Birmingham: New Route Development & Rumours

[Ray Finkle]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

There seems to be two separate rumours regarding the possible return of AA, one is daily but seasonal to begin with the other year round initially at 5x weekly, both to JFK on a 757. Make of them what you will but I'm still in the I'll believe it when I see it camp.

 

[Brum X]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

There seems to be two separate rumours regarding the possible return of AA, one is daily but seasonal to begin with the other year round initially at 5x weekly, both to JFK on a 757. Make of them what you will but I'm still in the I'll believe it when I see it camp.

I would be interested to know what United would be doing about this rumour, as this would be a big thing for them if it is confirmed AA are going to JFK, this would be direct competition for them like they have never had since when American was here before to ORD.
This would also have Oneworld in BHX probably taking away some Star Alliance business ??????

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Hi there ray, just think if Aa do return and start with jfk, if that goes well. Then what about la, Chicago, dallad fort Worth and miam, these are all other Aa hubs. Let's just wait and see, but it would be great news if this was try. Andyc

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Hi there ray again, sorry about the spelling, using my phone and not on normal computer, thanks andyc

 

[DaveBham]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

I'm a total novice to this, but what happens when a new Airline begins competing with another on an existing route?
I would've thought it would either drive prices down, or drive away the original airline.
On the other hand, LHR has lots of competing airlines flying the same routes, and the competition apparently drives prices down.

That said, I'm looking at booking a holiday across the USA next year and each time I run a quote, the flights from BHX on United always come out cheaper than any airline from LHR!

This is surprising as when I've tried to book flights only from BHX, it's usually been more expensive.

Maybe someone could shed some light on this?

 

[Ray Finkle]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

I would be interested to know what United would be doing about this rumour, as this would be a big thing for them if it is confirmed AA are going to JFK, this would be direct competition for them like they have never had since when American was here before to ORD.
This would also have Oneworld in BHX probably taking away some Star Alliance business ??????

I think it really depends on the frequency. In the summer months I reckon the demand is there for both to happily coexist, especially with all the traffic heading down to Florida. The leaner winter months may prove to be problematic, which could be why one rumour suggests seasonal to begin with. The fares offered by United can be astronomical at times so I'd imagine there could be an initial price drop, how much and for how long remains to be seen. Of course what we won't know is the details of any possible corporate contracts for the front end or the amount and value of cargo carried, both of which can make a flight profitable even with low loads.

Hi there ray, just think if Aa do return and start with jfk, if that goes well. Then what about la, Chicago, dallad fort Worth and miam, these are all other Aa hubs. Let's just wait and see, but it would be great news if this was try. Andyc

LA I'd say no chance, it offers very little in the way of connections as most would be a very big back track. Miami is geared more towards cruise ship pax and very seasonal. Chicago could be an option for the future but the general opinion seems to be that it's a bit tight on a 757 and there may not be the demand there yet for anything larger.

I'd be very happy to see JFK, even seasonal to start with and hopefully, given time, the route will grow and establish itself and then there may be scope for something more. There's just one big hurdle to overcome first and that's actually getting AA in 🙂

 

[Ray Finkle]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Hi Dave and welcome to the forum.

I'm a total novice to this, but what happens when a new Airline begins competing with another on an existing route?
I would've thought it would either drive prices down, or drive away the original airline.

Prices can drop initially, especially with airlines often doing introductory offers on new routes but as long as the demand is there for both then it will usually level off in time. Of course if there is over capacity then it can result in one, or both, being driven out. The classic example of this is MAN-MAD which went straight from zero to three on the route which was no good for any of them :s_no

I'm looking at booking a holiday across the USA next year and each time I run a quote, the flights from BHX on United always come out cheaper than any airline from LHR!

That's interesting as I've only ever heard moans and groans about United being so much more expensive ex BHX. Maybe they've got a sniff of the rumour and are looking to secure some bookings.

 

[Aviador]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

I can never figure out why the big airlines are so obsessed with operating into Heathrow. The airport there is so expensive to operate into you'd think airlines would be queuing up to operate into both BHX and MAN for the cheaper (yes cheaper :s_yes ) fees at those airports.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Hi there ray, any idea when it will be confirmed that AA are returning to Birmingham and heading for Jfk at all. Andyc

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Andy

I think that Ray might be away for a few days and I'm not sure if he has Internet contact, so his reply might be delayed.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Hi there localyokel and how are you, any neW's on AA flying from bhx to jfk yet. Andyc

 

[TheLocalYokel]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Hi there localyokel and how are you, any neW's on AA flying from bhx to jfk yet. Andyc

Ray is really the man to ask about BHX. I get the impression that he is more hopeful this time than in previous years when similar rumours have surfaced but I don't believe he is privy to such things as timelines if the service is going to materialise.

I guess most of us would think that if it does start early in next year's summer season (ie April/May onwards) that it would be announced fairly soon.

Ray will probably comment when he returns. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Well let's hope so localyokel, if it's not announced sooner, it will to late to fill those seats, then that's another opportunity missed again, andyc

 

[Aviador]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Scheduled Airlines do have a tendency to Leave it later to announce routes but then again a new route like this needs as much lead in time as possible. I'd probably say you can forget it if it isn't announced before Christmas.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Hi there ray, any idea when it will be confirmed that AA are returning to Birmingham and heading for Jfk at all. Andyc

Hi mate, still just a rumour at the moment. There are odd snippets of info appearing here and there but the AA rumour seems to resurface every year so I'm not holding my breath. I think it may be a waiting game on this one I'm afraid.

In other news BHX (and LBA) are back yet again on the Vueling website under the same sections as before, there's still nothing bookable :dunno:

 

[elmdon74]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Announced today American Airlines will start BHX-JFK daily from 7th May 2015 with 757,0710/1000 AA130/1.regards,simon.

 

[thunderchild]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Great news about AA returning and finally a Oneworld carrier; let's hope this one can start a new trend. Next summer will certainly be one to watch with UA and AA flying to New York as well as Icelandair joining the party. Certainly some interesting times ahead; good luck to all.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

Great news about AA returning and finally a Oneworld carrier; let's hope this one can start a new trend.

Finnair would be a nice start 🙂

 

[thunderchild]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

I'm also hoping this means Qatar isn't an impossibility. Fingers firmly crossed for that one.

 

[andyc941]

Re: Route Development & Airport Rumours

I hope Qatar start but cant see it. With 2 daily in MAN with A330S at the moment but would be nice to see an other B787 in BHX 😆