Have done INV-LGW on the Q400 several times(which flybe operate at weekends on this route during the last few months Sat S2 and Sun S2) and was pleasently suprised. Block time was about 1:40 so a bit slower than the E195 but not noticeably (flybe schedule the sectors for 1:45 anyway). Wasn't as cramped or noisy as I had expected, and as allways the INV based Cabin Crews make the trip enjoyable.
The LGW route is back up to 3x E195 I believe from the start of the Summer timetable as the INV-SOU is going back onto the INV based Q400.
Have also noticed a big improvement in reliability on this route in the last 12 months in terms of punctuality.
Anyway just throwing my tuppence into the arena..
Dash cruises at just under 360kt TAS, which is a bit slower than the 146-200 used to be, but not that much, while burning around 1000kg an hour - you can see why the bean counters love it. Putting it onto off-peak longer routes in the winter makes sense if you know you aren't going to fill a 195. Granted it isnt as spacious as the 195, but give me a Dash seat over a middle seat 3-3 layout on a 146/RJ anyday. The time difference on a domestic sector between a Q400 and a jet is usually between 5 and 15 mins longer depending on sector length - if the price is right and the dep times suit their schedule, most pax wont care what they fly on.
Understand that it is going to happen but await a start date, like you.
I flew from Southampton to Edinburgh last weekend, the flight left slightly early, by 3 or 4 minutes, it was full, the aircraft was a Dash 8 Q400, it was clean and tidy, the cabin crew were very professional and charming, thanks also to the flight crew, who flew us upto Edinburgh and we landed 15 minutes ahead of schedule. I would use Flybe anytime and without hesitation, would recommend it to my friends and colleagues.
But one is in the weather the other is on top of it for most of the time in cruise ! Summer (dont care) Winter (Jet please)
This is a myth. Maybe some older generation props might have bumbled around in the muck but I can't remember one occasion this winter have where I have spent the flight 'in the weather'. Cruising at FL230-250 is usually nicely above anything of any concern actually. Of course, the transition between cruising level and take off/landing will involve some flight through the weather but jets have to do this too.
I Have had dealings with 99 percent of them they are Truly nice and caring Cabin Crew as are 99 percent of the rest of Fly Be s Cabin Crew
They are a totally credit to the company .
And dispite what people say?comment about FlyBe u cannot call the Cabin or Flight Deck Crews they do a tottally professional Job and are a Credit to there company
A300 boy - the tropopause is usually much higher spring through autumn than autumn through spring. It should be preferable riding higher in the summer rather than the winter (clearing CBs & thermal activity by a large vertical extent).
Agreed with your comment re the INV based cabin Crew. Several of them have been operating that route since the Dan-Air days at INV (1982-1992) and BA Citiexpress (1998-2007) so there has been continuity for those of us who fly regularly between London and Inverness.
They are as you say a credit and are truly nice, professional and caring individuals. Obviously comes down to a good recruitment policy and personal standards... And No, I dont work for the company but fly that route 4-6 times a year as SLF.
Could we move along with the thread? If you are happy with the Cabin service, I suggest you write to Management and say so.
Anybody have any idea what's going on with the LGW base? I heard when it was announced that NWI would be shut as a base LGW would open for summer? The winter ended on Sat 28th so I guess NWI is now closed?? Surley LGW should now be open but have heard nothing did I get this info wrong just nothing in the press thought they would be shouting all about it in the current climate........Purley selfish reasons some new routes for LGW would be goodvery tempting with easy conx from St Hellier.
Yep, middle of June is what i'm hearing, but no hint of it on their website or on their online booking system so unless they sort that out they'll be flying empty aeroplanes...
On a slightly different topic. Any truth in the rumour that Flybe have a number of 146's safely stored in case they get the 5 year Scatsta oil contract out of Aberdeen?
SOU - Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and SW London
LGW - Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Essex to an extent and Rest of London (train is direct from Victoria). I even know people who travel form Herts and Beds for LGW! (LTN is very limitied).
Don't think there is any truth in that rumour. There are a couple 146's left in storage at EXT believe most are them are non-op no engines etc and just in storage however I think 2 have been sold saw one G-JEBA doing circuits the other day when i was in ext so possible handover flight. The Scatsa flights are primed for the Dash 146 would use too much fuel for it make a much bigger profit on the dash and more reliable.
I always found the INV Cabin Crew to be the nicest and most enjoyable to work with from any other Base out there. Everyone up in INV from Willie's Taxi to the staff at the hotel were always very welcoming, kind and helpful. Even the yobs in Nairn centre were polite too.
It's a fantastic team up there, so no surprises at all.
One good point of Jet/vs Prop, the Q400 will out climb a 146 easily. I've outclimbed an A320 as well last week and it's not uncommon. One of the reasons the Q400 does so well at fuel burn is it's time to altitude. The big engines get you up out of the weather and right up to 25,000ft in about 11-12 minutes. Then the cruise fuel flows are very small indeed. Good for passenger comfort, and great for environment and economics too.
It's even possible to land them smoothly too, honest!
with Lufthansa now departing from BRS, due to Bristol being to close to their services in BHX and LHR, could this not be an opportunity for FlyBe to start the suggested German services from Cardiff.
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