MANCHESTER - 8
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Derby/EMA
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Was over at MAN yesterday, noticed they have opened a curry hut in T2 ,which can only be a good thing bearing in mind the current quality of the cuisine available to those lucky travellers using MAN
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Manchester
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Why I love Dubai and EK
My work quite often takes me east usually using Emirates or Qatar but last week a short notice spell of work in Australia resulted in me using BA via LHR.
After a bad experience with BA years ago I vowed never to use them again but on this occasion I had no say in the matter as there were no seats available on EK and the employers thought they were doing me a favour sending me with "my' local carrier
The day started fine with a short flight on a very smart A319 shuttle into T5 at LHR, having never used T5 before I looked forward to the experience but alas it was not to be as my onward flight to Sydney was from T3, so I and a large portion of the MAN flight had to wait for a shuttle bus to take us through the bowels of Heathrow to T3, on arrival we waited in a long queue for another security screening and then emerged into a packed T3 lounge, there were no spare seats and all restaurants were heaving, this was not a relaxing environment. As the gate had not been displayed yet I couldn't even wait near there so I resorted to aimlessly wandering the duty free shops until the flight was finally called.
The flight was on a B777 via Singapore, cabin was a bit shabby, food awful and seating cramped, to be honest I couldn't wait to get off for a walk at Singapore, a couple of hours later it was back on for another torture session
The return 1 week later was on a B747 via Bangkok, better seat this time but VOD didn't work, food was still very poor, this time I came prepared with my own stock of food just in case.
The stop in Bangkok was another absurd fiasco, the whole plane off loaded, walk the entire length of the terminal pier, through security screening again, back down the pier again and 30 mins later back on the aircraft.
12 hours later back at LHR another coach transfer to T5, security screening and the A319 back to MAN.
Altogether a knackering and frustrating journey, I have now renewed my vow to never travel BA through LHR again, Emirates I apologise for the temporary lapse of common sense and will see you and Dubai again next month.
After a bad experience with BA years ago I vowed never to use them again but on this occasion I had no say in the matter as there were no seats available on EK and the employers thought they were doing me a favour sending me with "my' local carrier
The day started fine with a short flight on a very smart A319 shuttle into T5 at LHR, having never used T5 before I looked forward to the experience but alas it was not to be as my onward flight to Sydney was from T3, so I and a large portion of the MAN flight had to wait for a shuttle bus to take us through the bowels of Heathrow to T3, on arrival we waited in a long queue for another security screening and then emerged into a packed T3 lounge, there were no spare seats and all restaurants were heaving, this was not a relaxing environment. As the gate had not been displayed yet I couldn't even wait near there so I resorted to aimlessly wandering the duty free shops until the flight was finally called.
The flight was on a B777 via Singapore, cabin was a bit shabby, food awful and seating cramped, to be honest I couldn't wait to get off for a walk at Singapore, a couple of hours later it was back on for another torture session
The return 1 week later was on a B747 via Bangkok, better seat this time but VOD didn't work, food was still very poor, this time I came prepared with my own stock of food just in case.
The stop in Bangkok was another absurd fiasco, the whole plane off loaded, walk the entire length of the terminal pier, through security screening again, back down the pier again and 30 mins later back on the aircraft.
12 hours later back at LHR another coach transfer to T5, security screening and the A319 back to MAN.
Altogether a knackering and frustrating journey, I have now renewed my vow to never travel BA through LHR again, Emirates I apologise for the temporary lapse of common sense and will see you and Dubai again next month.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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My love letter to Emirates
Sorry but why are domestic connecting UK passengers re-screened before being permitted access into T3 airside? That's mental,T5 domestic to Flight Connections T5 doesn't need this so why does T3? Are the busses not closed off?
Shame that a nine abreast BA 777 compared badly in seating with a ten abreast Emirates model, mind you the A380 is way better.
Do Emirates not re-screen passengers connecting through Dubai? So if one beats security in Pakistan, then one is free to board a flight to the UK with unmentionables about one's person? Surely they must?
Shame that a nine abreast BA 777 compared badly in seating with a ten abreast Emirates model, mind you the A380 is way better.
Do Emirates not re-screen passengers connecting through Dubai? So if one beats security in Pakistan, then one is free to board a flight to the UK with unmentionables about one's person? Surely they must?
Last edited by Skipness One Echo; 24th Jan 2012 at 16:20.
Join Date: Jul 2003
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Don't want to get too far of the MAN thread, but I posted my story to highlight why EK are on such a winner from the regions.
At LHR, Yes re-screened on entering T3 Airside from coach transfer.
EK economy has 34 inch seat pitch compared with 31 inch on BA (That extra 3 inches makes a huge difference to my frame)
Yes there is screening during transfer at Dubai but it is so efficient its hardly noticed, also the big plus is its only 2 flights each way instead of 3 flights.
What I would like to add in BAs defence is that the cabin crew (mainly male) were very professional especially the way they dealt with children.
Also the new 1st class cabin looks very nice (don't think I will be using that though ! )
At LHR, Yes re-screened on entering T3 Airside from coach transfer.
EK economy has 34 inch seat pitch compared with 31 inch on BA (That extra 3 inches makes a huge difference to my frame)
Yes there is screening during transfer at Dubai but it is so efficient its hardly noticed, also the big plus is its only 2 flights each way instead of 3 flights.
What I would like to add in BAs defence is that the cabin crew (mainly male) were very professional especially the way they dealt with children.
Also the new 1st class cabin looks very nice (don't think I will be using that though ! )
Join Date: May 2011
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MAN777, I concur with your experience but with Qatar rather than EK. I travel Qatar quite often to the East and Australia - the 34" on the 777 is really a noticeable different compared with when I normally flew BA out of LHR. The Qatar 330's are a less pleasurable experience however.
But you're right, the whole experience of flying EK or QR out of MAN vs going via LHR is far more appealing.
But you're right, the whole experience of flying EK or QR out of MAN vs going via LHR is far more appealing.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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But you're right, the whole experience of flying EK or QR out of MAN vs going via LHR is far more appealing
EK are usually much cheaper than anyone else heading East. I wont fly with any other airline. I dont think their inflight service is as good as it used to be (compared to sq). Flying to CGK with them on Tues, EK18. Saves the hassle of going via LHR. I did it last year to save myself £100 (inc shuttle) but never again!
It does of course depend where you want to go and what you are doing. EK to BKK was a good experience, not as polished as i'd envisaged, but good nonetheless. However, when I go to Oz my plan is to visit HKG on the way back. EK, EY and QR were of no use. Hence I will use BA/QF. BA's product isn't as good as either of the above and I'm not expecting it to be but I think some folk are a bit too keen when it comes to bashing BA. They simply haven't had the money or the geographic advantage (other than Transatlantic) that EK and DXB have had respectively.
Later in the year I will also use EY to BKK and their fares were excellent!
I hope that by now everyone accepts that BA does exactly what EK, DL etc do. The problem is indeed that BA to OZ offers 2 stop as opposed to one with middle/far East carriers. Ultimately that isn't BA's fault. Equally you can't blame Joe Bloggs for wanting to go 1 stop. However, psychologically I believe it goes further. It's the short hop down to London that can be the off putting factor. Many would rather just get straight onto the long haul. Secondly theres the anti-London centric factor that many Northerners display (I can sometimes class myself as one) who feel they are being neglected by BA but don't understand how the hub and spoke airline works. And thirdly there is of course price. My flight with all the sectors/destinations that I wanted with BA/QF were cheaper than EK. However I accept, as with my EY flights, the Middle East carrier can be very competitive and of course price is so very important in this industry as we all know.
I also believe that with the leisure travellers and holiday of a life time folk, of which EK carries plenty, EK etc are the new VS. These People are often wowed because they get a complimentary drink and the crew (usually) look the part. The name also has glamour written all over it, increased by recent football sponsorship deals.
In my assessment please don't mistake me as a BA apologist or a fan nor a Middle East basher. I think it's fantastic that the spoke that MAN is can support 7 daily Middle East flights with connections across the globe. I'm quite proud of it in fact when you consider MAN counterparts such as BCN and DUS. I just think that people lay it on thick slightly and go to town when it comes to knocking BA. They aren't always as competitive, they aren't always as convenient and they haven't had the money to splash out like EK has. They do however still have a strong following and a reasonable product. Is it as good as EK? From my own experience i'd say not but it's certainly not dire.
Later in the year I will also use EY to BKK and their fares were excellent!
I hope that by now everyone accepts that BA does exactly what EK, DL etc do. The problem is indeed that BA to OZ offers 2 stop as opposed to one with middle/far East carriers. Ultimately that isn't BA's fault. Equally you can't blame Joe Bloggs for wanting to go 1 stop. However, psychologically I believe it goes further. It's the short hop down to London that can be the off putting factor. Many would rather just get straight onto the long haul. Secondly theres the anti-London centric factor that many Northerners display (I can sometimes class myself as one) who feel they are being neglected by BA but don't understand how the hub and spoke airline works. And thirdly there is of course price. My flight with all the sectors/destinations that I wanted with BA/QF were cheaper than EK. However I accept, as with my EY flights, the Middle East carrier can be very competitive and of course price is so very important in this industry as we all know.
I also believe that with the leisure travellers and holiday of a life time folk, of which EK carries plenty, EK etc are the new VS. These People are often wowed because they get a complimentary drink and the crew (usually) look the part. The name also has glamour written all over it, increased by recent football sponsorship deals.
In my assessment please don't mistake me as a BA apologist or a fan nor a Middle East basher. I think it's fantastic that the spoke that MAN is can support 7 daily Middle East flights with connections across the globe. I'm quite proud of it in fact when you consider MAN counterparts such as BCN and DUS. I just think that people lay it on thick slightly and go to town when it comes to knocking BA. They aren't always as competitive, they aren't always as convenient and they haven't had the money to splash out like EK has. They do however still have a strong following and a reasonable product. Is it as good as EK? From my own experience i'd say not but it's certainly not dire.
best first class to SYD
Hi
Cannot really comment on BA First Class
However I recently travelled EK First Class and can tell you it is FIRST CLASS.
Just like it used to be, only better. Superb food, service, amazing AVOD choice & quality, and the showers !! amazing .
Cannot really comment on BA First Class
However I recently travelled EK First Class and can tell you it is FIRST CLASS.
Just like it used to be, only better. Superb food, service, amazing AVOD choice & quality, and the showers !! amazing .
Join Date: Dec 2002
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QR Capacity Reduction
Seems that the rapid expansion of EK, EY and QR is starting to have an impact as per below on QR;
QATAR Airways, one of three Middle East carriers operating out of Manchester, is to reduce the number of flights from late March, as it beefs up its Heathrow service.
The Doha-based airline, which currently offers a double daily service from Manchester, is axing four flights a week, amid strong competition from Abu Dhabi's Etihad, which flies double daily too and Dubia carrier Emirates, the most established of the trio at Manchester, which operates three flights a day.
While load factors are understood to be satisfactory, competitive prices on the routes among the three rivals is the key according to sources.
One insider told TheBusinessDesk.com: "There are seven flights a day out of Manchester to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, one of which is the A380, and pricing has become very competitive.
"There's a feeling at Qatar can make better yields on other routes in its network."
In a statement, Qatar said it was adding a a fifth daily flight from Heathrow to Doha from March 25.
It added: "Due to operational requirements elsewhere in the airline’s global network, the Manchester to Doha route will be served by 10 flights each week instead of the current 14.
"The rapid global expansion of the airline has made it necessary to reallocate a small proportion of Manchester’s capacity to other points on the network, resulting in a schedule change.
"Passengers booked to fly to and from Manchester after 25 March should expect only minimal disruption and, if affected, will be provided with alternative travel options on other Manchester or London Heathrow services operated by Qatar Airways
QATAR Airways, one of three Middle East carriers operating out of Manchester, is to reduce the number of flights from late March, as it beefs up its Heathrow service.
The Doha-based airline, which currently offers a double daily service from Manchester, is axing four flights a week, amid strong competition from Abu Dhabi's Etihad, which flies double daily too and Dubia carrier Emirates, the most established of the trio at Manchester, which operates three flights a day.
While load factors are understood to be satisfactory, competitive prices on the routes among the three rivals is the key according to sources.
One insider told TheBusinessDesk.com: "There are seven flights a day out of Manchester to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, one of which is the A380, and pricing has become very competitive.
"There's a feeling at Qatar can make better yields on other routes in its network."
In a statement, Qatar said it was adding a a fifth daily flight from Heathrow to Doha from March 25.
It added: "Due to operational requirements elsewhere in the airline’s global network, the Manchester to Doha route will be served by 10 flights each week instead of the current 14.
"The rapid global expansion of the airline has made it necessary to reallocate a small proportion of Manchester’s capacity to other points on the network, resulting in a schedule change.
"Passengers booked to fly to and from Manchester after 25 March should expect only minimal disruption and, if affected, will be provided with alternative travel options on other Manchester or London Heathrow services operated by Qatar Airways
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The official line is that Qatar are short of aircraft, but will go back to double daily from the end of October, with rumour control suggesting that their new 787s may come into play.
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More news from the MEN re car-parking charges going up and the latest changes at the top. From the latter article it seems like the continuing churn of people is bad news for EMA
Manchester Airport
‘Sky’s the limit’ as Manchester Airport gets a new boss in management shake-up | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk
Suzeman
Manchester Airport
‘Sky’s the limit’ as Manchester Airport gets a new boss in management shake-up | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk
Suzeman
Join Date: Jul 2004
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Management change
"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss".
Not much of a change. Andrew H has been part of the senior team at MAG for a few years and this is just a broadening of his remit. EMA, BOH and HUY make up a fairly small proportion of MAG's total business, and those individual airports retain a General Manager to look after local issues.
Not much of a change. Andrew H has been part of the senior team at MAG for a few years and this is just a broadening of his remit. EMA, BOH and HUY make up a fairly small proportion of MAG's total business, and those individual airports retain a General Manager to look after local issues.