MANCHESTER - 7

[MUFC_fan]

Why not IST-LAX direct?

With what? The 77W is far too large and nothing else would make it fully loaded.

Ja, our planes are much too full and profitable so let's send our passengers on two partner airlines to the US. NEIN!!!!!

BD is not a partner airline. I think that for UK passengers it would be more favourable - whether LH management see it that way I am not sure. Adding to the fact that BD don't partner with TK on current routes I doubt it but I would think it would be a must if fifth freedom rights between MAN-LAX are available, which I guess would be - it would make the route so much more viable.

No no no no no no! Quickest way to ruin a route is to assume that. There is almost ZERO proper F class demand outside of London. Lots of business class of course but First? Even premium flunkies BA are removing First from their new B777s from Heathrow. Singapore might use an F class aircraft but only because they are juggling aircraft, certainly little call for F on a non daily service.

To be honest, having read your post I can agree with you on that point. A bit caught up in the moment! I would say that EK could get some F passengers on the MAN-DXB route though. I remember the article about many EK passengers heading down to EK, up to 50% I believe? Surely there would be some there? Plus - they have showers!

MUFC_Fan you're ususally one of the saners guys on here!

It's been a long day!

[AircraftOperations]

The TK LAX service might explain why Kevin Costner appears on their advertising posters!

[TURIN]

There is almost ZERO proper F class demand outside of London. Lots of business class of course but First?

Apparently there are more millionaires per square mile just down the road from MAN at Prestbury/Alderly Edge than anywhere else in the UK.

No idea if that is a 7 or 7000. Just a thought.

[ETOPS]

I'm just off to play golf this morning with one of the "Cheshire Millionaires" mentioned by TURIN - 11.40am tee time at BPGC if anyone wants to watch. He is a frequent flyer from MAN with business in the Gulf and South Africa plus leisure travel to the US etc. He always flys Business/Club and economy, never First - being cost concious is part of his success story.

I think he is part of a trend - First wil only be viable on a very limited number of routes, those from major hubs like LHR not regional 'fields like MAN.

[AircraftOperations]

A lot of these people are millionaires because they are wise with their money and don't fritter it away. Regular travellers tell me that with a decent business product, it is not worth the extra expense to travel first. Just wait until you have enough miles to upgrade for free... or wait until you get bumped up every now and again.

[ETOPS]

11.40am tee time at BPGC if anyone wants to watch.

It was a "better ball" comp, we came second with 35 points after a card play-off. Therefore my missed putt on the 18th lost it for us

[getonittt]

US Airways keeping the A333 on the PHL route even though a number of routes in Europe have been cancelled. BTW, MAN is now the only 'secondary' city in Europe to be served by US A333!

What do you mean by a 'secondary city' ? I take it you mean 'non capital city ' in which case Frankfurts double daily US A333 makes that statement untrue!

[MUFC_fan]

US Airways keeping the A333 on the PHL route even though a number of routes in Europe have been cancelled. BTW, MAN is now the only 'secondary' city in Europe to be served by US A333!

What do you mean by a 'secondary city' ? I take it you mean 'non capital city ' in which case Frankfurts double daily US A333 makes that statement untrue!

Hamburg is Germany's second city by way of population but when taking all factors (transport, wealth etc.) into account, Munich is the second city.

[TG345]

Etihad Loads?

Need to take EY to AUH, and I'm pondering the cost/benefit balance between going C or Y. Would be sorely tempted to settle for Y on a six-ish hour flight, particularly if there was a sporting chance of a few empty seats scattered about the cabin. Anyone able to share what the loads have been like on this route recently?

Thanks for any help.

[jongeman]

Etihad loads ex-MAN were approximately 82% in September, although I couldn't give a breakdown between classes.

[GavinC]

I understand they have been pretty full but not quite full enough to need to bumb a few people up.

[MAN777]

Another award for MAN !

Award for Manchester Airport : Manchester Airport News Stories

[MAN777]

Interesting codeshare

Etihad sign Flybe codeshare : Manchester Airport News Stories

[Betablockeruk]

Hopefully pushing more direct onto the EY so that upgrade to regular 346 results.

Trust that the arrivals info won't be like the GLA shuttle farce:

14:35 AC6625 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 BD006 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 LH6530 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 NZ4406 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 QR5263 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 SK9769 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 TP8925 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 UA4816 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 UL2226 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 US5470 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431

[MUFC_fan]

Need to take EY to AUH, and I'm pondering the cost/benefit balance between going C or Y. Would be sorely tempted to settle for Y on a six-ish hour flight, particularly if there was a sporting chance of a few empty seats scattered about the cabin. Anyone able to share what the loads have been like on this route recently?

If you are happy in economy for the six hours then Etihad will be fine. Largest IFE screen in the business (by all of 0.1"!) But there service is also very good.

However...if their business class is within your finances then definitely take it - superb service and arguably the most private business class on any airliner.

Trust that the arrivals info won't be like the GLA shuttle farce:

14:35 AC6625 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 BD006 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 LH6530 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 NZ4406 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 QR5263 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 SK9769 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 TP8925 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 UA4816 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 UL2226 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431
14:35 US5470 HEATHROW EXPECTED 1431

That is rediculous for two reasons:

1. The sheer number of code shares!

2. Why can they not FILL the plane with that many different airlines selling the seats on them?!

But it is necessary. If you are flying with US or Qatar from London and it isn't on your ticket, then you ain't going to get on the BMI aircraft! It's hard enough when you see people confused that the plane isn't a Qatar airways jet, never mind the flight number!

[rudolf]

Wonder how people are coping with the tailwind onto 05L with LVPs in force?

[Scottie Dog]

I don't think that a cross wind of 160/4kts will be causing much of a problem!!

[superspotter]

Regarding Etihad, being fortunate to travel MAN-AUH-MAN every 28 days on business class, I can vouch for it, superb. Try and get a window seat in Pearl class as it's known and it is indeed quite private, the aisle seats are a little more prone to slight interference from passing traffic! The screens in Pearl are 17" and the champagne is particularly quaffable
And although the seats turn into lie flat beds, it seems to me to be such a waste......too much good food and so little time

[rudolf]

Was 210/5 when I looked earlier. Lots of diversions and cancellations.

[LGS6753]

To date there are 2 diversions out, and 18 cancellations, but about 13-14 of the cancellations are FlyBe flights. Don't the -400s like the fog?