There were 15 members of the committee and NIA staff present and 3 apologies.
1. The Committee welcomed Mr David Laws, the newly appointed Chief Executive, who outlined his plans for the future development of the Airport, covering environmental policy, customer service, impact on the area and his contacts with key stakeholders. He mentioned that he is a local resident himself. Mr Laws’ 28 years working at NIAL has given him an in depth understanding of the issues and opportunities he faces. The Chairman raised the subject of parking and in particular the drop off/pick up area and was assured that the free period of 10 minutes would be reinstated on 1st January 2008. Mr Laws also explained that the daily parking charge of £14 was competitive with other comparable airports such as Durham Tees Valley £18, Leeds Bradford £19, and Bristol £21. He highlighted the success of the new Emirates service to Dubai, but predicted that total 2008 passenger movements were unlikely to show growth and the airport was working hard to get a scheduled service to New York. Following work with the Department of Transport, new EU rules on security have been implemented and should result in a better passenger experience. After questions from the Committee, the Chairman thanked Mr Laws for his presentation and invited him to future meetings when his schedule allowed.
2. The minutes of the September meeting being approved the website would be updated. It was noted that the committee page was receiving a small number of “hits” and some committee members requested help to navigate this section. The Airport Company also confirmed that the Local Transport Forum would be operative once a new airport planner was appointed.
3. The Chairman advised that security practices across UK airports were the subject of a review by the Liaison Group of Consultative Committees and that the use of mobile telephones was generally prohibited in all security areas. Staffing levels in the immigration area here were dictated by the Government but it was not NIAL policy to hold passengers on incoming aircraft, as had been reported elsewhere, as more than one arrival could be handled at the same time.
4. The Airport Company report included the following key points:-
a. Flight punctuality at Newcastle was the best of the top 10 UK airports.
b. Alterations to the departure lounge were under way. The Committee
would have a conducted tour when they were complete. The suggestion
of a map to help passengers will be considered.
c. The Committee was updated on the current status of local wind farm developments and their possible effect on airport radar.
d. Noise monitoring in Throckley is taking place following a small number of complaints.
e. Following the presentation of a breakdown of customer complaints during the previous quarter, more detail in the passenger processing, baggage reclaim and airport facilities areas was requested for the next meeting.
5. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 26th February 2008 at 1.30pm, to allow for a tour of the new Air Traffic Control Tower.