UK airports forced to reintroduce restrictions on carrying liquids over 100ml.....

Following updated guidance from the UK's Department for Transport, a temporary 100ml restriction on liquids has been reintroduced for passengers travelling from a number of regional airports that had invested in Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC).

The Department for Transport said the reintroducing restrictions was not in response to a specific threat and  would "enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems" 

The change came into effect on Sunday morning and affects regional airports around the UK including including London Southend, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London City, and Aberdeen. It has also been introduced at Jersey Airport in the Channel Islands.

The larger and busier airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester are not affected by the change as they still have the restrictions on liquids in place as the new scanners have not yet been installed there. 

London Southend Airport stated "passengers travelling through London Southend Airport can still keep everything, including all liquids and large electrical items, in their cabin baggage when passing through security.  Any liquids above 100ml will not be permitted to travel and must be voluntarily abandoned. Water bottles can be refilled after Security."

Ports of Jersey advised passengers would need to put all liquids, aerosols, gels and pastes carried in their hand luggage into the security trays for screening, adding that there was "no need" to place them in a plastic bag.

Nick Barton, the chief executive of Birmingham Airport condemned the temporary reinstatement of restrictions saying he was "very disappointed" by the news.  He also blamed passengers for the long queues at the airport, telling local media "A non-compliant bag with liquids over 100ml can add up to 20 minutes to each passenger's journey through security."

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Aberdeen and Glasgow airport workers reject pay offer and head for strike action...

Approximately 300 airport workers based in Glasgow and Aberdeen have rejected the latest pay offer and are looking to the possibility of strike action this summer. 

The ICTS Central Search workers at Aberdeen and Glasgow airports have rejected a basic pay increase of four per cent backdated to January 2024, plus a £500 one-off payment. Therefore, the union Unite has confirmed that it now has “no option” but to move towards initiating industrial action ballots ahead of the summer holiday rush.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers at Aberdeen and Glasgow airports have emphatically rejected ICTS’ miserable pay offer. The company is extremely profitable, and it can easily afford to make a far better offer to our members.  Unite will fully back our ICTS Central Search members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

ICTS Central Search employs around 220 workers at Glasgow Airport and around 100 workers at Aberdeen Airport. The workers deal with passengers directly in the security search areas and process them for flights. The workers also cover mobile patrols, control access posts, screen all deliveries and deal with emergency services.

A spokesperson for ICTS Central Search stated: "Generous pay proposals have been tabled that would give staff a minimum of 4% increase as well as a lump sum payment.  This is in addition to the 15-28% increases our staff have received over the last two years. We would like to reassure the travelling public that their security is our priority and there will be no disruptions.”

Temporary security officers in Glasgow Temporary security officers in Glasgow positions are currently advertised at earning £12.78 per hour, based on a minimum 20-hour-per-week contract. That's 78p an hour more than a comparable position at Edinburgh Airport comparable position at Edinburgh Airport.

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Ronald Leitch appointed Chief Operating Officer of AGS Airports

AGS Airports Ltd, which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, has confirmed that Ronald Leitch has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer.

Ronald brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the aviation industry having worked in several senior leadership positions at both Aberdeen and Glasgow Airports.

Recently, Ronald had been Interim Chief Operating Officer at AGS Airports and had also been working as Operations Director at Glasgow Airport.

On his appointment Ronald, said: “I am truly honoured and excited to be named Chief Operating Officer of AGS Airports.

“I am eager to contribute to the group’s continued success.

“I look forward to the challenges ahead and working alongside our talented team to deliver exceptional experiences for our passengers and stakeholders.”

In his new position, Ronald will be responsible for overseeing and improving the operational performance of AGS Airports along with capital development and delivery ensuring the highest level of customer service for passengers.

Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports said: “With his strong leadership skills and strategic vision, Ronald will play a pivotal role at AGS Airports driving innovation, efficiency and growth across all three of our airports.”

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Aberdeen International Airport named Transport Hub of the Year at UK National Transport Awards

One of Ferrovial’s UK assets, Aberdeen International Airport was recognised as the UKs Transport Hub of the Year at the 20th anniversary of the National Transport Awards in Westminster.

Gateways to regions and at the very core of business and economic activity, the winner of the Transport Hub of the Year category was selected based on quantitative evidence including customer satisfaction levels, safety levels, punctuality data and surveys.

Aberdeen International Airport’s work following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen last year was recognised by the judges.

The service provided by Aberdeen International Airport to passengers with reduced mobility was also highlighted, The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) gave the airport the highest rating possible of “Very Good” for its consistent and high-quality service.

Aberdeen Airport gets delivery of sustainable aviation fuel for Bristow helicopter flights.

Last week Aberdeen Airport took delivery of sustainable aviation fuel from Air bp and will be blended with traditional jet fuel for Bristow flights to bp’s North Sea offshore operations in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).

Mark Beveridge, Operations Director at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “This is an important announcement for Aberdeen International Airport and the North East of Scotland.

“It is recognised globally that SAF will play a major role in making jet zero aviation a reality and SAF has the potential to significantly reduce UK aviation emissions. bp’s decision to make SAF commercially available at Aberdeen is a significant moment.

“There is a real opportunity for Aberdeen to help drive a domestic SAF industry here in the UK and in doing so, we can support the decarbonisation of the oil and gas sector transport."

SAF has the potential to play an important role in meeting the aviation industry’s carbon reduction targets and is recognised as part of the government’s jet zero strategy and ambition to drive net-zero aviation by 2050.

Loganair starts Aberdeen - Oslo route

UK regional airline, Loganair, is introducing six flights per week to Oslo Gardermoen Airport from Aberdeen.  The services will operate Sunday-Friday, on a 49-seat Embraer 145 Regional Jet aircraft.

The flights depart Aberdeen at 08:30, and arrive in Oslo at 11:05 local time and the return departs Oslo at 11:40 local time and landing back in Aberdeen at 12:20 during the week. Whilst the Sunday flights leave five hours later at 13:30, with the return departing Oslo at 16:40. 

Luke Lovegrove, Chief Commercial Officer, Beverley Law, Cabin Crew and Jordan Cameron, First Officer  Photo Loganair

Norway is also the ideal location for an autumn or winter city break. Oslo has countless places to explore from art to architecture to its gripping history. Scottish guests can get acquainted with the vibrant nightlife of Oslo, with five-star restaurants and nightclubs, or can choose to immerse themselves in culture by visiting The beautiful Oslo Opera House.

The route from Aberdeen to Oslo is Loganair’s latest international Norwegian connection this year, following the revival of flights from Edinburgh to Bergen and Stavanger in June following the pandemic. 

Luke Lovegrove, Chief Operating Officer at Loganair, said: “We're delighted to restore the important Aberdeen-Oslo route today. We know it's been hugely missed by the business community and are confident it will support growth and strengthen ties between the North-East of Scotland and Norway."

Mark Beveridge, operations director at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “We are delighted Loganair has launched this year-round Oslo route, and it was great to see the first aircraft take off from our airport.

“Loganair is a valued airline partner, and we warmly welcome this route giving our passengers a chance to visit the Norwegian Capital and allow visitors to see what our region has to offer.”

Aberdeen runway run rasies £40,000

More than 300 runners completed a midnight charity dash at Aberdeen International Airport raising thousands for charity over the weekend.  The runners took to the 3.5km Runway Run on Saturday night.  

Back after a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the popular run sold out within days of tickets going on sale and once again, CHC Helicopters and Aberdeen International Airport partnered up to bring the run to the Dyce terminal for the third year. 

Aberdeen International Airports chosen charities We Too! and Kayleigh’s Wee Stars will benefit from the run along with CHC Helicopters chosen charity Friends of ANCHOR.

More than £40,000 was raised on the night with entertainment and an appearance from the popular Canine Crew Therapets at the event on Saturday night.

CHC Helicopter Captain Ryan Broadhurst, one of the organisers said: “Bringing the run back has been fantastic and to see the support, hard work and fundraising efforts of the participants is humbling. Raising more than £40,000 now means the Aberdeen Runway Run has raised £100,000 over the years. A huge thank you to all at CHC Helicopters and Aberdeen International Airport and volunteers for making such an incredible event.”