BIRMINGHAM - 4
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A trifle harsh?
Call 100
I think your comments are a trifle harsh given the circumstances. Firstly it was CV that had the problem and BHX was one of a number of airports that could have benefitted from its demise. It certainly was not stealing the business.
That BHX under what has been the harshest economic climate since the 1930s has grown the business, some would suggest substantially, does deserve some credit.
Passenger numbers and airline development is certainly another matter but, in this circumstance, i think it should be plaudits and not brickbats.
I think your comments are a trifle harsh given the circumstances. Firstly it was CV that had the problem and BHX was one of a number of airports that could have benefitted from its demise. It certainly was not stealing the business.
That BHX under what has been the harshest economic climate since the 1930s has grown the business, some would suggest substantially, does deserve some credit.
Passenger numbers and airline development is certainly another matter but, in this circumstance, i think it should be plaudits and not brickbats.
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Cargo/EZY
Great news on the cargo front and credit where credit is due, that kind of increase (even if boosted by the closure of CVT) is no mean feat in these difficult economic times. But I couldn't agree more with crewmeal, a few more routes and passengers would not go amiss.
Which brings me onto EZY - I have just returned from my sixth return EZY flight this year (LPL-KRK-LPL, full both ways) others have included MAN-RAK, LPL-FCO and BRS-SXF. I have had nothing but on time flights and consistently good ground and cabin service throughout. Travelling with hand luggage only, I have found fares competitive (and MUCH cheaper than flying a conecting flight with a legacy carrier from BHX despite the cost of getting the coach or train to other airports) and the fact you can print boarding cards for both return legs and go straight through to the gate is fantastic. So, does anyone out there know the real reason why BHX has not been able to attract this airline. Their route map is filled with places crying out to be served from BHX, the A319 in my opinion would be ideal for most routes. What do BRS, LPL, EDI, GLA etc offer that BHX doesn't? I would have flown from BHX (in fact much preferred to) if direct flights to these destinations were available, therefore BHX's loss is LPL, BRS and MAN gain! I know that you can't please everyone all the time and there seem to be many out there prepared to pay for legacy carriers from BHX for European flights but I would love to know why EZY don't see BHX as a viable base option?
Which brings me onto EZY - I have just returned from my sixth return EZY flight this year (LPL-KRK-LPL, full both ways) others have included MAN-RAK, LPL-FCO and BRS-SXF. I have had nothing but on time flights and consistently good ground and cabin service throughout. Travelling with hand luggage only, I have found fares competitive (and MUCH cheaper than flying a conecting flight with a legacy carrier from BHX despite the cost of getting the coach or train to other airports) and the fact you can print boarding cards for both return legs and go straight through to the gate is fantastic. So, does anyone out there know the real reason why BHX has not been able to attract this airline. Their route map is filled with places crying out to be served from BHX, the A319 in my opinion would be ideal for most routes. What do BRS, LPL, EDI, GLA etc offer that BHX doesn't? I would have flown from BHX (in fact much preferred to) if direct flights to these destinations were available, therefore BHX's loss is LPL, BRS and MAN gain! I know that you can't please everyone all the time and there seem to be many out there prepared to pay for legacy carriers from BHX for European flights but I would love to know why EZY don't see BHX as a viable base option?
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Call 100
I think your comments are a trifle harsh given the circumstances. Firstly it was CV that had the problem and BHX was one of a number of airports that could have benefitted from its demise. It certainly was not stealing the business.
That BHX under what has been the harshest economic climate since the 1930s has grown the business, some would suggest substantially, does deserve some credit.
Passenger numbers and airline development is certainly another matter but, in this circumstance, i think it should be plaudits and not brickbats.
I think your comments are a trifle harsh given the circumstances. Firstly it was CV that had the problem and BHX was one of a number of airports that could have benefitted from its demise. It certainly was not stealing the business.
That BHX under what has been the harshest economic climate since the 1930s has grown the business, some would suggest substantially, does deserve some credit.
Passenger numbers and airline development is certainly another matter but, in this circumstance, i think it should be plaudits and not brickbats.
Yes cargo has increased dramatically, but, from an extremely low base. Before CVT's collapse Cargo at BHX was restricted to one aircraft on the freight apron and Belly freight. I'll be more inclined to give plaudits if the increase is continued at such levels over the next 12 months.
Maybe they can resurrect the 'Freight West' plans..
It's always nice to see full aprons, which ever side of the runway they are. Lets hope someone can find an increase for the other side...
Looking around on different aviation sites it seems many UK airports have had a bumper Easter regarding passenger numbers, with some boasting double the normal number. However I haven't seen anything about BHX figures. Did BHX have a bumper Easter I wonder?
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Unified terminals - passenger experience
So now BHX has joined the gang of airports who bully customers to walk through a big DutyFree area to go to the gates. One thing I disliked in MAN and EMA. On the upside (for me as a passenger) is that it seems that former-T2 shops and bars are now deserted, e.g. the Weatherspoon was ghostly empty. OK, I was there on Good Friday, but it seems likely to me that 'T2' shops loose business. Security checks seem to be better though, had only short waits. Quite a walk now from the International Pier (prefered waiting area of frequent BHX users - natural light, plenty of seats and toilets, good plane-spotting, queue-free Costa if open) to 'T2'. Also is an 'upgrade' to FlyBe and Ryanair customers w.r.t. facilities compared to the old T2-only times. What's the plan with 'T2' anyway, will they re-work it (esp the carpet !) ? Some of the now-duplicated shops I guess might close (e.g. Boots).
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Quote - ''Looking around on different aviation sites it seems many UK airports have had a bumper Easter regarding passenger numbers, with some boasting double the normal number. However I haven't seen anything about BHX figures. Did BHX have a bumper Easter I wonder? ''
It is all spin, last April we had the Ash Cloud problem closing all airport for days, so April 2011 will be up 20-30% at all airports.
BHX5DME
It is all spin, last April we had the Ash Cloud problem closing all airport for days, so April 2011 will be up 20-30% at all airports.
BHX5DME
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Ryanair/Terminal/easyjet
NorthernCounties
Alicante and now Dublin is released with the latter at three daily except Sunday (two). Same as last winter with Dublin providing the early morning inbound and BHX the afternoon and evening service.
LDY still not available.
GayFriendly
easyjet is a frustration and I can only think it is a case of having strong bases just to the north and south that they are happy with the coverage they have. The routes you have mentioned you would think are made for easy and the A319 but on the other hand nobody else is exactly rushing in to fill the gaps. Although BMI Baby might I suppose take a look at some of these when aircraft 4 arrives.
jpthomas72
I too flew out last Friday and security despite being busy worked extremely well despite the fact the OP family took the services of one member of staff for having the wrong size see-through bag (couldn't find the dimensions on the BHX site - over-sized hand luggage yes but over-sized liquids bag!). BHX were also very vigilant (top marks) compared to the what seemed a more relaxed approach on our return at the new ALC terminal.
We deliberately went into the old T1 area, as the others in the party wanted to browse and even one member of WH Smith's staff saw our boarding pass and told my wife that she was in the wrong part of the Terminal for FR flights, which of course she knew but still good to know someone bothered.
The old T2 was quieter but on the whole things seemed to working okay but April's figures are only likely to hit 2003 or 2004 levels.
Pete
Alicante and now Dublin is released with the latter at three daily except Sunday (two). Same as last winter with Dublin providing the early morning inbound and BHX the afternoon and evening service.
LDY still not available.
GayFriendly
easyjet is a frustration and I can only think it is a case of having strong bases just to the north and south that they are happy with the coverage they have. The routes you have mentioned you would think are made for easy and the A319 but on the other hand nobody else is exactly rushing in to fill the gaps. Although BMI Baby might I suppose take a look at some of these when aircraft 4 arrives.
jpthomas72
I too flew out last Friday and security despite being busy worked extremely well despite the fact the OP family took the services of one member of staff for having the wrong size see-through bag (couldn't find the dimensions on the BHX site - over-sized hand luggage yes but over-sized liquids bag!). BHX were also very vigilant (top marks) compared to the what seemed a more relaxed approach on our return at the new ALC terminal.
We deliberately went into the old T1 area, as the others in the party wanted to browse and even one member of WH Smith's staff saw our boarding pass and told my wife that she was in the wrong part of the Terminal for FR flights, which of course she knew but still good to know someone bothered.
The old T2 was quieter but on the whole things seemed to working okay but April's figures are only likely to hit 2003 or 2004 levels.
Pete
Last edited by OltonPete; 30th Apr 2011 at 08:55. Reason: corrections & spelling
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In relation to Easy Jet and aspirations for a BHX base..this topic has come up time and again.
The reason Easy Jet have apparently given BHX is that expected yield is not high enough, and they have repeated this allegedly a number of times.
The reason Easy Jet have apparently given BHX is that expected yield is not high enough, and they have repeated this allegedly a number of times.
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Re shop development
Why would a new route development be on the cards, just because some more shops open ?
Could well be that the next major top airline route announcement will wait until the opening of the runway extension in 2014.BHX will certainly want something up their sleeve for its opening.
We can certainly hope for some major new routes asap
, but expect the reintroduction of routes like Madrid and Berlin might be as exciting as it gets for a while..
Could well be that the next major top airline route announcement will wait until the opening of the runway extension in 2014.BHX will certainly want something up their sleeve for its opening.
We can certainly hope for some major new routes asap
, but expect the reintroduction of routes like Madrid and Berlin might be as exciting as it gets for a while..
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New routes
OP: When WW add another unit at BHX what would your suggestion be for any new routes?
Several years ago I occasionally used the WW Bordeaux service. Pax figures always seemed good, but what the yield on that route was I do not know. Added to this, Bordeaux was also served by WW from Manchester as well, again with reasonable if not good pax levels.
With their soon to be no base at Man would this route be one to come back into the fold?
Several years ago I occasionally used the WW Bordeaux service. Pax figures always seemed good, but what the yield on that route was I do not know. Added to this, Bordeaux was also served by WW from Manchester as well, again with reasonable if not good pax levels.
With their soon to be no base at Man would this route be one to come back into the fold?
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BOD
Monty Gordo
Bordeaux is unlikely as it is now seems to be a regular flybe route. Although flybe do not start until the third week in May and end in September, I can't see Baby looking at it unless flybe dropped it. Of course BMI Baby might just release it first for 2011/12 thus making flybe think again for next summer.
I would hope the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, Berlin & Venice are looked at (obviously BCN & VCE operate from EMA which might rule them out).
Most have operated before with excellent load factors but were dropped for one reason or another.
However if BHX get their share of the uprated engined 733's next summer a lot more leisure destinations become in range so some Greek routes could be considered.
Bordeaux is unlikely as it is now seems to be a regular flybe route. Although flybe do not start until the third week in May and end in September, I can't see Baby looking at it unless flybe dropped it. Of course BMI Baby might just release it first for 2011/12 thus making flybe think again for next summer.
I would hope the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, Berlin & Venice are looked at (obviously BCN & VCE operate from EMA which might rule them out).
Most have operated before with excellent load factors but were dropped for one reason or another.
However if BHX get their share of the uprated engined 733's next summer a lot more leisure destinations become in range so some Greek routes could be considered.
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I think only a handful of aircraft will get the uprated thrust as only the flights into Chambrey and out BHD for next Summer require an increase in performance.
Looking at the on sale program it appears that the inbound early flight from EMA into BHD will then go to the MED and FAO/AGP will probably be Tango routes and require HF which is not fitted to all baby aircraft.
Looking at the on sale program it appears that the inbound early flight from EMA into BHD will then go to the MED and FAO/AGP will probably be Tango routes and require HF which is not fitted to all baby aircraft.
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I would like to see Rome back...perhaps if they are clever they could alternate and make Rome run on the days that FR dont run it from EMA.
If I can travel up to EMA for a flight then they can travel down too.
In general I feel that Italy is under exploited, its a wonderful place and there would be business if they get the niche market right.
I remember high loads to Rome when it used to run 5 years ago.
If I can travel up to EMA for a flight then they can travel down too.
In general I feel that Italy is under exploited, its a wonderful place and there would be business if they get the niche market right.
I remember high loads to Rome when it used to run 5 years ago.
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ATPLWhoops,
Check out prices on swiss.com BHX/FCO/BHX, complimentary sandwich, beer and crew friendliness on each sector, and non EU duty frees, and you might never fly LoCo again!
Check out prices on swiss.com BHX/FCO/BHX, complimentary sandwich, beer and crew friendliness on each sector, and non EU duty frees, and you might never fly LoCo again!
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Lufthansa/May
1/5/2011 and quite a low key start to the summer IT's. The third Thomas Cook has arrived making six based 757's with the three Thomson ones.
This year it appears a 4th Thomson 757 will arrive in the third week in May instead of the high density 763. The long-haul 763 operates Monday to Thursday and Wednesday it goes to PFO!
This will make 4 x 757's, 4/7 763 and 1 x 73H for Thomson down on 2010.
Luckily the Olympic/Monarch spat has resulted in Monarch keeping their 2010
capacity with a few adjustments but there is the addition of the Skywings A320 from 15/5/2011 for Olympic Holidays operating initially 7 flights a week up to 13 in July. This should cover the Thomson seat losses.
Lufthansa
Quite a month ahead and despite no increase in the number of destinations or flights, seat wise is up massively.
From tonight the night-stop Munich is an Augsburg 195 on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. However by 21/5/2011 all three Munich services will be 116 seat Cityline 195's. Currently it is 2 x 86 seat CR9's and one 116 seat 195.
Frankfurt from 7/5/2011 changes from the A319 to the A320 on the three BMI operated services.
Dusseldorf not to be left out shows plenty of 735's upgraded from the CR9.
This is mainly Monday & Tuesday morning and Wednesday-Friday evenings
with one or two exceptions.
Last Mahan Air Sunday service operated today (not sure if permanent) and it goes to weekly on a Thursday only.
This year it appears a 4th Thomson 757 will arrive in the third week in May instead of the high density 763. The long-haul 763 operates Monday to Thursday and Wednesday it goes to PFO!
This will make 4 x 757's, 4/7 763 and 1 x 73H for Thomson down on 2010.
Luckily the Olympic/Monarch spat has resulted in Monarch keeping their 2010
capacity with a few adjustments but there is the addition of the Skywings A320 from 15/5/2011 for Olympic Holidays operating initially 7 flights a week up to 13 in July. This should cover the Thomson seat losses.
Lufthansa
Quite a month ahead and despite no increase in the number of destinations or flights, seat wise is up massively.
From tonight the night-stop Munich is an Augsburg 195 on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. However by 21/5/2011 all three Munich services will be 116 seat Cityline 195's. Currently it is 2 x 86 seat CR9's and one 116 seat 195.
Frankfurt from 7/5/2011 changes from the A319 to the A320 on the three BMI operated services.
Dusseldorf not to be left out shows plenty of 735's upgraded from the CR9.
This is mainly Monday & Tuesday morning and Wednesday-Friday evenings
with one or two exceptions.
Last Mahan Air Sunday service operated today (not sure if permanent) and it goes to weekly on a Thursday only.
Last edited by Jetdriver; 2nd May 2011 at 11:06.
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The reason Easy Jet have apparently given BHX is that expected yield is not high enough
Swiss - Phileas, I agree, Swiss mainline service is exceptional and fares can be good if booked well ahead (I flew to BHX-ATH with very good connections in ZRH), however meals on Helvetic into BHX not so, breakfast in particular is appalling, a dry croissant (no filling) and a small cup of tea or coffee, they may as well not bother!
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GayFriendly,
Now that you mention it I recall a breafast time ZRH/BHX I travelled on 31/12/2009, when a dry croissant was served I felt like asking "What the phuck am I supposed to do with this?"
But Swiss are excellent, the cheap fares can often be booked pretty late on as long as one is prepared to be somewhat flexible on dates of travel.
Now that you mention it I recall a breafast time ZRH/BHX I travelled on 31/12/2009, when a dry croissant was served I felt like asking "What the phuck am I supposed to do with this?"
But Swiss are excellent, the cheap fares can often be booked pretty late on as long as one is prepared to be somewhat flexible on dates of travel.
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That may be in Business Class 'Business Traveller' but in Economy its in a paper cup with a napkin and a UHT milk jigger - I have to say that although it costs £2.30 Starbucks coffee on Easyjet is much better! But its all a matter of personal opinion of course!