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 AIRLINE NEWS
The latest roundup of news and information from VLM Airlines
A STEEP APPROACH
When flying into London you may well be struck by the effective use of every little bit of land available, and once in the airport you'll see that there are just a small number of aircraft types on the ramp. Perhaps more noticeable though, is the steep approach that you'll experience just before reaching your destination.
London City airport is known to pilots worldwide because of its unusual approach. The standard angle under which an aircraft normally makes its final approach to land is approximately three degrees. For London City this figure is almost doubled, at five and a half degrees, meaning that the rate at which an aircraft descends into the airport is almost twice as fast.
 You might ask why this would be necessary. Looking out of your window (ask for a window seat if you're stuck in an aisle seat) you may notice that London City airport is enclosed by businesses, houses and commercial zones. By starting the descent from a higher altitude and closer to the airport, less of this area is affected by the noise of the aircraft, creating a better relationship with the airport's neighbours.
The approach angle was as steep as seven and a half degrees when London City airport initially opened, but this meant that only one type of aircraft was able to land. With the present angle the airport has become more accessible to other aircraft types, but before any new model of aircraft is allowed to land at London City some rigorous testing is done to grant access to the runway. The Fokker F50 was one of the first aircraft to be certified to land at London City, and is one of the most common visitors.
The low speed at which this aircraft can land means that the short runway distance isn't a problem. The process of certifying an aircraft doesn't end with the craft itself though. The cockpit crew must be properly trained in the procedures of operating at LCY airport, and all VLM Airlines cockpit crews train twice a year in a simulator to practice these procedures. London City is the main destination of VLM Airlines, meaning that the crews know the airport well, so together with the highly reliable Fokker F50 you're in professional hands.
VLM AIRLINES RUNNER UP IN 2004 ANGLO DUTCH AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE
Titus Johnson recieves award from Anthony Ruys |
Last November, VLM Airlines was named British runner-up in the Anglo-Dutch Award for Enterprise competition, sponsored by Heineken UK and presented by Anthony Ruys, Chairman of Heineken. The presentation took place during the 113th Annual Luncheon of the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce at the premises of the Institute of Directors in London, and was attended by more than 150 business men and women.
The airline business is probably the most competitive in the world, but despite low margins, VLM Airlines now employs 80 personnel in the UK and is both profitable and expanding. In 2004 the airline, whose hub is London City Airport, will carry over 500,000 passengers. Since 1992 when the company started, it has become London City Airport's largest customer, with over 75 daily arrivals and departures.
| '' THE JUDGES WERE IMPRESSED BY OUR SUCCESS IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET, EVIDENCE OF STRATEGIC MARKETING AND TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE LOCATION OF LONDON CITY AIRPORT'' |
There are seven daily flights to Rotterdam from London City Airport and in 2004 Liverpool to London City and Jersey to London City services were added. VLM Airlines has a wide range of British customers travelling regularly to Rotterdam, particularly from the financial, marine and petrochemical industries, and for whom we are a first choice for business travel because of the time saving and cost benefits.
VLM Airlines also launched the London City to Manchester route, which proved so successful that in 2003 a second aircraft was allocated to the route. With 10 daily flights this has become a true shuttle service between Britain's two biggest commercial centres. In September this year the company welcomed its 100,000th passenger on the route. VLM Airlines has been declared the most punctual operator between Manchester and London, while the UK Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed us as the most reliable operator in the UK.
To encourage UK residents to visit the Netherlands, we now offer attractive low fares and special group rates for the conference market.
The judges were impressed by our success in a highly competitive market, evidence of strategic marketing and taking full advantage of the location of London City Airport. VLM Airlines is justly proud of the contribution it is making to the economy of London's Newham borough, creating substantial employment opportunities via airport handling agents and other associated service companies.
SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
I HAVE JUST FLOWN TO LONDON CITY AIRPORT AND BACK TO LIVERPOOL TODAY AT 11.00. I THANK YOU FOR TWO EXCELLENT FLIGHTS WHICH WERE BOTH ON TIME, ALL YOUR STAFF WERE HELPFUL ON THE GROUND AND IN THE AIR AND YOUR FARES MADE IT EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY. I WOULD NOT NOW CONSIDER TAKING THE TRAIN OR DRIVING TO LONDON FOR ANY FUTURE MEETINGS. IT WAS A STRESS FREE AND EASY WAY TO LONDON.
N.B LIVERPOOL-LONDON CITY
I JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW REFRESHINGLY PLEASANT, HELPFUL AND EFFICIENT YOUR STAFF AT LONDON CITY ARE WITH TELEPHONE BOOKINGS. NO NONSENSE WITH AUTOMATED ANSWERING AND YOU CAN BE ON AND OFF THE PHONE IN A MINUTE OR LESS. WHEN YOU GET TO THE AIRPORT, YOU'RE EXPECTED AND CHECKED THROUGH IN UNDER FIVE MINUTES.
THE FIRST TIME I DID THIS, I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A FLUKE -BUT IT'S NOT, IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME.
D.C.
JERSEY-LONDON CITY
YESTERDAY I WAS DUE TO FLY OUT OF MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL TO LONDON CITY ON YOUR 07:00 FLIGHT. HOWEVER, THE BOOKING COMPANY EMPLOYED BY MY FIRM MADE A FAIRLY BIG MISTAKE CAUSING MY BOOKING ON THE FLIGHT NOT TO BE VALID. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A BIG PROBLEM HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL, COURTEOUS AND EFFICIENT APPROACH TAKEN BY YOUR STAFF, PARTICULARLY THOSE ON THE TICKET DESK YESTERDAY MORNING.
D.G MANCHESTER-LONDON CITY |
VIEW FROM THE TICKET DESK
Name: Trudy Price
Position: Ticketing supervisor
Age: 29
EVERY ISSUE WE SPEAK TO A MEMBER OF THE TEAMS THAT HELP TO MAKE YOUR JOURNEY A LITTLE EASIER.
Trudy Price runs a team of four staff from Manchester, issuing tickets, taking reservations, dealing with cancellations and generally providing service with a smile. The Manchester route sees lots of celebrity passengers, but Trudy is adamant that the stars are treated with the same high standards as all other VLM passengers. "We do famous people all the time," she says, "so they end up just being the same as all of our other regular passengers." The team is proud of the fact that they have a close relationship with their regular fliers, something that is made possible by the small, personal culture within the airline.
Trudy began working for VLM Airlines when the route out of Manchester started two years ago. She had previously worked in the airport for a handling agent, but according to Trudy life is very different now: "The job with VLM is massively different because back then I didn't have as much work to do! The shifts were shorter then, but I didn't get to do as many things or work with such lovely people. We work together every day and we're just like one big family. Even my boss is brilliant -she's in London and she knows that we just have to get on with our work here." Unsurprisingly, Trudy has no plans to leave VLM Airlines in the near future. "I'd love to stay working for VLM because I do actually love my job. We're very one on one with the passengers -they all know us and we know them, which is obviously loads easier when you get a delay and you need to be able to speak to people and explain what's happening."
VLM AIRLINES SAYS GOODBYE IN STYLE
Captain Roel Kuil with his wife and Secretary of State for Social Affairs Mr. H.A.L. van Hoof
 At the end of November last year, Roel Kuil flew his last VLM flight, before taking retirement. Roel had spent the last five years working for VLM Airlines as base captain and Fokker F50 Captain. He previously had 15 years of service for Fokker. He took off on his last day with a nostalgic feeling, but much to his surprise his last landing was not one he would easily forget!
Once they had touched down at Rotterdam Airport, the fire brigade welcomed the aircraft by spraying it with their fire hoses in a ceremony to rename the Fokker F50 the Roel Kuil, as a token of gratitude for his dedication to the company. The grandson of Roel then stepped on board, and presented flowers to his grandfather in the cockpit.
The festivities ended with a lunch with his family, close friends and colleagues at VLM Airlines. We wish Roel and his family all the best for the future! He will not stop flying completely, as his retirement will enable him to spend more time on his hobby of piloting gliders.
 A MATTER OF TASTE
At VLM Airlines we're always looking at ways to refine and improve all aspects of our service. During two days in November passengers traveling out of London City Airport received the chance to experience a taste of things to come concerning the onboard catering product. Sampled foods were handed out, new tray displays could be checked out and passengers were asked to fill in a questionnaire that allowed us to gain an in-depth view of what they expect from our onboard service. More than 400 passengers filled in the survey during the two days, giving us plenty of feedback for the future development of the onboard catering. At the same time we organised an online survey, and with 963 people replying to the online survey, we had a response rate of 20.2%! Results of the survey will be shown in our next issue, but in the meantime we would like to thank all the passengers that participated in the survey; it's thanks to your feedback that we can further improve our product.
 VLM AIRLINES LAUNCHES 'OUR FLYING HERO'
Who wouldn't want to his or her name on a plane for two months, enjoying all the fame that comes along with it? VLM Airlines has recently introduced an internal programme to reward employees for their work and achievements over the past few months. The scheme is called 'Our Flying Hero,' with its first winner announced in January. To start the programme, Johan Vanneste emphasised the importance of the VLM spirit by naming one of our aircraft 'The Spirit of VLM' as a token of gratitude to all VLM employees.
Passengers can also nominate a member of VLM Airlines personnel by simply sending an email to spirit@flyvlm.com, letting us know who you are nominating and why. We're pleased to say that having your name on a plane is a privilege that no other airline has ever granted its employees before.
New directors, Hugo Lücke and Frans Dechaene |
Welcome to Frans Dechaene and Hugo Lücke!
VLM Airlines recently appointed two new directors who bring a great deal of experience to the company and who are ready for a whole new challenging job! Frans Dechaene already has more than 14 years of experience in flight operations, was appointed Deputy Director of Flight Operations and will be responsible for the operation of aircraft in a safe way, executing the flight programme as punctually and efficiently as possible, and training and planning the pilots. The newly appointed Director of Customer Services, Hugo Lücke, has the challenging job of managing all departments that are linked to the travel experience of our passengers; from ground operations to cabin crew and catering. His experience with various airlines will be an asset to VLM Airlines and will help us to further develop our products and services to our passengers.
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