Originally Posted by
eggc
Very good point Bagso, there does indeed seem to be mounting evidence air traffic growth is finding its way to the regions of the UK in the face of a full SE, and not being lost to mainland Europe, as some would have us believe. I don't think we have seen the end of it either....and about time too.
There is no doubt that both runway capacity - slots for the 06-09:00 period, and availability of parking stands are a big issue. It is clear that both BHX and BRS are hoovering up London overspill. This trend will increase.
The usual pattern is for capacity constrained airports to push away charters, main deck freighters and Corporates. Look at LHR, LGW and DXB for evidence.
The other symptom is use of remote bases to get access to constrained airports later in the day. You can see both RYR & EZY using this technique for Gatwick.
It is only a matter of time before Luton start to push away the corporate operators too, probably to Farnborough, Cambridge, Bournemouth. Again signs of this already.
The recent Thomson long haul announcements for BRS are also likely partly due slot availability at LGW.
The main deck freighters will increasingly use EMA, located at the centre of the UK logistics and distribution industry.
Growth in England south of Manchester will continue, despite the lack of London Runway and Stand capacity. BHX and BRS will benefit most.
FF