BIRMINGHAM - 2
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Centre cities
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Originally Posted by GayFriendly
I have never seen its route network in such a state
On a side note anyone know what happened with bmibaby Prague on Thursday?! Collision with an airbridge rendered aircraft unflyable! Thanks to baby for the refreshment vouchers though, if only we'd been so well looked after in Prague when 5 hours delayed coming home
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Solihull
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Routes
egnxema
I can just about cope with the M42 and probably NEMA (still to use it), it
is FR that I can't cope with.
I got done when they pulled the Girona from BHX to NEMA, had to get
Trading Standards involved but to be fair one letter from them and
the money was back in my account in full. I also got a letter hoping
that I would use FR again and an apology for the delay
.
I think I still have it somewhere, not framed
but I thought it could be
a collectors item in the future
.
I have considered the Easy Venice and Rome but even Mrs P has said Italy from BHX only, just hope she has not
got a long wait.
Pete
I can just about cope with the M42 and probably NEMA (still to use it), it
is FR that I can't cope with.
I got done when they pulled the Girona from BHX to NEMA, had to get
Trading Standards involved but to be fair one letter from them and
the money was back in my account in full. I also got a letter hoping
that I would use FR again and an apology for the delay
.I think I still have it somewhere, not framed
but I thought it could bea collectors item in the future
.I have considered the Easy Venice and Rome but even Mrs P has said Italy from BHX only, just hope she has not
got a long wait.
Pete
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bmi hasn't had much luck in the Italian market, and I wonder how quickly the airline, under whatever guise, would be interested in returning. bmibaby couldn't make PSA or BGY work from EMA, as well as quickly retreating from LIN and FCO at LHR. Personally I think bmibaby will add more destinations in France, Spain & Eastern Europe - including destinations currently served either by mainline or baby from other bases. I really can't see baby being radical, they never have been, though I wait & hope to be corrected.
flybe might make a better go of Italy like they've done with France & Spain, and now with flights to Germany. I don't think it's a lack of BHX's management for trying, but airlines are loathe to try something a bit different and out-of-the-box (unless they're Ryanair.)
flybe might make a better go of Italy like they've done with France & Spain, and now with flights to Germany. I don't think it's a lack of BHX's management for trying, but airlines are loathe to try something a bit different and out-of-the-box (unless they're Ryanair.)
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Italy
bmibaby
It would be great if flybe did look at Italy but they did Bergamo in 2003
carrying 30070 pax in just over six months. I can't remember if it was
daily or six a week but it could have been the latter as I seem to
remember it averaging over 100 pax in July (5658 pax for the month).
For that service not to come back there must have been some cheap
fares and low yield.
I still hope that Baby will do something different for once and go for
some Italian destinations plus get on with announcing it as well.
Pete
It would be great if flybe did look at Italy but they did Bergamo in 2003
carrying 30070 pax in just over six months. I can't remember if it was
daily or six a week but it could have been the latter as I seem to
remember it averaging over 100 pax in July (5658 pax for the month).
For that service not to come back there must have been some cheap
fares and low yield.
I still hope that Baby will do something different for once and go for
some Italian destinations plus get on with announcing it as well.
Pete
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Flybe News
This from their website today dont know what it means for BHX doesnt mention any new routes!!!
News
Flybe - Celebrating 20 years at Birmingham!
25 October 2006
Today, Flybe, one of Europe’s leading low cost airlines, announces plans to increase frequency on its hugely popular Birmingham to Glasgow service from March 2007 with plans currently being explored to operate the route hourly.
To mark the airlines 20 year birthday, serving over 14 million Midlands passengers with fast, frequent and efficient services Flybe will also be announcing a celebratory special fare of £13.99 on the Birmingham to Glasgow route, reconfirming its position as Birmingham's largest and longest serving low cost carrier.
Flybe has brought a greater travel choice and value for money to the region making Flybe the most frequent and cheapest option for air travel from the Midlands.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer Flybe comments: “Birmingham has been a key base for Flybe over the past 20 years and we have always provided high frequency, low fares, and the best possible package for both leisure and business travellers and we intend to maintain our commitment to the region through investment in increased frequency, bringing greater travel choice to the area.”
“This latest announcement proves our intention to remain the number one low cost carrier from the region, by combining the most comprehensive schedule with the lowest fares and highest levels of punctuality and all round customer service.”
Flybe’s commitment to its business travellers has always remained strong, offering the most comprehensive business package in the UK, recognising the need to provide a low cost business service with its Economy Plus service:
Daza
News
Flybe - Celebrating 20 years at Birmingham!
25 October 2006
Today, Flybe, one of Europe’s leading low cost airlines, announces plans to increase frequency on its hugely popular Birmingham to Glasgow service from March 2007 with plans currently being explored to operate the route hourly.
To mark the airlines 20 year birthday, serving over 14 million Midlands passengers with fast, frequent and efficient services Flybe will also be announcing a celebratory special fare of £13.99 on the Birmingham to Glasgow route, reconfirming its position as Birmingham's largest and longest serving low cost carrier.
Flybe has brought a greater travel choice and value for money to the region making Flybe the most frequent and cheapest option for air travel from the Midlands.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer Flybe comments: “Birmingham has been a key base for Flybe over the past 20 years and we have always provided high frequency, low fares, and the best possible package for both leisure and business travellers and we intend to maintain our commitment to the region through investment in increased frequency, bringing greater travel choice to the area.”
“This latest announcement proves our intention to remain the number one low cost carrier from the region, by combining the most comprehensive schedule with the lowest fares and highest levels of punctuality and all round customer service.”
Flybe’s commitment to its business travellers has always remained strong, offering the most comprehensive business package in the UK, recognising the need to provide a low cost business service with its Economy Plus service:
Daza
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BMI Baby
Reported on a local forum that the new routes will be 2 x daily Glasgow
plus Faro and Murcia (I presume the January aircraft).
I think it said they were mentioned in a local Cannock paper.
Anybody out there to confirm?
I have just checked the website and have noticed some changes
such as Nice and Bordeaux reduced from 3 to two a week in the winter
but no new routes.
The Wednesday Nice and Thursday Bordeaux is not offered when
you go to book the flight.
Glasgow, Faro & Murcia would certainly be in keeping with BHX's new services - more of the same
Pete
plus Faro and Murcia (I presume the January aircraft).
I think it said they were mentioned in a local Cannock paper.
Anybody out there to confirm?
I have just checked the website and have noticed some changes
such as Nice and Bordeaux reduced from 3 to two a week in the winter
but no new routes.
The Wednesday Nice and Thursday Bordeaux is not offered when
you go to book the flight.
Glasgow, Faro & Murcia would certainly be in keeping with BHX's new services - more of the same
Pete
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US Air - No?
It was rumoured that BHX was evaluated for a 757 service to PHL for 2007
but apparently the three new Euro routes will be: -
PHL - BRU 757 - year round
PHL - ZRH 762 - year round (aircraft possibly from BCN or AMS route)
PHL - ATH 333 - seasonal (aircraft possibly from Madrid route)
The 757 routes are rumoured to be: -
PHL- GLA, DUB, SNN, BRU, LIS, AMS or BCN and one spare.
The ATH will be payload restricted as well due range apparently
until he 762's are uprated to MTOW or the 332's are delivered (2009?)
Looks as if BHX will have to make do with CO, which will be
double daily from 1/6/07 for the summer.
Pete
but apparently the three new Euro routes will be: -
PHL - BRU 757 - year round
PHL - ZRH 762 - year round (aircraft possibly from BCN or AMS route)
PHL - ATH 333 - seasonal (aircraft possibly from Madrid route)
The 757 routes are rumoured to be: -
PHL- GLA, DUB, SNN, BRU, LIS, AMS or BCN and one spare.
The ATH will be payload restricted as well due range apparently
until he 762's are uprated to MTOW or the 332's are delivered (2009?)
Looks as if BHX will have to make do with CO, which will be
double daily from 1/6/07 for the summer.
Pete
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ref the NEW baby routes from bhx i can confirm that they will be doing gla twice daily monday-friday and one on a sat and sunday
there will also be a murcia flight sun,mon,wed,fri i think and fao around 3 times a week.......
not bad routes but was expecting something major and NEW, all previous/current routes, however, i guess this time round more research has been done hence the reason i expect them to be very successfull!!!
what do you brums think of the routes ?
FAO was always popular from EMA and still is in on a sat, high fares though! MJV was also a busy route!
GLA, x4 daily from ema since we are the ony carrier from EMA on this route so of course its busy!
regards
bmibabyfc
there will also be a murcia flight sun,mon,wed,fri i think and fao around 3 times a week.......
not bad routes but was expecting something major and NEW, all previous/current routes, however, i guess this time round more research has been done hence the reason i expect them to be very successfull!!!
what do you brums think of the routes ?
FAO was always popular from EMA and still is in on a sat, high fares though! MJV was also a busy route!
GLA, x4 daily from ema since we are the ony carrier from EMA on this route so of course its busy!
regards
bmibabyfc
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BMI Baby
bmibabyfc
The destinations are not surprising that is for sure, all BHX gets these days is more of the same. However with two more aircraft in Summer
I for one will be hoping for new BHX routes.
I have been told by various sources that the press release announcing
these routes was pulled at the last minute due to flybe's own press release stating BHX - GLA might go hourly.
Now I don't want to cast aspersions on any airline but taking notice
of flybe's press releases - are you having a laugh?
If Easyjet said they were going to do 4 a day (hell freezes over etc) or Connect are going to put 319's/733's on the route (even more ridiculous)
then you could understand, Baby thinking twice.
Flybe could manage it aircraft wise (not sure about crew wise ) but
I am sure they could find better routes rather than saturate BHX-GLA
and I can't believe they would waste 195's on this route in the summer.
All in all I think the decision is a dull but safe one but probably understandable with a Feb start. I expect better in Summer 2007.
Can you confirm that Glasgow is going to happen or is it under review?
Dithering, dithering, dithering, I think some at flybe will be having a
chuckle.
For those who think BHX - GLA will be saturated if Baby come along then
it is not that bad. Average seats available during winter 2005, 2262
(weekday) and from Monday 1920 approx, with two Baby 733's it
would only be 2516. If flybe went hourly from April well that would be
a different story.
Pete
The destinations are not surprising that is for sure, all BHX gets these days is more of the same. However with two more aircraft in Summer
I for one will be hoping for new BHX routes.
I have been told by various sources that the press release announcing
these routes was pulled at the last minute due to flybe's own press release stating BHX - GLA might go hourly.
Now I don't want to cast aspersions on any airline but taking notice
of flybe's press releases - are you having a laugh?
If Easyjet said they were going to do 4 a day (hell freezes over etc) or Connect are going to put 319's/733's on the route (even more ridiculous)
then you could understand, Baby thinking twice.
Flybe could manage it aircraft wise (not sure about crew wise
) butI am sure they could find better routes rather than saturate BHX-GLA
and I can't believe they would waste 195's on this route in the summer.
All in all I think the decision is a dull but safe one but probably understandable with a Feb start. I expect better in Summer 2007.
Can you confirm that Glasgow is going to happen or is it under review?
Dithering, dithering, dithering, I think some at flybe will be having a
chuckle.
For those who think BHX - GLA will be saturated if Baby come along then
it is not that bad. Average seats available during winter 2005, 2262
(weekday) and from Monday 1920 approx, with two Baby 733's it
would only be 2516. If flybe went hourly from April well that would be
a different story.
Pete
Last edited by OltonPete; 28th Oct 2006 at 08:47. Reason: flybe daily to hourly - last paragraph
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BmiBaby carries more pax on Bhz to Bfs on 3 flights weekdays than on Man - Bfs at 4 flights weekday. What is the chances that Baby would up the frequency on Bhx to Bfs and give Flybe a real run for their money?
True Blue
True Blue
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Baby BFS
True Blue
Load factors have been great over the summer and the fact that it
is a quick rotation for the aircraft there must be a chance of getting
a forth with again the late evening one going to Knock on some days
during the summer peak.
The only worrying aspect is the yield, I keep an eye on the prices
and certainly two months prior they practically give away the flight.
I know that most domestic bookings are made in the six weeks prior
to the flight and this is when the fares increase but I am not sure if
they make much on this route.
That said, a fantastic result considering they were competing against
11 a day flights to the city on certain days (Monday & Friday) until
Bacon cut and run.
Pete
Load factors have been great over the summer and the fact that it
is a quick rotation for the aircraft there must be a chance of getting
a forth with again the late evening one going to Knock on some days
during the summer peak.
The only worrying aspect is the yield, I keep an eye on the prices
and certainly two months prior they practically give away the flight.
I know that most domestic bookings are made in the six weeks prior
to the flight and this is when the fares increase but I am not sure if
they make much on this route.
That said, a fantastic result considering they were competing against
11 a day flights to the city on certain days (Monday & Friday) until
Bacon cut and run.
Pete
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Pete,
Check out prices for flights booked in the last DAYS before departure, and you will see that yields to EDI & GLA are usually pretty good. Just nipped up to Glasgow this weekend, and none of the carriers were offering less than £65 for the outward. Top fares were in the region of £180+.
Am usually perfectly happy to get the train in this situation, especially as I could take my bike, and get lots more leg room on the return for another £15, but a lot of people have too many bad rail experiences to want to do this (they tend to give airlines a bit more tolerance). Virgin still don't really do proper yield management, so the max fare is never more than £88 return, and starting prices tend to be pretty similar to airport charges & taxes.
The three routes* mentioned above are utterly banal imho, and management certainly seem a bit muddled, but there no doubt is still a reasonable business case for them. If they really are looking at 60%+ capacity, maybe they want to announce a whole load of routes together, rather than a few at once, and hopefully some of these will be new destinations for BHX.
*Caveat before I get flamed - the routes are banal, NOT the destinations, plenty to see and do in all of them.
Check out prices for flights booked in the last DAYS before departure, and you will see that yields to EDI & GLA are usually pretty good. Just nipped up to Glasgow this weekend, and none of the carriers were offering less than £65 for the outward. Top fares were in the region of £180+.
Am usually perfectly happy to get the train in this situation, especially as I could take my bike, and get lots more leg room on the return for another £15, but a lot of people have too many bad rail experiences to want to do this (they tend to give airlines a bit more tolerance). Virgin still don't really do proper yield management, so the max fare is never more than £88 return, and starting prices tend to be pretty similar to airport charges & taxes.
The three routes* mentioned above are utterly banal imho, and management certainly seem a bit muddled, but there no doubt is still a reasonable business case for them. If they really are looking at 60%+ capacity, maybe they want to announce a whole load of routes together, rather than a few at once, and hopefully some of these will be new destinations for BHX.
*Caveat before I get flamed - the routes are banal, NOT the destinations, plenty to see and do in all of them.
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EI Cork
en2r
Do you know what the frequency will be?
Hopefully both Baby and EI will prosper on the route.
Although Baby are part of the BMI group and prone to do anything
they do have a fairly strong brand in the Midlands and hopefully
will be able to compete with EI.
Pete
Do you know what the frequency will be?
Hopefully both Baby and EI will prosper on the route.
Although Baby are part of the BMI group and prone to do anything
they do have a fairly strong brand in the Midlands and hopefully
will be able to compete with EI.
Pete
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BMIBaby
What another missed opportunity. Murcia already scheduled to be daily with ZB from March.Also Flybe operated the route last summer it will just equate to less charter passengers into ALC and LEI. Faro again the same will be daily with ZB from March and will just mean fewer charter seats on this route and FOR GOD SAKE GLASGOW!!!??? Already over served by BACON and Flybe and has been consistantly loosing passengers all year!!! Another BHD I feel and again it will be BACON who will withdraw overall bad for Birmingham and bad for passenger numbers. Why not Valencia instead of MJV?, Seville instead of FAO?, and Shannon not Glasgow?
Rant over will lie down now in a quiet darkened room.
Daza
Already over served by BACON and Flybe and has been consistantly loosing passengers all year!!! Another BHD I feel and again it will be BACON who will withdraw overall bad for Birmingham and bad for passenger numbers. Why not Valencia instead of MJV?, Seville instead of FAO?, and Shannon not Glasgow?Rant over will lie down now in a quiet darkened room.
Daza
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Baby
Hopefully this is just a shot at BACON & Flybe and the new routes will be
part of next announcement.
Although Glasgow looks a daft option it is not that bad with BACON weak
and flybe...well flybe, they probably see it as a soft option. Also as I have
said before compared to summer 2006 there won't be that many extra
seats a day to Glasgow unless flybe carry out their threat of going hourly.
Lets give them a chance and see what the next lot are, however I do feel
that Paris will one but there will be new new destinations..... I think
.
What happened to the January 2007 aircraft? The two Durham aircraft
have still to be allocated - nice if you have the luxury to do so.
Pete
part of next announcement.
Although Glasgow looks a daft option it is not that bad with BACON weak
and flybe...well flybe, they probably see it as a soft option. Also as I have
said before compared to summer 2006 there won't be that many extra
seats a day to Glasgow unless flybe carry out their threat of going hourly.
Lets give them a chance and see what the next lot are, however I do feel
that Paris will one but there will be new new destinations..... I think
.What happened to the January 2007 aircraft? The two Durham aircraft
have still to be allocated - nice if you have the luxury to do so.
Pete
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Aer Lingus
http://www.flyaerlingus.com/cgi-bin/..._OID=536885993
It was announced as part of a raft of new routes including Cork-Manchester again in direct competition with Bmibaby. EI seem to have it in for Bmibaby