Route Development & Rumours

[Ray Finkle]

Not existing airlines.

I've heard a specific start date mentioned for one but obviously things can, and often do, change. My feeling is that an announcement is not imminent, there may be some patience needed.

Things are happening though.

 

[Coathanger16]

I think before we gain any new airlines, we need to have an extended period of time without losing any. Losing airline after airline won't have given any potential airlines any confidence in launching routes from BHX.

Things are happening though.

I guess things are always happening - I wonder what BHX and other airports success rate has been from approaching airlines to a new route actually starting.

 

[jfy1999]

Does anyone know the RD team's approach to airlines that pull out? To what extent do they leave the door open in case any escaped "horses" want to return to the fold? I know Bmi, Air Malta, Aegean and Air Transat have been in and out over the years.

 

[Ray Finkle]

I wonder what BHX and other airports success rate has been from approaching airlines to a new route actually starting.

From the outside looking in I don't see any problems with BHX gaining new services, it's keeping them that seems to be the issue. Why do so many leave after a year or two?

Does anyone know the RD team's approach to airlines that pull out? To what extent do they leave the door open in case any escaped "horses" want to return to the fold?

I'm only speculating here but I guess feelings may differ depending on the airline and the reasons behind them pulling out.

If I'd put in several years of hard work, spent a large sum of money and offered generous incentives only to then see an airline pull out, I think I would be quite bitter. I suppose it my be a balancing act between 'once bitten, twice shy' and 'cutting your nose off to spite your face'.

 

[Brum X]

Can somebody pleeeeeeeaaaaasssseeeee drop some hints? I remember that is what used to make this forum light up. I used to have to check multiple times a day to ensure I didn't miss anything!

How times have changed Glider

 

[Brum X]

Glad you said long haul as I was thinking VLM to Waterford and Antwerp!

I was thinking BMIR to Graz and Gothenburg

 

[Creguk]

I'd have thought NYC would come back at some point but it's probably aircraft that is an issue. The flying pencil 757 was perfect but now we really need a NEO or MAX?

 

[Coathanger16]

I'd have thought NYC would come back at some point but it's probably aircraft that is an issue. The flying pencil 757 was perfect but now we really need a NEO or MAX?

IMO it is the airlines that is the issue with NYC rather than aircraft. Who would serve the route?

American and United have both served it previously and since pulled out. With American reducing the size of the TATL JFK hub and United now increasing capacity from EWR to Manchester, I can't see either returning to BHX.

Delta is equally unlikely due to their tie up with Virgin and that groups focus on LHR/MAN.

That only really leaves JetBlue, who haven't officially committed to launching TATL flights, and have said if they did it would likely be London first.

 

[IanFarquharson]

I would agree UA and AA very unlikely.
My money would be on DL or JetBlue if a US airline was to take a punt on BHX

 

[Brum X]

Id love for airlines such as Air India or Emirates to give it a try from DEL/DXB via BHX to JFK.

Travelling on a 787/A380/777 would be very popular indeed.

 

[MJH]

Maybe Norwegian will look past Gatwick? A US route from BHX shouldn't compromise there operation down south..

 

[Ianbutty]

Id love for airlines such as Air India or Emirates to give it a try from DEL/DXB via BHX to JFK.

Travelling on a 787/A380/777 would be very popular indeed.

Whilst a 380 would be great I am not sure how popular these kind of flights are in the UK. The perception is you are being squeezed onto a plane full of people who have been on the plane for 4 or 5 hours. That versus a fresh plane? Perceptions are vital in such a marginal business.

The only European airline I can see working is Virgin but they have Manchester to protect. Norwegian: I not sure, probably unfair, but, has their long haul not lived up to expectations?

I agree with the other Ian, Delta or Jet Blue...if anyone.

 

[JENNYJET]

A triangular service used to be an option, PIA or Air India did it once with Toronto or was it Chicago? but the emergence of the super efficient twin jets has killed that possibility as direct nonstop longhaul has become popular and economic.

I had hoped Norwegian could open a service until they pulled out and IAG with LEVEL but no sign of them or BA resuming a NEW YORK Service.

Where are the Laker's or the Branson's when they are wanted? Remember Wardair? Private risk takers that filled a gap! We can but dream of suchlike.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Air India did Toronto whilst PIA did Chicago.

Back in the day a friend of mine used AI to Toronto and was very impressed with them, he said that the food was amazing.

I think it's clear that Jetblue are a target and the A321 could be the perfect type. Can BHX make it happen though?

 

[Coathanger16]

My money would be on DL or JetBlue if a US airline was to take a punt on BHX

I agree with the other Ian, Delta or Jet Blue...if anyone.

Delta sees more international opportunity in 2019
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/delta-sees-more-international-opportunity-in-2019-454451/

The only routes mentioned are in Asia (Seoul, Osaka & Mumbai).

Europe is referenced but only in the context of the Delta, Air France/KLM, Virgin tie up and a joint venture style arrangement with Alitalia.

Would love to see a Delta aircraft at BHX, but still unlikely to happen I think.

 

[mullion]

I really don`t see Delta as they London/Scotland only now as they have farmed all their England
flights to VS who have already stated that BHX is not in their sights.

 

[Ryan Kirkpatrick]

I would love to see Delta at BHX & I was once told by a staff at the airport that Delta had a slot of BHX. That was a few years ago so don't know if that is still ture now. Maybe Delta could use VS from BHX to New York with a codeshare flying A330-200s. But still Jetblue looks more likely to come to BHX. At this point any airline that would take up flights back to New York will do.

 

[Brum X]

I really don`t see Delta as they London/Scotland only now as they have farmed all their England
flights to VS who have already stated that BHX is not in their sights.

Really when did VS state that BHX is not in their sights ?

And you quote DL have farmed all their England flights to VS, you mean farmed all their MAN flights ?? That does not mean that IF and it is a big IF DL were to make BHX a possible future destination that they would do the same.

 

[rollo]

Virgin have stated publicly more than once over the years that BHX is not on the radar although I'm not aware of them saying so since Delta became the de facto owners so we can live in hope but unlikely I would of thought.

 

[mullion]

As they only operated from Heathrow and Manchester in England my statement is correct
I know they operate from Edinburgh but Virgin don`t in Scotland and as they have an aircraft shortage at present
due the RR problem on the B787 they are struggling to operate what they have from MAN/LHR/LGW at present.