BIRMINGHAM - 5
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Today I picked up some friends from BHX. The plane landed at 1200, it took about an hour for them to get through passport control.
There were only 2 desks open, it is a disgrace to have to queue to get back into your own country.
Something should be done to rectify this problem, such as employing more staff. The airlines manage to do it.
There were only 2 desks open, it is a disgrace to have to queue to get back into your own country.
Something should be done to rectify this problem, such as employing more staff. The airlines manage to do it.
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I have to agree with you VC10.
I often travel through BHX and try to avoid an arrival behind certain flights, for example, the lunch time EK, which my flight sometimes follows. If I am unlucky and there are also one or two IT arrivals, it is highly likely that the passport queue will be "up the stairs". Not the best first impression.
I have a system of pick up to avoid parking charges and it sometimes requires a hasty readjustment to the ETA for my "taxi".
David
I often travel through BHX and try to avoid an arrival behind certain flights, for example, the lunch time EK, which my flight sometimes follows. If I am unlucky and there are also one or two IT arrivals, it is highly likely that the passport queue will be "up the stairs". Not the best first impression.
I have a system of pick up to avoid parking charges and it sometimes requires a hasty readjustment to the ETA for my "taxi".
David
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So it seems that EK loads will keep dropping unless they increase capacity. I guess they'll have to do that in some way next year.
When would be the estimated completion date for the runway extension?
When would be the estimated completion date for the runway extension?
As I stated before, BHX is normally amongst the top 4 yielding routes in the EK system.
There are other priorities for the new a/c coming on line which are more urgent than BHX.
Immigration Queues
Immigration control is in the hands of the UK Border Agency, and it is not within the gift of the airport, airlines or handling agents to do something about.
The government has no money (as we all know) so I would imagine that employing extra staff at backwoods airports such as BHX, which the news media hardly know the existence of, is not going to be the top of the list for spending money that we haven't got. Of course, were it to be a London airport things might be different!
We, the public, have in part made this situation, with our apparent steely opposition to joining the Schengen area (as reported ad nauseum by the Daily Mail, Telegraph and the like). In making the border nearly as hard to cross as the US border has just made the situation what it is today.
We have made our collective bed, so now we must sleep in it!
The government has no money (as we all know) so I would imagine that employing extra staff at backwoods airports such as BHX, which the news media hardly know the existence of, is not going to be the top of the list for spending money that we haven't got. Of course, were it to be a London airport things might be different!
We, the public, have in part made this situation, with our apparent steely opposition to joining the Schengen area (as reported ad nauseum by the Daily Mail, Telegraph and the like). In making the border nearly as hard to cross as the US border has just made the situation what it is today.
We have made our collective bed, so now we must sleep in it!
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How likely does Air Algerie seem to you? It's as likely as Hellenic Imperial, who are rumoured to be pondering a BHX return, routing through Athens to either ISB or a destination in India.
Don't know if anyone has posted this but this link: http://www.atrsworld.org/docs/Key%20...27July2011.pdf, from the Air Transport Research Society compares airport landing charges throughout the world for 767 & A320. It's from 2010 but interesting stuff.
Although there are many variables it's easy to see why lack of yields is often the reason sited for stopping/reducing/not starting BHX (US Airways and Easyjet to name two recent examples). MAN is roughly HALF the price of BHX!
It's worth pointing out that Qatar started operating the 787 to LHR a few weeks ago and have announced they are putting it on their Perth service in February. Seeing as BHX would be a new destination, would they put the 787 on it?
Don't know if anyone has posted this but this link: http://www.atrsworld.org/docs/Key%20...27July2011.pdf, from the Air Transport Research Society compares airport landing charges throughout the world for 767 & A320. It's from 2010 but interesting stuff.
Although there are many variables it's easy to see why lack of yields is often the reason sited for stopping/reducing/not starting BHX (US Airways and Easyjet to name two recent examples). MAN is roughly HALF the price of BHX!
It's worth pointing out that Qatar started operating the 787 to LHR a few weeks ago and have announced they are putting it on their Perth service in February. Seeing as BHX would be a new destination, would they put the 787 on it?
Last edited by Planeaddict; 28th Dec 2012 at 10:57.
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I do not agree with you ATNotts. The government have plenty of our money taken in all sorts of ways. They can spend it on nuclear missiles, bombing countries which have no connection with us and of course on their wages and expenses.
It is a disgrace to have to queue to get in your own country, they should employ more staff. We should all complain more.
It is a disgrace to have to queue to get in your own country, they should employ more staff. We should all complain more.
Last edited by VC10man; 28th Dec 2012 at 12:19.
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I've mentioned them before but i can really see Vueling starting soon as they are starting so many new routes and can see them starting a BHX - MAD service.
What do other people think?
What do other people think?
Over the years there have been quite a few routes from BHX that were top money makers...apparantley..
AA BHX to Chicago.. was 3rd highest performer after MAD & ?..
AI BHX to Amritsar.. Air India said made large amounts of money.. only stopped to save landing rights at LHR...
Both of the above no longer operate...
AA BHX to Chicago.. was 3rd highest performer after MAD & ?..
AI BHX to Amritsar.. Air India said made large amounts of money.. only stopped to save landing rights at LHR...
Both of the above no longer operate...
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Not a chance that Vueling would operate MAD-BHX any time soon !
Vueling bases are Barcelona/Toulouse/Amsterdam/Paris and soon Florence.
Madrid only has a very few holiday routes and connections to other bases (Paris/Barcelona/Florence).
The only carrier likely to fly BHX-MAD would be Ryanair.
Outside chance for Iberia Express but only if IAG reconsider the UK regions.
Air Nostrum from Glasgow and Manchester didn't last long.
Vueling bases are Barcelona/Toulouse/Amsterdam/Paris and soon Florence.
Madrid only has a very few holiday routes and connections to other bases (Paris/Barcelona/Florence).
The only carrier likely to fly BHX-MAD would be Ryanair.
Outside chance for Iberia Express but only if IAG reconsider the UK regions.
Air Nostrum from Glasgow and Manchester didn't last long.
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Vueling
justplanecrazy84
Vueling Madrid in a word - unlikely
In a few more words - They are based in Barcelona so there is the first problem. Here is a list of their new routes
Vueling Further Expands S13 Service with New Routes | Airline Route – Worldwide Airline Route Updates
Have you seem how many flights they have at Madrid - not many and the major growth is at BCN so it would require further expansion, which of course is possible with Iberia's problems but the unions might have something to say about that. Although 12 x Iberia A320's will be going to Allegient by the end of 2013 so maybe they might expand at Madrid but Iberia Express is around for that.
I thought Monarch would try it but I was wrong unless they have a change of heart.
Planeaddict
The link re charges was posted and discussed earlier
Qatar - Indeed the 787 config makes it ideal for BHX but an A332 will do but I am not sure if any further discussion is worthwhile on this point as QR will do things in their own time
Air India Best ignore anything you read until you can either book BHX-ATQ or even better see the aircraft on the BHX tarmac.
Air Algerie - No noticeable hub, no tourism to speak off and virtually no known O & D traffic. Based on that I suspect that if it does happen there will be more to it than first thought (pesudo-charters, oil industry?)
Emirates - This is probably worth discussing as there is little doubt the third service was pencilled in but things have stalled. Ringwayman could be right and an A380 on EK39 first (2014) or with EK seemingly trying to build that third Dubai bank maybe an A332 in the morning.
However reported on another site, two more two class A332's are to leave the fleet early 2013. This leaves 22 A332's mainly three class configurations.
With the low season and Ramadan following each other in 2013, EK loads from the beginning of May to the end of July are going to be challenging to say the least.
Seems 2013 will be another interesting year at BHX.
Pete
Vueling Madrid in a word - unlikely
In a few more words - They are based in Barcelona so there is the first problem. Here is a list of their new routes
Vueling Further Expands S13 Service with New Routes | Airline Route – Worldwide Airline Route Updates
Have you seem how many flights they have at Madrid - not many and the major growth is at BCN so it would require further expansion, which of course is possible with Iberia's problems but the unions might have something to say about that. Although 12 x Iberia A320's will be going to Allegient by the end of 2013 so maybe they might expand at Madrid but Iberia Express is around for that.
I thought Monarch would try it but I was wrong unless they have a change of heart.
Planeaddict
The link re charges was posted and discussed earlier
Qatar - Indeed the 787 config makes it ideal for BHX but an A332 will do but I am not sure if any further discussion is worthwhile on this point as QR will do things in their own time
Air India Best ignore anything you read until you can either book BHX-ATQ or even better see the aircraft on the BHX tarmac.
Air Algerie - No noticeable hub, no tourism to speak off and virtually no known O & D traffic. Based on that I suspect that if it does happen there will be more to it than first thought (pesudo-charters, oil industry?)
Emirates - This is probably worth discussing as there is little doubt the third service was pencilled in but things have stalled. Ringwayman could be right and an A380 on EK39 first (2014) or with EK seemingly trying to build that third Dubai bank maybe an A332 in the morning.
However reported on another site, two more two class A332's are to leave the fleet early 2013. This leaves 22 A332's mainly three class configurations.
With the low season and Ramadan following each other in 2013, EK loads from the beginning of May to the end of July are going to be challenging to say the least.
Seems 2013 will be another interesting year at BHX.
Pete
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Why the families UK home for many many years has been leafy Buckinghamshire and close to the end of the metropolitan tube line "Chalfont St Giles"
A stones throw from the "blackhole"
A stones throw from the "blackhole"
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When Qatar get round to operating into Birmingham they will almost certainly use two class A332/333 models.
Of all the nonsense AH/AI/EK third flight early 2013 - Qatar are the only creditable new carrier on the horizon - however as you rightly point out Islamic holidays combined with Uk low season would likely hold back any decision to the autumn period or even 2014.
As for India well lets say combined political interference global recession (In relevant tech industries) and shear weakness of all airline candidates will prevent any UK regional service for some years.
Kingfisher - Effectively bust
Air India - Corrupt political tool and also broke
Jet - More concerned with *A membership and deciding whether to remain in Brussels or move to Munich.
Of all the nonsense AH/AI/EK third flight early 2013 - Qatar are the only creditable new carrier on the horizon - however as you rightly point out Islamic holidays combined with Uk low season would likely hold back any decision to the autumn period or even 2014.
As for India well lets say combined political interference global recession (In relevant tech industries) and shear weakness of all airline candidates will prevent any UK regional service for some years.
Kingfisher - Effectively bust
Air India - Corrupt political tool and also broke
Jet - More concerned with *A membership and deciding whether to remain in Brussels or move to Munich.
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Didn't Qatar say they were waiting for deliveries of new aircraft? I didn't think they would be waiting for deliveries of new A330s.
How ironic - I saw that in the news 
- I'm not sure I like the idea, then again we'll still refer to it as BHX so it won't make much of a difference.
Well, I get the feeling EK would want to start the third daily service before the A332's run out as I can't see them starting with a 772/3, unless they would be willing to operate an A343 on the route if it can manage the runway length.
I'm guessing AA was the third highest performer after MAD and possibly Dubai. I don't think BHX really fought to keep AI, or at least get it back the next summer. They do seem to be vying for AA/Chicago however, it has recently been in the news with them realising the cities are twinned 
. After AA terminated in 2002, PIA struck up a service to Chicago transiting through BHX, which worked well until they brought out their 777s and moved to MAN instead.
Airlines like US Airways could have worked well if they sorted out these landing charges and, if they maybe decided to make it year round and had been more confident in it as they must realise they are struggling with attaining numerous US services in the long-term. Continental seems to be the only one that has worked, and that always seems to be full.
I guess it's quite unlikely we'll be seeing an India service in 2013, but it's possible if one of those three airlines sort themselves out. I think it's certain the A380 won't come until the runway is done.
It's quite a shame as with Air India, you would get 3 different 777s at the airport at a time (EK, PIA are the others) which not many other UK airports could manage, not even Gatwick.
2013 will indeed be an interesting year for new services. Still keeping a lookout for any rumours.
Plans to rename BHX Ozzy Osbourne International Airport anyone?
- I'm not sure I like the idea, then again we'll still refer to it as BHX so it won't make much of a difference.
However reported on another site, two more two class A332's are to leave the fleet early 2013. This leaves 22 A332's mainly three class configurations.
Over the years there have been quite a few routes from BHX that were top money makers...apparantley..
AA BHX to Chicago.. was 3rd highest performer after MAD & ?..
AI BHX to Amritsar.. Air India said made large amounts of money.. only stopped to save landing rights at LHR...
Both of the above no longer operate...
AA BHX to Chicago.. was 3rd highest performer after MAD & ?..
AI BHX to Amritsar.. Air India said made large amounts of money.. only stopped to save landing rights at LHR...
Both of the above no longer operate...
. After AA terminated in 2002, PIA struck up a service to Chicago transiting through BHX, which worked well until they brought out their 777s and moved to MAN instead. Airlines like US Airways could have worked well if they sorted out these landing charges and, if they maybe decided to make it year round and had been more confident in it as they must realise they are struggling with attaining numerous US services in the long-term. Continental seems to be the only one that has worked, and that always seems to be full.
I guess it's quite unlikely we'll be seeing an India service in 2013, but it's possible if one of those three airlines sort themselves out. I think it's certain the A380 won't come until the runway is done.
It's quite a shame as with Air India, you would get 3 different 777s at the airport at a time (EK, PIA are the others) which not many other UK airports could manage, not even Gatwick.
2013 will indeed be an interesting year for new services. Still keeping a lookout for any rumours.
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What would come first in UK EDI or BHX for the next ME route from any carrier be it Qatar or Etihad ?
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Of all the nonsense AH/AI/EK third flight early 2013
Yes QR and EK are possible, although when who knows. I know that BHX are still chasing AI but really what for? If ATQ had been a goldmine they would still be flying it. As for AH, what utter nonsense - IF it happens it will be yet another Hellenic, Aerosvit, Armavia - blink and you miss it.
Fact is, as of right now, BHX has but two new confirmed routes for summer '13 which are ZB summer season low frequency leisure flights to BOD and SPU as well as the planned increase of TK flights to IST. That's it. People are focusing so much on long haul dreams they seem to have forgotten that for summer '13:
1. All BE French seasonal routes have been dropped (low frequency and short season admittedly but still more than a few thousand pax lost)
2. City routes recently dropped to GOT, LYS, PRG and LIS have not been replaced
3. There are increasingly (and worryingly) more capacity cuts on legacy carrier routes (LX to ZRH, LH to TXL for example)
4. There are still gaps in both city and leisure focused destinations in Europe.
Positivity yes - but cmbined with realism. BHX is certainly not stagnating but it is failing to attract new airlines (last was TK in 2009?) and cannot seem to attract a based carrier that will commit to an aggressive expansion of airframes and destinations at a BHX base, although ZB have shown commitment to long term growth. We also need to remember that annual pax numbers are still well below 9 million and the airport has been overtaken by LTN and EDI in the past 24 months in annual pax totals.
Don't get me wrong I am very pro BHX and have flown at least once a month from there during 2012 on business and leisure. The investment in pax facilities has transformed the place very much for the better. And I would be the first to be shouting off the rooftops if QR for example did start but until there are either a raft of new carriers and destinations announced or a based carrier that really takes the lead and develops a 10+ based airframe operation BHX will continue to simply stumble along rather than growing in leaps and bounds which it should be given its first class pax facilities and central location.