BIRMINGHAM - 4
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Armavia
Any update? I know they were having some issues regarding Indian approval but surely all that should have been in place before they even announced the route to begin with. Over the past two years all the new routes that have been launched from BHX have been a complete disaster - Hellenic, Air Syhelt, Bilga Air, the non starter that was Spanair and now Armavia. At least US Airways managed a few months. Surely this must say something about the BHX management team? What kind of message does it send out to other airlines? Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of BHX, but I really think they need to get their act together on attracting airlines that will serve the airport on viable routes.
The "international" pier doesn't need to have a pile of widebodies lined up to look impressive - a few more european flags lined up would look just as nice!
The "international" pier doesn't need to have a pile of widebodies lined up to look impressive - a few more european flags lined up would look just as nice!
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Ive said before that BHX are going after the wrong airlines.
They keep going after these 'quirky' airlines, but I fail to see what is wrong with your typical AA/IB/LS/U2 and so on.
A new start up like Air Syhlet must require lower landing fees to help it get off the ground, so why not offer these fees to the above airlines?
I still believe to this day, BHX missed the biggest trick by not doing more to get jet2 in. They could have done so much for BHX, Just look at EMA, they are going 10 to the bell now and thats only after a couple of months!
The interesting one to watch will be Etihad. They are going double daily at MAN in October, and have specifically stated they will start a new 'Western Europe destination'
Whether the MAN expansion will scupper a hope for BHX (3 daily at Heathrow and now 2 daily at MAN), remains to be seen, but come on BHX, pull your finger out and grab them while they are expanding!!!!!!
The chance wont come around again......
They keep going after these 'quirky' airlines, but I fail to see what is wrong with your typical AA/IB/LS/U2 and so on.
A new start up like Air Syhlet must require lower landing fees to help it get off the ground, so why not offer these fees to the above airlines?
I still believe to this day, BHX missed the biggest trick by not doing more to get jet2 in. They could have done so much for BHX, Just look at EMA, they are going 10 to the bell now and thats only after a couple of months!
The interesting one to watch will be Etihad. They are going double daily at MAN in October, and have specifically stated they will start a new 'Western Europe destination'
Whether the MAN expansion will scupper a hope for BHX (3 daily at Heathrow and now 2 daily at MAN), remains to be seen, but come on BHX, pull your finger out and grab them while they are expanding!!!!!!
The chance wont come around again......
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If we're talking long haul destinations I think Qatar Airways is the one to go for - they'd clean up on the connections to Amritsar alone. It would probably mean the end for Mahan Air though, I think the market would sustain one cheaper fare airline and seeing as Turkmenistan have been serving the route for 10 years and survived during Air India's time it's clear that they have built up quite a loyal customer base. Saying that, I'm assuming that the majority of Mahan's passengers transfer onto Amristar. Is this the case?
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Yes Qatar would be a better fit, but yes qatar would probably mean the end of Mahan Air (they may defect back to MAN, as the middle eastern/asian market demand is far from being met there-EK quote)
However, QR seem to have been the same for BHX as CX have been for MAN. Will they, wont they, will they, wont they......
EY however, slips on most of Brums radars and are actively looking for a new western Europe desination. Im sure youd rather have a confirmed EY than 'prospective' Qatar, but, like I say, I wonder if the increase to MAN could put paid to EY at BHX?
However, QR seem to have been the same for BHX as CX have been for MAN. Will they, wont they, will they, wont they......
EY however, slips on most of Brums radars and are actively looking for a new western Europe desination. Im sure youd rather have a confirmed EY than 'prospective' Qatar, but, like I say, I wonder if the increase to MAN could put paid to EY at BHX?
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Any new carrier would be a blessing - QR have had several opportunities to launch BHX and I'm still amazed in never happened when Amritsar came online. In EY's case, you thought they might have given BHX a try before suddenly ramping up MAN's capacity.
In either case, will EK scare them both off by adding a 3rd daily or sending in the A380. Remember when Gulf Air was coming? All of a sudden EK launched the evening flight and that was that.
In either case, will EK scare them both off by adding a 3rd daily or sending in the A380. Remember when Gulf Air was coming? All of a sudden EK launched the evening flight and that was that.
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Why would other Gulf airlines be scared at EK's operations? Look at MAN: EK = A380 + 77W (for now, may be 2 x A380 or 3 daily by next year) and QR daily A330 (imagine they'll be looking at 77W or 2 daily sooner or later). EY daily 77W going 10 weekly in August, double daily by the end of the year.
Both QR and EY came to MAN years after EK started (with EY launching when the others had their exisitng frequencies).
GF never started BHX as they wanted to go away from the model they had originally planned, not because of EK. Besides, GF and EK co-existed at MAN for a while before GF left at the inability to link with Bahrain which they wanted.
It's not looking like the most convincing of arguments to let BHX take any LHR overspill if you are concerned that getting airline A will stop airline B from coming.
Both QR and EY came to MAN years after EK started (with EY launching when the others had their exisitng frequencies).
GF never started BHX as they wanted to go away from the model they had originally planned, not because of EK. Besides, GF and EK co-existed at MAN for a while before GF left at the inability to link with Bahrain which they wanted.
It's not looking like the most convincing of arguments to let BHX take any LHR overspill if you are concerned that getting airline A will stop airline B from coming.
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In EY's case, you thought they might have given BHX a try before suddenly ramping up MAN's capacity
It wasnt 'sudden' either. It was obvious from the lounge building that MAN would have eventually been ramped up from a 1 daily service, you dont invest that sort of money for 1 daily flight.
will EK scare them both off by adding a 3rd daily or sending in the A380
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Qr/ey/ls/u2/ek
It sounds like people are convinced that BHX are not going after the likes of QR/EY/U2 but actively seeking out Armavia etc.
The rumours I have heard claim that BHX have been in contact with all those airlines in the last five years and they have all declined for one reason or another. Obviously we don't know what was offered but from what I hear certainly in respect of U2 it is not for the lack of trying.
I also don't think any of those airlines can be blamed for shying away in
the last few years, what a disaster that could have been with the economy, US Air PHL was bad enough.
Although, now might be the time and I agree with chinapattern that QR
would have a massive kick start with the onward connections to ATQ.
This is not just from BHX "fanboys" like myself but from the East as well
but we have to assume that this is not enough on its own to make a
service profitable or even more likely it could be down to lack of aircraft.
Don't forget ARN, CPH and BCN (more "known" cities) started with 319's
and Berlin is still one or an A320. A luxury I doubt they could afford with BHX.
I have to admit I would be disappointed if EDI got the nod over BHX but with Emirates having still not announced an evening service from GLA, QR might see that as the safer option.
As for the more unusual carriers I doubt BHX go after these, as they
are probably dreamt up in the backstreet travel agents of Brum.
As for Jet2 I have no idea if BHX have ever tried but looking at their current flights they would be okay at BHX in winter, as plenty of room to park their
aircraft up like the EMA based aircraft
Pete
The rumours I have heard claim that BHX have been in contact with all those airlines in the last five years and they have all declined for one reason or another. Obviously we don't know what was offered but from what I hear certainly in respect of U2 it is not for the lack of trying.
I also don't think any of those airlines can be blamed for shying away in
the last few years, what a disaster that could have been with the economy, US Air PHL was bad enough.
Although, now might be the time and I agree with chinapattern that QR
would have a massive kick start with the onward connections to ATQ.
This is not just from BHX "fanboys" like myself but from the East as well
but we have to assume that this is not enough on its own to make a
service profitable or even more likely it could be down to lack of aircraft.
Don't forget ARN, CPH and BCN (more "known" cities) started with 319's
and Berlin is still one or an A320. A luxury I doubt they could afford with BHX.
I have to admit I would be disappointed if EDI got the nod over BHX but with Emirates having still not announced an evening service from GLA, QR might see that as the safer option.
As for the more unusual carriers I doubt BHX go after these, as they
are probably dreamt up in the backstreet travel agents of Brum.
As for Jet2 I have no idea if BHX have ever tried but looking at their current flights they would be okay at BHX in winter, as plenty of room to park their
aircraft up like the EMA based aircraft
Pete
Last edited by OltonPete; 23rd Jan 2011 at 19:46. Reason: added text
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Don't forget ARN, CPH and BCN (more "known" cities) started with 319's
and Berlin is still one or an A320. A luxury I doubt they could afford with BHX
and Berlin is still one or an A320. A luxury I doubt they could afford with BHX
as plenty of room to park their aircraft up like the EMA based aircraft
The rumours I have heard claim that BHX have been in contact with all those airlines in the last five years and they have all declined for one reason or another. Obviously we don't know what was offered but from what I hear certainly in respect of U2 it is not for the lack of trying
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Dont forget, LS have the QC fleet for mail flights, which, dont do much daytime flying. Maybe thats what you are seeing?
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Jet2
wanna_be_there
It was sarcasm I'm afraid, in respect of the East Mids based 757. I am told this is now down to 1 or 2 flights per week and next summer is no great shakes either. Both based aircraft at times do one flight a day and then night-stop (Mon/Tue/Wed) and that is summer!
As for FR some still insist they were offered hardly anything re the base just the usual sliding scale of landing charges. This has no doubt been fuelled by the fact that out of the 17 flights started in June/July 2008 only one has operated unbroken since, I believe (Gdansk, as GRO & DUB were already operating) plus 5 others, which 3 had short breaks (BZG/RZE/BTS) and two which are seasonal (TRS/REU).
As for Qatar range is not a problem as most are/were 319CJ's 108 seat config aimed at the business market with some economy, which thinking about it would be the wrong way round for BHX. However I think BCN will be the last of the three to go to the A332 this summer and I believe it was the shortest of the three to last as a 319. Whether this was down to the success of the route or the 332 becoming available, I don't know.
airhumberside
I agree if you own the aircraft little point in flying them in winter if you can't make money but I assume parking fees still apply and crew wages (I assume Cabin Crew are temps) such as cock-pit crew? I know all UK based airlines reduce their winter flying but I was expecting more than 1 or 2 flights a week from the new EMA based aircraft.
Pete
It was sarcasm I'm afraid, in respect of the East Mids based 757. I am told this is now down to 1 or 2 flights per week and next summer is no great shakes either. Both based aircraft at times do one flight a day and then night-stop (Mon/Tue/Wed) and that is summer!
As for FR some still insist they were offered hardly anything re the base just the usual sliding scale of landing charges. This has no doubt been fuelled by the fact that out of the 17 flights started in June/July 2008 only one has operated unbroken since, I believe (Gdansk, as GRO & DUB were already operating) plus 5 others, which 3 had short breaks (BZG/RZE/BTS) and two which are seasonal (TRS/REU).
As for Qatar range is not a problem as most are/were 319CJ's 108 seat config aimed at the business market with some economy, which thinking about it would be the wrong way round for BHX. However I think BCN will be the last of the three to go to the A332 this summer and I believe it was the shortest of the three to last as a 319. Whether this was down to the success of the route or the 332 becoming available, I don't know.
airhumberside
I agree if you own the aircraft little point in flying them in winter if you can't make money but I assume parking fees still apply and crew wages (I assume Cabin Crew are temps) such as cock-pit crew? I know all UK based airlines reduce their winter flying but I was expecting more than 1 or 2 flights a week from the new EMA based aircraft.
Pete
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FR were going to have a hangar built as part of the deal over on the west side where the Menzies shed was demolished.....This of course went because FR failed to live up to their promise (FR - Promise, Oxymoron?).
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Taken from a few pages back:
It was hoped the BHX stop could be re-added to this, but
Air India have now re-timed the YYZ service to allow the B77L to operate ATQ-DEL-YYZ-DEL-ATQ, so no BHX for a while
A news article regarding Air India's Amritsar-Toronto flight to resume soon (you should be able to find an article with that name), says the following:
Air India have now re-timed the YYZ service to allow the B77L to operate ATQ-DEL-YYZ-DEL-ATQ, so no BHX for a while
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Wanna Be There,
Not sure it's relevant to BHX, any re-start to BHX wouldn't include YYZ, it's a political thing. At the route of it the West Mids has the largest Punjabi community outside of India, at the heart of the Punjab region is Amritsar. It's viewed as a snub to the West Mids Punjab community that Toronto gets a service yet Brum doesn't. That said the largest Punjab community in Canada is Vancouver so the route is all a little non-sensical but this is what happens I guess when politics becomes the main driver of the route planning dept.
Not sure it's relevant to BHX, any re-start to BHX wouldn't include YYZ, it's a political thing. At the route of it the West Mids has the largest Punjabi community outside of India, at the heart of the Punjab region is Amritsar. It's viewed as a snub to the West Mids Punjab community that Toronto gets a service yet Brum doesn't. That said the largest Punjab community in Canada is Vancouver so the route is all a little non-sensical but this is what happens I guess when politics becomes the main driver of the route planning dept.
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The AI info, came from this article: Amritsar-Toronto flight to resume soon - Express India
There is an extract which mentions Birmingham, saying that the routes will relaunch within a "definite and narrow time frame." I don't think it will be an India-Birmingham-Toronto route because of 777-200LR's been introduced. A 777-300ER on a India-Birmingham route is the best we could hope for.
Now about QR and EY. It's not certain that we'll get any of them. Unless QR warms up to BHX and finally starts a four weekly or even daily route to/from Doha, or someone contacts Doha's mayor and writes them a well-written email about starting flights to Birmingham from Doha. Only a suggestion but I doubt they would listen.
On Birmingham's e-petition site, there is a new petition for AA to re-instate the ORD flight and to add new routes to the US such as JFK, and possibly DFW or MIA if there is a market. I'm not asking for sigs, just letting the word out and hopefully, it sounds more mature than the other one. I don't want people to take the mick out of this one.
I have tried not to sound naive with this post.
There is an extract which mentions Birmingham, saying that the routes will relaunch within a "definite and narrow time frame." I don't think it will be an India-Birmingham-Toronto route because of 777-200LR's been introduced. A 777-300ER on a India-Birmingham route is the best we could hope for.
Now about QR and EY. It's not certain that we'll get any of them. Unless QR warms up to BHX and finally starts a four weekly or even daily route to/from Doha, or someone contacts Doha's mayor and writes them a well-written email about starting flights to Birmingham from Doha. Only a suggestion but I doubt they would listen.
On Birmingham's e-petition site, there is a new petition for AA to re-instate the ORD flight and to add new routes to the US such as JFK, and possibly DFW or MIA if there is a market. I'm not asking for sigs, just letting the word out and hopefully, it sounds more mature than the other one. I don't want people to take the mick out of this one.
I have tried not to sound naive with this post.