Stansted-4

[JW95]

Originally Posted by Sotonsean

I totally agree with you on all counts as you have made some good points.

MAG could come to a deal and persuade Singapore Airlines to operate from London Stansted. My personal opinion would be for Singapore Airlines to operate Singapore to Houston via London Stansted rather than via Manchester. London Stansted would have two major carriers with Emirates and Singapore Airlines and this could persuade other long haul airlines to consider London Stansted for future expansion possibilities.

The US carrier Frontier Airlines are receiving the first of a fleet of Airbus A321neoXLR in 2024 and have recently stated on various aviation and travel outlets that they are considering flying transatlantic routes, initially from their Philadelphia hub. With London Stansted currently lacking any transatlantic connections then Frontier Airlines could be a possibility. Frontier Airlines might prefer to have the market to themselves rather than try and fight it out with other carriers at London Gatwick.

I wouldn't totally overlook American Airlines in resuming London Stansted again some time in the future, for a third attempt I may add. I can easily forsee a possible New York JFK flight with their incoming fleet of A321neoLXR.

Hopefully London Stansted can be successful in regaining service from El Al again at some point in the future. The Israeli airline Israir are looking to expand their European presence, perhaps they could be a future possibility.

With the success of Emirates at STN and the ever expanding Qatar Airways perhaps they might consider a DOH-STN service sometime in the future to compliment it's current freighter operation at the airport. Both airlines could then claim that they offer flights to Dubai and Doha from all of London's three major airports.

Turkish Airlines are hopeful of spinning of it's short haul brand Anadolujet as a stand alone company. If and when this occurs it would be good to see Turkish Airlines operate their own flights to London Stansted from IST to compliment it's current freighter operation at the airport.

In recent weeks we have seen the recent expansion from Saudia to the UK. The airline is expanding service to London Heathrow as well as opening up service to Birmingham and London Gatwick.

With the new national carrier for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commencing operations within the next two years there might be an opportunity for the Saudi low cost operator Flynas to resume operations to London.

Flynas previously served JED-LGW and a very brief RUH-LGW service several years ago. With a modern fleet of a mix of A320neo and A321neoXLR on order and with the airline recently expanding operations further into Europe perhaps Flynas could be a future possibility for London Stansted.

The privately owned Tajikistan airline Somon Air have previously ordered and cancelled wide body orders for Boeing 767 (2016) and Boeing 787 (2019). The airline has recently announced that they are again considering ordering wide body aircraft with a potential order for three Boeing 787 aircraft. Somon Air have expansion plans and have recently expanded into Europe with a connection between the Tajikistan capital of Dushanbe and Munich in Germany.

With Turkmenistan Airlines recently commencing flights to London Stansted from the region, flying from the Turkmenistan capital of Ashgabat, perhaps there could be a possibility that Somon Air could announce a Dushanbe to London Stansted route at some point in the future.

Before the pandemic Air Senegal announced a Daker to London Stansted route. This never occurred for obvious reasons but perhaps they might take another look at the airport if they do eventually decide in serving London. Although I suspect that if Air Senegal do finally get around to announce Dakar to London again it'll more than likely be to Gatwick rather than to Stansted.

I'm sure at some point TUI will resume long haul leisure flights again from London Stansted. A huge market that is now totally overlooked from the airport. The most obvious destination being Melbourne (Orlando), possibly Cancun and a long shot a return to Las Vegas and Montego Bay. As well as a winter series of flights to Barbados in connection with P&O Cruises fly cruise operations based in the region.

If TUI don't resume long haul from London Stansted in the coming years I'm sure that Jet2 will probably announce something similar in the future.

​​​​​​I would love to see the airport secure more long haul airlines destinations and most importantly regain a transatlantic link to North America. But in the short term I can't think of how long haul could really expand at London Stansted other than from what I have mentioned above.

Although I'm not local to London Stansted but I've always had a very close affection for the airport along with London Gatwick. It's for that reason that I want both to be successful airports especially when it comes to gaining long haul airlines.

Not that I am disagreeing with you at all my friend, as I too had previously had an affection for, and use STN occasionally, but what makes you think that SIA, of all full service airlines would be tempted to relocate the SIN-MAN-IAH route to Stansted? Granted, MAN and STN are now under the same ownership (MAG), but as amazing as it would be for STN, I find it difficult to see Singapore Airlines wanting to operate from an airport that has become over-dominated by Ryanair. Plus, there is the question of lounges to consider. MAG have so far only invested into one lounge (Escape) in the main terminal, which is often subject to over-crowding and long queues to get in. SIA would probably request and expect access to a higher quality lounge for its business class customers, which would presumably need to be subsidised by MAG and would go into satellite 1. A big investment; would MAG be willing to spend this money? Believe me, I would love something like this to come to fruition for the airport, as STN has long been too overly dominated by FR, which has gradually pushed other airlines, both full service and low cost away to other rival airports, such as LGW - but I think it would be unlikely to see an SIA A350 at STN any time soon sadly

Looking into the transatlantic side, I still believe that there exists some scope for STN-US services, particularly now with the emergence of new, smaller long-ranged aircraft that simply did not exist when American Airlines, EOS and MaxJet were here during 2005-2008, namely the A321-NEO. I see potential in JetBlue branching out to STN once they have suitably covered both LHR and LGW as far as slots are concerned, perhaps with a daily STN-JFK service, but sadly I think this is some way off yet. If and when they were to enter STN, no doubt American would watch closely and may decide to make a 3rd attempt at STN. What worries me is that they may be quick to jump ship yet again if it didn't work out (a la the 2008 exit). Back then, I remember AA were seemingly interested in sticking it out at STN for the long run, and were even readying for their own, purpose built executive lounge in satellite 2 (I think where Weatherspoons Express is now?).

Qatar Airways - they have 193 new aircraft on the books now, so may seek to imitate the EK strategy by opening up a third London airport (STN) with either the 787-8 or A350-900. Again, I believe QR will only consider STN in the event that no further long-term slots are available at both LHR and LGW.

[Sotonsean]

JW95
Again I agree with you and you made some good points that I had completely overlooked, in particular a lounge facility for any possible Singapore Airlines operation.

[UnderASouthernSky]

I understood that one of the reasons that MAN originally won the SQ IAH flight was the ability to feed transfer pax to aid loads - with particular reference to O&G industry pax from ABZ.
Would STN be available to offer a comparable angle? Certainly no transfer option at STN as it stands.

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

Emirates are remarkably exceptional, they even offer a daily B77W to NCL. So having Emirates doesn't really mean there's scope for that much more long haul IMHO. And there's nothing wrong with being dominated by Ryanair, STN has way more European destinations than LHR, on modern and efficent Boeings.
I can't see MAN losing their MAN-SIN service of 30+ years just to open up another London airport for SIN. It's not like the longstanding MAN-SIN traffic is going to use STN.

[Keanaga]

Stn long haul

Hi
Long haul but cargo,China cargo commence 3 weekly on Sunday 26th March.

B777 .

Regards.

[JW95]

Given the long history of STN-Istanbul flights, It would be great to have Turkish Airlines back at Stansted, who I think last served the airport in 2009/10, whereupon they moved to LGW. There has also been an increase with LCCs serving the main airport of Istanbul, such as Wizz Air's upcoming services from both LTN and LGW, leaving STN as the only major London airport without a service to IST (not counting the existing services to SAW). Hopefully MAG can convince TK to re-open STN, as this would be a major win for the airport in terms of the vast amount of short and long haul connections available via IST.

The other airline I'm thinking of is Aegean, who are no stranger to STN, having originally initiated their London operations from here prior to their move to LHR. With Sky Express joining the likes of Wizz and EasyJet against Aegean's (seasonal) service to ATH, could they be tempted to move to Stansted where there is far less competition on the same route? Granted, FR stepped in not long after Aegean left STN, however, they only serve the route once daily, and I'd imagine that there would be many more connections available if one were to fly with Aegean versus FR.

[Keanaga]

Stn-Ath

Jet2 start this route next week I think 3 a week.

[Droidd]

TK did run extra flights from STN to IST in the run up to Christmas last year in Turkish Airlines livieried AC.

I suspect that at the moment they don't want to serve the two airports from STN, as many people will just chose the cheaper SAW flights, unless going to IST for the connections.

There is talk of Anadolu Jet being seperated from Turkish so I don't think that we will see IST and SAW served from STN until that happens.

[JW95]

Originally Posted by Droidd

TK did run extra flights from STN to IST in the run up to Christmas last year in Turkish Airlines livieried AC.

I suspect that at the moment they don't want to serve the two airports from STN, as many people will just chose the cheaper SAW flights, unless going to IST for the connections.

There is talk of Anadolu Jet being seperated from Turkish so I don't think that we will see IST and SAW served from STN until that happens.

That is a very good point- I'd definitely agree that there will be much higher chances of TK resuming STN-IST on a permanent basis once Anadolu Jet is sold off.

On a different note, is there anything significant planned this year as far as the STN transformation programme is concerned? Last I heard was that the arrivals building has now been scrapped in favour of a second terminal and new satellite, unless this has also changed? Also, does anyone think MAG will ever invest some ££ in re-commissioning the jet bridges on satellite 2? I am aware there are only 2-3 that are operational, but the remainder have been untouched and unused for many years.

[STN406]

Originally Posted by JW95

That is a very good point- I'd definitely agree that there will be much higher chances of TK resuming STN-IST on a permanent basis once Anadolu Jet is sold off.

On a different note, is there anything significant planned this year as far as the STN transformation programme is concerned? Last I heard was that the arrivals building has now been scrapped in favour of a second terminal and new satellite, unless this has also changed? Also, does anyone think MAG will ever invest some ££ in re-commissioning the jet bridges on satellite 2? I am aware there are only 2-3 that are operational, but the remainder have been untouched and unused for many years.

In terms of development at Stansted the front of security will be redesigned with new and frequent fresh look. Also new CTX X-ray machines will be retrofitted into security. Otherwise nothing major is happening at all. No plans to be spoken of or real idea of what’s to come in terms of a transformation project.
Many ideas have been rumoured but I’m a recent MAG colleague briefing given the current state is nothing is planned for now. Which is in my eyes very poor. We were told of plans for development at MAN and EMA (No specifics given) but nothing for Stansted.
Smaller works new escalators and lifts are been fitted slowly. The lounge area in sat1 is due to be fitted out for Emirates last I heard completion was due for summer. Continued runway and taxiway works over nights. Full over night closures finished on time last night and the new stage of reduced distance length begins in the coming weeks.
Off airport a new £5 million drive thru is going to be built off Thremhall Ave.

[pamann]

Originally Posted by STN406

In terms of development at Stansted the front of security will be redesigned with new and frequent fresh look. Also new CTX X-ray machines will be retrofitted into security. Otherwise nothing major is happening at all. No plans to be spoken of or real idea of what’s to come in terms of a transformation project.
Many ideas have been rumoured but I’m a recent MAG colleague briefing given the current state is nothing is planned for now. Which is in my eyes very poor. We were told of plans for development at MAN and EMA (No specifics given) but nothing for Stansted.
Smaller works new escalators and lifts are been fitted slowly. The lounge area in sat1 is due to be fitted out for Emirates last I heard completion was due for summer. Continued runway and taxiway works over nights. Full over night closures finished on time last night and the new stage of reduced distance length begins in the coming weeks.
Off airport a new £5 million drive thru is going to be built off Thremhall Ave.

You’d think they would finish off the half finished check-in area.

[davidjohnson6]

STN406 - would it ever be possible for MAG to apply a coat of paint to the walls (and perhaps put in arm rests on the benches so it doesn't feel like an area for the homeless to sleep) in the downstairs quiet seating area underneath itsu, and maybe also re-cover the cushions on some of the benches in the (general) departures area ? I know these get heavy wear-and-tear, but some parts of the airport feel distinctly scruffy

[SWBKCB]

Just a reminder - the last three years weren't a fever dream, there's a way to go to get back to 2019 and start to make up losses.

[Sotonsean]

Originally Posted by Skipness One Foxtrot

Emirates are remarkably exceptional, they even offer a daily B77W to NCL. So having Emirates doesn't really mean there's scope for that much more long haul IMHO. And there's nothing wrong with being dominated by Ryanair, STN has way more European destinations than LHR, on modern and efficent Boeings.
I can't see MAN losing their MAN-SIN service of 30+ years just to open up another London airport for SIN. It's not like the longstanding MAN-SIN traffic is going to use STN.

The conversation was regarding the possibility of SIN-MAN-IAH routing via STN instead of MAN.

The conversation was not regarding the long standing SIN-MAN service of 30+years.

Any possible SIN-STN-IAH routing could be an advantage for Singapore Airlines in serving another London airport. The routing would give STN a North American link to the west and one heading east to Southeast Asia. Singapore Airlines would be a great addition to STN if the airline ever did operate from the airport. Singapore Airlines would probably do well on cargo on the route. Singapore Airlines Cargo have previously although very briefly operated from STN in the past.

The NCL comparison is strange. STN as you are fully aware of is London's third largest airport serving 25 milion passengers a year. It's not NCL, a large regional city in the northeast of England serving a far smaller market. NCL is extremely fortunate to have a daily EK B773 to Dubai.

But as London's third largest and busiest airport then STN theoretically should have more than one long haul airline serving it. Having Ryanair as the dominant airline at STN shouldn't be a reason for long haul airlines to overlook the airport. As you stated, nothing wrong with that.

​​​​​​At least STN has a variety of long haul cargo airlines serving the airport and hopefully we might see some future expansion in that area.

​​​​​​​BUT
From all of the comments and for all of the points made from not only my own personal posts but from others, I think that we can come to the conclusion that this scenario regarding a possible SIN-STN-IAH will probably never occur for reasons others have pointed out. After all it was only meant as a hyperthetical question.

[Sotonsean]

Originally Posted by Keanaga

Hi
Long haul but cargo,China cargo commence 3 weekly on Sunday 26th March.

B777 .

Regards.

Do have a source or a link that you can attach as I've searched online but didn't come across anything related to your comments.

What particular airline are you referring to.

Is it China Cargo Airlines from Shanghai or China Airlines Cargo from Taipei, or even Air China Cargo?

On a side note.

Can you or anyone else confirm as to whether Silk Way Airlines have resumed their freighter flights between GYD-STN. As their aircraft have been noticed at STN on several occasions during the last few weeks or more.

[SWBKCB]

NCL is extremely fortunate to have a daily EK B773 to Dubai.

Sometimes, the harder you work, the luckier you get...

The point SOF was making is that EK is not your normal long-haul airline and can make things work where others can't (A380's into GLA! ). So just because EK works at STN, doesn't mean others will

MAG could come to a deal and persuade Singapore Airlines to operate from London Stansted. My personal opinion would be for Singapore Airlines to operate Singapore to Houston via London Stansted rather than via Manchester. London Stansted would have two major carriers with Emirates and Singapore Airlines and this could persuade other long haul airlines to consider London Stansted for future expansion possibilities.

The routing would give STN a North American link to the west and one heading east to Southeast Asia.

And would remove from MAN a link to the west, and one to the east. Why would MAG want to do that? Clearly they would want SQ at STN, but surely not at the expense of MAN.

[davidjohnson6]

Many on here will be aware of the importance of oil/gas to Houston and Aberdeen. I'm not sure people are aware of how much an oil trading hub that Singapore is

[Travel24]

Airlines of Stansted

Honestly I love Stansted however hearing people say Singapore airlines might operate at the airport is laughable.

Having Ryanair as the main airline of an airport no matter how good it is, is going to put prestige airlines off.

the only carrier other than emirates that maybe will serve Stansted in the next year could be Qatar airways if it cannot find enough slots at Heathrow or Gatwick!

[_aax1]

The above is just fantasy, the airport couldn’t even keep easyJet let alone Singapore.

I hope MAG start cleaning the toilets, invest in facilities, improve access and knock down that shed outside the front.

Unless they invest and find a USP, it will continue to be the sick man of London airports with solely Ryanair as its customer.

[Keanaga]

China cargo airlines Airport source.
Solway have commenced one a week on a Thurs from Baku.
Regards.