SOUTHEND 5
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To keep the operation efficient a single handling agent is the way to go as it reduces costs. Doesn't mean though that it means lower charges. I would have thought in Stobart's case that they would be offering a deal that at least matches any other London Airport that is looking to do a deal. Maybe even better if they can offer zero cost handling charges as it is in house.
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Southend's problem is that airlines want to operate out of what they see as successful airports, as they have a proven track record. A successful airport seems to be in London's case an airport that is heaving. That shows the airlines that there is a strong demand for flights to and from that airport.
Then there is Southend, which despite its long history is actually the new kid on the block. It missed the rush and is now trying to play catch up. The problem is other airports are still trying to squeeze more business out of their asset particularly Stansted which just happens to be Southends closest neighbour and even shares a London rail terminal.
Luton is only a year away from completing its terminal extension and will be keen to fill it. Gatwick is spending £240 million in 2017/18 and £1.15 billion in the next 5 years and work on London City's expansion starts this year. Going back to Stansted they are building a new terminal for its arriving passengers in the short term and have big plans in the long term.
Despite all of this Southend does have one massive advantage over every other London airport and that it has no slot restrictions but this is something that Southend has yet to take advantage of.
Seems that the waiting airlines want other airlines to take the "risk" first and when Southend hits a sweet spot they will be prepared to jump on board. What Southend needs is a foreign airline that wants those slots to operate multiple flights in short time periods like Wizz and Blue Air do at Luton. If they want that type of operation they will have to use Southend and if deemed successful other airlines will be quick to follow.
Not sure whether Easyjet is a positive influence on other airlines as Easyjet has a long record now of starting new services and then ending them from Southend as it tries to find the right mix of routes.
Then there is Southend, which despite its long history is actually the new kid on the block. It missed the rush and is now trying to play catch up. The problem is other airports are still trying to squeeze more business out of their asset particularly Stansted which just happens to be Southends closest neighbour and even shares a London rail terminal.
Luton is only a year away from completing its terminal extension and will be keen to fill it. Gatwick is spending £240 million in 2017/18 and £1.15 billion in the next 5 years and work on London City's expansion starts this year. Going back to Stansted they are building a new terminal for its arriving passengers in the short term and have big plans in the long term.
Despite all of this Southend does have one massive advantage over every other London airport and that it has no slot restrictions but this is something that Southend has yet to take advantage of.
Seems that the waiting airlines want other airlines to take the "risk" first and when Southend hits a sweet spot they will be prepared to jump on board. What Southend needs is a foreign airline that wants those slots to operate multiple flights in short time periods like Wizz and Blue Air do at Luton. If they want that type of operation they will have to use Southend and if deemed successful other airlines will be quick to follow.
Not sure whether Easyjet is a positive influence on other airlines as Easyjet has a long record now of starting new services and then ending them from Southend as it tries to find the right mix of routes.
Last edited by LTNman; 8th Sep 2017 at 09:41.
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I got my hopes up today when rhe SEN Website showed two "ENZ" deapartures today (0800 and 1400) to Bastia - as Corsica is on my busket list of places to visit. Then I realised of course that these are - I assume - charter flights - is there something big happening in Corsica? And on looking this evening - both flights have disappeared from the Departures page. Were they just positioning? Did I imagine them? All very odd.
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JOTA were supposed to operate 2x charters to Bastia yesterday, but they ended up with no serviceable aircraft, so I understand FPO were sub-chartered to operate the flights from Stansted.
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Bastia is on the departures board again this morning for an 08:00 departure. Let's hope this one operates. Yesterday can't have done much good for Jota's or SEN's reputation.
upmarket holiday companies Corsican Places and a few others charter their own flights for a shortish summer season from LHR LGW the regionals
BRS for example is op'd by a BMI on a 49 seat EMBR and STN by Titan 733 although they sub out often
they fly to Bastia Figari and Calvi
LHR Corsica and Sardinia charters are also offered flying with BA
(you will be surprised how many charters BA operates now at weekends from LHR - huge programme)
Calvi Bastia Figari Olbia and Cagliari
plus many Greek islands and a weekly Cunard Line cruise charter on a B767 to VCE/Trieste BCN ATH and FCO
BRS for example is op'd by a BMI on a 49 seat EMBR and STN by Titan 733 although they sub out often
they fly to Bastia Figari and Calvi
LHR Corsica and Sardinia charters are also offered flying with BA
(you will be surprised how many charters BA operates now at weekends from LHR - huge programme)
Calvi Bastia Figari Olbia and Cagliari
plus many Greek islands and a weekly Cunard Line cruise charter on a B767 to VCE/Trieste BCN ATH and FCO
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SEN Observer
G-JOTS has departed SEN for Bastia this morning.
The two STN flights were operated by B733 F-GZTD which was strangely scheduled to depart CDG to position into STN before G-JOTS went tech on departure yesterday. Seems rather odd if they were sub flights for Jota.
It was G-SMLA that was scheduled to operate the football charter and did so.
G-JOTR has been working on wet lease to HOP for some time.
G-JOTS has departed SEN for Bastia this morning.
The two STN flights were operated by B733 F-GZTD which was strangely scheduled to depart CDG to position into STN before G-JOTS went tech on departure yesterday. Seems rather odd if they were sub flights for Jota.
It was G-SMLA that was scheduled to operate the football charter and did so.
G-JOTR has been working on wet lease to HOP for some time.
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[QUOTE=compton3bravo;9886679]Thank you for correcting me Expressflight. I would think that the charts to Bastia are for a PR launch of something like a new car, just a thought.
This weekend there is a huge end-of-summer sports and religious festival in Bastia, so may have something to do with it.
This weekend there is a huge end-of-summer sports and religious festival in Bastia, so may have something to do with it.