Originally Posted by
SWBKCB
This is the only scenario I can see working, but where on earth would you find an operator that could attract that level of based a/c. You're talking a Leeds/Newcastle sized operation
Isn’t this the crux of the problem? There is a widely held belief that Peel have deterred growth through uncompetitive pricing and by generally being disinterested in any growth opportunities. The evidence that is available to the public suggests this is the opposite of reality, and despite offering substantial starting subsidies and ongoing competitive rates and marketing support, the airport was unable to attract enough airlines and freight business to grow sustainably. This is as true for the airlines that did try like easyjet, Ryanair and FlyBe as it is for KLM and Jet2 who could never be attracted in spite of such offers.
LBA despite its well known operational limitations has taken the market that Doncaster would need to become a success, as has East Midlands to the south and of course to most people in Sheffield travelling to Manchester is just something they’ve always done and continue to do.
Unless the airlines and freight operators can be convinced that consolidating all operations at Doncaster at the expense of LBA and EMA is they way forwards then there really is no future in volume traffic from DSA. The fact that Doncaster doesn’t fit in to any easyjet growth strategy even though they have no base now between Luton and Edinburgh on this side of the country highlights the disappointing reality.