Was there not something like 60 odd WW flights a week give or take?

It looks like Flybe are adding a 4th daily Dash 8 service to Leeds from Belfast City for the summer 2013 schedule.

Given that VS are wet-leasing EI to operate their new domestic services, what do you think the chances are of EI aligning their BHD services to VS?

Currently, we have BA in competition with their code-share partner on the BHD-LHR route, and with FlyBE (of which 15% belongs to BA) on the BHD-LGW route and this muddies the waters somewhat, competition wise. Heads I lose Tails BA wins, I think.

I remember KLM used to fly from Belfast - but I can't recall if it was scheduled or charter. In the late 80s/early 90s there used to be a Belfast-based travel agent who had an Amsterdam brochure. But I can't remember their name!

@Sealink bf

It started out a NLM Cityhopper and was scheduled. It was the first scheduled international flight from BFS.

Thanks for that!

I was there ..
 

1st Internaiomal schedule service. Dutch girls with aprons, bunches of tulips.
I think. Only Dutch I ever learn't "Ik hev gevlogen met dem NLM CityHopper"
PH- CHC, D & F used to turn up.
I skipped school to see it
Just had to dodge the tv cameras in case my parents or teachers "spotted" me.

Odd - the extra flight seems to be at 1120hrs. BE735
With no "Plus" fares loaded.

Prov stats
 

Provisional stats for Jan 2013 show the number of pax on Belfast London routes collectively from both airports to the 5 London airport served were up very marginally. Approx 2013 130k v 2012 126k, rough tot.

Belfast City to Heathrow and Gatwick were circa 50% - 53% loads overall. On the back of what appear to be very low fares especially LGW would ponder the question - what will change, will EI be waiting for the next phase of BE restructure where Jim French has said that the next steps will be to look at the network and underperforming routes....

I've flown BHD London a number of times in Jan and the loads were soft and the fares equally so...

Be interesting to see what pans out and especially given that EI step up the frequency for summer on LGW...

VS codeshare?
 

A codeshare with VS seems like a very logical idea for the BHD-LHR/LGW routes as they would give VS some extra domestic feed for its long-haul routes and the availability of long-haul connections to BHD pax should help to improve loads on these routes, although a question mark would remain over the yields.

VS codeshare....
 

However, Virgin have had a long association with BE providing feed through LGW where required.

Whilst I agree that the outsourcing of VS domestic to EI may result in change for LHR connections, I doubt that Virgin Holidays have time to review the current set-up before S13, however next year could see a change I suppose.

Personally, I think that Virgin Holidays will keep with BE as there is probably greater value in the various LGW connections offered by BE on NCL, JER, GCI, IOM, BHD, INV and NQY compared to the Irish destinations that EI serve.

KLM Cityhopper to start at BHD in the winter season to Amsterdam!! KLM to begin scheduled services from Belfast City Airport. | Belfast Travel News

Good news!

great to see a new airline
i have to take my hat of to the BHD management, they really work hard at pulling in new airlines (even though most come from BFS :P )
i wonder how this will affect other airlines
will they take business from EZY?
the main reason they are coming is for interlining pax through AMS, can we see it affecting BA and EI, maybe not so much on american routes as i personally dont really fancy flying all the way to amsterdam to travel west, but will be a great option for PAX travelling further afield east

KLM
 

Fantastic news !! Great to see something other than LHR LHR LHR...

Could not be happier..... Well maybe, but still excellent news!!! Now lets hope the public and trade support it, and make it sustainable long term.

Just back from EWR this morning, and pleased to say the flight was full to the rafters, well in economy and economy plus anyhow; and a good load of Americans!! Fingers crossed for more direct long-haul and long-haul connection possibilities from BFS / BHD...

That website just looks soooo professional :ugh:

i must admit it does seem a little unusual that this was not picked up on the BBC, they seem to love BHD
but i home it is true
all we need now is a direct flight to france with FR
one to Germany LH and BHD will have pretty much all the boxes ticked

Great news, may mean that i can avoid going to Dublin and do an occasional stopover in AMS.

What??? and let on to the Taxman!!! :E:E:E:E:E