Qatar Airways

[Brum X]

Yes really great to see Qatar finally arrive at BHX, it feels like its been a good few years since we have been talking about this very subject. Cant actually believe its here.

I am feeling very confident that this route will be a great success in the years to come.

Air India have had a good couple of years now to embed into BHX, and a good bit of competition from Qatar should improve there offering too, however they have loyal customers too and offer BHX passengers what they need in a direct route to India.

Great pics Ray, you were up mighty early this morning. I woke up at 07.10 and straight away the first thing that was in my head was Qatar have arrived, sad or what, he he he

Welcome to Brum Qatar Airways, I hope we gave you a great brummie welcome

 

[jfy1999]

What stuck in my head was a post on the dried fruit forum from a couple of years ago (before Air Transat resumed BHX). After someone asked how soon it was going to be before people brought up Qatar, Toronto or the A380, the next poster couldn't resist asking about the chances of Qatar starting DOH-BHX-YYZ with an A380

Fast forward to 2016...

 

[David_itl]

Even Visit London Britain have finally realised that there is a whole new world outside of the Capital.

That has been the biggest hindrance to regional Britain. It's continually being rammed down our throats that people only want to go to London. Consequently they don't know anything about the rest of the UK; many years ago, my late mum was being looked after by a nurse from New Zealand and she said the nurse wanted to know if there was anything of interest nearby as they were only ever shown Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace etc. So my mum just gave the nearby towns and tourist attractions that were within 1 to 2 hours drive of Manchester and said the nurse was amazed at the number of places to see and do.

The next month should be marked as the best in Birmingham Airport's history with a nice collection of low-cost, European legacy (even if it's an offshoot!) and a long-haul airline all starting up.

 

[Brum X]

 

[Ray Finkle]

The next month should be marked as the best in Birmingham Airport's history with a nice collection of low-cost, European legacy (even if it's an offshoot!) and a long-haul airline all starting up.

We have another Euro legacy carrier starting in three weeks to

Totally agree with you though. I remember chatting to a lady in Australia who had absolutely no idea about the UK outside of London. I think the only two places she'd heard of were Stratford (Shakespeare) and Liverpool (The Beatles) and I'm sure she thought they were both in London.

In the end I had to describe where I lived by using cricket grounds. I remember she introduced me to her husband saying "he's from Edgbaston"

I bet she probably thought that was in London too.

 

[User001]

It's amazing how many countries I visit, I tell them I'm born in North Wales, live in Cheshire and instantly met 'oh you are so lucky to live in London'.

To a lot of people around the world, London is the UK and Birmingham, Edinburgh and everywhere else are suburbs of London.

 

[BHXsupporter]

Cheap at the price!
BBC Midlands have just reported the arrival of the new 150,000 pounds dreamliner!! The lady emphasizied the thousand too!

 

[Ray Finkle]

I'll have one at that price.

Qatar have had a reception tonight in Central Birmingham. It was hosted by Jamelia.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Cheap at the price!
BBC Midlands have just reported the arrival of the new 150,000 pounds dreamliner!! The lady emphasizied the thousand too!

I'll buy hundreds of them, and sell them on

Kevin

 

[nwoody2001]

 

[Ray Finkle]

I don't mind Peter Plisner, he normally seems grumpy enough to ask the questions that many of us are thinking of. When China Southern were announced he started his interview with "It's only three flights, you haven't exactly cracked it have you?"

I think on this occasion though he's a little out of order. The arrival of Qatar is a big moment for the airport and for him to start his interview the way he did was wrong. I thought Mr kehoe handled it well though.

Birmingham has a buzz about it at the moment with lots of eyes upon the airport, this would be the perfect time to announce Capital Airlines. I guess it comes down to the airline when as to when services are announced rather than the airport.

 

[IanFarquharson]

I heard last night that the Chinese flights have been on sale for quite a few weeks in China !

 

[Brum X]

I heard last night that the Chinese flights have been on sale for quite a few weeks in China !

I thought the same a few weeks ago. Tomorrow is the 1st April, so if these flights are to start begin of June (For example) there is not much time left to sell the seats.

Peter Plisner also suggested that the airport was about to sign up scheduled flights to china but we all know that these will probably be charter ?? But hey, stranger things have happened.

Anyway back on topic. Lets discuss China flights on the relevant thread. ;-)

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there ray and all, I think that once qatar have settled in, all will become evident, that qatar are here to stay, and to make there mark where necessary, to show and follow the same lines where emirates success is, and hopefully try to expand further with extra flights per day..Andyc

 

[jfy1999]

Detailed report from Anna.aero on the launch featuring stunning pictures of the International Pier, special Qatar Airways Cadbury chocolate, and an interview with Mr Kehoe, who is "confident" we'll have flights to more than just Beijing for this year. They also like our water arch and cake!!

http://www.anna.aero/2016/04/01/qatar-airways-welcomed-birmingham/

 

[Ray Finkle]

An excellent report.

With regards to Qatar this stood out

When asked about the initial performance of Birmingham’s new route Dunleavy added: “Today’s service to Doha is fully booked and so are the services in the next few days. I’m sure that capacity will be increased in the not too distant future.”

There has been talk about an A350 being used. Although it gives extra seats and more cargo capacity they're usually used for the longer routes.

Personally I think we'll see 11x weekly 787 soon.

 

[Ray Finkle]

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Quite surprised at how long the afternoon Qatar flight stays on the ground at BHX.

Kevin

 

[Ray Finkle]

I've noticed that too.

The original times quoted in the press release were in 06:45, out 09:15 and in 12:50, out 15:00.

We seem to have

QR35 06:20 QR36 08:55
QR33 12:20 QR34 16:20

 

[Brum X]

Yeah that is a long time on the ground, a massive 4 hours. Mind you i dont suppose BHX mind as it is extra revenue for them, however 1 large parking space not available.
I remember when i visited DUB last year for a day of plane spotting, there was an Etihad A330 on the ground for the same number of hours. I suppose Qatar and Etihad havent quite got the hub that is DXB at present and the aircraft is simply slotting into the DOH hub schedules. But then again why wouldnt they park the 787 in DOH for 4 hours rather than BHX ?????