If EI are coming to BHD surely the crew would know by know so plans would have been leaked to the press or on here now. Everyone on here is just guessing and suggesting
I do agree that the pieces do fit the puzzle especially if easy are about to launch 2 new routes
But really anything could happen

AIRPORT66
 

AerLingus has got there fingers burnt to many times with easyjet at Belfast why do they keep putting themselves through this knowing no matter what crap Ambrose is spinning them they are dommed to fail like all they rest

In fairness though nothings been announced and if it is true mainly domestic could mean all their own LHR flights plus BD's amalgamated and operated in code share with BA, BHD being the stronger pax wise. European routes could just be most of the existing network switched from BFS to BHD. That really wouldnt be that revolutionary.

If Aer Lingus/Aer Lingus Regional do move to BHD, then I'd say it won't be too long before before BFS is talking to Ryanair.

Whilst I dont think theres many people who would relish FR at BFS it really is suprising they have no representation in Belfast, they seem to have stuck loyally at Derry for years. Would it really be such a shock? Ryanair are just about everywhere else. I think though if they came they would focus on untapped routes like eastern europe and perhaps italy where they have based aircraft. Somehow I cant see them going for direct carnage, margins are too tight these days.

Well If EI maintain a 2 airbus base but move it to Belfast City Airport,and only operate LHR,as in my view there are no other domestic routes that EI would make the break on give a) the presence of Flybe and b) the size of the aircraft, airbus and c) Aer Lingus Regional would be grilled by BE so only LHR can offer a point of difference.

If we are to believe that continental EU routes are margin in Winter (except Canaries), perhaps they would just do summer only European routes.

I still feel confident that they wont go to BHD, and a LHR BHD a strong possible. However, if they do move LHR to BHD, chances are BFS will struggle to get a LHR route in the future again.

EI would be crazy in my view to give up on the BFS European routes after coming so far and investing so much....


EI-BUD

What I think would swing it for EI would be a deal on landing charges. Also its not just bE they would be competing with on domestic uK its EZY and LS also. They're only real strong card to play on is their name and brand in the view of the Irish community being so strong.

Wow guys - the imaginative minds on here would be better employed in Hollywood!

Clearly there has to be some broad consideration ongoing about how Belfast Heathrow services will be carved up in future - although there are still two distinct networks to feed at LHR, BA and 'the Rest'. So certainly still a case for covering the market and running services from both BHD and BFS.

As for EI using Aer Arann to go directly up against 30 odd years of flybe customer commitment and loyalty at BHD, with easyJet doing their thing now on all of the same routes in the same small fishing pond, and expecting that you wil succeed? Now that's barking....

Of course, as you say Mart, the one thing they can totally depend upon is the unwavering support in the East Belfast BHD heartland for the Aer Lingus shamrock brand! :rolleyes:

Elle

I think you will find there is vast recognition of the EI brand throughout all the emigrant communities across the UK and beyond. I think the world has moved on from those kind of sectarian comments.

+1

And I feel sorry for anyone who still has such a backward mindset as to avoid flying with a particular airline just because they have a bloody shamrock on their aircraft. It's pathetic.

Oh dear chaps - didn't mean to ruffle any feathers...

Nor, may I add, do I support or condone such a stance. Merely stating a simple local observation.

Don't fret. It might never happen!

My post was aimed at anyone that still holds such a narrow-minded, bigoted attitude against all things 'Irish'. And I don't doubt there are still plenty of them around...

I take it Airport 66 that you know Mr Ambrose then when you know what he is saying to these Airlines or maybe you are part or the talks process perhaps you would like to share this so called crap with us all

The vast majority of people both North/South have moved on from these sort of comments, well excluding elle it seems anyway.

Fully agree with you mart901 :ok:

Think Aer Lingus would be a welcome boost to Belfast City. Very valid points though, they have managed to get burned a few times by easyJet and I think trying to do it again and also with Flybe would seem an unnecessary risk for the company. However marketing routes from the heart of Belfast to say Madrid, Milan, Rome for inward bound tourism would attract alot of pax. Should be interesting.

AIRPORT66
 

BFS is only 18 miles from belfast city they have tried these routes and failed what difference will they be from BHD one of the main things about BFS its centrally located in the northern ireland.

a few days ago i was booking a Ryanair flight, and belfast city was showing in the airport drop down. A few hours after it was gone. I know they use to fly from here, but maybe they are coming back.
also the city arrivals are undergoing works creating a secure arrivals tunnel, security check point and seperate baggage carosal.

Yes but the new arrivals was being built for baby so they can't really stop now. If they can't find a replacement they simply won't use but for now they have to make it water tight

I really can't see Ryanair coming back to BHD until the issues surrounding the runway extension are resolved, which ain't gonna happen.

As things stand, Ryanair can't fly full aircraft out of BHD and why waste resources at BHD when you can deploy aircraft to other airports around Europe that allow you to fly aircraft full and make more money.

EI to BHD?
 

While I hear it is certainly a possibility, I can't believe this would be a good idea for Lingus. I happen to know personally that they are very happy with their BFS base, it would be a major gamble to move the whole thing down the road.

The other rumour is that another Irish airline is willing to step into two major euro hubs, plus a central London airport if BA drops LHR.

Certainly fits the picture of UK and Contiental European destinations.