The slot times would normally be shown in GMT/UTC/TUC/Zulu (various names, same concept :) ).

Hence the 0800 arrival in AMS is actually a 1000 local time arrival in summer. So if it's a 1 hour 50 min block time that's an 0710 (local) departure from INV.

C.

This is not a rumour it is a definate INV-AMS code sgare route with KLM. It was hoped that it would start by Easter but I now believe it to be starting November 2007. And I have heard that it will not be the normal eastern prices.

This would mean crew stopping over in hotels in Inverness as it is only a J41 base at the moment. It used to be a s2000 base as the aircraft operated on the INV-MAN route, but the loads were naff. It woud be a different ploy on Easterns business plan as they have never code shared before or interlined. Could this mean a code share on their Brussels route also with SN Brussels in future

Anyone notice anything curious about the J41 pic on the Eastern website...?

Codeshare...heaven or hell?
 

Agreed JS41 looks like a sim shot...probably cheaper than an "air to air" shoot?

If the KLM codeshare rumours are true, maybe an excuse for more Saab 2000 if any can be sourced.

However could codesharing also be the first step to T3 being amalgamated or taken over by the airline it codeshares with?

I think Air UK didn't "codeshare" as such with KLM, but they certainly were amalgamated into KLM eventually after being reduced to AMS feeder services.

(Or is my dodgy memory playing tricks?)

T3 are a savvy lot, I'm sure they will do what's best for them.

Does anyone know who actually runs Eastern Airways - not seen any names mentioned of MD/FD etc? Are Bryan Huxford and Richard Lake actively involved?

Just curious.

LAKE - MD
HUXFORD - CHAIRMAN

owned 50/50 and both actively involved

See there was an interesting article about Eastern's plans for expansion in the next 1-2 years, interviewing MD Richard Lake.

Noted the following:

* Talks with unnamed airports to set up a Central European base - Lake is convinced T3 can bring their business model to Europe & make it work (don't think the article appeared on Apr 1! ;))
* Speaking to Bombardier about acquiring an unknown number of DHC8-300s. I would imagine used examples...BACON ones perhaps? They had a -300 on demo last year
* Bringing one more Saab2000 on line in 2007, & talking about 3-4 more JS41 &/or Saab2000s beyond that
* Evaluating 4-5 new domestic routes in UK

Lake detrermined to keep T3 away from the clutches of the Stock Market & in private ownership.

Seems interesting times ahead.

I see there was another article on Eastern Airways and Richard Lake in the Sunday Times yesterday. So much publicity in such a short amount of time for Eastern, is something in the pipeline?

Bryan Huxford and Richard Lake have been involved in Eastern Airways for many years and are both very shrewd business folk.

I cannot imagine that they would ever take it public or sell it unless they were in line for a barrow load of cash and to sever their links with the business entirely.

In the Flight Global/Airline Business article, Richard Lake said floatation was not on the agenda. And the Sunday Times article said private equity approaches have been turened down

I presume the 2 x J32's G-BUVC and G-BUVD are still active / in service with T3, does anyone happen to know if they are still part of the long term plans or are T3 planning to sell them on soon ?

Thanks for any info........................

Last of the 32s
 

Jethro's report them as "stored HUY", & I 've not heard either of them flying about at ABZ for a while now.

Their J31/2 fleet has been whittled away over the months replaced by 41s.

Presume operating costs are similar, as I thought the 31/2 was a good aircraft on certain routes, could still do a good job for somebody (eg. Highland).

VC &VD Both stored at HUY

YS the J31 Is now configured in an executive 9 seat fit, all very flash inside apparently

WB:

What are T3 planning to do with VC & VD, up for sale, or will they be scrapped?

Are the rumours incorrect then that BlueIslands in the Channel Islands will shortly be having one of Easterns J32's?! Plenty of rumours abound that the Blue's 4th J32 (which they need for GCI-SOU) would be from Eastern.

One of the 31's was at HUY being inspected while I was there recently. It is indeed destined for Blue Islands. Can't for the life of me remember which one though

ABZ-Stavanger announced today. Twice a day on weekdays from August in competition with SAS and City Star

G-MAJZ
 

Nose wheel collapse at BHX whilst on stand per local forum, reported at 19.30 local.

No details if anybody has been hurt but fire crews in attendance.

Pete