Southend-2
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Thankyou asdf1234 for your informed and positive comment on the Stobart Jet Centre. The main point will be the efficiency, quality of care and accessibility to London for high end customers that will count. 24 hour operations and low cost will also attract.
Google "Signature Luton" and click on images to see what an FBO looks like without a fireplace.
Saying that there has been talk about the high FBO cost of using Luton now with some customers looking for a change of location.
Last edited by LTNman; 21st Jan 2018 at 16:32.
LTNman
Yes, I agree with you that Signature at LTN have a superb facility that could surely hardly be bettered in terms of grandeur and opulence.
I'm sure though that there is a large segment of the market which is not really looking for that degree of luxury and might be happy with something more modest, there probably being a considerable difference in price between that and the SEN facility. As I said before I cannot see the Stobart Jet Centre making large inroads into LTN's traffic numbers but 5,000 mpa seems an achievable objective. My concern is that 'Stobart' and 'Southend' are not names that most potential users will recognise as meeting their needs adequately. It will need some heavy awareness marketing on Stobart's part to overcome this disadvantage I believe.
Regarding Customs and Immigration I don't think the pax have to be shipped to the passenger terminal for clearance at SEN although I stand open to be corrected on that one.
Yes, I agree with you that Signature at LTN have a superb facility that could surely hardly be bettered in terms of grandeur and opulence.
I'm sure though that there is a large segment of the market which is not really looking for that degree of luxury and might be happy with something more modest, there probably being a considerable difference in price between that and the SEN facility. As I said before I cannot see the Stobart Jet Centre making large inroads into LTN's traffic numbers but 5,000 mpa seems an achievable objective. My concern is that 'Stobart' and 'Southend' are not names that most potential users will recognise as meeting their needs adequately. It will need some heavy awareness marketing on Stobart's part to overcome this disadvantage I believe.
Regarding Customs and Immigration I don't think the pax have to be shipped to the passenger terminal for clearance at SEN although I stand open to be corrected on that one.
Last edited by Expressflight; 22nd Jan 2018 at 07:10. Reason: grammar
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My concern is that 'Stobart' and 'Southend' are not names that most potential users will recognise as meeting their needs adequately.
Early days yet but maybe Stobart should let a recognised FBO take charge that will have many fingers in many pies with many contacts rather than trying to run every aspect of their Southend operation.
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Signature Luton certainly looks impressive. Apart from the business-like building their facilities even include milkshakes!
Now that's an idea - Stobart should enlist the services of Rossi's Ice Cream, that'll be a crowd puller.
Now that's an idea - Stobart should enlist the services of Rossi's Ice Cream, that'll be a crowd puller.
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We know that Stobart sought interest from established FBO's in 2016. Obviously, nothing came from any discussions at that time - if indeed any interest was shown.
But one thing about Stobart, they are nothing if not stubborn. Once they decide to do something, they're like a dog with a bone.
But one thing about Stobart, they are nothing if not stubborn. Once they decide to do something, they're like a dog with a bone.
That's exactly what Stobart had at the launch party; an old style Rossi's vendor's tricycle.
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CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AT JET CENTRE
This, from the Echo, appears to answer the question on customs clearance.
Southend Airport bosses said the centre is expected to cater for 5,000 flights in the next four years | Echo
Southend Airport bosses said the centre is expected to cater for 5,000 flights in the next four years | Echo
Northolt is supposed to be closing temporarily in Spring 2018 but no date nor length of the closure period has been given as far as I know. Incidentally, the airfield is closed to all civilian traffic on 25th, 26th and 30th January due to 'planned power outages'.
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Carlisle flights are due to commence on 3 June 2018. No news of the operator or frequencies yet. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/l...-a3746946.html
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Well that'll be Northolt slated for closure within 3 years then, in time honoured tradition. Mind you, always thought that Marham and Northolt would be the last 2 remaining RAF airfields; the former as Betty's own and the latter for sneaking politicians in and out on their nefarious activities!
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You're right mikkie4 SEN-CAX would be a good option for some. But Carlisle to London via Southend? CAX-LCY might stand a chance. Still, I'm not knocking Stobart. I certainly don't criticise them for taking advantage of whatever public funds they can get. Flights to Dublin and Belfast from CAX make more sense to me, but let's see what's on offer and at what price.
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Doing a quick search for Monday 4th June, if you want to travel by train from London Euston to Carlisle during peak commuting hours (for example a day return business trip) it will cost you in excess of £200 return and take 4h 26mins each way.
Carlisle to London Euston return will cost roughly £120 and take between 4h 30 and 3h 30 (if a fast service) each way.
Looking at a potential flight from CAX to SEN, well we know that you won't have to arrive early at CAX (maybe an hour prior to your departure time tops). Then a 1h 20mins flight roughly, plus 1h 20mins max from landing at SEN (getting through terminal and catching train to Liverpool Street). That would equal a total journey time from Carlisle to Central London of roughly 3h 40mins. If the price is right it could persuade some people. I think the hassle free nature of both airports must be emphasised. So in terms of time difference a flight would be competitive.
Carlisle to London Euston return will cost roughly £120 and take between 4h 30 and 3h 30 (if a fast service) each way.
Looking at a potential flight from CAX to SEN, well we know that you won't have to arrive early at CAX (maybe an hour prior to your departure time tops). Then a 1h 20mins flight roughly, plus 1h 20mins max from landing at SEN (getting through terminal and catching train to Liverpool Street). That would equal a total journey time from Carlisle to Central London of roughly 3h 40mins. If the price is right it could persuade some people. I think the hassle free nature of both airports must be emphasised. So in terms of time difference a flight would be competitive.
Last edited by tws123; 23rd Jan 2018 at 12:03.
Glad to know that the government is spending my money wisely on a route when there is already an hourly train service to the capital.
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We know that Stobart sought interest from established FBO's in 2016. Obviously, nothing came from any discussions at that time - if indeed any interest was shown.
But one thing about Stobart, they are nothing if not stubborn. Once they decide to do something, they're like a dog with a bone.
But one thing about Stobart, they are nothing if not stubborn. Once they decide to do something, they're like a dog with a bone.
Stobart had a big stand and trumpeted out the usual marketing phrases of “unrivalled convenience, Apollo chopper transfers, open 24/7, 365 days a year, London 45 minutes by train, no slot restrictions, good routings to save fuel, on-site immigration”.
Yet nothing came of it, which I would take as a signal that the market doesn’t want or need your product (for whatever reason). But no, not Stobart…. They doubled down, ignoring informed feedback from industry professionals. Stubborn indeed.
As for the Jet Centre interior…. Well this perfectly shows how Stobart have no clue what a business aviation customer wants! How hard can replicating a top-tier business lounge be? FFS it’s looks like a DFS store with the "Sale ends this weekend" banner cropped out. Fireplace, carpet, marble, wood, chrome, leather… it’s a technicoloured assault on the senses. One must wonder if their feet can still touch the bottom of the pool.
Last edited by flight_mode; 23rd Jan 2018 at 15:39.
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That's a bit harsh FM. Most punters don't use the lounge, they walk straight through (via the baggage screen) to the aircraft. It's the pilots and hostesses that use the lounge whilst they are waiting for the punter. For them the lounge at SEN is warm, comfortable and inviting.
