Return to Jersey

 Doing a recount of the countries I have visited over the years I reckon to have clocked up 55 to date.  I then remembered that I had not counted the Channel Islands!  Counting Jersey, Guernsey and Sark it makes 58!!  Well - they are sovereign states in a way - did you know for instance that Jersey is not in the EU?  I tried to do the UK national lottery this week on a visit to my Jersey resident sister and to watch Jersey's inaugural beach polo event.  I was unable to participate because I was out of the UK and eurozone!  You learn something new every day!

I have not been to the island for over 10 years andI reckoned I would try and use my Amex points to help offsent ticket costs - well forget that!  Amex travel use a franchise agency apparently - they were very helpful and I have no complaints on that score but when they told me that instead of a one for one exchange rate to buy our economy tickets it was more like eight for one I baulked! 

So I tried Momondo (part of Cheapflights Media and excellent for finding flights to fit a schedule).  I ended up with flying with Flybe from Gatwick usuing their "New Economy" price package.  This got me preselected seats and 20kgs of hold luggage plus up to 10 Kgs of hand luggage.  Note though that means one carry-on item only - no handbag or laptop case in addition to the 10 Kgs carry on bag..... Flybe use DASH 400s on the route.  These are very handy prop-jet twin engine aircraft with the  cabin arranged 2 seats on either side of the 'plane's narrow cabin.  Being a high wing design there is great downward visability from all windows which is great when crossing the Channel.  Personally I enjoyed the flight.  Tho' for those of a nervous disposition avoid row 8 as the propellors are right alongside your window. 

The trip did not start well as we arrived at Gatwick in good time when the bag drop person told us we would have to pay for the two hold luggage bags.  Check-in hold luggage being invariably a necessity when travelling with my better half this threatened to be an expensive situation.  (Well you never know what the weather is going to do when you intend to watch an outdoor event like Beach Polo.  To give her credit she had cut down the wardrobe to the bone and she only had 12 Kgs!  It took a while for the problem to be sorted and the gremlin in the computer to be overuled.   We then discovered that the 11.15 flight was delayed until (at least) 12.30 due to a technical problem.    As we only had the "New Economy" tickets, the Flybe lounge was not available to us.  However, fortunately we have Priority Pass lounge cards and were able to rest up and refresh in the Serviceair lounge.  In the event the plane finally took off just before 13.00.

Jersey is a very pleasant place to visit with great beaches, fishing villages and local restaurants as well as smart hotels if you wish.  Supposedly it also has the highest daily sunshine record in the UK.  It certainly did not disappoint on the latter point and our 3 days there provided lovely weather and wonderful visability.  We could see France easily as well as Guernsey and Sark from Sorel point on the North coast.  We borrowed my sister's car and noted that 95 unleaded petrol (gasoline for any American cousins reading this) was £1.17 per litre - a nearly 20p cheaper than in the UK.  Being a tax-haven and offshore financial centre Jersey is awash with sporty saloons and sportscar.  They must be fairly frustrated drivers as the maximum speed there is 40mph and there are "Green Lanes" criss-crossing the countryside where cars must give way to pedestrians, horses, and cyclists - Jersey also has a very sensible road regulation.  If you see a sign at a roundabout or where two lanes merge into one saying 'Filter by Turn', every alternate car takes priority.  Its a very efficient way of keeping a bottle-neck moving even at the even rush hour outside St Helier the main town. 

Our return journey was also marked by a one hour delay and the Flybe executive lounge was unmanned, unavailable and very uninviting looking.  So I pitched up at the BA lounge and used our Priority Passes again to while away the time in a modicum of comfort.  The DASH 400 arrived just outside the lounge window, disgorged its passengers and immediately boarded us without delay.  After landing the pilot most proably exceeded Gatwick's taxiing speed limit as we fairly whizzed along to our  stand heeling over as we took the corners on the taxi-ways.    Gatwick is carrying out a multi million pound rebuild and refurb of facilities and it is very evident in the main areas.  The airport is a very different, more modern and pleasing place to what it was before BAA was forced by the Competition Commission to sell it.  However, unfortunately for Flybe, the walk from the Flybe stand through the terminal was simply miles to walk to the Border and Baggage reclaim areas.  It initially passed through a covered exterior pathway which reminded me of several third world country airports I have passed through a few years back - peeling paint on corrugated arches supported by equally ancient scaffolding bars with accompanying rubbish on the ground before reaching the main terminal areas- not a good impression of the airport at all. 
Apart from the delays (the locals call Flybe "FlayMaybe") its is an easy trip  and one that can reward with good food, especially seafood and lovely beaches.

Me & Sis

'Images of Polo' in Action

1727 Farmhouse Nr St Aubin

 

Mt Orguil - Gorey Castle

To Be or Not to Be - More runways for the South East?

"La plus ca change, la plus c'et la meme"

 

To Be or Not to Be - More runways for the South East?

 



That is certainly the question foremost in the industry's minds at present.  There seems to be general agreement NIMBYs apart and even by most of the Government that more runway capacity is needed for the good of the economy.

The Government has of course done a neat political sidestep given its previous opposition to Heathrow's expansion and appointed an independent commission, without a single politician aboard, under Sir Howard Davies to look into options to achieve more runway capacity and to maintain London as a major hub.  That appointment has brought  forth comments from leading political commentator Iain Martin that Sir Howard is an odd choice in that he ran the FSA and then LSE from 1997-2003 and 2003 respecively and failed to regulate the banks well enough or to avoid the 'Gadaffigate' problem when the LSE infamously feted the Col's son.  However even if the commission does come out with a proposed solution there is no guarantee that it would be adopted and in any case it's going to take (I imagine) at least 12 to 18 months to publish - just before the next General Election is due in 2015.   A new Government then, and with it new political agendas and promises to take into account could mean that any independent recommendation could be rejected. 

Meanwhile the Government has an excuse NOT to push forward on this vital matter until it can decently (if need be) reverse its opposition to Heathrow's expansion in the event that the Commission finds in favour of more capacity at Heathrow.  Reportedly Zac Goldsmith  MP for Richand Park and leading anti Heathrow campaigner has said he will resign and offer his seat to Boris Johnson if Heathrow is eventualy given the go-ahead - a direct threat to the PM in essence as Boris is said to fancy himself at No 10.

Personally I do like the idea of Boris's Thames Estuary airport.  However the problems facing such a scheme are likely to be huge given the area's importance to bird migratory routes and resting grounds. Also a rusting timebomb in the Estuary that could explode with the force of a mini nuke under the flight paths and destroy a lot os Sheerness; add to that the UK's largest LNG terminal alongside Lord Foster's runways and finally above ground; a huge air traffic control problem requiring the co-operation of the Dutch because of Schiphol's existing ATC requirements over the Estuary.

And so the delays go on - However, I guess that we can take comfort in the fact that even the super efficient Germans are now faced with a further delay in the opening of the new Berlin airport which I now learn will not open until October 2013. 

Salute to Neil Armstrong - The First "Tourist" on the Moon

August 2012: Place Morny Deauville, France - US Flags at Half-Mast In Respect for the First Man on the Moon

"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

 

I actually watched Neil Armstrong make that incredible step on TV in 1969.  As I did so I felt awed by the incredible feat that man had achieved.  Not being American I however embraced the moment as my own along with every other person on the planet who had ever dreampt of the possibility of man reaching the moon.  I was also, I have to admit, feeling a little smug as I watched that first foostep imprint itself on the Moon's surface.  Smug?  Well as a small schoolboy in shorts I had often been severely ribbed by my schoolfriends for claiming that man would land on the moon in our lifetime -  Had we had Twitter at the time I would have tweeted "Told you so!" to all my friends and thanked NASA and Neil Armstrong too.

 

Given the fact that in Armstrong's own words this was a seminal event for the whole of  Mankind, it's perhaps not surprising that on a sunny August day in Normandy the flags surrounding the fountains in Deauville's central  square were US flags which flew at half-mast for several days in respect for the passing of the world's first man to walk on the Moon. 

 



 



Stowawae has been away/busy.

Having officially "retired" on 6th June - two months later there seems an endless stream of things that have to be done and which keep me really busy and unfocused on the travel world.   However, HTR3 is very much back in the news with speculation as to whether the PM has got the political will to come out and support the third runway. Also MPs from all parties are now calling for the HTR3 to become a reality in the country's long term interests.    As speculated before in my blog it appears that a path is being prpared to allow "Dave" to do a U-Turn due to inescapable practical arguments which the industry (and Unions even) have been pointing out for several years.  Unfortunately it appears that there are many in the coalition who hope he does not change his opinion.  In the USA they have crime called "Reckless Endangerment" and if HTR3 is not given the go-ahead soon, these antis oughtt to be charged with it for recklessly endangering the future prospects of the UK economy.

Over 100,000 people have lobbied their MP's about Air Passenger duty and the need to seriously review this tax on inward investment and tourism.    Hence there is a lot beginning to stir on that front and a lots of political blood will now doubt be spilt before a final decision is made on any of these issues. 

It does seem tho that APD and the lack of a strategic and sustainable UK Aviation Policy are  becoming area much hotter issues than before.  Or perhaps I got that wrong?  Perhaps HTR3 is getting cooler?  Before it was so politically hot that  no one seemingly had the guts to tackle it head on.  Now it seems its becoming cool enough to set hands to.      It will be interesting to see whether the Labour party will support HTR3 as they did before the last General Election or whether national interests will survive political (vote catching) considerations.  

One thing which I would like to see on the Agenda from the Government is a reduction in taxes, as Mayor Boris has stated publicly  VAT is a tax on consumption.  When Brits and tourists (not to mention overseas investors), spend here they help stimulate the economy.  High taxes deter spending and do the opposite surely or am I being naieve?

US Senate Throws Down Gauntlet to EU over ETS

As I have written before in this blog, the EU has already been served notice that the US as well as China are not prepared to submit to the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) when payments become due for all aircraft using EU airspace after April 2013.

This week the US Senate passed a bill that would prohibit US airlines submitting to the EU's unilateral move to force foreign airlines to participate in the EU ETS.  China has already told its airlines to ignore the EU.  Such a bill would require Presidential approval and President Obama has said that he does not agree with the EU's unilateral action.  However, it is not a foregone conclusion that the President would wish to provoke a direct challenge whilst there is a chance that an international carbon trading scheme for aviation might come into being under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.   In a concilliatory move the EU has said it would be prepared to participate in the ICAO's global initiative as long as it shared the EU's own agenda.

Understandably US aviation and businesses have not reacted well to the EU's challenge to their nation's sovreignty - its after all pretty high-handed of Brussels to in effect expect to be able to unilaterally impose taxes on other nations.   So its not surprising to learn that a collective of US business groups including A4A (Airlines for America) are pressing the Obama Administration to mount a legal challenge through the Chicago Convention on the basis that the EU is seeking to impose an extra-terrestial tax on mileage flown outside of the EU's air space.

Let's hope that a trade war with Europe does not break out - The Eurozone is in dire straits anyway - what it does not need is a debilitating fracas with the rest of the world - as they say  "War does not determine who is right, it determines who is left." 

London Olympics - Where have all the people gone!

Where Have all the People Gone - Not to Mention Traffic

Courtesy of RAC Web Site News

If ever the power of the press is doubted then you just have to look at London's empty roads, the availability of reservations at normally impossible to book restaurants  and listen to the complaints of shops and taxi drivers that "Things are very quiet".   I admit I don't live near any of the Olympic venues - I am in Chelsea actually. 

Tho' I don't recommend trying it, you could walk across the King's Road blindfolded and get away with it for most of the day whilst the Olympics are on.

A friend suggested that photos in the media of troops setting up AA missiles on the roofs of tower blocks near the arena might have disuaded some people.  But what about the chaos on the M4 closed for the week before the start of the games and the huge publicity about hotels hiking their prices for the Olympics.  Even Pret a Manger raised the price of their great Crayfish salad by 7% just before the opening week.   

Then there were the road closures for cycling and other olympic events which clearly persuaded the motoring public that London roads were fraught with difficulties and likely to get them fines of £130 should they in ignorance stray into an Olympic lane - oh and to add to the confusion drivers could use Bus lanes (normally an £80 fine) when the olympic routes were in operation.  Hold on tho!! At non peek periods we were told that if the illuminated signs for the routes were saying "Use All Lanes" in white lights (as opposed to yellow for don't use lanes) then we could use the Olympic lane.  BUT did that mean we could also use the Bus lane and risk the £80 fine?  No guidance on that!  No surprise then that sensible drivers kept out of London.  Indeed  when I drove out and back to/from Sussex last week-end I managed to avoid the Ladies Cycle road race whose route had encircled my house in "access only" roads.  Despite this I made both outward and homebound trips in record time.

I cannot say that I was ever a great fan of hosting the Olympics.  I actually pointed out that for the past five olympic games no host city has turned in a profit.  Sorry to say it but it looks like London will be no exception.    Well as they say about sport - "Its not about winning, its about taking part"  London is certainly playing its part but as for winning ............

Kings Road at Start of the Evening  'Rush Hour'

Heathrow - More Clues about third runway?

Politics and Compromise

One thing is clear about the debate between the pros and cons for a third runway at Heathrow - no decision is likely to be forthcoming in the very near future.  Given the election promises of no further capacity at Heathrow, or indeed the South-East, for blatant political vote capturing reasons at the time, the Coalition is so divided on the subject that it is politically impossible for them to push through any meaningful strategy.  Hence the delay in starting the much heralded (but regularly delayed) consultation on aviation policy.  This will now start we are promised in "the autumn".

Speaking to the BBC recently, John Strickland, a respected aviation consultant said: "This is fiddling while Rome burns.  Putting off until the autumn any consultation on extra runway capacity simply puts more pressure on existing infrastructure and leaves the UK further behind its competitors, not only in Europe, but the Middle East."

Looking at the opaque political processes of Westminster, even as an insider, which I am clearly not, can be misleading.  Leaks to the media and groups of MP's proposing this or that idea are only worth noticing if the ideas gather momentum and generate a consensus in the House as well as gaining public acceptance, thus blessing the idea with a political imperative that the Government finds difficult to ignore.

The current "Kite" being flown by a group of MPs is for those households most badly affected by aircraft noise at Heathrow should receive some form of financial compensation.  If this proposal can sweeten local voters (buy them effectively, rather like the old 18th and early 19th century 'rotten boroughs' when the handful of enfranchised voters could be bribed into voting for a candidate) then the political fear of losing votes in the important West London constituancies close to Heathrow might persuade local MP's to support the idea of a third runway.  The MPs behind it are allegedly thinking along lines acceptable to the Chancellor.  Also the funding for the proposal is likely to fall on the airport owners and the airlines - not the Treasury leaving the chancellor able to look at other infrastructure projects in regions other than the South-East.

If it does generate enough support, the proposal would be very convenient for the Chancellor.  George Osborne has to face the fact that Heathrow or a brand new airport near London is vital for the UK's future competitiveness.  A fact that is supported by the aviation, industry, the unions and it seems every  aviation expert.  Apart from the politics, its just how much will it cost and where to put it that is inevitatbly preventing any positive action, despite the urgent need to grasp the nettle and start building.  Media comments indicate that the Chancellor, George Osborne, now believes that Heathrow 3 would provide the cheapest solution.  It would have to be if he is able to deliver the other national infrastructure projects in rail and road tht the UK also clearly needs.

Meanwhile, if the compensation idea does take off and win local support from MP's and local voters alike before the autumn, then one might hope that the aviation policy consultation period might eventually produce a viable and sustainable policy for the country to work to.  At a guess though it will be part of an election manifesto rather than being launched during this government's term.

Meantime I thought the following quote provides sage advice to any politician part of a democracy like the UK and US: it's from a book, "The Spirit of Compromise" by Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson. Copyright © 2012 by Princeton University Press.  To learn more about this book and the authors, please visit Princeton University Press.

"If politics is the art of the possible, compromise is the artistry of democracy.

Democracy calls on politicians to resist compromise and to accept it. They may resist it more when they campaign, but they need to accept it more when they govern."

The latter is so true in the context of the debate on Heathrow's much needed 3rd runway