London City applies for more landing slots to boost services

Planning application

London City applies for more landing slots to boost services

Report by LOUISELONGMAN

LONDON City Airport is planning to boost its appeal to domestic and European carriers with an increase in the number of airline stands.

The Docklands-based airport will submit a planning application to Newham Local Authority in November to build an extra four to five landing slots, boosting the total number from 10 to 15.

London City Airport’s Airside Improvements Programme also aims to create a runway holding point, allowing the airport to adopt a more efficient method of managing aircraft on the ground.

A London City Airport spokeswoman estimated that the plans would be implemented by next summer.

She said: “When we applied to double the number of aircraft movements at London City Airport in 1998, from 130 to 240 per day, it went ahead without problems.

“Our strategy is to remain as profitable as possible by offering new destinations and opening up frequencies. Once you start gaining frequency, you gain the confidence of the passenger and demand goes up.”

Passenger numbers at London City are currently at 1.5 million per year. They are expected to increase to between 3.5 million and 4.5 million by 2004.

Meanwhile the Docklands-based airport is working with conference, exhibitions and incentive complex ExCeL to launch joint facilities and marketing ventures.

When the £250 million complex opens in November at Royal Victoria Dock, London City will allow visitors to use its existing car park. Plans are also being discussed for a shuttle-bus service between the airport and the ExCeL complex as well as a facility allowing customers to register for events at the centre while they are at the airport.