Gatwick-3
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SQ
Wow, definitely did not see this one coming! 
Absolutely fantastic news, a brilliant way to conclude what has been an extraordinary and successful year for Gatwick as far as carrier and route growth are concerned. Having SQ is a huge win for LGW, probably LGW's biggest catch since CX returned to Gatwick in 2016, considering Singapore Airlines' strong reputation and global recognition as one of the world's premier airlines. I am also especially happy to see that the A359 will be serving this route, which has been a phenomenal aircraft in and of itself that has been well received by passengers - a great alternative to the LHR service. I wonder what terminal SQ will be using? (hopefully South).
Cathay Pacific, its your turn now!
Absolutely fantastic news, a brilliant way to conclude what has been an extraordinary and successful year for Gatwick as far as carrier and route growth are concerned. Having SQ is a huge win for LGW, probably LGW's biggest catch since CX returned to Gatwick in 2016, considering Singapore Airlines' strong reputation and global recognition as one of the world's premier airlines. I am also especially happy to see that the A359 will be serving this route, which has been a phenomenal aircraft in and of itself that has been well received by passengers - a great alternative to the LHR service. I wonder what terminal SQ will be using? (hopefully South).Cathay Pacific, its your turn now!
Wow, definitely did not see this one coming! Absolutely fantastic news, a brilliant way to conclude what has been an extraordinary and successful year for Gatwick as far as carrier and route growth are concerned. Having SQ is a huge win for LGW, probably LGW's biggest catch since CX returned to Gatwick in 2016, considering Singapore Airlines' strong reputation and global recognition as one of the world's premier airlines. I am also especially happy to see that the A359 will be serving this route, which has been a phenomenal aircraft in and of itself that has been well received by passengers - a great alternative to the LHR service. I wonder what terminal SQ will be using? (hopefully South).
Cathay Pacific, its your turn now!
Absolutely fantastic news, a brilliant way to conclude what has been an extraordinary and successful year for Gatwick as far as carrier and route growth are concerned. Having SQ is a huge win for LGW, probably LGW's biggest catch since CX returned to Gatwick in 2016, considering Singapore Airlines' strong reputation and global recognition as one of the world's premier airlines. I am also especially happy to see that the A359 will be serving this route, which has been a phenomenal aircraft in and of itself that has been well received by passengers - a great alternative to the LHR service. I wonder what terminal SQ will be using? (hopefully South).Cathay Pacific, its your turn now!
Great news indeed and as you say very unexpected but very welcome nonetheless 😀
You summed it up nicely in your above post and I feel that I needn't add anything else. Except for a Merry Christmas to you.
As I usually write after previous long haul announcements. Who will be the next long-haul airline to announce LGW?
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Gatwick’s amazing year
Gatwick Airport has probably had the best year out of any airport in the world for growth this year. Insane amount of airlines including Ethiopian, air india, saudia, Lufthansa, the three main China airlines, air Mauritius, delta coming back and many more as well as these and now Singapore Airlines known to many as the best airline in the world.
If airlines like these announce Gatwick flights any airline could start. Working at easyJet I have heard rumours of airlines that could start in the near future.
Azerbaijan especially recently is one to watch. Air Zimbabwe, Air Tanzania could also be in the pipeline. I honestly believe next year could be just as incredible as this year for longhaul announcements. Hopefully cathay come back, air China and china eastern expand operations and many more new routes started.
If airlines like these announce Gatwick flights any airline could start. Working at easyJet I have heard rumours of airlines that could start in the near future.
Azerbaijan especially recently is one to watch. Air Zimbabwe, Air Tanzania could also be in the pipeline. I honestly believe next year could be just as incredible as this year for longhaul announcements. Hopefully cathay come back, air China and china eastern expand operations and many more new routes started.
Gatwick Airport has probably had the best year out of any airport in the world for growth this year. Insane amount of airlines including Ethiopian, Air India, Saudia, Lufthansa, the three main China airlines, Air Mauritius, Delta coming back and many more as well as these and now Singapore Airlines known to many as the best airline in the world.
How many extra pax/flights do these airlines add?
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It is not always just about extra flights and passengers. Attracting quality long haul and short haul airlines always helps to enhance reputation which in turn attracts other entrants. This then can attract more flights and passengers.
Gatwick has had a good year in terms of route expansion and I expect more to follow.
Gatwick has had a good year in terms of route expansion and I expect more to follow.
Fair point, and LGW has has some interesting additions but for perspective the three EZY A.320's being added at BHX will probably add more terminal throughput than the airlines listed.
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You're right, now also confirmed on SQ's website. Does anyone know whether a new airline has a choice of terminal at LGW? Or is terminal allocation decided by GIP/VINCI? Surprised they are operating from the North, considering they've got a 25% stake in their Star Alliance partner, Air India, who are in the South Terminal. I personally prefer the South, owing to the train station being within close proximity, and the fact that the place looks and feels that much more modern compared to the North Terminal (although I am aware it is currently undergoing renovations in the departure lounge).
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There's nothing whatsoever wrong with "bucket and spade".
Very interesting move by Singapore going after market share, the timings are broadly aligned aligned with the existing A380 and B77W morning rotations at LHR, albeit the LGW A359 won't have First. Interesting that the airline that launched the A380 is moving away from that model towards multiple frequencies on a smaller aircraft, there was a time when both morning LHR spins were A380s. Fantastic growth in long haul from LGW. As for Cathay, HKG-LHR capacity is still well down with the CX257 sporadic and the CX239 not running, jury's out on a LGW return I think.
Very interesting move by Singapore going after market share, the timings are broadly aligned aligned with the existing A380 and B77W morning rotations at LHR, albeit the LGW A359 won't have First. Interesting that the airline that launched the A380 is moving away from that model towards multiple frequencies on a smaller aircraft, there was a time when both morning LHR spins were A380s. Fantastic growth in long haul from LGW. As for Cathay, HKG-LHR capacity is still well down with the CX257 sporadic and the CX239 not running, jury's out on a LGW return I think.
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"Fair point, and LGW has has some interesting additions but for perspective the three EZY A.320's being added at BHX will probably add more terminal throughput than the airlines listed."
But those aircraft had to be removed due to the fact that Ezy had to return slots to BA, who have, in turn, increased their shorthaul fleet at Lgw. In fact, BA now has about 10 A321 based there, with all the A319 aircraft gone, so they have probably increased lift by quite a lot.
But those aircraft had to be removed due to the fact that Ezy had to return slots to BA, who have, in turn, increased their shorthaul fleet at Lgw. In fact, BA now has about 10 A321 based there, with all the A319 aircraft gone, so they have probably increased lift by quite a lot.
"Fair point, and LGW has has some interesting additions but for perspective the three EZY A.320's being added at BHX will probably add more terminal throughput than the airlines listed."
But those aircraft had to be removed due to the fact that Ezy had to return slots to BA, who have, in turn, increased their shorthaul fleet at Lgw. In fact, BA now has about 10 A321 based there, with all the A319 aircraft gone, so they have probably increased lift by quite a lot.
But those aircraft had to be removed due to the fact that Ezy had to return slots to BA, who have, in turn, increased their shorthaul fleet at Lgw. In fact, BA now has about 10 A321 based there, with all the A319 aircraft gone, so they have probably increased lift by quite a lot.
Arguably the addition of 3 A.320's at BHX operating 3 or so rotations a day will create greater growth in passenger numbers at BHX than the additional airlines listed will at LGW. I've not checked the rest of the world
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So your saying Birminghams three extra easyJet provides better growth than these airlines. Not to mention British Airways longhaul and shorthaul increases, Vueling increases, Turkish increases, Norse new routes, the list goes on.
find an airport with more longhaul growth this year I’ll wait.
find an airport with more longhaul growth this year I’ll wait.
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Who will be next?
Given the extraordinary success LGW has had in attracting new airlines to the airport this year, and with the very nice surprise of SQ coming to LGW for the first time next year, the question remains: Who do people think will be next to join?
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With Lgw adding and seeking to add more operators offering business class, I think Lgw management would need to take a closer look at the offerings from the various lounges that operate there. I have been through most(not BA) and have been far from impressed on cleanliness, quality of food and maintenance of toilet areas etc. If Lgw want to send out a message that they can compete with Lhr, especially to airlines that also operate from Lhr, this is an area that needs improvement.
The departures area of LHR is considered to be an area outside the UK... to reach landside, one has to show a passport or your face has to match a photo taken when you entered airside.
At LGW, is this the same, or is the departures area considered to be filled with people who have already entered the UK ?
My guess is that LGW is treated differently from LHR... but as someone who lives in London I've never changed between 2 flights at LGW and never seen the path taken by passengers with an onward (self-)connection
At LGW, is this the same, or is the departures area considered to be filled with people who have already entered the UK ?
My guess is that LGW is treated differently from LHR... but as someone who lives in London I've never changed between 2 flights at LGW and never seen the path taken by passengers with an onward (self-)connection