Qatar Airways

[StanMan]

I hope I'm not raising expectations unreasonably here but:
1. In an interview published today on Business-live/ Wales, Spencer Burns is quoted as saying:
"There is a commercial negotiation taking place between us (and Qatar Airways). We are working with the airline on a resumption as soon as possible".
2. Sky Sports has this evening been running an advert about visiting Qatar. Before anyone wonders whether this is a national (UK) advert, Sky uses a product called Adsmart, which allows adverts to be targeted in many ways, including by regional geography. Fingers crossed.....

 

[Jerry]

I hope I'm not raising expectations unreasonably here but:
1. In an interview published today on Business-live/ Wales, Spencer Burns is quoted as saying:
"There is a commercial negotiation taking place between us (and Qatar Airways). We are working with the airline on a resumption as soon as possible".
2. Sky Sports has this evening been running an advert about visiting Qatar. Before anyone wonders whether this is a national (UK) advert, Sky uses a product called Adsmart, which allows adverts to be targeted in many ways, including by regional geography. Fingers crossed.....

Interesting, it would be nice to see them back but personally i'm not holding out hope.

 

[Aviador]

Well if they do then they know what to expect. If they think the route can hold it's own and without the need to be subsidised then maybe they will return?

 

[Jerry]

Well if they do then they know what to expect. If they think the route can hold it's own and without the need to be subsidised then maybe they will return?

I personally wonder if they may be waiting for the new government to see if they can get any help.

 

[Jerry]

Interesting too see that Cardiff Airport CEO is in Qatar.

 

[geoff]

Let's hope he comes home with some good news for CWL.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Who's St Davdi?

 

[Jetsco]

At least two credible sources indicating that QR, possibly in the next 24-48 hours could announce some form of return to Cardiff.

 

[CWL94]

At least two credible sources indicating that QR, possibly in the next 24-48 hours could announce some form of return to Cardiff.

I take it from what you’re suggesting that CWL are potentially in Qatar to finalise negotiations regarding a return?

 

[Jerry]

Who's St Davdi?

Miss spelling of St David i presume.

 

[Nuffsaid]

Rumours on another forum suggesting Qatar is about to start a route from Bristol.

 

[Aviador]

Rumours on another forum suggesting Qatar is about to start a route from Bristol.

Unless Qatar Airways has changed its own rules, or they seek to use an alternative a/c type to something other than the 787 then I have it on good authority that it wont happen.

 

[Jerry]

Rumours on another forum suggesting Qatar is about to start a route from Bristol.

If so then I'd expect it to be a narrow body but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[geoff]

It would be a tremendous blow to CWL, I thought that BRS was previously declined by them because of lack of cargo facilities, in addition Qatar had already applied for four weekly slots from CWL I am not aware of any such application from BRS.

 

[Jerry]

It would be a tremendous blow to CWL, I thought that BRS was previously declined by them because of lack of cargo facilities, in addition Qatar had already applied for four weekly slots from CWL I am not aware of any such application from BRS.

The runway also was too short for them.
Lets wait and see but no doubt it would be a pr blow but at the moment Cardiff has more important things to focus on.

 

[gulftraveller]

If so then I'd expect it to be a narrow body but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

QTR do not operate any narrow bodies capable of DOH-BRS.

I had heard that with Al Baker’s departure, CWL would not return, despite slot applications. As for BRS, we will have to wait, but it sounds somewhat unlikely as cargo remains important to these routes. Echoing Aviador, I also believe that QTR would likely have issues with the runway.

 

[8mileshigh]

I know each airline has its own restrictions on runways and what is and is not acceptable but in the past from Bristol continental has operated to Newark direct and Tui have operated to Florida direct with B787 without having to make refuelling stops. Cancun was marginal for Tui, sometimes direct, sometimes not. If the will was there to fly to Doha then I’m sure it could be made to work. Just because there is currently no ability to handle freight it does not mean in the future freight cannot be handled

 

[Jerry]

the past from Bristol continental has operated to Newark direct and Tui have operated to Florida direct with B787

Newark was a 757 and my understanding is that TUI went to a lot of effort to do long haul flights from Bristol. I suspect Qatar Airways wouldn't be that invested in launching flights from Bristol as TUI were.

Just because there is currently no ability to handle freight it does not mean in the future freight cannot be handled

True but for Bristol owners the investment may not be worth the return for potentially 1 daily flight. Cardiffs owners would potentially look at that differently especially as cargo operations are considered a key part of helping the airport become more sustainable in the long run.

QTR do not operate any narrow bodies capable of DOH-BRS.

Didn't they have the A321neo on order?

 

[gulftraveller]

Didn't they have the A321neo on order?

Yes. The order was reinstated. Delivery is likely to be 2027. But, unless they changed specs, they are not XLRs so they are not for long haul routes.

 

[Jetsco]

Is the much talked about return of QR, finally about to happen?

Cardiff Airport hopes cargo route can turn around fortunes

Cardiff Airport's chief executive praises a new cargo service, but passenger numbers remain low.

www.bbc.co.uk