Rumours about new destinations or airlines?

[Aviador]

Re: Rumours

Although I would like to see Easyjet come to LBA although it would however mean more competition for Jet2. On the otherhand if Ryanair were to set up stall at the airport they operate a very different route network to a largely different clientele. The problem with Easyjet is that they operate a very similar program to Jet2 and they too have a 'holidays' arm of the business. If they do decide to come to LBA I would hope that they'd have a gentleman's agreement with Jet2 to avoid too much overlap in the program.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Rumours

I would agree with that Aviador. There is little point in both airlines trying to out-do each other, as neither will benefit. If Easyjet came to LBA they need to select their routes to avoid those served by Jet2, or, pick routes where there remains capacity for expansion. They could for example operate to places like Madrid, which Jet2 have dropped, Valencia, Seville, Lisbon or some of the Greek routes that Jet2 seem reluctant to operate from LBA, such as Corfu or Athens. I am not a great fan of Easyjet, but at least they are a little more customer orientated and less agressive in their behaviour than Ryanair who as an airline seem intent on falling out with everyone.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Re: Rumours

It may be that easyJet would operate a LGW-LBA service with a Gatwick-based aircraft. If they did, would that be a little counter-productive for Leeds area travellers as the first southbound of the day would be later than it might be if on a LBA-based aircraft, with the last northbolund of the day a bit earlier for similar reasons?

In other words, do more people use London routes from LBA to reach London and beyond than use inbound flights from the London area to the Leeds area?

Heather, I've used easyJet on numerous occasions and have found them to be a very good airline with highly competitive fares, especially when booked well in advance which is what I'm normally able to do.

Cabin crew members are invariably helpful and cheerful, with some exceptions but that's human nature in any line of business, and the flights are usually on time or nearly so. The aircraft are either new or nearly new (the Bristol base is an A319 base although it wasn't always and I've been on the 737-700 from BRS to NCL several times because that route is operated by NCL-based aircraft), and comfortable for the length of sectors that they fly. The longest I've been in the air on an easyJet flight is about two hours.

I was wary when they took over Go because that airline was exceptional. Barbara Cassani brought a certain chic to low cost flying. In my opinion, it was a great pity she left the industry.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Rumours

Thanks Local Yokel

I guess my opinion of Easyjet has been somewhat tainted by the 'airline' programme showing their grond crews at Liverpool and Luton. No doubt that programme is slanted to make them appear worse than they really are, but I don't think that programme has done the airline any favours at all really. In fact, I can't see what they have to gain by taking part in it at all.

The other reason I am not an Easyjet fan is simply that they had the opportunity to come into LBA years ago and do what Jet2 have done, and they chose LPL instead, leaving LBA without a low cost carrier and again, ensuring the dominance of the North West when it comes to airtravel. I feel the same way about Bmi Baby for the same reasons as they also passed over LBA and opened bases at DTV and MAN.

A flight operated by an LGW based aircraft would be fine for those landing at LGW early morning after a transatlantic flight, but not much use if you are wanting to catch an early flight out - no doubt a hotel stop would be required with a flight South the evening before. Nevertheless, I think that an airline of Easyjet's stature, with lower fares and a decent sized aircraft would go a long way to making up for the loss of the Heathrow service. Despite Easyjet not being my favourite airline for the reasons given above, I hope this rumour turns into reality

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Re: Rumours

Interesting comments re easyJet vis-a-vis LBA and LPL.

History is full of what-might-have-beens but it is intriguing to consider whether things might have been different had John Parkin been around at LBA much earlier.

I know you are talking about the later 1990s when easyJet set up at LPL but in 2000 Go were casting their net for a second base to complement Stansted. They used consultants to circulate numerous airports in the UK and in the wider Europe.

In her book about her airline Barbara Cassani says that JP was extremely quick off the mark at BRS and his enthusiasm and the picture he put forward impressed them hugely. In the end she says it came down to a short list of EMA, NCL, EDI/GLA (which I take to be a joint base) and BRS. The last named won the day even though a last minute capital levy on Go to assist with the new terminal payment would have been a deal-breaker, as she put it. The airport quietly withdrew this charge, doubtless persuaded by JP and the first routes commenced in spring 2001.

All this pre-dated Jet2 so who knows what might have been the situation had JP arrived at LBA much earlier? Might have had a big easyJet base at LBA and Jet2's main base at LPL. :reallyshocked:

I realise a MD/CEO is still reliant on the attitude of the airport owners but a good owner will go along with much of what a good MD/CEO suggests.

When they bought Go there was no automatic assumption that easyJet would continue at Bristol. They did and have expanded year by year.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Rumours

The airport has had some business cards printed off placed at the information point which says "Are you going to be effected by the London Heathrow cancellation? We are working very hard to reinstate a London service, please contact us if you would like to be the first to hear about a new London service" I can't help but think that the airport is indeed on the verge of announcing a new London route.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Rumours

Could this be the day?

Rumour suggests that there's to be a new route announced today....

Easyjet to Luton or Gatwick.....?
Eastern to London City...........?
PIA to Lahore or Dubai...........?

If the rumour is true we'll find out later today.

 

[wawkrk]

Re: Rumours

Flybe Gatwick, it was on the news.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Rumours

A new rumour for you...

OK, so people, you have probably heard this one floating around before but I've now heard it from two separate reliable contacts.

The rumour is that Thomson Airways will be returning back to LBA with a base for summer 2010.

Now, I don't know what implications if any this might have on the current DSA base, but I can't imagine Thomson's will be able to expand in the current economic climate. This suggest that the additional flights will have to come in the way of a base move from a neighbouring airport such as DSA or MAN.

I don't know what this could potentially mean for DSA if flights are indeed transferred back to LBA from there, but they did after all pinch the flights from us in the first place. I would hope that Thomson's could reopen a base at LBA without altering their previous DSA plans but I can't see that happening unfortunately for them.

 

[empire]

Re: Rumours

I guess we'll find out in a couple of weeks when the 1st issue brochure is out. The rumour has been knocking about for the last year or so. I would be surprised to see DSA willingly relinquish anything of Thomson's operation, I would presume Peel will have fought hard to keep as much as possible at Doncaster during the contract renegotiations now that the 5 year period is almost up, let's be honest DSA will be in [more] serious financial problems if Thomson lost focus there, however it can be seen that during the years that Thomson have shifted ops, the pax did not move with the brand from LBA to DSA perhaps in the way that Thomson expected at the outset so I dare say there is a need for them to increase their brand presence back in the greater Leeds area. I know for a fact from a travel agents conference I attended hosted by the airport mid last year that Halliwell was in negotiation with Thomson, hopefully this has borne fruit. An interesting rumour nonetheless although I'm airing on the side of caution until the brochure is out.

Here's another rumour, Manx2 moving their LBA flights to Doncaster due to Servisair's proposed charges post Aviance closure.

 

[WYIA]

Re: Rumours

I can also confirm the "rumour" - Thomson are set to return to lba. Due to the current economic climate it will not be anything like the old setup and i would expect 737 equipment . this is good news for lba and its holiday makers! the return if choice and some healthy competition for jet2.

My source is from within Thomson

 

[White Heather]

Re: Rumours

Some of you may remember a previous note regardinig TOM's presence at DSA which prompted specuilation that TOM would come back to LBA from 2010. I only hope that this isn't based on the terminal development being in place, because if it is, then TOM (and us) might be disappointed. The current delay will already mean that the terminal would not be finished by Summer 2010.

 

[wawkrk]

Re: Rumours

If PIA can make Dubai work, then Emirates could for sure.
No disrespect to PIA but Emirates would be a huge attraction.

 

[dispext]

Re: Rumours

odd that, rumour about manx2 going to DSA due to servisair charges, are servisair not the only ground handler at DSA aswell?

 

[White Heather]

Re: Rumours

I just can't see why they would go to DSA/ The Isle Of Man has a lot of financial connections, as does Leeds. I suspect that most of the business passengers using the service will be connected with that industry, which is less well represented in South Yorkshire. Apart from anything else,again, DSA is simply too far from most of the South Yorkshire passengers whoh would want to use the service. Since most airlines who have tried to operate from DSA have come unstuck, why would Manx2 put themselves at risk?

Having said that, why too would Servisair drive them out of LBA by charging more than the going rate for that type of aircraft, and why would LBA management allow it to happen?

None of it really seems tp add up to me.

 

[White Heather]

Re: Rumours

And once daily is pretty useless to business passengers who are then forced to stay overnight. That alone could be enough to make the route out of DSA non-viable, as passengers are more likely to head west for a flight out of MAN or LPL which allows them to return the same day.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Rumours

It is possible that the problem stems from Manx2 not having a tow bar for push backs. It is my understanding that this is now mandatory at Leeds because of Health & Safely implications. It is possible that Manx2's failure to provide a tow bar could be causing some behind the scenes problems or friction.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Rumours

OK here is a new one for you!

Just prior to last weeks press release to the YEP reporting that a Toronto service was almost "in the bag", someone at the airport told me that Jet2 were imminently announcing a Canadian service!

Thoughts anyone?

 

[Aviador]

Re: Rumours

Has the Thomson Summer Sun 2010 brochure been released yet? I can't seem to find it anywhere on the web. I thought that it was normally on sale for the 1st May?

 

[lbaspotter]

Re: Rumours

Hi Aviador.

Thomson's and Thomas Cook have both delayed the launch of the summer 2010 programmes due to the ressision which we are currently in. They will both be coming out on sale sometime next month.