In Deutschland droht tagelanges Flugverbot wegen des Vulkanausbruchs in Island. Wann sich die Sitaution bessert, ist noch nicht klar. Ein Alptraum für die London Book Fair. Eben hat sich deren Direktor Alistair Burtenshaw zur aktuellen Situation im internationalen Luftverkehr mit Infos und der Hoffnung gemeldet – in großen Lettern: „THE SHOW WILL GO ON“:
Hier das Statement des Messedirektors: „The London Book Fair Team is working hard to minimise the disruption to the fair caused by the volcanic ash temporarily closing airports in the UK and Europe; we are putting a number of contingency plans in place to assist exhibitors and visitors to The London Book Fair which takes place from Monday April 19th at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London :
* The London Book Fair website www.londonbookfair.co.uk is being updated regularly with practical information and helplines
* International exhibitors are being called by our customer service teams to find out how we can help to put in place actions to assist them – for example, assistance with manning their stands and alternative travel plans. Should you need assistance please refer to our helpline.
* Our Sales Team are in touch with their exhibitor contacts to ensure that all appropriate help is in place to ensure the smooth running of the show.
We know that many international exhibitors and visitors have already arrived and those travelling from Europe are finding alternative transport. Our substantial UK attendees remain unaffected
I want to thank everyone for their calls of support and determination to get to the fair and to reiterate that we will be in continual communication over the coming days. “
Am Freitag abend kam diese weitere Info:
In addition to the information provided earlier which outlined the website bulletins, international exhibitor customer services communication, helplines and travel alternatives activity, The London Book Fair has introduced the following measures:
Seminar and Conference programme
All weekend events taking place — Masterclasses, The Rights Workshop, The Digital Conference — those that can’t make it can nominate someone to replace them. All they have to do is quote the person’s name whom they’re replacing.
Additionally, those registered for the Digital Conference will receive the slides of presentations afterwards
There are currently no major speaker absences for the general seminars. We hope to replace any who might be absent.
The Digital Seminar Stream throughout the Fair; thus far we have confirmed that many of Monday’s speakers are willing to rerun their sessions on Tuesday should there be any space due to speaker absence on Tuesday.
The entire seminar programme during The London Book Fair is gratis to registered visitors.
Market Focus Programme
· This programme will go ahead as planned (Market Focus Chairman’s Breakfast, Market Focus Reception, Seminar Programme, Literary Cafe events) but there may be some changes to those billed to attend. Please check the website and for notices outside the seminar rooms on a daily basis as we endeavour to keep you informed.
Manning Exhibitor Stands
· Customer Services have been in touch with international stand holders to ascertain whether or not interim stand hostesses are needed. In case of delay or reduced presence, The London Book Fair will be providing a business card/enquiry form box on affected stands. It will be accompanied by a ‚Sorry we’re currently unable to man our stand‘ stand sign
Latest news from NATS:
Statement on Icelandic volcanic eruption: Friday April 16, 1445
Following a review of the latest Met Office information, NATS advises that restrictions preventing flights in controlled airspace over England and Wales will remain in place until 0700 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 17 April, at the earliest. From 1900 (UK time) today ATC restrictions will be lifted in a large part of Scottish airspace including Scottish airports, Shetland, Orkneys and also Northern Ireland.
On this basis, North Atlantic traffic can also operate to/from points in this airspace. Please note these arrangements do not mean that all flights will operate. Anyone hoping to travel today or tomorrow should contact their airline before going to the airport.
We are looking for opportunities when the ash cloud moves sufficient for us to enable some flights to operate under individual coordination with ATC. Some aircraft were able to operate at Manchester this morning, although restrictions are now reapplied to Manchester.
We hope there may be some opportunity from the north into Newcastle after 0100 (UK time) tomorrow – Saturday. We will review further Met Office information and at 2030 (UK time) we will advise further arrangements. In general, the situation is dynamic and subject to change.
We continue to work closely with airports, airlines, and the rest of Europe to understand and mitigate the implications of the volcanic eruption.
Auf diesen Webseiten gibt es ständig weitere Informationen:
http://www.londonbookfair.co.uk
http://www.midaspr.co.uk/news/192/the-london-book-fair-press-office-and-news
