According to a report today, building a new London airport in the Thames Estuary is becoming more and more likely, with David Cameron showing significant interest.

This is a major u-turn from previous statements, and it seems we might just get this development. The government has also reiterated that Heathrow will definitely NOT get a third runway.

Naturally there are still a lot of skeptics about the project, especially since it will take many, many years to approve, plan and build, during which the problems at Heathrow and other London airports won’t go away.

What are your thoughts on the plans?

I just read something on the great Anna.aero site that really interested me. But it also pleased me because it confirmed something I’d noticed without paying too much attention. Turkish Airlines (THY) are on the up – big style!

I’ve been occasionally aware lately of how the airline has been expanding its route network, adding more frequencies and destinations, and upgrading its fleet. I hadn’t even realised that they had another 60 Boeing 737-800s on order – that’s going to be a massive fleet of the type when all are delivered.

It seems that Turkish want to leverage their position to take on the big guns in the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar and Etihad) by turning Istanbul Ataturk Airport into a staging post between East and West, much like we see in Dubai, Doha etc. But whilst the big carriers use mainly larger widebody fleets (especially Emirates), Turkish sees its geographical location as a much better place to operate the smaller Boeing 737-800s from an increasing number of European, Middle Eastern and African destinations, feeding through its Istanbul hub.

“Right now, Turkish serves around 70 cities in Europe, but with over 60 737-800s on order, this will double” promised Dr Temel Kotil, President and CEO Turkish Airlines, in a recent interview with anna.aero.

And to prove the point, Turkish has remained more profitable through the recession, and gone from 10 million passengers per year in 2006, to 30 million today. It will soon take over British Airways as third biggest European carrier.

So it’s probably time to start thinking about what kind of airport Istanbul Ataturk will be for the enthusiast in years to come. Plenty of red tails, for sure. But plenty of action as well.

Breaking news this afternoon surrounds Coventry Airport and its apparent closure with immediate effect.

The airport, in the West Midlands of the UK, has been struggling for a number of months, and has been without passenger services since 2008 when ThomsonFly closed their base. The airport has a well-known reputation for cargo movements, as well as healthy biz jet and light aircraft movements. It is also the base for Air Atlantique and Atlantic Airlines.

What the future holds for the aircraft currently based at the airport is unknown. It has been anticipated that Air Atlantique would move its operations to Kemble in Gloucestershire recently, so this may transpire soon. At the moment, no aircraft are flying apart from the local air ambulance.

It is believed the owners of the airport have now run out of money. What the future holds for the site is unclear.

Please comment with more information if you have it.

I just read an e-mail about Biggin Hill in which a security guard has indicated that soon access to the hangars area, where many of you spot aircraft at the airfield, will be restricted in the near future.

The gates which you must pass through will be only for those with the pass number, or with a swipe card.

Will this hinder spotting at Biggin Hill much? I’m not too familiar with the airfield. Where else can you spot from?

As the new airport at San Bernardino, CA nears its official opening, the locals are asking whether it will ever actually attract and airlines.

The San Bernardino International Airport is opening on the site of the former Norton Air Force Base, which closed in 1994. A new terminal has been built, and is already fitted with check-in kiosks, arrivals and departures screens, escalators, offices, and an automated voice which warns passengers not to leave baggage unattended. Coupled with 3000 new jobs being created in the surrounding areas recently, on paper the outlook seems rosy. But in these times of airlines cutting back routes or closing down, and recession hitting hard, does this part of California need another airport?

You can read the full story here.

If the airline does start to attract operators, you can be sure we’ll cover the opportunities for enthusiasts. If you’re a local, why not tell us what the new airport is like by leaving a comment?

The viewing decks at Zurich will now close on 1 November for building work.

The deck on Pier E will re-open in January 2009.

Thanks to Thomas Jaeger for the information.

Why not purchase Airport Spotting Guides Europe to find out alternative spotting locations at Zurich?

After all the speculation, Gatwick has finally been put up for sale by the BAA. The price tag is estimated at £1.8bn.

BBC News story about the sale:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7620293.stm

With BAA out of the picture, might the new owner (which could be Fraport or Manchester’s owners) provide facilities for spotters once again?

Virgin Atlantic are also interested in buying Gatwick as part of a consortium.

The following message has been sent from Dutch Police to spotters at Amsterdam Schiphol airport:

Since 1-7-2008 there is 24/7 a new unit operational responsible for the security in the perimeters of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

This unit is equipped with Mercedes Jeeps and Volkswagen Touaregs in the well known Dutch Police colours.

Today on the Sramble forum the chief of this Unit, Mr. Warmerdam introduced himself and his unit to the Amsterdam spotters community an to explain what they are doing and why so.

This new unit is working closely together with local Military Police and the Airport Authorities, and the unit plays an important role in the security of the airport.

All members of this police –unit are appointed by Ministry of Justice and Inland Affairs.

The new unit stressed not to be there to make our spotters life miserable but they are there to guard and protect. They acknowledge the fact that spotters can be their extra pair of eyes around the perimeter. This is one of the reasons why these police officers are actively seeking contact with spotters in action and talk to each other.

However is must be clear that they will act immediately in certain circumstances:

1. Do not park and do not stop sings must be obeyed at all time from now. So it is clear parking along the famous “Taxibaan” is not allowed anymore. Parking now is only allowed in the designated area’s for this.
2. Pedestrians, cyclists etc will not be moved from public roads by them under the now active threat-level ( so not a guarantee under a scale up)
3. The perimeter and area around the airport is a so called safety-risk area designated so by government. Therefore this unit has lots of permissions to take actions. Be aware of the fact that one person must always carry an ID with him like drivers licence, passport etc.
4. Parking in front of crash gates will not be tolerated.

Furthermore the police notices that lots of spotters are more or less known to each other. So we could have the early and very first signs if “strange birds” are among us. In case of high priority he recommends 112 for alarming whilst in the meantime a special telephone number will be created for this purpose by the Airport Authorities.

I think this is a very positive move. You now know the rules, and know to co-operate with the police as they do not wish to move you on unless necessary.

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