Lounge at HBA

[RooFlyer]

There's a separate thread about this (punters comments and opinions), and there has been some comments from (IIRC) the CEO, but can VFF enquire internally and tell us what is the issue with putting in a lounge at HBA, and why it keeps getting pushed back?

We know HBA is small, and poorly designed - but is the lounge absence / delay issue refusal by the airport owners (ie MacBank) to spend expansion capex to create new space (this is my suspicion), or commercial issues in existing space (ie existing retail tenants paying more than VA wants to)?

What's the most encouraging thing you can say about when a VA lounge will be available at HBA?

 

[RooFlyer]

Apologies for bumping my own thread, but wonder if VFF would care to give a reply?

 

[DJVA]

I don't think they'll be able to say anything more than JB did a couple of months ago.

 

[RooFlyer]

I don't think they'll be able to say anything more than JB did a couple of months ago.

He said the date will be pushed back, but not why. hence my query now.

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

Sorry, I don't have anymore information on this.

 

[RooFlyer]

Sorry, I don't have anymore information on this.

Well, thanks for replying anyway. Can't help thinking its sorta indicative of VA's attitude to HBA in general.

 

[markis10]

Well, thanks for replying anyway. Can't help thinking its sorta indicative of VA's attitude to HBA in general.

Probably more indicative of the problems airlines face when dealing with airports,they are hardly there to serve the needs of passengers (airports that is).

 

[samh004]

Plus, you'd think if nothing was planned, they'd say so, but the fact they couldn't provide any more information could mean there is a plan, but it's sensitive info.

 

[SimonF]

Plus, you'd think if nothing was planned, they'd say so, but the fact they couldn't provide any more information could mean there is a plan, but it's sensitive info.

Maybe. If i could figure out where the lounge would be (in the airport), it might reassure me.

 

[777]

Maybe. If i could figure out where the lounge would be (in the airport), it might reassure me.

If they could work out where to put it it might reassure them?

 

[markis10]

Probably in what is the international departures lounge now.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

the international departures lounge.

:shock: At HBA.....to where?:shock:

 

[samh004]

:shock: At HBA.....to where?:shock:

Antarctica.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Antarctica.

be more specific please.....Mawson Base..

 

[samh004]

be more specific please.....Mawson Base..

Wilkins Runway, Casey Station

Isn't Mawson a lot further away?

Flights to CHC with ANZ ended in 1998.

 

[RooFlyer]

:shock: At HBA.....to where?:shock:

"Hobart International" wing/terminal was built in the ?1980s? when there were direct flights HBA to Dunedin (or maybe it was Christchurch). Only lasted a short time. Was vacant for a long time until Virgin adopted it as their arrivals area / baggage reclaim. Trouble is, the departures are in the main terminal. Lounge somehow has to be crafted from not-much-space in that area. Probably requires capex spend by the airport owner, mainly Macbank (maybe add a second level, or shifting admin functions to a new building, allowing Lounge in presently occupied space). Hence my original question re reason for delays in Lounge. Is it MacBank not wanting to spend, or some other reason?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Antarctica.

Ah yes, I recall someone saying that now you mention it. Isn't Mawsons Base stil AU territory? So no more international than a flight to .....well....the mainland!

 

[samh004]

Ah yes, I recall someone saying that now you mention it. Isn't Mawsons Base stil AU territory? So no more international than a flight to .....well....the mainland!

Indeed, not sure how that works, but as it's not the mainland at the very least quarantine would come into it.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Indeed, not sure how that works, but as it's not the mainland at the very least quarantine would come into it.

Given it looks cold, wet, blowy and miserable, I doubt I'll ever be reporting back on the "requirements" but I hear you get a little happy foot stamp in your passport .

 

[Chuq]

I'm not sure if the question was a joke or not but HBA also gets regular international charter flights (from Singapore I believe) a few times a year!

The Hobart Airport website had a document with future development plans available - I'll try and find it!