So much for LBAs first 777 then.All PIA hot air to get around their constant noise breaches because of their late arrival/departures.
The upgrade to 777 was a firm committment on behalf of PIA and it had been through proper approval and sign-off from both the business and operational sides in PIA. LBA had made some necessary airside changes too to accommodate this. There was then one of the regular management changes in PIA and they decided on a different strategy - namely to consolidate into MAN. Cue some lobbying from the airport and the local community around Bradford and the service was retained, albeit with the A310.
As for 'constant' noise breeches, this has no impact on PIA whatsoever. The planning restrictions relating to chapter 2 aircraft are enforceable on the airport company, not any of the airlines. Authority to allow chapter 2 departures out of hours has to be given by a senior representative of the airport company. It was only ever a handful each year, so 'constant' is probably something of an exaggeration.
Seems to me that with Air Blue out of the way and a disposal plan drawn up for the A310s, it's just a case of things aligning in favour of consolidation at MAN. The market will still be there in the LBA catchment so, as I said previously, it's something to work with.