NAILSEA
PEOPLE
2023
net zero operations by 2030, but to address emissions from road transport accessing the airport and from flights.
"Our region is pioneering zero emissions hydrogen-powered flight and we’re in unique partnerships working to make that a reality.”
PHOTO: From left James Cox, Hannah Pollard
and Whitney Love collecting award
Bristol Airport won the Sustainable Airport award at this year’s Airport Honour Awards, run by International Airport Review.
At the central event London, Bristol Airport beat off competition from airports in three continents to take the award for its sustainability strategy, culture and ethos.
The awards ceremony was part of the International Airport Summit being held in London, which brought together more than 200 airports from over 80 countries.
It brought together industry leaders and innovators to discuss how to solve the biggest challenges facing the airport sector.
The Sustainable Airport award recognises Bristol Airport’s efforts to achieve net zero operations by 2030.
The multi-million-pound investment required to make that target a reality continues, with a new 1.6mw solar array constructed on our airfield, gas being steadily removed and replaced with heating provided by air source heat pumps, and lighting being upgraded to low-energy LEDs.
The award also recognised the replacement of diesel vehicles with electric and efforts to increase the numbers of passengers and staff using public transport. The Airport has made staff travel free on the A1 and A3 Flyer bus services and seen sharp increases in the number of people using the services.
Bristol Airport head of sustainability Hannah Pollard said: “We’re proud to be recognised by the International Airport review and to win this award.
"It supports our long-term sustainability plans and our aim to take a lead in this area.
“There’s a huge amount still to do, not only as part of our plan to achieve
Bristol Airport wins international sustainability award
easyJet 70 million passengers count
easyJet has celebrated flying 70 million passengers to and from Bristol Airport by surprising a lucky couple with free flights
Bristol’s largest airline has also launched a new route to popular Mediterranean island, Malta for next summer
easyJet, Bristol’s largest airline, has today celebrated carrying 70 million passengers to and from Bristol Airport since it started flying there in May 2001.
To mark the occasion the airline surprised John and Lynda Booker from Gloucester, flying from Bristol to Tenerife with free easyJet return flights.
The news follows easyJet’s announcement earlier this month that the airline will operate a new route between Bristol and Malta next summer.
easyJet’s UK country manager Ali Gayward said: “We are so proud to be in Bristol today marking a key milestone as we celebrate flying 70 million passengers from Bristol.
"Our first flights from Bristol took off for the first time 22 years ago and since then we’ve been committed to Bristol to providing great value fares and convenient connections for our customers from across the South West whether they’re travelling for business or leisure.
“And of course, I have to thank our fantastic customers for their loyalty and support and, we remain excited about the future at Bristol.”
The airline launched its first services from Bristol in May 2001 starting with routes to Palma, Faro and Nice.
For more than 20 years easyJet has been the largest airline in Bristol and now operates 17 aircraft on 70 popular leisure and business destinations
For more information on easyJet’s network from Bristol, visit easyJet.com.
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: “This is an amazingmilestone and a demonstration of the successful partnership between easyJet and Bristol Airport.
"The extensive route network offers passengers in the region an incredible choice and flexibility of flights, whilst using their local airport.
"Since 2001, easyJet’s commitment to Bristol Airport has seen continued growth in their base and investment in a large fleet of Airbus aircraft, supporting the strong aircraft and aerospace manufacturing sector in the region.
"We look forward to further development of the long-standing relationship and extending route network opportunities in the future.”
"We have worked closely with the air traffic control team, and business contract partners to bring these state-of-the-art plans to life.
"It will be a complex project working with the various teams to ensure the day-to-day operation is disrupted as little as possible, while the much needed refurbishment take place.”
The development of Bristol Airport to being a 12 million passenger per annum airport will create thousands of new jobs in the years ahead, open-up new direct air links, and support inbound tourism.
This project is one of many to enhance the customer experience and facilities at Bristol Airport whilst meeting the challenge of developing in an environmentally friendly way and the commitment in being a net zero airport operation by 2030.
Bristol Airport has started work on a six-month refurbishment of the Air Traffic Control Tower and is investing more than £3.5m to improve and enhance the 20-year-old facility.
The tower will undergo extensive renovations, improving the overall aesthetics and functionality of the building whilst meeting the latest building standards and regulations.
It will incorporate environmentally friendly elements such as energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling system reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
The project will include several significant improvements to the Air Traffic Control Tower including:
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Over £3.5m investment
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Lift replacement
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New external facing
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Enhanced insulation
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New doors and windows
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Enhanced rest facilities for colleagues
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Roof works
The investment will provide a significantly improved Air Traffic Control Tower for the National Air Traffic Services colleagues and engineers working on site, providing round the clock air traffic services to the airport. The project forms part of Bristol Airport’s overall multi-million-pound transformational development plan enabling 12 million passengers a year to use the Airport.
Bristol Airport infrastructure director Andrew Goodenough said: "This £3.5m refurbishment project represents a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise our air traffic control infrastructure and continues to ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency.
£3.5m spend on air traffic control tower
frequent flights to Alicante, Budapest and Sofia.
New routes to Porto, Portugal and Venice, Italy will also be available to holidaymakers hoping to fly out from Bristol.
Ryanair head of communications Jade Kirwan said: “Ryanair is pleased to announce more growth, investment and jobs for the South West with the launch of Ryanair’s Winter 23-24 schedule for Bristol.
“With 25 routes for winter, including our new Porto and Venice routes, as well as increased frequencies on another 10 popular winter sun destinations, like Alicante, Budapest, Lanzarote, Malaga and Sofia, our customers in the South West can avail of a wide range of winter destinations at Ryanair’s infamously low fares.”
Ryanair passengers will be able to board at Bristol Airport for 25 destinations this winter, including two new cities in Italy and Portugal
Ryanair has revealed its winter schedule at Bristol Airport and it includes flights to two new Mediterranean destinations.
In total 25 routes will be available over the 2023-24 autumn and winter months, making it the perfect time for anyone sick of dark clouds and rain to nab an inexpensive sunny city break.
The budget airline is now flying from Bristol to Porto and Venice, also will also be running more frequent flights to popular winter break destinations including Lanzarote and Malaga.
A £500 million investment will see a fifth Ryanair aircraft to its Bristol fleet as well as support more than 1,700 local jobs, including 30 new high-paid pilot and cabin crew jobs.
It comes after thousands of passengers saw their summer holiday plans interrupted by nation-wide air traffic control problems.
Bristol flyers were no exception and many faced delays or cancellations after a National Air Traffic System error in August.
Ryanair said it is calling on the government to reform air traffic control to guarantee no further disruptions.
As well as flights to Spain, Ryanair has said it will also operate more
Ryanair 25 destinations
Bristol Airport has started work on its largest capital project ever and is investing more than £60m in creating a public transport interchange hub and multi-storey car park.
This transformational project will enhance services and accessibility for customers whether arriving or departing from Bristol Airport.
Customers using Bristol Airport will notice preparation and enabling works taking place in front of the terminal and within the Northside car park.
The project will provide:
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More than £60m investment
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New public transportation interchange hub
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Additional multi-storey car park
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Glazed bridge link between car parks and terminal
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Elevating customer comfort with a new Waiting area and rest facilities
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Enhanced customer facilities including an enlarged Drop Off and Pick Up area
The investment will provide a significantly enlarged public transport interchange hub, improved internal road system and an additional multi-storey car park providing customer enhancements such as waiting rooms and rest facilities.
The project forms part of Bristol Airport’s overall multi-million-pound transformational development plan enabling 12 million passengers a year to use the airport.
A major public transport interchange hub will be created for coaches, buses and other forms of public transport on the top level of the multi-storey car park.
The public transport interchange hub will more than double the number of bus/coach bays to 16 bays (an increase from the current six bays).
This will enabling the airport to be one of the region’s largest bus/coach interchanges, and is a major contribution of Bristol Airport’s commitment in improving public transport links across the region.
The top level of the car park will also provide a dedicated Drop Off and Pick-up location for family, friends or taxis and provide a new gateway for all customers and with ease of access to the terminal.
The new multi-storey car park will provide over 2000 spaces; state of the art technology; blue badge parking; and will adjoin the existing multi-storey car park.
£60m airport bus station
The terminal will be accessed via a glazed pedestrian bridge link with ease of access for customers - all on the same level thus removing the current pedestrian route of using steps and slopes between the car parks and the terminal, enhancing the customer experience whether arriving or departing from Bristol Airport.
The internal road improvements and design will segregate pedestrians and vehicles, making it safer for everyone.
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: "This project is transformational for our customers.
"It is the largest single capital investment project since the terminal opened in 2000 and will take 18 months to complete.
"As with all large-scale projects, they are complex and the development work will need to be phased to accommodate the normal day to day airport operations.
"During the project, customers will see several temporary changes taking place, including temporary relocation of some car parks and changes to internal roads layouts.
"We will continue to keep customers informed of the changes via directional signage, customer messaging on car park bookings, the website and on social media.”
The development of Bristol Airport to being a 12 million passenger per annum airport will create thousands of new jobs in the years ahead, open-up new direct air links, and support inbound tourism.
This project is the first of many to enhance the customer experience at Bristol Airport whilst meeting the challenge of developing in a responsible way and the commitment in being a net zero airport operation by 2030.
UK hydrogen alliance established to accelerate zero carbon aviation and bring an £34bn* annual benefit to the country
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The Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA) alliance of major players across aviation will work to accelerate the delivery of zero carbon aviation;
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The UK is currently in a strong position to become a global leader in hydrogen-powered aviation, but further steps must be taken to capture the opportunity, secure long-term employment and economic benefits, as well as meet critical decarbonisation targets;
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HIA aims to assist Government and policymakers by mapping out the milestones to ensure infrastructure, regulatory and policy changes keep pace with the ground-breaking technological developments in carbon-free flying;
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It is critical that the supply of hydrogen, and the infrastructure needed to support zero carbon flying, are prioritised if the significant social and economic benefits of flying are to be preserved; and
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New research shows that 81 per cent of the British public believe hydrogen is the best option to decarbonise aviation with 91 per cent supporting the UK government investing in hydrogen production and use in the aviation sector.
A group of leading companies in the UK aviation and renewable energy sectors including easyJet, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Ørsted, GKN Aerospace and Bristol Airport, have this September established the Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA) alliance to accelerate the delivery of zero carbon aviation. HIA will work to ensure the UK capitalises on the huge opportunity hydrogen presents to both the aviation industry and country as a whole.
While there are various options for de-carbonising the aviation sector, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), synthetic fuels or batteries, HIA believes that more attention should be paid to the potential of the direct use of hydrogen.
Hydrogen is a very promising alternative-fuel option for short-haul aviation. Airbus is developing new hydrogen powered aircraft with the aim of entering commercial service from 2035 and Rolls-Royce has already proven that hydrogen could power a jet engine following successful ground tests in 2022.
Furthermore, many smaller operators are making rapid progress on hydrogen-powered aircraft, notably ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen who have already carried out flight tests.
The group will be drawing on their considerable expertise to propose a clear and deliverable pathway to achieving hydrogen-powered aviation. HIA will work constructively with Government, local authorities, and the aviation and hydrogen sectors to enable the UK to fulfil its potential as a global leader in this critical application of hydrogen technology. This will include setting out the pathway for scaling up the infrastructure and the policy, regulatory and safety frameworks needed so that large scale commercial aviation can become a reality.
The alliance will set out that Government needs to be focused on three key areas which are; supporting the delivery of the infrastructure needed for the UK to be a global leader; ensuring the aviation regulatory regime is hydrogen ready; and transforming the funding for hydrogen aviation R&D support into a 10 year programme, if the UK is to see the economic benefits and meet de-carbonisation targets.
easyJet CEO and HIA chair Johan Lundgren said: “There is no doubt that the UK has the potential to become a world leader in hydrogen aviation, which could bring with it a £34bn per annum boost to the country’s
Hydrogen in Aviation
economy by 2050, but in order to capture this opportunity, rapid change is needed and the time to act is now.
“We must work together to deliver the radical solutions required for a hard to abate industry like aviation so we can protect and maximise the benefits that it brings to the UK economy and society and that we know British consumers want to be preserved.
“HIA looks forward to working with the UK Government to ensure the right funding, regulatory and policy changes are implemented to accelerate the delivery of zero carbon aviation.”
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: “We’re proud to be part of this new alliance, coming together to call for action now so hydrogen flight can become a reality in the future.
"The potential opportunities of hydrogen flight are huge – most of Bristol Airport’s routes could be served by zero emissions aircraft and our region is uniquely positioned to become a global centre for the new technology, creating thousands of new aerospace jobs.”
BRISTOL WORLD: They say if you can remember the 1960s, you weren’t really there. Well, nevermind if you missed this iconic decade as Bristol World has put together some amazing cityscape photographs for people to reminisce. From shopping centre to airport (then owned by the council and called Lulsgate), sport and music, and photos of the first Concorde and take-off in Bristol. This is American actress and Playboy model Jayne Mansfield with friend, club owner and entrepreneur Alan Wells, at Bristol Airport in May 1967. Mr Wells ran the Webbington Hotel near Weston-super-Mare, and this luring of Mansfield to his club was big news at the time. Less than eight weeks after this picture was taken, Mansfield would die in a road crash in America. See more here https://www.bristolworld.com/news/sixties-bristol-swinging-60s-bristol-in-19-pictures-4257201
Bus Light Year trip for schoolchildren
At the beginning of this year, pupils of Winford Church of England Primary School were asked to come up with the names of the new fully electric buses at Bristol Airport.
The students were invited to suggest 'space-themed' names for the four fully electric CoBuses – the vehicles used to transfer customers between the terminal to their aircraft.
The school children came up with some fantastic and innovative suggestions with the winners being ‘Bus Aldren’; ‘Bus Light Year’; ‘The Solar Express’ and the ‘Comet Cruiser’.
Last month, the 10 school children who came up with the names were invited up to Bristol Airport and to see the ‘Bus Light Year’ CoBus in person.
The pupils were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the south side operations of the airport and were given an opportunity to go on board the bus.
Members of OCS and Airside Operations team were also there to discuss their roles and to answer any questions. Before leaving the airport, all thestudents were awarded a Bristol Airport goody bag for their great work.
The CoBus has the capacity to carry up to 110 customers and operates between Bristol Airport’s terminal building and aircraft.
The fully electric vehicle includes state-of-the-art features to maximise safety and comfort.
Winford Church of England Primary School head teacher Nik Gardner said: ‘This was a great opportunity for Winford C of E Primary School to become involved with Bristol Airport, our largest local industry.
"Our pupils loved getting involved in naming the buses and loved the visit to the airport even more!"
Water stations everywhere
Bristol Airport has installed six new water stations.
This ti to make it easier for customers to reuse their water bottles instead of buying a new plastic bottle every time.
It increases the total to 13 water refill stations in the terminal.
The water refill stations will help reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles being bought and disposed of at the airport.
Within the first week of being used, the new water stations saved over 34,000 plastic water bottles from being sent to a landfill site.
The new water refill stations have been installed adjacent to Boots in the Departure Lounge and by gates 7,12 and 34 for customer and colleagues to use.
Bristol Airport head of customer operations,Richard Thomasson said: “The roll out of the new water refill stations across the terminal is another step in helping customers use less single-use plastic and to enjoy free drinking water on the go.
"To see 34,000 plastic water bottles in the first week being saved from being sent to a landfill site is an incredible stat and we encourage all customers to use these new water stations.
“We’re seeing more customers carry a reusable water bottle through security and we are committed to provide an increased service for free water refills to help people save money as well as helping out the environment.”
easyJet celebrates 20 years based in Bristol
easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, has today celebrated the 20th anniversary of its base at Bristol Airport - its largest outside of London.
In 20 years of operations, easyJet has grown to be the largest airline at Bristol having flown more than 72 million passengers since operations started there.
With 17 based aircraft and over 650 crew members, easyJet provides Bristol passengers with 70 domestic and international routes, including the most popular destination Geneva.
easyJet’s very first flights from Bristol – to Faro, Palma and Nice began in August 2003 and since then the airline has gone from strength to strength.
This year easyJet has launched four new routes to Chania in Crete, Belfast City, Rovaniemi in Lapland and Enfidha-Hammamet in Tunisia.
Celebrations have taken place throughout the day at Bristol airport.
The crew room was filled with decorations and party food for pilots and cabin crew operating the day’s flights.
easyJet UK country manager Ali Gayward said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 20 fantastic years of our base at Bristol Airport.
“We are so proud to be the largest airline in Bristol, serving 70 destinations with everything from city breaks, holiday hotspots, ski and business destinations offered.
“easyJet looks forward to continuing to provide low fares and friendly customer service to our passengers in Bristol.”
Bristol Airport chief executive officer Dave Lees said: “We are delighted to be celebrating this important and invaluable 20 year anniversary between easyJet and Bristol Airport.
“We’re immensely proud of the relationship we have with easyJet, they play a big part in the success of Bristol Airport – and we look forward to continuing to build on this in the future – with exciting new destinations, increased passenger numbers and importantly the further deployment of the new environmentally friendly quieter and more fuel-efficient Airbus NEO aircraft.”
easyJet operates 70 routes from Bristol airport on 17 based aircraft.
To book or discover more about easyJet’s UK network, visit easyJet.com.
Happy 20th easyJet
Community funding news
for local residents in close proximity to the airport.
“As a committee, we fully recognise the importance of the fund and how it can make a valuable contribution to local community life.”
Wrington Parish Council received £4,375 towards the Wrington Quarry Nature Reserve, a conservation project which aim is to turn an unmanaged and overgrown woodland area into a local nature reserve which includes an improvement of a permissive footpath.
Project leader, Tony Harden, pictured, said: "It was fantastic news when we heard that we had been successful in our application to the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund.
"The £4,375 that we received has gone towards the opening up of a disused quarry which is being turned into a local nature reserve and now provides a fantastic new area of woodland for walkers, local residents and school children to enjoy.
"The funding has provided the foundations for the footpath, new steps and banisters, insect habitats and a campfire.”
For more information and to learn how to apply go to: https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/corporate/community/local-community-fund/
The first half of 2023 has been a successful start to the year for Bristol Airport Community Fund with more than £170,000 granted to support local projects.
In total, 51 individual projects have benefited from the fund with grants ranging from £500 to £15,000 so far in 2023.
This includes:
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funding for a nature conservation project in the village of Wrington;
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car park improvements to Golbin Coombe in Cleeve; and
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children's educational equipment for Winford Village Pre-School
In total, £1.5 million has been granted to projects in the surrounding community of Bristol Airport since the fund was set up in 2012.
The management committee, which oversees the community fund, meets on a quarterly basis to discuss and make a decision on all applied projects. Committee members consist of representatives from both the Airport, North Somerset Council and is independently chaired.
The purpose is to help mitigate the impact of the Airport’s operations and to give something back to surrounding communities who are situated in close proximity to the airport.
The fund’s area of benefit includes the parishes of Winford, Wrington, Backwell, Brockley, Cleeve and Barrow Gurney.
Projects which could be eligible for support include initiatives to improvements to transport infrastructure, measures to reduce community severance, nature conservation, educational projects and local sustainability initiatives.
Part of the community fund is the Noise Insulation Scheme which helps mitigate the impact of aircraft and ground noise.
This scheme is set up to provide funding for new window installation for families living close to the airport and so far this year, Bristol Airport has given £85,000 to 32 individual residents in the area.
Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund chairman David Hall said: "To be able to distribute over £170,000 from the fund to support worthwhile community groups is a huge achievement and it has enabled many projects to continue to thrive, grow further, and provide essential support
Bristol Airport is preparing for the busiest ever summer holiday getaway with more than 1.5 million passengers planning to travel through the Airport during the holiday period from Saturday, July 22, until beginning of September.
August bank holiday is expected to be the busiest period during the summer with customers and families going on a well-deserved holiday, city break or to meet up with friends and relatives.
More than 1.5 million customers are expected to travel through the airport over the summer holiday period, with up to 37,000 customers flying on some days.
Sun destinations and city trips are due to be the most popular choices during this summer holiday period.
The top sun destinations for customers will include Palma de Mallorca, Alicante and Málaga.
The top city trips include Dublin, Edinburgh and Amsterdam.
This year has been a hugely busy first six months for Bristol Airport with the airport welcoming Aegean Airlines, Sun Express and Corendon Airlines.
In March, the airport saw the return of the highly-anticipated Bristol to Cork service with Aer Lingus.
The airport will also be welcoming athletes who will be competing in the UIPM Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships 2023 in Bath during August.
Bristol Airport recommends all passengers to prepare and plan ahead.
This includes:
Check-in/bag drop:
• Check in online
• Check if the airline offers twilight check-in (free car parking in Short Stay car park provided)
At security:
• Have boarding card ready
Busy summer holiday getaway at Bristol
• Remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices
• Place liquids in separate liquids bags
• Empty pockets into the trays provided
• Take off jacket and/or coat and place in tray provided
Customers are reminded to arrive at the terminal in plenty of time before their flight departure, to complete check-in, bag drop, security checks and boarding processes.
Please check with your airline directly if you wish to confirm the precise check-in opening times.
Founder of One Water visits Bristol Airport on UK road trip
“And now I want to celebrate the part played by World Duty Free and its staff by riding my original world-trip motorbike around the UK, thanking them personally.”
The founder of charity One Water, Duncan Goose, visited the World Duty Free store at Bristol Airport in July as part of a round-Britain awareness tour.
He wanted everyone to know about the millions of people around the world who do not have access to clean drinking water.
Duncan founded the charity in 2005, after his motorbike trip around the world took him through a deadly hurricane in Honduras in 1998.
This experience led him to establish one of the UK’s first ‘purpose-led brands’.
‘One’ was named because at the time there were one billion people living without access to clean water. It started with a simple mission – to donate its profits to fund clean water projects.
Since then the charity has given away £25 million and helped 4 million people.
Duncan Goose said: “Thanks to the ongoing support for the One Foundation since 2006 from the UK’s leading travel retailer; World Duty Free, and all its staff, and to all the customers who have switched to One water, we are changing people’s lives.
MORNING RUN: Nailsea & Backwell Taxis have been taking photos of its early morning airport runs and posting on Facebook. We share this one from Bristol Airport - others have been taken at Heathrow. It is always nice leaving for holiday when it is raining at home and you are heading for sunnier climes although a bit of a heatwave going on at the moment in Europe!
TALK OFF: North Somerset MP Liam Fox made a visit to Bristol Airport this week to discuss parking issues and airport expansion. He is photographed in front of their new solar array and the most up-to-date fire station in the country
This offers up to one-hour of free parking and provides access to a frequent bus service to the Terminal building.
Bristol Airport is also served by public transport routes.
The airport currently has several scheduled bus services to it, many of which operate almost 24 hours a day.
For more information about bus services visit https://travelwest.info.
Double red lines will be installed on a section of the A38 near Bristol Airport from Monday, July 3, to improve road safety.
The lines which will replace existing double yellows, are being introduced to prevent drop off and pick up parking which is causing serious issues in the area.
North Somerset Council executive member with responsibility for highways Hannah Young is the Labour Party ward councillor for Clevedon south.
She said: "The A38 is a major route and the mindless actions of some drivers are causing major problems and creating a safety issue around the airport.
"We hope these lines will solve the problems and those who ignore the rules will be fined. There will be no tolerance."
Bristol Airport policing team inspector Christian Gresswell said: “We welcome the introduction of this red route and believe it will help reduce the risk of incidents caused by illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous parking.
"Only recently a rider was knocked off his motorbike as a direct result of illegal parking, sustaining significant injuries. This is the type of incident that we are looking to prevent and the red route will assist in making the roads safer for the public”
The lines, which are only the second of their kind in North Somerset (the others are at Ashton Court), will be installed between Monday and Friday, July 3-7, using traffic lights and lane closures between 8pm-6am.
Once in place they will be enforced by Avon and Somerset Police and anyone parked on them will be issued with a fine.
People dropping and picking up from the airport should use the waiting zone at the entrance of the Silver Zone car park.
Red lines on A38 at airport
Bristol Airport has achieved Real Living Wage accreditation from the Real Living Wage Foundation an independent organisation that champions fair pay for all.
Currently, more than 12,000 UK businesses voluntarily pay their colleagues the higher award and today, Bristol Airport has secured the Real Living Wage accreditation across the airport site.
In contrast to the Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage which are both set by the Government, the Real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the actual cost of living.
Annual rates are calculated by the Resolution Foundation based on a basket of everyday goods, and overseen by the Living Wage Commission.
Bristol Airport and each of our business partners on site have committed to paying the real living wage as a minimum, and not the lower rates calculated by the Government.
Bristol Airport people director Debbie Hartshorn said: “Bristol Airport is central to the economy of the South West - currently supporting almost 4,000 direct jobs, and around 23,000 jobs across the wider region - and as we expand capacity from 10 million passengers per annum to 12 million passengers per annum we are projected to add a further 5,800 jobs.
"We have a responsibility to ensure that these roles are attractive to candidates and are fairly rewarded, and are delighted to have attained Real Living Wage accreditation ahead of the deadline we set for ourselves."
Fair pay for airport employees award
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: “This further extends the choice and flexibility of flights available from Bristol Airport and will no doubt appeal to travellers throughout the South West and Wales region wishing to use their local airport.
“We look forward to working with easyJet on further new route opportunities in the coming months.”
Holidaymakers looking for inspiration can use easyJet's Low Fare Finder on easyJet.com to search for the lowest fares on easyJet's entire network, all in one place, allowing them to plan their next holiday at a bargain price.
Seats are available to book from today on easyJet.com and via the mobile app meaning customers can book early to get the best fares, from £32.49.
easyJet operates 69 routes from Bristol airport on 17 based aircraft. To book or discover more about easyJet’s UK network, visit easyJet.com.
For more information about the new flights or easyJet’s network from Bristol visit www.easyJet.com.
New route and holidays from Bristol to Marrakech
easyJet will launch twice weekly all year new route from Bristol to Marrakech from the end of October.
Seats now on sale on easyJet.com and via the mobile app from £32.99
Operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the popular north African city is known for its colourful souks, Moorish architecture, intimate gardens and charming Riads that make for a culture-rich holiday destination.
The new service is among nine new routes easyJet has launched today from nine airports across the UK, to destinations ranging across the UK, France, Morocco, Tunisia and Iceland.
The launch of even more new routes from the UK for next winter follows easyJet’s return to growth this summer in the UK which will also see easyJet operate its biggest ever UK summer flying programme, flying around eight per cent more capacity than pre-pandemic and over one million more seats in peak summer and 23 new routes from the UK.
easyJet's UK country manager Ali Gayward said: “We are delighted to be announcing our new route and package holidays from Bristol to Marrakech today, which will provide customers across the south west with even more choice when planning their holidays and with flights now on sale, customers can book early to get the best fares.
“easyJet is proud to be the largest airline at Bristol and the launch of this new route demonstrates our confidence in the resilient strength of demand for travel in the UK, with customers choosing us for our trusted brand, unrivalled network and great value fares and we can’t wait to welcome more customers on board.”
Fly me to Marrakech
Boots has opened a branch to the departure lounge at Bristol Airport.
Just the place to pick up all holiday essentials before take-off.
As well as sun protection, insect repellent and other travel basics the is a 'lunch on the go' Boots meal deal selection and a wide range of global cosmetic and skincare brands including No 7, Maybelline and Rimmell.
A Click and Collect service is also available to guarantee items from Boots before customers fly.:
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Order online at boots.com
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At checkout, select the Bristol Airport store located after security
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Collect in store before your flight
Photo from left Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees, Boots travel store director Floss Walton-Bateson and Boots travel area manager Andrew Worrall
Order online before you fly at Bristol
Bristol Airport expansion is ready to take-off after receiving confirmation the recent appeal by Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) to Government on Bristol Airport’s development has been refused on all grounds.
In the government document it said:
BRISTOL AIRPORT ACTION NETWORK versus SECRETARY OF STATE FOR LEVELLING UP, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES ORDER made by the Rt. Hon. Lady Justice Andrews DBE. Permission to appeal refused on all grounds; none has a real prospect of success and there is no other compelling reason for the Court of Appeal to entertain an appeal.
Bristol Airport issued this statement on receiving the news:
“Bristol Airport welcomes the Court’s decision to uphold the planning permission to increase Bristol Airport’s capacity from 10 million to 12 million passengers per annum providing enhanced customer facilities for the region’s gateway for air travel. The decision is excellent news for our region’s economy, allowing us to create thousands of new jobs in the years ahead and open-up new direct links, and support inbound tourism. We will now take forward our multi-million-pound plans for net zero operations by 2030 and look forward to working with stakeholders and the community to deliver responsible growth.”
Airport expansion go-ahead
HIGH FLYERS: Tuesday, May 16, was a major milestone in Bristol Airport’s history as it marks a special 35-year anniversary for KLM flying from Bristol Airport. To mark the occasion Bristol Airport presented KLM with a limited-edition print and Bristol Blue Glass gifts showcasing the city. Visit West worked with local businesses to highlight the history of the city for the commemorative gifts. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers flights from Bristol to 20 destinations
PHOTO: Centre left Fahmi Mahjoub, of KLM, and centre right, Rupert Lawrie, Bristol Airport
"This important project highlights the commitment of Bristol Airport in pursuing renewable energy sources .
Bristol Airport head of sustainability said: “This is an exciting project take shape, creating our first onsite solar farm and a huge first step in exploring renewable energy that will be consumed on site.
“This project highlights our commitment to making continual improvements now and in the future.”
Video for illustrative purposes only
Customers travelling from Bristol Airport will see development work taking place on the airfield creating Bristol Airport’s solar farm.
A 2.8-acre solar farm is being constructed on the airfield.
Preparation work is already underway, with the project commencing in May and forecast to be completed by the summer this year.
The solar panels (combined with the existing roof mounted panels at the Administration Building and the Car Rental Consolidation Site) will be expected to increase the renewable energy generated on site to at least 16 per cent of the airport’s direct energy needs over the year.
All power generated would be consumed onsite.
The development is also a major component in helping to deliver the ambitions to be a Net Zero Airport for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
Equally, the solar panels are essential for the airport to meet its target of having 25 per cent of its energy use generated by its own renewable sources by the end of 2025.
3ti delivery director Richard Lees said: “We are delighted to be designing, installing and delivering this solar ground mount project for Bristol Airportand look forward to supporting their sustainable initiatives.
Building solar farm at Bristol Airport
Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services
has recommenced its regular flights between Bristol-Cork.
The Bristol-Cork service will operate six times per week, daily, except Saturday.
The airline is already operating flights between Bristol-Dublin, seven days a week.
Tickets are on sale now at www.aerlingus.com where you can also get fares and flight information.
Emerald Airlines head of commercial Ciarán Smith said: “As we commence our flights from Bristol to Cork, we are pleased to offer increased connectivity and convenient timings to our customers.
"We are confident that this highly-anticipated route will be well-received by both business and leisure travellers, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners in Bristol Airport and Cork Airport, ensuring the success of this service."
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: “We are delighted to see the return of the Bristol – Cork flight.
"Our partnership with Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of the Aer Lingus Regional services, further strengthens the air links between the South West of England and Ireland, extending the options available to customers in the
Six times a week
region when selecting to fly from their local airport.
“We look forward to continue working with the team at Emerald Airlines to foster the growth of this service.”
HIGH FLYERS: A week of train (photos in the gallery HERE) and plane spotting. This week our airport welcomed 25 members of the Bristol Airport Spotting community to its administration building to capture some fantastic footage of the arriving and departing aircraft. The event was well attended and raised money for the airport’s charity of the year, British Heart Foundation
Italian coffee shop opens in Bristol Airport foyer
Premium European coffee house brand Caffè Nero has announced the opening of its new store in Bristol Airport.
This takes its total number of airport stores across The Caffè Nero Group to more than 33, pictured below is cafe at Birmingham..
The Bristol Airport store, which was won via tender process is located in the main airport terminal and opens after an investment of over £500K.
The store, a bespoke design created by Gerry Ford, the company’s founder, is 2000 sq ft with over 80 seats and manages to deliver a feeling of warmth and cosiness inside the busy airport.
Generating 15 new jobs, the store has recorded a strong opening week of sales, and is already trading ahead of expectations having received extremely positive feedback for its look and feel.
Caffè Nero managing director, Glyn House said:: “I’m delighted by the early performance of our new Bristol Airport store.
"The design is fantastic, it really creates an exciting, yet warm and welcoming atmosphere and customers are already telling us how impressed they are.
"I think our customers will really enjoy visiting and we look forward to serving them.”
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: "It is fantastic news that Caffè Nero has joined the Bristol Airport family.
"The store will further enhance the extensive food and beverage range currently available to customers.
"Caffe Nero is ideally located at the entrance to security in the terminal, offering customers whether arriving, departing or picking up family and friends’ another option of restaurant to enjoy refreshments in comfortable and relaxed surroundings.”
Special new parking rate for blue badge holders
Bristol Airport has announced that Blue Badge holders will receive 40 minutes parking for a reduced fee of £5 and will no longer have to go to the Special Assistance Desk to get an exit pass.
The changes, which come into force from Tuesday, May 2, have been introduced following a meeting between the airport and the disability forum.
Currently Blue Badge holders have to go to the Special Assistance Desk inside the terminal to get an exit pass to leave the car park in a 30-minute time allocation.
This time restriction was a challenge for many disabled customers, particularly those using wheelchairs.
Family and friends who are dropping off customers with a Blue Badge will also be able to use the Drop & Go car park by scanning the Blue Badge at the exit barrier.
This will allow them to benefit from the 40 minute stay for £5.
If the Blue Badge holder is travelling and needs to take their Blue Badge with them, the vehicle driver needs to retain a copy of the Blue Badge and the badge details required at the exit barrier to access the reduced fee.
their local airport to travel to a variety of exciting destinations, and enjoy the extensive cruise programme available from Marella Cruises.
"We look forward to working with TUI on future route opportunities."
TUI already offers:
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31 destinations on offer in 11 countries
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26 flights per week, across nine destinations and more than 220k seats in Greece with nine Greek Islands on offer
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Weekly flights to Halkidiki and Santorini; flying twice a week to Skiathos; three times a week to Rhodes and Kefalonia; four times a week to Corfu, Heraklion, Kos and Zakynthos
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Cape Verde on offer to both Sal and Boa Vista
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Five flights per week to support Marella Cruise programmes in Dubrovnik, Palma de Mallorca, Corfu and Dalaman
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27 flights per week and nearly a quarter of a million in Spain including more than 80,000 seats in Canaries, 110k seats in Balearics
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Daily flying to Palma de Mallorca with more than 35,000 seats in Mainland Spain
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More than 60,000 seats in Cyprus
TUI reveals a new route to Boa Vista, Cape Verde and additional flights out of Bristol Airport for summer 2024.
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Increase in frequency offering more choice and flexibility
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New route to Boa Vista, Cape Verde
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120k additional short/mid haul seats planned vs Summer 23
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Three Exclusive Routes
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Boa Vista & Sal in Cape Verde, and Marrakesh
In addition to the new route to Boa Vista, Cape Verde the programme will offer:
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daily flights to Palma de Mallorca;
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increased frequency to Dalaman, five times per week;
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four times weekly flights to Antalya, Corfu, Heraklion, Ibiza, Kos and Zakynthos;
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Kefalonia and Tenerife, three times weekly; and
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additional flights to Enfidha and Marrakesh giving opportunities for 10-11 night holidays and short breaks.
TUI managing director Andrew Flintham said: "Our customers want more flexibility and to be able to choose a departure airport that is close to home – and that is exactly what the new TUI 2024 summer programme has been designed to do.
"We want every one of our customers to be able to create a holiday as unique as they are – departure airport, destination and duration are all key components which come together to make the perfect TUI holiday.
"The 2024 programme will see extra flights departing from across the UK.
"Bristol Airport will see a significant increase in flight seats offering more holidays to those living in the region.”
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: "This is exciting news.
"These new flights show the positive momentum offering extended choice of destinations and stay lengths for customers.
"The increased capacity for next year builds on the strong growth we are experiencing with TUI from Bristol Airport.
"The programme provides even more choice for customers when using
TUI summer 2024 programme revealed
Working in partnership, Bristol Airport and CAVU are excited to announce the opening of two new airport lounges this summer.
Operated by CAVU, Escape Lounge and 1903 Lounge will offer all passengers the opportunity to start their journey in the best way possible.
Both Escape Lounge and 1903 Lounge have a reputation for delivering a premium pre-flight experience, offering travellers a special way to ignite that holiday feeling.
Offering friendly service, a wide selection of complimentary food & drink and dedicated space and services, the lounges create a world away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal, allowing guests to relax and unwind before their flight.
“We are thrilled to bring these premium lounge experiences to Bristol Airport” said Nolan Hough President of CAVU in EMEA.
“From a curated menu to excellent customer service, this lounge will help travellers unwind and recharge as they await their flight.”
Located on the mezzanine floor of the departure terminal, 1903 Lounge is available to pre-book for entry from Monday, May 1, and Escape Lounge can be pre-booked for entry from Thursday, June 1.
The launch of both lounges will be followed by a period of refurbishment in the winter of 2023-24 to bring both lounges in line with the Escape and 1903 brands.
Guests can expect the warmest of welcomes alongside the following:
Zones inspired by passengers’ needs
Inspired by the local architecture and design, both lounges will showcase distinctive features of the city in spaces that are designed with passengers’ needs in mind. From quiet zones to relax, areas to entertain the family or flexible spaces for larger groups, spaces have been thoughtfully created to offer relaxing and enjoyable experiences for all.
All-inclusive amenities and services
Passengers can expect an unrivalled pre-flight experience. A seasonally inspired regional menu of complimentary hot and cold food is freshly prepared in-lounge by our very own chefs while our carefully curated drinks menu includes revered national brands as well as local favourites. Additionally, passengers can take advantage of high-speed Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations & power sockets and digital access to newspapers & magazines through PressReader.
Lounging in style at airport
Elevated customer service
A passenger-centric ethos lies at the heart of the Escape Lounge and 1903 Lounge offering. “At CAVU, we believe that customer service is central in creating a positive lounge experience,” added Hough. “Passengers can expect a warm welcome and unrivalled levels of service."
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: “We are delighted to have partnered with CAVU for the opening of the two new Executive Lounges this summer in the Department Lounge.
"Both the Escape Lounge and 1903 Lounge will offer a fantastic experience for those going on holiday or away on a business trip.
"Both lounges will ensure that passengers will start their journey in style with high quality food and drink.
“The development to the Executive Lounges is part of a major strategy to enhance facilities for passengers using Bristol Airport.
"We are very confident that the investment and the evolution to the Executive Lounges will provide a greater customer experience as we improve and create new places to eat, drink and relax before you fly.”
Bristol Airport is anticipating one if its busiest ever Easter period with over 400,000
passengers planning to travel through the airport during the coming weeks (Saturday to Sunday, April 1-16.
One of the busiest days will fall on Good Friday, April 7, when approximately 27,000
passengers will travel through the airport.
Sunshine destinations and city trips are due to be the most popular choices during this Easter break.
The top sun destinations for customers will include Malaga, Alicante, Faro and
Mallorca.
The top city trips include Belfast, Edinburgh and Amsterdam.
This Spring period has been an especially busy time for Bristol Airport with the airport welcoming both Aegean Airlines and Sun Express during March. During April, the airport will be welcoming Corendon Airlines and see an increased frequency on the Swiss Air service to Zurich.
During the busy Easter holiday period passengers are advised to arrive at check-in at least a minimum of two hours prior to scheduled departure time.
Bristol Airport recommends all passengers to prepare before arriving at security. This
includes:
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Have your boarding card ready
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Remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices
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Place liquids in separate liquids bags
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Empty your pockets into the trays provided
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Take off your jacket and/or coat
If travelling with Easter eggs, passengers are advised to keep any chocolate treats in your cabin baggage and to make sure they’re easily accessible as they may need to be opened for a quick check.
Nearly half a million Easter 2023 passengers
Aegean Airlines inaugural service from Bristol and Athens took off this week.
The route which launched on Friday, March 31, provides customers the opportunity of increased opportunity to fly direct into one of the world’s historical cities and opens the door for multiple onward connections for travellers.
With a vast, global, multi-hub connectivity it means customers from the South West and Wales will be able to fly from their local airport to an increased number of destinations and convenient connections including Cairo, Tel Aviv and Beirut.
Athens is the historical capital of Europe and is one of the world’s oldest cities with a recorded history spanning around 3.400 years.
Athens offers the perfect Mediterranean climate and the combination of history, contemporary urban scenery, culture, natural beauty and wide choice of shopping dining and night life.
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: “This is an incredibly exciting milestone for Bristol Airport adding Aegean Airlines to the Bristol Airport airline family. Aegean Airlines is a major global airline and this decision shows confidence in the region.
”The regular scheduled service between Bristol and Athens opens up a wide range of European and worldwide connections to our customers.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Aegean Airlines and further exciting route opportunities for the future.“
Aegean Airlines is a Star Alliance member linking 26 airlines offering easy connections to almost any destination in the world. Aegean Airlines offers customers an exciting range of onboard services including a dedicated business class product.
Aegean flies Bristol to Athens
ALL ABOARD: Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees with Victoria Bray, of Aegean Airlines and Aegean Airlines crew. In slideshow above are a series of images from the launched taken by Simon Fewkes and first published on Bristol Airport Spotting Facebook page. Simon said: "Despite the very wet conditions it was great to be able to capture some photos of the arrival and PR shots. The flight departed approximately an hour after arrived for its three and half hour flight back to Athens." Thanks for sharing Simon
ideas for the charity, from participating in fun runs and marathon’s, golf days, sponsored walks, competitions and much more is already planned throughout the year in support of this fantastic local charity.”
British Heart Foundation (BHF) local fundraising manager Ben Lee said: “We are honoured that Bristol Airport have chosen to support the British Heart Foundation’s Heart of Bristol and help fund the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow.
“For more than 60 years, the British Heart Foundation has funded research that has turned ideas that once seemed like 'science fiction' into treatments and cures that save lives every day.
:But millions of people are still waiting for the next breakthrough.
“It is only thanks to the generous support of companies like Bristol Airport that we can keep research going and discover the treatments and cures of the future.”
Bristol Airport has pledged to raise vital funds for lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases at the Bristol Heart Institute.
During the next 12 months, Bristol Airport will arrange various fundraising activities including barbecue, marathons, fun runs, golf days and a quiz.
Colleagues will also participate in several BHF supported health and wellbeing engagement activities, to ensure a healthier workforce – in addition to raising awareness through BHF’s RevivR CPR training.
The money raised by Bristol Airport will help fund lifesaving research at the Bristol Heart Institute through BHF’s flagship PHD programme.
Every 10 hours someone dies from heart or circulatory disease in the Bristol area alone, so every penny raised will help drive forward the next breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases.
Since forming in 1961, the charity has funded research that has contributed to lifesaving breakthroughs such as heart transplants, pacemakers, portable defibrillators, and valve replacements.
Despite the huge progress made, heart and circulatory conditions are still the world’s biggest killers - and every three minutes in the UK, a family loses a loved one to a heart or circulatory disease.
Around 46,000 people are living with these conditions in Bristol alone and Bristol Airport are keen to help advance research taking place in the local area.
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: "Our colleagues are so proud to partner with the British Heart Foundation and to know that the funds we raise will help the charity fund lifesaving research in Bristol.
"The Bristol Airport teams are inspiring and creative in their fundraising
Heart of Bristol
BIG IMPROVEMENT: Brigg & Stow Bar at Bristol Airport has been refurbished. As part of a £4 million redevelopment of the Departure Lounge, the improvements to the lay-out of the bar will provide an enhanced customer experience for those travelling through the airport this year. Customers will have an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of drinks and a great choice of meals from classic dishes to light bites. Located after Security in the Departure Lounge, the new bar will be open every day from the first to last flight. Bristol Airport is anticipating one of the busiest ever Summer seasons this year and the enhanced bar will provide an opportunity for customers to eat, drink, and relax before they fly
OVERNIGHT SNOW: Grounded on Wednesday morning, March 8, while crews clear the runways at Bristol Airport
New Cork service
Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services announces a new six times weekly Bristol-Cork service.
Commencing on Friday, April 28l, the Bristol-Cork service will operate six times per week, daily except Saturday.
The airline is already operating flights between Bristol-Dublin, seven days a week.
Tickets are on sale now at www.aerlingus.com.
Emerald Airlines head of commercial Ciarán Smith said: “This announcement is a much-anticipated one and will no doubt be warmly welcomed by passengers travelling for both business and travel pleasure purposes.
“With more flights and more choice for the travelling public, we are progressively bolstering our 2023 schedule, with over 2.5 million seats on sale, across 28 routes and 17 destinations in Ireland, UK, and Channel Islands.”
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said:“ We are delighted with the announcement today and look forward to welcoming Emerald Airlines to Bristol Airport from April this year.
"This partnership further strengthens the air links between the South West of England and Ireland and extends the options available to customers in the region when selecting to fly from their local airport.
“We look forward to working with Emerald Airlines in the future and continuing the joint partnership.”
For great value fares, book your flights now at www.aerlingus.com
Airport shopping at Bristol
Bristol Airport is inviting expressions of interest from potential partners to take part in a tendering process for airside provision of Food & Beverage services and a Specialist Retail unit.
Bristol Airport is looking for Food & Beverage services to include - but not be limited to - the provision of healthy and fresh drink and food items for both eat-in or take away.
Bristol Airport places significant importance on delivering exceptional customer service and providing a first-class experience and is also inviting tender submissions from potential partners to take part in a tendering process for a Specialist Retail unit at the Airport in any of the fashion, gifting, beauty or toys categories.
Bristol Airport head of commercial Tom Hack said: “We are inviting businesses to tender for the provision of a Food & Beverage Unit and a Specialist Retail Unit in the Departure Lounge.
"The preferred partners will be able to meet the needs and preferences of customers in a relaxed and welcoming environment, showcasing the best of the regional hospitality and retail.
"The potential partners would need to have demonstrable experience of operating in a fast paced and dynamic environment and can meet the needs of customers within this category.
"Bristol Airport serves as the gateway to the south-west and Wales and the potential partners would need to demonstrate high quality food and beverage and retail provision for our passenger demographics, while delivering outstanding customer service to create a ‘wow factor’.”
The procurement timeline will be as follows and suppliers are invited to express an interest and respond to Bristol Airport's Invitation to tender by visiting its dedicated e-tendering site In-tend at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bristolairport/aspx/Home.
Tender deadline for best and final submissions is noon on Friday, March 24 with the award being announced on Friday, April 14, with an agreed contract start to be determined.
For further information email commercialtenders@bristolairport.com
RED SKY: These images are by Alan at Bristol Airport and posted on Facebook. We share the photos which we think are great. There are more Sky At Night (And Morn) on our gallery page HERE
inbound visitors from Switzerland and beyond.
“We see great potential for this service and are delighted SWISS have already confirmed they will be increasing the frequency to three flights a week in the summer and we will continue to work with SWISS on other exciting route opportunities for the future.“
Visit West managing director Kathryn Davis said: “This new route from Zurich to Bristol with SWISS provides a huge opportunity to further develop and rebuild our inbound European visitor market.
“Pre-pandemic, Switzerland was one of the region’s larger inbound markets, and Bristol one of the most popular UK cities with Swiss visitors.
“There were more than 38,000 Swiss visits in 2019, over half of which were holiday visits, so this route is a critical part of rebuilding the market.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers on the first flight and continuing to rebuild awareness through our trade partners.”
SWISS’ service between Bristol and Zurich will strengthen the South West’s accessibility to Swiss markets and demonstrates SWISS’ commitment to the UK market, supporting tourism and business links between both the UK and Switzerland.
On Saturday, February 4, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) inaugural service commenced between Bristol and Zurich.
The route provides business travellers with increased opportunity to trade in one of the world’s leading financial centres and opens the door for multiple onward connections for leisure travellers.
With a vast, global, multi-hub connectivity it means customers from the South West and Wales will be able to fly from their local airport to an increased number of long haul destinations.
Customers arriving from Zurich on Saturday were presented with goody bags from Visit West, containing treats and information showcasing the local area. Whilst customers on the first inaugural service to Zurich enjoyed treats of Swiss chocolates.
Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is renowned for its world-class attractions, such as the sprawling and eclectic Old Town, a blend of medieval and Gothic, and crystal-clear Lake Zurich.
The international financial centre offers a wide range of cultural activities; for example, the Zurich Opera House is one of the most diverse houses of its kind in Europe.
From Zurich, many tourist attractions throughout Switzerland are easily accessible by public transport.
Lufthansa Group Airlines northern Europe senior sales director Heinrich Lange said: “SWISS is very pleased to add Bristol as our eighth airport in the UK, from where we offer direct flights to Zurich and beyond.
”Our initial timetable has primarily been designed to enable customers a convenient arrival into the Swiss Alps.
”From April onwards we are increasing our frequency and as of June we will operate three weekly flights Bristol-Zurich.
“ Our new Bristol services offers convenient schedules between Bristol and Switzerland’s financial centre and an easy access to our global network of over 110 destinations.”
Bristol Airport airline relations head Shaun Browne said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for Bristol Airport and the region.
“SWISS is a major global airline and this decision shows confidence in the region.
The regular scheduled service between Bristol and Switzerland opens up a wide range of European and worldwide connections to our customers.
“Zurich is a great city whether for business or leisure and the link betweent he cities allows us to promote the South West and Wales region to
Bristol to Zurich with Swiss airline
BRISTOL AIRPORT CAN EXPAND: On Tuesday, January 31, this statement was released: ‘Bristol Airport welcomes the High Court Judge’s decision to dismiss the claim and uphold the planning permission to increase Bristol Airport’s capacity from 10 million to 12 million passengers per annum. The decision is excellent news for our region’s economy, allowing us to create up to 5,000 new jobs, deliver more international destinations for the South West and South Wales, and invest hundreds of millions of pounds improving the customer experience. We will do this while working towards our ambitious target of net zero carbon operations by 2030 and we look forward to working with stakeholders and the community to deliver our vision to be everyone’s favourite airport.’ More background and comment here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-64465440
LIGHTS OUT: Wednesday evening, January 25, 2023, just hours after the A370 reopened having been closed for three days for treework meaning diversion routes to aiprot in place
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easyJet announces additional aircraft and new routes in Bristol
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18th aircraft will be based in Bristol from next summer creating approximately 40 new local airport job opportunities
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airline will also launch two new routes to Greek Island Skiathos and Tivat in Montenegro with seats on now
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easyJet holidays will also be offering package holidays to the new destinations
Bristol’s largest airline easyJet has announced it will be expanding its base at the airport with the addition of an 18th aircraft from next summer.
The aircraft will enable the airline to offer customers in the south west even more choice and greater connectivity across the UK, Europe and beyond, including two new summer routes between Bristol and Tivat in Montenegro and the Greek island of Skiathos, with seats on sale now at easyJet.com and via he mobile app,
Both new routes will operate twice weekly departures with Tivat departing on Mondays and Fridays while the new connection to Skiathos will operate from May 1, 2024, on Wednesdays and Sundays, offering customers from across the south west even more choice to visit some of Europe’s best beach destinations.
During the past 12 months easyJet’s network from Bristol has gone from strength-to-strength with new routes to Marrakech, Belfast City, Enfidha in Tunisia and Chania in Crete.
Most recently the airline launched a new route to Malta for next summer which will operate twice weekly from April 3, 2024.
easyJet UK country manager Ali Gayward said: “We are proud to be Bristol’s largest airline and we continue to see opportunity to offer our customers in the South West even more choice which is why we are delighted to announce the expansion of our aircraft fleet in Bristol and more new routes for our network.
“This is a testament to our focus on providing great value and convenient
Montenegro here we come
connectivity at Bristol, while continuing to support job opportunities for the local economy.
"With flights on sale now is a great time to book to get the best fares and we can’t wait to welcome customers onboard.”
The new Airbus A320neo aircraft will create around 40 local job opportunities at the as well environmental and operational efficiencies compared to the current generation of aircraft, resulting in at least 15 per cent less CO2 emissions and 50 per cent less noise during take-off and landing.
For more than 20 years easyJet has been the largest airline in Bristol offers 70 popular leisure and business destinations.
Earlier this month, the airline celebrated carrying 70 million passengers to and from the airport since it started flying there in May 2001.
Bristol Airport has been independently accredited as achieving Level 4+ Transition, becoming the first regional airport in the UK to reach this level of the only global carbon management certification programme for airports.
The ‘Level 4+’ status recognises that an airport has a long-term carbon management strategy for absolute emissions reductions, actively drives third parties towards delivering emissions reductions, and that the residual carbon emissions over which the airport has control, are being offset using internationally recognised offsets.
The accreditation is awarded by the Airports Council International (ACI). Their Airport Carbon Accreditation Scheme is the only institutionally endorsed carbon management certification standard for airports.
The accreditation is externally verified in two stages, the first by an independent, qualified assessor and secondly by ACI against the requirements of the scheme.
Bristol Airport reduced CO2 per passenger from its direct emissions by 61% from 2014 to 2022. This has been achieved through measures including greater energy efficiency in buildings, the roll-out of electric vehicles, and increasing on-site renewable energy generation.
The airport has a target of net zero operations by 2030 and a new interim target of cutting direct emissions by 73 per cent by 2027, relative to 2019 levels.
Achieving this will require the removal of gas heating and it being replaced with air source heat pumps, converting more diesel vehicles to electric, and all runway lighting to become LED.
Non-direct emissions (scope 3) are a larger proportion of the airport’s emissions, and include flights and surface access.
Bristol Airport is working with aerospace partners and others in the region to accelerate the delivery of zero emissions, hydrogen-powered flight by 2035.
Top carbon rating for airport
The region’s first EV filling station will be built at the airport to encouragepassengers to move to electric vehicles.Bristol Airport continue to make £250,000 available each year through its Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) programme, that supports research and innovation into cutting scope 3 emissions.
Bristol Airport director of planning and sustainability Clare Hennessey said: “Reaching Level 4+ is an important and independent recognition of our progress getting to net zero carbon operations by 2030.
"The accreditation comes just as we’ve launched our new Sustainability Strategy, which sets out clear goals and targets for the next five years.
"Our strategy sets a benchmark for all to see and to which we will report our progress.”
Bristol Airport is anticipating its busiest ever festive period with up to 390,000 passengers planning to travel through the Airport during the Christmas period Saturday to Tuesday, December 16-January 2.
One of the busiest days will fall on Friday, December 22, when approximately 26,000 passengers will fly in and out of the airport.
During the lead up to Christmas, Lapland flights have proved popular for families wishing to experience a special family Christmas holiday.
A wide range of European and UK destinations continue to provide customers with the choice and the opportunity to getaway and visit family and friends over the festive period.
The top destinations for customers will include Dublin, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Geneva and Tenerife.
During the busy Christmas holiday period, passengers are advised to arrive at check-in at least a minimum of two hours prior to scheduled departure time.
If travelling with presents passengers are asked to keep them unwrapped and check with the airline if wanting to take Christmas crackers away, as many airlines refuse to carry crackers on board the aircraft.
Busy time at airport for Christmas getaway
Changes to the tariffs for the ‘Drop & Go’ and ‘Short Stay and Pick-up’ car parks at Bristol Airport will be introduced on Thursday, January 4.
The cost of using the Drop & Go car park for a 10-minute stay will increase from £5 to £6, reflecting the intention for this area to see a rapid turnover of vehicles rather than longer stay lengths, which causes congestion within the confined number of spaces available.
Higher costs will be placed on ‘kiss and fly’ journeys to the airport, which are the most inefficient form of transport and the highest generators of car traffic, encouraging the use of more sustainable forms of transport to the airport, including public transport.
Customers who are dropping off family and friends who have a Blue Badge, will continue to be able to use the Drop & Go car park for an extended stay of 40 minutes for £6 on scanning the Blue Badge at the exit barrier.
An alternative to the Drop & Go car park is the Short Stay and Pick Up car park, located within a short walking distance of the terminal, and with a courtesy bus service operating between car park and terminal.
This car park is designed for drivers requiring longer stay lengths when collecting or dropping off family, friends and customers, the fee is £6 for 30 minutes.
Customers have a choice of other car parking options including a free one-hour Waiting Zone.
The free one-hour car park is located by the entrance to Silver Zone to the south of the terminal.
Drivers can wait for 60 minutes free of charge in this area, before relocating to the collect customers from the car parks closer to the terminal.
A courtesy bus transfer bus service is also available between the Waiting Zone and terminal.
Bristol Airport has commenced work on its largest capital project ever and
New year parking costs increase at airport
is investing over £60m in creating a public transport interchange and an additional multi-storey car park.
This transformational project will enhance services and accessibility for customers whether arriving or departing from Bristol Airport.
The investment will provide a significantly enlarged public transport interchange, improved internal road system and an additional multi-storey car park providing customer enhancements such as waiting rooms and rest facilities. The project forms part of Bristol Airport’s overall multi-million-pound transformational development plan enabling 12 million passengers a year to use the airport.
Bristol Airport experienced a record number of passengers with nearly 9.8 million people using the South West’s gateway in 2023, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history.
Bristol Airport recovered faster from the pandemic than any other major UK airport, seeing huge pent-up demand for holidays and travel to reunite with family and friends.
Passenger numbers have continued to grow and are now higher than they were before Covid hit.
The number of travellers to and from Bristol Airport was up more than 10 per cent in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The busiest day was in late August 2023, when over 40,000 people travelled through the Airport over a 24-hour period.
In 2023, Bristol Airport cemented its position as the gateway for South West England and South Wales, connecting with more destinations and serving more passengers than all the other airports in these regions combined.
This year will see major investment at Bristol Airport, with construction underway on a £60m Public Transport Interchange and multi-storey car park.
When complete in summer 2025, a glazed bridge will link the new public transport and car drop-off area with the terminal, providing step-free access and transforming the customer experience.
The project is the airport’s largest since the terminal was built over 20 years ago and is part of a wider multi-million-pound upgrade of facilities to improve services for passengers.
2024
Bristol Airport record passengers in 2023
Bristol Airport chief operating officer Graeme Gamble said: “Last year saw fantastic results as more people than ever saw the benefits of flying from our region’s gateway airport and we welcomed in visitors from all over the UK and Europe.
"Our business partners, airlines, and Bristol Airport have been able to create new jobs, building up our position as the area’s largest private sector employer.
"Over 8 million people a year drive out of our region to fly from London airports.
"Our plan for growth in 2024 and beyond is to give as many of those people as possible the chance to fly local and reach their destination through Bristol Airport.”
Over 115 destinations will be served from Bristol Airport in 2024.
Major investment to upgrade the airport this year will deliver new airport lounges and more retail space as it moves towards serving 12 million passengers a year.
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Leading leisure airline Jet2.com is to use a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Bristol Airport in 2024, almost a year ahead of the UK’s Government’s SAF mandate which is due to be introduced from 2025.
The UK’s third largest airline has purchased more than 300 tonnes of SAF from Q8Aviation, which will be used to add one per cent SAF blend onto a number of departing flights from Bristol Airport this year.
The total emissions of the SAF that Jet2.com has purchased are at least 70 per cent lower than those of conventional aviation fuel.
From January 1, 2025, airlines have been set a target that at least 10 per cent of jet fuel should be made from SAF by 2030 - this puts Jet2.com ahead of the edict.
SAF is recognised as one of the best methods to decarbonise aviation in the short to medium term, including recently by the Transport Select Committee which stated: 'Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are the most viable option for the immediate reduction of aviation emissions.'
Jet2 plc has already made an equity investment into a new SAF production plant to be constructed in the North West of England – one of the first such deals in UK aviation.
The Fulcrum NorthPoint facility, being developed by Fulcrum BioEnergy Ltd, will operate as a Waste-to-Fuels plant, with Jet2.com set to receive more than 200 million litres of SAF once operational.
The plant will also generate up to 1,500 jobs, benefitting the national and local economy.
This investment in SAF is just part of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ journey to net zero by 2050, in line with Government targets, although the company aspires to bring this date forward.
The company has published a sustainability strategy which outlines its targets and actions, with an update due to be released this year.
Pledges in the strategy include the purchase of 98 firm ordered Airbus A320/A321 neo aircraft, which could eventually extend up to 146 aircraft, making travelling with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays more efficient by further reducing emissions per passenger.
To date, the company has taken delivery of five of these new aircraft. In addition, Jet2holidays has recently launched a brand-new hotel sustainability labelling scheme, meaning that customers and independent travel agents can easily find and choose from a collection of certified sustainable hotels which meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognised standards.
Currently featuring over 900 hotels, the collection can be found here: www.jet2holidays.com/sustainable-hotelsDespite Jet2’s investments into
Fuel for future
SAF, without a fully-fledged domestic SAF industry, the UK remains reliant on fuel imported at a high-cost or requires airlines to pay a buy-out price, putting UK airlines and holidaymakers at a competitive disadvantage.Jet2.com and Jet2holidays Steve Heapy said: “Travel and tourism is a force for good and, like all industries, we know how critical it is to mitigate our climate impacts.
"Like many, we see SAF as essential in helping the industry do this, which is why we are using a SAF blend at Bristol Airport in 2024 so that we can realise its benefits and prepare our operation for what we anticipate will be more and more SAF uptake.
"This announcement, in addition to our investment into a new SAF plant in the North West of England, shows how committed we are to SAF and how much we believe in unlocking its huge potential.
"We very much see 1% as the starting point and we want to grow this materially over the coming years.
“Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go to unlock the huge potential of a UK SAF industry.
"Without more supplies of UK SAF and greater support to incentivise its uptake and reduce its cost, our industry and UK holidaymakers are at a disadvantage."
"This is too much of an important opportunity to miss, as such an industry could provide 20,000 jobs and £3bn in economic activity by 2035.
"The UK Government must implement the price revenue mechanism earlier than the current timeline of 2026 which means we can secure investor confidence, build the UK SAF plants that we need, and turbocharge the UK SAF industry.”
Bristol Airport is anticipating its busiest ever Easter period with more than 420,000 passengers planning to travel through the airport during the coming weeks (Saturday to Sunday, March 23-April 7 inclusive).
One of the busiest days will fall on Easter Sunday – March 31, when approximately 30,000 passengers will travel through the airport.
Sun destinations and city trips are due to be the most popular choices during this Easter break.
The top sun destinations for customers will include Malaga, Alicante, Faro and Tenerife.
The top city trips include Dublin, Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Geneva.
During the busy Easter holiday period passengers are advised to arrive at check-in at least a minimum of two hours prior to scheduled departure time.
Bristol Airport recommends all passengers to prepare before arriving at security.
This includes:
• Have your boarding card ready
• Remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices
• Place liquids in separate liquids bags
• Empty your pockets into the trays provided
• Take off your jacket and/or coat
If travelling with Easter eggs, passengers are advised to keep any chocolate treats in your cabin baggage and to make sure they’re easily accessible as they may need to be opened for a quick check.
Chocs away for air travellers
PHOTO: Monzo the travel bank card
Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, has announced its biggest ever Bristol schedule for summer 24 with 36 routes, including 6 exciting new routes to Copenhagen, Fuerteventura, Marrakesh, Prague, Sofia, and Tirana.
Ryanair’s record Bristol summer 24 schedule is underpinned by the airline’s five based aircraft, representing a $500 million investment in Bristol, and supporting over 1,400 local jobs, including 150 high paid pilot, cabin crew & engineer jobs.
Two of Ryanair’s Bristol-based aircraft are Gamechangers which are highly sought by airports throughout Europe as they reduce CO2 emission by 16% and noise emissions by 40 per cent.
Ryanair’s Bristol Summer ‘24 schedule delivers:
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6 new routes – Copenhagen, Fuerteventura, Marrakesh, Prague, Sofia & Tirana
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36 total routes
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5 based aircraft (including 2 Gamechangers)
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$500m investment
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Growth to 2.1m passengers pa
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Support of 1,400 local jobs, incl. 150 high paid pilot, cabin crew & engineer jobs
Ryanair is the UK’s favourite airline operating over 615 routes (50+ new) and carrying almost 60 million passengers to/from the UK p.a. on its fleet of 118 UK-based aircraft ($12 bn investment), providing UK customers/visitors with competitive fares, increased connectivity, unbeatable choice and reliability, while driving year-round connectivity and inbound tourism which supports over 48,000 UK jobs.
To celebrate Ryanair’s Summer schedule at Bristol Airport and its 6 new summer 24 routes, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale with fares from just £19.99 available to book now at ryanair.com.
Ryanair head of comms Jade Kirwan, said: “We’re delighted to officially launch Ryanair’s biggest ever schedule for Bristol this summer with 36 routes, including six exciting new routes to Copenhagen, Fuerteventura, Marrakesh, Prague, Sofia, and Tirana, offering our customers in the south-west even more choice at the lowest fares.
"Ryanair’s record Bristol summer 24 schedule will operate on a fleet of 5 Bristol-based aircraft (including 2 Gamechangers), representing a $500m investment and supporting over 1,400 local jobs.
Fly this summer with Ryanair
"Our first summer 24 flights to Copenhagen, Marrakesh, Sofia, and Tirana took off just last week, performing phenomenally well, and we look forward to carrying more passengers onboard our first flights to Fuerteventura and Prague when they commence this July.
"Ryanair’s new Bristol schedule, including our 6 exciting new routes, is available to book now at ryanair.com with fares available from just £19.99 for a limited time only.”
Bristol Airport CEO, Dave Lees, said: “We are delighted with Ryanair’s announcement increasing the 2024 flight programme to its largest ever schedule from Bristol Airport, it is a clear demonstration of confidence in the region for air travel.
"Expanding Ryanair’s route network and adding new routes including to Tirana, Albania, offers customers a wider choice of destinations and flexibility of stay lengths, without the need to travel to other airports for their flights.
"We very much welcome the deployment of the more efficient Gamechanger aircraft from Bristol Airport and look forward to working with Ryanair on developing their route network and ensuring the increased use of quieter aircraft and more environmentally efficient operations in the future.”
A record number of passenger used Bristol Airport in the past year.
The airport achieved a record 10 million passengers travelling through its terminal within a consecutive 12-month period for the first time.
To commemorate this significant achievement, the airport held a special celebration, randomly selecting 10 fortunate customers who were given return airline tickets, food and retail vouchers as well as other gifts.
The airport currently provides a bridge to more than 120 direct locations across 31 countries.
It also offers daily hub services to key cities such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Paris, opening up accessibility to global destinations.
In line with its rapid growth, Bristol Airport has started a remarkable transformation plan, fuelled by an investment of £400 million.
This comprehensive programme, scheduled to span across the next five years, will feature numerous projects aimed to significantly enhance the airport’s facilities and services.
These developments include setting up new state-of-the-art security screening equipment, refurbishing the Air Traffic Control Tower, upgrading the terminal, and improving retail and food services.
The transformation plan also incorporates the creation of two new executive lounges.
One of these lounges is expected to begin operation from December 2024.
Moreover, the airport aims to add or improve 38 catering and retail outlets, escalating the range of services available for customers within the airport.
In progress is a vital £60 million public transport interchange and a multi-storey car park project, predicted to launch in summer 2025.
The investment aims to increase the capacity of the public transport interchange, amplify the internal road system, and set up an additional multi-storey car park.
The airport will be offering advanced facilities such as waiting areas and rest facilities as part of the project.
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: “It is exciting to mark these milestones
Record-breaking passenger numbers
with customers and colleagues as they demonstrate how much progress has been made on our transformation programme.
"Hopefully this gives our customers an appreciation of how soon they will be able to start making use of these new state-of-the-art facilities.
"Over £400m is being invested in the airport facilities which will be transformational, not just in terms of the buildings being created, but the experience we will be able to deliver to customers, airlines and business partners.
"Planning to serve 12 million passengers annually, the airport’s transformation plan is expected to create thousands of new jobs in coming years, foster additional direct air links and contribute to regional tourism."
Bristol Airport has invested £11.5 million in next generation security scanners, enabling all customers travelling through security the ability to keep mobile phones, laptops and liquids in their hand luggage.
All passengers flying from Bristol Airport from Friday, June 14, will benefit from the new enhanced technology and processes.
Passengers will no longer have to restrict toiletries and liquids to 100ml bottles and will be able to leave laptops, tablets and mobile phones in their hand luggage, as they pass through security screening.
Due to outstanding regulatory approval, which is beyond Bristol Airport’s control, only liquids up to 330ml can be carried.
New security regulations:
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Keep all items in hand luggage bag including liquids up to 330ml (max. size)
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Mobile phones, electrical items and laptops to remain in bag
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Empty pockets into bag
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Contents of metal water bottles will need to be emptied
Bristol Airport chief operating officer Graeme Gamble said: “We are delighted all customers travelling from Bristol Airport will benefit from state-of-the-art technology being introduced at security.
"The new equipment will reduce customer stress and inconvenience as the need for 100ml liquids to be placed in clear, plastic bags and removed from hand baggage will no longer be required.
"The new process delivers a much more customer friendly security operation using the latest technology and providing enhanced screening, allowing customers to keep personal items in their hand luggage.
“We’ve invested over £11.5m in the security equipment enhancements, and as with all complex and large-scale projects in a 24 hours, seven day a week operation, we needed to have a phased approach to the introduction of the new equipment and processes.
"However, customers should be reminded there are no immediate changes to the rules governing what can be taken through security as a result of this initiative, and the current hand luggage restrictions remain in place until 14 June 2024.
“For customers who have booked Fast Track security, from Friday to Wednesday, June 14-July 31, we are upgrading the Fast Track security channels.
"Bookings will be unaffected, and the Fast Track Security priority service
New generation security scanners
will operate through a dedicated lane in the Central Search area.
"Customers will easily be able to identify the Fast Track lane through the additional signage and the security team will be on hand to assist.
“Customers are reminded that while the UK has introduced the new security regulations on their return from destination airports customers are advised to check the requirements of their departing airport, as these regulations may differ from the UK.”
Bristol Airport is investing more than £400m in customer enhancements over the next five years, including a new public transport interchange, additional multi-storey car park, new retail and catering areas and other customer improvements.
A passenger jet carrying 163 passengers and nine crew cleared the end of a runway by just ten feet after a software glitch allowed it to take off using too little power, according to a report in the Mail online.
The TUI Boeing 737-800 was taking off from Bristol Airport's 1.2-mile runway 9 to Gran Canaria on March 4 when it struggled to take off.
The 15-year-old jet took off with just 260 metres (853ft) of runway remaining, clearing the end of the tarmac at a height of just 10 feet. It then passed over the nearby A38 road at less than 100 feet.
When the wheels of the aircraft finally left the ground, it was travelling at around 150kts - meaning it would have run out of runway less than three seconds later.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch of the Department of Transport is investigating the incident which it describes as 'serious'.
They have released a special warning to airlines using the Boeing 737-800 next generation series about the software problem which jeopardised the safety of the flight.
The report said Boeing were aware of the software glitch before the incident which saw the aircraft struggling to get into the air.
According to the AAIB report: 'A Boeing 737-800 completed a takeoff from Runway 09 at Bristol Airport with insufficient thrust to meet regulated performance.'
Aviation experts acknowledge that aircraft taking off with insufficient thrust risk stalling and crashing to the ground.
The Tui Boeing 737-800 only cleared the end of the runway at a height of 10ft and passed over the A38 at less than 100ft as it lumbered into the air due to the software glitch which selected an 'insufficient thrust' setting
The aircraft's flight management computer logged 11 faults with the jet's autothrottle system
The Air Accident Investigation Branch's preliminary investigation found the aircraft's acceleration performance was significantly worse than other aircraft. The two red lines on the chart show the average performance of 99.7 per cent of other B737s at Bristol Airport
The report states that the aircraft's autothrottle system disengaged when the crew selected takeoff mode. Instead of the required 92.8pc of thrust needed to safely take off, the aircraft lumbered down runway using just 84.5pc.
Neither pilot noticed the potentially fatal lack of power needed to safely take off.
A review of problems on the affected flight showed 11 errors - many of those were related to the aircraft's autothrottle system.
The data showed the system, which is designed to reduce the workload of the flight crew, disengaged twice on the flight.
Performance data collated by the AAIB comparing the flight to other take offs from Bristol airport showed its acceleration was significantly slower
Software glitch on Boeing 737 take off
than 99.7 per cent of other aircraft of the same model departing the same airport.
According to the AAIB the autothrottle system on a Boeing 737-800 can control the thrust from takeoff to landing.
Investigators asked Boeing about their autothrottle system who admitted they were aware of a 'long history of nuisance disconnects during takeoff mode engagements'.
The AAIB were able to download the aircraft Flight Data Recorder black box which showed how poorly the jet performed while taking off.
The flight took off from Bristol Airport, pictured, on March 4, 2024 at 11:04am
However, when this disconnects are investigated, 'usually, subsequent functionality checks on the system find no faults'.
Boeing said earlier versions of the system can disconnect when a button is pressed by the flight crew during their normal take off procedure.
According to the AAIB report: 'The manufacturer recommends that any operators of the 737NG who are affected by these disconnects should retrofit their aircraft with the newer model of ASM (autothrottle servo motor) and associated Flight Control Computer software.
The AAIB report said the cockpit voice recorder on the jet only saved the last two hours of the flight so what was said between the two pilots was erased and overwritten by the time they had arrived at Las Palmas airport.
However, investigators were able to retrieve the Flight Data Recorder - the Black Box - which provided them with vital performance data from the aircraft.
This incident is the latest in a string of worrying safety issues which have afflicted Boeing aircraft in the past decade.
Read more here https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13501163/boeing-bristol-gran-canaria-software-glitch-runway.html
The government has announced a last-minute U-turn on rules regarding the amount of liquids passengers can carry in their hand luggage when departing through UK airports
UK holidaymakers are being warned of a change to airport luggage rules just weeks before summer.
The government has made a sudden reversal on the rules concerning the quantity of liquids passengers can carry in their hand luggage when departing from UK airports.
The new rule states that all passengers leaving the UK can now only carry 100ml in liquids, pastes and gels in their hand luggage until further notice.
This announcement follows the approval given to some airports to allow passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage, after the installation of new CT scanners.
Bristol Airport was one of the UK's international airports announced it was introducing the state of the art security scanners, which would allow passengers to carry more than 100ml of liquids.
But in a sudden U-turn from the government, passengers will need to ensure their hand luggage liquids are in a single clear plastic bag, and that they remove the bag from their hand luggage before it goes through the security scanner.
Liquids over 100ml will need to be put into hold luggage.
The Department for Transport (DfT) stated that only passengers travelling from London City, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Aberdeen, Southend and Teesside airports would be affected - as these are the only airports which had introduced the scanners in time for the previous June 1 introduction.
However, the confusion over the applicable rules has resulted in numerous airports facing security delays since the start of June.
Passengers at Birmingham Airport have been forced to queue for up to two-and-a-half hours to get through departures, with many having to stand outside in the rain.
The airport has attributed these delays to the installation of scanners and passengers arriving too early.
A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: "From 00.01 on Sunday, June 9, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced for passengers travelling from six regional airports where Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) are in full operation.
"This temporary move is to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems and will only affect a small number of passengers. For most passengers, security measures will remain unchanged."
Summer airport warning as government U-turn on rules
This unexpected reversal comes after multiple airports experienced severe delays at security due to a higher amount of liquids being rejected than anticipated. Over the weekend, Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: "The rules that we have been adhering to since March are now very clear in that only liquids, pastes and gels up to 100ml can be carried through in hand luggage.
"Since opening our new security area, and despite being one of the first UK airports to comply, we have been limited on the use of our multi-million-pound equipment due to an outstanding regulatory restriction meaning we had to limit liquids to 100ml.
This rule has now been implemented nationwide.
"Despite the 100ml rule still being in place, we continually have non-compliant bags with liquids over the allowance which has led to inefficiencies of our equipment and resulted in extended queuing time for customers.
"It is now imperative that all customers comply with the nationwide rule to ensure a smoother and simpler transition through the airport.
"A non-compliant bag with liquids over 100ml can add up to 20 minutes to each passenger's journey through security.
Bristol Airport is preparing for the busiest ever summer holiday getaway with more than 1.6 million passengers planning to travel through the airport during the holiday period mid July – early September.
With many customers travelling with their families during the school holidays, it’s important to be aware of recent changes to security measures announced by the Department for Transport last month.
To ensure a smooth transit through security, customers will need to restrict liquids, gels and pastes to 100ml per item, but these will be able to remain in hand luggage along with all electronics - laptops, tablets and mobile phones - while passing through security screening.
It’s still important to empty pockets and place loose items in hand luggage, with metal water bottles emptied before entering security.
Coats, hats and belts should be placed in the tray provided with a hand luggage bag on top.
Customers may still be asked to take off shoes.
Pushchairs and car seats that have not been checked in, along with wheelchairs and walking aids will be searched, so customers should allow more time for this.
Any customers wearing sunglasses should place them in hand luggage.
We recommend travelling with only essential items in your hand baggage and pushchairs to enable easy transit through security.
Parents should prepare for children who are 1 metre tall and above to use the security scanner or if they are unable to hold the position required or are under 1 metre tall, then they will be hand searched.
For further information please check the security section at the airport on the website.
Bristol Airport recommends all passengers to prepare and plan ahead, checking in online and using Twilight services offered by some airlines, if convenient (free car parking in the Short Stay car park is provided).
Over 1.6 million customers are expected to travel through the Airport over the summer holiday period, with over 40,000 customers flying on some days and around 155,000 people expected to use the airport during the August Bank holiday weekend.
Sun destinations are due to be the most sought-after holidays with Palma de Mallorca and Alicante top picks.
Happy holiday security advice for travellers
Faro is also proving popular this year, and there’s increasing interest in Turkey with over 450 flights to Dalaman and Antalya planned during the peak summer season.
Dublin, Edinburgh and Amsterdam are still the top city breaks this summer. Customers are reminded to arrive at the terminal in plenty of time before their flight departure to complete check-in, bag drop, security checks and boarding processes.
Please check with your airline directly if you wish to confirm the precise check-in opening times.
The third and final tower crane has arrived at Griffiths Farrans JV site at Bristol Airport where the main contractors are delivering a transformational public transport project.
Works are progressing well with the structure now visible above ground.
Level one and two slabs are underway and all stair cores are progressing in advance of the floor slabs.
The new Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport will have an improved internal road system and an additional multi-storey car park which will provide customer enhancements such as waiting rooms and rest facilities.
The project forms part of Bristol Airport's multi-million-pound transformational development plan enabling 12 million passengers a year to use the airport.
Bristol Airport infrastructure director Andrew Goodenough said: "Bristol Airport is investing £60 million in our new Public Transport Interchange and associated works, to help increase public transport usage at the Airport and transform the customer experience.
"The project is progressing at pace, and we’re excited about utilising the facility next summer.
"We’re proudly enhancing local job opportunities, apprenticeships and spend in the local economy.
"Key to our development is sustainability, which is why we’re recycling more than 95 per cent of material on site, and we’re keen to ensure we minimise impacts on our local communities."
Griffiths Farrans JV operations director Ian Grimstead said: "We are pleased to report that the construction of the new multi-storey car park at Bristol Airport is making excellent progress.
"Our dedicated team is working diligently ensuring that all key milestones are met.
"Significant earthworks operations have been completed on programme to allow the car park construction to commence.
"Our team have aligned with Bristol Airport’s sustainability goals and have successfully processed 80,000 tonnes of site won material for reuse on the scheme.
"Also, we have been the first to trial with Volvo the UK’s first electric 22T excavator within the earthwork’s operations.
"We look forward to the scheme completion and the positive impact it will have on the airport's operations."
Griffiths Farrans JV regional director Glenn Gilmore said: "Our project team is making excellent progress on site at Bristol Airport and, now that work is taking place above ground, passengers coming to the airport will be able to see as each new level is added.
"Milestones like this one provide our local stakeholders with the confidence that work is underway and progressing quickly.
"We are currently on programme and looking forward to more settled weather throughout summer to continue with our planned timelines."
Farrans Construction is a leading civil engineering and building contractor
Civil engineering interchange
with over 80 years’ experience of delivering world-class projects across the UK and Ireland.
The company, which employs more than 650 people, has offices in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds and Belfast with further site offices connecting its regional network.
Farrans is a sister company of Tarmac and part of CRH plc, the world’s leading building materials business.
And Griffiths is a sustainable civil engineering contractor that helps connect communities through road, rail, water, and utilities.
The summer holidays are in full swing, and Bristol Airport is expecting to see an average of more tha 35,000 customers per day during August. Many will be taking their annual sun holiday across Europe travelling as far afield as Cape Verde off the coast of West Africa and Antalya in Turkey.
With potentially 1,158,000 passengers travelling through Bristol Airport this month, the airport is reminding customers that there are a number of parking options, including a free waiting area for an hour, just over 1.5 miles away from the airport.
A courtesy bus service runs from car rentals, which is next to the waiting zone, and takes customers who have been dropped off, to the terminal every 15 minutes, around the clock.
It offers the same regular return service. Further information can be found HERE.
Additionally, Bristol Airport has five different parking areas and on its website you can find a short video, map, postcode and what3words location showing how to access these.
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The Silver Zone, the most popular long stay choice for customers.
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Multi-Storey Car Park, which is under a 10-minute walk from the terminal.
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Meet and Greet, which is a concierge service offering the ultimate convenience in airport parking.
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Drop and Go, which is ideal for quickly dropping off family and friends.
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Short Stay and Pick Up, which is a short walk for customers who are being collected and perfect for stays of up to six days.
All of these specific car parks offer special assistance, further information can be found HERE. A map highlighting where to find each of the car parks is available HERE. All car parks are fitted with CCTV.Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: "There are plenty of parking options at the airport to avoid dropping off friends and family on the roadside near the airport and in laybys, causing congestion and a safety risk to all road users.
Where to park at airport
"These options help to avoid inconsiderate parking in local communities.”
Every car park is sign-posted. If any customers are unsure of where to find a particular car park, they can drive into any of the car parks and around to the exit barrier where they can press the help button and speak to a member of the team for further directions.
Please have your booking reference number to hand.
Bristol Airport also reminds passengers that the Airport Flyer bus service runs daily.
The A1 operates up to every 12 minutes, and the A3 is hourly.
Both connect to local bus services and trains.
Bristol Airport also recommends signing up to the newsletter for further information and discounts for parking and the Flyer.
For further information about all of our parking and waiting options, please visit our website - Parking prices for Bristol Airport car parks.
Hampton by Hilton hotel at Bristol Airport has opened 50 additional bedrooms this summer to offer customers more choice and cater for demand.
All bedrooms have been made from prefabricated shipping containers by a company called DMD Modular in Poland.
They took just a few months to build and arrived earlier this month pre-assembled with the wardrobes, cupboards, desks and bathrooms.
The bedrooms feature the new style of design and decoration and come complete with SMEG kettles and fridges and 55-in TVs.
Forty-eight of the 50 bedrooms come with super king beds, which is a new room type for the hotel.
General manager Andrew Peacock said: “We’re thrilled to add 50 stylish bedrooms that showcase our new design.
"This additional part of the hotel offers Super King Flex rooms with the option of a king size bed, ideal for those who want to treat themselves to a bigger bed, or two single beds which are perfect for friends who want to share a room.
"With the expansion of Bristol Airport, we’re seeing a growing demand for rooms, and this summer looks set to be our busiest period yet.
"Now even more people travelling can benefit from starting their holiday with a little bit of luxury or enjoy relaxing here before heading home.”
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: “Having recently celebrated 10 million customers travelling through the terminal in a consecutive 12-month period, it is great news that the Hampton by Hilton is able to accommodate even more Bristol Airport customers, offering the added convenience and comfort of being the only hotel based the airport.”
Lots more bedrooms
Hampton by Hilton is located next to the airport terminal.
It was built using a modular construction technique designed and manufactured by CIMC Modular Building Systems, with segments of the hotel built in a factory in China.
It opened its door in February 2017.
The hotel now has 251 bedrooms, two meeting rooms, a gym, lounge area and food and drink facilities.
The airport is currently going through a £400m upgrade, including the construction of a £60m Public Transport Interchange and car park, which will be one of our region’s largest coach/bus interchanges when complete, in summer 2025.
Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club owner and head of training since 2009, Barry Bailey, is taking off for runways new.
He said that after 15 wonderful years it is the time to concentrate on his other business interests.
Sadly his departure brings to an end a club which is nearly 100 years old.
The multi-engine aircraft instructor has been supported by many first-class professional instructors over the years and taught hundreds of pilots how to fly aeroplanes.
Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club offers flight training for anyone wishing to obtain their private pilot license (PPL), which includes night rating, instrument rating, multi-engine and solo flying instruction and qualifications.
It also provides the foundations for those wishing to go on and obtain their commercial license.
There is a host of aircraft available to hire for solo flying including the four-seater, single-engine Cessna 172 and 182 and the Piper Warrior PA28. There is a flight simulator and flight lounge café on site.
Ex Royal Navy seaman Barry’s first passion was the sea, but while he worked on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal he fell in love with flying.
For Barry there has been many stand out moments over the years, including organising a flight for a local man celebrating his 100 th birthday and the Red Arrows flying by, as well as parking overnight on many occasions, while attending local air displays.
Barry said: “I’ve truly had so much fun and look back with very fond memories of helping all of our former students.
"I’ve seen so many of them leave newly qualified and then arrive years later as captains and first officers, responsible for taking people safely on their holidays. Bristol Airport has been nothing but welcoming and supportive over the years.
Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club founded 1927 to hang up its wings
"More recently I’ve been splitting my time between Bristol and London, but the time is now right to focus on my business interests in London.
"I would like to say a special thank you to operations director Gary Thomas and his team, who have supported the business seven days a week.”
Bristol Airport commercial director Rupert Lawrie said: “Having Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club here at Bristol Airport has been a real string to our bow.
"I’ve personally enjoyed looking out the window and watching all of the various aircraft over the years.
"We wish Barry ever success in the future.”
The flight school is still operating until the end of February 2025, after which time students can find training at Gloucestershire Airport, Cotswold Airport and Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon.
Bristol Airport offers general and business aviation facilities for private jets and helicopters on the south side of the airport.
Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club was founded in 1927 at a temporary base in Filton. It then relocated to Whitchurch in 1930 when Bristol City Council purchased farmland for a municipal airport.
And in 1957 moved to the ex-RAF Airfield at Lulsgate where it has been based ever since.
Five members of the Bristol Airport team and four construction workers braved the wet and windy 'summer' weather and spent a day picking up litter on land next to the main airport roundabout.
Some unusual items were collected by the volunteers including an office seat, car parts, flip flops, umbrella, disposable BBQ and old traffic cone!
The rubbish was separated into recyclables and non-recyclables and 14 bags of rubbish were collected in total.
The Bristol Airport team partnered up with Farrans Construction and Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd for the big clean-up.
Farrans Construction and Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd are currently building the transformational Public Transport Interchange as part of Bristol Airport’s largest capital project ever.
Since 2023, the on-site cleaning team at the airport, Sasse Facilities Management Ltd, have been completing a once-a-month litter pick from Stone Farm entrance to the A38 traffic lights as part of our commitment to keep the local area to the airport clean.
Airport litter pickers
Bristol Airport golf day is September raised more than £21,000 for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).
The fundraising day saw 80 players, from many of the contractors at the airport, form 20 different teams to enjoy the 18-hole course at The Kendleshire golf club in South Gloucestershire.
The teams braved the wet and windy conditions ensuring a full turn out for such a deserving cause.
Lancer Scott director Mike Holt was part of the team who arranged the golf day along with Bristol Airport infrastructure director Andrew Goodenough.
Business partners involved with the new multi-storey car park and Public Transport Interchange, paid to take part in the event.
They were also able to help raise further funds by purchasing Mulligans (a second chance shot), buying raffle tickets, bidding for auction items and having a go at beating professional golfer, Joe Harvey.
GWAAC respond to people in urgent need of critical care.
The service perform procedures normally only seen inside a hospital emergency department, for patients whose survival relies on receiving that treatment right there at the scene.
Andrew said: “The golf day was such a success, and it was only possible through the support from our business partners and suppliers in raising such an incredible amount of money on the day.
"The Bristol Airport team voted for GWAAC as our charity partnership at the beginning of the year and it is the continued support, commitment and the generosity of our customers and staff which continues to raise money for such a worthwhile local charity.”
Organisations involved included Massey Cladding, Alun Griffiths Contractors, Farrans, MB Construction, Quantum CLS, TPS360, All Power, McCann & Partners, Barnwood, RyeBridge, Another Level, Burroughs, Whiteheads, Amber Consulting, Encon, John Perkins, Currie & Brown and J&G Fencing.
Many of them sponsored a hole as well as CASS UK, Morgan Structural Wales, SFI Limited, M2 Flooring Limited, QDL, Air Systems, Whitehead, Holder Mathias Architects, Dial Marketing Leisure and Xenon Workplace.
Bristol Airport charity golf day for GWAA
GWAAC will remain the airport charity until the end of 2025.
Passengers travelling through the terminal, zig-zag coin stations can be found at security, in the departure lounge and also by the baggage belts.
GWAAC chief executive Anna Perry said: “I am thrilled that Bristol Airport has extended its charity partnership with GWAAC.
"Bristol Airport staff and business partners are going above and beyond to find ways to support us; the golf day is a perfect example of this. The incredible £21,000 raised could help us save nine lives in our region; that’s nine families kept together – something we will be forever grateful for.”
THANK YOU GOLFERS: Bristol Airport infrastructure director Andrew Goodenough presents £21k cheque to GWAAC chief executive Anna Perry
From this week Bristol Airport has a new internal road system.
Bristol Airport is continuing to progress work on a new £60m Public Transport Interchange and multi-storey car park, with a new internal road layout being introduced, so building work can take place.
As part of the planned work, a section of Northside Road will be closed to allow for building works to take place on the new pedestrian bridge, which will provide level access to the terminal building.
After leaving the A38, the first roundabout that customers normally drive straight over, once within the airport, has been removed.
Customers and all airport traffic will now follow a new road that is clearly signed to access car parks.
The new route takes cars around the back of the building works and existing multi-storey car park along the new perimeter road.
It continues around to the left towards the Hampton by Hilton hotel, where drivers can access the hotel, existing multi-storey and short-stay pick up car parks.
At the roundabout by the hotel, if customers continue straight over, they will be able to reach Drop & Go and Meet & Greet car parks.
To exit the airport, all traffic will drive back along the new perimeter road, where a new acoustic fence has been fitted.
The route to Silver Zone and the free waiting area remains unchanged.
The complimentary bus shuttle from car rentals, next to the waiting zone, will continue to drop passengers outside the terminal.
The forecourt will also remain open to the airport Flyer bus services and airport car park buses.
Emergency access will remain available throughout the changes.
A Bristol Airport spokesperson said: “There will be signage at key points along the route to help familiarise customers and clearly indicate where to travel.
"We have also produced a video that people using the airport can watch to familiarise themselves.
"As the road is a red route, no stopping is permitted, and traffic calming is in place in the interest of safety.
Navigating new road system
“The location of the car parks has not changed, but if any customers are unsure where to go, they should follow the signage.
"They can also drive into any car park, and around to the exit barrier, where they can press the help button and speak to a member of the team for further directions.
"Customers should have their booking reference to hand.”
This new road system will remain in place until the permanent route opens, which is expected to be autumn 2025.
The new pedestrian route from the Hampton by Hilton hotel, multi-storey and short-stay car parks is clearly sign-posted. The route from Drop & Go and Meet & Greet car parks remains unchanged.
Our site has been registered with the Considerate Contractors Scheme.
Further information explaining road changes can be found on our website https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/parking/changes-to-our-internal-road-layout
Video links can be found on our You Tube channel - https://youtu.be/aR5bQMyO5is or viewed above.
Did you know you can fly direct to the capital of Albania from Bristol Airport?
This is one of 30 routes Ryanair has announced in its winter 2024 schedule for Bristol including five winter sun and city break routes.
The new routes are to Copenhagen, Fuerteventura, Marrakesh, Prague, and Tirana (the Albanian city).
The budget airline operates more 640 routes across the UK but at the same time of announcing these new routes they are also calling on the new UK Government to scrap air passenger duty (APD).
Recently Ryanair aid the expansion into Bristol this summer is due to the fact they are seeing a lot of demand for that airport as well as the aircraft the airline has there ready to be used.
However the expansion is not necessarily beyond pre-Covid levels and is more about getting back to where the airline was before the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020.
Ryanair head of communications Jade Kirwan said: “We are pleased to announce our winter 2024 schedule for Bristol, which includes five exciting new routes to Copenhagen, Fuerteventura, Marrakesh, Prague, and Tirana, giving customers in the southwest even more choice at the lowest airfares in Europe."
Albania here we come direct from Bristol
Groups benefit from airport community fund
After the recent changes and improvements to the Airport’s security scanners, Bristol Airport has donated more than 200 security trays to local schools and community groups in the local area.
This year, Bristol Airport invested £11.5 million in next generation security scanners, enabling all customers travelling through security the ability to keep mobile phones, laptops and liquids in their hand luggage.
The changes to the security scanners have meant installing new trays to each of the eight security lanes.
The trays were taken out of use in May and, rather than being destroyed or sent to a landfill site, they were donated to school and community groups in Weston-super-Mare through the Community Scrapstore North Somerset.
Community Scrapstore North Somerset in Weston-super-Mare prevent tonnes of material ending up in landfill each year, by collecting clean, safe waste products from local businesses, and distributing to the community groups across the area, who can utilise the items.
Corporate affairs and community engagement executive Harry Ellis said:
“We were delighted to find a second home for the old security trays.
“With the help of Community Scrapstore North Somerset, the security trays will help support multiple schools and community groups in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding area.“Here at Bristol Airport, we work with the various business partners on site
Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund and Diamond Fund has awarded more than £50,000 to 22 local charities and community groups across North Somerset and South Bristol last month.
In total, 22 charities and not-for-profit organisations across North Somerset and South Bristol have received significant financial support from Bristol Airport’s new Local Community Fund and Diamond Fund, following the latest round of funding at September’s Committee Meeting with grants ranging from £800 to £8,000.
This includes funding for a nature conservation project in the village of Wrington; hall improvements to both Cleeve and Claverham Village Halls; funding for training and support at Vision North Somerset and a solar panel installation project at West Leigh Infant School in Backwell.
Vision North Somerset CEO Lauren Williams said: “Vision North Somerset is grateful to Bristol Airport for their support, enabling the charity to help people who’ve lost their sight to meet each other for support and learn techniques to use equipment such as mobile phones and smart speakers.”
Churchill and Langford Minibus Society chair Trevor Smallwood said: "We are very pleased that Bristol Airport Environmental Fund is helping us buy a new minibus later this year so that we can continue to provide important trips for the local communities which we serve.”
The Airport Environmental and Amenity Improvement Fund (known as the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund 2024) was set up as one of the commitments the airport agreed to provide in connection with the planning permission for development. Bristol Airport will contribute £100,000 to the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund 2024.
The fund management vommittee meets on a quarterly basis and includes representatives from both the airport, North Somerset Council and is independently chaired.
Since 2012, Bristol Airport has donated more than £1.6 million to community projects.
The next committee meeting is on Thursday, December 5, and applications need to be received by Thursday, November 21.
Bristol Airport is keen for as many community projects as possible to take advantage of the scheme.
Any community ventures that fit the criteria are encouraged to apply for the next wave of grants.
The type of projects that would benefit include:
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Schemes which improve, enhance, protect and conserve the natural environment within the vicinity of the Airport.
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Schemes which generate renewable energy or schemes designed to
reduce energy consumption within the vicinity of the Airport (for non-residential buildings only).
To find out more information on the new Local Community Fund and Diamond Fund, please visit the airport’s website.
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Noise mitigation for non-residential buildings. (Residential buildings can apply to the separate Noise Mitigation Scheme).
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Traffic implications associated with an increase in passengers using the Airport.
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Any other projects/schemes which can demonstrate they will help mitigate an environmental and/or amenity impact that can be attributed to the Airport expanding.
Recycling security trays
to continue our efforts in maintaining our reuse, reduce, recycle principals.
“We look forward to working with Community Scrapstore North Somerset in the future to help reuse more materials from the Airport.”
Thousands of UK air passengers are suffering disruption after Barcelona airport was battered by storms. British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair are among the airlines affected.
Aena, which owns and operates Barcelona airport, said 17 inbound flights were diverted to alternative airports, and around 50 departures were cancelled or severely delayed. Water has entered some areas of the airport, including the public area of Terminal 1. The severe weather has also led to rail services being suspended and motorways being flooded.
EasyJet issued a message to passengers, which stated: "We have been advised that customers are receiving information to warn against all but essential travel to and from Barcelona due to severe weather conditions. We are planning on operating our flights as normal, although delays are to be expected."
To help victims go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/spain-flood-relief-fund.
Floods in Spain hit airport
easyJet launches first flights and package holidays to Istanbul from Bristol Airport
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Seats are available to book at easyJet.com and via the mobile app with great value fares starting from just £23.99*
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Package holidays with easyJet holidays starting from £204 per person
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The new twice-weekly route to Istanbul follows the launch of easyJet’s new route to Agadir, Morocco as well as upcoming flights to Tromso, Norway
easyJet has launched its first flights and package holidays from Bristol Airport to Istanbul for customers eager to explore Turkey’s top tourism hotspot, becoming the only carrier
operating the route.
The first flight to Istanbul took off on Monday afternoon, November 2, and will now operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays year-round, providing convenient connections for travellers in the south west to discover Turkey’s largest city.
Great value seats are now available to book from just £23.99* on easyJet.com and via the
mobile app.
Bridging Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a fascinating blend of the
ancient and modern, offering visitors an eclectic mix of cultures, which has made it one of
the most popular cities in the world for tourists.
Byzantine and Ottoman influences can be discovered throughout the city, from rich
architectural gems such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the lively Grand
Bazaar and Topkapi Palace.
Turkey continues to top the tourism tables, and in 2024 easyJet was the third biggest carrier from the UK, offering over 1.7 million seats, serving Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya.
easyJet holidays has a vast range of beach and city break packages on offer, with bookings
available until end of October 2026.
All easyJet holidays packages include flights, hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on beach
holidays, all covered by its Ultimate Flexibility, offering freedom to change a booking, a
refund guarantee, and best price guarantee.
The new route to Istanbul from Bristol, follows the recent launch of easyJet’s new twice
weekly service, every Wednesday and Saturday, from the city to Agadir in Morocco, which
started at the end of October.
Customers can also soon fly from Bristol to Tromso in Norway, a brand new exciting winter
destination for the airline, which will start on Thursday, December 5.
The introduction of these three new routes shows the continuing strong demand from
easyJet customers in the south west, offering even greater choice and more
convenient connections to key European leisure destinations.
easyJet’s UK country manager Ali Gayward said: “Our brand new service from Bristol to Istanbul provides our customers in the south west with a direct connection to one of Europe’s most popular and culturally exciting cities.
“Coming hot on the heels of our recently launched route to Agadir and soon to start service Tromso, customers in the region have even more choice of where to fly with great value
fares.
“And with thousands of package holidays available via easyJet holidays and with hundreds of hotels to choose from, there’s something for everyone.”
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said: “We are thrilled to welcome easyJet's new routes to Istanbul in Turkey and Agadir in Morocco.
"These exciting new destinations add to the extensive route network and flexibility of flights available from Bristol Airport, and it shows the strength in demand from customers in the South West and Wales wishing to travel further afield.
“Istanbul is a great city for business and leisure, so it’s good news for many of our customers, who can now fly from their local Airport. Istanbul also opens up a wide range of connecting flights for those looking to explore Asia and beyond.
“The new route to Agadir will allow travellers to escape the colder months and enjoy the warm Moroccan heat and the many water sport activities it has to offer.
"We look forward to working with easyJet on further new route opportunities including Tromso in the coming months.”
Book online with easyJet holidays www.easyjet.com/en/holidays or call 0330 365 5005.
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easyJet holidays offers four nights at the 5* Wanda Vista in Istanbul on a room only basis for £204 per person including flights from Bristol Airport on Monday, December 9, 2024
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easyJet holidays offers four nights at the 4* Ramada by Whyndham Golden Horn in Istanbul on a b&b basis for £216 per person including flights from Bristol Airport on Monday, December 2, 2024
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easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 4* Allegro Agadir in Agadir, Morocco on an all Inclusive basis for £421 per person including flights and 23kg luggage from Bristol Airport on Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 4* Dunes or Ocean Club in Agadir, Morocco on a half board basis for £480 per person including flights and 23kg luggage from Bristol Airport on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Great value seats are available to book from £23.99* on easyJet.com and via the mobile app.
* flights one way per person including taxes
PHOTOS: Slideshow from inaugural flight from Bristol to Istanbul
easyJet launch holiday flights to Istanbul
About easyJet
easyJet is Europe’s leading airline offering a unique and winning combination of the best route network connecting Europe's primary airports with great value fares and friendly service.easyJet flies on more of Europe’s most popular routes than any other airline and carried more than 82 million passengers in 2023 with more than 11.3 million travelling for business.
The airline has over 300 aircraft flying on nearly 1,000 routes to more than 155 airports across 35 countries.
Over 300 million Europeans live within a one hour drive of an easyJet airport.easyJet aims to be a good corporate citizen, employing people on local contracts in eight countries across Europe in full compliance with national laws and recognising their trade unions.
The airline supports several local charities and has a corporate partnership with UNICEF which has raised nearly £17m for the most vulnerable children since it was established in 2012.In 2022, easyJet published its roadmap to net zero by 2050.
The roadmap, which also features a combination of fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, airspace modernisation, Sustainable Aviation Fuel and carbon removal technology, has set an ambitious interim carbon emissions intensity reduction target of 35% by 2035 which is validated by the Science-based targets initiative (SBTi).
The airline’s ultimate aim is to fully transition its fleet to zero carbon emission technology, which it will achieve through a number of strategic partnerships including with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace Solutions.
Since 2000, the airline has successfully reduced its carbon emissions per passenger, per kilometre by one-third.
Innovation is in easyJet’s DNA – since launching nearly 30 years ago, easyJet changed the way people fly to the present day where the airline leads the industry in digital and operational innovations to make travel more easy and affordable for its passengers.
In 2023 easyJet was named by TIME as one of the World’s Best Companies and a Leader in Diversity 2024 by The Financial Times.
About Bristol Airport
Bristol Airport is England’s third largest regional airport, acting as the international gateway for the South West of England and South Wales.
With more than 10 million passengers passing through the terminal over the past 12 months and links to over 117 destinations, across 34 countries, more than all the other airports in the region combined, including to major hub airports for onward connections.
The airport is currently going through a £400m upgrade, including the construction of £60m Public Transport Interchange and car park, which will be one of our region’s largest coach/bus interchanges when complete, in summer 2025.
We are central to our region’s economy, providing business links to European capitals and financial hubs, and bringing in hundreds of thousands of inbound visitors each year.
The Bristol Airport site provides the largest number of jobs in the area, with some 4,100 full-time equivalent jobs being provided on-site by over 50 companies, all paying more than the Real Living Wage.
Bristol Airport is committed to achieving net zero airport operations by 2030. It is working in unique partnerships to reduce indirect emissions and support the development of zero emissions flight.
Bristol Airport fire department has donated lots of protective firefighting equipment to Fire Aidan international charity.
In total, 38 tunics, 32 pairs of leggings, portable pumps, generator, fire boots, flash hoods and gloves were given.
The donation will go directly to support firefighters, who currently have no or very little equipment, around the world.
Bristol Airport fire team were able to donate clothes and equipment, as some of it has been replaced due to almost reaching the end of the manufacturers recommended shelf-life or because of recent changes to the standards.
All equipment was cleaned before being donated and is still deemed safe to use in many parts of the world, especially in countries experiencing an immediate shortage.
Bristol Airport chief fire officer Matthew Kylon said: "As a fire crew, we have seen some horrific images around the world with other firefighters dealing with the most terrible sets of circumstances.
"Often during these difficult times, the fire equipment that is being used can be outdated or damaged by conflict.
"We are delighted that this donation will go directly to support local communities and to keep firefighters as safe as possible across the globe.”
Donating to fellow firefighters worldwide
Bristol Airport currently up for sale by its Canadian pension fund owners is consulting on its masterplan to 2040.
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Proposals announced to meet future demand for air travel in the region
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Plans to connect people with more destinations, including US east coast and Middle East
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Future development would provide a boost to the local economy and create more jobs for local people
Bristol Airport has launched a consultation setting out a masterplan to 2040 to meet the strong and growing demand of people in the region using the airport.
The proposals would enable the airport to provide more connections and serve new destinations, including a limited number of new longer-haul flights, connecting the region directly with destinations such as the east coast of America and the Middle East.
The future development is forecast to support more than 37,000 jobs in the south west and south Wales – including an additional 1,000 jobs at the airport, with employment focused on areas including Weston-super-Mare and south Bristol.
On Monday, November 25, Bristol Airport started a two-month long consultation on its proposals allowing opportunity for people to help shape the future plans.
A dedicated website provides more information – including an interactive map - detailing proposals, which are also being shared with North Somerset residents this week.
There are now more than 10 million passengers a year using Bristol Airport, providing more than 5,000 local jobs and contributing £2 billion to the regional economy.
Connecting the region to more than 115 destinations increases productivity, supports businesses and enables inbound tourism.
The masterplan to 2040 will look at expected passenger growth beyond the current allowance of 12 million passengers per annum, so it can serve up to 15 million passengers per year by around 2036.
This will set a clear development intent to be given due consideration in the local planning process, with a planning application likely to be going to North Somerset Council next year.
Proposals include:
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Terminal extension: A larger terminal building, with improved walkways directly serving aircraft and so reducing passenger transport to aircraft by bus. To further improve the customer experience, travellators would be installed.
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Supporting facilities: Improved on-site facilities including retail, food and beverage and an additional hotel, as well as more space for flight catering, engineering and other requirements for airport businesses.
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Airfield: New taxiways, apron extensions and additional aircraft stands. A short runway improvement – around the size of one and a half football pitches – will enable longer-range aircraft, serving a limited number of long-haul destinations and more efficient short-haul flights that will continue to be the majority of flights for the foreseeable future. The runway improvement could help reduce noise from departing aircraft to the west.
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Transport: Capacity improvements on the A38 and improvements to public transport connections to the Airport are proposed.
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Parking provision: Plans to increase car parking provision to the north and south of the airport.
Bristol Airport chief executive officer Dave Lees said: “We constantly look at trends in air travel and we've been pleasantly surprised that people want to continue to travel by air.
"We've seen since the pandemic a real resurgence in terms of people wanting to connect with friends and family across Europe as well as across the world and that will inform our plans as we go forward over the coming years.
“The masterplan will look at what further development might be required to meet this growing demand for air travel and we’d welcome input from people to help shape our plans.”
BRISTOL AIRPORT FACTFILE
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Bristol Airport is England’s third largest regional airport, acting as the international gateway for the South West of England and South Wales.
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With more than 10 million passengers passing through the terminal during the past 12 months and links to over 115 destinations, across 34 countries, more than all the other airports in the region combined, including to major hub airports for onward connections.
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The airport is currently going through a £400m upgrade, including the construction of a £60m Public Transport Interchange and car park, which will be one of our region’s largest coach/bus interchanges when complete, in summer 2025.
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We are central to our region’s economy, providing business links to European capitals and financial hubs, and bringing in hundreds of thousands of inbound visitors each year.
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The Bristol Airport site provides the largest number of jobs in the area, with some 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs being provided on-site by over 50 companies, all paying more than the Real Living Wage.
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Bristol Airport is committed to achieving net zero airport operations by 2030. It is working in unique partnerships to reduce indirect emissions and support the development of zero emissions flight.
Mr Lees said that more than £400 million is currently being invested on improving customer experience and reducing the airport’s carbon emissions.
He added: “We’re continuously investing in improvements to meet current demand, with our new £64 million Public Transport Interchange currently under construction.
"Work is also ongoing to decarbonise operations at the airport on projects removing gas from our site, to be replaced with heat pumps.
“We recognise there will be concerns about carbon emissions resulting from Airport growth and the implications for climate change.
"So we are bringing forward proposals for what we consider to be responsible growth, growth that is both within the current UK carbon budgets required to meet net zero for all emissions by 2050, and with measures to achieve net zero airport operations by 2030. Meanwhile, we are also committed to working with partners in our region on aviation decarbonisation.”
Bristol Airport has worked closely with airlines to improve the type of aircraft operating from the airport.
It has actively encouraged more quieter new engine option aircrafts, which have a 50 per cent reduction in noise compared to standard aircraft.
One major airline has the highest number of quieter aircrafts operating from Bristol Airport compared to their other UK bases.
The increase in passengers from 12 million passengers per annum to 15 million passengers per annum, will see aircraft movements increase from 85,990 to 100,000 per year in the longer term to meet demand for air travel.
On a busy day in peak period this would result in 35 extra aircraft movements.
While night flying restrictions would remain, the airport is proposing to increase night flights by 1,000 - on average, four per night on a busy night in the peak period.
UK Government policy supports the growth of airports outside the south east of England that make better use of existing runways, and that grow and develop new routes and services.
Bristol Airport’s proposals to provide new destinations would reduce the journeys to London airports, which 10 million passengers make from the South West and South Wales every year.
The consultation runs until Wednesday, January 25, 2025.
People can find out more about the airports proposals and provide feedback at www.bristolairport.co.uk/future-plans.
To read more about sale https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/three-uk-airports-for-sale-bristol-birmingham-london-city
Construction company Griffiths Farrans JV has marked its topping out milestone on a transformational public transport project at Bristol Airport.
The topping out milestone comes as levels one to three are complete with level four nearing completion. Mechanical and electrical installations are taking place on levels zero to two and specialist vehicle restraint systems are also progressing on levels one and two.
The public transport interchange and multi-storey car park is part of Bristol Airport’s largest capital project ever. The £60m investment will enhance services and accessibility for customers arriving or departing from Bristol Airport.
The project, which will include an improved internal road network, will provide access for coaches, buses and other forms of public transport on the top level of the multi-storey car park, more than doubling the number of bus/coach bays to 16 bays and enabling the airport to be one of the region’s largest bus/coach interchanges.
The multi-storey car park will provide customer enhancements such as over 2,000 spaces; state of the art technology; blue badge parking; waiting rooms and rest facilities. It will adjoin the existing multi-storey car park.
The top level of the car park will also provide a dedicated Drop Off and Pick-up location for family, friends or taxis and a new gateway for all customers, with ease of access to the terminal via a glazed pedestrian bridge link on the same level.
Bristol Airport infrastructure director Andrew Goodenough said: “This is an important milestone, as we are a significant step closer to opening one of the region’s largest Public Transport Interchanges next summer, which will offer even more sustainable travel options to the airport.
"I’m pleased to say we have recycled over 100,000 tonnes of material on site and aim to have no disposal off site at all.
"It’s also great that T level students have been involved in the project too, as we are committed to supporting young people, both now and in the future.
"We’re delighted that this complex project, which also managed to trial Volvo’s zero-exhaust emission EC230 electric excavator, in collaboration with Chepstow Plant, is on track with minimum impact on operations, due to close coordination with Griffiths Farrans JV, who are a longstanding partner in the airport’s development.”
Topping out milestone at airport
Griffiths Farrans JV regional director Glenn Gilmore said: “We are pleased with the progress which has been made on this important project at Bristol Airport. "The aviation sector always brings unique challenges for construction projects, including the successful integration of the building services with the existing airport infrastructure, constrained site logistics and the co-ordination of the various project stakeholders, which Griffiths Farrans has extensive experience of managing.
"To have achieved the topping out milestone on time and in line with our programme is a testament to the collaborative approach which has been taken by our team and our client.
"We look forward to entering 2025 with the same momentum to push forward to completion.”
Griffiths Farrans JV operations director Ian Grimstead said: “Reaching the topping out milestone is a testament to the dedication and skill of everyone involved.
"This achievement marks a significant step forward, bringing us closer to delivering a transformative piece of infrastructure that will benefit the airport’s customers considerably.
"We are incredibly proud of the progress made and grateful for the collaboration and support of stakeholders, local residents and our workforce.”
PHOTO: Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, joins Griffiths Farrans JV to mark the topping out on a transformational public transport project at Bristol Airport
The hugely popular charity Santa flight returns to Bristol Airport for the first time since Covid, taking to the sky on Wednesday, December 11.
This year Bristol Airport is teaming up with Jet2.com to sprinkle some Christmas cheer for very deserving children and their families in the south west.
Bristol Airport’s charity of the year, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), Children’s Hospice South West, British Heart Foundation and Weston Hospice will all be joining the Bristol Airport and Jet2.com team in the search for Santa.
Each charity will nominate the children and their families, who will have a seat on board, for this morning of festive fun.
Alongside these, children from neighbouring villages will also be invited, including those from Winford Church of England Primary School, Wrington C of E Primary School, Court de Wyck Church School in Claverham and Backwell C of E Junior School.
There will be face painting, entertainment, Blaze Bear from Bristol Airport’s Fire team, Christmas presents for every child and plenty of fun and games on the flight, while the search for Santa is on.
Bristol Airport community relations manager Tracy Comer said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring back our charity Santa flight and it’s all thanks to Jet2.com.
"We have it on good authority that Santa will be carrying out a test flight in the south west on Wednesday the 11th, so we’re confident we might get a sighting of Santa!
"This is such a special day for everyone involved and it’s wonderful to be offering some very brave children a moment of fun this Christmas time and for them to be able to make special memories with their families and school friends.”
Jet2.com Bristol Airport station manager Steph Kojder said: “We are looking forward to putting on a very special day for these local children and their families, and we know it will help create incredible memories for everyone.
"Of course, any Santa flight needs a guest appearance from Santa himself, so we are very much hoping that he can get over to Bristol Airport at this busy time of year to join us all – we think he will!”
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity chief executive officer Anna Perry said: "It's great to hear that Bristol Airport's Jet2.com Santa Flight is back this year.
Santa flight from Bristol Airport
ABOUT SANTA FLIGHT: Bristol Airport came up with the idea over 30 years ago. In the early 1990s Bristol Airport launched the charity Santa flight, as a way of offering poorly children and their families an opportunity to experience a magical Christmas and make lasting memories. It means that children who are currently too ill to fly, don’t have to miss out on the festive holiday fun. It’s also the airport's pleasure to extend the invite to North Somerset school children.
"I can't think of a better way to kickstart Christmas for our former patients and their families who all deserve to be treated to something very special this holiday season.
“I'd like to express my thanks for the wonderful support we've received throughout the whole year from Bristol Airport staff and business partners; their efforts are helping us to be there for people in urgent need of critical care in our region."
Jet2.com Charity Santa Flight departed from Bristol Airport on Wednesday, December 11.
The fun began at the Jet2.com check in desk where everyone was issued a very festive welcome and their Santa flight boarding card.
At the gate there was face painting, a magician, music and an appearance from Bristol Airport’s very own Blaze Bear, who is a key member of the fire team.
The flight took off this morning with over 80 children and 70 adults on board and headed out towards Mid Wales. Once the Jet2.com aircraft was at 10,000ft the search for Santa began. And we’re thrilled to say the captain’s radar was spot on and Santa made a guest appearance, joining children onboard to start Christmas early.
Bristol Airport community relations manager Tracy Comer said: “It was wonderful to be able to do this for some very brave children and their families, and it’s all thanks to Jet2.com.
"There was so much excitement on board, especially when the faint jingle of bells could be heard.
"We’re over the moon that Santa’s reindeers managed to find the secret door and were able to drop Santa in to make this surprise visit.
"Lots of fun was had and I hope lots of special memories have been made.”
Bristol Airport for Jet2.com Blake Jones, who is part of the cabin crew team, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to work with Bristol Airport, local charities and local schools to put on this special flight for children and their families.
"The excitement onboard was truly magical, and the smiles and joy on the children’s faces will live long in the memory.
"Christmas is a time for creating special memories and we are sure we have done that today.”
After party games and Christmas carols, hosted by the Jet2.com cabin crew, the flight touched down at Bristol Airport with lots of happy faces.
As an extra special treat, all children were invited into the cockpit to meet the Captain and First Officer before heading into arrivals for a photo with Santa and Christmas present.
Santa flight airport take-off
