However, forget the long haul; proper new medium haul routes
Short haul will also stimulate long haul.
BHX wants to attract long haul routes, yet, it needs to show it can handle the long haul traffic by proving demand through its other flights.
For example, if BHX can get more people to connect via other hubs, it will prove there is a market and attract the routes it desires. However, it seems that market needs to improve, when you look at the following routes:
-Lufthansa often use the A319/B737 for BHX-FRA, and even has had to cut the route to 3 daily in Jan/Feb when it could get an A321 on the route if demand for connections increases. Even EDI sees more A321 flights from LH!
-Lufthansa again use the E195 for BHX-MUC. Lots of connection potential so, if this was being exploited, an A319/A320 would be used.
-Swiss, who again offered good connections, have had to cut down to 2 daily and use the F100/Avro. If demand was being exploited, the 3rd daily would continue and the A319/A320 would be used.
-Air France, they use their A318 jets, occasionally subbing for larger equipment. If long haul connections were being exploited, there would be the A321.
The list could go on.
However, the point is, if BHX has 'the second largest long haul demand in the UK', then why are these carriers, who offer well timed connections via their hubs, struggling to justify the use of larger aircraft, and, improving the number of flights?
Whilst it is obviously important to keep an eye on long haul opportunities, BHX really needs to focus on improving short haul, not only chasing the routes to MAD/VIE/WAW etc, but, trying to get the carriers it has to increase, get the connections market on the up and prove that there is a market.