Alvechurch
'why would anyone want to drive past BHX or not get off the train there and instead travel on to Manchester?'
The opposite argument is being used ie: Why should 'Northerners' travel
by air/road/rail to go long haul at LHR ??
With the advent of 'global airline alliances' the argument of 'funnelling'
passengers through hubs applies to all airlines not just BA at LHR.
The success of airlines like Emirates etc at MAN may proove that some
routes would be able to maintain numbers (but not as some on here guestimate)and yields.
Whilst the 3rd LHR runway remains on the backburner MAN may gain
one or two 'practise' routes with the promise of transfer, when the city applies pressure on politicians to build R3.The politicians can only pay
lip-service to the masses before market forces take-over the decision
process.
MM.