Leeds Bradford: TUI Airways Flights, New Routes & Schedule Updates

[LBAYORKIE]

This November shall mark the fiftieth anniversary of Britannia Airways launching operations from Leeds Bradford. What do we suppose are the chances of this occasion going unnoticed by TUI and LBA?

I was there for that flight, doesnt seem like 50 years.

 

[Len Fish]

The Aviaco DC9 was an inbound diversion from BHX, of all places!
I am led to believe, the departure was "interesting! "

I’ve a feeling that’s the one some of the Customs lads at LBA told me about as they watched it take off from R14, it went right to the end, then dipped out of sight. They all thought it was going to crash until it re-appeared climbing steadily out.

 

[jason1-11]

50 years ago, I lived in Cookridge and went to Iveson House Primary School, so no doubt would have seen it or definitely heard it.

 

[White Heather]

I’ve a feeling that’s the one some of the Customs lads at LBA told me about as they watched it take off from R14, it went right to the end, then dipped out of sight. They all thought it was going to crash until it re-appeared climbing steadily out.

That sort of take off, which was more fitting for an aircraft carrier, occurred on multiple occasions off runway 15 (as it was then), more often than not on BAC1-11s, which like the DC9, had a small wing area, and were slow to get airborne on hot days. The 737 200s though, generally made it look easy though Spantax seemed to be an airline that created some drama both landing and departing.

 

[Finger66]

And how things have changed. Watched an FR Max from the cemetery last night take off on 32 (think it was the FAO flight) and it was absolutely effortless

 

[oldendays]

Meanwhile, back in Britannia country, I hope there is some recognition of the fifty year anniversary, as there was for Air Anglia and its successors. However, the latter has had an unbroken and more fruitful presence at LBA so is perhaps considered more worthy of acknowledgement. We shall see - there's three months yet!

 

[Finger66]

Rumour is TUI will celebrate with a base announcement. Sorry late alarm call today!!!!

 

[White Heather]

Rumour is TUI will celebrate with a base announcement. Sorry late alarm call today!!!!

If they did, the base would probably be at Doncaster knowing our luck.

 

[LsS27]

In the late 1970s the change over of the crew was done at LBA by flying the new crew in by a light aircraft which landed just before the Britannia flight was due

 

[White Heather]

In the late 1970s the change over of the crew was done at LBA by flying the new crew in by a light aircraft which landed just before the Britannia flight was due

And sometimes that light aircraft got in with the change over crew and the Britannia aircraft went straight to MAN without even making an approach!

 

[Finger66]

Some things just never change!

 

[Pudseylad]

And sometimes that light aircraft got in with the change over crew and the Britannia aircraft went straight to MAN without even making an approach!

I agree WH. However, to be fair in those early years of the Britannia operation (late 70s to early 80s) they really would have a fair crack at landing, at times, in some abysmal weather, with an offset localiser to boot. I often saw those trusty 737-200s have several approaches before giving up the ghost. The pilots in those days seemed to like the challenge!

 

[White Heather]

I agree WH. However, to be fair in those early years of the Britannia operation (late 70s to early 80s) they really would have a fair crack at landing, at times, in some abysmal weather, with an offset localiser to boot. I often saw those trusty 737-200s have several approaches before giving up the ghost. The pilots in those days seemed to like the challenge!

Less so when the 757s came. I always remember our based 757 going straight past Leeds and into MAN one night. There was zero wind, and CAV ok visibility. It was a lovely evening. I was informed the aircraft wasn't tech and there was no commercial reason why 228 passengers ended up being bussed to LBA, arriving in the early hours. A member of LBA management who I spoke to later, said a complaint had been made, and his understanding was that the captain had plans and was late, lived in Manchester, so saved himself a couple of hours. And he had a history of doing similar. The 757 positioned back into LBA the following morning.

Obviously, I can't substantiate any of this, but the person who told me was someone who would know exactly what was going on, so no reason to doubt him.

Anyway, its all history now.

 

[Seasider]

In the late 1970s the change over of the crew was done at LBA by flying the new crew in by a light aircraft which landed just before the Britannia flight was due

A Cessna 402, reg G-BRIT

 

[Finger66]

Without getting too pedantic it was a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle

 

[lbaspotter]

As was to be expected with the recent withdrawal of Sun Express, TUI have now taken Leeds - Turkey holidays off sale for next summer 2027

So guess the is no chance of them operating the own replacement charter flights.