6th Aircraft confirmed for easyJet
 

(3x A319 & 3x A320)

https://www.belfastairport.com/blog-...ion-at-belfast

Great news now just waiting on those new routes. Any speculation?

When are new routes usually announced? Wouldn't be surprised to see some German routes if the deal with air Berlin goes through!

Dubrovnik was announced around December last year. But they announced S18 a bit earlier this year so new routes may be announced sooner this year.

Wonder if the extra aircraft was a rushed announcement after yesterdays bombshell. Other UK airports which are getting an extra one have not issued a press release yet.

The press release does mention easyJet's London flights a lot, so it could be the case

In fairness it looked like an extra aircraft was needed from the schedule release, 6 departures in a morning on some days. That said I'm sure LON will be part of the plan, FR woes will only further this

easyJet should grow a pair and be as explicit in criticising FR as FR have been regarding EZY in the past. EZY’s withdrawal from the southern market springs to mind when FR slaughtered them. Having said that, I suppose BFS don’t want to pi$$ off FR and FR’s other routes.

Still. FR shafting an airport in Northern Ireland. Whodda thunk it?

I wonder if the pilot shortage is a bigger problem than we think... I too am surprised that there has been no Ryanair style 'rescue fares' advertised. Perhaps the other airlines are of the opinion "there for the grace of god..."

So is TCX keeping the A321 in Bfs next year, serviced by TCX themselves? I ask as I see the Plus option is available ex Bfs on the 321.

Last I heard, TCX would be operating a wet lease to cover their services from BFS next year. However, it is possible that replacing TCX crews with third party crews is part of the current TCX pilot industrial action, the A321 could possibly stay.

Belfast Service Still on the Radar for Turkish Airlines
 

I can't see Turkish Airlines coming to Belfast until at least 2019, but I think the route would work very well. TK have a route network that dwarfs those of the 'big three' Middle Eastern carriers, and the likely aircraft used (B739ER) with 16/135 configuration is a lot easier to fill than a B733 of Emirates. The route would help test the waters for one of the 'big three' eventually commencing Belfast flights.

I see Lufthansa is showing on the arrivals page from Frankfurt tomorrow.

FRANKFURT/MAIN DLH342 12:05

Any idea why?

Germany are playing Northern Ireland Thursday night in the World Cup Qualifiers. I would assume that may be the reason.

Oh yes I forgot about the football was on! Cheers!

Surprised easyjet have not announced any extra capacity to London yet

With what, though? They've just cast their Summer 2018 schedule, the Winter 2017-2018 one has been set since early this year. Trying to find more capacity and crews in a big airline with just four weeks notice is quite an undertaking.

Credit to Ryanair, they know how to time their announcements to keep their competitors on edge or at bay.

Cannot see EZY putting on a massive number of extra flights, maybe a few extra hopefully over the busy xmas and new year period

When is BFS likely to get a new terminal! I can remember walking through the same blue bridge to the exteneded terminal when I was 4 years old!

I was also sitting at gate 27, I think, a few months ago waiting to board a flight. Whilst I was sitting there I notice a kids cartoon painted onto some wood stuck to the wall. I think the area used to be a crèche. Then I notice some writing on the cartoon, it said property of Airtours :eek:. Seriously, how long has Airtours been gone?

Anyhow, if BFS want to attract some full service airlines especially any of the ME3, then I think a major update of the terminal is in need!