Eastern Airways

[Sherburnflyer92]

I understand the above points. It's a shame Loganair never taken such opportunity or are interested. I just can't help but feel very very overly cautious when it comes to Eastern Airways. It is almost like they don't have a strategy but more of a "ooo that looks good" sort of strategy. I wish them well if they progress with their plans.

NB// I know I always say we shouldn't blame the terminal and infrastructure but cannot help but think when/if we get this new terminal will we be able to attract a new regional carrier to provide regional routes? After all Flybe has now gone.

 

[michael]

The problem with Eastern for me has always been they seemed so damned expensive compared to Flybe when I've compared in the past, especially on routes where the biggest equipment was a J41. Now if they had the E175 on more routes they'd be more tempting. I've never compared them to the Irish gang, but I suppose the thing is they're still flying, Flybe aren't!

 

[lbaspotter]

Nothing official yet, but Eastern Airways Belfast City - Leeds service is rumoured to be operating 2x daily.

 

[752]

Not sure how I feel about all this, obviously any route is a good route, but I think Aer Lingus, have the brand, reliability and loyalty. I don't want them to pushed off the route. Have EI reduced the schedule or? if it was pre pandemic and EI was operating x2/3 daily, I could easily see Eastern also slotting in on the route. remember Flybe operated up to 5 Daily, so there is plenty of scope for more capacity on the route. If Eastern did this route, they would need something larger the the J41, and add some more routes, instead of chasing the ones we already have. for example, LHR (codeshare) GIB - alot of potential for this one, back to ABZ & potentially CWL. I think anywhere in European (excluding GIB) would be risky at the moment.

 

[White Heather]

Whatever Eastern do, it needs to be with something better than the geriatric J41. If they intend competing they need to use either their own ATR72 or Embraers of some description. Certainly in normal times the Belfast route needs more than what Stobart are offering. But it's not (yet) normal times!

Eastern never fill me with confidence but hey, maybe things are changing. If they want to base something decent here and do what Jonathan Hinkles and Loganair don't want to do, then bring it on. Just do it properly with decent equipment. No constant cancelling. The J41 needs replacing on Newquay and certainly isn't going to cut it on Belfast. OK for a return to the Isle of Man perhaps, but other routes need more than 29 seats.

 

[CM.]

I agree there White Heather whatever their intentions are it needs to be something bigger than the J41. I’m surprised they are still using the J41 on Newquay flights as Newquay seems to be a popular place to go this year with all the uncertainty with traveling abroad and restrictions ease. As nice as the J41 is some routes definitely need something bigger once more travel resumes during the summer. An ideal aircraft as already mentioned was the embraers which is suitable or the ATR72s

 

[Starflyer]

The schedule I've been given shows 2 x daily ATR72-600 by Eastern on LBA-Belfast City from 28 June:

T3 421 depart LBA 06:50
T3 422 arrive LBA 09:35
T3 425 depart LBA 17:10
T3 426 arrive LBA 19:55

I'm guessing but don't know that this would provide scope to put the ATR72 on LBA-NQY middle of the day?

 

[lbaspotter]

The schedule I've been given shows 2 x daily ATR72-600 by Eastern on LBA-Belfast City from 28 June:

T3 421 depart LBA 06:50
T3 422 arrive LBA 09:35
T3 425 depart LBA 17:10
T3 426 arrive LBA 19:55

I'm guessing but don't know that this would provide scope to put the ATR72 on LBA-NQY middle of the day?

Or it could be used for a middle of the day London flight, As they acquired slots at both Gatwick & Heathrow which are currently unused!

 

[markietg]

Well I think this route definitely needs some competition on it. I’ve just looked and EI are asking for £728 for a return 23-28th May. Oh...that was the saver fare as well.

 

[LBA787]

Hopefully it leads to more from eastern, I do have my reservations with them due to their horrendous prices and dubious cancellation record in the past.

Any LHR flights will need connectivity or it’s a dead duck.

 

[Wardair166]

I booked LBA-BHD for 24 August to 31 August several days ago with EI. £70 return. Very reasonable.

 

[CM.]

A suggestion I have. Eastern could look at routes for the J41s from LBA. Im thinking Scotland. Maybe Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Glasgow and Aberdeen have been served in the past. Glasgow was done by Loganair/Flybe usually with a Saab340 which is a similar size to the J41 so Eastern could look at GLA from LBA.

Maybe a link to the Scottish capital Edinburgh could do good with decent flight times and prices.
Aberdeen has been served by Eastern before, I don’t know why they cut this but could be reintroduced.

These are just my suggestions nothing official by any sort.

 

[LBA4EVER]

An operator flying to belfast International i feel may be more successful? EI alone are just fine on the belfast city route i feel.

 

[Finger66]

A suggestion I have. Eastern could look at routes for the J41s from LBA. Im thinking Scotland. Maybe Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Glasgow and Aberdeen have been served in the past. Glasgow was done by Loganair/Flybe usually with a Saab340 which is a similar size to the J41 so Eastern could look at GLA from LBA.

Maybe a link to the Scottish capital Edinburgh could do good with decent flight times and prices.
Aberdeen has been served by Eastern before, I don’t know why they cut this but could be reintroduced.

These are just my suggestions nothing official by any sort.

Difficulty with EDI is the train service is too frequent. Albeit always packed. Twice a day J41 on GLA and ABZ poss more realistic. Trouble is, as already stated, the J41s need to go and not sure the routes would support anything bigger. But an ATR42 would probably be more economical than a 41. Just need to get some first. You just never know with T3, they always seem to surprise

 

[CM.]

Jersey has appeared on Easterns website. Currently no options but maybe LBA?

 

[Wardair166]

Unlikely with LS already operating the route

 

[Wardair166]

Do we have any idea as to when the LBA BHD official announcement will be made?

 

[CM.]

Unlikely with LS already operating the route

True but never say never.

 

[LBA4EVER]

we all know its all the other airports that get new services, lets move on!

 

[CM.]

we all know its all the other airports that get new services, lets move on!

Not entirely the case. We might get something good with Eastern hopefully. And we have had new routes with airlines that already operate out of LBA such as Jet2 announcing new routes to Skiathos, Santorini last year and Catania this year.

Hopefully Eastern might announce something new for LBA, but we will have to wait and see and hope.