Astraeus has operated niche routes for some considerable time now.
In the coming year, AEU will witness the entrance of some stiff competition on it's most frequently operated routes.
Hassi Messoud
BA is starting twice weekly scheduled flights from Gatwick to Hassi. AEU operate a private contract to HME, but there may be some deflection from the AEU service as BA offers interlining opportunities at LGW, especially for passengers connecting from the US to HME. I have no idea what will happen, but a reduction in frequency by AEU may occurr. We will see. Hopefully there is room enough for both BA and AEU on the route. AEU do offer a far superior cabin service to what BA will offer on the route.
Sharm el Sheikh
AEU took the bold step of setting up scheduled flights to SSH from both MAN and LGW. GB are setting up a thrice weekly operation on the route. Again, the Astraeus 757 has far more legroom, and having flown with GB to LPA recently, AEU has by a long shot, the superior cabin service, and also has IFE available. The bar on GB may be free, but apart from that, I cannot see why pax would chose BA over AEU. AEU is now well established on the route, and while pax may try BA/GB, AEU provides the better all round package. In terms of the winter schedule, I am not sure what will happen.
Acca
Accra has started up again, and AEU is now the second designated scheduled carrier from the UK on the ACC route. FJE and TOM are due to cease on the route, leaving just AEU and BA. When the full schedule is up and running, flights will operate 3 times a week, departing LGW on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Regards
Mike