 80% of winds in the UK are westerly.
Heathrow, like most airports, has a mandatory 3 degree glide slope approach. This results in a descent of 300ft per mile on the ground – and given Heathrow’s position, means aircraft over the centre of our capital city are descending through 1500ft over our most populated areas.
Taking these factors into consideration and looking at London as a clock face, the worst possible position for an airport is therefore at 9 o’clock – where we have inadvertently built our biggest airport. Far better to have aircraft descending and landing at airports in the 12 o’clock (Luton), 3 o’clock (proposed Thames Estuary) or 6 o’clock position (Gatwick) where their approaches will not affect such large areas of population.
Landing is the most critical stage from a safety perspective – accident data shows that the majority of incidents occur on the approach. This is when an aircraft is most vulnerable, flying low and slow. As we saw with BA 777 crash in January 2008, an incident over London is an accident waiting to happen. Not to mention the nightmare scenario of a ground-to-air missile attack on low-flying aircraft coming into Heathrow.

The majority of pilots agree: We have in inadvertently built London’s major airport in the worst possible position. In their consultation for a new UK airport hub in London, the government should consider Manston (in Kent) or the Thames Estuary as the only viable locations.

Posted in Air Traffic Control, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, British Airways, Closest airports, Investment, Pilot, Politics, Travel trends, Weather | No Comments »

The world’s Top 10 famous aircraft

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

It’s not an easy task to choose just ten aircraft that have played the biggest part in aviation’s rich history. But here, after much debate and deliberation, PrivateFly.com presents our Top 10 rundown of the world’s most famous aircraft:

1. The Wright Flyer
Length: 21 ft
Wingspan: 40 ft
Max speed: 30 mph

Why famous? The biplane aircraft, designed and built by the pioneering Wright brothers, is at the forefront of aviation history, performing the world’s first ever powered flight in 1903 over North Carolina, USA. It was built using giant spruce wood, with the engine and other parts all made by hand. A sprocket chain drive, borrowed from bicycle design, was used to power the twin propellers. To fly the plane, pilot Wilbur Wright lay on his stomach on the lower wing to reduce drag, with the steering controlled by with a hip cradle which pulled wires to warp the wings.
Where now? National Air and Space museum (Smithsonian Institution), Washington DC, USA.

2. Concorde
First flew: 2nd March, 1969
Length: 61.6 m
Wingspan: 25.6 m
Max speed: 1,350 mph (Mach 2.04)
Powerplant: 4 x Rolls Royce/SNECMA Olympus 593
Crew: 3 (2 pilots, 1 flight engineer)

Why famous? Widely regarded as one of the most significant aircraft in aviation history, the world’s first supersonic airliner regularly allowed passengers to travel across the Atlantic in just 3½ hours – with a record-breaking flight time achieved in 1996 of just 2 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds from London Heathrow to New York JFK. Concorde entered service in 1976 and continued commercial operations for British Airways and Air France until 2003. The tragic crash of Air France 4590 in July 2000 (the only fatal incident involving Concorde) ultimately brought about its retirement, resulting in lower passenger numbers and decreased confidence in the iconic aircraft – even after safety modifications were made. Famously Concorde featured a pointed, adjustable nose, enabling it to achieve optimum aerodynamic efficiency in flight while still allowing the flight crew a full view during take-off and landing.
Where now? 20 Concorde aircraft were built by manufacturer Airbus, 6 for development and 14 for commercial use. 18 remain preserved in locations including:

• National Museum of Flight, Scotland, UK
• London Heathrow airport, UK
• Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, France
• Imperial War Museum, Duxford, UK
• Airbus Factory, Toulouse, France
• Airbus UK, Bristol, UK
• Manchester Airport, UK
• Museum of Flight, Seattle, USA
• Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York, USA
• Grantley Adams Airport Bridgetown, Barbados

3. Air Force One (currently the Boeing VC-25)
Length: 70.6 m
Wingspan: 59.6 m
Max speed: 630 mph
Crew: 26

Why famous? Air Force One has been immortalised in popular culture as a symbol of the American presidency and its power. However, unlike other aircraft on the list, it is not a specific aircraft, but an air traffic control call sign. Most often this will be used by the private aircraft that is primarily designated to transport the President of the United States – which then becomes known by the name. However the call sign can be used by any US Air Force aircraft while the president is on board. The term was developed in 1953 after a security glitch occurred when President Eisenhower’s plane entered the same airspace as a commercial airliner with the same call sign. Several aircraft have been used as Air Force One since, with Boeing now the exclusive manufacturer of choice. A Boeing VC-25 (a highly-customised 747) is used currently, with three further Boeing planes in development.
Where now? Several former Air Force One presidential aircraft are on display in aviation museums in the USA, including the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton Ohio; the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, California; and the Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson Arizona.

4. Supermarine Spitfire
Length: 9.1 m
Wingspan: 11.2 m
Max speed: 378 mph
Powerplant: 1 x Rolls Royce Merlin 45 supercharged V12 engine
Service ceiling: 35,000 ft

Why famous? The Supermarine Spitfire is arguably one of the most universally respected and loved aircraft in the world. Designed by RJ Mitchell to meet the RAF’s need for a new fighter aircraft, the single-seat aircraft first flew on 5 March 1936 and was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft before it. The aircraft, with its distinctive semi-elliptical wing design, is most famous for its role during the Battle of Britain in World War II, when it helped to secure air superiority over Britain. For this action and its continued success throughout the war, it won the hearts of the British public and was universally loved by the pilots that flew it.
Where now? Approximately 44 spitfires are left in airworthy condition in locations across the world (though there are many more in static displays) and feature regularly in airshows and ceremonial flypasts.

5. Airbus A380
Length: 72.7 m
Wingspan: 79.75 m
Maximum speed: 587 mph
Powerplant: 4 x Rolls Royce Trent 970/ Engine Alliance GP7270

Why famous? The A380, nicknamed the Superjumbo, is currently the largest passenger airliner in the world, and can carry up to 853 passengers in a double-deck seating configuration. It was designed by manufacturer Airbus to challenge Boeing’s monopoly in the large airliner market and entered commercial service in October 2007. Due to the enormous size of the components (fuselage sections are built in France, Germany, Spain and the UK), specially-designed ships and barges – and even new roads – had to be built for surface transportation to the assembly hall in Toulouse, France. The A380 features highly innovative passenger provisions and pilot technology – with an avionics suite based on that of advanced military aircraft.
Where now? 69 aircraft are currently in operation (with many more on order) at a cost of US $375 million each and are used by airlines including Singapore Airlines; Emirates; Qantas; Lufthansa; Air France and Korean Air.

6. Spirit of St Louis
Length: 8.4m
Wingspan: 14m
Max speed: 133 mph

Why famous? The single-seat monoplane executed the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic, from Roosevelt Airfield in New York to Paris Le Bourget in 1927. The feat, which took 33 hours and 30 minutes, netted pilot Charles Lindbergh a $25,000 prize. The aircraft – one of the most fuel-efficient and aerodynamic designs of its time – was designed by Ryan Airlines and named after Lindbergh’s home town of St Louis, Missouri. The fuel tanks were located at the front, to improve safety and balance; however this meant that there could be no front windshield in the tiny cockpit, requiring a periscope to provide front visibility.
Where now? National Air and Space museum (Smithsonian Institution), Washington DC, USA.

7. Lockheed Vega 5b
Length: 8.4 m
Wingspan: 12.5 m
Maximum speed: 185 mph
Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney Wasp R1340C

Why famous? The six-seater monoplane (named after manufacturer Lockheed) was made famous by Amelia Earhart, who in 1932 became the first woman to fly non-stop across the Atlantic single-handedly. At the time, it’s long-range and rugged design made it a popular choice for record attempts.
Where now? National Air and Space museum (Smithsonian Institution), Washington DC, USA.

8. Gulfstream GIV
Length: 29.6 m
Wingspan: 23.7 m
Maximum speed: 581 mph (Mach 0.88)
Powerplant: 2 x Rolls Royce Tay 611-8C
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft

Why famous? The Gulfstream IV has a firm place in the hearts of all aviation enthusiasts across the globe as the first truly global business jet. The private jet aircraft became a firm favourite, following its launch in 1987, as its unmatched range allowed private jet passengers to travel anywhere in the world with just one fuel stop. It also offered slick design and a spacious interior.
Where now? The GIV ceased production in 2003, replaced by Gulfstream’s other long range jets including the latest addition, the Gulfstream G650. Gulfstream jets are operated worldwide by private owners, fractional ownership companies and private jet charter operators.

9. Cessna Citation XL
Length: 16 m
Wingspan: 17.17 m
Max speed: 506 mph
Powerplant: 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft

Why famous? Since its first flight on 29 February, 1996 the Citation XL revolutionised the private aircraft market by offering a cost-effective competitor to the twin turboprop aircraft – and has since become the most popular selling private jet in the world for the past 5 years. The XL quickly became a favourite with private jet passengers and aircraft operators alike due to its speed, high passenger capacity and relative low cost in comparison to its competitors. Following the success of this aircraft, manufacturer Cessna has also developed the Citation XLS and Citation XLS+ which featured new engines and other improvements to performance.
Where now? A total of 308 Citation XLs were built before it was superseded by the XLS. Aircraft in the Citation XL family are currently operated across the world by private owners, fractional ownership companies and private jet hire operators.

10. SpaceShipTwo
Length: 18.3 m
Wingspan: 8.23 m
Powerplant: 1 x RocketMotorTwo liquid/solid hybrid rocket engine

Why famous? SpaceShipTwo is a suborbital spacecraft designed to carry space tourists. The aircraft, which offers an open cabin and large viewing windows, is currently the frontrunner in race to take commercial air passengers into space. Currently undergoing later stages of flight testing, manufacturer Virgin Galactic has announced that it intends to launch flight operations in 2012 with a maiden voyage carrying Virgin founder Richard Branson and his parents. In the meantime, the operation is funded by a pre-booking down-payment of $20,000 from ‘passenger astronauts’ on the full ticket price of $200,000.
Where now? Virgin Galactic will operate space flights from its Spaceport base in New Mexico, USA.

Posted in Airbus, Aircraft, Aircraft manufacturers, Airlines, Airports, British Airways, Business, Business travel, Celebrities, Cessna, Concorde, Gulfstream, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G650, History, Innovation, Korean Air, Lists, Lufthansa, Pilot, Private jet charter, Sir Richard Branson, Space, Top 10, Virgin Atlantic | No Comments »

Why the private jet set rarely complain about airport security

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Following his complaints about airport security, Sir Martin Broughton needs to send the British Airways board through a private jet airport terminal to understand how a “one-size-fits-all” approach to airport security can work.

The private jet industry is not exempt from the same Department for Transport regulated airport security checks as BA passengers but complaints from the “private jet set” are a rarity. The reason, Sir Martin will discover, is good old customer service. Private jet security staff adhere to some simple guidelines: no chewing of gum, no informal private conversations with fellow staff, look customers in the eye and speak to them with respect.

Sir Martin could also learn from Lawrence Hunt, who opted to take Silverjet’s passenger security screening in-house. For Silverjet’s passengers, the customer service experience started with the interaction with security staff, who were every bit as central to the business plan as their lounge staff, pilots and cabin crew. Instead of complaining, there is no reason why BA cannot employ its own security staff – after all would you trust such a major part of your customer’s satisfaction to BAA?

Posted in Airlines, Airport security, Airports, BA strike, British Airways, Business, Business travel, FBO, Luxury travel, Private jet charter, Safety, Time-saving | 1 Comment »

A lucky escape for private jet users: Air Passenger Duty (APD) is here to stay

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

The UK private jet industry was saved last week from a radical change to air passenger tax regulations, that would have resulted in substantial price increases for private jet travellers. The UK government has abandoned last year’s coalition agreement to scrap the current Air Passenger Duty (APD) and replace it with a per-plane tax.

The current tax is added to each ticket sale on a per seat basis. The amount depends on the class of ticket and the distance flown : e.g. £12 for a short haul economy ticket or up to £170 for a 1st class ticket to Australia.

Exemptions to the current APD include private aviation and cargo flights plus passengers flying on a connecting flight (so a passenger flying from Edinburgh to London then catching a connecting flight to New York would only pay APD on the 2nd flight).

The proposed ’per plane’ tax would have been applied to an aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight – and would not have been proportionate to the number of passengers on-board. It would have benefitted passengers travelling by low cost airlines with high load factors such as easyJet and Ryanair, who would have paid lower fares. However passengers travelling on aircraft with large business and first class sections would have ended up paying more tax than the current system. Passengers travelling to connect with long haul flights would also have been liable to pay their share of the aircraft’s overall flight tax bill; British Airways for example would have seen a massive increase in operating tax that would have been passed onto their passengers.

But private aviation users are the passenger group with the biggest reason to celebrate this tax turnaround: With the average number of passengers on a private jet being only 2.8, the increase in taxation per passenger would have been substantial. The private jet industry, still battling out of the last few years of recession, can breathe a collective sigh of relief this week after avoiding an airborne collision with the tax man.

Posted in Air Passenger Duty, Aircraft, Airlines, British Airways, easyJet, General Election 2010, Politics, Prices, Pricing, Private jet charter, Ryanair, VAT | No Comments »

Greek Air Traffic Control Strike

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Air traffic control staff across Greece will begin striking at 22.00 tonight (GMT) as part of a general strike over the Greek government’s economic policies. As a result, Athens, Thessaloniki and other smaller airports will be closed and hundreds of flights to and from Greece have been cancelled. Delays and cancellations are likely to persist for the rest of the week.

For affected flights PrivateFly can organise ground transport to/from the closest airports in other European countries - from which we have a network of available private jets for charter. Please call + 44 (0) 1747 642 777 for further updates and urgent flight requests.

Posted in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, British Airways, Closest airports, Private jet charter | 1 Comment »

Top 10 scenic airport approaches

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

1. Sion airport

Sion airport approach

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the approach to Sion airport takes you down the Rhone valley. With the high mountain terrain to negotiate your pilot will be radar vectored by Swiss military air traffic control to the initial approach point, after which the navigation is simple: fly straight down the valley with the cliffs above you, circle the town, avoid the hospital for a perfect touchdown at Europe’s most stunning airport! Get an instant private jet charter price estimate to Sion.

2. St Maarten – Princess Juliana airport

St Maarten Princess Juliana

The Princess Juliana airport on the island of St Maarten (Saint Martin) is exceptionally close to the beach, with aircraft literally skimming over the heads of holidaymakers. At the end of the runway is the sunset bar area – the ultimate planespotter’s viewing spot. Riding the fence is a local ritual: thrillseekers sit on the fence and hang on while jet blast blows at them as a 747 takes off. Get an instant private jet cost estimate to St Maarten.

3. St Barts airport

St Barts airport approach

The Caribbean island of St Barts is just a few minutes connecting flight from Princess Juliana on St Maarten (above) - with a very short runway, it does not cater to international flights. The approach is thrilling: With very tight angles, hills, unusual wind conditions and the short runway to negotiate, there’s little margin for error and only the most qualified and highly-trained pilots can land there. Get an instant private charter cost estimate to St Barts.

4. Gibraltar airport

Gibtaltar airport runway

Gibraltar airport is owned by the Ministry of Defence for use by the Royal Air Force as RAF Gibraltar. Civilian operators also use the airport for flights to the UK and Spain. The airport has the distinction of being the closest airport to the city that it serves, being only 500 metres from Gibraltar’s city centre and the runway is actually intersected by a road, Winston Churchill Avenue (the main road heading towards the land border with Spain) which consequently has to be closed every time a plane lands or departs. The rock of Gibraltar looms large on the stunning approach, causing unusual wind patterns and turbulence. Get an instant private jet charter cost estimate to Gibraltar.

5. St Gallen-Altenrhein airport

St Gallen-Altenrhein airport

St Gallen-Altenrhein has an idyllic setting between Lake Constance and the smoothly ascending alpine foot hills of the Appenzell region in Switzerland. It was built in 1927-1928 by pumping mud from nearby Lake Constance (Bodensee) onto a swampy area close to the shore line. Almost in the middle of this area a turf runway was built, laterally marked on both sides by a ditch which was filled up with yellow gravel from the Jura mountain range on the border with France. Get an instant private jet charter price estimate to St Gallen.

6. Madeira Funchal airport

Madeira Funchal airport

The runway at the island of Madeira’s Funchal airport (also known as Santa Catarina) is bordered by water on one side and hills on the other and was rebuilt in 2000 to include a stunning bridge-like extension with 180 supporting pillars over the Atlantic, providing both a dramatic view and additional car parking (underneath!). Before the rebuilding work, Madeira’s airport was once infamous for its short runway which, surrounded by high mountains and the ocean, made it a tricky landing for even the most experienced of pilots. Get an instant private jet charter cost estimate to Madeira Funchal.
7. London City airport

London City airport approach

As the closest airport to London’s city centre, the approach to London City airport provides a highly scenic approach over world-famous London landmarks. Air Traffic Control will route you over the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, before sliding you down the side of Canary Wharf with amazing views of the O2 music venue. The approach is unique as the glide path is set at stomach-churning 5.8 degrees as opposed to the usual 3, making for a fairground ride-like buzz. The runway is described by pilots as an ‘aircraft carrier’: relatively short and surrounded by the River Thames. On the ground no other airport in Europe handles its business aviation passengers as quickly and smoothly. Get an instant private jet charter price estimate to London City airport.

8. Lukla airport

Lukla airport runway

Arriving at Lukla airport in Nepal is an exhilarating experience, involving a 10-minute approach down a steep-sided valley followed by a sharp left-hand turn and an uphill landing. A sudden stop is very necessary: With a sheer rock face of hundred metres high at the end of the runway, there is no margin for error. Sirens inform people for miles around when a plane is coming in to land. Lukla airport was built by Sherpas in the 1960s, under instruction from Sir Edmund Hillary, and is the place that most people start their Mount Everest trek. Get an instant private charter estimate to Lukla.

9. Las Vegas McCarran airport

Las Vegas McCarran airport

The aerial approach to Las Vegas is a truly spectacular one, offering the contrast of desert with a sudden metropolis, unrivalled for sheer size and glamour – even in daylight (though it’s even more dramatic at night). From the left-hand side of the plane, there are views of the world-famous Strip stretching from the Stratosphere at one end to Mandalay Bay at the other. Red Rock canyon is another highlight, just to the West on the approach. Get an instant private jet charter estimate to Las Vegas.

10. Barra airport

The runway and terminal buildings at Barra airport

Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where scheduled aircraft land on a beach. The airport is situated on the wide beach of Traigh Mhor, on tiny Barra island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.There are a choice of three runways at Barra – so that the Twin Otter aircraft can always land into the wind. Flight times vary with the tide as the airport is literally washed away once a day. If you arrive in the late afternoon on a gloomy day (or for emergency night flights) you may notice cars in the car park with their lights on. This provides pilots with added visibility, since the airport has no artificial lighting. Visitors and cockle-pickers share use of the beach, with signs asking them to observe the windsock to see if the airport is in operation. Get an instant private charter estimate to Barra.

Posted in Aircraft, Aircraft manufacturers, Airlines, Airports, British Airways, Business, Business travel, Closest airports, How to, Lists, Pilot, Private jet charter, Safety, Top 10, Weather | No Comments »

BA’s private jet service

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

The news that British Airways has announced a private jet ‘add-on’ offering in the US is great for the industry as a whole and demonstrates that private aviation does not compete with scheduled services but instead compliments it. As we see with many of our clients, passengers will use a commercial airline for the long haul section of their journey with a connecting private jet to get them to the closest airfield to their final destination.

Increasingly for today’s time-starved travellers, private aviation is not about luxury but is simply a time saving tool.

BA’s step follows other airlines doing the same and clearly shows a industry trend. Lufthansa were the first to do so, initially with a partnership with NetJets. This was so successful for Lufthansa that they bought their own private jets and now run their own connecting services. Incidently Lufthansa Private Jets are members of the PrivateFly network. (See previous post)

Last week Delta announced a new one-stop booking for commercial and private jet travel in the US – offering loyalty-based discounts on their commercial fares for customers who add on private jet connections. Also announced in the last month, Korean Air have formed an alliance with Flexjet in the US, whereby passengers can obtain guaranteed access to private jet connections on a fleet of Bombardier business jets.

All of this demonstrates that private jet travel is increasingly being seen as a mainstream travel option - offering high levels of convenience, customer service and time-efficiency. And there are advantages for the customer in booking their private jet together with their commercial air ticket, such as a central booking system for airline and private jet and coordination of checked baggage (although passengers on international flights will still need to clear customs with their bags).

But there are also clear disadvantages to booking a private jet via an airline:

These airlines partnerships will not result in value for money. Passengers are tied to one private jet provider so there is no market comparison or competition. Additionally the airlines build in a booking fee margin for themselves so this increases the end price for the customer.
There are limitations on aircraft types so passengers do not necessarily end up with the most appropriate (or efficient) aircraft for their journey.

It will be interesting to see how these partnerships develop in the months ahead.

Posted in Aircraft, Aircraft manufacturers, Airlines, British Airways, Business, Business travel, Closest airports, Delta, Fleet, Innovation, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Private jet charter, Time-saving | No Comments »