Newcastle International team commended for keeping airport open
06-Dec-2010 Newcastle International’s approach to the severe weather conditions has ensured that the airport has remained open for 92 per cent of the time since the intensive snow showers began on the 24th of November.
Preparation
A Snow Plan and Strategy is in place. Planning commences in August every year to ensure preparations are complete for 1st November
The snow team is assembled in July to begin training on all operational equipment ensuring maximum flexibility amongst all members
Training tactics are continually practiced throughout the year in accordance with the agreed snow plan
Newcastle has invested significantly in plant and machinery to ensure the operational teams are properly equipped
The snow team is supplemented by airport managers and other staff as and when necessary
A full time maintenance team of fitters & engineers is onsite for all snow vehicles to assist the 24 hour operation
80,000 litres of de-icer fluid are in stock onsite to ensure the runway and all surfaces are treated immediately when required
During the severe weather, the de-icer tanks are replenished daily
Communication
Excellent internal communication and strong relationships with airline and agent managers ensures operations are co-ordinated smoothly and efficiently on the airfield
Web text and weather alert distribution lists are activated so all airlines, agents, airport managers are aware of current weather warnings and the latest runway status e.g. open, closed, estimated opening times etc
Dedication
The snow team consists of 45 members of staff on call for 24 hours a day for five months of the year
There are always seven members of the snow team in operation at any one time during bad weather periods
Airside operational staff provide constant runway and airfield monitoring to ensure quick response (i.e. snow team call out, de-icing etc)
An extra position is manned in the Air Traffic Control Tower to co-ordinate snow strategy on the day
Graeme Mason, planning and corporate affairs director at the airport, said: "The outstanding effort and dedication of the workforce at Newcastle has meant we've been able to provide passengers with their service for the vast majority of the time since the bad weather began over a week ago. The feedback we've received from airlines, business partners and stakeholders has been fantastic, and underlines what an asset the airport is to the region. We're extremely proud of the continued commitment and resolute attitude shown by the team as they work tirelessly to keep this airport open."
The airport employs 3000 people on site, and over 5000 in the surrounding areas of the North East. Annually it pumps £400 million into the regional economy. It serves a population of over 2.5 million people in the region while servicing a wider catchment area. A total of 4.6 million passengers passed through its doors in 2009.