Aircraft spotters at Newcastle Airport in the UK have set up a petition to bring back viewing facilities at the airport. It once had a dedicated roof gallery, and indoor areas to watch aircraft. Now, since the expansion of the terminal buildings there are no official locations to watch aircraft.

If you feel inclined to sign the petition, click the following link http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/newcastleviewinggallery/?e

Helsinki’s historic Malmi Airport is under threat. The local authorities want to close the airport to build a new residential area.

The airport is wonderfully preserved and has its original pre-war terminal in place. It is currently Finland’s second-busiest airport, although movements are general aviation.

People are being urged to sign an online petition to save the airport. You can read more about it and sign the petition on this page http://www.pelastamalmi.org/en/index.html

For those of you in the North East of England, or planning on visiting the area, there’s an excellent website for Durham Tees Valley (formerly Teesside) Airport, run by Dave Anderson.

It lists all planned movements and automatically updates them in real time with registrations, types, and other information. It’s a unique tool for the local spotters and perfect if you’re planning a trip.

The site also has a lot of trip reports, photographs and other information on there.

Take a look at www.dtvmovements.co.uk

London City has become a hive of activity in the heart of the city. It is most popular with regional airliners operating short hops to Europe’s capital cities and business centres, and around the UK. You’ll also see many business jets passing through.

There are two main locations for spotting at London City:

1) To the right of the terminal building (when facing) there is an area overlooking the runway and part of the ramp.

2) Following the road to the right as you leave the terminal building, you will come to the GA area. A little further on gives views over the GA ramp and biz jets.

Anyone know any more good spotting locations at London City?

For those in need of any Aloha Boeing 737-700′s, three of them are currently parked up at Southend Airport to the east of London. They are in open storage following the airline ceasing operations.

The three aircraft, N740AL, N741AL and N742AL (possibly to be joined by more) are parked in the south east corner of the airfield, and can be seen from the perimeter road.

Many people have enquired about what the spotting facilities are like in the new Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport.

I’ve compiled the following information from reports received:

Car Parks
The short stay car parks have views over runway 09L/R arrivals from the upper floors.

Landside
Costa Coffee on the north side of the terminal has windows overlooking the threshold of runway 09L
A view of runway 09R is possible from the south side of the terminal.

Airside
Once airside you can freely move between piers.
The best views can be had at gate A7 over the northern runway.
Gate A18 has views of the cargo area and runway 09R threshold.
Pier B has some acceptable views, but these will decrease as Pier C is built.

As always, please post your comments and reviews of travelling through Terminal 5. It is new to Heathrow, so information is needed on good spots and experiences with your binoculars!

Geneva’s outdoor viewing terrace on the terminal is currently closed for building work to take place. It is unknown whether this will be a permanent closure or just temporary.

Anyone travelling for May’s EBACE will not be able to use it, however.

It is still possible to view from the bar and restaurant area, or the various viewing locations around the perimeter.

Latest reports from the popular Sheraton Deira Hotel under the flightpath to Dubai’s airport state that spotting is still welcome on the hotel’s roof for paying guests.

This is an excellent location for the rich variety of aircraft using Dubai, however there have been mixed reports over recent years. Hotel staff are happy to allow spotters currently.

Fans of UK regional airport Bristol International may be interested to note that there’s a spotters group for you. They hold regular meetings, events and even charter special flights with the likes of Air Southwest.

The group has a website where you can find out more information at www.biagrouponline.co.uk

Since the UEFA Cup final is being held at the City of Manchester Stadium on 14th May this year, spotters are planning to flock to the airport for the predicted influx of rarer aircraft bringing fans to the city.

Although the teams in the final are not known yet, it will include at least one foreign side.

Because of the expected deluge of spotters, the Aviation Viewing Park will only be open for those who have bought a ticket in advance. They cost £10 and permit one car with passengers. Pedestrians pay £2.

Visit www.tasmanchester.com for more info and ordering details.