Find FODSA on the Airport website here
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Airlines, Tour Operators and Destinations from Robin Hood Airport here.
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Latest News:
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KEN'S MONTHLY NOTES for APRIL 2013 out now. Latest Route News for 2013/14 - New Flights, New Airlines and much more interesting facts see 'Stats and Stuff' above, also - Revised Winter 2012/13 schedule out now, and New Summer 2013 Listing - see 'At the Airport' above.
INTERESTING MOVEMENTS for APRIL 2013 by Clive Featherstone. Catch up with the aircraft flying in, out and around the airport during April. Includes Commercial, Bizz Jets, Props, Rotary and Military, see 'Stats and Stuff' - 'Interesting Movements'
NOW UPDATED as from 31st December 2012, Clive Featherstones comprehensive listings of all aircraft types to have visited RHADS; includes: Airlines - Aircraft Types - Cargo Aircraft - World Aircraft Registrations - Foreign Aircraft First Visits. See 'Stats and Stuff' above.
NEW FEATURE complied by our very own stats man Ken Bardell: Ken will produce and post a monthly Flight Schedule for 2013, presented a month in advance. You can find the May & June Flight Schedule now on 'At the Airport' section above.
Vulcan XH558 - All there is to know about her here > www.vulcantothesky.org
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FODSA Team-up with Vulcan XH558 Volunteers.
Sunday May 12th and members of FODSA teamed-up with volunteers from the Vulcan XH558 to provide a range of duties to help with the smooth running of the visit by PistonHeads at Directions Hangar 3 Robin Hood Airport.
PistonHeads.com was established in 1998 to provide an online magazine and community for sportscar enthusiasts.
Here are just a few of the many cars that were on display taken by FODSA photographer Clive Featherstone.
Aston Martin. Jaguar F Type.
FODSA members who assisted at the event. Chevrolet Camaro.
"May 12th saw 140 PHers and 70 PHers' cars pointing towards Robin Hood airport in Doncaster to get up close and personal with XH558, the only flying Vulcan bomber in existence. PH arrived a couple of hours earlier than our guests and, thanks to the amazing efforts of the Vulcan team, managed to get ‘our’ Jaguar F-Type V6S alongside the Vulcan to capture the two British icons together. The Jaguar was amazing, but how can it compete with a legend towering over it in the background?" Read more here - http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=27710
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Airport Leading The Way In Customer Service:
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is continuing to invest in delivering outstanding customer service by becoming a member of The Institute of Customer Service.
The airport is the latest organisation to become a professional member of The Institute of Customer Service, which is the independent, professional membership body for customer service in the UK.
L to R - Steve Gill, Andy Butler, Institute of Customer Service, Lorraine Daffern.
Steve Gill, Airport Managing Director said: “Customer service is a key priority at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and our membership of the Institute of Customer Service is proof of this commitment. We pride ourselves on delivering the very best levels of customer service to every single passenger who uses the airport”.
Lorraine Daffern, Head of Terminal Services and Security said: “From the minute a passenger arrives in the airport car park the customer service journey begins. Providing excellent customer service is one of the airports’ primary objectives and ensuring that the needs of all passengers are met is always something that all airport staff strive to achieve.
“We have achieved a number of customer service accolades in recent years including the Best Small Airport in a Which? Survey, Best Airport at the Customer Service Awards 2012 by Holiday Extras and Thomson Airways, Going for Gold 2012 – which is based on customer feedback.
“We always strive for excellence and to deliver the best possible customer service experience for our passengers. We have recently launched a customer satisfaction survey, which will review and monitor levels of customer service. This will provide a comprehensive review of each passenger’s airport experience and allow the airport to benchmark the results year on year and continue to review our performance.
“By becoming a member of the Institute of Customer Service, we are joining a community of more than 350 organisational members from across the private, public and third sectors and we will be able to share best working practice. “This is an additional method to incorporating continuous improvement within our business and we look forward to working with the organisation and utilising our membership.”
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Congratulations to the Airport on reaching its 8th year - Sunday 28th April 2013.
FODSA toast the occasion at the airport Ramada Encore Hotel.
Sunday 28th April 2013 was Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield's 8th anniversary, and FODSA could not let the occasion pass without marking the event. Members gathered at the airport Ramada Encore Hotel for a social evening and to raise a glass and wish the airport every success for the future.
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FODSA Guest Speaker:
Mr. Chris Harcombe - Head of Aviation Development at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport, Peel Airports Ltd was guest speaker at the FODSA meeting 20th March 2013.
Mr. Chris Harcombe, 3rd from right - Head of Aviation Development - with FODSA members.
Chris so kindly gave up his evening to come along and give members an update on recent changes and developments at the airport, and what this meant for the airport; Chris also gave an insight in to what will be happening down at the airport over the next coming weeks and months.
It was an informal but most interesting presentation enjoyed by all, with time at the end for members to ask questions. Many thanks to Chris and his team, who we all know are working flat out for the long term future of the airport.
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FINANCE DIRECTOR MAKES A RETURN TRIP TO YORKSHIRE AIRPORT:
Doncaster Sheffield Airport has announced the name of the new man in charge of its finances.
Mike Cotterill, aged 39, from Rotherham, has taken up the role of Finance Director at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, returning to head the department he worked in five years ago.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport Finance Director - Mike Cotterill.
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Peel Airports Ltd, said: "We are delighted to welcome Mike back to the airport. This new role of Finance Director will see him take charge of the figures for both Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport.
"Mike has a wealth of experience and is extremely passionate about this role. We look forward to working with him to build both airports financial forecasts."
Since leaving the airport in 2008 when he worked as Finance Controller, Mike has enjoyed roles at Maple Leaf Bakeries and then EDF Energy, finally leaving the latter to join the newly structured airport team.
With Peel buying back shares in both airports from the Vantage Group, more new appointments are expected over the coming months.
Mike said: "I am really looking forward to working at both airports and it is clear to see that we have an ambitious, proactive and dedicated team in place.
"Doncaster Sheffield Airport is a business I have always felt close to and as a local man I can see the benefits it brings to the region both in economic terms and as a traveller.
"I will be working with teams at both airports to ensure that we are making the most out of both venues and continue to increase our customer base."
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is the UK’s newest airport and flies passengers to 30 destinations. The airport will celebrate its eighth birthday next month (April).
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Doncaster Sheffield Airport team up with Robin Hood Flights:
Doncaster Sheffield Airport has partnered with a new comparison website, Robinhoodflights, to help customers get the best possible prices when looking for a holiday or flight online.
The partnership will see joint promotion from both organisations which will allow potential holiday makers to search, identify and book their holiday on one website.
The site enables visitors to browse a variety of offers available through multiple airlines and tour operators, including Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook and Balkan Holidays, with all flights taking off from Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Steve Gill, Airport Managing Director said: “We believe this partnership is a positive step forwards. Our main priority is to continue to provide a great service for our customers and this website provides the opportunity for visitors to look for holidays in a user friendly environment.
“Bookings for the summer season are already looking strong especially for Tenerife, Alicante, Turkey and Paphos. Many travellers, families in particular, have made the decision to book in advance and this is thought to be as a direct result of the wet weather experienced in the UK last summer.”
John Cooper, Commercial Director at RobinHoodFlights said: “We are delighted to be working with Doncaster Sheffield Airport. We recognise the huge level of demand there is for flights and holidays from the airport and our website has the functionality to demonstrate the extensive level of choice that is available. The website will continue to develop and the future is looking really exciting.”
Holiday makers can compare flights and holidays at www.robinhoodflights.co.uk
Flight schedule information can also be downloaded from the Doncaster Sheffield Airport website within the flight information section.
For further details about the airport visit www.robinhoodairport.com
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Airport and student Amira benefit from partnership:
Doncaster Sheffield Airport has employed a local student to work in their cargo team as part of a workplace learning initiative.
Doncaster born Amira El-Khrouf, aged 20, is undertaking an 11 month work placement at the airport where she will gain vital experience in the industry.
Local student Amira El-Khrouf.
Amira, a third year Business Studies and Marketing and business studies student at Sheffield Hallam University, had two interviews before she was granted the paid Cargo Student Placement.
The airport recently announced that it is on target to record a three hundred percent increase in its cargo figures for the year March 2012 – March 2013, forecasting moving in excess of 400 tonnes of cargo by the year end.
Amira said: “I’ve spent two years at university developing a keen interest in business and marketing, so when I saw the placement was available I was keen to apply the theory I have learned at University to a real life working environment.
“My task is to undertake research and liaise with local organisations to try and better understand their needs. I have been lucky with the variety associated with the job role. I’ve already witnessed one of the biggest commercial planes in the world – the Antonov An-124 - land at the airport, which was incredible. It is a brilliant opportunity for me to gain some practical experience in an exciting industry.
“The placement is invaluable because employers are more likely to opt for people with experience as well as a good degree nowadays.”
Staff at the airport said that Amira, one of the first placements they’ve had, has quickly become an asset and confirmed workplace learning as something they are keen to do more in the future.
Aviation Development Manager Chris Harcombe said: “This is a great opportunity for Amira to help us establish our new cargo product and develop her skills in a range of areas including research, finance, marketing and strategic planning. We’re already seeing the benefits of our first student placement and it is great for us to have another enthusiastic and creative member of the team.
“We’re very keen to build on this partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and would urge other organisations to do the same.”
Amira added: “I’m absolutely loving my time at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, everyone I have met has been really friendly and welcoming.”
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CARGO GROWTH FOR SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S AIRPORT:
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is on target to record a three hundred percent increase in its cargo figures for the year March 2012 – March 2013, bosses announced today (January 15).
Airport Director Mr. Steve Gill.
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The airport, which last year boosted its cargo offering by developing a number of strategic partnerships, is forecasting moving in excess of 400 tonnes of cargo by the year end.
Steve Gill, managing director said: “We made a number of decisions last year which have already started to pay off in terms of our cargo offering.
“Cargo is seen as a catalyst for developing the region’s logistics presence and putting Doncaster firmly on the map as a can do location and centre of excellence for logistics
“Working with two key operators, who are now based on site at the airport, Anglo World Cargo, experts in the freight industry and Weston Aviation, who have a proven track record for attracting business aviation, cargo flights and ad-hoc charters, we have been able to attract more companies to use this fantastic South Yorkshire facility.”
Working in partnership with both these operators DSA is now providing a product that is both facilitating and developing the movement of freight to and from the Yorkshire, Humber and Midlands regions.
“We have one clear objective – to develop a cargo product which will allow the partners, the airport, businesses in the region and the region itself to develop business in this sector.
“This partnership has seen one billion pounds worth of goods pass through the airport in the last six months alone.
“Our facility has already been welcomed positively in the marketplace as a viable contender to other major freight airports within the UK,” added Steve.
The airport’s Cargo Terminal consists of 50.000 sq. ft. of operational space and is equipped with the latest cargo handling equipment. This, coupled with the airport’s 2893m runway, means that Anglo World Cargo have the ability to handle all aspects of airfreight from the smallest parcel to bespoke charters of the largest cargo aircraft, up to and including Antonov-225’s.
“Cargo is a real growth area for us and we are determined to build on this success. Future developments such as the Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS), a direct link road to the motorway network means that soon the airport will be even more accessible.
“The FARRRS project will add further weight to the proposition and will create a fantastic multimodal facility with road, rail, air and sea coming together.
“We’ve always seen Air Freight as a major part of the airports strategy and are delighted by our new partners’ proactive and dedicated approach.
“Whilst the economy continues to be challenging nationally, we believe we can offer the marketplace a cost effective and flexible solution to moving airfreight in and out of the UK. In addition, we look forward to working with the Sheffield City Region’s successful manufacturing and logistics sector to help local businesses export effectively”
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Wizz Air Signs 5-year deal with Doncaster Sheffield Airport - 3rd Dec 2012:
Wizz Air, the largest low-cost, low-fare airline connecting Western and Eastern Europe has today signed a five-year agreement with Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield which will see the continuation of Wizz Air’s established Doncaster Sheffield route network from the airport for the next five years.
The use of cost and time efficient airports is crucial to Wizz Air and management at Doncaster Sheffield Airport are experts in providing best-in-class service and efficiency, combined with the lowest possible cost base to the low cost airline market. This has been an attractive combination for Wizz Air, who is committed to offering the best value for money for their customers. Wizz Air currently operates to six Eastern European destinations from Doncaster Sheffield Airport, including Gdansk, Katowice, Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw in Poland and more recently to Vilnius in Lithuania.
1.2 million passengers have travelled with Wizz Air through Doncaster Sheffield Airport since first choosing to operate from here in 2006. Wizz Air’s low cost flights have continued to prove particularly popular with Polish communities across the North of England whilst the success of this year’s Euro 2012 football championships co-hosted by Poland is expected to see the numbers of visitors from the UK to Poland increase.
Daniel de Carvalho, Corporate Communications Manager at Wizz Air, said: “Today is a good day both for Wizz Air and for Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Wizz Air delivers low fares combined with excellent customer service and we partner with airports that work by the same philosophy of low costs and good service. Our partnership with Doncaster Sheffield has stimulated low fare air traffic in this region connecting the North of England with six exciting Central and Eastern European cities. With this renewed partnership we expect our passenger volume to grow further.”
Chris Harcombe, Aviation Development Manager for the Airport commented: “We have worked closely with Wizz Air since they launched services in the UK market and have been delighted with their performance at Doncaster Sheffield since our partnership began. In recent months we’ve worked hard with the airline to understand how best to realise their ambitions for the North of England market. Our business model is focused on providing our airline partners with industry leading levels of operational efficiency and the lowest possible cost base whilst giving access to some of the UK’s most densely populated areas outside of London. Today’s announcement comes in recognition of the strength of that proposition and further reinforces the continued partnership between Wizz Air and Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield.”
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Yorkshire’s Doncaster Sheffield Airport is celebrating scooping yet another award:
The country’s newest airport has been named the UK’s Best Airport in this year’s Holiday Extras Customers' Awards 2012, voted for by travellers.
Jason Hindle, Head of Commercial, Holiday Extras, presents the Award to Lorraine Daffern and Verity Alty from Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Doncaster Sheffield Airport was recognised for its commitment to customers by thousands of holidaymakers who booked through HolidayExtras this year.
With 101,000 surveys completed Doncaster Sheffield Airport beat off the competition from the shortlist which included Birmingham, Exeter, Glasgow and Newcastle.
Steve Gill, airport director, said: “We are delighted to receive this award. It’s a glowing endorsement from Holiday Extras’ customers. This is further recognition of the amazing team we have here and our recognition of the importance of customer care.
“To be named the UK’s best airport by travellers is no mean feat. We all expect an extremely high level of customer service and it is wonderful to see that we are meeting people’s expectations and delivering in this area.”
Holiday Extras globetrotters look at the whole package of facilities including shops, bars, restaurants and WiFi, as well as cleanliness, comfort and customer service.
The following key factors can also make the difference between loving and loathing for a UK airport: location, public transport links, signage, length of security and immigration procedures, and walking distance to the gates. These factors were important for Doncaster Sheffield Airport customers and why the Airport came out on top.
For further information about Doncaster Sheffield Airport please visit www.robinhoodairport.com
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Cessna Announces First Citation Service Center in the UK:
Wichita, KS - Sept. 25, 2012 - Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the first Cessna-owned Citation Service Center in the UK, located at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield.
The newly-acquired 50,000-square-foot facility, rebranded as the Doncaster Citation Service Center, offers a wide range of services from maintenance to modernization and paint. Previously known as Kinch Aviation Services, the business has operated for 15 years and been a Cessna authorized service facility for the past four years.
The new Sign outside hangar 2.
The UK operation becomes the fourth Cessna-operated Citation Service Center in Europe, complementing facilities in Paris, France; Prague, Czech Republic; and Valencia, Spain. Joe Hepburn, Cessna senior vice president, Customer Service, says: "Our European customers have been asking for modernization and paint capabilities. Our announcement this month of new Citation Service Centers in Spain and now the UK means we can now offer these services for the more than 1,070 Citations currently operating in the region. We are extremely excited about the benefits these facilities will deliver for the region's Citation fleet." Hepburn continues: "Growing our service presence globally is very important as it enables us to better serve our broad customer base.
The location of the Doncaster facility has been popular with our European customers and the center has a proven record of high-quality customer service." Cessna now has a total of 13 factory-operated Citation Service Centers across Europe, the United States and Singapore. Cessna's global Citation Service Center network also includes the ServiceDirect initiative, through which the company operates 22 Mobile Service Units in the United States, Canada and Europe, and provides further field support through Cessna's AOG Go Teams, Air Response Team, HomeService and Temporary Personnel Support.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com
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Filming took place at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield for part of the new, soon to be released, pop video of the young rising star Jake Bugg.
Jake Bugg is a singer songwriter from Clifton, Nottingham. He started playing guitar age 12 and appeared at the Glastonbury Festival 2011 on the BBC Introducing stage when he was 17. His songs have appeared on various BBC Radio play lists and one, "Country Song", has been used in a 2012 Greene King IPA beer advert on UK national TV. On 22 May 2012, Jake Bugg appeared on the BBC music programme Later with Jools Holland. His work is influenced by Bob Dylan, Oasis, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Donovan.
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Business Jets Take off with Weston Aviation at Doncaster Sheffield Airport:
Dignitaries from Luxembourg and Thailand have been amongst the first to make the most of Doncaster Sheffield Airports new Fixed Base Operator (FBO).
The announcement in June that Weston Aviation had been awarded the FBO and business aviation concession at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, took the company’s portfolio of UK Business Aviation Centres to four making Weston Aviation the second largest independent UK chain of FBOs in terms of locations.
Nick Weston, Managing Director of Weston Aviation said: “Opening a new Business Aviation Centre at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield was a significant advancement in the company’s growth.
(L to R) Richard Beale, Operations, Weston Aviation, Chris Harcombe, Aviation Development Manager, Peel Airports, Steve Gill, Airport Director, Nick Weston, MD Weston Aviation, Becky Carver, GM Weston Aviation, Stuart Grasely, Station Manager, Weston Aviation.
“This new partnership with the airport is going very well and already we’ve had a very positive response from both regular and new customers alike. Aircraft movements have slightly increased since last year and we see this as a positive step in the right direction for the future.”
As part of the arrangement, Weston Aviation have taken responsibility for local charter sales development and marketing for both business aviation and cargo aircraft operations at the airport and promotion of the airport for ad-hoc charters, working closely with charter brokers and operators.
Mr. Weston added, “We’ve begun marketing to local businesses and we have already had a number of charter enquiries as a result of this. We’d like local businesses to use private aircraft charter to benefit their business and see it as an effective business tool.” The new Business Aviation Centre started operations in July. Steve Gill, Airport Director at Doncaster Sheffield Airport added, “We are glad to see that Weston Aviation is bringing business through the airport. We knew there was tremendous potential by working with them to develop additional business, complementing the existing scheduled and charter passenger services.
“The time is right to establish Doncaster Sheffield Airport in the business aviation, cargo and ad-hoc charters markets. We believe that this will benefit not just the airport but businesses across the region too.
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RHADS Master Plan consultation: http://www.robinhoodairport.com/about-us/master-plan-consulation-report.html
Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield Master Plan to 2030 click to read or down load.
SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
Robin Hood Airport Aviation Enthusiasts
Nationally we are seeing an increase in incidents whereby “laser pens” are being shone deliberately at aircraft, the aim apparently being to temporarily blind pilots. The potential consequences of doing this are, of course, horrific. There have been 2 recent occurrences in South Yorkshire, one involving our force helicopter. Can I request your members be especially vigilant in this regard. Should any such persons be seen, it would greatly assist if details of any vehicles involved are taken. Please report any such activities immediately using the phone number(s) below.
Whilst enjoying your hobby you can assist in defeating terrorism and criminality.
Please report any activity you regard as being suspicious
Report any reconnaissance of the airfield by unknown persons
Your continued vigilance is essential in preventing terrorism and the deterrence of crime.
Contact details –
If urgent – 999
Anti Terrorist Hotline – 0800 789321
Crimestoppers – 0800 555111
Dial 101 and state 'Project Pegasus'
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