Originally Posted by
JW95
Other than Emirates, does anyone think there is potential for further long haul from STN? Previously we did have Air India pre-pandemic, although this has now ceased in favour of LHR, plus Primera, American Airlines, EOS and MaxJet to the US. JetBlue are in the midst of taking on more A321LRs, plus the A321XLR. I'm mindful that in the first instance, they'd want to expand frequency at LHR and LGW, but with more a/c coming online, could they make a go at STN? The A321LR/XLR could be a good fit for STN.
Also, is there any news on POP starting service from STN?
Pre covid had heard and seen that Singapore and a few of the smaller Chinese airlines where looking to start. In terms of Singapore the rumour was moving the SIN-MAN-IAH to Stansted and Manchester would get a terminator service.
Jetblue did have a good look at Stansted and had acquired slots. But got the prized slots at LHR and LGW to.
Norse Atlantic had also got slots at Stansted but held out for Gatwick ones to.
Air India are still holding slots and have been strongly rumoured to be returning.
Flypop have got the slots, have the office setup and operational in Enterprise house next to the terminal and have got the planes. But lack a UK AOC for the time being. Have heard they are looking to get a deal done with Hifly to operate the flights. But talk of flypop is actually limited within Stansted.
Not long haul but Tunis Air are flying all flights to Stansted currently over Heathrow/Stansted split. Air Algerie also moved operations to Stansted for the summer. Though more than likely these will changed towards the end of summer when Heathrow lifts the capacity limit. But hopefully not and both stay fully at Stansted.