As far as I understand I think VS already do BGI from MAN (could be wrong).
However I know they have been approached by MAN to ask if they would like to take over the LAS route.

Re Saudi, I think bmi's issue (at least in part) is that the BERR department have been pulling stings on behalf of BA when arguably its none of their business

Virgin just pulled MAN-UVF ( St Lucia ) and unless they get hold of another airframe, the program is tight for next summer to introduce MAN-LAS.

Interestingly since LBA-LHR moved to an E145 operation the last LHR-LBA on a Friday is worked by an Airbus but not the first flight on a Monday morning - Would have thought loads would be similar?

I would imagine that once the ski season begins the Airbus will position from LBA to LGW on Saturdays for the weekend charter programme. Then back to LHR on Sunday night. That's what has happened in previous years anyway!
If you look at the timetable there is one more northbound flight on Sundays than southbound - that's how they'll get the E145 back into place for Monday.
Ultimately, loads have little to do with it - it's all about yields.

bmi now have BA to contend with on the LBA-LHR route, according to theairdb.com

Utter rubbish. Never in a million years.

its on the ba website routmap

It allows BMI pax to through book on BA long haul. It says so on the top right of the map of you highlight Leeds. It's just allowing passengers routing to long haul to use the BMI service to connect and not being offered as a London-Leeds service.

This really is most odd. If this is a BA codeshare with BMI, then it is unique to Leeds-Heathrow and doesn't seem to be on any other bmi route like Heathrow-TeesSide, Heathrow-Jersey or others which you would think would also be included if they are doing a deal.

However, you can't deny that Leeds is on the BA route map with a link to Heathrow; and it's also included in the drop-down list of destinations in the BA booking engine, when they haven't had any service (even a codeshare) out of Leeds since BRAL pulled out several years ago.

It does seem strange for LBA to suddenly appear like that. BA are supposedly reducing their schedules at LHR, but I'm sure wont want to give up slots. Perhaps some LHR-LBA flying would simply act as slot warmers for BA?
The competition from BD has been reduced by the current schedule and a/c type, the train is still probably a better option though.
Brian.

There are currently high level talks going on between BA and LH about a merger, the main sticking point is who will serve LBA ! ( source, mate in the city).

Yes, it is a codeshare with BD. Doesn't need to be just longhaul though, I just tried it with FCO and it worked.

Brian_Dromey
I would have to argue with you that the train is a better option to/from Leeds - its an alternative but not necessarily better.
Now that BMI have scrapped the fuel surcharge on domestic flights ex Heathrow it makes them more competitive (sometimes cheaper) on price.
You can check through (if this is being offered on BMI to LHR then LHR onwards with BA or anyone else where a through booking is made) which avoids having to be there two hours before and the hassle of re-checking in/going through security for your onward flight.

Although for your departure from Leeds you have to check in which takes time when you could be sat on a train on your way - i would rather have the leisure time of looking in the shops/grabbing something to eat etc rather than being stuck on a train where your not always guaranteed a seat.
Also if you are getting an onward connection, if your going by train to heathrow it is a major pain because you get to Kings Cross and then either take the tube all the way to Heathrow (which is a nightmare), a taxi is not cost effective, or you take the tube to paddington to catch the heathrow express (again not cheap) or heathrow connect service - which minimum you would need to allow over an hour to transfer Kings Cross to Heahrow.

The only point it might be quicker is if your only going to Heathrow to go to Central London or if your only travelling from London to go to Leeds and havent flown into London from anywhere else (i.e you originate in Central London) - doesnt mean it will be cheaper or less hassle due to availability of seats - and like me i live in Reading so to get to Kings Cross takes an hour and costs me upwards of £35 anyway by train from Reading.

Its the same if your flying to MME also (which i do regularly over driving or going by train - as 95% of the time BMI is cheaper and quicker)

This article worries me when i see the way this guys talking!

• BmiBaby will probably be sold (was expected)
• Lufthansa are considering selling slots and i think we can safely say the first flights to go will be domestic kissing goodbye to GLA/EDI/MME/LBA maybe even DUB.
• Chance Lufthansa could use the slots for their own self gain now theres open skies!

Will have to wait an see i suppose! Here is the article: Business Feed Article | Business | guardian.co.uk

Lufthansa will probably be peddling all sorts of scenario's into the public domain over the coming weeks to measure reaction. Lufthansa maybe already experienced with aquisition, but what they do with any of the bmi companies will inextricably be linked to what happens with any Austrian, Alitalia, SAS or contolling interest in Brussels Airlines aquisition, should any or all happen. Money is money, a lot disappears through one hole, you just need to make sure enough is coming in at the other hole. I imagine there is a lot of water to flow under the bridge yet, so perhaps premature to jump to any conclusions just yet.

Virgin in link with Dubai International Capital to acquire 20% of slots from bmi and take 5 of their A321s
Etihad to aquire 40% of bmi slots.

Seen 2 days ago on screen at Lufti HQ

I'm intrigued, can you elaborate on your source a bit? Who saw it, you or someone told you they know someone that told them about someone? And what kind of screen? Someone at this office left a big message on their screen saying the above? Why would they do that? Hmm :ok:

These lovely people that talk tripe "seen on a screen at LH hq"
why would anyone have something like that on a screen for all to see and if so methinks they would be getting into a lot of trouble:=
I really wish people would stop adding 2 and 2 and coming up with doh:ugh:

LOL @ Bish

B.O.B. is back with avengence:ok:

How's life treating you since BMed? Is the grass greener over at VS?