LUTON -8
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Can't remember if this NATS video about Luton has been highlighted here before https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMzVd7OUf-w
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If you watch the link on the Airports website to a video on the physical redevelopment , it appears there will now be a canopy entrance but still the chance of getting wet from the bridge or drop off area.
Wow a new executive lounge with a Spa as well - can't wait , would be nice to get free Wi Fi though!
Wow a new executive lounge with a Spa as well - can't wait , would be nice to get free Wi Fi though!
Join Date: Aug 2013
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Interesting how the article cites "More domestic, European and international destinations will also be added to the airport’s route network".
This suggests that new route additions will go beyond the type of routes regularly added by the likes of easyJet and Wizz, given that both "Domestic" and "International" are mentioned.
Could "Domestic" mean a return to Jersey, Guernsey and/or Isle of Man? I'm struggling to think which other domestic routes could be added.
Could "International" mean mid/long haul routes building on the success of the Tel Aviv services - perhaps Beirut or may be even New York?
As for "European", given Europe is already pretty wells served, it will be interesting to see what new routes will follow - more to Scandinavia perhaps or further additions in Spain and Italy?
This suggests that new route additions will go beyond the type of routes regularly added by the likes of easyJet and Wizz, given that both "Domestic" and "International" are mentioned.
Could "Domestic" mean a return to Jersey, Guernsey and/or Isle of Man? I'm struggling to think which other domestic routes could be added.
Could "International" mean mid/long haul routes building on the success of the Tel Aviv services - perhaps Beirut or may be even New York?
As for "European", given Europe is already pretty wells served, it will be interesting to see what new routes will follow - more to Scandinavia perhaps or further additions in Spain and Italy?
LTNman
Look under News and PR on the Airport website, scroll down to 'To view a short film on the physical redevelopment of LLA please click here'
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Don't get too excited by 'international' - Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey are not in Europe so would fall into that bracket. I'm pretty sure if they were genuinely hopeful of landing something long-haul they would have said 'long-haul'.
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That new large canopy, which I have seen only in the new video, changes the whole appearance of the new build and so the entrance. While no doubt it will be functional it doesn't look too good.
The canopy with the new pier missing in this screen print. Watching the video the canopy looks larger than the infill of the terminal with the removal of the existing bus station.
The canopy with the new pier missing in this screen print. Watching the video the canopy looks larger than the infill of the terminal with the removal of the existing bus station.
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What are the chances La Compagnie might choose Luton?
As I understand it, the old Silverjet terminal is no longer available? So, passengers would need to be accommodated via the main terminal, presumably with a dedicated lounge space somewhere within and special fast track access.
At the time of day when flights would operate, Luton would be reasonably quiet so perhaps its not unreasonable to think that Luton has a chance against Stansted and Gatwick in trying to secure this service?
As I understand it, the old Silverjet terminal is no longer available? So, passengers would need to be accommodated via the main terminal, presumably with a dedicated lounge space somewhere within and special fast track access.
At the time of day when flights would operate, Luton would be reasonably quiet so perhaps its not unreasonable to think that Luton has a chance against Stansted and Gatwick in trying to secure this service?
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While it is exciting that the airline La Compagnie is potentially showing an interest in launching flights to NYC from Luton, I think the airport needs to take a very cautious approach...
This airline only launched flights in July this year from Paris and both the London and Paris markets to NYC are very different...
I can't imagine BA's subsidiary airline in France - Open Skies which they are up against, are going to take the competition of La Compagnie lying down!
The existing London to NYC market are definitely going to do everything in their power, to quash an airline like this trying to take a bite of their premium traffic.
Luton bent over backwards to assist SilverJet at the airport, and folded within 18 months leaving the airport with a big headache. The track record of premium only airlines from the UK is an unproven...
This airline only launched flights in July this year from Paris and both the London and Paris markets to NYC are very different...
I can't imagine BA's subsidiary airline in France - Open Skies which they are up against, are going to take the competition of La Compagnie lying down!
The existing London to NYC market are definitely going to do everything in their power, to quash an airline like this trying to take a bite of their premium traffic.
Luton bent over backwards to assist SilverJet at the airport, and folded within 18 months leaving the airport with a big headache. The track record of premium only airlines from the UK is an unproven...
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I think it is improbable La Compagnie will end up at LTN.
Simply, they want to go to LGW. If that fails, it will be STN because of the proximity to Cambridge which provides an additional market. STN is also very well connected from the 'Tech City' and 'Silican Roundabout' areas of East London, though LTN isn't a bad choice for those areas.
LTN will be talked up only as a negotiation tool for a better deal at STN, in my opinion.
Simply, they want to go to LGW. If that fails, it will be STN because of the proximity to Cambridge which provides an additional market. STN is also very well connected from the 'Tech City' and 'Silican Roundabout' areas of East London, though LTN isn't a bad choice for those areas.
LTN will be talked up only as a negotiation tool for a better deal at STN, in my opinion.
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Sunday's at Luton - Busier than Nomal?
Was just using the Wizzair website and came across this bit of information in the booking pages.
"Due to increased passenger numbers travelling through London Luton Airport on Sundays in the peak summer season please ensure you allow sufficient time for your journey to the airport and to complete check in procedures. If you are travelling with hand baggage only, please check in online and proceed straight to security. All flights will close promptly 40 minutes before departure time."
How true is this this?
I have never found the Sunday's busier than any other day, even in the summer.
"Due to increased passenger numbers travelling through London Luton Airport on Sundays in the peak summer season please ensure you allow sufficient time for your journey to the airport and to complete check in procedures. If you are travelling with hand baggage only, please check in online and proceed straight to security. All flights will close promptly 40 minutes before departure time."
How true is this this?
I have never found the Sunday's busier than any other day, even in the summer.
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I have just this evening seen an article in which MAG who operate London Stansted claim their airport is the fastest growing London Airport.
Yet they fail to disclose than unlike every other London Airport who equally are recording milestones by achieving record passenger figures since their airports first operations, Stansted still remains approximately 5 million passengers short of it's heyday!
In turn, Stansted is seeking it's rail links to London to be improved. Sadly on that mode of transport they have no competition when it comes to Luton!
With that thought in mind, the airline La Compagnie might consider Luton as it's UK operation based on facts and not fiction or manipulation of figures!
It would be interesting to know that in terms of profit per passenger what London Airport is most successful and what airport ranks bottom in the London area- for surely a profitable airport operation has more to invest in infrastructure for passengers than an airport operation who offers so many perks in order to claim higher passenger figures then has little to invest in infrastructure!
On a lighter note it is nice to see during the last week or so a Boeing 737-200 series aircraft and what appeared to be a Boeing 717 using the airport.
Next year 'currently' up to 8 new destination will be served from Luton so I look forward to the airports growth.
Yet they fail to disclose than unlike every other London Airport who equally are recording milestones by achieving record passenger figures since their airports first operations, Stansted still remains approximately 5 million passengers short of it's heyday!
In turn, Stansted is seeking it's rail links to London to be improved. Sadly on that mode of transport they have no competition when it comes to Luton!
With that thought in mind, the airline La Compagnie might consider Luton as it's UK operation based on facts and not fiction or manipulation of figures!
It would be interesting to know that in terms of profit per passenger what London Airport is most successful and what airport ranks bottom in the London area- for surely a profitable airport operation has more to invest in infrastructure for passengers than an airport operation who offers so many perks in order to claim higher passenger figures then has little to invest in infrastructure!
On a lighter note it is nice to see during the last week or so a Boeing 737-200 series aircraft and what appeared to be a Boeing 717 using the airport.
Next year 'currently' up to 8 new destination will be served from Luton so I look forward to the airports growth.
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La Compagnie are going to base their descison based on where they can make the most profit.
The only reason they won't go to Gatwick is if they cant get the runway slots at the times they want, or for some inconceivable reason Gatwick dont want them.
Then I can see advantages for either Stansted or Luton. Neither offer any transatlantic scheduled service so there would be no competition.
Neither have a 'first/business class' terminal, though that is surely easier at STN (especially if you believe the developement grapevine regarding Sat 1 where lounges are being installed).
No doubt you'll point out that no one has made a sucess of a transatlatic route from STN - though I think the economy and certain agressive anti competition tactics put paid to most operators. Lets face it Silverjet didnt make it work at Luton either.
Interesting times, and I expect La Compagnie to end up at Gatters but it would be nice if they didnt
The only reason they won't go to Gatwick is if they cant get the runway slots at the times they want, or for some inconceivable reason Gatwick dont want them.
Then I can see advantages for either Stansted or Luton. Neither offer any transatlantic scheduled service so there would be no competition.
Neither have a 'first/business class' terminal, though that is surely easier at STN (especially if you believe the developement grapevine regarding Sat 1 where lounges are being installed).
No doubt you'll point out that no one has made a sucess of a transatlatic route from STN - though I think the economy and certain agressive anti competition tactics put paid to most operators. Lets face it Silverjet didnt make it work at Luton either.
Interesting times, and I expect La Compagnie to end up at Gatters but it would be nice if they didnt
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In turn, Stansted is seeking it's rail links to London to be improved. Sadly on that mode of transport they have no competition when it comes to Luton!
Southend Airport had 408,430 passengers using its station which is around 40% of the airports total passenger figure while Parkway had 2,256,224 which is around 25%. Of course some of those passengers would be locals not going to the airports but it does highlight an issue.
Last edited by LTNman; 12th Dec 2014 at 03:45.