Route Development & Rumours

[gulftraveller]

As I mentioned on another thread, the timing of the PIA flights from Istanbul does not allow through connections except from LHR as it requires an early morning departure from UK and a late afternoon departure from IST.

There is no TK expansion planned from IST to UK but the timings of existing flights are set to connect with TK’s services, not PIA or other codeshare carriers.

 

[LBA4EVER]

I remember not too long back a couple of members on here were withholding information about a possible new service from LBA? Its all gone quiet again.

 

[White Heather]

I remember not too long back a couple of members on here were withholding information about a possible new service from LBA? Its all gone quiet again.

Absolutely no idea what you mean!

If it's all gone quiet, it's because LBA and the airline have not announced anything. So it might not be happening.
Or there again, it might, but no announcement until they consider the time is right.

 

[Starflyer]

So the only new airline to file schedules for LBA in Summer 2023 so far is Play (OG 830 arriving daily from KEF at 1030 and departing to KEF as OG 831 at 1135). They have filed slots for the exact same times at MAN as well - so it rather looks as though there may be all to Play for as far as LBA is concerned.

 

[markietg]

This was the airline I posted about last month….”not operating from Manchester” I did try to give you all a clue with my “bus to waKEField” comment. From what I’ve been told they have been in advanced talks with LBA for a while.

 

[Aviador]

So any guesses when we might find out which additional northern airport might get the route? Fingers crossed it's soon.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

So the only new airline to file schedules for LBA in Summer 2023 so far is Play (OG 830 arriving daily from KEF at 1030 and departing to KEF as OG 831 at 1135). They have filed slots for the exact same times at MAN as well - so it rather looks as though there may be all to Play for as far as LBA is concerned.

Daily to KEF? I don't see many people holidaying there it is VERY expensive, So I assume they are relying on pax making connections to North America. Aren't Jet2 also doing KEF?

 

[HX3]

Play is definitely about onward North America connections, but daily would be very optimistic. LPL is twice weekly which is a sensible schedule allowing for scope to build. I would expect that if LBA was successul, a similar schedule would be rolled out. Fingers crossed

 

[White Heather]

At last!

It would seem very odd to launch flights from MAN next (rather than LBA) after just going into LPL. Makes far more sense to have an airport East of the Pennines too rather than two just 30 miles apart West of the Pennines. It will provide LBA with a third, and lower cost option to the USA.

In addition, Iceland may be expensive but the number of people visiting is increasing. Yes Jet2 are doing more but this is a proper scheduled low cost service.

I really hope this one is confirmed.

 

[Hendi]

It is an expensive place but its also a really nice place to visit with plenty to do. Airport is pretty nice too from what i remember, so the onward connections low cost should be a good thing. Hope it comes true and works. Surely it can jnly be a good thing for lba

 

[Malaga]

Play transatlantic may be ok for Baltimore, Boston or Washington if you are not in a hurry and don't mind waiting for connections. But New York is Stewart International Airport which is 60 miles from New York City and no subway or direct railroad, so travel there I suspect would be time consuming and quite a challenge. Give me pre-clearance in Dublin and air train at JFK any time. A trade-off between convenience and cost!

 

[lbaspotter]

So the only new airline to file schedules for LBA in Summer 2023 so far is Play (OG 830 arriving daily from KEF at 1030 and departing to KEF as OG 831 at 1135). They have filed slots for the exact same times at MAN as well - so it rather looks as though there may be all to Play for as far as LBA is concerned.

If you've got access to the plimary slot report for LBA summer 2023, are FreeBird shown operating the 2x weekly TUi charters to Antalya & Dalaman?

 

[Finger66]

The other thing wrong with PLAY going to MAN is they would be up against Icelandair on KEF. Could think what FI might stand for then if they do. I think we must have a real chance here and a couple of flights a week would be an ideal starting. Would also be using LBA facilities at a very quiet time too. Just need TK too although the next UK airport they are rumoured to be wanting is NCL so think that’s off the radar - for now at least

 

[LBAYORKIE]

The other thing wrong with PLAY going to MAN is they would be up against Icelandair on KEF. Could think what FI might stand for then if they do. I think we must have a real chance here and a couple of flights a week would be an ideal starting. Would also be using LBA facilities at a very quiet time too. Just need TK too although the next UK airport they are rumoured to be wanting is NCL so think that’s off the radar - for now at least

That's a shame. At NCL they have Emirates to compete with, would have thought LBA would be a better proposition.

 

[airforced]

Play transatlantic may be ok for Baltimore, Boston or Washington if you are not in a hurry and don't mind waiting for connections. But New York is Stewart International Airport which is 60 miles from New York City and no subway or direct railroad, so travel there I suspect would be time consuming and quite a challenge. Give me pre-clearance in Dublin and air train at JFK any time. A trade-off between convenience and cost!

I suspect that the actual difference in cost (added up) will be calculated by many people and prove to be the deciding factor plus of course the time factor if it is important or significant. Anyone know what this is likely yo be?

 

[White Heather]

I would think that daily slots are there only so they can later decide which days to operate in the knowledge they have every day to pick from. I can't see us getting more than 2 or 3 weekly to start with (if it happens).

Better to start with caution and build up, than go in gung-ho and end up pulling flights and annoying customers whose arrangements are messed up.

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

Better to start with caution and build up, than go in gung-ho and end up pulling flights and annoying customers whose arrangements are messed up.

Play have learnt from WOW's mistakes. That was WOW's mistake - go in all guns blazing. And then withdraw months later or not turn a profit at all.

The only trouble I can see; is that Play don't have connections to Newark or JFK which would draw people in to book with them when booking New York. They should be able to build up a good decent size American destination list, of course, cautiously could allow a decent frequency to be built up in Leeds. After all the UK-US is quite a large O/D market.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Given expansion is happening at other airports I think LBA need to come up with something more substantial than Play are likely to offer.

 

[Aviador]

Given expansion is happening at other airports I think LBA need to come up with something more substantial than Play are likely to offer.

In case you mist it, LBA pulled their plans for a brand new terminal. It just makes things somewhat more difficult until the terminal issue is delt with.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

In case you mist it, LBA pulled their plans for a brand new terminal. It just makes things somewhat more difficult until the terminal issue is delt with.

I hardly missed it!