Airport.

[Asthehills]

5 minutes ago, daisy said:

If you live up North it's more than a quick trip up the road.  And yes I do check before I head to the airport - sometimes it arrives earlier than I can get there and sometimes not.  Fog can be problematic when aircraft holding overhead.  I don't see what the issue is in making the airport somewhere nice to go to, somewhere nice to wait.  Instead it's a chore and can be stressful!

I just went through the process on my phone.  It’s a grand total of 14 taps on the screen to book and pay for two hours parking and a total cost of £2.

How is that a chore or stressful.  It more screen taps to actually type “Ronaldsway airport” than it is to book and pay for the parking!!!

[The Voice of Reason]

1 hour ago, Asthehills said:

You don’t have to download an app in order to do so.  People are making out like it’s some big hassle.

You download the app once and register, then each time you visit in future it’s a 30 second job to pay for your parking.  It takes much less time than faffing about at machines and if you ever travel to the UK and park you are going to have to download the app at some point anyway as it’s used in thousands of car parks.

The drama about downloading an app that once done once makes life simpler is staggering.  It even links to google or Apple Pay so you don’t have ever enter or I update payment details.  It literally couldn’t be more simple.  It remembers recently used car parks and stores the details for multiple vehicles.

It’s rubbish 

[Asthehills]

Just now, The Voice of Reason said:

It’s rubbish 

Why?  It’s an absolute doddle to use.

Its typically Manx to just say something is rubbish because it’s different to what we are used to.  
 

It works and personally is far preferable to fannying about at a ticket machine 

[Two-lane]

56 minutes ago, Asthehills said:

Why?  It’s an absolute doddle to use.

No doubt you did not need a small child to explain to you how to set a video recorder to record Match Of The Day at 20:30 each Wednesday.

[offshoremanxman]

Just now, Two-lane said:

No doubt you did not need a small child to explain to you how to set a video recorder to record Match Of The Day at 20:30 each Wednesday.

Whatever you say they will always say the exact opposite just to wind you up.

[Mercenary]

1 hour ago, daisy said:

If you live up North it's more than a quick trip up the road.  And yes I do check before I head to the airport - sometimes it arrives earlier than I can get there and sometimes not.  Fog can be problematic when aircraft holding overhead.  I don't see what the issue is in making the airport somewhere nice to go to, somewhere nice to wait.  Instead it's a chore and can be stressful!

Well it probably costs £150k to run (assuming it was actually open) the Smiths & landside cafe and from what I've seen it's hardly used post COVID. It's probably not an exaggeration to say you could replace it with a few vending machines.

 

Yes the cafe is part of the franchise so doesn't cost IOMG directly but it still reduces the revenue that can be gained from the franchise.

[Major Rushen]

What this airport does not have is a Based Airline to keep it on the straight and narrow.

I am sure that Manx Airlines stood no nonsense and Airport Director/ Operations Manager would get a call / visit if their performance was not to spec.

[newaccount]

Loganair is based

[newaccount]

17 hours ago, Roger Mexico said:

I think the proposal was more to re-site where security is, so that there would be more space in the departure lounge and the current, underused, cafe would now be incorporated in the departure area.

The ideal opportunity to relocate security and make the cafe airside is when the new scanners are installed.  However the L shape is troublesome in the design. Another "feature" the terminal has is the convergence or arrivals and departures in close proximity to the stairs. It's a very poor layout which is causing problems with a redesign 

👀

Edited June 9, 2023 by newaccount

[Guest]

Yes, we did regularly !!!

[CallMeCurious]

7 hours ago, Whiskey said:

I’m stunned people don’t check the plane’s taken off before heading to the airport to collect them. How long can it take to drive there? 

40-60 minutes depending on traffic (and Mountain road being open) from the North. By bus, who knows? Never tried it.

[CallMeCurious]

3 hours ago, newaccount said:

The ideal opportunity to relocate security and make the cafe airside is when the new scanners are installed.  However the L shape is troublesome in the design. Another "feature" the terminal has is the convergence or arrivals and departures in close proximity to the stairs. It's a very poor layout which is causing problems with a redesign 

👀

Part of the problem is the gates should be across the rear of the building and not down a pier as it is now. So each gate could have small holding area with corridor link from departure lounge. Arrivals at each gate via a common corridor beneath to baggage claim and arrivals area. That way each flight can be ready to load as soon as the last passenger enters the arrival area.   

Put checkin upstairs leading straight to security and public area/hire cars/shops etc. downstairs. Put a floor in the checkin-hall to maximise utiltisation of space within the footprint. Put all the admin staff etc. in Viscount House and link at 1st floor level.

Massive project which would require keeping the whole thing operational throughout but we've all seen it done at Liverpool and Manchester etc. Just need to get the right design team from off island with the necessary experience. If done right, there is no reason it couldn't be packaged out to local contractors over a number of years.

In this day and age, apart from the security and transport aspects, it should be about using every sq.m to generate revenue. 

Then apply the same to the sea terminal with a view to incorporating cruise ships and coach trip facilities (even if only for the crew and drivers). Relocate SPCO offices to 1st floor (stick DoI out Ellerslie) and get a small hotel on the site. Do a deal with SPCO to do a package offer.

[Moghrey Mie]

1 hour ago, CallMeCurious said:

Part of the problem is the gates should be across the rear of the building and not down a pier as it is now. So each gate could have small holding area with corridor link from departure lounge. Arrivals at each gate via a common corridor beneath to baggage claim and arrivals area. That way each flight can be ready to load as soon as the last passenger enters the arrival area.   

Put checkin upstairs leading straight to security and public area/hire cars/shops etc. downstairs. Put a floor in the checkin-hall to maximise utiltisation of space within the footprint. Put all the admin staff etc. in Viscount House and link at 1st floor level.

Massive project which would require keeping the whole thing operational throughout but we've all seen it done at Liverpool and Manchester etc. Just need to get the right design team from off island with the necessary experience. If done right, there is no reason it couldn't be packaged out to local contractors over a number of years.

In this day and age, apart from the security and transport aspects, it should be about using every sq.m to generate revenue. 

Then apply the same to the sea terminal with a view to incorporating cruise ships and coach trip facilities (even if only for the crew and drivers). Relocate SPCO offices to 1st floor (stick DoI out Ellerslie) and get a small hotel on the site. Do a deal with SPCO to do a package offer.

A nice project for Chat GBT. Design an airport.

[Owen]

A nice project for Chat GBT. Design an airport:

Designing an airport requires careful consideration of various factors such as location, runway capacity, terminal design, passenger flow, security measures, and sustainability. Here's a high-level overview of the design process:

1. Site Selection:

   • Identify potential locations based on proximity to major population centers, transportation networks, and suitable land availability.
   • Consider environmental factors, such as noise pollution and impact on local ecosystems.

2. Runway and Taxiway Design:

   • Determine the number, length, and orientation of runways based on expected traffic volume and prevailing wind patterns.
   • Design taxiways to efficiently connect runways to the terminal and maintenance areas.

3. Terminal Design:

   • Plan the terminal layout, considering passenger flow, convenience, and scalability.
   • Allocate spaces for check-in counters, security checkpoints, baggage claim, customs and immigration, retail areas, lounges, and other amenities.
   • Incorporate efficient wayfinding systems and clear signage throughout the terminal.

4. Air Traffic Control Tower:

   • Construct a tall tower to provide a clear view of the entire airport and surrounding airspace.
   • Equip the tower with advanced communication and surveillance systems for efficient air traffic management.

5. Ground Transportation:

   • Design roadways and parking facilities to handle private vehicles, taxis, rideshares, and public transportation.
   • Include dedicated areas for passenger drop-off, pick-up, and rental car services.
   • Integrate pedestrian walkways, bike paths, and shuttle services for seamless connections within the airport.

6. Security Measures:

   • Implement robust security systems, including advanced screening technologies, surveillance cameras, and access control systems.
   • Design separate areas for passengers, employees, and cargo, ensuring secure and efficient processing.

7. Sustainability and Efficiency:

   • Incorporate environmentally friendly features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting.
   • Design the airport to maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption.
   • Implement waste management and recycling programs throughout the airport.

8. Expansion and Future Growth:

   • Allow for future expansion by reserving land for additional runways, terminal buildings, and infrastructure.
   • Plan for scalability to accommodate increasing passenger and cargo demands.
   • Consider flexibility in design to adapt to emerging technologies and changing aviation trends.

9. Collaboration and Compliance:

   • Collaborate with aviation authorities, architects, engineers, airlines, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and industry standards.
   • Engage local communities to address concerns and incorporate their feedback where possible.

This is a simplified overview, and designing an airport is a complex process that requires expertise from various disciplines. Consulting with airport planners, architects, and engineers would be crucial to develop a comprehensive design that meets specific requirements and regulations.

Edited June 9, 2023 by Owen

[The Voice of Reason]

3 hours ago, CallMeCurious said:

Part of the problem is the gates should be across the rear of the building and not down a pier as it is now. So each gate could have small holding area with corridor link from departure lounge. Arrivals at each gate via a common corridor beneath to baggage claim and arrivals area. That way each flight can be ready to load as soon as the last passenger enters the arrival area.   

Put checkin upstairs leading straight to security and public area/hire cars/shops etc. downstairs. Put a floor in the checkin-hall to maximise utiltisation of space within the footprint. Put all the admin staff etc. in Viscount House and link at 1st floor level.

Massive project which would require keeping the whole thing operational throughout but we've all seen it done at Liverpool and Manchester etc. Just need to get the right design team from off island with the necessary experience. If done right, there is no reason it couldn't be packaged out to local contractors over a number of years.

In this day and age, apart from the security and transport aspects, it should be about using every sq.m to generate revenue. 

 

Never mind all that. First priority is to get planes arriving and departing on schedule. Not being cancelled or delayed as often as they are.

This stuff about revenues and waiting areas can wait until that is sorted. There’s no point in fiddling about whilst Rome burns.

Theres no point in worrying about the peripheral stuff until people can be confident that the flight they have booked on is actually going to take off.

Edited June 9, 2023 by The Voice of Reason
Minoradjustment