United Airlines

[Jerry]

It defo does not make me feel any better for the BHX loss but noticed this today.

United Airlines during the weekend of 28JUL17’s schedule update adjusted Newark – London Heathrow operation, for summer 2018 season. The adjustment sees overall service reduction from 6 to 5 daily, from 24MAR18, as UA077/076 service is being cancelled.

Oh well, no doubt will be replaced with there Star Alliance buddy Air China who will increase LHR-PEK on a 777

That's the 757 flight. It may well be they are putting them on domestic routes

 

[Yawner]

Think it's to accommodate their new Denver flight.

 

[Brum X]

Think it's to accommodate their new Denver flight.

 

[Jerry]

The Denver flight arrives and departs in the morning. The cancelled flight is an afternoon departure. From what I've read elsewhere United are introducing flatbed business class to more domestic routes and unfortunately I believe BHX has become a victim of that.

 

[JENNYJET]

I thought it was because United are withdrawing the B757's from service.

 

[ethanegcc]

United are withdrawing their 757s eventually but I believe Jerry is correct.

United are replicating premium 757s for their expanding 'Coast' services for US Transcon flights against JetBlue and AA.

They cut the weakest routes before (BFS, NCL and IAD-MAN) to reallocate 757s and now BHX unfortunately.

 

[Otisblue]

I see United announced two new daily transatlantic routes for summer 2018 with the 757 yesterday. One to Porto and one to Reykjavik. I am presuming that is where the BHX 757 has been redeployed. I find it hard to believe that they would make more money out of these routes than they would the established BHX route.

 

[Brum X]

I see United announced two new daily transatlantic routes for summer 2018 with the 757 yesterday. One to Porto and one to Reykjavik. I am presuming that is where the BHX 757 has been redeployed. I find it hard to believe that they would make more money out of these routes than they would the established BHX route.

Oh well time for BHX to move on, United is the past

But the more i think about this, i think there is alot more that has gone on here than we know about, maybe a spat between UA and BHX about something ? I mean to not even have them still here on a seasonal basis after serving this airport for 20 years does appear to be very odd indeed. And then they annouce Keflavik daily ?

 

[Coathanger16]

And then they annouce Keflavik daily ?

I wouldn't question so much Keflavik, it does serve the capital of Iceland after all, but Porto? Would certainly have thought Birmingham would do better than Porto - no disrespect to them.

As you say though, time to move on. Remember that Primera will not only offer more seats on newer aircraft to New York, but that they'll also be serving Boston, plus potentially two more destinations yet to be announced. Yes United has the brand and onward connections already, but how many passengers using United to Newark were connecting onto other flights? If I was travelling to Los Angeles say, I'd be more likely to transit via Dublin or travel down to LHR than fly United to Newark then onto Los Angeles.

 

[Brum X]

I wouldn't question so much Keflavik, it does serve the capital of Iceland after all, but Porto? Would certainly have thought Birmingham would do better than Porto - no disrespect to them.

As you say though, time to move on. Remember that Primera will not only offer more seats on newer aircraft to New York, but that they'll also be serving Boston, plus potentially two more destinations yet to be announced. Yes United has the brand and onward connections already, but how many passengers using United to Newark were connecting onto other flights? If I was travelling to Los Angeles say, I'd be more likely to transit via Dublin or travel down to LHR than fly United to Newark then onto Los Angeles.

The reason i mentioned Keflavik was becouse you already have services by Icelandair, WOW and Delta operate to JFK on a seasonal basis. It may be the capital city of Iceland but it is not a big city.

 

[Jerry]

The reason i mentioned Keflavik was becouse you already have services by Icelandair, WOW and Delta operate to JFK on a seasonal basis. It may be the capital city of Iceland but it is not a big city.

I'd question KEF, there is a lot of capacity on KEF US. Oporto is a nice niche seasonal route. Don't think anyone else serves it from NYC. BHX was unlucky with United as they can't see past LHR

 

[richard winterbourn]

Precisely Jerry. I think that United took the view that BHX between Man and LHR was strategically not necessary and that the pax from that airport would transfer either north or south. Maybe they will be proved to be right but on the other hand other airlines now coming onto the scene might see them as two-way losers. I hope so....

 

[Ianbutty]

U who?

US airlines favour Iceland, the way they do Ireland. Drop people heading for Europe off as close as possible to the USA. Cheaper.

Porto is more puzzling but likely to be point to point rather than hub. Huge tourism market.

As for England, once again our geography is the issue.

Bring on Primera and more.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I was in Porto in May and heard loads of American accents, especially the other side of the river by the Port tasting houses where there were numerous groups doing the tours.

No official figures but from my experience the tourism factor must be worth a shot.

 

[Jerry]

The irony is that United and American have proved there is a NYC BHX. So hopefully Primera will capitalise on that.

 

[DaveBham]

They know what's coming and they can't compete - that's why they pulled out.

Primera are offering a largely better product for less money.

 

[BHXsupporter]

I've recently been to Boston (unfortunately via LHR) and there relatives affirmed what a poor reputation United have at home. Apparently the case of the doctor being dragged out of the United plane that hit worldwide news recently is but one of many such stories occurring in the US. Interestingly I took two AA flights (to Dallas Fort-Worth on a new A321) and then to Mexico City (newish B738) and both were very relaxed and untroubled times apart from a completely bizarre time at the DFW transfer gate where about 20 people appeared still to be waiting to board but when I approached the gate (no final call heard or signs flashing) I was told "Quick you've got 2 minutes to get on"! We did. There had been scare stories of no water etc. but this was provided on both flights with a small snack bag. Not bad for economy.

Back to topic though, I hope that Primera will offer good standards. Their A321neos should be worth travelling on as long as legroom ok. It might be one where premium economy is so cheap that it's a no-brainer (vs BA!)

 

[Matt995]

Only 4 more departures left with United to New York Newark, with the final service showing on Thursday this week, the end of an era!

 

[Brum X]

Only 4 more departures left with United to New York Newark, with the final service showing on Thursday this week, the end of an era!

A sad day for BHX indeed

 

[thunderchild]

Today marked the end of another era. What a depressing week.