Issue - meetings

There was no update from HIAL. 

John Lamont reported that overall the passenger figures were down by -4.5%.  However this month had shown a slight increase.  The same for flights which were overall  -6.7%; but again for this month they were up. 

He detailed the final passenger numbers for the Sunday flights over the 16 week period of operation.  These were:-

147 passengers flying into Campbeltown

174 passengers flying from Campbeltown. 

In addition, lots of the local community were utilising the service.  In regards the 'out of hours' service, this was not being widely used.

Councillor Currie enquired on the possibility of seats being reduced by Logan Air if flights were not fully booked.  John Lamont replied that advance bookings could result in a price reduction and that no seats were reserved for patient transfers; all seats were on a first come, first served basis.

Decision

That a letter would be sent to Logan Air requesting attendance of a Customer Service Representative  at a future KIWG meeting to provide a general update on the purposes of passenger travel.       

John Lamont advised the group that figures for the evening flight service were extremely good and that the new ferry service had not impacted on usage.  Passenger figures were +3.1% - although overall they were down by -3% on last year’s figures.  Flight movements were +77.6% and this equated to 190 flight movements in July, as opposed to 176 last year.  He reported on the continuation of 'out of hours' flight movements.  

John Lamont reported that the new Sunday service had commenced 2 weeks ago and would continue until the end of September.  Initial passenger numbers were steady, but somewhat low and it was hoped as the service was imbedded numbers would increase.   He advised on an increase in private and charter flights.  In addition, the usage of the airport for 'out of hours' flying for smaller aircraft was proving popular.    Figures for May were slightly down, but overall there was a 9.3% increase from last year.

Councillor Semple, Chair of HIAL, informed the group of a consultation study which was being undertaken on the new Twin-Otters service for Islands routes.  He advised that there would perhaps be potential for a service between Campbeltown and Oban providing there was  market capacity.

John Lamont reported that passenger’s figures over the year had increased by 1.2%; however flight movements were down by 21.8%.  He advised that the reason for the reduction in the flight movements was due in part to the lack of training flights. 

Plans were being put in place  for out of hours flying which would be introduced in a couple of months and a risk assessment exercise was being planned for the near future.  He informed the group of the proposed timetable for the new Sunday flights service which would commence on 16 June and run to 29 September.  Flights would arrive in Campbeltown at 1800 and depart at 1825 and this would initially be part of a 2 year trial.

John Lamont reported that passenger numbers were slightly down, but overall in the year to date they were up 1.4%.

He advised on new equipment which had been commissioned for the airport and would result in continuing enhanced safety for aircraft coming into land.

Other than the letter previously mentioned above, there was no further Airport update available.

John Lamont advised that growth was up to 94% in September.  Passenger figures were 3,2%; however movements were down at -14% (overall to date this was -27%)   He reported that passenger numbers last year were 10,000 and it was hoped that this year the figure would be increased.  John advised that staff had moved last week to a new building and invited the group to visit the airport.  He agreed to contact Melissa and/or Theresa with suggested dates for this visit.

Action: Once dates were received, Melissa Stewart and Theresa McLetchie would issue an invitation to KIWG Members.

John Lamont reported on the recent Board meeting held at Campbeltown airport on 16 August.  He stated that recent movements had been down 38% and for  the year this was 34%.  He was hopeful that movements would increase. Passenger numbers were also down - 7%, but up overall over the year by 2.8%.

Recent work on the runway was complete, with the fencing 95% and the joint facility again 95% complete.  The fire station had been relocated nearer to the tower.

Councillor Kelly stated that the renewal of the PSO contract was scheduled for 2013 and the need for weekend flights to encourage more visitors to the Campbeltown area.  John replied that additional staff would be needed to encompass weekend flights.    

Councillor Semple reported on discussion being undertaken in regards the PSO to make the contract more attractive for operators.

It was agreed to invite Moya Ingram to the next meeting to provide the Group with information on the PSO which would assist them with their desire to campaign for additional weekend flights, without having a knock on effect on the PSO which was agreed must continue

John Lamont advised on the recent work being undertaken at the airport, which included the runway, new fire appliances and bays.  This was 80% complete and he envisaged that the electrical work would be finalised by August.

The Chair enquired if the Civil Aviation Authority would need to approve the work.  John Lamont replied that a visit was scheduled for August to overview the recent work and the annual inspection was timetabled for October.

John reported on a 41.8% increase in passenger figures last month and this could be accounted to the new Machrihanish Dunes Hotel and various charter flights.  The overall figures from April to present amounted to a 19.6% increase.

John stated that aircraft movement figures were -2.3% down. He reported on additional fencing which would separate air side/land side.  The Chair enquired if fencing had been erected around the perimeter of the airport.  John affirmed that there was fencing in place which highlighted the airport boundaries but that this could be removed to accommodate larger aircraft.

Finally, he advised that a  HIA Board meeting was being held in Campbeltown in August. 

Roger Hage, Director of Service Deliver, Loganair Limited provided a written update which was tabled at the meeting.

Discussion ensued in regards problems encountered by NHS patients utilising this route to Glasgow for scheduled appointments.  Susan Paterson stated that, in her view, lack of communcation and notification were the primary issues for passengers complaints on the service.  She continued that when passengers were not alerted to or/provided with information regarding flight delays, the consequent effect was disproportionate as regards missed appointments/treatments, etc.

Roger Hage replied that Loganair were constantly and consistently trying to address this issue and a passenger service trainer had been appointed, who functions as part of the Service Delivery team.  Her remit was to improve the information disseminated to passengers, with partiuclar emphasis during periods of adverse weasther when anxiety and worry over travel may be heightened.

Further discussion took place regarding the Public Service Obligation (PSO) burdens and limitations on the route.  It was agreed that the KIWG would review this at a later meeting and that enquiries would be made on this issue.

Action:  Stephen Doogan would request that the Strategic Transportation manager liaise with HIE to confirm the extent of the legal and commercial  constraints of the PSO.

The Chair thanked Roger Hage for attending the meeting and providing an update on issues raised by the group.     

A report was distributed from Graham Everett who hoped to attend a future KIWG meeting.

Alan Reid reported that the early morning flight from London to Campbeltown via Glasgow was no longer available. Ian Wardrop stressed the need for more engagement on transportation to ensure effective marketing to encourage more visitors to the area. 

ACTION:  Theresa McLetchie would contact Graham Everett (Head of Service Delivery at Loganair) (to ascertain if there was a foreseeable solution to the issue regarding the London flight and report back to the next KIWG meeting