Originally Posted by
Sotonsean
JW95
My good friend JW95, I honestly can't believe that you still have such faith in Flypop 😃
Flypop has popped. There's no way this virtual airline will ever be gracing the apron at STN anytime soon. Flypop can be added to the list of other similar start-ups that planned to fly from the UK to India. I think that Global Airlines has more chance than the likes of Flypop, and that is really saying something.
But nonetheless, I always enjoy reading your contributions to the LGW and STN threads, which, of course, are both very personal to our good selves 👍
Likewise my friend, Sotonsean, always great hearing from you, and I greatly enjoy engaging with you on the PPRUNE LGW and STN threads
I think you're right, as you say, I think Flypop have definitely 'popped' and I'm sure MAG are looking past that now for other carriers who have a greater chance of actually getting off the ground, as well as more established airlines. I also can't see Global lifting off with A380s, but hey, I could be wrong. Time will tell
I notice that SAS was mentioned. As was previously flagged up, they are no stranger to Stansted, having tried services from here on a number of occasions, the most recent of these attempts being in 2019. Sadly Covid saw the route to CPH cease, which I think was a shame, as they provided a good alternative to FR, as well as opening up long haul (as well as short haul) connections via Copenhagen. It would be nice to see them return, but I'm now doubtful if they have shifted focus and are looking at LGW to supplement their LHR services.
Another good feeder for STN could be Lufthansa, who have also previously flown from STN to both MUC and FRA. IIRC, they flew to Munich seasonally last year, shame that it didn't continue, as I remember it being extended beyond the initially planned period. Re. FRA- Ryanair gave up Frankfurt when they closed their base there 2 years ago and retrenched to Hahn, which is of course nowhere near Frankfurt. I did wonder whether LH would consider re-launching this route, but then they also struggled making LGW work for the second time, and stopped it, and that attempt lasted even less than the first, so on that basis, if LGW couldn't work for them, then I'm even more doubtful STN would.
I also don't see Air India returning to STN, now that they've opened LGW, and it seems to be working for them, as they've moved several routes down from LHR.
In a way, it is a shame that STN hasn't enjoyed as much success in attracting new airlines to the airport in the same way LGW has. Yes, granted, the variety of carriers here has improved since the airport was sold from BAA in 2013, and I recognise that STN's catchment area and market is different to that of LGW, but it would be nice to see the airline portfolio here broaden, particularly with LGW also filling up and the introduction of more long haul routes, besides the existing Emirates service to DXB.