ABERDEEN
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I still think it's a shame Flybe saw fit to close not expand the Aberdeen base. Interesting that they are talking bullishly about new (leased?) aircraft & routes...as well as UK bases. But which airports? Have they not had bases at most at one point in time? Like others, I find Flybe baffling at times. You would have thought this area being one of the most successful economically in recent years would have attracted them, but not the case.
Jet2 have gone quiet since their statement a few years back when they opened the GLA base. ABZ 'one possibly for the future' or words to that effect. Question is - how far into the future? If they were going to be attracted, you would think now is the time when the area is strong economically...might not be worth it in 3, 5, 10 years time depending on where Big Oil is. Sadly, airlines' cycles don't coincide with the economic well-being of an area you think should be served.
I have often wondered about competition on AMS, but I guess KLM (as with BA at LHR) will always the dominant carrier thanks to its connectivity and freq at Schiphol. As bmiR found out when they tried to launch their own AMS route. Of course, we have no based loco, and maybe never will have - the loco boom has passed us by. Would someone launch a competing route & serve it with non-based aircraft? Possible I suppose.
Helicopters, and noted this from the recent stipulations:
The CAA estimates that the seating restrictions will mean many offshore helicopters will have to cut their passenger *capacity by between 15 and 20 per cent.
Mr Paterson said the restrictions would mean extra offshore flights and more aircraft having to be deployed for changing the crews on oil rigs.
The industry is already forecasting an increase in the number of flights this year by about six per cent He admitted: “That in itself will represent a challenge.”
Challenges for the heli operators indeed, what with a shortage of pilots and possibly still equipment - an increase in flights forecast, which will be exacerbated by the restrictions being imposed. Challenges too for the oil industry, as this is not going to help with increased costs, in an ageing Province already suffering from increased costs. Even with >$100 oil, some projects have been deferred due to high costs, & it won't take much for a sustained drop in the oil price (even by $15 or so) for the effects to bite.
Exciting times - interesting times - potentially worrying times.
Jet2 have gone quiet since their statement a few years back when they opened the GLA base. ABZ 'one possibly for the future' or words to that effect. Question is - how far into the future? If they were going to be attracted, you would think now is the time when the area is strong economically...might not be worth it in 3, 5, 10 years time depending on where Big Oil is. Sadly, airlines' cycles don't coincide with the economic well-being of an area you think should be served.
I have often wondered about competition on AMS, but I guess KLM (as with BA at LHR) will always the dominant carrier thanks to its connectivity and freq at Schiphol. As bmiR found out when they tried to launch their own AMS route. Of course, we have no based loco, and maybe never will have - the loco boom has passed us by. Would someone launch a competing route & serve it with non-based aircraft? Possible I suppose.
Helicopters, and noted this from the recent stipulations:
The CAA estimates that the seating restrictions will mean many offshore helicopters will have to cut their passenger *capacity by between 15 and 20 per cent.
Mr Paterson said the restrictions would mean extra offshore flights and more aircraft having to be deployed for changing the crews on oil rigs.
The industry is already forecasting an increase in the number of flights this year by about six per cent He admitted: “That in itself will represent a challenge.”
Challenges for the heli operators indeed, what with a shortage of pilots and possibly still equipment - an increase in flights forecast, which will be exacerbated by the restrictions being imposed. Challenges too for the oil industry, as this is not going to help with increased costs, in an ageing Province already suffering from increased costs. Even with >$100 oil, some projects have been deferred due to high costs, & it won't take much for a sustained drop in the oil price (even by $15 or so) for the effects to bite.
Exciting times - interesting times - potentially worrying times.
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We're after German tourists...joint venture with Lufthansa
New campaign launched to bring Germans to Aberdeen | Feed | Aberdeen | STV
New campaign launched to bring Germans to Aberdeen | Feed | Aberdeen | STV
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Bulgaria
Seems the Aberdeen to Bourgas, Bulgaria flights operate every Monday this time, from 31 May - 27 Sep 2014.
How does the length of operation compare to previous years, anyone know?
They had been Sat am flights for a few years, possibly since they started.
How does the length of operation compare to previous years, anyone know?
They had been Sat am flights for a few years, possibly since they started.
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Balkan
31 May - 27 September? They're Saturdays Richard! 
Season is same length as S13 which is I believe 17 outbound rotations.
I also note that in October TCX will be running some one-offs to Fuerteventura and Bodrum with the latter operated by Pegasus Airlines who will also be doing some DLM this year.
Season is same length as S13 which is I believe 17 outbound rotations.
I also note that in October TCX will be running some one-offs to Fuerteventura and Bodrum with the latter operated by Pegasus Airlines who will also be doing some DLM this year.
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The Balkan Holidays site says flying every Monday! Hope the punters don't turn up on the wrong day! 
Yes, usually some extra Oct IT flights on account of the 'tattie' holidays. Except nae kids howk up tatties these days - they just go abroad with their parents!! Lazy b*ggers...
Thanks for the info Cap'n
Yes, usually some extra Oct IT flights on account of the 'tattie' holidays. Except nae kids howk up tatties these days - they just go abroad with their parents!! Lazy b*ggers...
Thanks for the info Cap'n
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Etihad to Aberdeen????
New report if possible Etihad service to aberdeen, I'm thinking runway is too short and airport is pathetically under equipped for a premier middle eastern airline that would want air bridges and a decent terminal
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Etihad Airways to begin flights from Scotland - The Scotsman
This is the article which has indeed suggested ABZ could be in line.
That said I think the imminent service is surely going to EDI most likely on an A330.
The one in 5 years may well be ABZ, possibly on an A320neo which should manage the 3100nm journey direct. EY have their A320s configured with a rather low density (136) although I believe currently their longest A32S sector is to Belgrade.
Not holding my breath on this one. Personally I would prefer a TK IST service which seems more realistic and ABZ seems to fit their strategy if connecting Secondary European markets where a widebody is overkill.
This is the article which has indeed suggested ABZ could be in line.
That said I think the imminent service is surely going to EDI most likely on an A330.
The one in 5 years may well be ABZ, possibly on an A320neo which should manage the 3100nm journey direct. EY have their A320s configured with a rather low density (136) although I believe currently their longest A32S sector is to Belgrade.
Not holding my breath on this one. Personally I would prefer a TK IST service which seems more realistic and ABZ seems to fit their strategy if connecting Secondary European markets where a widebody is overkill.
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A widebody on any ABZ schedule would be overkill unless a one-off!
If HAH sell to Ferrovial, or anyone else, maybe we'll see expansion to see such a service. Or maybe for BAA/HAH, read Ferrovial, GIP etc. Meet the new boss...same as the old boss as Daltrey once sang.
Personally, I am doubtful - we don't know what the oil industry will be like in 12mths time, never mind 5yrs! There are some serious concerns coming to the fore.
I've always been dubious over the BAA's forecasts of passengers long term anyway.
If HAH sell to Ferrovial, or anyone else, maybe we'll see expansion to see such a service. Or maybe for BAA/HAH, read Ferrovial, GIP etc. Meet the new boss...same as the old boss as Daltrey once sang.
Personally, I am doubtful - we don't know what the oil industry will be like in 12mths time, never mind 5yrs! There are some serious concerns coming to the fore.
I've always been dubious over the BAA's forecasts of passengers long term anyway.
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Be really good if Aberdeen did get something like an Abu Dhabi flight, also update on loganair and saab 2000's, apparently 1 in March, 1 in April and 1 in May to increase capacity on sumburgh routes,
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Oil production has been decreasing for years yet that hasn't stopped record passenger numbers/routes being recorded. Production will likely level out in the coming years and with further discoveries possible up Shetland way the industry will keep the area buoyant for the foreseeable future I reckon. Of course as you say Richard it's unpredictable, it can go T.U. very quickly.
Are all the Logan S2000's being based in ABZ. Surely don't need 3 just for max 9 rotations p/day to LSI/KOI?
Are all the Logan S2000's being based in ABZ. Surely don't need 3 just for max 9 rotations p/day to LSI/KOI?
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As far as I'm aware they are based at Aberdeen, to increase capacity on sumburgh route which has been getting busier and busier and also for oil charter contracts, was there not something in the paper when these aircraft were announced re a bond contract to Shetland?
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Morning.
Yes Cap'n, I hope your view prevails - of course, much of the growth has been international, so no reason why that won't continue. I guess what Aberdeen is now which it wasn't in the 70s, 80s & maybe even into the 90s is a global hub to the export of technology & know-how. Less North Sea focused if you like. Many Aberdeen service companies have the bulk of their business in exports.
There is a tremendous amount of office & industrial development going on, or about to start - so someone must know something somewhere.
ABA, the Bond/Sumburgh contract I think went to Eastern. But I too read all 3 Saab 2000s for Loganair were to be based here, & again no reason why Loganair won't pick up some oil contracts now & going forward, especially when the likes of Brent decommissioning kicks in in a couple of years - more manpower required there (I read the decommissioning of Brent could keep people busy for 6yrs.). Logan have been to Shetland, Esbjerg, Rotterdam on such oil contracts in the last 6mths.
I think the SB2000 is an impressive aircraft, pity Saab don't have a production line on them anymore.
Yes Cap'n, I hope your view prevails - of course, much of the growth has been international, so no reason why that won't continue. I guess what Aberdeen is now which it wasn't in the 70s, 80s & maybe even into the 90s is a global hub to the export of technology & know-how. Less North Sea focused if you like. Many Aberdeen service companies have the bulk of their business in exports.
There is a tremendous amount of office & industrial development going on, or about to start - so someone must know something somewhere.
ABA, the Bond/Sumburgh contract I think went to Eastern. But I too read all 3 Saab 2000s for Loganair were to be based here, & again no reason why Loganair won't pick up some oil contracts now & going forward, especially when the likes of Brent decommissioning kicks in in a couple of years - more manpower required there (I read the decommissioning of Brent could keep people busy for 6yrs.). Logan have been to Shetland, Esbjerg, Rotterdam on such oil contracts in the last 6mths.
I think the SB2000 is an impressive aircraft, pity Saab don't have a production line on them anymore.
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Etihad
Perhaps of interest that they are keeping very coy over WHICH two airports they may eventually serve.
Don't suppose Glasgow would be too enamoured if they are not on the radar, given the announcement was at an event in the city!
Don't suppose Glasgow would be too enamoured if they are not on the radar, given the announcement was at an event in the city!
Last edited by Richard Taylor; 1st Mar 2014 at 10:00. Reason: delete link - already posted
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EDI is a certainty if a mid east player comes
The choice beyond that is then LGA = lots of holiday traffic or ABZ = lots of business & interlining traffic
I'd have thought they'd try and serve Glasgow via EDI and run something relatively small on the ABZ route.
Compared to say NCL ABZ has a much smaller population market but a much higher business/premium economy market - and it would be a poke in the eye for BA's lucrative business interlining market via LHR as well
The choice beyond that is then LGA = lots of holiday traffic or ABZ = lots of business & interlining traffic
I'd have thought they'd try and serve Glasgow via EDI and run something relatively small on the ABZ route.
Compared to say NCL ABZ has a much smaller population market but a much higher business/premium economy market - and it would be a poke in the eye for BA's lucrative business interlining market via LHR as well
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Feb pax numbers
255,400 pax for February, up 6.5%,
Movements and cargo numbers also up substantially, so a good first 2 months of 2014, hope it keeps going this way and getting busier
With more routes and increased frequency I can only imagine both pax numbers and aircraft movements are going to increase substantially.
New routes to Corfu and Riga yet to commence, sas service to Oslo, increase in flights to Dalaman, Tenerife and Ibiza for the whole summer season, increase in Heathrow Manchester an Birmingham flights, increase in capacity on sumburgh flights both scheduled and charter,
It's also interesting that when reading the Aberdeen master plan of 2013 that they said 4 million pax by 2020 and that if pax numbers increased quicker development of the airport in the way of a much much larger terminal, aircraft stands etc would happen quicker, well given the fact that the airport is due to hit that 4 mil figure in 2015/2016 on current and future growth surely development needs to be kick started ASAP
Movements and cargo numbers also up substantially, so a good first 2 months of 2014, hope it keeps going this way and getting busier
With more routes and increased frequency I can only imagine both pax numbers and aircraft movements are going to increase substantially.
New routes to Corfu and Riga yet to commence, sas service to Oslo, increase in flights to Dalaman, Tenerife and Ibiza for the whole summer season, increase in Heathrow Manchester an Birmingham flights, increase in capacity on sumburgh flights both scheduled and charter,
It's also interesting that when reading the Aberdeen master plan of 2013 that they said 4 million pax by 2020 and that if pax numbers increased quicker development of the airport in the way of a much much larger terminal, aircraft stands etc would happen quicker, well given the fact that the airport is due to hit that 4 mil figure in 2015/2016 on current and future growth surely development needs to be kick started ASAP
Last edited by ANYWHERE BUT ABZ; 11th Mar 2014 at 10:16.
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I'd have thought they'd try and serve Glasgow via EDI