Annual Review
2022 Additions
Loganair Axe Base
On 21st December 2022 came the disappointing but perhaps not surprising news that Loganair were to axe their Teesside base. To add insult to injury, Newcastle were to get our aircraft and Loganair wasted no time removing the name of "Spirit of Teesside" from G-SAJG. They cited low demand, but their routes have often 'spiked' at the end because of raised awareness from the negative publicity. They erected a billboard at Belfast City Airport that showcased all of their Belfast routes...except Teesside?! The public can only use the services if they know about them!
Shortly after the takeover, we were briefed by management that they wanted "sustainable business only - not quick wins like Loganair", fast forward a few months and suddenly Loganair are here and they have proven to be exactly that - a quick win. The rhetoric from the time was "It’s getting the right plane to the right place at the right time and at the right level of frequency" and ultimately that has not happened, although with the 30-seater turboprops having reached the end of their service lives with no new generation replacements available it isn't really possible anymore so credit for trying anyway.
Boeing 747
22nd December saw a rare treat - the visit of a One Air Aviation Boeing 747-400F. The aircraft was on a training flight but the internet suspected otherwise as speculation grew that the operator may be looking to start operations from here. An unfortunate push-back incident cast a shadow over the visit and it's a little scary that one or two spectators in the viewing area could see what the handlers apparently couldn't and tried to warn them. Luckily it was a relatively minor incident, no damage was done to the aircraft and feedback from the operator was very positive.