VLM Airlines

[Ray Finkle]

No surprise really, loads have barely managed to get into double figures. Whilst it's not nice to lose any route I don't think I'll lose any sleep over this one.

 

[Daza]

Sad but no surprise. Timed in middle of the day with a long lay-over at BHX operating only three-times-a-week and fares are very high. VLM seem to be struggling to find routes that will pay.
Daza :sad:

 

[Ray Finkle]

I've been hearing adverts for Waterford on the radio over the last couple of days, "fares start from £59 one way".

I don't think Ryanair or Aer Lingus will be overly concerned.

 

[Brum X]

I've been hearing adverts for Waterford on the radio over the last couple of days, "fares start from £59 one way".

I don't think Ryanair or Aer Lingus will be overly concerned.

Hopefully though VLM will stick with Waterford and make this route work.

 

[User001]

VLM pulling its final route from BHX, as Waterford ends on 2nd May:

http://www.flywaterford.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=275&Itemid=159

 

[nwoody2001]

Thats a bit of a buggar, though with all the rumours going around about the financial state of VLM its hardly a shock...

However, WAT when operated by Flybe was a pretty lucrative route. Now they are back in the black and have relaunched their NOC route, maybe one for flybe to reconsider?!?!

 

[Brum X]

Yeah defo one for Flybe and after Antwerp, hardly a surprise.

 

[User001]

The only consolation is that after all the good work BHX has done, loosing a half full F50 4 times a week won't even be noticed in the figures really.

 

[Ash]

Was it even half full?

 

[Ray Finkle]

Given the state of VLM at the moment I thought that it may have been dumped along with Antwerp. If they could make it happen then a Flybe ATR could be ideal.

Shame for Waterford though, only Luton left now as it's sole destination and you have to wonder how long that will last.

 

[Ray Finkle]

As predicted VLM return to Antwerp from Feb 12th, 5x weekly Mon-Fri

Karl Rickard, CEO of VLM Airlines stated: “VLM Airlines is very happy to connect Antwerp with Birmingham again. Antwerp is one of the largest seaports in Europe, the diamond capital of the world, the second largest petrochemical centre in the world. This thriving city is also known for its bold and diverse arts, fashion and culinary scene. A short ride takes you to other popular Belgian cities including Bruges, Ghent and Brussels as well as to Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and Eindhoven.”

Route Departure Arrival Flight days*
Antwerp – Birmingham 12:00 12:35 12345–
Birmingham – Antwerp 13:05 15:40 12345–

http://www.aviation24.be/airlines/v...m-munich-maribor-starting-12th-february-2018/

 

[Brum X]

As predicted VLM return to Antwerp from Feb 12th, 5x weekly Mon-Fri

Karl Rickard, CEO of VLM Airlines stated: “VLM Airlines is very happy to connect Antwerp with Birmingham again. Antwerp is one of the largest seaports in Europe, the diamond capital of the world, the second largest petrochemical centre in the world. This thriving city is also known for its bold and diverse arts, fashion and culinary scene. A short ride takes you to other popular Belgian cities including Bruges, Ghent and Brussels as well as to Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and Eindhoven.”

Route Departure Arrival Flight days*
Antwerp – Birmingham 12:00 12:35 12345–
Birmingham – Antwerp 13:05 15:40 12345–

http://www.aviation24.be/airlines/v...m-munich-maribor-starting-12th-february-2018/

Always good to have a new route or route re-instated, however i question there commitment to BHX.

 

[58terminus]

As predicted VLM return to Antwerp from Feb 12th, 5x weekly Mon-Fri

Good news but i would love to know if there is anyone out there who can explain it to me.
Was it previously doing well but had to be sacrificed as part of restructuring or is there a business contract
like the BMI services?

 

[Matt995]

Good news but i would love to know if there is anyone out there who can explain it to me.
Was it previously doing well but had to be sacrificed as part of restructuring or is there a business contract
like the BMI services?

Good to see them return but the schedule is arriving/departing the same time as a few years ago and that was only 3 times a week, and was only attracting around 10 passengers a flight, so where are the passengers going to come from? Maybe a code share with Flybe would help them, just a shame they could have not picked better times for business travellers!

 

[thunderchild]

They must have their reasons for returning but I fail to see what has changed to make the route a success this time around. I give it six months.

 

[whateverg]

Always good to have a new route or route re-instated, however i question there commitment to BHX.

Or good commitment for being one of the first airports they return to!

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Good to see VLM return and although surprised, I'm quite happy to see Antwerp return. It's an incredibly beautiful city and one I have thought of visiting for some time.
VLM obviously have the data for this route from previous years, so they must think that it's worth another try. I'm assuming that following their emergence from bankruptcy protection that they have reviewed and updated their business model. Hopefully, this will give them a lower cost base and make the route sustainable.
I wish them every success.

Kevin

 

[Ray Finkle]

Antwerp is now on sale, VO163/4.

Basic return fares are £81 if anyone is interested

 

[Aviador]

VLM Airlines will commence flights between Birmingham and Antwerp from 12th February operating a daily service with a Fokker 50 on weekdays.

Karl Rickard, CEO of VLM Airlines stated: “VLM Airlines is very happy to connect Antwerp with Birmingham again. Antwerp is one of the largest seaports in Europe, the diamond capital of the world, the second largest petrochemical centre in the world. This thriving city is also known for its bold and diverse arts, fashion and culinary scene. A short ride takes you to other popular Belgian cities including Bruges, Ghent and Brussels as well as to Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and Eindhoven.”

William Pearson, Aviation Director, Birmingham Airport said: “It is fantastic news that Birmingham will be reconnected with the Belgium city of Antwerp. This medieval city has something for everyone, steeped in history but also named as the country’s capital of cool. It is also known as the world’s leading diamond city. We are delighted that VLM will be operating this service.”

Birmingham Airport

 

[Silvercity]

Always good to have a new route or route re-instated, however i question there commitment to BHX.

I know this airline from when they used to operate MAN/LPL- LCY. They offered a good service.