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Join Date: Feb 2001
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Funny you should say that. I flew out to Tehran in February on BMI just as the Libyan revolution was getting into gear. The Inflight Magazine was full of 'opportunities to invest in property in this stable peaceful North African paradise', all the usual copywriters' crap.
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Does this mean more 330's?
ATQ and ROB wouldn't be able to be operated on the current 330's without reducing the frequency of the Saudi flights according to my fag packet calcs.
Unless the flights were to change on narrow bodies when they arrive at ALM and FNA. This could be an option as it would reduce costs if outstation hubs were created but realistically can't see that happening yet as a serious plan.
So either there will need to be some leaning out of hte rotations or another airframe would be required. I bet the 330 pilots will be trying to get off the 330 like rats leaving a sinking ship if night shuttles were introduced on the widebody from these destinations.
ATQ and ROB wouldn't be able to be operated on the current 330's without reducing the frequency of the Saudi flights according to my fag packet calcs.
Unless the flights were to change on narrow bodies when they arrive at ALM and FNA. This could be an option as it would reduce costs if outstation hubs were created but realistically can't see that happening yet as a serious plan.
So either there will need to be some leaning out of hte rotations or another airframe would be required. I bet the 330 pilots will be trying to get off the 330 like rats leaving a sinking ship if night shuttles were introduced on the widebody from these destinations.
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Yes, in theory you are correct BUT
Apparantly, I've heard that the FNA has to be done in one sector service not via anywhere as they initially did it or they will lose a lot of business/route due to political reasons.
ALM can't be reached directly on a 321. Therefore it would need a tech stop somewhere. Can you imagine the number of passengers bmi would have going to somewhere like ATQ (if true), who would be prepared to fly 3 sectors to get there? Not many when there are other carriers flying wide bodies in 2 sectors.
So that returns us back to the original question, how would they manage it without an extra airframe?
Apparantly, I've heard that the FNA has to be done in one sector service not via anywhere as they initially did it or they will lose a lot of business/route due to political reasons.
ALM can't be reached directly on a 321. Therefore it would need a tech stop somewhere. Can you imagine the number of passengers bmi would have going to somewhere like ATQ (if true), who would be prepared to fly 3 sectors to get there? Not many when there are other carriers flying wide bodies in 2 sectors.
So that returns us back to the original question, how would they manage it without an extra airframe?
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Yes, apologies for that self-edit. Sometimes you have to write something doing to see you're wrong
I think it's possible with the existing a/c. Both ALA and FNA are getting upgraded to A332 this summer, so with a bit of tinkering to the schedule ALQ and ROB become simple one-stop additions to those existing sectors. If it means the a/c is in the air more and on the ground less it sounds a sensible use of BD's very limited long range resources.
Re-jigging LHR-GYD-FRU (I think) would just about bring the sectors back within the range of the A321....
More A321 due in 2012, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some more two-sector routes like the existing LHR-AMM-ADD and LHR-BEY-KRT.
If these routes are indeed coming, then the expanded BD Asia, Middle East and Africa route map would look something like this:
Great Circle Mapper
I think it's possible with the existing a/c. Both ALA and FNA are getting upgraded to A332 this summer, so with a bit of tinkering to the schedule ALQ and ROB become simple one-stop additions to those existing sectors. If it means the a/c is in the air more and on the ground less it sounds a sensible use of BD's very limited long range resources.
Re-jigging LHR-GYD-FRU (I think) would just about bring the sectors back within the range of the A321....
More A321 due in 2012, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some more two-sector routes like the existing LHR-AMM-ADD and LHR-BEY-KRT.
If these routes are indeed coming, then the expanded BD Asia, Middle East and Africa route map would look something like this:
Great Circle Mapper
How much of the UK - ATQ route is based around leisure / religious passengers from the Sikh community, and how much is business ?
Furthermore, is the UK - ALA route still based on the oil industry, or has it now broadened its customer base ? I don't remember seeing a lot of European tourists in Almaty the last time I was there
Furthermore, is the UK - ALA route still based on the oil industry, or has it now broadened its customer base ? I don't remember seeing a lot of European tourists in Almaty the last time I was there
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Originally Posted by ara01jbb
If these routes are indeed coming, then the expanded BD Asia, Middle East and Africa route map would look something like this:
Great Circle Mapper
Great Circle Mapper
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^^^ Indeed I was. Typing it all into gcmap like that makes it look like a mileage run of terrifying proportions...
Great Circle Mapper
Great Circle Mapper
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Would LHR - ALA - DAC not be a better bet since the route is no longer served directly? LHR - ALA - KTM would be an interesting routing - with strong high yielding leisure potential
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11K-AVML: a mileage run is an itinerary taken by SLF for the sole purpose of earning mileage or status.
Mileage Run Deals - FlyerTalk Forums is where (the primarily American) mileage run community shares deals that could help you retain one's precious Gold card.
Mileage Run Deals - FlyerTalk Forums is where (the primarily American) mileage run community shares deals that could help you retain one's precious Gold card.
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Can you imagine the number of passengers bmi would have going to somewhere like ATQ (if true), who would be prepared to fly 3 sectors to get there? Not many when there are other carriers flying wide bodies in 2 sectors.
Regarding the new A321 coming in March, any info on whether these are replacements or additions? Delivery falls in line with summer timetable 2012? New routes possibly??