One of EDI's problems is that it only has one stand capable of taking any aircraft bigger than a 767-300, but use of this stand (6A) means that stands 5 and 6 (two of the busiest stands) can't be used. Given the shortage of stands at peak times this isn't currently a practical option.
The A330-200 is better suited to long-haul ops from EDI's runway but needs stand 6A because its wingspan is much longer than the 767's. The 767-300ER can fit several stands but it needs more runway than the A330-200 and therefore suffers some payload restriction operating from EDI. Most of the 767 stands need international pax to be bussed to and from the terminal which is less than ideal, and the international arrivals and departures facilities remain inadequate.
A number of new stands are expected to be completed shortly but given the forthcoming increases to BACF, EZY and FR flight programs (amongst others) the shortage of stands will persist. I'm not aware of any immediate plans to improve the international arrivals and departures facilities, the stand size limitations or the runway length.
Add to this EDI's very high charges, and BAA are hardly encouraging long-haul ops from EDI.
Last edited by Porrohman; 16th May 2008 at 09:19.
Reason: corrected statement re 767 payload range