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Join Date: Sep 2007
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I agree with all that tws123 has said. It's easy to get carried away with the early success. I still have to pinch myself when I see easyJet 319s flying into SEN. I think they will continue at SEN also, and I hope they will introduce more routes once they've started to receive their A320neos in a couple of years. One big advantage SEN has over DSA of course is its location close (-ish) to London which must stand it in good stead in the years ahead. One big disadvantage compared with DSA is that SEN does not have a 9,500 foot runway which severely limits the operators who can use SEN.
The Stobart/flyBE routes have struggled, although Rennes seems viable. I am pleasantly surprised by the passenger totals on the SEN-AMS route though, almost 18,000 in February is most impressive. Probably room for an additional rotation I'd have thought......
The Stobart/flyBE routes have struggled, although Rennes seems viable. I am pleasantly surprised by the passenger totals on the SEN-AMS route though, almost 18,000 in February is most impressive. Probably room for an additional rotation I'd have thought......
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Anyone have any insider knowledge on the performance of the Bern route? Looking at the raw figures: 940 pax this month is an increase on the last. So if it is operating at 11 weekly, I make that an average load of 67% which is getting better. An increase to 12 weekly for S15 is also a good sign.
To keep Skywork at SEN would be a huge achievement and help strengthen the case that business routes can work for SEN.
To keep Skywork at SEN would be a huge achievement and help strengthen the case that business routes can work for SEN.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Darwen, UK
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There's something very odd going on with Flybe's Southend to Dublin route. For some reason, only premium tickets (ie 'all in') are available to purchase for flights from 13/4/15. Every single 'all in ticket' is priced £209.99 from that date for the rest of the year. There are no 'Just Fly' tickets available.
It's a similar price on the return leg.
I have contacted Flybe through both their Twitter account and the 'contact us' facility on their website, and both insisted that the prices were correct. No other tickets available.
Anyone know what's going on?
The flights are direct from A to B - no changes involved.
Surely this is an error...
It's a similar price on the return leg.
I have contacted Flybe through both their Twitter account and the 'contact us' facility on their website, and both insisted that the prices were correct. No other tickets available.
Anyone know what's going on?
The flights are direct from A to B - no changes involved.
Surely this is an error...
SEN-DUB
Flybe have already removed from sale the flights from March 28 to April 12. Thereafter they revert to the £418 returns right through to September. Who is it they think they are fooling by this subterfuge - is it Aer Lingus, Stobart or SEN ? To my mind they have only succeeded in making themselves appear duplicitous.
For the record I aired my concerns on another forum back in the autumn. Right from the start of the Flybe take over of the route from EIR there were some highly unsatisfactory features of the transfer. I expressed the view that the route was being "trashed". I refrained then from adding "deliberately" but I would not do so now in the light of events.
For the record I aired my concerns on another forum back in the autumn. Right from the start of the Flybe take over of the route from EIR there were some highly unsatisfactory features of the transfer. I expressed the view that the route was being "trashed". I refrained then from adding "deliberately" but I would not do so now in the light of events.
A good question but what other explanation is there ? Ineptitude ? Surely not, this is too calculated.
One factor is that Flybe took over the transatlantic feed from EIR. According to a response on the SEN Facebook from a SEN spokesperson (and here we must suspend disbelief as to the reliability of SEN's PR) it was Aer Lingus not Stobart/EIR that terminated the agreement in favour of Flybe. This was about the same time that Flybe services from SOU EXT and INV began to offer transatlantic connections via DUB. All part of the same deal - who knows ?
Whether that amounts to a real obligation to maintain SEN-DUB I can't say but I would have thought an immediate withdrawal would have been embarrassing especially as EIR passenger numbers on the route had been steadily growing including a 20% increase in September, the last full month of EIR operation.
Then there is the agreement with SEN/Stobart at which we can only guess. As others have commented, Flybe can now close the route because they have tried it and there is no traffic. Their focus is at LCY not SEN. And now look at CWL.Predatory action against a codeshare supposed partner ?
One factor is that Flybe took over the transatlantic feed from EIR. According to a response on the SEN Facebook from a SEN spokesperson (and here we must suspend disbelief as to the reliability of SEN's PR) it was Aer Lingus not Stobart/EIR that terminated the agreement in favour of Flybe. This was about the same time that Flybe services from SOU EXT and INV began to offer transatlantic connections via DUB. All part of the same deal - who knows ?
Whether that amounts to a real obligation to maintain SEN-DUB I can't say but I would have thought an immediate withdrawal would have been embarrassing especially as EIR passenger numbers on the route had been steadily growing including a 20% increase in September, the last full month of EIR operation.
Then there is the agreement with SEN/Stobart at which we can only guess. As others have commented, Flybe can now close the route because they have tried it and there is no traffic. Their focus is at LCY not SEN. And now look at CWL.Predatory action against a codeshare supposed partner ?
Last edited by Tagron; 17th Mar 2015 at 14:16.
We can certainly agree it is all very odd indeed. Machinations behind the scene to which we shall never be privy.
In this way they have also reduced the chances of Stobart returning to the route any time soon. Unless they have something already planned it would be too late for this summer. It would be really interesting to know how much Stobart knew and when - the lack of a Flybe aircraft to fly the route was being flagged up back in December in this forum.
In this way they have also reduced the chances of Stobart returning to the route any time soon. Unless they have something already planned it would be too late for this summer. It would be really interesting to know how much Stobart knew and when - the lack of a Flybe aircraft to fly the route was being flagged up back in December in this forum.
Last edited by Tagron; 17th Mar 2015 at 14:49. Reason: Additional para
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Is there any reason Stobart/Aer Arran could not operate SEN/DUB flights in their own right?
Are there any stats that show the number of SEN originating passengers who flew on to the USA via the connecting Aer Lingus flights and would it significantly reduce the appeal of DUB if this facility was no longer available?
Recently my wife and I took a short break in Edinburgh, flying easyJet from Stansted. The flights were early afternoon and therefore not particularly aimed at the business traveller, but I would say the outward flight was at least 90% full and the return 100%, as check in staff were asking for volunteers to transfer their cabin bags to the hold. I would suggest that a fair number of these travellers would come within the SEN catchment area.
Both Dublin and Edinburgh are excellent short break destinations and should be able to sustain a decent service from SEN as the previous operations seemed to be fairly well supported.
Therefore, from the comfort of my armchair, the following would seem to work with an ATR.
Early morning, SEN-DUB-SEN, Middayish SEN-EDI-SEN and evening SEN-DUB-SEN.
I wait to be shot down as to why it won't.
Southender
Are there any stats that show the number of SEN originating passengers who flew on to the USA via the connecting Aer Lingus flights and would it significantly reduce the appeal of DUB if this facility was no longer available?
Recently my wife and I took a short break in Edinburgh, flying easyJet from Stansted. The flights were early afternoon and therefore not particularly aimed at the business traveller, but I would say the outward flight was at least 90% full and the return 100%, as check in staff were asking for volunteers to transfer their cabin bags to the hold. I would suggest that a fair number of these travellers would come within the SEN catchment area.
Both Dublin and Edinburgh are excellent short break destinations and should be able to sustain a decent service from SEN as the previous operations seemed to be fairly well supported.
Therefore, from the comfort of my armchair, the following would seem to work with an ATR.
Early morning, SEN-DUB-SEN, Middayish SEN-EDI-SEN and evening SEN-DUB-SEN.
I wait to be shot down as to why it won't.
Southender
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Of course seats to Edinburgh (as an example) would be more expensive using an ATR compared to an A319, and maybe some people would travel all around London to achieve the lowest fare, there are some travellers who are willing to pay for convenience. My private time is worth "£XX" per hour to me and not to spend that time on motorways in order to save £100.
I am sure there would be a decent percentage of passengers willing to pay £199 return to Edinburgh (for example) from SEN instead of £99 from STN. I am aware if a whole family is travelling together the savings are more important.
I am not convinced about the DUB route. I was more shocked at losing Krakow and Newquay from SEN.
I am sure there would be a decent percentage of passengers willing to pay £199 return to Edinburgh (for example) from SEN instead of £99 from STN. I am aware if a whole family is travelling together the savings are more important.
I am not convinced about the DUB route. I was more shocked at losing Krakow and Newquay from SEN.
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Southender,
Stobart Air in the guise of AerLingus did exactly wh as the you suggest, 3 a day SENDUB but was axed in favour of Flybe's own services. EIR did a great job growing numbers, though clearly they were not happy with the £ return.
Though highly unlikely I see easyJet as the airline to make this route work, if anyone can. But as I say most unlikely indeed...
Stobart Air in the guise of AerLingus did exactly wh as the you suggest, 3 a day SENDUB but was axed in favour of Flybe's own services. EIR did a great job growing numbers, though clearly they were not happy with the £ return.
Though highly unlikely I see easyJet as the airline to make this route work, if anyone can. But as I say most unlikely indeed...
Join Date: Apr 2009
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London's first service to wine region of Slovenia to fly from Southend (From Echo)
The two hour Adria Airways service to Maribor will be the first from London and will fly Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from June to October, using an Airbus 319 aircraft.
The two hour Adria Airways service to Maribor will be the first from London and will fly Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from June to October, using an Airbus 319 aircraft.
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Well that is good news, even if only a summer route! At last a proper airline (not a start-up or a Stobart experimental creation) using decent aircraft and for a long period too.
Last edited by tws123; 19th Mar 2015 at 12:02.
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Flybe
Also note on the Flybe website that DUB flights have been removed from the 28 March until the 13 April when they reappear at the £200 return price at daily, per their online timetable. Wish they would hurry up and pull if they're going to...