LCY LOADS
Overall bmi are said to be happy with the yield on this service at this stage of the route developement. It is now unlikely that the 135 will be on this route before the end of S05. In any event the ATR is much cheaper to operate than the ERJ so there is no rush to put the 135 on it. Bmi are now seeing LHR pax switching to LCY for connections to from FRA which helps yield and free's up space on the LHR service.
The new 135 (G-RJXL) should leave Brazil today, provided bmi bank transfer clears and be back in the UK on Sunday (the crew need some RR in the GC en route, poor Luv's)
This isn't fitted with the steep approach kit, but all 3 will be if they are happy with LCY return by next C check.
The ATR is leased until the end of March with an option for a further 6 months at least, the crews have been told to expect to spend next summer in Leeds.
And yes LBA runway really is that rough.
The next 145 (ex Eastern) will join the fleet as a dry lease in late Jan or early Febuary, also expect new 2 routes to be launched in January.
Cheers
Burt