BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - BFS (Aldergrove)

[ara01jbb]

Not the only insurance black hole for NI folk. I used to rent cars from branches of Enterprise in Belfast quite a bit, and although they were able to delete the rental clause that forbade taking the car "outside of the United Kingdom" they hadn't been able to extend breakdown coverage. So their advice, if you broke down or were involved in an accident south of the border, was to have the car towed or carried to the border, and then they'd be able to dispatch their own recovery contractors

[Jamie2k9]

The APD tax is certainly a disadvantage, being the only region of the UK with a land border with another European legal jurisdiction.

The only disadvantage is to US carriers at BFS.

People who want to go to the UK are not going to go to DUB just to save a few pounds. Before the APD was introduced it was not as if BFS was well connected in Europe and as airlines didn't start operations then why would they now when most are cutting back. If the tax was scrapped it would help the current carriers but if it stays or goes I don't see any European carriers starting at BFS regardless of the Tax. Why would they now when people are traveling less and less.

BFS like most airports in Ireland becomes to dependant on Bucket and Spade routes over the last few years.

[BFS101]

But without the added APD tax, we may have held on to our peak Puerto Plata, Cancun and Sanford. BFS would also look more appealing to help reinstate the lost Toronto link, after over 20 connsecutive years of service! Many of the winter routes I'd guess would be marginal at best, BCN, FCO, EWR and would greatly benefit from the reduction of the APD.

And however unlikely, BFS management have specifically mentioned Dubai, and with a more level playing field, I'd say this would help the cause, no matter how small seemingly insignificant.

As for people from Northern Ireland not using DUB to gain flights to the UK mainland, I think you'd be surprised. Those too connecting to long-haul may well see a financial benefit for using DUB via Europe, that who otherwise would've used EI/BD via LHR, especially being charged twice.

I'm flying BHD-LHR-AUH DXB-LHR-BHD in December, and was shocked at the amount of tax compared to the fare, phenomenal. Three flights in the trip departing UK airports!!

[EI-BUD]

The only disadvantage is to US carriers at BFS

Jamie, it is a disadvantage to NI economy if their local airport is losing passengers to a Dublin flight to the US so much so that CO were questioning their route from Newark. In addition, although at this point in time unlikely that Aer Lingus would look at a transatlantic offering from BFS, with a taxation/ penalty on locals flying from Belfast, that may be just another reason why they might delay any potential route.

If we dont get a concession on taxation and create a more level playing field (with ROI) then CO may not stick around and we will in NI will have no choice but to go to DUB or London etc, and jobs lost etc.

People who want to go to the UK are not going to go to DUB just to save a few pounds

I also think if you had a family coming across from the US family (so say 2 adults and 2 children) an extra £60 each is substantial, so I could well see why they might choose to fly into Dublin!!

[Jamie2k9]

I agree the £60 for US flights needs to go as if it dosn't CO will leave.

Do you see the UK gov going from £12 to 0 like the ROI will be shortly.

I'm flying BHD-LHR-AUH DXB-LHR-BHD in December, and was shocked at the amount of tax compared to the fare, phenomenal. Three flights in the trip departing UK airports!!

It's cheeper to fly to BFS from LHR than DUB with EI when it comes to taxes from LHR side.

[BHD2BFS]

just wondering if anybody has heard of the announcement, that was meant to happen today?

also is their any photos going around of the newly referbished dept lounge? and does any one know what the plans are for the pier that houses the CO flights (sorry dont know the name of the pier) will its also be made over as it is becoming very tired looking

many thanks!!

[ILS25]

Antanov AN-124 parked up at BFS all day. Only news that I have anyway.

Dont think there are any plans to refurbish the international pier, but you are right that it could do with a spruce up.

[Straightahead]

AN 124 departing in the next 30 minutes outbound to SSG(Malabo Airport in Equatorial Guinea).Cargo is aircraft steps made in Dungannon.

[ILS25]

Must have been delayed a bit, he flew over my house in Lisburn about 15 minutes ago. My wife said "whats that", I said "bet I know" and went outside to have look.

[tigger2k8]

Took on around 90,000 ltrs of fuel apparently (cant confirm, but wouldnt be surprised if it was more..)... by the time the pushback and checks had been completed and the line up on 25.. took off at around 22:15

BHD2BFS, id like to think the international pier would get a makeover.. even a new carpet and a bit of paint would lighten the place up..

[AIRPORT66]

airport66

The cafeteria in arrivals is next,no plans for international pier not this year anyway.

[BHD2BFS]

i just think the terminal has seen better days, from airside it looks like lego blocks all attached on over the year, the different shades of grey and washed out blue cladding makes the place look horrible

when compared to the city, it is a far more attractive and modern airport and its only a regional airport

i think it would be great if they added more airbridges to the far side of the international pier where aer lingus european flights leave from, i remember a couple of years ago when going to florida there was a thomas cook A330 flyglobespan 767 and i believe a transair a310 all down that one side, with CO at the main gate

[tigger2k8]

i just think the terminal has seen better days, from airside it looks like lego blocks all attached on over the year, the different shades of grey and washed out blue cladding makes the place look horrible

when compared to the city, it is a far more attractive and modern airport and its only a regional airport

i think it would be great if they added more airbridges to the far side of the international pier where aer lingus european flights leave from, i remember a couple of years ago when going to florida there was a thomas cook A330 flyglobespan 767 and i believe a transair a310 all down that one side, with CO at the main gate

The outside is nothing glamorous, but with the new windows at starbucks it helps a little.. we'll never see anything to improve the airports outside appearance until the new core is built (see masterplan) but with the recession and decline id say a lot of plans are put back.

Obviously BHD is more attractive on the outside as its a newer building, so i'd be worried if BFS looked better.. before the renovations to the airside facilities i would have said BHD wins on the inside and outside appearance, but now im going to have to say BFS now seems better looking to me inside (my opinion, next time you are flying out you'll see the difference).

As for airbridges, they cost around £300,000+ and with an additional charge for airlines that use them, i dont think theres enough demand to warrant anymore of them.

[EI-BUD]

So will EZY be announcing Southend airport as the 3rd destination for London from BFS???
Could that be the new route that is being rumoured?


EI-BUD

[tigger2k8]

Just spotted this in an article.. BFS-SEN?

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standa...to-southend.do

The budget carrier plans to launch flights from Amsterdam's global hub airport, plus Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Berlin, and Glasgow, Edinburgh
and Belfast into Southend ahead of the Games next summer. EasyJet is initially hiring more than 150 staff to cover 70 weekly flights to its first ten destinations - which will include Barcelona, Faro and Ibiza - in April. It will then increase capacity for the Olympics.

[mutleyshriek]

Knew last last week but couldent say.Actually 4th London Airport.

[BFS101]

Will this grow London bound traffic / increase visitors to Northern Ireland, or just cannabalise the other London routes?? Will we see a reduction on STN rotations as a result?? Bit of a strange one in my opinion, not really sure it's of any great benefit.

[JSCL]

BFS101

I think it's designed to knock on to other London routes. If it wasn't, it'd be at overcapacity now. But them entering on to Irish routes could be scaremongering Aer Arann too.

[mutleyshriek]

No reduction to STN LTN or LGW is envisaged at present.Just consolidation as the no1 carrier from Northern Ireland to London.Imagine your choice of departures to and from London and Flexable Fares coming on line also.Im not being biased but this will sent a shudder to Bmi Flybe and the Baby....probably EI too.

[BFS101]

Mutleyshriek, do you know the proposed frequencies. Morning and evening departures daily??