BELFAST CITY AIRPORT (BHD)

[Fairdealfrank]

Anyone have any thoughts what would happen to EI in BHD if IAG take over? Would they keep things the way they are at the minute or pull EI out? Maybe even pull BA out and let EI operate all flights.

EI are only 3 times/day so imagine they'd keep them and supplement BA's offering. Maybe BA would do them all, as it's a UK domestic route.

Much would depend whether there's a required slot surrender, but don't think another carrier would take it on, as any potential candidates are "Heathrow-phobic" (for valid business reasons).

VS is unlikely, its already had its fingers burnt on UK domestic.

Regretably, job losses may be a danger as rationalisation takes place, whether its BA and EI, BA only, or EI only.

[AerRyan]

Aerlingus do more than Heathrow from Belfast, are all routes under threat?

[EI-BUD]

AerRyan,

'Under threat'? Nothing is under threat, IAG is a long way off securing Aer Lingus at this point. All of this discussion is hypothetical. The base is paying its way for Aer Lingus, and we could take a different angle on this. Aer Lingus could operate this route on its own, while closely aligned to BA, and increase in aircraft size could result in slot savings in net terms for BA to use elsewhere.

EI-BUD

[AerRyan]

I realise IAG is a long way off buying Aer Lingus, that's kind of irrelevant, especially directing it towards me when comments before me have discussed the Heathrow link. And BA will probably keep the heathrow link in some shape or form, but what about Gatwick, and the 3 holiday routes?

[Fairdealfrank]

I realise IAG is a long way off buying Aer Lingus, that's kind of irrelevant, especially directing it towards me when comments before me have discussed the Heathrow link. And BA will probably keep the heathrow link in some shape or form, but what about Gatwick, and the 3 holiday routes?

Why change it if it's profitable? There's no point fixing it if it's not broken. Back office savings and rationalisation may be likely.

Also, not convinced that EI would disappear in the way that BD did if IAG were to buy it.

[AerRyan]

Why wouldn't you fix it if you can make better returns elsewhere? My point is what if BA see better potential basing these aircraft at Dublin?

And I'm not saying this will happen, I'm saying that an eye should be kept on it.

[BFS Dude]

Any idea that day the other announcement is due at BHD??

[stab3.5up]

Just a random thought. Could BMI Regional be looking at BHD from Germany. Some interesting musings on the BMI Regional thread. The name would be very well know to Norn iron travelling public!.

[sealink]

Saw an Aerlingus Regional ATR at BHD today. Not sure where it was operating.

[ILS25]

Possibly a diversion due high wind at DUB

[stab3.5up]

6 diverted I understand

[shoe shine]

I hear City are talking to Ryanair again, yesterday. Thought they had said they would only be back if the runway was extended. Perhaps the thought of the BA/AL merger and the potential to lose some LHR ops has encouraged the airport to be more agressive, and creative.

[BHD2BFS]

Does the airport really have any more space?
I know airlines only rent check in desks for the flight time but will they have enough space in summer when Aer lingus' summer flights return. Klm start daily. Vueling fly 3 times a week plus the extra flights to Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow flybe are introducing and not to forget the charter flights by Volotea and Air Dolomiti?

[stab3.5up]

I think they could get unstuck v quickly on thisone if they dont have agood infrastructure in place, check in desks, baggage sort area, belts etc etc

[BFS BHD]

They are also in talks with BFS over the past few weeks.

[stab3.5up]

As well as or instead of LDY?

[EI-BUD]

FR must be hungry for STN Belfast market following on from launch of EDI and GLA.

I've never seen a campaign as big as the Ryanair and Dublin Airport, advertising £19.99 ex Dublin. Feels like they are trying to make conditions painful for BFS until they yield and give them what they want...

[Husky One]

There's no point courting airlines to do the same old routes. All it does is split yield and ultimately cost jobs. For all the pontificating Ryanair do about cheap fares, they seldom beat what's on offer on our own patch. This winter I have scooped several sub £50 returns to London from BFS and even a sub £60 from BHD. There's plenty around if you're flexible. No need for a manky harp-tail.

[EGAC is Better]

Shoeshine,

If the IAG takeover of EI goes ahead my feeling is that BHD have nothing to worry about. Any reduction in overall LHR roatations would probably be replaced by an increase in EI LGW ops to provide better connectivity to BA's mainly leisure network. Probably a break even all around. Just a gut reaction with no basis in fact.

Also, if IAG got its hands on EI, that would be 3 airlines under their umbrella utilising BHD from next summer.

AC

[mart901]

I quite agree Husky One, this winter my wife has been working in England, booked numerous flights for her, myself and family members all around the £60 mark, some less. BE have provided some £22.99 one ways as well. Brilliant