Emirates

[Hassaan]

Yeah, probably more chance of 3 daily. BHX doesn't seem to operate 3 class aircraft though - not enough premium passengers? How does this compare to other UK airports that EK operate to? Other than MAN, LHR and LGW obviously? Surely it'd be higher (premium passengers rather than total loads). As I mentioned, the morning flight would be pretty good for further connections from DXB. Maybe spread things out a bit (with 3 flights instead of 2), and then upgrade the midday flight to a 3 class if possible?

 

[Ray Finkle]

LHR, LGW, MAN & GLA have three class, BHX & NCL have two class. I know you'd like to see one but an A380 to BHX is not something even being considered at the moment and won't be until there is a proven demand for F, this will only happen once a third departure is established and EK39/40 changes to a three class. Emirates are doing alright at BHX, it'll never be their top performing airport but from what I hear it's holding it's own, patience is the key

 

[Hassaan]

The timing changes for EK39/40 are now in effect. Interesting to see a heavy at BHX in the morning.

Is it widely thought that EK39/40 will only become a third class once a third daily is established?

 

[Hassaan]

From today EK go back to their normal timings for EK39/40.

 

[Brum X]

BBC Business news

Just watching BBC News 24 and CEO Emirates (UK) was giving an interview about future aviation growth in the UK, talking mostly about the proposed expansion of LHR/LGW, but was nice to hear him say but not only London and the south-east but also regional airports such as Birmingham and Manchester. It was hard to know though whether he was talking about Emirates own growth plans or if he was talking about expanding our airports generally. Still good to know BHX is on the radar. :good:

 

[Ray Finkle]

I thought we may have seen something from Emirates this year, especially given the potential hype surrounding the runway extension, maybe they have found their level at 2x daily and just don't think that BHX is worth a punt.

 

[CL44]

I thought we may have seen something from Emirates this year, especially given the potential hype surrounding the runway extension, maybe they have found their level at 2x daily and just don't think that BHX is worth a punt.

I would not write off EK increasing their service into BHX (just not soon enough for some people). EK will be checking things out regarding thier returns for the flights from BHX. Bear in mind that getting seats on the flights off BHX is not easy. Their flights would appear to be full each day.

OK this may be because the prices are discounted beyond levels used at other Airports in the UK (more than likely). Anything being sold is only as valuable as people are willing to pay for. PAX in the West Midlands are very price savvy. They will always search out the best price possible (which is probably why we see the High-Density frames coming in and not the 3 class versions). You may find that if EK had High-Density A380's then BHX would probably be one of the first destinations (because they can fill them with economy PAX).

The Planning and Marketing guys at EK have their finger on the pulse and will make whatever suggestions they feel regarding increasing service levels. These guys see all the relevant figures and know what toys they have to play with. It will happen that BHX gets a third flight (I would put money on it) but we will have to wait and see when it will be.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I've been told today that there is an Emirates advert by the ASDA at Great Barr advertising first class from BHX.

I don't go to that part of the city very often and I've not seen any over this way, has anyone else seen it/one?

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there ray, looks like 1st class is bookable from Birmingham next month.... Andyc

 

[Ray Finkle]

Hi there ray, looks like 1st class is bookable from Birmingham next month.... Andyc

What dates did you use, I've tried several different dates on the Emirates website for Dec and Jan and first doesn't seem to be available?

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there ray, from 5th December departure and then return 26th December. Andyc

 

[Ray Finkle]

I've just tried those dates on the Emirates site and it tells me first isn't available, I tried both dates one way too and still no first class. Maybe someone else can have a go?

 

[thunderchild]

I tried those dates, First does appear as an option but it says no fares available.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there ray, you go into emirates website, then click onto bookonline, then just put the dates of departure & return in, from BHX to Perth, australia, fom 05/12/2014 to 26/12/2014, 1st class, then click search for flights, then it tells you for 2 adults on return is £9,923 for two adults or £4,961 for one adult on return ticket, then times of departure from bhx are @ 13:1pm then arrival @ dubai @ 00:15am on 06/12/2014, then depart dubai on 06/12/2014 @ 02:55AM & arrival at perth, australia on 06/12/2014 @ 17:35pm same day, then return flight is 26/12/2014 from perth ,australia @ 06:00am arrival at dubai @ 13:00pm same day, then depart dubai @14:55pm & arrival at BHX @ 18:40pm same day...ok ray.....andyc

 

[User0001]

There are no first class fares available from BHX. Ive tried several dates on GDS too and no luck.

If it was letting you book them earlier, then maybe the DXB-PER sector was causing the system to think first class was available on the whole booking.

 

[justplanecrazy]

What I don't understand is why are they advertising first class if they are not selling it? Are they planning on introducing first class very soon?

 

[User0001]

They haven't been advertising first class though?

 

[justplanecrazy]

What have they been advertising then?? It clearly said first class from birmingham to over 150 destinations (obviously via DXB)

 

[User0001]

Sorry,

I was a bit confused as I didn't see Ray's post about the advert, I read Andrews post and thought we were talking about that.

In terms of the advert, I'm not sure what they are advertising, as I can't see any First Class fares loaded for any BHX flights.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there ray and all, have checked with Emirates about 1st class at bhx, this only applies to an upgrade at the moment when you arrive at dubai at present, but this could change depending on demand.... Andyc