(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, January 16, 2013 ) Essex, U.K -- It appears that despite the most difficult weather in some time, those looking to fly from Southend will still be able to do so.
The Southend Airport has a selection of procedures the follow in order to ensure flights can make it in and out of the airport despite the rain, sleet, snow, and fog.
When the snow began to fall and caught everyone by surprise, and the roads were brought to an chilled standstill, the airport was able to function well. Only one flight delay was reported, and it was delayed for a single hour.
The runway was able to stay relatively clear and the flight taking off from the Stansted Airport's runway were closed for two hours.
Earlier in the autumn, dense fog came through the area and was a disruption for two days, causing diversions to incoming easyJet flights, as well as an Aer Lingus cancellation. However, as a whole, the team of workers found ways to make the situation run smoothly after the worst of the fog had cleared.
Said Alastair Welch, who is managing director at the airport: “Southend Airport has a very good weather record for many years we have taken diversions from a number of airports. We do our very best on those occasions to minimise disruption to passengers.”
There are two vehicles that are able to clear snow from runways. Both use a sweep to brush of debris and fallen snow, while a smaller vehicle can be used to clear the stand for the plans as well as walkways for workers and passengers.
Snow must be moved and now allowed to built up in walls at the sides of the runway, and so is blown and displaced across the airfield.
Ice is also a veritable disaster waiting to happen, and so the crews at the airport must use ice treatment is used. Salt is not available for use like on roads, as it can be corrosive to the tires of planes and jets.
