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Join Date: Jul 2015
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I'm puzzled. Flybe abandoned SEN. Seems for SEN to kindle that affair is asking for trouble. Sustainable partnership relationships are needed, not business relationships which are unsustainable. Easyjet and SEN appear to have a balanced collaborative relationship and see longterm mutual gains.
Join Date: Oct 2003
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My interpretation of this is that Stobart Group, (as owners of Stobart Air and SEN airport) were looking to sell Stobart Air to Cityjet. Based on this happening, Cityjet announced and expansion from SEN.
With the buyout of Stobart Air discontinued, Stobart Air will launch the expanded operations from SEN themselves by using their Flybe franchise. There is nothing at the moment to suggest that Flybe Embraer or Q400's will operate any of these services. It looks likes this will be an expanded ATR operation but possibly, they need jet aircraft too to support some of the routes. I guess it depends on what's the routes announced will be.
With the buyout of Stobart Air discontinued, Stobart Air will launch the expanded operations from SEN themselves by using their Flybe franchise. There is nothing at the moment to suggest that Flybe Embraer or Q400's will operate any of these services. It looks likes this will be an expanded ATR operation but possibly, they need jet aircraft too to support some of the routes. I guess it depends on what's the routes announced will be.
Join Date: Jul 2015
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Avro, 190s, SSJs, CRJ900s and A319 way to go. ATRs fine for inland short hops but not comfortable and excessive cabin noise from the props not to mention the pax disembarking procedures due to CoG load balance slash tilt and dip on the aft.
Join Date: Jul 2015
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I just think what's really lacking at SEN is another solid carrier like Easyjet.
Pasting Flybe branded decals at c2c passenger turnstiles is frankly wasteful and doesn't achieve results.
I'm wondering is it possibly a desire by SEN to insist on using Stob ground handling that's inhibiting sealing the deals with other airlines?
Pasting Flybe branded decals at c2c passenger turnstiles is frankly wasteful and doesn't achieve results.
I'm wondering is it possibly a desire by SEN to insist on using Stob ground handling that's inhibiting sealing the deals with other airlines?
Join Date: Mar 2012
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Anyone who has dealt with Stobarts before will know that they make decisions without thinking them through first, somebody has an idea and the management go full steam ahead and then when it doesn't work they try something else off the cuff. They seem to have had the mindset that if we build it they will come which sadly has not happened and looking unlikely it ever will.
These 18 new routes sounds a bit ambitious as they don't have enough or the right equipment to allow them to offer good routes due to the ATR.
I fear they will try a few routes here and there and in the end nothing really will come of it, they will just keep going in circles hoping that a route turns out profitable.
These 18 new routes sounds a bit ambitious as they don't have enough or the right equipment to allow them to offer good routes due to the ATR.
I fear they will try a few routes here and there and in the end nothing really will come of it, they will just keep going in circles hoping that a route turns out profitable.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Exactly, SEN indeed requires another unbiased carrier to show some confidence in starting services.
Stobart getting desperate or a shrewd move is open to debate but if they get it wrong it will burn a big hole in their pockets.
Join Date: Aug 2014
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One advantage for Stobart owning airline and airport is that they can afford for the flights to be loss-making, so long as those losses are more than covered by ancillary income from car parking, terminal spend etc. Also the increased throughout of pax makes for more efficient use of existing staff.
SEN has much greater potential in this regard than Manston did some time ago.
SEN has much greater potential in this regard than Manston did some time ago.
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Perhaps they are stretching the truth a little unless of course they mean 18 new routes that Southend Flying Club or Seawings operate to local airfields. plenty of room in the Cessna 150's !!!!
Join Date: Apr 2016
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One advantage for Stobart owning airline and airport is that they can afford for the flights to be loss-making, so long as those losses are more than covered by ancillary income from car parking, terminal spend etc. Also the increased throughout of pax makes for more efficient use of existing staff.
SEN has much greater potential in this regard than Manston did some time ago.
SEN has much greater potential in this regard than Manston did some time ago.
I certainly applaud the fact they seem prepared to take matters into their own hands - they simply have to do something to prevent the airport slowly and painfully declining after so much has been promised. I guess it's a chicken and egg decision for them.
Last edited by DC3 Dave; 8th Dec 2016 at 10:04.
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Not sure whether it has been mentioned before but the airports 2015/2016 annual report PDF can be downloaded from here http://www.southendairport.com/image...R-2016-Web.pdf
Last edited by LTNman; 8th Dec 2016 at 11:58.
I've been aware of rumours of a Plan B (or Stobart Air Mk II) for the past four months so this isn't a last minute scramble to make something happen should the Cityjet talks fail. I suspect the routes have all been chosen by now should this alternative have become necessary to pursue.
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That's interesting, EF. I wonder what caused the breakdown of the talks with CityJet? Did Stobart doubt that CityJet were committed to SEN in the long term? Or was it simply that the money wasn't enough?
If they have worked out the destinations already surely they should publish them immediately?
If they have worked out the destinations already surely they should publish them immediately?
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Diversions
If Cityjet and Stobart have fallen out, I wonder if Cityjet will carry on diverting to SEN when LCY is closed or whether they'll go elsewhere. I suppose it depends on whether the deal collapsed acrimoniously or not Any thoughts on this aspect?
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Well since expressflight has confirmed there is a plan b, indeed the main question is now about airframes. Wouldn't surprise me if they used their ATR(s) on a few routes, but hoping there will be something with a bit more range in the mix also.
I find it interesting that, according to the Irish Independent newspaper, the former easyJet COO Warwick Brady has been acting in a consultancy role with Stobart Group for the past few weeks. Maybe his input suggested a better way was for Stobartair to remain within the Group rather than be sold to Cityjet and that Stobart's objectives for SEN could be best achieved by expanding the Flybe franchise route network.
tws123
Just for the sake of accuracy I said "I've been aware of rumours of a Plan B ..... for the past four months ...". Not quite the same as saying I know there's a Plan B. Indeed if I did know its details I certainly wouldn't reveal them here.
tws123
Just for the sake of accuracy I said "I've been aware of rumours of a Plan B ..... for the past four months ...". Not quite the same as saying I know there's a Plan B. Indeed if I did know its details I certainly wouldn't reveal them here.
Last edited by Expressflight; 9th Dec 2016 at 09:50.