East Mids name change !

If Ryanair start using it they’ll probably refer to it as London Nottingham anyway.

It will always be East Dumps to me anyway.

Regards,

kev35

Bl**dy stupid move!

I think they should change it to Birmingham Airport. After all, Birmingham is even better known and it is clear that distance from the airport and using a name already in use is of no relevance!

I wonder if the number of people who have no idea where Nottingham is but knew East Midlands, outweighs the number that don’t know East Midlands but know where Nottingham is?!

Apparently the owner of the real Nottingham Airport is looking in to whether he can take legal action against EMA because of the confusion it will cause!

“The football rivalry with Leicester City is somewhat less, despite the city currently boasting the region’s only Premiership Club (while Forest and County both face possible relegation from Division One, sitting at 21st and 22nd respectively).

– Okay don’t rub it in about that bit !!! 😉 I admit we may be in a slight “depression” at the moment ! Still, at least the sheep sh+++++S are further down!

Back to the point, EMA were trying to market the airport in favour of people from afar would recognise it’s location, hence Nottingham was chosen as it’s the most “well known” of the three cities. Which makes you wonder why at all change the name. If plans to rename it where such as Robin Hood, King BC etc then I can’t seem to justify changing it. I’m afraid to me it seems just like another P.R stunt to attract attention to the fact that their is an airport there! The bottom line is these advertising and marketing companies employ “stunts” to attract media attraction. I.e. Here we are debating it now, it’s appearing in all the papers etc, interest that would not be given if the airport hadn’t been going for a spotlight.

G.

Nottingham’s status as the “top city” of the East Midlands was boosted on Tuesday – and started a fresh war of words between civic leaders.
At an early morning press conference, the region’s only international airport announced it would be changing its name to Nottingham East Midlands Airport.

In a crushing blow to neighbouring cities, the airport’s managing director said nearby Derby and Leicester were overlooked because they “just didn’t register” when it came to name recognition.

So East Midlands Airport – which is located in Leicestershire and is closest to Derby – will now carry the name of Nottingham.

FOOTBALL LEGEND

Brian Clough is a hero in both Derby and Nottingham

Notts view: Have your say on the name
Leics view: Vote or send us a comment

Jon Collins, the leader of Nottingham City Council, was elated, saying: “Obviously, it’s great for Nottingham that the city will now have a major international airport bearing its name.”

Leicester City Council’s leader said many people in his county would “resent” the move, but it was Derby City Council’s leader who reacted most angrily.

Councillor Maurice Burgess said: “If Nottingham East Midlands Airport chooses to ignore two of the cities around them, people off on their summer holidays may choose to ignore the airport.”

He suggested Derby residents use airports in Manchester or Birmingham instead.

Rivalry is not a new thing in the East Midlands.

The bitter feelings between supporters of Derby County and Nottingham Forest is legendary, despite the fact both clubs were managed by local hero Brian Clough.

ROBIN HOOD

Robin Hood is a marketing asset for Nottingham

The BBC’s Robin Hood Index

The football rivalry with Leicester City is somewhat less, despite the city currently boasting the region’s only Premiership Club (while Forest and County both face possible relegation from Division One, sitting at 21st and 22nd respectively).

There can be no questioning that each city has its own strengths, and for the record Leicester has the region’s highest population.

According to 2001 census data, the city’s population is 279,800 (Nottingham has 267,000 and Derby 221,700).

Leicester is famed for its multi-cultural population and Golden Mile, where shoppers flock to buy silks, sarees, jewellery and Asian food.

Derby has always made much of its central location in the East Midlands and, ironically, its proximity to the airport.

But Nottingham will always have one advantage when it comes to international recognition – and it is thanks a man that many people think never existed.

REGIONAL WONDERS

The Seven Wonders of the East Midlands

Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw of Sherwood Forest, is a name that will always be linked with the city.

He has captured the imagination of many people, helped considerably by a number of Hollywood films.

Airline bmibaby, which was a major force behind the airport name change, has started using Robin Hood in its marketing campaigns.

The airport’s managing director, Graham Keddie, said the decision to change names was based purely on money – but argued that Leicester and Derby may benefit from it.

He said: “We based this decision on purely commercial imperatives and the need to ensure the continued success of the airport and our airline partners.

“Nottingham EMA makes commercial sense, not only for the airport, but for all of the major towns and attractions in the region.”

That may be true, but seeing Nottingham painted on the front of the airport will still be a bitter pill to swallow for the people of Leicester and Derby.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/3413677.stm

A row is set to break out over plans to change East Midlands Airport’s name to incorporate Nottingham.
In a controversial move, the airport will now be known as Nottingham East Midlands Airport.

This is despite the airport lying in Leicestershire and the nearest major city being Derby.

Airport managers have been under pressure to change the name because the term East Midlands is considered too vague and not recognised overseas.

One Derby MP has already crticised the move for undermining attempts to give the East Midlands a stronger identity.

The airport is located at Castle Donington in Leicestershire but has a Derbyshire postcode and is listed by the Air Transport Association as being in Nottingham.

Time and time and time again, Nottingham was the name that came up

Graham Keddie, Airport Managing Director

Notts view: Have your say on the name
Leics view: Vote or send us a comment
Each city had worried that it might suffer if the airport is named after one of the others.

Managing Director Graham Keddie made the announcement on Tuesday, emphasising the decision came after long deliberations.

He said that exhaustive research had shown Nottingham had by far the highest international profile of any East Midlands city.

He added: “Nottingham is the only city in the region that is widely known. We conducted months of research, including talking to passengers from overseas.

“Time and time and time again, Nottingham was the name that came up.

“I’m afraid Leicester and Derby just didn’t register.

“Maybe it’s the Hollywood effect and the myth of Robin Hood, or perhaps it is because Nottingham is the biggest city we have in terms of size.”

The MP for Derby North, Bob Laxton, described the name change as ‘daft’ and ‘confusing’.

He felt the move it would undermine the work that has been carried out to ensure people further afield do know the position of the East Midlands

He said: “One of the things a number of people and organisations have been trying to do is get some identity for the East Midlands.

“This is hardly going to help. I just think the whole thing is daft.”

Budget airline BMIbaby, based at the airport, had campaigned for a change and had already used Robin Hood in its advertising.

Airport staff said the change would take effect immediately but it could be a little while before passengers began to see this.

Steve… At least we all know where Tullamarine Airport is !! (or will they rename it the Shane Warne airport)

Yes Steve, Liverpool airport has been named the “John Lennon” airport. I think these “rebranding experts” have got thier work cut out when it comes to something like an airport. You are never gonna please everybody (i.e. Liverpool airport – Whatabout Paul McCartney or Ringo and George).

My view….. Why can’t people leave things as they are. Our culture is at the moment to rename things! (and pay alot of money) For instance… here in Britain, Royal Mail, quite obvious what they do. But someone decided to rename it “Consignia” at the tune of £3m of branding. All to be changed back again a year later. British Steel was the same, just incase people got the wrong end of the stick in what they did, they rebranded and became “Corus”. Oh yeah great one there!!!

We have all become accustomed to East Mids airport, so why the hell do we need to change it……

G.

It seems to be happening a lot these days, didn’t they just change Liverpool Airport to John Lennon Airport recently

ROTF @ prospect of Archie Gemmill terminal.

(And can we send his son there? Or anywhere far away from a Scotland squad, anyway? 😉 )

And seeing as how King Kenny passed the ball to Archie at the start of that move, maybe he should have a terminal named after him, too… how about the nearest airport to La Manga, as he’s undoubtedly it’s most frequent visitor… :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Dazza
If they insist on changing the name, then surely ‘Castle Donington International’ is more appropriate?, just a thought.:)

-Dazza

It seems most sensible, but if people don’t know where ‘East Midlands’ is, then they’re definitely not gonna know where ‘Castle Donington International’ is! Ah well, I like the sound of East Midlands.

But I’m sure that there is another aiport called ‘Nottingham Airport’ somewhere else in the UK:confused:

This just gets more and more confusing! Only recently has Teesside been changed to Durham Tees Valley (??) or something like that. How are us lot supposed to remember all these changes? 🙁

Originally posted by Bhoy
Brian Clough?

why not St. Martin O’Neill International? :p

I suppose Clough will keep both sides of the M1 happy (sheep lovers), O’neill just nottm n’ leicester side…. Maybe even the Archie Gemmill terminal where to get to it you have to weave in and out of static KLM planes !! 😛

G.

Brian Clough?

why not St. Martin O’Neill International? :p

If they insist on changing the name, then surely ‘Castle Donington International’ is more appropriate?, just a thought.:)

-Dazza

Hmmm, interesting.

So unnecessary!

Although, the main point for trying to get the name changed was that passengers from overseas had no idea where East Midlands Airport was, or where it is near to.

The bmibaby.com website has used Nottingham (East Midlands) in the booking engine for some time now, and I understand bookings have increased as a result. People from other countries have heard of Nottingham and its history, but don’t know where East Midlands is.

Personally, I think they should leave it alone. I like East Midlands, you know where you are with it in my opinion! People will still call it that even its changed!

Regards,
Markus