Qatar Airways

[Jerry]

Fair play to them as they say around here, but Devon and Cornwall seems a little remote from CWL. Putting more effort into the West Country might pay greater dividends.

I think they are trying to engage with the travel industry all around the area and i don't know where the actual show was held could've been Bristol for all i know but the company that held it says its from Cornwall.
From what I've seen so far their engagement in the South West seems to be with businesses and the travel trade.

 

[Red Flyer]

It was held at The Lemon Quay Piazza in Truro.

 

[aviatorconcorde]

In reality, how much difference in driving time would there be between LHR and CWL from the Deep West Country ie Devon/Cornwall?

Would it be just as attractive to fly from CWL? Considering it's a lot quieter than heathrow and less congested.

 

[Jerry]

In reality, how much difference in driving time would there be between LHR and CWL from the Deep West Country ie Devon/Cornwall?

From Truro Heathrow is about 4 and a half hours driving and Cardiff is about 3 and a half hours driving. I think it depends as well on the tour operator. If CWL can strike up a good relationship they may be able to guide passengers who aren't that fussy to the CWL flights rather than London way. I know plenty of people who if the travel agent sold them packages from Glasgow they'd travel there to catch their flight! A friend of mine travelled to Cuba last year and his travel agent sent them to MAN, him and his wife drove up the night before and stayed in a hotel. Another work friend of mine flew to Tenerife with TUI from Birmingham because that was the package the travel agent gave him. I believe especially for long haul people are willing to travel further to start their holiday.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Let's hope it does pay dividends. They might pick up some passengers for Qatar. Other airlines at CWL might be more problematic especially with Flybe based at EXT and NQY seeing an increasing network.

It certainly shows that CWL regards the entire South West England as its territory for Qatar - and why not?

 

[Jerry]

Let's hope it does pay dividends. They might pick up some passengers for Qatar. Other airlines at CWL might be more problematic especially with Flybe based at EXT and NQY seeing an increasing network.

It certainly shows that CWL regards the entire South West England as its territory for Qatar - and why not?

I saw a photo on twitter of the stand at the show and it was just advertising Cardiff Airport and Qatar Airways so i'd think definitely the focus there is on long haul whereas in comparison at the Severn Growth Summit the airports stand wasn't just about Qatar as it had Flybe, KLM and Qatar on show so more about what CWL has to offer on the whole rather than a certain route.

 

[aviatorconcorde]

Let's hope it does pay dividends. They might pick up some passengers for Qatar. Other airlines at CWL might be more problematic especially with Flybe based at EXT and NQY seeing an increasing network.

It certainly shows that CWL regards the entire South West England as its territory for Qatar - and why not?

Agreed. Some very good points made here. People will certainly travel further to fly longer. You'd be mad to travel from South Wales to Heathrow to fly to Glasgow, but it's perfectly acceptable to travel South Wales to Heathrow to fly to Dubai.

Similar principal with advertising Qatar in the south west, folks may travel from EXT to CWL to fly long haul, but not to fly to Dublin!

 

[Jerry]

There is a rumour on facebook that the first flight on the 1st May could be operated by an A350 and then 787s from then on.

 

[aviatorconcorde]

There is a rumour on Social Media that the first flight on the 1st May could be operated by an A350 and then 787s from then on.

Interesting - i often wondered if they'd try something like this.

Where did you hear this Jerry?

I'm expecting a huge media presence on the day. Just having BBC Wales there alone would provide heaps of free publicity.

 

[Jerry]

Where did you hear this Jerry?

Facebook, on the same page and from the same person who posted the info about the stands i believe he's an airport employee. If i remember correctly Dublin was originally launched with an A350. so maybe they'll do a promo stunt for the inaugural flight?

 

[aviatorconcorde]

Social Media, on the same page and from the same person who posted the info about the stands i believe he's an airport employee. If i remember correctly Dublin was originally launched with an A350. so maybe they'll do a promo stunt for the inaugural flight?

I’ve now noted the same rumor on the same group Jerry.

Also a pretty good diagram of the ‘new’ stand layout on that same group. It seems likely Qatar will board through door 2L on the 787. This new airbridge is certainly an asset and will come in handy for the TUI Dreamliner and Rugby airlifts etc.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

2L has always been a desired boarding door for anything using an airbridge however unfortunately due to the old style airbridges this had not been possible.

Numerous times I have had cabin manager waiting at L2 door to open and the airbridge is actually at L1.

It had came such a sticking point that I believe Tui dreamliners have been boarding their longhaul premium only via L1 and airbridge with remainder via L2/Rear steps.

 

[Jerry]

Spencer Birns the airports Commercial Director has today been in Ebbw Vale promoting the Qatar Airways route to the local Blaenau Gwent business community.
https://twitter.com/Cardiff_Airport/status/978919492775563264?s=19

 

[aviatorconcorde]

Comments made on this service taken from other forums:

"I am flying business class Cardiff to Seoul via Doha on the inaugural flight, I hope Cardiff does not let us down with fast track security not manned and indifferent staff. The airport experience is important.
i am also booking another Asian flight later this summer. These are business trips.
I hope the Welsh take a positive attitude toward this exciting service.
Will report on my airport experience."

"My family is certainly trying to support it, we've got 11 family members flying out to SIN in July for a wedding, and another 5 flying to BKK for holiday in October, then 6 people flying to MNL in November. All flights were around £450-£500 return, which is great especially considering the saving in fuel driving to LHR."

"If the premium cabin ends up being priced as dirt cheap as I expect then I would consider travelling out from London"

Always pleasing to hear people are booking on to the route! You never hear anyone potentially travelling out from London to CWL of all places.

 

[Jerry]

Interesting comments, the first suggests a pre-conception about Cardiff that isn't good and that the person might not be from South Wales.
The premium cabin is interesting as from what i've seen the prices don't seem dirt cheap but if they attract someone from London that's great.

 

[aviatorconcorde]

Interesting comments, the first suggests a pre-conception about Cardiff that isn't good and that the person might not be from South Wales.
The premium cabin is interesting as from what i've seen the prices don't seem dirt cheap but if they attract someone from London that's great.

Yes it's very interesting - I think we will see a good uptake even in the premium cabin. CWL is relatively a hassle free, quiet airport for business travellers, so hopefully it can carve out a niche for itself here.

I also hope there's a big fan fare on launch day, similar to the day the BA A380 came with BBC wales on the scene, etc.

 

[aviatorconcorde]

Just seen on twitter the A350 is set to operate the inaugural. This has come from the Senior VP of Qatar marketing.

 

[Cardiffbay]

Just seen on twitter the A350 is set to operate the inaugural. This has come from the Senior VP of Qatar marketing.

Yep and the retweeted by Qatar twitter feed. Nice little treat for Cardiff and will look good in front of the media.

 

[Jerry]

Just seen on twitter the A350 is set to operate the inaugural. This has come from the Senior VP of Qatar marketing.

Fantastic news!

 

[TheLocalYokel]

I'm not trying to pour cold water but is the A350 so very different from the B787? Genuine question.