Southampton-2
A small break from the bickering...
Eastern are increasing Manchester from 11 to 16 weekly from 23/03 when Belfast starts with a new later flight. Currently shows the early and late flights as an ATR72-600 and the middle one as an E170. I suspect the middle one will become an ATR as well, then they will have a fully utilised based aircraft flying 3x SOU-MAN and 1x SOU-BHD. Newcastle remains 11 weekly on the E145 for the time being.
Considering the bleak outlook for aviation at the moment I think Eastern are approaching this well, adding a sensible amount of capacity to the routes, however they will still rely on word of mouth and advertising to an extent to establish themselves amongst local businesses. I feel that (this is purely opinion) the lack of border concerns also lessens the negative influence on people wanting to travel on domestic flights, so they may see a lower fall in demand.
Eastern are increasing Manchester from 11 to 16 weekly from 23/03 when Belfast starts with a new later flight. Currently shows the early and late flights as an ATR72-600 and the middle one as an E170. I suspect the middle one will become an ATR as well, then they will have a fully utilised based aircraft flying 3x SOU-MAN and 1x SOU-BHD. Newcastle remains 11 weekly on the E145 for the time being.
Considering the bleak outlook for aviation at the moment I think Eastern are approaching this well, adding a sensible amount of capacity to the routes, however they will still rely on word of mouth and advertising to an extent to establish themselves amongst local businesses. I feel that (this is purely opinion) the lack of border concerns also lessens the negative influence on people wanting to travel on domestic flights, so they may see a lower fall in demand.
It is the worst possible time for starting new routes for a company, unless of course Eastern are quite happy sending empty jets around burning fuel and money with few or no passengers on them?

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Welcome news from Eastern. Sadly I don't think any form of optimism or positivity is welcome on the SOU forum, it just seems to antagonise people. Yes we all know times are tough locally, nationally and globally right now. However, so do the qualified professionals who work in the industry who have access to data sources we could only dream of analysing. So instead of constantly second-guessing them and decrying their decisions as incorrect from our keyboards, why don't we all just sit back, take a deep breath and watch to see how things actually work out for real, not in our imaginations. Fact over opinion, every time.

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Welcome news from Eastern. Sadly I don't think any form of optimism or positivity is welcome on the SOU forum, it just seems to antagonise people. Yes we all know times are tough locally, nationally and globally right now. However, so do the qualified professionals who work in the industry who have access to data sources we could only dream of analysing. So instead of constantly second-guessing them and decrying their decisions as incorrect from our keyboards, why don't we all just sit back, take a deep breath and watch to see how things actually work out for real, not in our imaginations. Fact over opinion, every time.

Regarding Eastern Airways.
Are the ATR72-600's and the EMB70's painted in the full Eastern Airways livery or just plain white?
Considering how quickly Eastern Airways have put them into service I'm wondering if they have had time to paint them.
I know that the EMB70's were mothballed in Lourdes (I think it was Lourdes), but did they retain the Eastern Airways livery or were they stripped of their livery whilst they were there. Eastern Airways having already put one of the two mothballed aircraft back into service, when will they reactivate the other one of have they already done so.
Also regarding the EMB90's, any updates on when Eastern Airways will be receiving them or when they intend on introducing them into service. Any speculation that they might use them on scheduled routes or is it still their intention on using them for charters/ACMI work.
Are the ATR72-600's and the EMB70's painted in the full Eastern Airways livery or just plain white?
Considering how quickly Eastern Airways have put them into service I'm wondering if they have had time to paint them.
I know that the EMB70's were mothballed in Lourdes (I think it was Lourdes), but did they retain the Eastern Airways livery or were they stripped of their livery whilst they were there. Eastern Airways having already put one of the two mothballed aircraft back into service, when will they reactivate the other one of have they already done so.
Also regarding the EMB90's, any updates on when Eastern Airways will be receiving them or when they intend on introducing them into service. Any speculation that they might use them on scheduled routes or is it still their intention on using them for charters/ACMI work.

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Oh I couldn’t agree more with the above 3 posts !!
You all have posted with maturity and professional at all times and are well respected
The other two posters “ locking horns “ have shown a shallow and bullish side which to be honest , no one takes any notice of ...
On a personal note I am devastated at what had happened at Southampton , no one wanted this for any of the staff and it must be huge sorrow and sadness to see this all unfolding in front of them
Just all think and be a bit Kind before you all post , especially in this present worrying time
Thanks everyone
You all have posted with maturity and professional at all times and are well respected
The other two posters “ locking horns “ have shown a shallow and bullish side which to be honest , no one takes any notice of ...
On a personal note I am devastated at what had happened at Southampton , no one wanted this for any of the staff and it must be huge sorrow and sadness to see this all unfolding in front of them
Just all think and be a bit Kind before you all post , especially in this present worrying time
Thanks everyone

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Welcome news from Eastern. Sadly I don't think any form of optimism or positivity is welcome on the SOU forum, it just seems to antagonise people. Yes we all know times are tough locally, nationally and globally right now. However, so do the qualified professionals who work in the industry who have access to data sources we could only dream of analysing. So instead of constantly second-guessing them and decrying their decisions as incorrect from our keyboards, why don't we all just sit back, take a deep breath and watch to see how things actually work out for real, not in our imaginations. Fact over opinion, every time.

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Whisper.........this is a forum for rumors and opinions.

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The industry is about to transit through the worst turmoil the sector has ever seen. Survival is paramount for the likes of Eastern, Loganair and may others. The future cannot be predicted. Every single airport is vulnerable to route and airline casualties. I doubt if the sector will see a kick start until June or July. Surviving is key.

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The irony of your posts are too funny. Again no constructive points to make, but you are more than happy to judge people's ability to express an opinion by what newspaper they may or may not read? Real intelligence that, right out Kim Jong-Un's rule book.
Whisper.........this is a forum for rumors and opinions.
Whisper.........this is a forum for rumors and opinions.

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It’s easy to be distracted by the fall out from the unfortunate demise of Flybe and the subsequent scramble to back fill routes. But the reality of the present crisis is much more profound for aviation and - in context of the Southampton area - for the Cruise Industry too.
Among the many announcements over the past ten days was the statement by the Delta Airlines CEO in which he said that demand is not expected to return for 18 months. Of course, none of us know, but we do have some precedent with both the global financial crisis of 2008/9 and 9/11. 18 months from now is the beginning of the winter schedule 21/22, so the reality is more likely to be a return to normality for the summer 2022 season. In the meantime, buckle up.
For the south coast, BOH in 2019 had recovered only about 80% of its previous peak passenger throughput which was in 2007! Meanwhile SOU, until fairly recently, doing better, had peaked a year or two earlier. So what is a likely outcome?
For the UK as a whole, a reasonable estimate of the impact in 2020, is a 25% annual fall in passenger numbers for 2020, 20m wiped from LHR, 11m from Gatwick and so on. On current indications, it is also likely that more airlines will go under. In simple terms, those with cash in the bank and relatively manageable debt will probably come out of this stronger. That means IAG and Ryanair, perhaps even easyJet, but the latter has picked a very bad year to launch its inclusive holiday business.
In the meantime, all airlines (and airports) are in a cash preserving mode, cutting costs wherever they can. Staff will go, projects will be deferred or cancelled, at least until there is more clarity about revenue normalising again. The airport owners - usually Pension Funds and Infrastructure investors - look for consistent returns, when revenue falls, that means cost cutting.
Pressure on London runway slots and airspace will ease, the need for airlines to move into the UK regions to deliver growth has probably moved right by 3 years, and for easyjet the recently acquired Thomas Cook slots at LGW and BRS are in its back pocket for growth when it does return.
So where does that leave SOU expansion plans?
In my view there is no doubt that planning permission for the runway extension is much more likely to get the green light now, planners will need to be seen to support economic growth, there will be environmental requirements, but it will be approved. But, the airport owners are much less likely to be ready to spend the money on development. Why? Because the value of the (all) airports, has just taken a big hit, money will be spent only when there is a reasonable basis that it will deliver a return through increased traffic, or the value of the airport.
So, for the next 2-3 years staying in business will be the key objective for all airports, especially the regions.
FF
Among the many announcements over the past ten days was the statement by the Delta Airlines CEO in which he said that demand is not expected to return for 18 months. Of course, none of us know, but we do have some precedent with both the global financial crisis of 2008/9 and 9/11. 18 months from now is the beginning of the winter schedule 21/22, so the reality is more likely to be a return to normality for the summer 2022 season. In the meantime, buckle up.
For the south coast, BOH in 2019 had recovered only about 80% of its previous peak passenger throughput which was in 2007! Meanwhile SOU, until fairly recently, doing better, had peaked a year or two earlier. So what is a likely outcome?
For the UK as a whole, a reasonable estimate of the impact in 2020, is a 25% annual fall in passenger numbers for 2020, 20m wiped from LHR, 11m from Gatwick and so on. On current indications, it is also likely that more airlines will go under. In simple terms, those with cash in the bank and relatively manageable debt will probably come out of this stronger. That means IAG and Ryanair, perhaps even easyJet, but the latter has picked a very bad year to launch its inclusive holiday business.
In the meantime, all airlines (and airports) are in a cash preserving mode, cutting costs wherever they can. Staff will go, projects will be deferred or cancelled, at least until there is more clarity about revenue normalising again. The airport owners - usually Pension Funds and Infrastructure investors - look for consistent returns, when revenue falls, that means cost cutting.
Pressure on London runway slots and airspace will ease, the need for airlines to move into the UK regions to deliver growth has probably moved right by 3 years, and for easyjet the recently acquired Thomas Cook slots at LGW and BRS are in its back pocket for growth when it does return.
So where does that leave SOU expansion plans?
In my view there is no doubt that planning permission for the runway extension is much more likely to get the green light now, planners will need to be seen to support economic growth, there will be environmental requirements, but it will be approved. But, the airport owners are much less likely to be ready to spend the money on development. Why? Because the value of the (all) airports, has just taken a big hit, money will be spent only when there is a reasonable basis that it will deliver a return through increased traffic, or the value of the airport.
So, for the next 2-3 years staying in business will be the key objective for all airports, especially the regions.
FF

SOU right now faces an unprecedented series of events which means a survival plan is pivotal, hence the announcement by the SOU bosses addressing that soon.
SOU airport managing director Neil Garwood has just written to staff and explained that the future shape and structure of the company will be different to what it is now.
We wish them well but until Covid-19 has passed we cannot say who will survive the implication of almost no one currently travelling by air.......
SOU airport managing director Neil Garwood has just written to staff and explained that the future shape and structure of the company will be different to what it is now.
We wish them well but until Covid-19 has passed we cannot say who will survive the implication of almost no one currently travelling by air.......

Are the ATR72-600's and the EMB70's painted in the full Eastern Airways livery or just plain white?

It's strange that the Southampton Airport website has not listed any arrivals or departures since the demise of Flybe.
The website also doesn't list any timetables as they did before.
You would have thought that the management at Southampton Airport could have updated their website to reflect this.
Very poor show on behalf of the airport in my opinion!
The website also doesn't list any timetables as they did before.
You would have thought that the management at Southampton Airport could have updated their website to reflect this.
Very poor show on behalf of the airport in my opinion!

Even with the current situation surely Eastern Airways still require that particular aircraft!

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To be honest I would think it is madness for any airline to pick up any Flybe route in the current conditions. Whatever the loads were on Flybe routes out of Southampton a new carrier would be lucky to pick up 50% with this virus floating around. Just look at what is happening to rail.

Update from Blue Islands
Posted last night on their website:
UPDATE: 15/03/2020 - 22.00
Blue Islands maintains essential lifeline routes as our islands enter unprecedented territory
Following announcements by the States of Guernsey and the Government of Jersey advising islanders to consider avoiding all non-essential travel to and from the islands, we are entering unprecedented territory with the impact of Covid-19.
Blue Islands has implemented a revised timetable, effective from Tuesday 17 March until Sunday 12 April ensuring the maintenance of critical lifeline routes as a base provision for essential travel.
We know our services, particularly from both Guernsey and Jersey to Southampton are heavily relied upon by both island communities for essential travel for medical purposes. Therefore to sustain these vital links, Blue Islands will operate morning and evening inter-island services between Guernsey and Jersey, as well as twice daily Guernsey to Southampton and Jersey to Southampton services plus a daily service to Bristol.
Probably a sensible move, although there are a few showing as full (particularly to and from JER) over the next few weeks.
It also looks like the rest of their flights (including the new ones to EXT and BHX) have been canned for the rest of March.
UPDATE: 15/03/2020 - 22.00
Blue Islands maintains essential lifeline routes as our islands enter unprecedented territory
Following announcements by the States of Guernsey and the Government of Jersey advising islanders to consider avoiding all non-essential travel to and from the islands, we are entering unprecedented territory with the impact of Covid-19.
Blue Islands has implemented a revised timetable, effective from Tuesday 17 March until Sunday 12 April ensuring the maintenance of critical lifeline routes as a base provision for essential travel.
We know our services, particularly from both Guernsey and Jersey to Southampton are heavily relied upon by both island communities for essential travel for medical purposes. Therefore to sustain these vital links, Blue Islands will operate morning and evening inter-island services between Guernsey and Jersey, as well as twice daily Guernsey to Southampton and Jersey to Southampton services plus a daily service to Bristol.
It also looks like the rest of their flights (including the new ones to EXT and BHX) have been canned for the rest of March.

Good to see that Southampton Airport have their Arrivals and Departures finally up and running again on their website. This hasn't been the case since the day after the demise of Flybe.
13 scheduled arrivals and departures for today with the Leeds/Bradford flights consolidated into one flight. 08.40 as previously planned has been consolidated to the 19.00 departure.
Even with the recent cutbacks on planned flights announced from both Eastern Airways and Loganair from Southampton the daily arrivals and departures should hopefully increase slightly next week with the resumption of BHD and the start of NCL both by Loganair.
Considering the current situation I think that the likes of Southampton Airport are rather fortunate to have that many daily flights. Let's hope that they remain and that no further cutbacks are planned.
13 scheduled arrivals and departures for today with the Leeds/Bradford flights consolidated into one flight. 08.40 as previously planned has been consolidated to the 19.00 departure.
Even with the recent cutbacks on planned flights announced from both Eastern Airways and Loganair from Southampton the daily arrivals and departures should hopefully increase slightly next week with the resumption of BHD and the start of NCL both by Loganair.
Considering the current situation I think that the likes of Southampton Airport are rather fortunate to have that many daily flights. Let's hope that they remain and that no further cutbacks are planned.
Last edited by Sotonsean; 18th Mar 2020 at 10:23.

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Good to see that Southampton Airport have their Arrivals and Departures finally up and running again on their website. This hasn't been the case since the day after the demise of Flybe.
13 scheduled arrivals and departures for today with the Leeds/Bradford flights consolidated into one flight. 08.40 as previously planned has been consolidated to the 19.00 departure.
Even with the recent cutbacks on planned flights from both Eastern Airways and Loganair from Southampton the daily arrivals and departures should hopefully increase slightly next week with the resumption of BHD.
Considering the current situation I think that the likes of Southampton Airport are rather fortunate to have that many daily flights. Let's hope that they remain and that no further cutbacks are planned.
13 scheduled arrivals and departures for today with the Leeds/Bradford flights consolidated into one flight. 08.40 as previously planned has been consolidated to the 19.00 departure.
Even with the recent cutbacks on planned flights from both Eastern Airways and Loganair from Southampton the daily arrivals and departures should hopefully increase slightly next week with the resumption of BHD.
Considering the current situation I think that the likes of Southampton Airport are rather fortunate to have that many daily flights. Let's hope that they remain and that no further cutbacks are planned.
