There were 17 members of the committee and NIA staff present and 3 apologies.
1.The meeting commenced with a tour of the new Air Traffic Control Tower and all committee members enjoyed a most interesting and informative visit. The new tower commands an all-embracing view of the whole airport and much of Northumberland. Members saw the effect of a wind farm on the radar screens.
2. The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved and it was agreed that the notes of the meeting could be loaded on to the Newcastle Airport website. A query on seating availability in the immigration area is under consideration by Landside Operations. The Committee also met Erin Robson, the new Airport Planner, who will have as part of her remit the organisation of meetings of the Local Transport Forum.
3.The Chairman raised the subject of maintaining regional slots at Heathrow, as the Open Skies agreement increases pressure on these slots. It was agreed that a response would be made to a current consultation by the Department of Transport to help ensure they were retained, whilst not expressing a view on the desirability or otherwise of a third runway at Heathrow. It will also be a subject for discussion at the AGM of Consultative Committees in June, when support from other regional airports will be sought. It was agreed that it would be a safety improvement if VLJ’s ( very light jets), used as air taxis, had cockpit collision avoidance systems fitted. This will also be raised at the AGM if possible.
4. Key points from the Airport Company report included details of the their magazine “Horizons”, which had been distributed recently. New developments in the Departure Lounge including the Eagle Bar Diner and the walk through Tax and Duty Free shop, an update on the progress of the 4* hotel and filling station and the expansion of the Aviation Academy were also discussed. A public inquiry on the subject of wind turbines will be attended by the Airport Company, with safety aspects the major concern of the airport.
5. There was discussion on expanding membership of the Committee, to include more business “partners” and this will be followed up ahead of the next meeting.