Originally Posted by
j636
hmm!
1 - the majority of bookings are via airlines websites now days and as said no LHR connections offered with UA.
2 - Don't buy the merger excuse, UA have found 752 (2 for DUB, 1 NCL, 1 EDI, 1 SNN) plus 2 B764 for VCE/FCO to name a few for this summer and in recent summers....I agree about the larger aircraft however it's not the route of the problem at MAN.
3 - I knew the EDI comment would ruffle a few feathers! Yes a lot arrive via ground however an new routes with UA, AA and AC in recent years have changed it. If couldn't possible explain my reasons for saying EDI is better, would be here all day!
Will be interesting to see how long DL stick with JFK and if it becomes year round or upgraded to B763. If they exit MAN again then it may explain a lot and why perhaps UA have not restored EWR capacity.
On a more general point are MAG is active discussions with these carriers and making MAN a destination of choice for them to expand into by offering the competitive fees like competitors? or are they solely focused on East routes?
PLEASE STICK TO FACTS and then we can have a sensible debate. The bulk of the premium rate business traveller bookings are done by travel departments and travel agents and they are offered excellent prices over LHR. Even leisure travellers are savvy enough to look at alternatives either on the net or using travel agents.
The merger and use of equipment is not an excuse. I spend a fair amount of time in Houston and from talking to a good number of people in management plus reading the trade press I know that the merged company is trying maintain and increase its international presence with an ageing 757/767 fleet for thinner routes or those where range is required but a 777/747 isn't. Hold capacity to South America is very important to the new company as is deeper penetration in Europe against a strong Delta after the Northwest merger and a strong American with the benefit of the US long haul fleet on board. You obviously have no idea just how the conjunction of the merger and the 787 delays have disrupted what were Continental's plans. Anyway, that apart, the fact remains they need to fill aircraft ex LHR and are buying seats on BA as well as their pax, as I stated previously.
I'm not getting into a subjective debate about the merits of Edinburgh and Manchester as destinations. I just rely on the figures.
Why do you suppose DL may exit?. Their UK -US flights are under review to maximise the value of their involvement in Virgin. Delta have not pulled off the Atlanta route. They have upgraded the equipment and increased the capacity, it just flies as a code share. The colours on the fuselage don't matter as long as the service is acceptable and a profit is made. We also do not know the financial arrangement between the companies on this or any other service they decide to rejig.
There is no evidence that MAN is sitting on its hands with regard to westbound services. There is equally no evidence it isn't. That airport is a business and whilst it may offer announcements, sound bites and hints, its discussions, discounts and other terms are commercially sensitive. People on here may speculate, say what they would do and complain but from experience of international bidding and negotiation to bring people as opposed to aircraft to destinations, inc Manchester, the work that is needed is long term, constant and has more fits and starts than you would ever believe especially, and we have to deal with the facts, when there is over capacity two hundred miles away.