Luton
 

I've heard from very close sources at LTN that emirates will start operating a daily a330 route from 2015.

Luton
 

That seems odd to me, I'd have thought EK would choose STN before LTN primarily due to the longer runway and better terminal facilities. Since the A330's are slowly on the way out along with the 772's this does not make much sense, as I doubt EK could carry a decent load to DXB on a 77W from LTN? STN also has airbridges and a new premium lounge which I would have thought could help swing it in the favour of them.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out (if it does at all).

Luton
 

I agree, it was hard to believe when I was being told, but the new owners are trying to bring in more routes to places in the Middle East, a route to Erbil has been launched and they want to get routes with Qatar etc, but these aren't really on the radar ATM. Also, emirates are close to launching the route because they are getting rid of the a330 in 2022 so it would be a shorter term route anyway.

I don't believe it for one second. Regardless of what others or I myself may be perceived to think when it comes down to LTN or STN and "which airport is better" blah blah blah... STN is arguably the better choice for them. I would be staggered if they went for LTN over STN for similar reasons that adfly has pointed out although the aviation industry will never stop surprising us.

I would agree with FRatSTN, and in my view the improvements at STN point to realistic expectation from the owners that long haul amongst other services can be sought.

STN makes better sense from a catchment point of view ie reaching further into East Anglia and East London, and also Cambridge of course. As noted, LTN is in closer proximity to two existing EK catchments.


I could see EK adding a new London airport if they want to grow. LHR slots aren't readily available without great cost, which leaves either adding even more services at LGW or trying to grow the market even more by spreading elsewhere


If EK are in 'serious discussions' with LTN, I would suspect it is purely to leverage a better deal from STN.

I too am puzzled why EK would want to operate from a third London airport.

pwalhx, is it that surprising? There are a few examples of airlines operating from three or even four London airports, operating some of the same popular routes from each (BA, EZY, FR, TOM for example), DXB can definitely be considered a popular route (plus of course the connections) and EK a big name with massive promotional reach through their various ads and sponsorships, so why not three airports?

Luton
 

I wasn't told that the negotiations with STN aren't still in regress, it is just luton is apparently look to expand as part of its new plan under AENA, and the Middle East is a target area, as shown by Atlas jets expansion into the east. I believe that the competition is still fierce and was told that LTN is offering a very good contract, with quite a few relevant north London catchments for the route, but I wasn't told if Emirates were just using it to leverage a better deal with STN, or if the route is guaranteed, all I know is that it is on the cards and LTN are serious about hopefully making it happen.

Thewigmoreman


So when you initially posted:


What you were meant to say was that LTN are talking with EK so is a chance that they may start some flights at some point in the future.


Edit: And now looking at the Luton thread there is fierce competition with STN. Potentially making it less likely?

Emirates
 

I was told that the route is nearly there, due to LTNs very good offer, but I cannot guarantee that it has yet been confirmed, it is in the pipeline, and if Stansted cannot put up a better offer, I presume it will go to LTN, but no guarantees.

Well one thing that I have always done and always will do is never to rule anything out unless I have irrefutable proof to do so. So am I not ruling out any prospects of EK coming to LTN but I personally do find it very hard to believe they would choose LTN over STN.


If operating from LTN restricts them to an A330 or even potentially put a limit on how long they can viably operate the route for, I don't see any commercial logic in even starting it regardless of any offers made.


This is not me having a dig at LTN or acting as a STN fan boy/supporter of any form but what STN can and will provide for EK flights if they were to operate from there in future in terms of facilities and infrastructure wipes the floor with what LTN could offer, certainly on any shorter term prospects.


I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens (if anything) in the future.

I would expect an announcement re: Emirates DXB-STN soon. It is the logical next route launch in the UK.

DXB-LTN :=

I agree but if someone told me 3 years ago that El Al would operate out of Luton and would use 777's for some of their services I would have said they were mad.

How about VIP only like Silverjet once operated? They do have an A319CJ.

Here you are Buster...

Emirates Executive ? Airbus A319 Private Jet Charter Service

Very Large A350 Cancellation
 

Airbus loses $16 billion worth of Emirates business - Fortune
That is quite a hit to AB. Is the oncoming version of the B777 poaching on the A350 and B787?

Old news. That article is dated June .

Tonight's EK26/UAE26 Glasgow to Dubai flight seems to be following a great circle routing:-
http://www.greatcirclemapper.net/en/great-circle-mapper/route/EGPF-OMDB.html

https://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/UAE26

instead of the 'usual' straight line 'direct.

Great Circle Mapper: EGPF-OMDB
 

EGPF-OMDB

Great Circle Mapper

EK considering hub at Barcelona for American flights. Not sure if its just media hype as it comes days after IB said long haul growth wont happen from BCN.

Sorry forgot the link.

Here: Catalan government confirms Emirates' interest in Barcelona hub - ch-aviation.com