LUTON - 6

[CAP493]

The whole inbound Luton experience was a major frustration...

So why not write to LLAO's new MD and see if he's minded to address this problem. If he doesn't (can't or won't), ultimately it'll start to affect LTN's business.

[PAXboy]

Buster

Expanding a 'Premium' service from the UK to Europe might be one of the last 'untouched' markets left? The lo-co model is suffering from a stagnant market and poor forward bookings for next winter/summer! An interesting concept considering the 'pain' the lo-co sector is about to endure within the UK market.

I still do not think that there are enough pax willing to pay to fill schedules. When I was regularly going to Europe (near as opposed to the newly 'opened' Eastern block) on business in the late 80s and 90s, it was clear that the price did not match the benefits. Any long haul that I pay for myself will usually involve a premium cabin but never for short haul. Friends of mine who can afford premium in long haul - will not pay, and go Y.

What we have seen in the last ten years is that people want the cheapest flight possible. Each new country that has gained LoCo routes demonstrates this. So, the argument runs, there must be room at the top of the market to replace all the biz seats that the legacy carriers have been busily removing. Yes ... but ... not enough to fill schedules week in and week out. Bear in mind that the legacy carriers still have some biz seats to these destinations and that there are specials (of varying degrees of comfort) from the likes of Monarch who know the routes very well.

Which is why, coupled with where we are in the economic cycle, I think that they are unlikely to succeed. (Success would have to be defined and some might say, 'Still operating an expanding route network after three/five years.')

[LTNman]

So why not write to LLAO's new MD and see if he's minded to address this problem. If he doesn't (can't or won't), ultimately it'll start to affect LTN's business

No point because the airport have no control over HM custom officers and handling agents staffing levels. As for the drop off area, are they really bothered?

[Buster the Bear]

I look forward to tell you all how wonderful my passage through the Tinmial (both ways) has been later this month.

[LTNman]

It all depends on your arrival and departure times. Outbound we were fine as the departure time was outside one of the airports many busy periods. We even found seating in the departure lounge when there is next to no seating provided. Something’s never change like the yellow and black tape that cover the latest batch of cracked floor tiles. Just goes to show that Luton is operating above its capacity for much of the day when services start to break down and waiting becomes the norm. When the terminal was built the council claimed that the terminals capacity was 5 million, which was exceeded before the terminal opened.

[Buster the Bear]

So will MNG A330F's be seen at Luton?

I guess the airport must be gearing up for B787 long haul operations in a few years time as they can easily operate from the available runway length. Monarch and Thomson both have them on order.

[CAP493]

I guess the airport must be gearing up for B787 long haul operations in a few years time as they can easily operate from the available runway length. Monarch and Thomson both have them on order.

This is one of the factors that undermined the business case for providing LTN with a 3000-metre runway. ACDL/LLAO have never believed that LTN could support a significant number of B747 or A340 long-haul services (for which at least 2500 metres runway length would be necessary), whether charter or scheduled, as this just isn't the market that LTN is in. The introduction of the B787-8 which as you say Buster, can achieve 6500nm at MTOW (250 pax) from a 2000-metre runway, changes the whole perspective as it opens up the possibility of non-stop long-haul charter flights from LTN - a market that ACDL/LLAO would like to add to their airline services portfolio.

[Buster the Bear]

Rumour has it that one of the based airlines is likely to base at least one after the A330 have been replaced at their outer stations.

[OLNEY 1 BRAVO]

Well that narrows it down to one airline then!!!!!!

[LTNman]

Please dial 090****** with your answer. Calls cost £1.50 per minute with all moneys going to the drop off area improvement fund.

[Buster the Bear]

OLNEY 1 BRAVO, you probably have guessed correctly, sources indicate that this will happen although it probably will be after Gatwick and Manchester?

[Mr @ Spotty M]

That's odd, because as l understand, it is not 100% sure if the A330s will go.
First a/c to go are the A300s and B767, but anything can change in this industry.

[22/04]

So does this mean that my daughter ( nside my then wife's tummy when G-MONB was delivered) may see her thirtieth with the aircraft still in service.

I imagined the 757s would go when the 78s came in!

[Mr @ Spotty M]

In answer to your question "22/04" is NO, alas it will not make 30 years at Monarch, some parts of it might however.

[LTNman]

Work is well advanced on the new cargo apron. It won’t be too long until concrete is being poured.

[Buster the Bear]

My rumour source indicated A330's but could well and more likely be the A300's. They must be around 20 years old now?

[compton3bravo]

Compton3Bravo

Yet more flights this winter – this time Aer Arrean. The Galway service is to go three times daily from 15 October with two services on Saturdays. Over 9,000 passengers were carried on this service in August! Would not be surprised to see Waterford get an extra service soon as that route achieved over 9,000 passengers in August as well. Excellent morning and evening timings are said to be have been a major factor in the increase in passenger numbers.

[Powerjet1]

Compton3Bravo

Yes. RE have had a very successful summer at LTN, and WAT is expected to go 3 x daily on M,F, Su in the run up to Xmas. Jan, Feb may drop back to 2 daily, and then back to 3 daily from the end of March 08.

[LTNman]

The billionaire Russian owner of Chelsea football club, Roman Abramovich, has ordered an Airbus A380, the world's biggest airliner, for use as his private jet, according to a French news report today.

French newspaper Le Figaro, which did not cite sources, said Mr. Abramovich was the mystery buyer behind an order for an A380 VIP, which was revealed by Airbus at the Paris Air Show in June this year. Airbus sales director John Leahy had told AFP about the order in June, saying it would be for use by the buyer 'and his entourage.'

So will he be saying goodbye to Luton or could Luton handle one?

[Charlie Roy]

New Ryanair route to Kerry