Shoe Shine. Much as I have time on my hands, I really haven't got enough time to do this topic justice on here....


The DUP connection at city Airport has always been deep-seated, but it has gotten truly ridiculous and flagrant in the last few years, topped by the boss at the airport being appointed to the chair's role in Ireland Tourism, by the leadership of the DUP, whose choice alone it was to make.


I suppose all that can be said now is that, at long last, the term DUP has become a recognised by-word for Scandal and presumably ALL of this stuff will very soon get brought out into the light on full display alongside NAMA, Spads and Edwin Poots standing holding his Neb!


Frankly, since the good doc stepped aside, the DUP's unimaginable arrogance and disdain for everything around them that doesn't directly benefit them, has virtually Sanctified the comparative approach of Sinn Fein, even amongst a large body of NI people who were lifelong True Blues! :mad:

As much as I enjoy aviation and the behind the scenes goings on I have no knowledge nor have I ever heard that the DUP or any other political party have a direct role in our airports! Perhaps I am being naive. In my line of business I avoid politicians like the plague but maybe to do business in an airport environment you have to sell your soul at times to make the deals? If as alleged the DUP are pulling strings at Harbour then I am sure the same could be said for (insert political party of choice) doing exactly the same at Lough Neagh International.:E

On a separate matter, has there been any decision on seats for sale or are we waiting for the political merry go round to stop for a few days to get a decision there as well?:ugh:

Ultimately whilst I agree some of the goings on of our politicians, conjecture or otherwise is questionable, strings being pulled and money being offered as route incentive is going on in many countries, this is often why FR have appeared in many the random French or Italian airport. The Welsh assembly is practically paying BE to be in CWL. Getting KLM into BHD is a great coup, and yes U2 operate the route but they don't connect into one of the best airline hubs in Europe, they are point to point. In order to win customers back from DUB and bring new customers to the province there needs to be competitive alternatives to LHR, competition is the best way to achieve it. So roll on BRU and LGW connecting flights in my opinion - the more the merrier, if we can't get every route direct at least a comprehensive network of connecting hubs.

Panpan:

The International has had no govt. friends for a long time. New MD is trying to gather support from local MLAs and councillors but it is a long way back. This is evident in Harbour's massive influence over Tourism Ireland.

Seats for sale is due this month but any positive outcome will be subject to appeal no doubt as it won't suit everyone.

Must say I have really enjoyed recent posts re perceived advantage of BHD due to political influence.
I am old enough to recall when the Hon Hugh O'Neill was Chairman of BIAL and NITB.
He moved heaven and earth to disadvantage City, including vetoing the provision of a NITB Welcome Kiosk at City.
I suppose what goes around comes around.


If BFS is lacking political influence, and I seriously doubt this then they need to get out there and work on it.

Airbus 321 enroute from Heathrow... Not a common sight here!!!

B Telegraph reports that BHD have baged BRU and formal announcement on Monday.

Indeed, here's the link;

Brussels sprouts first air link with Belfast for 14 years - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

I must admit the current posts are more informative and give a different perspective than the "my airport is better than yours" routine which was getting rather tiresome!

In these days of FOI requests and electronic trails of communications being left in everything we do, it would be a very brave or foolish politician that would leave themselves open in months or years to come of accusations of dodgy dealings or bias. Surely they are meant to serve us and what is best for the country and not their own interests.:hmm:

SecondDog, ref the seats for sale, I find it incredibly frustrating that a decision can be continuously appealed time and time again, particularly when the process is driven by your main competitor! There is a whiff of the runway extension debacle about this one, no doubt we will have BCAW (whatever happened them by the way, been very quiet recently) dragged out after being briefed by Aldergrove on how seats for sale increase will kill their Granny, break the roof tiles of their roof and destroy all the local kids education.:ugh:

Speaking of recent posts. The ones about the major fault with the BHD runway. I take it that was just teasing?

As for the legal stuff, I suppose they have to really. Don't forget BCA have the same idea with the Crumlin complainers, all a bit tit for tat for me but such is life.

disappointed to hear BRU will be another going to City. BFS just cannot seem to attract an interliner. No good for N.I. in big picture v DUB.

SecondDog

In what way is it not good in the bigger picture for NI v Dub? The fact that the route is coming to Belfast is surely the desired outcome? How exactly would it be better to have it landing and taking off in a less central location?

In what way is BHD more central for N.I. than BFS? It is nonsense to say 14 miles outside the city is any kind of issue for an international airport. The City's location is more hindrance than help for them too in the long run

Regardless of that, when these airlines choose city it usually means smaller aircraft, which target business travel, which drives prices up. I think this only serves to limit N.I. travellers (back to the old chestnut of N.I. having two main airports instead of one) which only lets DUB batter on ahead with the big carriers taking most of the traffic.

Yes, good that BRU is coming in terms of a new route but in (admittedly my view of) the bigger picture, we are only cutting tripe out of our own development potential by having to fight each other for scraps rather than trying to focus on taking a seat at the big table.

still, I realise I am on the wrong thread for that kind of view so not expecting common sense to be a factor. Divided Airports in a community that doesn't like to agree on anything is quite apt, philosophically speaking......

I see some of the point but on the other hand remember the A320's EI are running out of BHD and BA can go up to A321 as required. Neither KLM or Brussels airlines particularly operate large aircraft to anywhere in the UK, I can't see either operating anything larger out of BFS. Yes the Sydenham bypass is a pain at peak times, I travelled against the traffic to Bangor last week I know only too well! But fact remains BHD is brilliant for business and thats where the money is. Also judging by CAA stats the bucket and spade customer is more than happy with the location.

And back to the old debate we go, didn't take long! That nonsensical notion that if only Harbour weren't there and stealing the traffic that really belongs to Aldergrove then the 777s and 380s would be fighting each other to get in just doesn't stack up, pardon the pun.:p

I still say why can't we all accept there are 2 independant and profit making airports in NI and one lame duck that needs put out of its misery in the North West. If and when market forces decide a second airport out of the three also becomes a financial black hole then that will say who stays open and who closes.:cool: Until that happens, if ever, enjoy the competition and flexibility we all have and use.:ok:

Exactly, totally agree. Let the best airport win. Both Belfast airports have advantages of their own and as panpanpanpan states it brings competition. BFS have transatlantic, charter, low cost airlines in particular U2, 24 hr operations. City have an unrivalled location, a train station adjacent, quality airlines with connection services. Let them both get on with it and compete.

Left Rudder

I accept what you say re times gone past. However, I think it is fairly accurate to say that the losers in that type of system is the ordinary people and I include myself in that section. Hence the reason that in 2015 business is supposed to be done on merit, especially where that business affects many people.

I think we have a long way to go yet to ensure fairness.

Re 2/3 airports, you can argue all you want, but it is completely idiotic for a population of about 1.8m to have 3 airports fighting for what is limited business.

TB

And yet true blue discounting LDY which is another issue entirely both Belfast airports are in growth, attracting new routes and profit. And all that with DUB claiming to be enticing more NI pax than ever before.

But neither is big and strong, that is the point.

TB

No. Just No. Let the best airport win is not helping aviation in N.I. it is just maintaining the lack of direction from politicians. City doesn't have an unrivalled position because it can never house the larger aircraft. Even if they can take the 321 on occasion (and I believe they are restricted to make it in/out), I would imagine quite a few pilots having to retire early with stress if they were flying it in there all the time. It has curfew which doesn't suit freight or low cost carrier logistics. It has a painfully short runway. The train station doesn't make much difference in N.I. because our rail network is rubbish and slow. The quality airlines you mention hold the airport to ransom for cheaper deals because they know the airport has to keep them or they close.

These are the reasons why we should consolidate aviation in N.I. to BFS because the business folks would still fly from there and it is only 25 mins up the road from Belfast and easier to get to for a lot of the rest of the country.

I know that wouldn't suit everyone but the way we are going only helps DUB.

In reality though the growth at DUB is being driven by aircraft which already fly unto BHD, i.e. A320. If airlines want to serve here they will, its based on demand. Its also up to people including our travel agents to support our local airports where possible. Speaking to a colleague at work recently who lives here, north of Belfast. Thomas cooks have booked her on a Las Vegas package next year flying via LGW, originating in DUB. Why???? That has nothing to do with us having 2 airports.