Indeed so, it is a massive relief to know that WAT has not gone the same way as Galway. :)

Press release;

VLM Airlines to fly Waterford-London Luton and Waterford-Birmingham
Flights on the Waterford-London Luton route are set to resume at the end of next month, with Belgian-based VLM Airlines to fly 12 times a week in each direction.
Bookings can be made immediately through Fly VLM with twice-daily Monday-Friday flights, as well as a Saturday and a Sunday service. Operations will begin on Monday, April 27 using a Fokker 50 aircraft with capacity for up to 50 passengers.
VLM will also operate a four times a week service from Waterford to Birmingham.
VLM Airlines has flown in Europe since 1993 with its first service on the Antwerp-London City route. Previously named Regional Airline of the Year, VLM Airlines currently operates a range of passenger services at Antwerp, Rotterdam and Liege to Avignon, Bologna, Geneva, Hamburg,
Nice and Venice.
The airline’s CEO, Arthur White, said that VLM very much looks forward to taking on the Waterford routes. “We’re very confident that there is a sustainable demand for reliable and convenient direct air services between the southeast of Ireland and London and Birmingham. Various Waterford-London services have operated since 1985, and we are excited to now be in a position to operate it as well as the Waterford-Birmingham route.
“Direct air services into the UK are obviously very important to Waterford and the southeast region from a social and economic perspective. We will be working hard to promote the route for outbound and inbound passengers to Waterford and believe passengers will respond positively.”
Desmond O’Flynn, CEO, Waterford Airport said: “We are delighted to have VLM Airlines coming on board to operate the Waterford-London Luton route, and that they will also continue the very successful Birmingham service.
“With a great track record of operating charter flights and providing air services to other airlines, VLM is now growing its own scheduled route network. We are particularly pleased that Waterford-London Luton and Waterford–Birmingham are included in this development. The load factors on our UK services have always been healthy and there’s every reason for optimism that VLM’s Waterford-London Luton service will be a great success for the airline and for the airport. We have always enjoyed tremendous support from business and leisure passengers in our catchment area and we look forward to that continuing when the new London service commences in late April.”
“Air connectivity is hugely important to Waterford and the surrounding southeast region. This
has been underlined time and again by inward investment and economic development agencies. Similarly, both services will be a key driver for incoming tourists from the UK, especially at a time when the Eurozone is particularly attractive to UK travellers. For those from the southeast taking a city break, the great world city of London is once again readily accessible. The arrival of VLM Airlines is very significant to Waterford Airport but also to the wider community that we serve.”
• Bookings on the Waterford-London Luton and Waterford-Birmingham services can be made through Fly VLM.

Fares start just under the £100 return mark, which over all isn't bad given that it includes luggage and inflight catering

Load Factors for April:

Luton: 24%
Birmingham 17.5%

Expect these to double, triple or possibly even quadruble (in the case of BHX) in may.

Think it would have been helpful if you had mentioned that the first Luton flight didn't start until April 27th . := I asume the first Birmingham flight was also on the same day.

There was 8 Ltn flights and 2 bhx flights.

Luton should get over the 50% LF for May possibly 60% LF
Last week LTN had many flights with over 35 pax esp. the evening flights and weekend ones. Looking at VLM's website that trend seems to be likely for the coming week too! BHX will be slow to start but there's plenty of advertising on both sides and the airline provide a great on-board service. Give both routes time, they will develop!

Hi Guys and dolls,
Just wondering how its going with VLM? Hope the LF and yield is going well for all parties!
EJ

dunno if it's an indication, let alone an answer: VLM is recruiting for WF: VLM cabin crew for Waterford base - Luchtzak Aviation

I recently used the Friday evening Luton - Waterford service and it was virtually full, there were possibly one or two seats left empty. Very good service so long my it continue.

Does Waterford have ILS?

Yes, on RWY 21. Cat I ILS and Approach lights.

Plus a NDB.

Any update on VLM possibly expanding/adding routes at WAT for Summer 2016?

VLM look to be in some serious trouble, following reports they've asked for some sort of bankruptcy protection from the court in Antwerp. If it all goes wrong, are there any other options for Waterford to retain passenger air service ?

RE: VLM

VLM Airlines into receivership, asks protection from creditors for six months - Luchtzak Aviation

VLM's situation is being discussed on this Belgian forum:
VLM Airlines news 2016 - Page 10 - Luchtzak Aviation

Being reported in the Irish Times that the regional airports in Ireland are to receive up to €10 million extra in funding. Possibly allowing for the runway extension in Waterford.

Independent TD got funds for runway in government deal

:O:O
Nothing changes in Ireland.

VLM cancel WAT-LTN from 16th June.

Flights will however effectively stop on the Tuesday 7th June due to VLM doing heavy maintenance on their aircraft, having previously cancelled flights for the week of the 8th-15th.

WAT are in talks with up to 3/4 carriers at the moment as far as I'm aware, and have been for the past few weeks/months.

Getting Stobart Air back would be the ideal arrangement, though unlikely given the demand for aircraft ex Dublin and also the probable use of SEN over LTN where the demand is.

The only other options I can think of are Cityjet, Eastern and Bmi Regional. Unless Aurigny would be interested in doing a W through STN when they land there, I am fresh out of ideas...

EI-BUD