New Low Cost at Bournemouth
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New Low Cost at Bournemouth
Bournemouth now has its very own low cost airline which is to be set up in December by Palmair. Palmair is the very successful local airline, now with 2 aircraft, which for next summer has increased flights by 20%. Palmair is owned by Bath Travel one of the UK's largest independent travel agents. They intend to fly to a number of destinations in Europe. Below is the press release printed in the Bournemouth Echo.
A NEW low-cost airline service 12 times a week between Bournemouth and Glasgow is to be launched in December.
The twice-daily service is being set up by Palmair European with a total of 500 seats on sale each day on the four Boeing 737 flights. Fares on the route will start from £14.99 plus tax.
The new air link will run alongside Palmair's existing inclusive tour operation to European holiday destinations.
Airline bosses say the initiative could bring thousands more passengers through Bournemouth Airport.
Palmair chairman Peter Bath said: "This is a significant development for us with huge potential for both passenger traffic out of Bournemouth and incoming from Scotland."
The Glasgow service will run initially for six months and become year-round, depending on demand.
As well as the two return flights each weekday there will be one service on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Other routes will be actively considered next year with at least one major European city set for a direct service from Bourne-mouth early in 2003.
The company aims to start taking reservations from mid-November through a special website, a call centre and selected high street travel agents.
The flights will operate to Prestwick Airport - around 40 minutes by train from central Glasgow - and all passengers will receive a complimentary Scotrail ticket to anywhere in Scotland.
Palmair's managing director David Skillicorn said the double daily service would be a major plus for the business community because it will enable travellers to come back the same day.
And he stressed that airline was not offering a "no frills" operation.
"Unlike with other carriers offering low fares, our passengers will have reserved seating, will not have to pay for luggage allowances, will be offered refreshments at no extra charge and won't be subject to hurried 25 minute turnarounds.
"We'll still be giving the level of service that people have come to expect from us over the years."
Mr Skillicorn added: "This opens up all sorts of opportunities not only for business, but also for
holidays to Scotland and bringing in thousands of people into Dorset through the Bournemouth gateway.
"It will be a major boost to the local economy."
A NEW low-cost airline service 12 times a week between Bournemouth and Glasgow is to be launched in December.
The twice-daily service is being set up by Palmair European with a total of 500 seats on sale each day on the four Boeing 737 flights. Fares on the route will start from £14.99 plus tax.
The new air link will run alongside Palmair's existing inclusive tour operation to European holiday destinations.
Airline bosses say the initiative could bring thousands more passengers through Bournemouth Airport.
Palmair chairman Peter Bath said: "This is a significant development for us with huge potential for both passenger traffic out of Bournemouth and incoming from Scotland."
The Glasgow service will run initially for six months and become year-round, depending on demand.
As well as the two return flights each weekday there will be one service on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Other routes will be actively considered next year with at least one major European city set for a direct service from Bourne-mouth early in 2003.
The company aims to start taking reservations from mid-November through a special website, a call centre and selected high street travel agents.
The flights will operate to Prestwick Airport - around 40 minutes by train from central Glasgow - and all passengers will receive a complimentary Scotrail ticket to anywhere in Scotland.
Palmair's managing director David Skillicorn said the double daily service would be a major plus for the business community because it will enable travellers to come back the same day.
And he stressed that airline was not offering a "no frills" operation.
"Unlike with other carriers offering low fares, our passengers will have reserved seating, will not have to pay for luggage allowances, will be offered refreshments at no extra charge and won't be subject to hurried 25 minute turnarounds.
"We'll still be giving the level of service that people have come to expect from us over the years."
Mr Skillicorn added: "This opens up all sorts of opportunities not only for business, but also for
holidays to Scotland and bringing in thousands of people into Dorset through the Bournemouth gateway.
"It will be a major boost to the local economy."
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Didn't someone else try operating from Bournemouth to Scotland with BAC 1-11s?
I wonder if Ryanair will decide to offer some competition on the route.
Does anyone think that Jet2 may also try operating from Bournemouth given it has now 2 other low cost carriers and it is unlikely that Southampton would be used by them?
I wonder if Ryanair will decide to offer some competition on the route.
Does anyone think that Jet2 may also try operating from Bournemouth given it has now 2 other low cost carriers and it is unlikely that Southampton would be used by them?
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Your correct. Euroscot started in 1998 linking Bournemouth to Glasgow Int. and Edinburgh. The route was taken over by Gill Airways and ceased in Feb2000. The loads weren't too bad even during the winter but both services were normal fare structure for the time, i.e. not low cost and Southampton already offered these routes and similar prices. However with fares starting at £14.99 each way Southamptons services must be worried. Within 8 weeks of Ryanairs service starting to Hahn, BA pulled of the Southampton Frankfurt route.
If the Prestwick route is a success then they have said they will expand to other destinations.
Exciting times ahead at Bournemouth
If the Prestwick route is a success then they have said they will expand to other destinations.
Exciting times ahead at Bournemouth
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The Euroscot route aquired by Gill was rumoured to be a fairly major drain on the company which resulted in its liquidation.
Does Palmair intend to have crews based in Prestwick? Are they recruiting for any bases?
Does Palmair intend to have crews based in Prestwick? Are they recruiting for any bases?
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Palmair is a Bournemouth based airline and the low cost services will originate from Bournemouth. Who knows what may happen in the future but for now the plan will be to concentrate on building a base from Bournemouth.
Ryanair has proved that if you offer the right price you can attract people from as far as south London. This means that there are 4 million people living within a 90 minute drive of the airport. It will be interesting to see if Ryanair will move in on the route as Brabazon stated earlier. I don't know how they will feel having another airline linking two of their airports together.
Looking forward to finding out the European city that will be chosen for early 2003.
Ryanair has proved that if you offer the right price you can attract people from as far as south London. This means that there are 4 million people living within a 90 minute drive of the airport. It will be interesting to see if Ryanair will move in on the route as Brabazon stated earlier. I don't know how they will feel having another airline linking two of their airports together.
Looking forward to finding out the European city that will be chosen for early 2003.
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These two announcements must be sending a shiver or two down BAAs back, owners of Southampton Airport. SOU, presumably, has been trying to get a low cost carrier in and has, so far, failed. Coupled with the reduction in passenger numbers (despite increased charter flights) post Setember 11th, is the end now in site for this airport, as it seems to have peaked in terms of popularity?
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Southampton is now about to be overtaken by Bournemouth in terms of pax numbers. Frankfurt couldn't survive when FR started HHN from Bournemouth last Feb - Watch buzz pulling the pax away from SOU. A few nervous people in SOU no doubt! The pax will simply drive by Southampton airports door with the deals and destinations that no doubt will be on offer from buzz zt Bournemouth. Palmair announcement on low cost a bit weak - Can't see that happening now buzz have declared their hand...
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fokker 70,
I think totally the opposite re Palmairs low cost services. Now that Buzz have confirmed BOH as a base, all the extra publicity that BOH is getting is going to raise the profile of the airport and all its services. BOH is expecting to see higher pax nos on all routes due to this. Palmair is owned by Bath Travel and they will be the main agents for Buzz along the south coast and they would have known of these plans long before they announced their move into the low cost market. I personnaly knew of the strong possibility of Buzz coming back in April!
Palmair and Buzz will not operate on the same routes , so their services should compliment each other. The aircraft that will fly the twice daily PIK rotation will after New Years add Palma, Majorca as a low fares daily route. There has always been a demand for a daily service from BOH to Palma mainly due to the high number of timeshare/ holiday properties that the locals have over there. The same applies to Alicante/ Costa Blanca and Malaga/ Costa Del Sol. So these are expected to follow shortly after when the second aircraft is leased.
Buzz currently don't fly to the main Spanish holiday airports, unlike EasyJet. They also don't fly to Glasgow. If it had been EasyJet starting at BOH then I think you concern would be valid.
You've hit the nail on the head concerning the impact upon SOU. If Buzz do launch Paris CDG and Amsterdam then I can't see SOU routes there surviving in their present state. Both these routes are quite important to SOU and would knock their annual pax nos.
Looking ahead it will be very interesting to see how things pogress for both airports over the next few years. But, goodluck to both of them.
I think totally the opposite re Palmairs low cost services. Now that Buzz have confirmed BOH as a base, all the extra publicity that BOH is getting is going to raise the profile of the airport and all its services. BOH is expecting to see higher pax nos on all routes due to this. Palmair is owned by Bath Travel and they will be the main agents for Buzz along the south coast and they would have known of these plans long before they announced their move into the low cost market. I personnaly knew of the strong possibility of Buzz coming back in April!
Palmair and Buzz will not operate on the same routes , so their services should compliment each other. The aircraft that will fly the twice daily PIK rotation will after New Years add Palma, Majorca as a low fares daily route. There has always been a demand for a daily service from BOH to Palma mainly due to the high number of timeshare/ holiday properties that the locals have over there. The same applies to Alicante/ Costa Blanca and Malaga/ Costa Del Sol. So these are expected to follow shortly after when the second aircraft is leased.
Buzz currently don't fly to the main Spanish holiday airports, unlike EasyJet. They also don't fly to Glasgow. If it had been EasyJet starting at BOH then I think you concern would be valid.
You've hit the nail on the head concerning the impact upon SOU. If Buzz do launch Paris CDG and Amsterdam then I can't see SOU routes there surviving in their present state. Both these routes are quite important to SOU and would knock their annual pax nos.
Looking ahead it will be very interesting to see how things pogress for both airports over the next few years. But, goodluck to both of them.
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So some think Hurn will swamp the south coast and Soton will die a quick death. Foolish though really.
Yes Hurn is a good size and much larger than Soton. Easily able to handle a couple of low cost outfits and a good freight mix. But there is No rail connection and the road ling are POOR. That bloody T junction is a nightmare to turn right at..
For these simple reasons that why Soton will never lose a core part of its pax base. BUSINESS travellers. Happy with the outstanding road links, own rail station and plenty of parking. Plus we (yes I am one of them) pay a full price for this service and are happy to do so. Business is about time and convenience. Plus remember. Southampton has a very busy business community, while Bournemouth does not (I won't go as far as to call it a oap's beach resort.)
So from sotons point if view. Hurn are welcome to the £ 9.99 bucket and spade outfits, they are not wanted here. Business is about profit PERCENTAGE not pax figures to swell your ego. (ie better to make a 20 % return on 250,00 pax that a 5 % return on 2 mil.)
From what I see (mailny Ba flights) I am always travelling in almost full Dash 8's or 145's. With fellow business paying pax.
Polite summary: There's plenty of room and varied customer base for both........
Yes Hurn is a good size and much larger than Soton. Easily able to handle a couple of low cost outfits and a good freight mix. But there is No rail connection and the road ling are POOR. That bloody T junction is a nightmare to turn right at..
For these simple reasons that why Soton will never lose a core part of its pax base. BUSINESS travellers. Happy with the outstanding road links, own rail station and plenty of parking. Plus we (yes I am one of them) pay a full price for this service and are happy to do so. Business is about time and convenience. Plus remember. Southampton has a very busy business community, while Bournemouth does not (I won't go as far as to call it a oap's beach resort.)
So from sotons point if view. Hurn are welcome to the £ 9.99 bucket and spade outfits, they are not wanted here. Business is about profit PERCENTAGE not pax figures to swell your ego. (ie better to make a 20 % return on 250,00 pax that a 5 % return on 2 mil.)
From what I see (mailny Ba flights) I am always travelling in almost full Dash 8's or 145's. With fellow business paying pax.
Polite summary: There's plenty of room and varied customer base for both........
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A reminder of my poating back in May - just goes to show the GRAPEVINE works....................
***BUZZ to Bournemouth ??
Rumours have been circulating around the airport recently about Buzz alledgedly considering commencing operations from BOH later this year (Autumn/Winter). Three to four routes have supposedly been targeted.
The south coast could certainly do with a low cost carrier to compliment RYR's successful services from BOH, but it all seems a trifle ambitious to me.
Anyone care to comment ***
***BUZZ to Bournemouth ??
Rumours have been circulating around the airport recently about Buzz alledgedly considering commencing operations from BOH later this year (Autumn/Winter). Three to four routes have supposedly been targeted.
The south coast could certainly do with a low cost carrier to compliment RYR's successful services from BOH, but it all seems a trifle ambitious to me.
Anyone care to comment ***
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Interesting that PIK have said nothing about the Bournemouth service. It is not featured on their web page but then again neither is the new German low fares Jet service to Hannover.
Is there anywhere that bookings can actually be placed ?
Is there anywhere that bookings can actually be placed ?
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They plan to start taking bookings from mid november. Their press release is at the top of this postings page. They will have an on-line booking service as well as a call centre and being able to book through selected travel agents.
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Dear Oscar,
I think that you underestimate the LCC revolution. When Easy started at LTN all other airports said that the Bizz pax would prefer the likes of LHR and LGW due to the frequencies.
The opposite is happening, first the A/C fill up with new generated traffic attracted by low fares. Secondly the price concious Bizz men will come straight away. Planes will fill up, frequencies go up and before you know it there are more flights out of the secondary (in case of BOH not even that ) than out of the primary airports...(in case of SOU not even that )
BTW expect AMS to be on the destination list, their CEO mentioned this on the radio. This means bye bye Scot Airways AMS-SOU... in the near future
I think that you underestimate the LCC revolution. When Easy started at LTN all other airports said that the Bizz pax would prefer the likes of LHR and LGW due to the frequencies.
The opposite is happening, first the A/C fill up with new generated traffic attracted by low fares. Secondly the price concious Bizz men will come straight away. Planes will fill up, frequencies go up and before you know it there are more flights out of the secondary (in case of BOH not even that
) than out of the primary airports...(in case of SOU not even that )BTW expect AMS to be on the destination list, their CEO mentioned this on the radio. This means bye bye Scot Airways AMS-SOU... in the near future
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Buzz are initially basing 2 737's at BOH, with more to come. This wouldn't really be possible at SOU as it is too small. Any more than a couple of dash-8's and ATR's and the apron is full.
Perhaps selling off some of the land for that business estate was a bad move.
Perhaps selling off some of the land for that business estate was a bad move.
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OD
Don't agree - Flights may be full at SOU (due no competition between it and LHR) Days are numbered there. People will flock to BOH just wait and see. Airports need car parks not trains - People will drive from all sorts of places to BOH to get the Buzz flights. Boh has loads of parking.
Palmair lo cost is a myth!
Just my view
Don't agree - Flights may be full at SOU (due no competition between it and LHR) Days are numbered there. People will flock to BOH just wait and see. Airports need car parks not trains - People will drive from all sorts of places to BOH to get the Buzz flights. Boh has loads of parking.
Palmair lo cost is a myth!
Just my view