CSA Czech Airlines

[Ray Finkle]

Czech Airlines requested a meeting with BHX at World Routes and only five weeks later the route was on sale. That's pretty impressive, it makes you wonder why it's taken so long.

From first contact at World Routes it was just five weeks before reservations were opened on the route and Screen said this shows how compelling the case of the city pair was. “It was an incredibly quick process – probably the quickest we’ve ever known from initial meeting to on sale. I think the timing had something to do with how obvious the numbers were,” he said.

http://www.routesonline.com/news/29/bre ... gn=the-hub

 

[Ray Finkle]

Just saw the inaugural flight from my front window.

It's great to see them back and more importantly Prague back on the screens, it's been too long

 

[IanFarquharson]

117 pax on the first outbound

 

[Ray Finkle]

Very healthy, good to see

 

[nwoody2001]

indeed, I believe the CSA A319s carry 128 pax.... so 117 pax is pretty impressive with a 91% LF

 

[IanFarquharson]

Mondays Prague is an ATR72

 

[jfy1999]

Mondays Prague is an ATR72

Hopefully just down to a tech issue with another aircraft as the flight is delayed until 1520.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Tech issue causing the delay.

 

[nwoody2001]

Official press release from BHX...

Birmingham Airport Welcomes Czech Airlines
25th April 2016

Birmingham Airport has welcomed another new airline, with the arrival of the Czech Republic’s flag carrier, Czech Airlines.

The airline has launched five times weekly services to Prague and offers a strong network of connections through Eastern Europe.

The Airbus A319 aircraft, with business and economy cabins, was welcomed with a traditional water arch salute from the Airport’s fire service on its arrival into Birmingham.

William Pearson, Birmingham Airport’s Aviation Development Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Czech Airlines as a new partner, serving Prague five times a week. This direct route, which was unserved from Birmingham Airport, gives passengers the chance to visit this picturesque city, known as The City of a Hundred Spires, for either business or leisure at very reasonable prices.”

Steeped in history, Prague offers tourists a wide range of things to see and do; from exploring the old town and strolling over Charles Bridge by day, or taking in the views of the stunning Gothic cathedral at night. The streets are bustling with traders and entertainment and there are plenty of bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.

Commenting on the new Birmingham service, Ján Tóth, Czech Airlines Director of Commerce and Marketing, said: “I am glad that Czech Airlines is returning to Birmingham to connect it directly with Prague after more than 15 years. The Birmingham – Prague service is one of the eleven new routes we have prepared for 2016 summer season. We strongly believe that a direct connection between the both cities will significantly contribute to the growth of tourism between the West Midlands and Czech capital and vice versa. I would like to use the opportunity to thank the airport in Birmingham for their excellent work on the preparation of the launch of our new route."

The Airbus A319 aircraft has a total of 144 seats in full economy configuration or 12 business and 126 economy class. The schedule is as follows:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: arrive into Birmingham 1700 and depart Birmingham 1740.

Thursdays: arrive into Birmingham at 1850 and depart at 1930

Sundays: arrive into Birmingham at 2000 and depart at 2040

To book your flight with Czech Airlines from Birmingham Airport click here.

VIDEO: See our ‘6 in 60 Seconds’ video of Prague here

https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk...4/birmingham-airport-welcomes-czech-airlines/

 

[nwoody2001]

#cough... beat you to it!

 

[Ray Finkle]

I think it was a draw

 

[Ray Finkle]

Looking at some seat maps it looks as if we are to see some aircraft upgrades, and one downgrade, over the coming weeks.

April

28th 737-700

May

2nd 737-400
8th ATR
9th 737-400
30th 737-400

For info, compared to the A319, the 747-400 has +40 seats, the 737-700 +10 seats and the ATR -66 seats. I only went as far as end of June.

I'm assuming that the -700 will be the one on lease from Smartwings?

 

[User001]

I think all the B737-700 flights will be smart wings as Czech should be all Airbus and ATR.

The B737-400 flights will be a 'go2sky' sub lease as they have that for all of summer 16.

 

[Brum X]

Also note these are MAN planespotters, how times have changed. MAN spotters coming down to BHX to watch planes/airlines they dont see at MAN

 

[BHXsupporter]

I don't mind where the photographer is from - jolly fine piece of work in my view. Thanks.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Winter looks to be settled at 3x weekly on Sunday, Monday and Thursday.

It goes back to 5x weekly from the end of March, same days as now.

 

[Paulsstrange]

Good news Ray glad they are sticking with us I'm flying with them in August too

 

[Brum X]

Thats good news, good to see commitment from Czech Airlines and that winter schedule isnt too bad and as you say goes back to x5 weekly from March 2017

I have a sneeky feeling we might see another airline on this route and Monarch/Ryanair comes to mind.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Extra Friday flight added for winter making it 4x weekly, operating on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Next summer still shows 5x weekly similar to this year.

 

[Brum X]

Good news Ray, this should be a good little route for CSA and no competition at the moment. I wonder how long it will stay like that for ??????