Gatwick-3

[Sotonsean]

Originally Posted by JW95

I think you're spot on with this Sotonsean. Sadly I think we will need to accept that VS' time at LGW has happened and is now in the past As you point out, there is no longer any "VS infrastructure" here at Gatwick that they could readily use, with all signs of their former base now having been removed (the ClubHouse being one example). A shame given Virgin Atlantic's long history with London Gatwick, the original home base of the airline. However, whilst we may never see VS return to Gatwick, I do agree with you wholeheartedly that LGW's best days lie ahead of it, and that includes new carriers coming to the airport in years ahead, as well as further expansion from existing airlines. For instance, I am sure that BA will increase their long haul programme as further 777s make their way to LGW from LHR. Further long haul may also come from carriers in Asia and the Middle East.

Thanks for the nice reply. Once again both in agreement 🤝

Regarding further British Airways B777s making their way to LGW from LHR. I'm curious to what new long haul destinations British Airways would consider from LGW with additional B777s.

It's a difficult one to answer in my opinion but it'll be quite interesting nonetheless. After all I don't think that the majority of us on here ever expected British Airways to announce Aruba. Perhaps a return to Mahe in the Seychelles. Maybe even Saint Maarten considering that they announced Aruba. I'd be interested to know your thoughts on possible future long-haul destinations for British Airways from LGW.

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

Originally Posted by JW95

Still no word on Cathay Pacific returning to Gatwick though Hoping they will come back as well.

Contrary to what has been said earlier, Cathay are only currently bookable at 4 x daily LHR-HKG next summer with quite a few A359s in the mix, so still well down on 5 x daily B77Ws.
BA are in an odd position with saying that LGW long haul has no plans for Club Suites, so growth either comes from a sub fleet of Club Suite fitted ex LHR machines or some refit of the the three oddball machines with 14F seats in G-VIIV/W/Y. LGW fleet is now dedicated at 10 airframes all with old Club World.
G-VIIO G-VIIP G-VIIR G-VIIT G-VIIU G-VIIX C32W52Y252 = 336
G-YMMA G-YMMB G-YMMC G-YMMD G-YMME G-YMMF C32W52Y252 = 332

[vectisman]

Gatwick needs 12 777s for the current schedule. Two Heathrow 777s with Club Suites will rotate through Gatwick during the winter as the Gatwick 777s have maintenance at Cardiff.

There are 12 dedicated Gatwick 777s not 10.

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

I listed 12 above, quite right, 10 was a brain fart.
My point about Club Suite stands though.

[JW95]

Originally Posted by Skipness One Foxtrot

Contrary to what has been said earlier, Cathay are only currently bookable at 4 x daily LHR-HKG next summer with quite a few A359s in the mix, so still well down on 5 x daily B77Ws.
BA are in an odd position with saying that LGW long haul has no plans for Club Suites, so growth either comes from a sub fleet of Club Suite fitted ex LHR machines or some refit of the the three oddball machines with 14F seats in G-VIIV/W/Y. LGW fleet is now dedicated at 10 airframes all with old Club World.
G-VIIO G-VIIP G-VIIR G-VIIT G-VIIU G-VIIX C32W52Y252 = 336
G-YMMA G-YMMB G-YMMC G-YMMD G-YMME G-YMMF C32W52Y252 = 332

I think they're still rejigging/finalising the S24 schedules and a/c for LHR-HKG, so this is more than likely to change from the current 77W/A359 mix.

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

It was 5 x B77W bookable recently though, demand remains softened I believe.

[pamann]

Anyone in the know… What was the deal with the BAW9170 LGW-MNL on the A380 this morning?

A rather unusual routing and aircraft for BA at Gatwick.

[englishcc]

I think the A380 was down to best departure time for slots in to Manilla. The 0200 approx departure would nt be able to operate ex LHR.

[vectisman]

Originally Posted by pamann

Anyone in the know… What was the deal with the BAW9170 LGW-MNL on the A380 this morning?

A rather unusual routing and aircraft for BA at Gatwick.

Aircraft was enroute to Manila for maintenance. It goes via Gatwick to avoid the Heathrow curfew. It left Gatwick about 0230 to arrive in Manila at the permitted time.
This routing has been used several times before. The crew taking the aircraft out are expected to bring back the A380 already there that has completed maintenance.

[Charley B]

Originally Posted by vectisman

Aircraft was enroute to Manila for maintenance. It goes via Gatwick to avoid the Heathrow curfew. It left Gatwick about 0230 to arrive in Manila at the permitted time.
This routing has been used several times before. The crew taking the aircraft out are expected to bring back the A380 already there that has completed maintenance.

They most certainly are,BA9171 G-LXEA is on its way back to LHR as I type

[davidjohnson6]

Has anybody here tried out the new rail station concourse ? Would be interested to hear opinions from those who fly regularly and are able to speak freely without any conflict-of-interest, and not having to worry about an employer, editorial influence or blog audience.

[inOban]

The railway community have good things to say. It will be interesting to see if pprune agrees.

[Cazza_fly]

Originally Posted by inOban

The railway community have good things to say. It will be interesting to see if pprune agrees.

I have to say its a much welcomed improvement!

There's still areas that could be iimprovedupon further and seemingly some ongoing finishing off works, as to be expected these days. But overall, it's better. I feel there could be increased signage at certain points along the platforms - to aid arriving customers and create a better continuous flow up out onto the concourse. That's just an observation though. Mainly because the majority of people passing through here are not regulars. We all know people lose any sense of direction and mind as soon as they're in the vicinity of an airport!

[Asturias56]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-67473995

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/2393...ns-passengers/

have pictures - looks alot better

[pabely]

£249m for a Station upgrade, makes Luton Airport Parkway good value for money with an automated people carrier to the terminal which the travel costs will help to recover build costs. Has Gatwick Airport chipped in for the costs?

[pamann]

Originally Posted by pabely

£249m for a Station upgrade, makes Luton Airport Parkway good value for money with an automated people carrier to the terminal which the travel costs will help to recover build costs. Has Gatwick Airport chipped in for the costs?

The difference here being that Gatwick Airport doesn’t need a people mover, because it actually has an onsite train station that’s a great deal more convenient.

[pabely]

Originally Posted by pamann

The difference here being that Gatwick Airport doesn’t need a people mover, because it actually has an onsite train station that’s a great deal more convenient.

My point was paid for by Dft. I know through trains benefit as well but seems a hugh amount of money.

[Sotonsean]

Originally Posted by pabely

My point was paid for by Dft. I know through trains benefit as well but seems a hugh amount of money.

Regarding the cost, are you actually aware of all the works involved. It's not just the new station concourse. I suggest that you search online to find the information regarding what else was done. For example there is plenty of information on the Network Rail website.

[True Blue]

Air Algerie has Alg on sale from the start of S24 daily.

[SWBKCB]

Sean M reporting Easy returning 90 weekly slots back to BA for summer 2024