Aegean Airlines

[jfy1999]

Although, you do see Turkish adverts everywhere while some airlines (like Aegean) don't seem to advertise at all. I agree that this route and a few others need lots more publicity. Toronto and Canada in particular.

What a fantastic route Athens is, especially for the connections to the Greek islands. But I bet a load of Brummies don't even know we have flights there.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I agree, a bit more publicity could do wonders.

We've already had a glowing review of the service and how easy the connections were from Bhx_fifteen.

It's now a case of use it or lose it.

 

[Ray Finkle]

BHX giving Aegean a little helping hand :smile:

Stefanie Bowes ‏@Stefardo 3 hrs3 hours ago
@bhx_official and Greece&Cyprus Travel Agency supporting @aegeanairlines in @costanavarino #abta15

https://twitter.com/Stefardo/with_replies?lang=en-gb

 

[Brum X]

Its nearly that time of the year when we see the return of Aegean to Athens, i hope they do well this year and the flights are well supported. I remember this time last year the flights were quite busy, it was only earlier in the summer and later when they were quieter.

 

[JENNYJET]

I regret to say this but given the current local discourse about the refugee crisis in the region, no one I have talked with have said that any part of Greece or the Mediterranean is in their plans. Rather, Blackpool and Bournemouth seem attractive and have suggested air routes to both airports as a better option than driving!!!

 

[Brum X]

Lots of people are going to Greece and the Balkans, even Ray did a few weeks ago and had a brilliant time.

Thankfully there are still some culture vultures in our region who dont hold such bigoted views or who do not watch BBC News 24, all day and everyday and will want to explore this fascinating country.

 

[Ray Finkle]

It's a real shame as it mainly affects the far eastern islands such as Kos.

I was in Zakynthos a couple of weeks ago and it was no different to the last time I visited Greece in 2005. The people were as friendly as ever and the prices were alot cheaper than I thought they would be. I was also expecting rows of boarded up units and closed shops but there was only one or two that I noticed.

I had a chat with a couple of 'locals' and they said that there were problems on the mainland but the islands were faring well due to tourism, something which they desperately need.

I can understand people thinking twice about going to the islands closer to Turkey, (although I know people who have been to Rhodes and had a great time) but anyone thinking of visiting should not be put off by what the news shows them. Greece is a beautiful country with some of the nicest and warmest people I've met, they really cannot do enough for you and they adore children.

If you really are concerned then they Ionian Islands are a safe bet and stunningly beautiful 👍

 

[User001]

Holidays to the med are well up passenger wise, with recent press blurbs saying that 'staycations' are well down on expectations.
Most tour operators cannot get enough capacity from the med. the only destinations suffering seem to be the obvious Tunisia/Egypt, and Turkey.

The fact UK airports are growing their international routes at an average rate of 7% should tell you all you need to know

Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Mexico/Caribbean reporting big gains.

 

[JENNYJET]

My last holiday was to Kalymnos, via a ferry from Kos.

My health emergency stopped my travels thereafter but I cannot consider a return to that place under current circumstances.

The most open, friendly and quietest island I have had the pleasure to stay on.

It is a sad situation but personal safety in my situation is paramount.

 

[thunderchild]

I was in Kos last year during the height of the crisis and from my own personal experience I believe the media portrayed the situation to be much worse than it actually was. Almost all of the migrants were in Kos Town and from what I can gather they didn't cause any trouble. The resorts of Tingaki, Kefalos, Mastihari etc were unnafected but people stayed way because of the way things had been reported which was a shame for the locals who rely so much on tourism for their income.

 

[Bhx_fifteen]

well I for one went to Greece last year (Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos) and flew from BHX with Aegean via Athens. It was so easy and convenient so I have decided to do the same this year. At the end of August I will be flying with Aegean to Athens, seeing Athens, travelling south to a beautiful coastal area called Vouliagmeni (about 30 mins from Athens) then flying from Athens to an island called Milos (once again with Aegean). On the return I will be flying from Milos to Birmingham via Athens, again with Aegean.

They are an excellent airline in terms of cost, comfort/service and convenience, and a great asset at BHX even if they only operate limited flights each year. I hope they stay as it'd be a real shame to see them go!

 

[Brum X]

well I for one went to Greece last year (Santorini, Naxos and Mykonos) and flew from BHX with Aegean via Athens. It was so easy and convenient so I have decided to do the same this year. At the end of August I will be flying with Aegean to Athens, seeing Athens, travelling south to a beautiful coastal area called Vouliagmeni (about 30 mins from Athens) then flying from Athens to an island called Milos (once again with Aegean). On the return I will be flying from Milos to Birmingham via Athens, again with Aegean.

They are an excellent airline in terms of cost, comfort/service and convenience, and a great asset at BHX even if they only operate limited flights each year. I hope they stay as it'd be a real shame to see them go!

Great to see you supporting this service mate 👍

 

[Ray Finkle]

At the end of August I will be flying with Aegean to Athens, seeing Athens, travelling south to a beautiful coastal area called Vouliagmeni (about 30 mins from Athens) then flying from Athens to an island called Milos (once again with Aegean). On the return I will be flying from Milos to Birmingham via Athens, again with Aegean.

I've been having a look at both of those places on Google Earth and they both look stunning.

Flying to Athens and staying for a while before heading on to another Island is something that didn't even occur to me. I'm going to look into it further. Thank you 👍

 

[Brum X]

Good news, Aegean are back for Summer 2017 on BHX-ATH 👍

Bookable on there website, x 2 weekly on a Saturday and Tuesday

 

[jfy1999]

Looks like a carbon copy of the S16 schedule but I'm not complaining after there was a suggestion that they might not be returning for S17 🙂

 

[Brum X]

Looks like a carbon copy of the S16 schedule but I'm not complaining after there was a suggestion that they might not be returning for S17 🙂

Exactly Jfy1999, it might be a short summer season but it must of done ok this summer during the peak summer months.

 

[thunderchild]

I must admit I had my doubts about this one coming back so glad to see Aegean returning. With a bit of luck the Greek tourist industry will have a much stronger season next year.

 

[ethanegcc]

Yes, Greece is an amazing country with a superb culture and the hospitality of the people leaves me just speechless. I am glad that A3 will continue to fly to BHX and have not dropped it in favour of EDI, but launched that as well.

A3 now has four destinations in the UK which is pretty commendable for a small airline.
I think the frequencies are MAN 4 weekly, EDI rumoured to be three weekly and BHX twice weekly. LHR obviously has the monopoly with multiple daily frequencies. Pretty good UK operation. Well done Aegean!

 

[jfy1999]

Athens resumes today. Anyone know how ticket sales are doing?

 

[Brum X]

Athens resumes today. Anyone know how ticket sales are doing?

If i remember correctly the loads on these flights from the end of june to when they stop in September have always been quite good. I think lighter loads were a problem in there second season at BHX when the flights commenced from May to October ? Then it was reported that they would quit BHX the following year, im glad they stuck with us as it is a great little route to have, abeit only for a short summer season. Maybe the route will grow over time and become once again a longer season.