TUi Airways

[Nigel B]

Just a query, why does TUI seem reluctant to base a 737max at Cardiff?

 

[Jerry]

Just a query, why does TUI seem reluctant to base a 737max at Cardiff?

Could be that they want to convert the bigger bases first

 

[Cardiffbay]

Just a query, why does TUI seem reluctant to base a 737max at Cardiff?

i was told by one of their pilots they are a bit reluctant as Cardiff is seen as a high corrosion base due to its location right on the coast.

 

[CAN&I]

i was told by one of their pilots they are a bit reluctant as Cardiff is seen as a high corrosion base due to its location right on the coast.

Have heard that reason before. Not doubting the pilot whatsoever, but the Max 8's do seem to be allocated more towards TUI's larger bases. Its not as if the 800s or Max 8s are permanently based anywhere in particular either, most seem to be rotated through different bases over the course of each week.

 

[Cardiffbay]

Bristol is similar in size base to Cardiff and seems to be a MAX base. If I was TUI I would be reluctant to put my newer fleet at a high corrosion airfield.

 

[CAN&I]

Bristol is similar in size base to Cardiff and seems to be a MAX base. If I was TUI I would be reluctant to put my newer fleet at a high corrosion airfield.

Bristol was (most recently) a 6 x MAX base until last year, i.e. twice the size of the base at Cardiff during the peak summer season. This summer Bristol has lost 1 x MAX, with Cardiff gaining 1 x 800.

TUI rotates its 737 fleet through various bases during each week, so an aircraft is never permanently based anywhere in the true sense of the word.

As of 6am Thursday (21/05) the based aircraft are:

• BRS: MC / MF (2019), MP (2023) & OA / PA (2025)
• CWL: WD / WI (2012), WX (2014) & WW (2015)
• EXT: ZR (2009) & WP (2013)
• BOH: WC / WK (2012)

Naturally these will rotate around the network but while the 800 / MAX fleet ratio remains around 3:2, looking around the bases there is a definate mixture of both types based at LGW, STN, BHX, MAN, EMA and NCL whereas GLA & BRS are MAX only and CWL, EXT & BOH 800 only.

Could it be down to regional crew and handling training on the type perhaps?