SOUTHEND 5

[Expressflight]

I think that is indeed the case. Sukhoi will be bringing out modifications to the brakes and flight controls to allow it to operate at LCY but I think these are some way off at the moment.

[DC3 Dave]

Originally Posted by runwayman

I don't think we will see the Superjet here as my understanding is landing on Southend's runway when wet will be a problem for this aircraft.

But it was reported here that a SSJ landed here a few months ago in a familiarisation exercise for SEN employees. Obviously that was when it appeared the Cityjet / Stobart deal was on, but surely no-one would have bothered if the runway was an issue.

If it is the case that SEN is a non-starter for the SSJ that would be disappointing, but I would think it may prove a bigger issue for potential SSJ operators.

Balkan Holidays have added SEN to their departure airports.

[tws123]

Indeed they have, making use of the Dubrovnik flights which is good to see.

[flight_mode]

Now LTNman said 2 + 2 could = 146.

A 146 can't be viably operated in a 2+2 config, either 2+3 like Swiss or more likely 3+3 which is horribly tight.

DBV on the 146-200 will likely be payload restricted, especially in summer.

[DC3 Dave]

I don't think LTNman was being literal. I quoted him and understood him to mean that we should not necessarily believe what appeared to add up to a 175 being used, when it might be a 146.

I don't think it had anything to do with seating configurations.

[LTNman]

Yep nothing to do with a seating config but just speculation on an aircraft type.

[GdLSF]

Any chance they will use Eastern A/W 175's?

[Expressflight]

What Eastern A/W 175s?

[runway30]

I think he will have meant 170s

[runway30]

So the answer will be no.

[tophat27dt]

Originally Posted by GdLSF

Any chance they will use Eastern A/W 175's?

Wait and see please.

[tws123]

Flybe/Stobart Air

An interesting piece which features indepth analysis of the 12 new SEN routes: Flybe announces London Heathrow as its fifth London airport

[DC3 Dave]

Very interesting analysis. What was already know is that Flybe will have to work hard to make the new SEN routes a success. It's interesting that only 2 destinations, Reus and Dubrovnik face competition from Jet2; that applies to all destinations served from their 5 London airports. I think that's significant in just who Flybe believe will be their future customers and how they will attempt to attract business and get the routes off to a decent start.

Going back to Jet2, you'd have to be leading a very sheltered life if you were unaware of the bombardment of advertising from them on TV, radio and free newspaper cover sheets most weeks. I guess it's what they have to do to give their STN operation the ability to compete against their more established (in the south-east) rivals. So let's hope a significant campaign by Flybe will be seen, and soon. Hopefully, the airport will join in with renewed vigor. I have liked the promotional videos they've commissioned, but they need to reach a wider audience. Now is the time Southend.

[Andy_S]

Originally Posted by DC3 Dave

What was already know is that Flybe will have to work hard to make the new SEN routes a success.

Is that true, though? I stand to be corrected, but my understanding is that Flybe are simply providing a service. All the risk is Stobart's.

[davidjohnson6]

Reading between the lines, I'd say that anna.aero's choice of wording says they are highly dubious as to whether Flybe / Stobart's new routes at SEN will be profitable

[DC3 Dave]

Flybe / Stobart

There will be an element of shared risk here. But there can be no doubt that Stobart are the ones who will be damaged badly by failure. Flybe are probably in a position to say, oh dear - never mind and move on if it all goes pear shaped. But why would they want that to happen? No point in striking deals with anyone if there's nothing to gain (and nothing to lose).

What we know already is that the routes will be marketed and tickets sold by Flybe. So obviously whatever media are selected it will be the Flybe brand on show.

Who writes the cheques to cover all this is unknown, but somebody has to and it won't be cheap.

[Expressflight]

I don't understand why anyone thinks that Flybe are likely to be carrying any commercial risk on the Stobart SEN routes. Have I missed something in the statements that have been issued to date that suggests otherwise?

[Andy_S]

No, I don't believe so. Flybe will simply be contracted by Stobart to offer a service, for which they will be paid regardless of the performance of those routes.

[DC3 Dave]

Reputation worth anything? New routes will "Bring nine new airports to the airline's (Flybe's) network."

Am I being told that for every £1 spent on advertising the new routes under the Flybe brand an equivalent invoice will be raised and sent to Stobart? Or is the cost of sales & marketing down to the service provider under the terms of the contract?

And Stobart will indemnify the service provider against any failure to provide said service under the terms agreed?

[Barling Magna]

Or is the cost of sales & marketing down to the service provider

If that is the case then I'm worried. flyBE failed with the Dublin service from SEN when they took it over. I hope Stobart will have the cash to pay flyBE to advertise.......