Ryanair

[stewief1]

Coincidental perhaps that MOL is in the region today; and coincidental perhaps that with the release of the winter schedule, there are slots available for additional flights (43 weekly departures down to 39). One wonders if an announcement in on the horizon today for additional Ryanair routes?

 

[Aviador]

I was thinking along the same lines. I think we will see more from them and didn't a previous press release or news article hint at more routes to come from Ryanair?

 

[lbaspotter]

The following Press Release has just appeared on the http://www.ryanair.com website regarding the LBA winter 2011/12 scheduled launch today my MOL.

Soucre:http://www.ryanair.com/en/news/ryanair-launches-leeds-bradford-winter-schedule-with-11-routes

RYANAIR LAUNCHES LEEDS BRADFORD WINTER SCHEDULE WITH 11 ROUTES

2 AIRCRAFT, 11 ROUTES & 1M PAX P.A.

1M £9.99 SEAT SALE FOR TRAVEL IN JUNE

Ryanair, the world’s favourite airline, today (10th May) launched its Leeds Bradford winter schedule which will operate on two aircraft across 11 routes, including the extension of its Lanzarote service to its winter schedule. Ryanair’s traffic at Leeds Bradford will grow to over 1m passengers p.a. and sustain over 1,000 jobs in the Yorkshire region.

Ryanair celebrated its increased winter schedule at Leeds Bradford by releasing 1m £9.99 seats for travel across its European network in June which are available for booking on http://www.ryanair.com until midnight (24:00hrs) Thursday (12th May).

Speaking to the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce today, Michael O’Leary said:

“Ryanair is delighted to launch its winter 2011/12 schedule from Leeds Bradford which offers passengers 11 routes, including the extension of our popular Lanzarote route to our winter schedule. Ryanair will now deliver over 1million passengers p.a. and sustain over 1,000 local jobs at Leeds Bradford Airport and in the Yorkshire region.

To celebrate the launch of our winter schedule and our new route we are releasing 1m £9.99 seats for travel in June on over 500 Ryanair routes throughout Europe.”

11 Leeds Bradford winter routes
Alicante
Knock
Barcelona
Krakow
Dusseldorf
Lanzarote
Dublin
Malaga
Fuerteventura
Venice
Gdansk

Leeds Bradford Airport’s John Parkin said,
“We are delighted to unveil an exciting new Ryanair winter schedule from Leeds Bradford with a great mix of low fares routes to winter sun and city break destinations as well as connections to the East and West of Ireland. Leeds Bradford Airport’s successful partnership with Ryanair delivers vital tourism and business connections to the region and we look forward to another successful winter schedule.”

Looking at the schedule I still think ryanair will be adding to this. As 4 gaps need filling that the based aircraft have now due to the Malta & Carcassone routes been dropped for the winter. The Faro flights last winter were operated by Faro based aircraft.

 

[White Heather]

On Look North just now, it was stated that Ryanair expect to operate 3 new routes from LBA in summer 2012. Lets hope they are 3 additional new routes and that we don't lose routes we already have in the process.

 

[lbaspotter]

Now this is how ryanair currently stand regarding LBA operations this coming winter 2011/12 season. There looks to be around about 6 spare gaps between the scheduled of the LBA based aircraft which could lead to some new routes been announced at a later date or maybe additional capacity be added on the existing routes.

As we all know by now ryanair do like to change things before the final scheduled is finalised and put into action....

MONDAY
Aircraft 1:
LBA-DUB-LBA = 06:45-09:05 = FR153/152
LBA-KNK-LBA = 09:30-12:35 = FR2334/2335
LBA-NRN-LBA = 13:25-16:40 = FR1501/1502
LBA-DUB-LBA = 20:00-22:30 = FR157/156
Aircraft 2:
LBA-FUE-LBA = 06:50-16:15 = FR1584/1585
LBA-GDN-LBA = 17:05-22:40 = FR1503/1504

TUESDAY
Aircraft 1:
LBA-KRK-LBA = 06:30-12:55 = FR2332/2333
LBA-ALC-LBA = 13:45-19:35 = FR9079/9078
LBA-DUB-LBA = 20:00-22:30 = FR157/156
Aircraft 2:
LBA-DUB-LBA = 06:45-09:05 = FR153/152
----------Spare slot --------------------------------
LBA-AGP-LBA = 15:25-22:00 = FR2446/2447
Non Based:
ACE-LBA-ACE = 10:30-10:55 = FR2047/2048

WEDNESDAY
Aircraft 1:
LBA-DUB-LBA = 06:45-09:05 = FR153/152
LBA-KNK-LBA = 09:30-12:35 = FR2334/2335
LBA-BCN-LBA = 13:45-19:50 = FR9297/9296
LBA-DUB-LBA = 20:15-22:45 = FR157/156
Aircraft 2:
----------Spare slot --------------------------------
LBA-NRN-LBA = 11:55-15:10 = FR1501/1502
----------Spare slot --------------------------------

THURSDAY
Aircraft 1:
LBA-KRK-LBA = 06:30-12:55 = FR2332/2333
LBA-ALC-LBA = 13:45-19:35 = FR9079/9078
LBA-DUB-LBA = 20:00-22:30 = FR157/156
Aircraft 2:
LBA-DUB-LBA = 06:45-09:05 = FR153/152
LBA-VCE-LBA = 09:30-14:35 – FR2484/2485
LBA-AGP-LBA = 15:25-22:00 = FR2446/2447

FRIDAY
Aircraft 1:
LBA-DUB-LBA = 06:45-09:05 = FR153/152
LBA-KNK-LBA = 09:30-12:35 = FR2334/2335
LBA-BCN-LBA = 13:45-19:35 = FR9297/9296
LBA-DUB-LBA = 20:00-22:30 = FR157/156
Aircraft 2:
LBA-FUE-LBA = 06:50-16:15 = FR1584/1585
LBA-GDN-LBA = 17:05-22:40 = FR1503/1504
Non based:
NRN-LBA-NRN = 20:35-21:00 = FR1502/1501

SATURDAY
Aircraft 1:
LBA-KRK-LBA = 06:30-12:55 = FR2332/2333
LBA-ALC-LBA = 13:45-19:35 = FR9079/9078
Aircraft 2:
LBA-DUB-LBA = 06:45-09:05 = FR153/152
----------Spare slot --------------------------------
LBA-AGP-LBA = 15:25-22:00 = FR2446/2447
Non based:
ACE-LBA-ACE = 10:30-10:55 = FR2047/2048

SUNDAY
Aircraft 1:
LBA-DUB-LBA = 06:45-09:05 = FR153/152
----------Spare slot --------------------------------
LBA-BCN-LBA = 13:45-19:50 = FR9297/9296
LBA-DUB-LBA = 20:15-22:45 = FR157/156
Aircraft 2:
LBA-VCE-LBA = 07:50-12:55 – FR2484/2485
----------Spare slot --------------------------------

So what do we think is going to happen. Will the gaps in the schedule get filled or not??

 

[eastcoaster]

On Look North just now, it was stated that Ryanair expect to operate 3 new routes from LBA in summer 2012. Lets hope they are 3 additional new routes and that we don't lose routes we already have in the process.

If they don't do Faro and Malta in the winter, then this could be 2 of the 3 for next summer! They've done that trick before at other bases.

 

[TheLocalYokel]

lbaspotter

I think you are right to point out that it's sensible to regard Ryanair's early versions of their timetables for each season as an indication rather than a definite schedule, although the summer timetables tend to go through more editions than the winter, perhaps because there are usually fewer flights and destinations in winter.

Last winter at its Bristol base (the one I know best) there were gaps in the Ryanair schedules (based on the number of based aircraft) each day, with two of the aircraft not used at all on some days.

I know that last year Ryanair said that only LBA and (I think) EDI of its UK airports would not see the effects of the airline's decision to reduce its network (BRS was over 30% down on the previous winter), so it may be that the coming winter will be the same with LBA seeing full utilisation of its aircraft, in which case the gaps could well be filled before the final timetable is published.

 

[User0001]

I agee. One quick observation is that they always release the weekend DUB schedule using the same times as the weekday flights, and then go on to adjust this in later releases. Running a Sunday morning to DUB departing at 06.45 is commercial madness, so I'd work on the Sunday pattern actually looking like this...

Aircraft 1:
LBA-TSF-LBA = 07:50-12:55 – FR2484/2485
LBA-BCN-LBA = 13:45-19:50 = FR9297/9296
LBA-DUB-LBA = 20:15-22:45 = FR157/156
Aircraft 2:
----------Spare slot --------------------------------
----------Spare slot --------------------------------
----------Spare slot --------------------------------

In most of the past winters and summers, they operate a lunchtime DUB service on Sunday's using a DUB based aircraft, so there is every chance this will hapeen again and they'll have a full aircraft to play with.

We can only speculate about what that might be. One idea could be dropping Arrecife onto the Leeds aircraft and with some other rejigging, they could tighten things up without any change in frequency or destination. You have to wonder why, if they were planning on adding more destinations, they didn't take the opportunity with M'OL in town today.

On the other side of the argument, they announced the new flights to MAN recently with M'OL in town to launch those, and within a couple of weeks they went on to add PMI and increased ALC to 9 x weekly. Also worth noting that they didn't release the winter 11 schedule until July, so they are 2 months earlier than last year - this increases the chance of things moving around.

 

[lbaspotter]

Hi

Some people may like to read this article. That's if you don’t like Manchester! If you do like MAN you may feel offended a little by it...

Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary had a right old bashing for Manchester while hailing Leeds/Bradford Airport Yesterday while he was speaking in Leeds. He has also been quoted as saying the following "The Yorkshire airport and Ryanair were working together against Manchester Airport to "kick the s**t out of them".

Source: http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/52216-oleary-hails-leeds-bradford-airport/

O'Leary in Leeds Bradford Airport vow

Ryanair’s chief executive Michael O’Leary has vowed to fight Manchester Airport's dominance in the north and hailed Leeds Bradford Airport as a "beacon of light" in Yorkshire. In a colourful address before Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce members, the outspoken airline boss claimed the Yorkshire airport and Ryanair were working together against Manchester Airport to "kick the s**t out of them".

He went further, claiming: "Like that red football team in the city, Manchester Airport thinks its God’s gift to airports, but I’m not honoured to be flying with them.

"Leeds Bradford is a great success story with huge growth. It’s one of the few that is actively working to grow passenger numbers. They’re not content to sit on their laurels and that’s why we have a base there – it’s the best airport in the north of England."

Ryanair has rapidly grown to become Europe’s biggest airline and the biggest budget airline in the world. O'Leary claims passenger numbers will soon reach one million a year from Leeds Bradford – supporting 1,000 jobs in the region – and 100 million a year across Europe.

He also confirmed the airline would be offering new winter routes from the airport and added he was currently in talks to introduce even more routes next year, having ordered another 40 new aircraft.

He said: "Yorkshire is a great place for us to do business. It has a big population base and local people are now using Leeds in preference to Manchester.

"Manchester will undoubtedly be feeling the effects of Leeds success and that’s down to the great team they have there and the partnership with Ryanair.

"You’ve got a s**t football team and you need a beacon of hope in Yorkshire – that beacon of hope is Leeds Bradford Airport."

O’Leary also reiterated his commitment to launching trans-Atlantic flights for just £10, explaining he would look to fly about 20 to 30 aircraft to a number of US destinations in four to five years time.

Despite facing criticism for Ryanair’s customer service, O’Leary was quick to defend the airline, concluding: "This small, snotty paddy airline is now the world’s favourite. Quite simply, it’s cheap – feck off."

 

[wawkrk]

Could be very interesting if MOL starts buying fecking Dreamliners.
Didn't MOL use to appear on Father Ted?

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Interesting words from MOL.

I thought FR and MAN had begun a courtship last year after the not quite virginal MAN had spurned FR's crude advances in the past.

Maybe FR isn't getting the kind of oats he had hoped for and is turning to another maiden living nearby upon which to press his attentions.

Let's hope Miss LBA is not too accommodating and makes the domineering FR pay the right sort of price before allowing the exploratory kisses to lead to something more intimate.

 

[User0001]

A couple of video interviews from yesterday

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBusiness ... lnI8pCs3PQ
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBusiness ... nzaJmLsTeg

The one with the airport CEO seems to hint at announcements about the terminal (at about 0:55 seconds into the clip)

As for O'Leary, despite his knockabout style, he chooses his words deliberately. At the end of the day, he knows that there is probably not much difference to him if the aircraft fly out of MAN, LBA or LPL. Therefore, he goes where he gets the cheapest deal. No surprise then that he negotiates tough (as the first clip proves) and he keeps the airports on their toes by constantly giving the impression that he favours one over the other !

 

[Bigman]

I really would take it all with a pinch of salt. After all, this is the same airline that has put 5 routes back into Manchester. Hardly booting the brown stuff out of them is it??

 

[cmj]

If things become less favourable at LBA for FR I suspect O'Leary will have no hesitation in throwing his toys out of the pram.

 

[White Heather]

Any airline that is not happy with the deal they are getting an airport, or with passenger loads, will not hesitate to leave, particularly in the climate we are living in and the pressure on the aviation industry. It is down to the airport directors to keep all the airlines sweet - enticing one, without upsetting the others, and recognising which routes can tolerate competition and which can't. So far, Ryanair and Jet2 seem to be both doing well. I think that whatever people think of the Bridgepoint ownership issue, we should recognise that so far the LBA management are doing a great job in very difficult circumstances for the industry. The big question is whether they can sustain that in the years to come and get both Ryanair AND Jet2, AND other airlines to increase their offering, particularly when the industry is stronger and the terminal is expanded (hopefully!).

Thanks LS16 for posting those interviews, which were really interesting.

 

[Aviador]

Two things.

Firstly, when Bridgepoint bought he airport they went out to find a team of managers that have a proven track record at delivering a first class airport. They came back with J Parkin and T Hallwood. These men are well known in the industry for bringing Bristol & Newcastle into the 'premier league' of regional airports. I have no doubt that once the money is released by Bridgepoint the terminal work will happen.

[rimg]http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd310/uk-airport-forum/FramedRyanairBaseOpening1withF4A.png[/rimg]

Secondly, so far as MOL is concerned he is a shrewd businessman and he does have a track record of pulling airport bases when the airport authority doesn't toe the line. Having said that, Both J Parkin and T Hallwood have worked closely with MOL over the years (and Easyjet) at both Bristol and Newcastle airports. They know how Ryanair ticks. So for that reason I am sure they will be able to keep Ryanair at Leeds Bradford airport.

 

[lbaspotter]

Ryanair has officially celebrated its 15th year of operations from LBA this weekend. The airline started a 2 daily Boeing 737-200 service to Dublin way back in 1996.

Source: http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co....ryanair-celebrates-15-year-anniversay-at-lba

Ryanair Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary at LBA

22 May 2011

Ryanair commenced operations from LBA in 1996 with just a single route from LBA to Dublin. This was used regularly by the Dublin born Lord Mayor to visit friends and family.

Since then the airline’s relationship with LBA has gone from strength to strength and culminated in the announcement early last year that the airport would become Ryanair’s latest base with two aircraft and an investment worth over $140 million in the airport.

At a lunch hosted by Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce last week Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, launched the airline’s winter 2011/12 schedule which offers passengers 11 routes, including the extension of their popular Lanzarote destination to the winter schedule.

To mark the fifteenth anniversary flights are available from LBA to Dublin, Knock and Dusseldorf Weeze from just £12* (including taxes and charges).

Tony Hallwood, Commercial Director of Leeds Bradford Airport, said, “We are pleased Ryanair has reached this landmark figure at Yorkshire's gateway airport and that the Lord Mayor of Leeds could join us in these celebrations. As well as providing low cost flights to popular destinations in Europe, Ryanair's route network is also attracting a significant number of inbound leisure and business visitors into the region which provides excellent benefits for the local economy.”

Ryanair’s Maria Macken said “Ryanair is delighted to celebrate its 15th birthday at Leeds Bradford Airport. Since Ryanair commenced operations at the airport in 1996 with one route to Dublin we have gone from strength to strength and now offer a choice of 21 routes to/from Leeds Bradford including Alicante, Limoges, Knock & Nantes.”

END.
* Available until midnight Monday 23rd May for travel in June and July, 2011.

 

[bobleeds]

"Ryanair has officially celebrated its 15th year of operations from LBA this weekend. The airline started a 2 daily Boeing 737-200 service to Dublin way back in 1996."

I thought it started with (ROM) BAC 1-11's to Knock before the Dublin operations commenced, but I may be wrong.

Bobleeds

 

[Bigman]

I am sure you are right bobleeds. I have often heard folk talking about it.

 

[jason1-11]

1989 LBA - Knock twice weekly (Tuesday and Thursday) on a 1-11 FR492 / 493