I actually agree with Cumbrianboy.

Leaving the market open to the commercial world isn't necessarily a good thing for an island or rural community. As private commercial airlines need to realise direct profits, this can lead to high fares, unreliable services, chopping and changing routes to suit etc.

Similar to Guernsey, I'd like to see an economic enabler flying the manx flag, i.e state backed airline or PSO subsidy for example. The right fleet (e.g mix of ATR 42 / 72 turboprops) serving the Islands' needs. Regular daily flights, good connections with codeshare partners. The airline might well make a profit if done right however the majority of the profit will be realised elsewhere in the economy. At the end of the day you've got to look at the overall net gain for the economy, commercial airlines can't do this.

As an aside, from a passenger experience point of view, to be honest I hate low cost carriers flying into regional airports like the IOM, these smaller airports aren't really geared up for that. Easyjet simply creates longer queues at bag drop, security delays and a premature standing queue at the gate in true low cost style. Easyjet passengers then have to be crammed into the relatively small pre-boarding lounge just to enable them to get near an on time departure. Environmentally the medium jets are just too noisy for those living anywhere near the airport and they're actually burning about 4 times the amount of fuel on short haul routes compared to the ATR for example. (You could carry nearly double the amount of passengers on an increased frequency with the ATR for the same carbon footprint). Really like flying with Flybe, turboprops are a much nicer experience on board, much prefer the 2 x 2 seating, feels roomier than an Airbus.

BA / Eastern have reduced the frequency of their LCY-IOM service even up against a LGW service that has less rotations and worse times than its predecessor.

I think that negates the debated point

you should enjoy it while it lasts. sooner or later the days are numbered for eastern / be / stobart

"BA / Eastern have reduced the frequency of their LCY-IOM service even up against a LGW service that has less rotations and worse times than its predecessor."

No surprise there. LCY and LGW are very different markets, and LCY is the most expensive airport in the country, particularly when you consider equipment and crew limitations required. IOM passengers don't like expensive; they even complain about the price of the ferry, as though they should be entitled to free transportation simply because they live here. But the cheap and cheerful carriers do not serve the business community (the ones that keep the economy alive) well or at all. That can only have adverse effects for the IOM economy.

How much capacity do easyjet offer? 50% of all passenger numbers?

It's lo co that's propping up the passenger figures.

Business travellers have abandoned the expensive legacy carriers eastern and ba.

If business want to use eastern or ba simply crack on. There's nothing stopping people spending the extrain and travelling on more expensive carriers.

Let those who wish to use was yet do so.

The only ones expanding are easyjet.


Get used to it

Yep, IOM's going to get what it wants, not what it needs.

Yep, precisely, which is one of he reasons I'm going elsewhere and taking my business with me. And there is no doubt I'm not the only one. Without long-term reliable transport links for business passengers, this place will only continue its downward slide.

It's your opinion of what the place needs.

The passenger numbers speak for themselves

The London market has been essentially stagnant since the mid 2000s. At a time when every other market to London has grown (such as Jersey, Guernsey etc as has been pointed out above) the IOM market is stable. easyJet have done NOTHING for this market except stifle growth.

The passenger numbers do not speak for themselves, the IOM passenger market peaked around 2006/2008 and has never recovered since then

the LPL market is actually no bigger now that it ever has been, again easyJet have not done much for that market.

I do understand that leisure passengers (who travel once or twice a year) think easyJet is the best thing since sliced bread, but the reality is they are not. As has been pointed out above, the economy is suffering and business is suffering.

Now the IOM economy is starting to show signs of decline. Now I am not saying this is a direct result of air services, but it is a well know and accepted fact that air services sustain and provide a catalyst to economic development. And the lack of services on the IOM are a contributory factor to the drop in economic activity.

Like I said, for the leisure market (and dare I say it, the spotters) easyJet are fine, but as had been said by me and others above, what the Island wants and what it needs are two different things, and we certainly do not have a well connected Island.

Also, as a point, my comment above about connectivity was not about providing connections, it was was about a high frequency network of direct flights.

If you consider that the IOM once had direct air services to JER, SOU, LBA, NCL, EMA, GLO, LTN, STN you start to see my point

We also used to have at least daily flights to EDI, GLA, BRS and multiple daily flights to BHD.

Now we don't and this is all as a result of open skies and leaving it up to market forces. What we have suits the airlines, it does not serve the Island.

My final point, and then I think I have said all I can on the matter, I think my views are well known, is about LCY. I am confused about the comment that BACF/T3 have reduced the service. As far as I know it is still, and always has been 3 flights a day, and from what I know they are well supported.

The sad reality here is that airlines (even the supposedly national ones) no longer have any interest or obligation to cater to the whims of regional societies. A route either makes money or it doesn't. If it doesn't it becomes history. What I'm hearing is that the island requires a PSO type operation to protect 'vital' links or its own airline. im pretty sure you've had the latter several times (Manx, Euromanx, Citywing/M2) and several based aircraft over the years (Flybe, Arran etc) so that really only leaves the PSO option. Anybody know why there are no PSO arrangements?

Cumbrianboy I completely agree with you the island needs strong connectivity with frequent well timed flights throughout the day. Like you I dont really understand the comment about reduced frequency on the BACF LCY route it has three rotations a day, yes this is less than Flybe provided into LGW but LCY has been three rotations for a while except for a brief period where they increased it. For some strange reason people on this forum seem to like to bash BACF when I consider they provide one of the best services to the island certainly the only one from London with 3 rotations on a weekday every day throughout the year. I still maintain if more people supported it BACF would upgrade to the E170, Eastern have one potentially spare after their abhorted experiment into the Shetland Isles. I accept that the BACF fare is higher but if people think a 22GBP flight is sustainable or makes sense then they are dreaming perhaps they should try travelling on a train from north to south on the mainland and see how much that costs!
Also if anyone thinks the answer to serving the island is Easyjet then I suspect they are misguided. For a start during the key summer months they reduce down to one rotation a day into LGW on some days and thats late in the day so anyone wanting to get off the island will not arrive into central London until around 11.30pm at best, most likely gone midnight factoring in for frequent delays.
And if anybody thinks Easyjet offer good value just take a look at the price they are charging for getting off the island one way between Christmas and New Year at 175GBP!

It didn't cost me anything like that just 2 weeks ago. In fact, there's only one day at the moment where ticket prices are around that figure and that flight is probably packed. The cheapest ticket price between the 26th and 31st is currently £37. All in all, the prices are not so bad considering it's a fortnight away!

Easyjet don't provide an ideal London service from a time perspective. However, leisure passengers don't really care all that much as they can get much cheaper prices if they plan ahead then they could previously. Those flights appear to be packed largely with leisure passengers. Leisure passengers have other options for connecting to Europe (Manchester or Liverpool) or further afield (Manchester).

As far as business travel goes, the business that I work for has been progressively tightening travel budgets to save money over the last 10/15 years. That's common across many IoM businesses. Many of the islands businesses are now under much tighter regulation than they used to be which comes at a price. There is a race to the bottom now in terms of the costs of services provided to end customers. All of that leads to a decreased need for overall volumes of business travel. We no longer have the same level of need to travel as frequently as we once did.

Where we do travel, we no longer want to pay prices that once kept multiple frequency flights running per day to London where there are half empty planes (as was often the case to Gatwick with FlyBe). The government clearly doesn't have money to burn to chuck into subsidising flights on our behalf as an alternative.

There's still a need to have people in and out of London in one day and we still use London City for that with few issues. If we need to connect to other parts of the country then we'll commonly use Manchester. If we need connecting flights non-UK then we use any of Manchester, London City and Gatwick. The flight times aren't always perfect but we generally don't have much difficulty booking flights that get us where we need to be.

I accept that there are a small minority of companies/individuals on the island who need to travel regularly and at different frequencies. But they're in a minority and our island only has the population of a small to medium sized town in the UK.

Manx I agree that the 175GBP is for one day in that week and yes its likely to be one of the last few tickets available. My point is Easyjet are not always that cheap they are more than happy to charge silly fares if they can. And the reason that has happened is because there is insufficient supply over the Christmas and New Year period and that puts up the prices. More evidence of not serving the island community if you ask me!

BA LCY-IOM was 4 sectors per day in the past. An Embraer was scheduled on some sectors but it was pulled

Buy a flexi for £90 and move it.

If you were a frequent traveller you might know that already

Now living in the IOM... no complaints over the air links so far. One thing you learn with travelling on business now, you don't care for specific flight times as much as maybe once you did.... you just deal with what's available and plan appropriately. That's what I have come to expect with low cost travel...

lfc84 I can assure I am a regular traveller although I choose to fly from LCY using BACF as its a far better timed service I can leave the island on the 7am flight and be in central London before 9am! No chance ever with Easyjet. Yes you can book a flexi fare if you so want to play around with dates and follow their rules but even then you are paying 90gbp one way which is hardly the low fares people believe Easy Jet offer!

My point is simply that business pax can crack on and use the higher frequency BA / Eastern flights and leisure pax can use the orange jets.

If people want to fly U2 because it is actually or perceived as cheaper then let them do so.

If there's a market / profit for BA or Eastern to operate a 7am service then it will continue irrespective of a U2 flight arriving at 2300.

Each to their own.

It’s not true to say only business pax fly to LCY and LGW is leisure only. On my trips to the IOM, the LCY has been a decent mix. If EZY win too many leisure pax at the expense of BA then business lose the frequent link. They don’t exist in isolation by any means.

True, but it's where the majority of them go (or the perception of it at the very least)

https://www.gov.im/news/2018/feb/15/...er-experience/

A major project to deliver improvements to the security and search processes at Isle of Man Airport is being taken forward to modernise security arrangements and reduce waiting times. This will involve significant investment in equipment as well as in the additional staffing needed to operate the second scanning line at busy times.

The entrance to the Central Security Area is to be relocated and will continue to include a separate dedicated route for passengers requesting assistance, such as those with reduced mobility or medical needs, or those attending hospital appointments in the UK.

Automatic boarding card readers will be installed at the new entrance to improve information to the airlines and speed the entire process.

The security area will be remodelled, increasing in size by 160 square metres, allowing more space for passengers to prepare their hand luggage, liquids and gadgets before reaching the security equipment.

A further improvement will see an automatic tray return system integrated with the X-ray equipment, enabling several passengers to put their belongings on to the X-ray queue at the same time.

The Department’s contractor has been asked to recruit the additional staff needed to allow the second X-ray line to be operated at peak times.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘I understand passengers’ frustrations and much work has taken place to find the most effective solution and obtain the necessary approvals to make the changes. I would like to thank passengers for their continuing patience while these improvements are being made.’

Tim Baker MHK, political member for the Ports Division, said:

‘We want to get this right and have looked at a range of options. We are determined we get value for money, and that the solutions are sustainable for the long term.

‘As soon as we have a confirmed programme of works, which it’s hoped will start shortly after Easter following final confirmation of equipment delivery times, the Department will provide more details.’

Record passenger figures at Airport in 2017
• Significant increase in harbour traffic

Passenger figures at the Isle of Man Airport in 2017 were the highest on record.

Annual statistics published by the Department of Infrastructure also show a significant increase in the number of people using the Island’s harbours.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK has welcomed the strong demand for air and sea services as a positive indicator for the Manx economy.

A total of 807,426 passengers passed through the Airport last year, topping the previous record set in 2005 by 772 (0.1%).

The solid performance of the Island’s main markets contributed to the 2017 figure, which represents a rise of 3,603 passengers (0.45%) compared with 2016.

The North West routes saw a new high of 397,300 passengers, with Liverpool registering an increase of 16,600 and Manchester 7,000 during the year.

The number of air travellers using the London routes increased to more than 250,000 overall, with 10,200 more passengers flying to the capital than in the previous 12 months. This figure was boosted by the start of summer flights to Luton, which will resume from the end of March, and an increase of 14,300 passengers on the Gatwick route.

Other markets, including Birmingham, Dublin and Bristol, also performed well and although some smaller regional routes were affected by the closure of CityWing, other operators stepped in to offer new destinations.

Ann Reynolds, Director of Ports, said: ‘The continued strength of the North West market is particularly encouraging and the figures demonstrate that air and sea routes can grow side by side. The airlines have added capacity and frequency on major routes to reflect demand and stimulate new business. In terms of our sea services, Liverpool moved ahead of Heysham in 2017 to become the most popular destination for ferry passengers.’

Statistics for 2017 showed that 614,456 passengers passed through the Island’s sea ports, an increase of 17,438 (2.9%) compared with 2016.

Almost 584,000 people travelled on scheduled ferry sailings, representing 94.9% of the overall figure and an increase of 3.4% on the previous year.

The Liverpool route carried almost 21,700 more passengers than Heysham, while the Dublin and Belfast sailings saw increases of 23% and 11.6% respectively.

Tim Baker MHK, DOI Member with responsibility for Ports, said: ‘Our air and sea links with the United Kingdom are absolutely vital to the economic and social wellbeing of the Isle of Man. The record-breaking performance at the Airport is very encouraging and continues the upwards trend in passenger numbers. We will continue to work with our carriers to build on these impressive figures in the years ahead.’

Updated 18 minutes ago by easyJet Operations Control
Why your flight is cancelled:
We're sorry that your flight has been cancelled. Due to an issue with de-icing equipment in Isle of Man we are unable to de-ice your plane

It really doesn’t make sense that just the LPL is Canx. LGW and BE flights are still operating?? Unless there starting to restrict flights?

I sent easyjet a twitter message about the above, and they replied with: "I'm sorry the de-icing machine has broken down"

The based Stobart ATRs and Eastern Saab2000 were free of ice contamination and were able to depart without de-icing. The apron and walkways needed to be deemed safe for staff and passengers to walk on, hence a few delays. Safety first.

The LGW arrived, which needed deicing. Unfortunately, there was a technical problem the deice rig, which took time to rectify.

EZY Ops took the decision early to CANX the LPL. This decision was taken not long after the rig became serviceable. However, the decision was already taken to CANX the LPL.

Quick look at easyjet W19 and it shows BFS is year round. LPL increases to three flights on Sundays (eg 4, 11 Nov). I haven't checked other dates.

They will need the new second security lane operating all the time then ;)

easyJet W18/19
 

Taking a look at the easyJet schedule for Winter 18/19, BRS, LGW and LPL times remain pretty much the same as winter 17/18.

The 3 LPL flights on the Sunday are extras around the school holidays it appears. Good to see the late flight in over the weekend, with no fast craft sailings over the winter. Opens up more opportunities for weekends away for shopping and north west football matches. I still think the Saturday lunchtime departure needs to be moved to the morning to allow a longer day in Liverpool. It would also allow match go'ers to watch any lunchtime games. Still, good to see extra capacity.

BFS continues into winter 18/19 as expected, with the Monday departure moving to 08:20, 5mins after the EZY LPL.

LTN remains summer seasonal.

A real challenge for Menzies then?

Every Sunday this Summer, there's an LGW at 21:05 and LTN at 21:10, not much of an issue so far with one getting the holding lounge and the other boarding straight out of the gate.

A small enhancement, which seems to be overlooked in the above analysis, is that LGW stays double daily throughout November and December (except Saturdays), whereas it dropped to daily, mid-week, in 2017.

Hopefully, BFS 2/7 will work well, like Bristol has, and easyJet will then look to do something similar to EDI or GLA in the near future?

Flybe has confirmed to Isle of Man Newspapers the airline will re-establish its former Ronaldsway base.

Currently, Flybe flights from the island are operated under an agreement with Stobart Air, a deal which will end on March 31 next year.

A company spokesman said: ’Flybe can confirm that the arrangement it has with franchise partner, Stobart Air, for the [Liverpool and Man chester] routes will end next year.

’And that, with effect from March 31, 2019, both will continue on Flybe’s own 78-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft from a newly-established base.

’Flybe looks forward to continuing to serve the island community and to welcoming customers back on board including those travelling under its renewed three year contract with the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care.’

The airline later confirmed that new base will be at Ronaldsway.

The move has been welcomed by passenger watchdog Travelwatch after airport bosses confirmed discussions had been held with the airline.

A Travelwatch spokesman said: ’We believe it is a very positive move for the island for many reasons.

’It firstly shows a commitment to the island from the airline because if you set up a base somewhere, employ staff and everything that goes with it, it becomes much less likely that airline will pull out.

’At the moment, no airline has a base here and that means an airline could just leave if it decided the island isn’t profitable, so yes it is a positive move.’

Isle of Man Newspapers understands that Stobart Air crews were recently told the contract with Flybe would not be renewed next year.

Stobart has operated Flybe routes to and from the island for a number of years, mostly to Liverpool and Manchester with a daily flight to Birmingham.

The Travelwatch spokesman noted that the group hopes the decision could lead to more routes opening to and from the island in the future.

He explained that at present two aircraft are used for Manx routes but that Flybe could be interested in operating a third aircraft, as would be the company’s standard practice for smaller regional airports.

He added: ’The aircraft will also hopefully be better suited to the needs of patients who travel to Liverpool for treatment.

’Due to the aircraft used by Stobart, the ATR 72-500, patients transfers are currently loaded only from the rear door. Hopefully, with a two door aircraft like Flybe usually operate, this should be easier for them.

’The aircraft that the company usually operates have a higher capacity too which would be good for the island.’

The current ATR 72-500 aircraft contain hold 72 passengers while Flybe’s Bombardier Q400 aircraft will hold 78 passengers.

The Travelwatch spokesman was hopeful the move could provide more work for aircraft engineers in the island.

Stobart Air also operates Dublin flights to and from the island under the Aer Lingus Regional brand.

Flybe to LCY would be an obvious way for them to create a three a/c base. The current BA/Eastern operation must an expensive embarrassment, at times, to all involved.

IOM
 

SATR
 

Methinks you'd best check out the economics of what you propose. Other operations have gone to the wall very quickly with the same sort of thinking.

Haven't we been here before and wasn't it called Euromanx?

It is virtually impossible to run a small, sustainable airline nowadays. The pressure on yields and costs of compliance, in terms of the infrastructure you have to have to run an airline and meet the regulatory requirements, are two conflicting pressures which make it very difficult indeed to be a small airline. If anyone is thinking of starting one, I've a word of advice. Don't.