Flybe

[Aviador]

On that note I couldn't agree more WYIA.

VLM, and Cityjet probably have the most experience operating from the docklands. Another advantage this time around is that the DLR is now operational. When BMI tried the route it wasn't quite finished. It should prove useful when we get the route back.

 

[WYIA]

Ye, this route could do very well! It just needs the right airline with the right times and price structure.

I think we should lease out a J32 from Jetstream executive and do 3 daily. Simple low cost operation with good timings from Leeds at 0630am getting you to london just after 0730 with free tea, coffee, juice and danish for breakfast lol... thats what a business man wants.

20 min turn arround in LCY, bang - in and out. keep the cost down. 18 seats 3 times a day!

Whos with me lol

 

[White Heather]

I would be with you if the aircraft was a bit bigger than a Jetstream 32!

I would like to see something in the 40 seat size range, such as the ATR42 or Dash 8-300, but as minimum the Jetstream 41 with 29 seats. I think though that the route would be more appealing to our business passengers if it was jet operated, but apart from the Embraer 135, which is probably more expensive to operate, there doesn't seem to be much in that size category, so a small/medium prop would be most profitable.

It is amazing though how those who are not really into flying still see a prop (any prop, even the new ones) as somehow inferior. I have lost count of how many people at work who have flown with Flybe on a Q400 have told me it was a 'noisy old thing' and they would have preferred to fly on a jet!! I seem to recall that when BMi operated the route using the ATR42, there were complaints about the aircraft from some quarters.

 

[WYIA]

Not a fan of the ATR myself, think its a vile odball thing of a flying machine. Very dated design and flight deck. Passengers dont really like jumping on something at the back with a cargo hold infront of them either. Performance wise, yes quite good.

I do like the Dash but only the 200/300, the 400 looks wrong. Has to be said that its got a lot of technology thats pretty nifty and some fantastic operating performance. However, lots of bad press - most carriers seem to have problems. Alot of tail strikes, bad in the wind because of its design.

I love my lil jetstreams lol, but they are old and loud to fly on. Have to say, Jetstream Executive have lovely little J32's - well looked after!

Was thinking J32 because, current climate. Start small... work way up. Very cheap to operate. Upgrade as and when.
Lol would love to have a shot at creating a little shuttle airline for london from leeds.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

I quite like the ATR 72. Have travelled with Aurigny several times.

As for the Q 400, a couple of my acquanintance flew on one of Flybe's to Jersey about three years ago.
Knowing my interest in aviation, they complained bitterly to me (as if I could do anything) that they had never been so frightened in their lives. According to them they had flown on a noisy, old propeller aeroplane that vibrated and rattled so much they thought it would fall apart.

They said they seriously considered returning by boat and couldn't believe their luck when they arrived at Jersey Airport for the return flight to discover their aircraft was a jet.

They thought I was potty (and I'm sure didn't believe me) when I told them their noisy old aeroplane was in fact one of the most modern turbo-props, whilst the jet (a Bae 146) was an elderly aircraft in comparison.

But that is the perception of Mr and Mrs Joe Public so perhaps that's why there is an aversion to turbo-props. I've said before that I love riding in them.

 

[White Heather]

Talking of turbo props, does anyone know what has happened to all the old BAe ATP's that BA used to fly. )and British Midland). I haven't seen one of those for a few years now. Are they still around?

 

[WYIA]

Afew went to india, some to West Air Sweden, Some flew with Emerald for abit and then onto Atlantic after Emerald went under. So they got about thats for sure. Loved the old ATP

 

[TheLocalYokel]

An Atlantic ATP is based at BRS and operates the nightly mail flight to and from Newcastle.

 

[WYIA]

Indeed and i believe the few that went to India have just returned to the UK after a long lease out. Atlantic and West Air of Sweden by the way have merged into one european frieght airline so you will see some new ATP liverys soon!

 

[White Heather]

I have noticed that the Exeter/Aberdeen flight (BE643/644) is not operating today, although it is shown on the airport on line timetable as operating every weekday. Anyone know if the airport timetable is wrong (it wouldn't be the first time!) and the flight simply doesn't now operate on Wednesday, or is this something more serious?

 

[lbaspotter]

Hi

The BE643/4 EXT-LBA-ABZ-LBA-EXT rotations do not operate on both either Wednesdays and Saturdays this summer.

Like you mention the LBIA website timetable is wrong again. Check out this one for a better option. http://www.lbaspotters.net/summer2009lb ... timeta.htm

 

[Aviador]

...but don't forget to report back here!!!!

 

[White Heather]

Thanks lbaspotter!

 

[White Heather]

According to the airport MD today at the Consultative Committee meeting, the Flybe flight to LGW in the morning will now depart LBA at 0815, not 0900 as notified. However, I have not checked this out on the Flybe web site (yet!). the airline has taken over 500 bookings in the first week. Fares are available at present at under £50 return, but on average will normally work out at around £140 return, less than the standard pre-booked rail fare even before the forthcoming 11% rise in fares.

 

[empire]

Still showing as a 9am departure on Flybe.com at the moment.

 

[Aviador]

Flybe Leeds Bradford - Gatwick passengers get free fast pass

Leeds Bradford Airport is offering a complimentary fast track service for Flybe passengers catching its new flights to Gatwick. The new facility will be available to passengers travelling on the Flybe route, which will launch on 29 June, until the end of August.

Passengers simply have to produce their booking confirmation get swift passage through Leeds Bradford's security area. Tony Hallwood, the airport's commercial director, said: 'The addition of complimentary fast track means passengers are ensured a stress-free start to their journey.'

Source

 

[Aviador]

Routes which are predominantly business orientated should all offer free fast track passed through security in my opinion.

 

[lbia]

I don't think it has been mentioned on here but the BE174/175 rotation to Southampton has been upgraded to an EMB195. It currently comes in on a Thursday/Friday evening but over the next week it will start coming in every day.

This is very good news and the loads on this service is very good indeed, over the last few days over 100 passengers have been on these EMB195's. However on the other hand Eastern has less than 5 passengers on their evening service, so maybe the end isn't too far away for them, but its great flybe are upgrading the route, lets hope we see further expansion over the coming months.

 

[WYIA]

Good for flybe, great news for LBA & i am so happy that passengers are supporting this service. It just shows that nice new aircraft and better pricing really does pay off. Yes i am sure Eastern will not be able to keep going much longer from Leeds with those passenger numbers, having said that they charge silly prices so 5 passengers on an aircraft is probably still a good return lol!

Love the E190 series and looking fwd to seeing more of it at Leeds!

 

[Aviador]

Agree,

I look forward to seeing the type at LBA more often in the years to come. Perhaps shortly under the KLM banner as well!