Eastern Airways

[Jerry]

The Welsh Government paid out over £800,000, last year when there were no flights at all, it seems ridiculous that they would pay this sort of money until 2023 with no flights operating. It was a big mistake putting transport into the brief of the climate change Minister, who does not seem to have any interest in the airport at all.

Well it does seem possible that they could. There are no flights onsale for the summer for the Anglesey route now so can we see the route returning especially now with government policy not so friendly to air travel.

 

[Jerry]

I thought the Welsh Conservatives opposed the route in the past which is what the linked report seems to suggest. Are they still against it in principle but take a current position that because the WG has already contracted Eastern to operate it until next year it might as well operate, at least until then?

Who knows with the Conservatives? I expect that they believe that they can use it to criticise the WG. But they are partly right in a way in that the WG may well be paying for a route that isn't operating.

 

[CM.]

Hard to say whats happening with the Anglesey route. But no flights are on sale for the Summer according to the source below.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1495290053978951683

 

[Jerry]

Hard to say whats happening with the Anglesey route. But no flights are on sale for the Summer according to the source below.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1495290053978951683

I'd generally be surprised if we see the route resume.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

Redundancies at Valley pax terminal then. Also Cardiff Airport we’re awarded a contract to run the terminal.

 

[geoff]

This Welsh Government really has no interest in the airport, it might spoil their green credentials.

 

[Jerry]

Redundancies at Valley pax terminal then. Also Cardiff Airport we’re awarded a contract to run the terminal.

Is the terminal the only thing that the ground staff handle. I seem to remember that the handlers also handled the coastguard helicopter when it arrived there. Idk if they handled other GA movements there as well.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

The helicopter wouldn’t tend to land at Valley as it is based in Caernarfon however I suppose it could potentially be handled by the RAF if required.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

There is speculation about the new Fybe incarnation and CWL-BHD.

What's the situation with Eastern and CWL-BHD? I haven't seen it on the boards recently.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

They pulled it until March I believe which was advised a while ago but I not checked to see if it’s back on still.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Many thanks, mathers.

 

[geoff]

I have just done a test booking for CWL-BHD, on Friday11th March return Monday 14th March, basic price £123, showing 3 seats left on the flight.

 

[Jerry]

I have just done a test booking for CWL-BHD, on Friday11th March return Monday 14th March, basic price £123, showing 3 seats left on the flight.

Been pushed back too the 6th June now.

 

[MrFenner]

Why are they even bothering?

A pitiful airline with a barrel of excuses…

Best to just call it a day.

 

[geoff]

Let's hope that the new FlyBE, or Emerald take over the route, if the Welsh Government are not going to operate the Valley route, Eastern will not be staying long at CWL just to operate the BHD route, although they could supplement it with Jersey.

 

[Jerry]

Let's hope that the new FlyBE, or Emerald take over the route, if the Welsh Government are not going to operate the Valley route, Eastern will not be staying long at CWL just to operate the BHD route, although they could supplement it with Jersey.

Personally I'd hope for the latter. Would be good to see the Aer lingus brand back at CWL.
I'd be very surprised if Eastern stick around if Anglesey is cut.

 

[geoff]

I agree Jerry I don't think we will see Eastern back, the Welsh Government have not mentioned Valley, since they said the route was under review sometime ago. The only advantage I could see with FlyBE on the Belfast route, is that it might lead to a better chance of CWL regaining the Jersey route.

 

[Jerry]

I agree Jerry I don't think we will see Eastern back, the Welsh Government have not mentioned Valley, since they said the route was under review sometime ago. The only advantage I could see with FlyBE on the Belfast route, is that it might lead to a better chance of CWL regaining the Jersey route.

Also with the age of their fleet of J41s they must be looking to wind them down eventually leading to them potentially being able to do less routes like Cardiff to Belfast.

 

[geoff]

CWL departure board showing Valley as operating next Monday 7th March. flights are not bookable on Eastern Airways own website however, must have been entered in error at CWL,

 

[Jerry]

Can we ever see this service resuming?

Eastern Airways: What's the future for Cardiff-Anglesey air link?

The Eastern Airways operated route hasn't been flying since the pandemic took hold in March 2020.

www.bbc.co.uk