When I checked the XL website the drop down menus showed only one destination ex MAN the XL website often seems to have problems
. It looks as if XL are massivly reducing their flying programme across the UK next winter
.
My point was that KM does very little in the winter ex BHX. Two of its flights are operated as KM scheduled services KM172/3 (one of which it will operate during the summer 08.) With the exception of ACE and TFS the remainder have only short operating periods ie FNC and TCX have an Egypian Airline operating Sharm el Sheik and Hurgada this year, which will replace KM.
TOM are changing their focus at BHX adding new medium and long-haul routes next winter has some really exciting destinations.
Goa, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cape Verde and 4 destinations in Egypt some of which will utilise a based First Choice 757. Long haul charters are the future for now, out of reach of Low fares airlines.
At BHX there are a mix of airlines legacy,charter,low fares and now FR. BHX isn't reliant on one two or even three airlines for growth. BHX is certainly the first of the major business airports (LHR,BHX,MAN,GLA) to get a FR base it seems to have some people in a bit of a tizz. Airports certainly shouldn't be looking at the charter sector for growth anytime soon.
Despite all of the above an Airport needs to make money and an over reliance on ultra low fares doesn't mean money for airports and development.
Daza