I note what TonyQ says about operations post 30/9/15, however interestingly I have a STN-IOM flight on 9th October and I have had an email this afternoon that informs me that my flight will be operated by VLM. Might it therefore be around a bit longer, perhaps until the end if the summer schedules?

I agree that it represents a drop in capacity however given my previous experience of the stansted service, and overhearing cabin crew, it would appear that loads are often quite small so in reality I don't think the reduced capacity will be an issue.

My earlier comments reflect the seat maps. My son has had an e-mail stating that his flights MAN-IOM-MAN either side of Xmas (!!) will be operated by VLM, so I suspect that someone at BE has set the parameters for e-mails notifications incorrectly!!:ugh:

Thankfully I'm not flying this evening but Flybe's schedule looks a total mess with I think all flights delayed significantly. MAN to Belfast appears to be 4 hours late. So it's not just me! Anyone know what's going on? This seems unprecedented chaos bearing in mind the problems in recent weeks. The crew this morning had no idea what was causing the problems. Others have received the VLM email about various flights.

MAN to BHD this evening is being diverted to BFS, so probably the flight tomorrow morning for this aircraft will be delayed as crew have to fly it down from BFS to BHD in the morning
Appears to be a regular occurrence on BHD MAN flights....delays

Gazmo,


I think it is going back to MAN from BFS...


EI-BUD

Thanks EI BUD you are correct, arriving at 23.30 at BFS and should depart just before midnight

Severe delays reported this morning again for various flights - many at Southampton, I hear.


A VLM van has arrived on the IOM after a journey from Belgium and staff are staying at the hotel where Flybe staff (used to?) overnight. Presumably they are delivering equipment and setting up the airport operation.


The picture seems to be clearing a little. It's only conjecture based on Flybe's evasiveness and my observations, but I guess that a few Flybe aircraft are presently grounded whilst waiting to have their VLM livery applied - hence the delays. It looks to me like VLM will take over Flybe's British flights and Flybe will focus on international (European) operations.

Owlery
Can you expand on what you mean by VLM taking over Flybe`s
British operation, do you mean ex IoM

Ian

I'm only guessing, as information about the root cause of the crisis is being held back, but with the disruption being so widespread it looks to me like it's more than just the IOM routes.

Sorry Owlery, but I think that you are drifting into the realms of fantasy there!

It appears that BE have some short term, peak season shortfall in resources,(probably both aircraft and staff) so have outsourced one aircraft's worth of work to a third party, who specialises in this type of activity, as part of their business model.

Perfectly normal activity. Ryanair, easyJet and BA all do it regularly

Surely, if the sort of fundamental shift in the operational model that you suggest was in the offing, then it would be subject to some sort of Stock Exchange announcement or update.

The VLM is being leased by Flybe, simple.

No Flybe aircraft are being painted in VLM livery. What an odd thing to say?

Why is it odd? I said it was a guess so obviously I could be wide of the mark. But judging by the chaos, Flybe seem to be short of aircraft. Also Flybe are unwilling to explain what the main problem is, leaving the reasons open to speculation and rumour (this is a rumour network, remember). And why do VLM have to bring a van across if they are merely leasing a plane to Flybe?

Peak season shortfall in resources could partially explain it but the disruption is too severe for that to be the main reason (unless major incompetence is in effect). I don't see other airlines having such persistent and serious delays and yet it's the same season for them.

Delays
 

Now into the 6th straight day of delays at BHX, a slight change of problem, as three jets have not operated this morning albeit one is the spare 195.

Two 175's out, one since mid-afternoon yesterday's Berlin and another that last flew last night. Both covered by Q400's (Stuttgart, Edinburgh & Jersey) but the subsequent Q400 schedule is up the spout.

Delays out to Glasgow (Glasgow aircraft), Inverness (BHX aircraft), Deauville (BHX aircraft), second Jersey and Newquay. Not helped by the late arrival of the Isle of Man aircraft as well. delays between 60 and 150 minutes.

Is there seems to be a reluctance (cost) to use the Cello aircraft that has been on the ground BHX for the last few days?

Pete

Or could it be that Cello have not been paid yet for their recent flights for Flybe and are reluctant to operate for them until payment is forthcoming?

I would guess at spares and maintenance crew.

ian

I had a similar email last week for a MAN-IOM flight in early September, followed by another email today saying the first was sent in error and that the flights would be operated by Flybe after all.

What is going on?

What I said in post #142 above. Someone at BE, seems to have set the parameters for advising the change to VLM, for specific flights, incorrectly and they are now rescinding the incorrect notifications.

You've got proof of that potentially libellous statement I assume Compton?

Owlery...rarely have I read such garbage on a thread (and I've been on the Jet2 thread!). VLM are covering a fixed line of flying for a defined period of time. End of.

Good post Tartinton:D