KLM

[Finger66]

As has just been mentioned on the FFA CWL KLM thread, Eastern have been taking a real pounding on the DFF recently. Of course many people enjoy seeing the worst in many situations but I really hope this isn't a "no smoke without fire" scenario. We all seem to have our own concerns re the T3/KL tie up and the impacts on the LBA-AMS route. Is it time for U2 to appear on AMS and worldwide connections to become available again with our home based flag carrier, albeit if it has to be a LM/BA code-share?

 

[Aviador]

As has just been mentioned on the FFA CWL KLM thread, Eastern have been taking a real pounding on the DFF recently. Of course many people enjoy seeing the worst in many situations but I really hope this isn't a "no smoke without fire" scenario. We all seem to have our own concerns re the T3/KL tie up and the impacts on the LBA-AMS route. Is it time for U2 to appear on AMS and worldwide connections to become available again with our home based flag carrier, albeit if it has to be a LM/BA code-share?

I agree, EasyJet on this route has to be a priority for LBA and at least twice daily.

 

[pug]

As has just been mentioned on the FFA CWL KLM thread, Eastern have been taking a real pounding on the DFF recently. Of course many people enjoy seeing the worst in many situations but I really hope this isn't a "no smoke without fire" scenario. We all seem to have our own concerns re the T3/KL tie up and the impacts on the LBA-AMS route. Is it time for U2 to appear on AMS and worldwide connections to become available again with our home based flag carrier, albeit if it has to be a LM/BA code-share?

The information I have, which seems to have ruffled a few feathers on DFF, is that KLM are generally happy with the T3 wet lease ops. However, I think the issue is with T3 not being able to pick up more bases at pace. As things stand KLM really don’t seem to have much choice, so even though the contract is for a long term they certainly won’t be going back in the immediate future short of some massive clanger that T3 drop (and it’s not beyond them, don’t get me wrong!).

There is a massive recruitment and training drive ongoing at the moment. They will be investing £millions into this. There might be some concern that they’re putting all their eggs in the Dutch basket but what else is there? If T3 get it right it will prove to be a lucrative partnership. They’re getting paid a hell if a lot more than the support they’re getting on the PSO at NQY, much to the chagrin of some on the DFF.

In my opinion, they are doubling over to get this to work, the spanner thrown in will be by the owner and only the owner and we have to hope he doesn’t do that this time. The people on DFF really should know better. I’ve heard so many stories of that place that might make you wince, particularly if you have worked in a similar environment elsewhere. But the staff want to make it work even when it’s a bit of an uphill battle, so some on there that want them to fail with glee really should know better.

 

[AirBingley]

Just tried to book KL HAM - LBA one way in Aug. It was a single in economy but came out at £208. EW Biz (40 euro more than economy) with better times to MAN incl LH lounge was £150! Sadly MAN wins which I don’t like saying often!

 

[Jerry]

With the whole KLM/Eastern tie up does anyone know if its a full wet lease or does KLM provide the crew? Booked a flight with them for September but it was KLM when I booked it now i've noticed its changed to Eastern Airways. Its a shame as I've not flown KLM for a while.

 

[White Heather]

With the whole KLM/Eastern tie up does anyone know if its a full wet lease or does KLM provide the crew? Booked a flight with them for September but it was KLM when I booked it now i've noticed its changed to Eastern Airways. Its a shame as I've not flown KLM for a while.

May be wrong but I think it's a wet lease with Eastern crew?

 

[Jerry]

May be wrong but I think it's a wet lease with Eastern crew?

Yeah i thought it probably might be.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

May be wrong but I think it's a wet lease with Eastern crew?

I thought the whole point of this was that KLM was short of pilots.

 

[White Heather]

I thought the whole point of this was that KLM was short of pilots.

Well exactly, which is why I said a wet lease with Eastern crew!

 

[pug]

With the whole KLM/Eastern tie up does anyone know if its a full wet lease or does KLM provide the crew? Booked a flight with them for September but it was KLM when I booked it now i've noticed its changed to Eastern Airways. Its a shame as I've not flown KLM for a while.

Wet lease Eastern Crew on a KLM callsign. The onboard service isn’t really much different to KLM, just different uniforms and a more local accent with your service. Same onboard snacks and drinks will be served. I hope it works out well for both airlines, I know there’s lots of hate for Eastern but they’re a homegrown airline looking for a reason to exist and this could be it.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

I wouk

Wet lease Eastern Crew on a KLM callsign. The onboard service isn’t really much different to KLM, just different uniforms and a more local accent with your service. Same onboard snacks and drinks will be served. I hope it works out well for both airlines, I know there’s lots of hate for Eastern but they’re a homegrown airline looking for a reason to exist and this could be it.

I would be less disappointed in this set up if the aircraft were in KLM livery. KLM give the airport a visual credibility. Eastern Airways means nothing to most people.

 

[Jerry]

Wet lease Eastern Crew on a KLM callsign. The onboard service isn’t really much different to KLM, just different uniforms and a more local accent with your service. Same onboard snacks and drinks will be served. I hope it works out well for both airlines, I know there’s lots of hate for Eastern but they’re a homegrown airline looking for a reason to exist and this could be it.

I don't personally hate Eastern I've flown with them a couple of times and had a mixed experience with them especially over taking photos. One crew was fine with me taking photos takeoff and landing but another wasn't and was quite abrupt with me about it. But i wouldn't call myself a fan though! Also as well I've also got quite a soft spot for KLM and was hoping to experience flying with them from LeedsBradford something I've not done yet as the last time I went to Amsterdam I flew Easyjet from Manchester as it was a lot lot cheaper.

Hopefully for Eastern the contract might become more permanent and maybe we'll KLM livery and uniform eventually but I suppose for now if you want actual KLM aircraft and crew Manchester is the option in this neck of the woods.

 

[pug]

I don't personally hate Eastern I've flown with them a couple of times and had a mixed experience with them especially over taking photos. One crew was fine with me taking photos takeoff and landing but another wasn't and was quite abrupt with me about it. But i wouldn't call myself a fan though! Also as well I've also got quite a soft spot for KLM and was hoping to experience flying with them from LeedsBradford something I've not done yet as the last time I went to Amsterdam I flew Easyjet from Manchester as it was a lot lot cheaper.

Hopefully for Eastern the contract might become more permanent and maybe we'll KLM livery and uniform eventually but I suppose for now if you want actual KLM aircraft and crew Manchester is the option in this neck of the woods.

I hear you. Just as an anecdote though I remember being on a KLM UK F70 some years ago when a lad in front of me was given a ticking off for filming the landing when he was told not to on more than one occasion. Not sure of the reason for not being permitted to film but he was threatened with a ban. So it’s not unique to Eastern.

KLM were always a great service, but so were eastern when I used them recently and you really are only airborne for such a short amount of time it really doesn’t matter. If eastern can improve their reliability then hopefully it’ll be a long term solution, the rumour of KLM buying a share in Eastern is an attractive one but not sure how likely it is. Their HQ is based on Schipol Way after all!

 

[Len Fish]

Can only think that a ban on taking photos/videos on take off/landing is because in the event of a crash the phone/camera could become a lethal, high speed missile inside the cabin? Unless it’s a privacy thing.

 

[Jerry]

Can only think that a ban on taking photos/videos on take off/landing is because in the event of a crash the phone/camera could become a lethal, high speed missile inside the cabin? Unless it’s a privacy thing.

No idea, other airlines never had a problem including KLM.

 

[ChrisBBB]

I hear you. Just as an anecdote though I remember being on a KLM UK F70 some years ago when a lad in front of me was given a ticking off for filming the landing when he was told not to on more than one occasion. Not sure of the reason for not being permitted to film but he was threatened with a ban. So it’s not unique to Eastern.

KLM were always a great service, but so were eastern when I used them recently and you really are only airborne for such a short amount of time it really doesn’t matter. If eastern can improve their reliability then hopefully it’ll be a long term solution, the rumour of KLM buying a share in Eastern is an attractive one but not sure how likely it is. Their HQ is based on Schipol Way after all!

Digressing (sorry everyone), the F70 / F100 was a great looking plane on landing with flaps deployed

 

[Seasider]

I have been following with interest the discussion whether Eastern A/W are "up to the job" to operate LBA-AMS for KLM.
I am not entirely sure exactly when the LBA -AMS service started, but I have a timetable for the Summer of 1978 showing it was operated by Air Anglia, twice daily. As some people will be aware, Air Anglia merged with British Island A/W in 1980 to form Air UK who operated the route for many years before KLM took them over and created KLMuk. Then KLM decide they would incorporate them into KLM Cityhopper and they have operated the route ever since.
KLM must be confident to "give" so many routes to Eastern to operate so I suggest we share that confidence and I for one would still use the AMS service under KLM.
Don't forget, within the next couple of years we will be celebrating 50 years of continual service to AMS.

 

[Jerry]

KLM must be confident to "give" so many routes to Eastern to operate so I suggest we share that confidence and I for one would still use the AMS service under KLM.

I've no doubt that they are confident in the, German Airways is another airline they've used for a while. I can only speak for myself but I think it'll be disappointing not to see the KLM livery flying past my house on the way into LBA and the livery being seen at the airport and personally due to my nostalgic affection for KLM not hearing a Dutch accent when boarding the aircraft and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being greated by an English accent. To me it feels like a downgrade for the airport but that's just my personal opinion.

 

[oldendays]

Air Anglia began Leeds Bradford to Amsterdam in 1976. The route had hitherto been flown by British Airways/Northeast/BKS.

 

[Bigman]

I've no doubt that they are confident in the, German Airways is another airline they've used for a while. I can only speak for myself but I think it'll be disappointing not to see the KLM livery flying past my house on the way into LBA and the livery being seen at the airport and personally due to my nostalgic affection for KLM not hearing a Dutch accent when boarding the aircraft and I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being greated by an English accent. To me it feels like a downgrade for the airport but that's just my personal opinion.

Personally I am just glad we still have the route and long may that continue. Many airlines wet lease other operators in to do their services. Just look at Jet2 at other bases.