Will Ba Come Back?
I've been around long enough to recall that BA withdrew MAN-JFK in 1981, apparently for good. They were flying it with B707s and VC10s at the time. But in 1985 they were back on the route in response to a growing long-haul presence at MAN, including the likes of Qantas and the imminent arrival of American Airlines and Singapore Airlines. BA stayed on the route and grew it from 3 x weekly to daily. There were changes of equipment from L1011 TriStar, to B747 and DC10 following the BCAL take-over. In the mid 1990s it went to a daily B767 where it stayed until this weekend.
Could they come back again? Less likely this time, as they now have no domestic or European base at MAN any longer to support it, just the London links. OpenSkies? well never say never, but probably not. With onerous rumours surrounding bmi Atlantic services the future for MAN as a long-haul airport looks challenging for the foreseeable. I say that with great sadness as one who witnessed the heady years of the 1980s and 90s when MANs network spanned 5 continents. More than ever the city and its airport must work closely to ensure that it grows its profile as an international business centre, for it is those passengers at the 'pointy end' paying the bigger bucks who convince airlines to open long-haul routes. More Spinningfields / Media Citys / Knowledge Capitals required!