UKLad007-yes its good news about the fly-cruise flight and im sure it will be full of north east cruisers come Dec 08 but as others have said i guess given things change in this industry so quickly we should take this announcement with rather a large dose of salt.
On to more short term issues:
-bmi saga....if theyre going to do it i wish they'd hurry up as the airport need to get on to finding a potential new operator (most likely Eastern once they scrap BRU or outside bet VLM tho they recently scrapped LPL-LCY due to poor loads)
-GSM summer 08...again very safe routes that GSM and MME know will work and ones which im quite happy with if we want to sustain traffic and maintain a based lo-co operation. So what if they don't base a second aircraft again they've tried and will cut their cloth according to how well flights have been taken up by the local population. NCE and Pula were gambles anyway and Mahon and Ibiza are still more package destinations anyway.
-Advertising....still no evidence GSM et al have included 'from Durham Tees Valley' on their adverts which must have an impact and also who else has seen the EXTENSIVE Emirates advertising (internet, T.V as far down as Hull) for their new NCL service in order to establish themselves and ensure it is a success-sure they can afford it but its clearly working as sales are doing well- GSM and others take note...the evening gazette and number 45 bus to Redcar might not be enough!