Air Southwest
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It actually goes to show how acurate ATI are if they are showing Asw with a saab they actually own 3 dash aircraft according to other sources but that said this is a ploy by SHH to shut Plymouth eventually and do what their main core buisness is regeneration of the airport
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Discussion on how matters will pan out for Plymouth is of course of interest. But how is this likely to affect Newquay ? I seem to have heard that Air Southwest account for around 50% of Newquay's traffic.
Given the major sums poured in to the airfield in recent times and the growing problems Cornwall Council are likely to face with tightening budgets, how will things look for the airfield ?
Given the major sums poured in to the airfield in recent times and the growing problems Cornwall Council are likely to face with tightening budgets, how will things look for the airfield ?
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Doesn't look too hot for Newquay either - bad news really for the southwest. Few other candidates will step in other than Flybe for the tastiest routes. Flybe's strategy has always been to eliminate the minnows - especially WOW.
What have the local authority in Plymouth said about their desire to maintain an airport there in recent years? Anything other than resounding support would imply that they see pound signs relating to the redevelopment of that land for other purposes. Sutton Harbour would have to negotiate 'contributions' for local infrastructure improvements in order to gain permission to redevelop the land, but that will be small fry compared to what the land is worth with that permission.
Alas, it's probably the eleventh hour for the airport.
What have the local authority in Plymouth said about their desire to maintain an airport there in recent years? Anything other than resounding support would imply that they see pound signs relating to the redevelopment of that land for other purposes. Sutton Harbour would have to negotiate 'contributions' for local infrastructure improvements in order to gain permission to redevelop the land, but that will be small fry compared to what the land is worth with that permission.
Alas, it's probably the eleventh hour for the airport.
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Were ASW to close completely and vacate NQY then I would imagine that Flybe might look to introduce some sort of flights to MAN to connect with their other services to BHD, GLA, EDI, INV, IOM etc, or perhaps they'd consider routing some of the LGW services via EXT to connect and replace the ASW PLH connection.
Who knows, but ASW aren't a particularly attractive prospect for buyers just now given the recent losses.
I think 'wakeup' has the most likely solution in Blue Islands....
Who knows, but ASW aren't a particularly attractive prospect for buyers just now given the recent losses.
I think 'wakeup' has the most likely solution in Blue Islands....
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It is sad news to hear of AirSouthwest being offered for sale. I agree with many of the commentaries on here, hard to see who would be wishing to buy this.
Small niche airlines can do well if they have a nice or something innovative that competitors cant get after Eg Manx2 small size aircraft on thin routes under 19 seats that allow high frequency at reasonable enough prices.
When Flybe invaded the market this would have instantly pressured AirSouthwest who are a small outfit, prior to that it is arguable to say that based on the limited scale of the airline it is hard to being significantly profitable to make the future bright.
Flybe an unlikely buyer, owing to the its fleet strategy, and perhaps Q400 too big not only to operate at PLY but also too many seats for many of the existing routes.
Perhaps blueislands or maybe Manx2 could see a nice in Plymouth that could shield them from the likes of Flybe?
EI-BUD
Small niche airlines can do well if they have a nice or something innovative that competitors cant get after Eg Manx2 small size aircraft on thin routes under 19 seats that allow high frequency at reasonable enough prices.
When Flybe invaded the market this would have instantly pressured AirSouthwest who are a small outfit, prior to that it is arguable to say that based on the limited scale of the airline it is hard to being significantly profitable to make the future bright.
Flybe an unlikely buyer, owing to the its fleet strategy, and perhaps Q400 too big not only to operate at PLY but also too many seats for many of the existing routes.
Perhaps blueislands or maybe Manx2 could see a nice in Plymouth that could shield them from the likes of Flybe?
EI-BUD
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Flew with ASW a few times from GLA to PLH via NQY and back and can honestly say that it was a very professional, timely and enjoyable service.
Its possible that flybe could make tracks into PLH via their tie-up with Loganair. The SAAB 340 recently made a few trips into PLH albeit with a reduced payload, but it did get in and out. The allowable payload may just be enough to justify PLH sectors over to NQY where a full load could then be taken to anywhere in the existing network - including a revised LCY sector.
It has been rumoured for many years that Loganair were looking at the Dash-8 series of aircraft. The GLA hangar is capable of taking Dash 8-1,2,300s and they would easily fit into the Highlands and Islands network, and with flybe operating the larger -400s (with extensive Dash 8 experience - all series) it may well be the right move for flybe and Loganair.
Its possible that flybe could make tracks into PLH via their tie-up with Loganair. The SAAB 340 recently made a few trips into PLH albeit with a reduced payload, but it did get in and out. The allowable payload may just be enough to justify PLH sectors over to NQY where a full load could then be taken to anywhere in the existing network - including a revised LCY sector.
It has been rumoured for many years that Loganair were looking at the Dash-8 series of aircraft. The GLA hangar is capable of taking Dash 8-1,2,300s and they would easily fit into the Highlands and Islands network, and with flybe operating the larger -400s (with extensive Dash 8 experience - all series) it may well be the right move for flybe and Loganair.
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Its possible that flybe could make tracks into PLH via their tie-up with Loganair. The SAAB 340 recently made a few trips into PLH albeit with a reduced payload, but it did get in and out
Silverstreak, now thats good thinking as a way around the Q400 restriction, however, I cant see Loganair touching this with a barge pole, anything remotely risky wont be on their agenda IMO.
Belfast City IOM was axed as quick as lightning, mid season the route was abandoned, and it was close to home with BHD being only a hop across from GLA.
However, Loganair could make a real go of this and their presence in this market could ensure that Flybe are not predatory.
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Concern for existing airline
Isnt one supposed to sell of a division when it is making money, thus earning some decent cash for the parent? Seems like it must be really bleeding cash to have to come to this. I would have thought a confidential negotiation with Eastern Airways would have had a better result than just announcing it will sell to anyone anywhere at anytime. Although the airline has a business as usual notice on the website, i cant help but feel a little worried for them.
If PLH was to close it would be the largest UK city without an airport. I could imagine that a new airport outside of the city would be constructed with a longer runway and potential for longer distance flights. That could easily see similar pax throughput as Doncaster, Durham Tees, Norwich, Humberside etc.
If PLH was to close it would be the largest UK city without an airport. I could imagine that a new airport outside of the city would be constructed with a longer runway and potential for longer distance flights. That could easily see similar pax throughput as Doncaster, Durham Tees, Norwich, Humberside etc.
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Trying to stay positive
There is one good thing that may come out of this, if we're bought by a 'non-airline' company. We'll have the freedom and flexibility the airline has been dreaming of for ages but hasn't been able to act on. Regardless of the small loss the company is sound and financially viable but it's outgrown it's parent and needs to be set free. There is so much potential within the organisation and a wealth of professionalism and experience. Some of the crew have 30 years plus of operating regular schedules out of short fields and the flight ops and cabin crew management are well respected in CAA circles.
Also don't for get that some of the loss was due to the refunds caused by volcanic ash. They can't be technically classed as a loss as it was outside of the airlines control. Most of that will re-appear is some form or another in repeat business. Sutton Harbour wants out that's all.
Wasn't impressed about hearing it on the local news first but expected nothing less.
Also don't for get that some of the loss was due to the refunds caused by volcanic ash. They can't be technically classed as a loss as it was outside of the airlines control. Most of that will re-appear is some form or another in repeat business. Sutton Harbour wants out that's all.
Wasn't impressed about hearing it on the local news first but expected nothing less.
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I doubt any of the competition would buy it. They'll just wait in the wings to take over the routes or start a price war and finish them off.
Some sort of merger/tie up with Eastern or Blue islands might be viable or an outsider company with money to burn. There is some residual value in the aoc and parts of the route network.
Longer term it is probably a viable outfit, but short term the parent company has got cold feet or run out of cash...?
Some sort of merger/tie up with Eastern or Blue islands might be viable or an outsider company with money to burn. There is some residual value in the aoc and parts of the route network.
Longer term it is probably a viable outfit, but short term the parent company has got cold feet or run out of cash...?
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Amber Crystal precipitates "Blue Southwest" ?
"Longer term it is probably a viable outfit, but short term the parent company has got cold feet or run out of cash...?"
or is it a consequence of Guernsey-based value investor Amber Crystal acquiring a stake of around ten per cent in the Group in 2009 where the investors define themselves as "An activist fund taking stakes in undervalued companies and taking action to enhance value. " (ie we make comfortable management teams make uncomfortable decisions or change the management team).
I'm backing Blue Southwest as the fun option.
or is it a consequence of Guernsey-based value investor Amber Crystal acquiring a stake of around ten per cent in the Group in 2009 where the investors define themselves as "An activist fund taking stakes in undervalued companies and taking action to enhance value. " (ie we make comfortable management teams make uncomfortable decisions or change the management team).
I'm backing Blue Southwest as the fun option.
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Hear, hear!
I agree with Dash7lover above, I believe it is great news for our airline.
There is so much we can do given the opportunity.
As to the ignorant comments on here regarding the losses and building lots of houses on the airport site. Since the airline has been operating we have made a profit, the first 4 years more than make up for the last two years and as with all airlines the last couple of years have been rough.
As for the grand building plans... my understanding was that the freehold land is not actually owned at the airport, and I doubt there is a master plan to close the airport to put leased property on it. I expect ASW will continue to operate out of both PLH and NQY, any plan to sell the airline will surely be based on a commitment to retain the services and secure the future of the airport.
Who ever is hoping to buy ASW, we look forward to what the future has to bring and most are excited by the prospect.
C
There is so much we can do given the opportunity.
As to the ignorant comments on here regarding the losses and building lots of houses on the airport site. Since the airline has been operating we have made a profit, the first 4 years more than make up for the last two years and as with all airlines the last couple of years have been rough.
As for the grand building plans... my understanding was that the freehold land is not actually owned at the airport, and I doubt there is a master plan to close the airport to put leased property on it. I expect ASW will continue to operate out of both PLH and NQY, any plan to sell the airline will surely be based on a commitment to retain the services and secure the future of the airport.
Who ever is hoping to buy ASW, we look forward to what the future has to bring and most are excited by the prospect.
C
Last edited by gilbertmchris; 28th May 2010 at 14:01. Reason: change to previous posts
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According to a report I read from Michael Knight Chairman of SHH the 'transport division' lost a total of £3.945 million in the last financial year. That is up from a mere £850K the year before.
When you are valuing a company forget aircraft types routes etc and how they may fit in with others, look at them all as wheelbarrows. If planes are owned they are assets and leased liabilities. Nothing that isn't owned or highly desirable is worth a light.
Al Titterington, MD at Newquay, seems confident everything will continue so lets wait and see, this day and age anything is possible.
When you are valuing a company forget aircraft types routes etc and how they may fit in with others, look at them all as wheelbarrows. If planes are owned they are assets and leased liabilities. Nothing that isn't owned or highly desirable is worth a light.
Al Titterington, MD at Newquay, seems confident everything will continue so lets wait and see, this day and age anything is possible.
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Right with you GilbertMChris!
Think we're in for some good times ahead, and a positive future. Lets hope that whoever buys ASW thinks the same as us and drives us forwards!
See you in the crew room!
Think we're in for some good times ahead, and a positive future. Lets hope that whoever buys ASW thinks the same as us and drives us forwards!
See you in the crew room!
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That could easily see similar pax throughput as Doncaster, Durham Tees, Norwich, Humberside etc.
Once PLH goes, its gone for good I reckon!
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I think more important than 'who' is 'where?' There are no suitable sites left within a realistic distance of Plymouth - even Sherford wasn't ideal as aircraft would still be overflying the city.
As well as the volcanic ash, Plymouth spent a good deal of time shut this winter. Purchasing several full tanker loads of de-icer and other equipment to try and get the runway/aircraft operational again can't have been cheap for SHH.
The transport division lost £1.49 million in the 6 months to September 2009, pitched against a profit for the same period in 2008 of £274,000. As far as I'm aware, the carrier was consistently profitable before this after the initial set up period. They are in a fairly good position even now, with almost £17 million in assets.
As well as the volcanic ash, Plymouth spent a good deal of time shut this winter. Purchasing several full tanker loads of de-icer and other equipment to try and get the runway/aircraft operational again can't have been cheap for SHH.
The transport division lost £1.49 million in the 6 months to September 2009, pitched against a profit for the same period in 2008 of £274,000. As far as I'm aware, the carrier was consistently profitable before this after the initial set up period. They are in a fairly good position even now, with almost £17 million in assets.
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Guess I'm not a true ppruner then...
I cant bitch about things I know nothing about or slag off my company just because I'm in a bad mood if everyone knows it's me.
Luckily I dont need to as, the above mentioned types omited, all who I work with will agree, ASW is a great little company with a very loyal team of staff who love what we do and are good at it, we have huge support from locals and regulars and our load factors even on routes with stiff competition prove it.
Summer is here, loads and yields are up and it's time for our airline to go in the direction it deserves, I cant be more optimistic.
It's everyone in a shiney big jet flying 25% loads round on sub-hour sectors who should be worried. It might be your management thinking the route would be more profitable in a 50 seat, 18 year old turbo prop!
For all those who dont work for ASW, thanks for your concern but we dont need it.
Chris
I cant bitch about things I know nothing about or slag off my company just because I'm in a bad mood if everyone knows it's me.
Luckily I dont need to as, the above mentioned types omited, all who I work with will agree, ASW is a great little company with a very loyal team of staff who love what we do and are good at it, we have huge support from locals and regulars and our load factors even on routes with stiff competition prove it.
Summer is here, loads and yields are up and it's time for our airline to go in the direction it deserves, I cant be more optimistic.
It's everyone in a shiney big jet flying 25% loads round on sub-hour sectors who should be worried. It might be your management thinking the route would be more profitable in a 50 seat, 18 year old turbo prop!
For all those who dont work for ASW, thanks for your concern but we dont need it.
Chris
