Edinburgh-4

[A350Saltire]

QR’s growth at EDI is very impressive. Rumours of a third daily are still very much there too. I think it shows that a higher frequency offering a vast array of connections through their very impressive hub is the way forward.

Plus I am obviously very much in favour of the A350 and without causing arguments it is simply much better than the 787 from a passenger’s point of view.

[SWBKCB]

Plus I am obviously very much in favour of the A350 and without causing arguments it is simply much better than the 787 from a passenger’s point of view.

In what way - once I'm onboard I struggle to tell the difference.

[A350Saltire]

Originally Posted by SWBKCB

In what way - once I'm onboard I struggle to tell the difference.

To me it just feels more spacious which I guess is subjective by airline (although the A350 cabin is slightly wider). The 787 is a great aircraft too, I just prefer the A350.

[Sotonsean]

Originally Posted by SWBKCB

In what way - once I'm onboard I struggle to tell the difference.

Well once on-board the size of the windows on the Boeing 787 will immediately show you the difference from being on an A350.

Windows on the Airbus A350, 21 cm x 34.3 cm.

Windows on the Boeing 787, 27 x 47 cm.

But once on-board anyone would struggle with noticing the difference between the widths of the two aircraft as the Airbus A350 is only 5 inches wider than the Boeing 787.

[Planeraz]

On the subject of A350’s, will EDI see an EK version in the near future? Latest reports suggests they will receive first few in August 2024. Will QR finally make a decision to go 3 x daily or not?

[GulfTraveller]

I am not sure where the idea has come from that EDI would be an A350 route. If it happened it would surely be a 773. At this stage it seems twice daily at GLA is more likely.

[tartan 201]

Originally Posted by GulfTraveller

I am not sure where the idea has come from that EDI would be an A350 route. If it happened it would surely be a 773. At this stage it seems twice daily at GLA is more likely.

I've seen it speculated on here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35582063-post6.html

[wub]

Originally Posted by Sotonsean

Well once on-board the size of the windows on the Boeing 787 will immediately show you the difference from being on an A350.

Windows on the Airbus A350, 21 cm x 34.3 cm.

Windows on the Boeing 787, 27 x 47 cm.

But once on-board anyone would struggle with noticing the difference between the widths of the two aircraft as the Airbus A350 is only 5 inches wider than the Boeing 787.

Except that the crew takes control of the 787s windows and darkens them, spoiling the view. It happens on QR and BA

[GeorgeNTravels]

10 Busiest Routes from EDI are listed below.

1. London Heathrow - 1,049,394
2. Dublin - 722,767
3. London Stansted - 599,950
4. Amsterdam - 593,951
5. London Gatwick - 459,481
6. Paris CDG - 448,434
7. Belfast Intl - 433,876
8. Bristol - 422,824
9. London City - 342,810
10. Tenerife - 320,165

On a general note, a trend that should be watched is a decline in traffic in Eastern Europe, with the exception of Bulgaria and Albania. Numbers to Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania & Romania were all down on 2022, with Polish growth being less than 1,000 pax.

Growth recorded in every other market apart from Croatia which was down due to Ryanair shortening the season to Zadar.

[inOban]

At present Emirates have more or less a captive market at Glasgow, those who want to visit Dubai (why?) and those to whom it is a much more convenient airport. Their problems are that a single flight cannot possibly connect with all flights forward, and that the A380 has limited cargo capacity. Logically they should replace the A380 with two 777s giving both better connections and more cargo space. To split their offer between EDI and GLA seems pointless, with two, possibly three flights a day they would struggle. (There's now clear air between Qatar at EDI - 32k - and Emirates at GLA - 28K)

It may be, of course, that the double-deck bridge at GLA was underwritten by Emirates and they must continue to use the A380

[GeorgeNTravels]

Country by Country Performance for 2023

Albania - 4,961 (Launched in November 2023 and did not operate in 2022)

Austria - 68,121 (+9,436)

Barbados - 524 (-1,685)

Belgium - 192,342 (+34,688)

Bulgaria - 52,959 (+7,256)

Canada - 114,391 (+44,649)

China - 11,281 (Did not operate in 2022)

Croatia - 59,722 (-4,425)

Cyprus - 72,533 (+7,285)

Czech Rep - 87,178 (+12,927)

Denmark - 289,730 (+57,448)

Egypt - 4,219 (Launched in November 2023 and did not operate in 2022)

Estonia - 0 (-22,943)

Finland - 50,869 (+17,668)

France - 865,252 (+205,928)

Germany - 735,358 (175,419)

Greece - 264,438 (+48,509)

Hungary - 118,796 (-7,351)

Iceland - 43,710 (+9,072)

Ireland - 974,582 (+197,440)

Italy - 639,148 (+154,439)

Latvia - 48,187 (-7,464)

Lithuania - 40,850 (-1,401)

Malta - 51,849 (+16,505)

Mexico - 2,039 (-233)

Morocco - 36,115 (+8,093)

Netherlands - 653,269 (+125,503)

Norway - 139,955 (+23,268)

Poland - 416,667 (+956)

Portugal - 341,404 (+46,256)

Qatar - 292,141 (+147,246)

Romania - 72,846 (-4,416)

Slovakia - 36,716 (+10,062)

Spain - 1,934,980 (+261,478)

Sweden - 120,857 (+31,374)

Switzerland - 350,203 (+65,962)

Turkiye - 371,736 (+79,056)

UK - 4,253,218 (+1,169,670)

USA - 475,761 (+134,071)

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

Originally Posted by inOban

At present Emirates have more or less a captive market at Glasgow, those who want to visit Dubai (why?) and those to whom it is a much more convenient airport. Their problems are that a single flight cannot possibly connect with all flights forward, and that the A380 has limited cargo capacity. Logically they should replace the A380 with two 777s giving both better connections and more cargo space. To split their offer between EDI and GLA seems pointless, with two, possibly three flights a day they would struggle. (There's now clear air between Qatar at EDI - 32k - and Emirates at GLA - 28K)

It may be, of course, that the double-deck bridge at GLA was underwritten by Emirates and they must continue to use the A380

Emirates aren't back to pre COVID levels in Scotland whereas Qatar are now well beyond in growth terms. GLA was 1xA388 and 1xB77W every day, was it not?
It's not a "captive market" in the central belt, it's a duopoly split between two operators with Turkish also in the game, but the market would move to EDI just like transatlantic did, Emirates have chosen to stay at GLA, partly I reckon as they NEED to fly all those A380s somewhere for the next few years.

[inOban]

I should have made it clear that for most of Scotland, including parts of Glasgow, EDI is at least as easy to get to as GLA.
I have a friend who used to use Emirates even when he lived in Edinburgh. For his current trip he flew with Qatar - even though he now lives in Helensburgh! Emirates have a dilemma.

[Planeraz]

Originally Posted by inOban

I should have made it clear that for most of Scotland, including parts of Glasgow, EDI is at least as easy to get to as GLA.
I have a friend who used to use Emirates even when he lived in Edinburgh. For his current trip he flew with Qatar - even though he now lives in Helensburgh! Emirates have a dilemma.

The issue for Emirates is that one of their biggest competitors is growing quicker and transporting bigger number of pax from Scotland’s main airport. QR offer more seats and easier connection options from EDI. QR offer better cargo options to give another example. For these reasons and not limited to, in my opinion, EK will return to EDI.

[Breathe]

New retail units to open at the airport.

Edinburgh Airport to launch new Scottish fashion, gift shops

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/...on-gift-shops/

A Scottish airport is to launch three new retail outlets.

Edinburgh Airport said it is to open “distinct Scottish” outlets that include fashion and gifting expected early next year.

“As Scotland’s busiest airport we see tens of thousands of people travel through every day, whether for business or leisure, and we offer a unique retail opportunity for them by providing choice and variety,” the airport said.

“Our campus is also home to 5,000 employees working across 100 different companies - so we're a great place to do business if you're seeking commercial opportunities.”

The airport web post continued: “We work with leading passenger lounges, retail and food and beverage operators to provide a strong international offering and market range.

“Our strategy of delivering sustainable growth through choice offers our passengers the best possible range and diverse selection of retail products, lounges and services.”

It added: “We have three distinct Scottish retail opportunities available from Q1 2025 in our international departure lounge.

"The competitive bid for these opportunities will be released in March 2024.

"The three opportunities are: Premium Scottish Gifting - 76 sqm sales area; Premium Scottish Fashion - 74 sqm sales area; and Scottish Souvenirs - 113 sqm sales area.”

Last month the airport told travellers Starbucks was to be taken over by Black Sheep Coffee.

[mrk7474]

Originally Posted by Planeraz

The issue for Emirates is that one of their biggest competitors is growing quicker and transporting bigger number of pax from Scotland’s main airport. QR offer more seats and easier connection options from EDI. QR offer better cargo options to give another example. For these reasons and not limited to, in my opinion, EK will return to EDI.

I too think EK will return to EDI, as for timeframe who knows but personally I see them using the A350. The 777 I think is too much plane otherwise they probably would have brought it back by now, as surely they're not too happy about giving up more space to QR. A350 still carries good cargo and less pax than 777 so is probably a better fit. Either that, whenever they get the 787s I also wouldn't be surprised to see them in EDI. They'd eventually be able to offer double daily to EDI with A350 / 787

[Planeraz]

EDI Hotel

A new airport hotel approved and works already under way.

https://www.sandmansignature.co.uk/new-properties

[nighthawk117]

It's a bit close to the animal feed place... might be a bit smelly...

[Donkey497]

The noted less than 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre is maybe a bit misleading. I'm about 20 miles west & I can be in Edinburgh city centre by public transport (even) in less than 30 minutes..... [on a goood day, with fair wind etc...]

[Planeraz]

Lufthansa S24

LH making some changes to aircraft operating the daily Munich service. Service will be operated by a mixture of leased Air Baltic A220, Lufthansa City and mainline aircraft.