There were 15 members of the committee and NIA staff present and 5 apologies.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. There were no major matters arising.
The Airport Company report highlighted a number of areas of interest. The current economic situation is likely to lead to a reduction in passenger movements this year. However the Emirates flights continue to enjoy high load factors. The company is reviewing parking arrangements as well as introducing new commercial offers such as the Eagle Bar Diner and BIZA, the new duty free shop. The petrol filling station developer, the Roadside Group, is considering tenders for the construction of the station.
Proposed Wind Turbine developments continue to cause problems for the Airport Company, which is obliged, at considerable expense, to oppose those that threaten the safe operation of traffic control radar systems.
The recent Journal report on “Triple air miss at the airport” was discussed and it was confirmed that the article was inaccurate and that the Journal had published a full retraction of the story. Complaints, including those relating to noise, continue to be at a very low level versus other comparable airports.
The Chairman submitted a report on a recent meeting of Which? airport representatives which she had attended. The subjects covered included the length of security queues, electronic check in on budget airlines, surface access, flight delay compensation and the vital economic need to maintain slots at Heathrow for regional flights to and from the North East of England and Scotland.
The meeting was advised that the Chairman and Vice-chairman would be attending the Annual Meeting of ACCs at Heathrow on 11th/12th June.
Helen Hughes, Environmental Co-ordinator, then gave a very informative presentation on the mechanisms in place to monitor air and water quality to ensure that the environment is protected.
Customer Service. A number of points were covered including catering in the food village, airport taxis and improvements to the airport roundabout. A discussion of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 took place during which it was reported that the Airport Company does not consider it necessary to administer fines at present on airlines whose aeroplanes are the subject of noise complaints.