BIRMINGHAM - 3
Just curious - what counts as a "decent diversion"? Is it one that caused minimal inconvenience, and creasted maximum profit - or perhaps, in the context of the question, a "good reggie".
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Birmingham was itself closed due to the snow on Thursday morning so couldn't accept any diverts.
However, the snow clearance was promptly done & the Airport reopened around 1.5 hours later
FC
However, the snow clearance was promptly done & the Airport reopened around 1.5 hours later
FC
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As a matter of interest..The Airport company will accept all diversions that it can handle. The only reasons for turning them away are Lack of Stands/parking areas. However handling agents reject them due usually to lack of staff/equipment.
Last Tuesday (6 Feb), I was due to fly from BHX-DUS on LH4933, then DUS-STR. As I waited at the gate at around 1115, the aircraft 'went tech'. We were told to go back to the main lounge and that we would know more at 1135. At 1135, that became 1210....then 1230. Distrusting the poor information we were being given, I rang the LH Senator line to investigate the alternatives. I was told that it would be possible to fly via ZRH with Swiss at 1335, as long as I booked by 1235. So I kept that up my sleeve whilst waiting (with several others) for more news. The ladies in the 'Charnley Suite' were as helpful as they could be, given the poor information they were receiving. But at around 1225 I received a sms telling me that the ETD was now 1310. I'd already worked out that 1300 was the latest I could accept to make my connection, so called LH Senator again to do rebook with Swiss. Clunk, click, done - excellent!
Then I had to get Security to let me out again, so that I could go to the airline desk. No problems, quick and efficient.....
But then I came up against Aviance.... 3 or 4 people waiting, only 1 agent who was being less than effective. I apologised to those waiting and asked whether this was also the Star Alliance desk for my rebooked flight. "No - you'll have to go to Swissport in the other terminal" was the reply. So off I trod and spoke to a very efficient young chap at the check-in desk who promptly issued both my new boarding cards. "What about my suitcase? It's already on the LH4933", I asked. He suggested I spoke to Swissport - so over to the Swissport desk. A very helpful chap took my details, then rang Aviance. It was a simple question - would LH take my suitcase to STR knowing that I was rebooked via ZRH, or would my suitcase need to be transferred to the Swiss flight? He was given lie after lie by the idiots at Aviance, finally he apologised profusely and said that I would have to go back to collect my suitcase from 'overized baggage' as Aviance were incapable of bringing it direct to the check-in desk. "They are not really giving you a Gold Card service, Sir", he added. So - back to the other terminal to 'oversize baggage' to find about 4 or 5 people slouching about doing bugger all. After a few minutes I asked about my suitcase - and it was like talking to guppy fish at feeding time. However, I finally recovered my suitcase and went back again to Swiss check-in. Clunk, click, done - new bag tag issued, up to departures, through security and onto the jet......
Made it to STR to meet my colleague, grateful thanks to all at Swissport.
But Aviance? What a bloody joke. GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDES AND PROVIDE A SERVICE!!
I'm flying on the same BHX-DUS next week and will make a point off popping over to Swissport to thank them for their excellent, helpful service.
As we taxied out at 1335, I could see the LH4933 just beginning to push back. So, had I believed Aviance/Lufthansa I would have missed my connection.....
Then I had to get Security to let me out again, so that I could go to the airline desk. No problems, quick and efficient.....
But then I came up against Aviance.... 3 or 4 people waiting, only 1 agent who was being less than effective. I apologised to those waiting and asked whether this was also the Star Alliance desk for my rebooked flight. "No - you'll have to go to Swissport in the other terminal" was the reply. So off I trod and spoke to a very efficient young chap at the check-in desk who promptly issued both my new boarding cards. "What about my suitcase? It's already on the LH4933", I asked. He suggested I spoke to Swissport - so over to the Swissport desk. A very helpful chap took my details, then rang Aviance. It was a simple question - would LH take my suitcase to STR knowing that I was rebooked via ZRH, or would my suitcase need to be transferred to the Swiss flight? He was given lie after lie by the idiots at Aviance, finally he apologised profusely and said that I would have to go back to collect my suitcase from 'overized baggage' as Aviance were incapable of bringing it direct to the check-in desk. "They are not really giving you a Gold Card service, Sir", he added. So - back to the other terminal to 'oversize baggage' to find about 4 or 5 people slouching about doing bugger all. After a few minutes I asked about my suitcase - and it was like talking to guppy fish at feeding time. However, I finally recovered my suitcase and went back again to Swiss check-in. Clunk, click, done - new bag tag issued, up to departures, through security and onto the jet......
Made it to STR to meet my colleague, grateful thanks to all at Swissport.
But Aviance? What a bloody joke. GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDES AND PROVIDE A SERVICE!!
I'm flying on the same BHX-DUS next week and will make a point off popping over to Swissport to thank them for their excellent, helpful service.
As we taxied out at 1335, I could see the LH4933 just beginning to push back. So, had I believed Aviance/Lufthansa I would have missed my connection.....
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Have to add to this regarding Swissport, great service, above and beyond the call of duty. Was booked on LX423 - BHX-ZRH-FCO on 18th Jan (the day of high winds). A/C ended up as a divert at EMA (or whatever they're called this week), flight cancelled. Swissport agent bent over backwards to help, not only with a rebook on the flight 24 hours later, but also contacting hotels, cars etc, off his own bat, to move bookings forward by 24 hours. This bloke dealt with a long queue of pax and was extremely courteous and helpful to all. A credit to the industry.
May I also say that kudos to the driver of EK39 on that day, plonked the beast down near to the 06/24 intersect in awful conditions and kept it on-line. If you're reading this mate, you did well
May I also say that kudos to the driver of EK39 on that day, plonked the beast down near to the 06/24 intersect in awful conditions and kept it on-line. If you're reading this mate, you did well
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Baby to Jersey
bmibaby, has today (Friday 16 February 2007) announced further growth at Birmingham International Airport.
The airline, which has been embarking on a prolific expansion programme at Birmingham International, will base an additional Boeing 737 aircraft at the airport taking its total fleet to nine. Capacity will increase by a staggering 80% year on year.
The growth sees the introduction of a new four times a week service to the popular UK destination of Jersey with the start of truly low fares on the route.....
...... The growth sees the introduction of a new four times a week service to the popular UK destination of Jersey, The airline plans to increase its Jersey service to double daily flights over the next 12 months.....
.....Demand from business passengers for the airline’s existing low fare flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow International has been so overwhelming that the airline has decided to again increase the number of daily flights one year ahead of its initial plans. bmibaby will now be offering five flights a day to Edinburgh and four flights a day to Glasgow International.
Full press release on BHX's website.
The airline, which has been embarking on a prolific expansion programme at Birmingham International, will base an additional Boeing 737 aircraft at the airport taking its total fleet to nine. Capacity will increase by a staggering 80% year on year.
The growth sees the introduction of a new four times a week service to the popular UK destination of Jersey with the start of truly low fares on the route.....
...... The growth sees the introduction of a new four times a week service to the popular UK destination of Jersey, The airline plans to increase its Jersey service to double daily flights over the next 12 months.....
.....Demand from business passengers for the airline’s existing low fare flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow International has been so overwhelming that the airline has decided to again increase the number of daily flights one year ahead of its initial plans. bmibaby will now be offering five flights a day to Edinburgh and four flights a day to Glasgow International.
Full press release on BHX's website.
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Baby
Just working the patterns out - seems if EDI has an overnight aircraft
from 3/9/07 as there is an early morning arrival at BHX.
I still think that there are holes in the schedule so hopefully more routes.
The timetable is completely different to the booking engine times at the
moment so it is difficult to be precise.
Good news and certainly after flybe.
OP
from 3/9/07 as there is an early morning arrival at BHX.
I still think that there are holes in the schedule so hopefully more routes.
The timetable is completely different to the booking engine times at the
moment so it is difficult to be precise.
Good news and certainly after flybe.
OP
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BMIBaby
Good news, BMIBaby could make some money here. They have decisive plans in complete contrast to Flybe/Bacon. I wish that some of the other full service players would take on previously profitable routes from BHX too how about LH take HAM, HAJ,STR and TXL, AF to LYS and NCE and IB or Click take on MAD/BCN?
This whole takeover has been based upon the fact that business travelers who are used to high frequency short haul service to business centre cities will choose a low fares airline. I think most would choose the likes of LH,AF,SK.LX ahead of a Low Fares airline. Like the issue of crew/flight deck and other BACON staff i think that there has been a lot of presumption that staff/customer would just transfer over no questions asked!
I hope BHX manages to retain at least some of its routes we don't all want to fly to obscure airports in Scandinavia dozens of miles fro your destination, unpronounceable Polish cities or Alicante/Malaga/Faro, the success of an airport surely should be in variety.
Rant over
Im lying down with a cold flannel now
Daza
This whole takeover has been based upon the fact that business travelers who are used to high frequency short haul service to business centre cities will choose a low fares airline. I think most would choose the likes of LH,AF,SK.LX ahead of a Low Fares airline. Like the issue of crew/flight deck and other BACON staff i think that there has been a lot of presumption that staff/customer would just transfer over no questions asked!
I hope BHX manages to retain at least some of its routes we don't all want to fly to obscure airports in Scandinavia dozens of miles fro your destination, unpronounceable Polish cities or Alicante/Malaga/Faro, the success of an airport surely should be in variety.
Rant over
Im lying down with a cold flannel now
Daza
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Monarch winter 2007/8
The timetable is out and it is reasonable but Tenerife has taken a bash.
This was daily in November 2006 and it drops to 4 a week before going
back to daily in March 2008.
There are other minor improvements such as Palma for the first time
in the winter but it is suspended from 3/11/07 until 7/2/08.
Arrecife doubles from one to two a week
Another major aspect is Wednesday's - virtually no flying throughout
the winter of 2007/8 except Christmas/New Year and March.
What I don't know is if the 320 is back, if would probably be a fair
increase if every flight was a 321.
OP
This was daily in November 2006 and it drops to 4 a week before going
back to daily in March 2008.
There are other minor improvements such as Palma for the first time
in the winter but it is suspended from 3/11/07 until 7/2/08.
Arrecife doubles from one to two a week
Another major aspect is Wednesday's - virtually no flying throughout
the winter of 2007/8 except Christmas/New Year and March.
What I don't know is if the 320 is back, if would probably be a fair
increase if every flight was a 321.
OP
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January pax and route analysis
Record January pax recorded at 576544 which is 2.1% up, which would have continued into February and March except for weather and mainly
BACON cancellations.
However both months might still be up but will have to wait and see.
The individual route analysis is out for January and Emirates recorded
31462, which is 254 per flight or 81% load factor. I wonder if Qatar are
monitoring these figures since they went cool on BHX?
Generally load factors were not that bad for January with Sky Europe
managing 107 per flight on their conservative 2 a week schedule.
Cologne looks a bit weak but hopefully it will be given time.
Other good news is that two loyal BHX operators Turkmen and Uzbek
have both increased their pax in January. Air India's was a bit low but
as this is driven (sometimes) by transits it is difficult to tell how it is
doing.
Flew from BHX last weekend and a good experience & to all working
last weekend. The only downside was an off-colour Baby crew on the return from Amsterdam who were snapping peoples heads off on a far
too frequent basis (first time I have experienced this on baby).
OP
BACON cancellations.
However both months might still be up but will have to wait and see.
The individual route analysis is out for January and Emirates recorded
31462, which is 254 per flight or 81% load factor. I wonder if Qatar are
monitoring these figures since they went cool on BHX?
Generally load factors were not that bad for January with Sky Europe
managing 107 per flight on their conservative 2 a week schedule.
Cologne looks a bit weak but hopefully it will be given time.
Other good news is that two loyal BHX operators Turkmen and Uzbek
have both increased their pax in January. Air India's was a bit low but
as this is driven (sometimes) by transits it is difficult to tell how it is
doing.
Flew from BHX last weekend and a good experience &
to all workinglast weekend. The only downside was an off-colour Baby crew on the return from Amsterdam who were snapping peoples heads off on a far
too frequent basis (first time I have experienced this on baby).
OP
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Does anybody know if Air Class are to return for Summer 2007 & are to base the B733 at the airport over several days?
There is also talk about Mahan looking at its schedules again & possibly adding another rotation a week. Are the flights operated by A320's or A310's (or presumably a mix?). I think Mahan are also sorting out paperwork issues with the relevant authorities so they can use their EK- (Armenia?) reg'd aircraft (A310's, A320's & B744's) to improve reliabilty.
WNC
There is also talk about Mahan looking at its schedules again & possibly adding another rotation a week. Are the flights operated by A320's or A310's (or presumably a mix?). I think Mahan are also sorting out paperwork issues with the relevant authorities so they can use their EK- (Armenia?) reg'd aircraft (A310's, A320's & B744's) to improve reliabilty.
WNC
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I think the loads are creeping up now as Jan loads are 90 per flight ex BHX and 109 ex Manchester so they look quite good
I would like to see the Armenian aircraft and perhaps a more regular flight with an A320 from BHX and MAN
Ian
I would like to see the Armenian aircraft and perhaps a more regular flight with an A320 from BHX and MAN
Ian
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BEagle - But then I came up against Aviance
You say you went to the aviance desk to re-book a lufthansa flight? i may be wrong but lufthansa's ticket desk is two desks down from the aviance desk. I can't comment on aviance's performance that day but you may get a freindlier and more helpful responce at the lufthansa desk. Sure aviance handle the baggage and exec lounge but lufthansa have their own desk for reservations.
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2 777 questions:
1) Will Pakistan upgrade any of their services to 777s now they are taking delivery of more? If so, which services and when will that start?
2) Will Emirates upgrade any flights to scheduled 77Ws?
Thanks all.
1) Will Pakistan upgrade any of their services to 777s now they are taking delivery of more? If so, which services and when will that start?
2) Will Emirates upgrade any flights to scheduled 77Ws?
Thanks all.
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EK/PK
gricesj
EK 77W starts on 1/7/07 & does the EK39/40.
I am not sure if this is short-term or long-term as it did not last long in 2006 but load factors are up to 81% so hopefully it will remain. EK37/8 remains a 330 I believe.
PK has been rumoured for ages and I have checked several dates in the future on their website and it still shows a 310.
At least the Wednesday service is back now
OP
EK 77W starts on 1/7/07 & does the EK39/40.
I am not sure if this is short-term or long-term as it did not last long in 2006 but load factors are up to 81% so hopefully it will remain. EK37/8 remains a 330 I believe.
PK has been rumoured for ages and I have checked several dates in the future on their website and it still shows a 310.
At least the Wednesday service is back now
OP