Astraeus - 2

[UFGBOY]

Swedish low-cost carrier FlyMe has abandoned plans to take a majority stake in Gatwick-based Astraeus Airlines.
Earlier this month, FlyMe announced it would pay £6m for 51% of Astraeus, with the remaining 49% being retained by current owners Aberdeen Asset Management and the airline’s directors. It also said it would capacity share with Astraeus from November, when two of the UK carrier’s Boeing 737-300 aircraft would start operating flights in Sweden on its behalf.

However, in a statement Monday FlyMe said it and the owners of Astraeus had ‘in the best understanding decided not to fulfil the earlier communicated acquisition agreement’. Instead, it will dry lease two 737-300s from Astraeus, while ‘both parties have the intention to continue the discussions about potential future co-operation on, amongst other things, the English market’.

FlyMe also said it had decided not to proceed with previously announced gradual share acquisitions in Lithuanian Airlines, following due diligence of the Vilnius-based carrier. But it will continue its co-operation with Lithuanian, which includes dry leasing one of its B737-500 aircraft.

‘We are taking another step in our ambition of becoming one of the leading LCC players in Europe,’ said FlyMe chief executive, Finn Thaulow. ‘It also feels positive to be able to conclude business with both Astraeus and Lithuanian Airlines in a way that is beneficial for all parties.’

Fredrik Skanselid, chief executive of the airline’s parent company, FlyMe Sweden AB, added: ‘The demand for LCC continues to grow. As we are planning to expand our business, domestically as well as internationally, it feels good that FlyMe now gets access to two more Boeing 737-300s which suits our future LCC strategy perfectly.’

Stockholm-listed FlyMe’s fleet comprises four Boeing 737-300s and one Boeing 737-500, which it operates from three bases in Gothenburg Landvetter, Malmo Sturup and Stockholm Arlanda. The airline launched in 2004 and now offers services to 12 destinations including Alicante, Barcelona, Nice and Stansted, its only UK route. It carried over 500k passengers in 2005.

Background from e-tid.com:
Swedish LCC takes stake in Astraeus (01/09/06)

[Cyrano]

Already being discussed in the existing thread on the subject... (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=222594&page=14) ;)

[crundale]

but there is the curious thing... its not being discussed!
hopefully Hamrah or the others can clarify what is actually going on, but a buyout and a dry lease are very different things. Maybe the Avion Group will step in with some cash... :eek:

Does anyone know why posts keep getting deleted? I have received several emails telling me there are replies... but they have all disappeared... curious...

[Cyrano]

a buyout and a dry lease are very different things.
I agree completely, Crundale. The flyMe press release is pretty heavy on the spin - it seems to me that flyMehave backed off the basic deal pretty much completely, and this "we'll lease a couple of your aircraft" is a fig-leaf, and a small one at that.

I find this whole "we at flyMe are going to be one of the leading European LCCs" thing pretty incredible (in the literal sense) too. If you look at the company's performance, it's lost money heavily in the last couple of years, it seems to have spent more time doing share swaps, buybacks and miscellaneous complicated equity flips than actually developing an airline business, and all in all I have to wonder where flyMe's funding is coming from as it certainly isn't from running an airline! ;)

[Heffer]

Haraldsson set to acquire UK's Astraeus
Kerry Ezard, London (29Sep06, 16:41 GMT)


FlyMe shareholder Palmi Haraldsson is to acquire 51% of UK carrier Astraeus after apparently selling his shares in the Swedish budget carrier, ATI has learned.

FlyMe announced on 25 September that it had pulled out of a deal to acquire 51% of Astraeus for £6 million ($11.4 million), but had struck a dry-lease deal with the UK operator for two Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

Swedish reports suggest Haraldsson sold his FlyMe stake after a dispute with fellow shareholders over the decision not to proceed with the Astraeus acquisition. A source close to the deal tells ATI that Haraldsson is now expected to purchase the UK carrier by himself.

Haraldsson also runs Icelandic investment firm Fons Eignarhaldsfelag, which owns Icelandic budget carrier Iceland Express. He is understood to have held the majority of FlyMe’s ‘A’ shares, although it is unclear specifically how many shares he held in the carrier.

Neither Astraeus nor FlyMe could immediately be reached for comment.

[BOAC]

Norwegian financier Christen Ager-Hansen, who owns 'Cognititon' is now the largest shareholder in FlyMe.

[737James]

I heard further bad reports today that Travelsphere holidays the UK's largest escorted holiday company is moving away from Astraeus for summer 07 .
I believe they used to provide over 60 exclusive charters a year to the company mainly to Brescia,Salzburg and Pula using the 737 fleet on W patterns.

[Puritan]

737James - Astraeus will still be doing one flight per week for Travelsphere in 2007, which will be from London Gatwick.

Astraeus has operated an extensive programme in Summer 2006, but this involved a lot of positioning from our second base at Manchester to other airports including Bristol and East Midlands. Quite frankly, it wasn’t economically viable to do so.

The other issue has been that Travelsphere’s programme tends to operate for five weeks from mid/late May to end June; and then another four weeks from mid September to mid October – that’s the market they’re in (wherein few older people tend to go away during July and August). NB. Peak season demand for the aircraft is now realistically five weeks from the last week of July to the last week of August.

So, adding all that together (five + five + four), it means that you’re only using the aircraft for a total of 14 weeks out of a 26 week summer season, which doesn’t make much sense - does it?!

Through a combination of those two factors, Astraeus have reached agreement with Travelsphere that we will do flying which is sensible for both us, and them, in Summer 2007. I'm sure it would be true to say that we maintain an excellent working relationship with Travelsphere; are pleased that we’ll still be working with them and get on very well indeed.

Moving forwards our aircraft capacity will be focussed into a year-round development & deployment of our oil and gas services; something which generates a solid annual returns for us.

I hope that helps paint a fuller picture. :)

[Hamrah]

Nicely put, Puritan.

And, despite rumours to the contrary, I am very much still here.

H

[fly20]

noted the presence of two guys at EXT yesterday wearing 'FlyMe' vests looking at the Astraeus 73 which flybe are leasing (G-STRI). G-STRE is at EXT, but has major tech problems..... Guess that FlyMe will be leasing these a/c once the flybe contract finishes this year..

[AEUENG]

Fly20,

Very eagle eyed of you, u r correct in the sense that 3 guys from Flyme were looking at G-STRI yesterday pending it's dry lease to the airline from Astraeus.

For the record, G-STRE is fully serviceable again now following a little TLC ;)

[737James]

Thanks for clearing that up Puritan I can understand the reasons more now, although from there side must be a massive drop in capacity as i see from their brochures now using Thomsonfly and others. I have also noticed they appear to have totally pulled out of EMA next year moving everything to BHX which is a shame as a East Midlands company, i remember couple of times last year being stuck in PRG with tech aircraft and having Travelsphere group moaning at us for not taking a 737 back with defective anti icing system.

[nivsy]

Any news within Astraeus of supplying FlyGib with 2 aircraft? This was highly refuted from forum poster a while ago.

Nivsy

[Rainboe]

Flygib is out of the question, not happening. There is no provision for it in company plans and never was. I don't know why the website is still saying it is happening- it hasn't been updated for months and I think the plans are pie in the sky! It's unlikely to get off the ground in my mind at all- if it does, it will not be with Astraeus.

[jethro15]

This then begs the question as to why Astraeus are allowing their name to be associated with the company (Website reference), if they have no involvement at all.

[nivsy]

Yes - it does seem odd. Looks like the up coming meetings with the MoD and prospective operator are going to be interesting!!

[cheekymonkey75]

This then begs the question as to why Astraeus are allowing their name to be associated with the company (Website reference), if they have no involvement at all.

I don't think they are allowing it, it's just why bother removing it as it is all free publicity? :O

[kingarthur01]

Heard today that Astraeus may be losing a Director to form ZoomUK..Circles within Circles???

[Avenger]

Yes, I heard this as well from the bloke at the burger bar in Faraday Road, also heard the entire cabin crew were leaving to join Zoom Mars ltd. Have you noticed one of the 757s has a white engine nacelle, more than just a coincidence that Zoom have white bits on their logo? maybe the take-over is already happening bit by bit!:ok:

[GOLF-INDIA BRAVO]

If you find a big White Z on the side that`s when you will know

G-I-B

[aztruck]

I told you before ...its the Post Office. its getting the elastic for the trouser waistbands that's caused the delay. Postmen usually skinnier than pilots.

[Clipper7]

Among other things, it's being reported that they will start service from Scandinavia to the USA, via Iceland... Interesting competition for Icelandair...

[airhumberside]

I assume you mean Fons than own Iceland Express?

[starbag]

News
29 October 2006
Press Release - Sunday 29 October 2006
ICELANDIC INVESTMENT GROUP ACQUIRES 51% SHAREHOLDING IN UK AIRLINE ASTRAEUS
Fons Eignarhaldsfelag, the Icelandic investment company, has today entered into a binding agreement to acquire a majority shareholding in Astraeus, the niche UK airline based at London Gatwick with Aberdeen Asset Management and Astraeus Management. Aberdeen Asset Management is a major UK based Fund Manager with funds under management of US$140billion.
Fons is headed by Palmi Haraldsson and Johannes Kristinsson and has a number of aviation interests including Iceland Express. Palmi has a wide variety of other business ventures in the retail industry.
The arrangement will see Astraeus continue to operate its existing route structure from London Gatwick and Manchester, whilst at the same time providing back-of-house support and assistance to other airlines in Fons' expanding portfolio of investments. Exciting developments are in prospect, particularly in the Scandinavian arena, where Iceland Express has just announced an expanded route network of flights from Summer 2007.
Fons will invest £5 million to take a 51% stake in Astraeus. The remaining 49% of the shareholding will be held in equal portions by Astraeus' management and Aberdeen Asset Management, the private equity provider which supported the airline's launch in 2002.
"Today's announcement opens up fantastic opportunities for Astraeus," said Managing Director Hugh Parry. "The strong financial backing from Fons will enable us to press ahead with an exciting programme of development to extend Astraeus' route network and high quality of customer service into new markets. It will also enable us to benefit from economies of scale in purchasing, flight operations and technical areas by working with the other airlines under Fons' ownership."
Palmi Haraldsson, Chairman of Fons Eignarhaldsfelag, said "I'm delighted to have reached this agreement to acquire a majority shareholding in Astraeus. It is an exciting young company with a competitive cost-base and a track record of innovation across all areas of the business, whether in operational, technical or commercial terms. Its focus on niche routes ignored by other airlines is paying dividends, and with additional financial support, the potential for expansion is huge. I look forward to working closely with the whole Astraeus team to grow its business in the months and years ahead."
Neil Macfadyen, Investment Director of Aberdeen Asset Managers Private Equity, said "this is the start of a bright co-operation with Fons and we are delighted to have them on board as we progress our expansion plans in Astraeus."
[ENDS]
For further information, please contact:
Iain Macauley IMPR [PR advisor to Astraeus] Tel 07788 978800
[email protected]
Notes to Editors:
Astraeus is a niche airline based at London Gatwick, operating four Boeing 757 and two Boeing 737-700 aircraft on a range of flights serving markets in Africa, Europe, the CIS states and Canada. In addition to scheduled services to Sierra Leone, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and Egypt, it operates a range of charter flights on behalf of leading independent tour operators. Its Boeing 757 aircraft are configured with only 201 seats (34 less than many other carriers' configurations) to provide enhanced legroom for all passengers.
It is launching the first ever direct services between the UK and the Cape Verde Islands on Thursday 2 November - early signs are very encouraging as the inaugural flight between London Gatwick and the islands' main international airport at Sal is already fully booked.
Astraeus' development plans include launching additional specialist flights to serve the oil & gas industry, and opening up new markets in West and East Africa, an area long neglected by other British scheduled carriers. It will introduce the first direct flights for over 20 years between London and Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, on December 13. Further announcements on new routes and service developments are expected in the near future.
The airline commenced operations in April 2002 and now employs 370 staff from its operating bases at London Gatwick and Manchester. Its turnover in the year to 31 October 2006 is expected to exceed £100 million.

[Hamrah]

Good, well that's that pretty well covered.

H

[aeulad]

Sorry to be picky, but could one of the mods change the spelling of the thread title. The correct spelling is Astraeus, not Astreaus, thanks, was just getting on my whick:}

Regards

Mike

[BOAC]

Sorted, lad - cannot have your wick got on.:)

[FeathFlyer]

Hi Guys

Anyone have any inside info regarding Astraeus?

Just noticed their intended basing of a 737 at Leeds next summer has been scrapped and undercut by a BMI charter operation instead.

Do they have other contracts in place?

Thanks in advance.

[AEUENG]

Nope,no signs of any trouble at AEU especially as we have just been partially bought out by an Icelandic company with significant equity. The cessation of LBA ops is just part of a restructuring of the company.

[NEW-CREW]

As I understood the reason AEU pulling out of LBA was due to demands from Mytravel wanting to make more money per seat sold than previously, something that AEU were not able to meet and not to do with a company restructuring. If thats not the case then the crew were lied to.

[Rainboe]

It's apparently been a very bad year for UK tour operators. From what I can gather, whether the summer charter work at LBA has been profitable or not, it would appear it is viewed as not worth to the company the deployment of the resources involved, therefore it is a commercial decision that no tender for the contract was made. If Astraeus, running a very tight ship, does not find the contract remunerative, one can only hope that whoever does take it does not suffer a severe shock! It was run with tight crewing, resources and excellent equipment (737NG), and wth very high load factors. I can't think where additional savings could be made. Maybe Rumanian crew paid in Kwachas flying Ilyushins?

[14 loop]

MYT unhappy at the price that AEU were wanting for an ACMI 737-800 for next year. Found bmi which offered a capacity increase (A320 over B733) for less money. Simple economics.

[Groucho]

From todays' Reykjavik newspaper:

The British charter flight Astraeus, which flies out of Gatwick airport in the UK, has plans to apply for permit from the Icelandic Government to fly from Iceland to the United States. The flights will be in co-operation with Iceland Express. Iceland Express has already announced their plans to begin scheduling flights from Iceland to New York and Boston next spring, in direct competition with Icelandair.

Astraeus and Iceland Express are financially linked. Fons, the ownership company of Pálmi Haraldsson and Jóhannes Kristinsson, owns 51 percent share in Astraeus. They paid 650 million kronur for the shares. Fons also fully owns Iceland Express. The plan is to use Boeing 757 owned by Astraeus for the flights to the United States. Iceland Express does not own aircrafts but has a wide sales net and routes to Scandinavia. Iceland Express passengers from Scandinavia then have the possibility to fly to Iceland and then the United States and vice versa.

[fade to grey]

Hmmmm,
Like the sound of that....'New york,New York,da,da,dada,da etc...'
Bet the food is better than FNA !

I think AEU will be an exciting place to be in the next year !Come on,just cough up a 767 now...please.:D

[Jalite]

To be honest I'd like any flights to anywhere! Am I the only one who has a roster with a piece of tumble weed rolling through it! Never seen so many standbys :zzz:

[c.r.m what is it]

Hey,

no your not the only one, unless by accident i printed off a copy of your roster!

[Rainboe]

Mine too. All I can say from previous experience in aviation is 'enjoy it while it lasts'. Now is the time to get the gardening done, the decking fitted (OK, decking is sooo 2003 now, but you get my point?), because it won't be long before you're getting up day after day at 3.30 and working every day they can squeze in on your roster. Let the dog learn who you are again, and try and stop your kids running away when they see you- it won't last!

[Fat Dog]

Mine too. Rainboe has hit the nail on the head however - enjoy it while you can.

[Jalite]

That theory works for November, but not December (well if I look at previous diaries). Roll on January!

[BOAC]

I think we will all have to be patient while the new 'owners' decide on a 'plan'. Like Rainboe, I suspect the empty bits will fill up.

[starbag]

Brace yourselves, come the middle of December when the skiing starts, we'll forget what a weekend looks like! It seems that each aircraft will be in Chambery several times a day each Saturday and Sunday with lots of W patterns. Lots of Santa flights at the start of December. Who know what the new owners have planned, but we will be busy!

[Rainboe]

I lost my Santa flight early December to somewhere I never heard of in northern Finland and had to use Autoroute 2005 to find! The Chamberys are starting to flow though.

Can someone tell me how they work out? Because of the layout, there must be big delays between arrivals and departing traffic. If the place gets busy, are there big departure delays? How does it work out separating arrival and departing traffic, even if flights depart to the south? Lose an engine and you will end up conflicting with approach traffic no? It certainly looks the most interesting airport I expect ever to see!

[Puritan]

I've had a sneaky look at the winter flying program and, whilst it could perhaps be busier on a couple of days mid-week (& I'll bet the Commercial Dept are working in it!), the weekends from mid-december onwards look manic !

I do know that I'm looking forward to doing my daystop in Enontekio / Finland (ENF/EFET) on the 3rd Dec.

I am similarly looking forward to the twice weekly B737-700 ETOPS flights to St Johns (YYT / CYYT) & Deer Lake (YDF / CYDF) - both of which are located in Newfoundland / Canada - which resume in January and that will include a stopover..... albeit that I'm tempted to say that stop-overs in sunny / hot West Africa (on the 757 fleet) were / are almost certainly a tadge more pleasant :) than the winter weather of Newfoundland ! :{

And as BOAC & starbag suggest, who knows just what Palmi also has in store for us ?!

Wrt ops into / out of Chambery (CMF / LFLB)... it's never been a problem. The apron's a bit tight for parking (especially for the B757) but we're pretty expert at that now... and if the apron is full and / or there is departing traffic, any inbounds have to hold at the VOR just to the North of the airfield. It's all something of a 'no-brainer'... and certainly a lot less challenging (imho) than, say, Innsbruck!

If you're taking-off to the north (regardless of engine failure) you're very unlikely to have anybody coming at you southbound on the instrument approach (as they, necessarily, will be holding at the VOR). If you're taking-off to the south the same still applies, i.e. the 80/260 turn / course reversal happens quite shortly after take-off and thence has you headed north out of the valley.
Nb. B757 is not, yet, approved for southerly departures... albeit gawd, + the French DGAC, only knows why not ?!!

I understand that the B737-700, with certain provisos, now also has lower approach minima for Chambery.... which is nice! :)

[LGWAlan]

So will the YDF flights be for Barwell again?
Who are the YYT for?

[silverhawk]

Message removed by author

[aztruck]

Do tell. Thousands would'nt.

[silverhawk]

Well it seems that 'Galley FM' has once again managed to twist a story 180 degrees. I was a bit premature in posting.To the three individuals I mentioned previously, I apologise.

Actually Hamrah is very good at facilitating short notice periods when it can be arranged, to enable the leaver to take advantage of a great opportunity. I know, he enabled me to leave with just 10 days notice rather than 3 months. For what it's worth, I very much enjoyed my time at AEU.

[Hamrah]

SilveHawk and Flystar_fools

I have sent you both PM's. Your information is incorrect.

[PPRuNe Pop]

Actually no real personal interest in current posts.

But as a moderator on this forum I will always act when anyone vaguely abuses moderators or their actions - or makes snide remarks about individuals. This thread has, because of the lengthy changes that have taken place in its transition to new ownership, suffered from some of this but at the same time attempts have been made to keep folk informed via the 'horse's mouth.'

So this thread, with some comments already removed, will be closed if personal attacks on moderators, or anyone else for that matter, continues.

[Jalite]

Hey look!

From the following site: - http://www2.vocm.com
Deal Signed for New London Flight: Dobbin
November 29, 2006

Customer demand will be the key to a new twice-weekly service between Deer Lake, St. John's and London's Gatwick Airport. Newfound Canada, which operates Humber Valley Resort, has signed a deal with Astraeus Airlines for the flights beginning January 17th and continuing until April 7th. Newfound Canada CEO Brian Dobbin says market demand will be the key.

:ok:

[ashland]

It was in the business section of Morgunbladid, the leading Icelandic newspaper, that they have signed a deal woth USD 60 million per year for
six years. AEU will operate Nigerian flights and to South Africa.
Anymore news....

[Duckbill Platypus]

In which case the deal is with Virgin Ngeria and not Virgin Atlantic. :confused:

[Puritan]

ashland - there's loads!.... But then, if we told you, we'd have to.... well, you know..... so let's just say that "We're living in interesting times!" :ok:

[haughtney1]

A little birdy told me..............

LGW-Lagos-CPT, and then return. Nothing absolutely (my contact tells me) concrete yet, but looks like AEU will be operating a couple of 767's before too long.

Goodluck AEU I say.....glad though that I dont have to go to Lagos :)

[Rainboe]

27 December.
Better all start re-reading those de-icing procedures!
PRESS RELEASE
ASTRAEUS BECOMES PART OF NORTHERN TRAVEL GROUP
A new leisure group, Northern Travel Holding (“Northern Travel”), has been formed by the Icelandic investment groups, Fons (who will hold 44%), FL Group (34%) and Sund (22%).
Northern Travel has acquired the following travel related investments:
• Sterling Airlines (100%)
• Iceland Express (100%)
• Astraeus (51%)
• Ticket, the Swedish stock-market quoted travel agent (29.3%)
• Hekla Travel, the largest travel agent in Denmark (100%)
The new company will be market leading, combining Scandinavia’s largest low cost carrier with Scandinavia’s largest retailer in the travel industry. Annual turnover of the group is estimated at £850 million with 7.5 million passengers flown each year.
Pálmi Haraldsson, Chairman of Northern Travel, commented:
“Northern Travel offers great potential. We believe that this unique combination of assets will have a great effect on the Nordic travel and tourism market. The company is heavily represented in all the Nordic countries and intends to increase its representation through various means.
All of the companies will continue to be operated in current form and no change in staff is planned. The shareholders of Northern Travel all want to expand the businesses of the underlying companies and tighten their co-operation. The goal of the owners is to make Northern Travel a profitable, inventive and forward looking entity.”
Hugh Parry, Managing Director of Astraeus, commented:
“Astraeus is now part of a much larger travel focused group which will provide further opportunities to expand our fleet, network and distribution. This is good news for staff and customers alike. We look forward to exploring synergies with our sister companies and enjoying a long and profitable relationship within Northern Travel.”

[aztruck]

Ahhh blue lagoon and a bit of go karting in winter, 50 knot fog and the biggest cod i've ever seen. Thunder City for afters and a guinesss in Boston for bedtime. All with the odd African Queen trippette for variety and kazakhstan to visit Borat.

[Rainboe]

Funny the company specialises in the absolute hottest and most humid, and the coldest and driest places!
PS Thunder City good though. Still trying to pluck up courage for Mach 2 in a 35 year old Lightning! Might stick to a Hunter!

[BOAC]

Might stick to a Hunter - let me know if you get it to Mach 2.:) Then I'll let you borrow my tie for parties.
and the biggest cod i've ever seen - guess you'll need that big cod-piece of yours, then Az?:)

[Rainboe]

Sorry BOAC, I don't think a large red polka-dot bow tie is really 'me'!

[BOAC]

A little more from yahoo (http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/061227/81/gv0hv.html)

Rainboe - it lights up and spins round - still 'No'?

[FeathFlyer]

Any more news about Nigeria?

[BOAC]

I'm not sure what you are after, but as a starter I have heard that the best bit at Lagos is V1:)

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I was told many years ago, that it was Positive Climb.:ok:

[MarkD]

Jethros notes 2 Air Canada 763ERs leased from GECAS joining Astraeus' fleet in May to operate the VK flights. Does this mean the 343s are going back to VS and the US routes are dead, or something else?

[Rainboe]

Does one hear a positive whisper of 737NGs, or is it a dreadfully unreliable rumour? So frustrating to fly with people who know even less than one- not easy when one knows nothing in the first place!
4 Astraeus diversions all lined up at Lyons for 8 hours Saturday, handlers completely unable to handle the situation. About 1400 pax with a rather bad start/finish to their hols. And more whose flights were cancelled/subbed because of the debacle. Not something to be repeated! There has to be a better way. Remote handling agents just can't accept the extra work on Saturdays.
Anyone know the seasonal failure rate for weather for Chamberys?

[Jo90]

Astraeus starts flying this route in Nov2007. Return routing is via TFS (just 25 miles from GMZ) for fuelling.
I presume the a/c will be 737.
Having visited La Gomera I'm intrigued about the operation.
The runway is 1500m but only 35m wide.
Only services using GMZ when I was there were 4 a day by 12 seater a/c (Beech I think).
Presumably runway strength is OK for 737.
Fire cover requirements will be much greater. Will the local bombaderos turn out once a week to provide this?
At least the very nice terminal building will get a bit of use for once.
There's a VOR/DME on the field and little in the way of terrain in the immediate area. Low cloud is rare but the prevailing wind is NE (Rwy 09/27) and the local topography suggests turbulence likely. Wonder what the crosswind limit will be on this rather narrow strip?

[WHBM]

Taxiways look a bit tight for a 737 as well !

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0589904/L/ (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0589904/L/)

[BOAC]

DanAir went there with 737s

[caramel]

Thats no taxiway, thats just a cycleway used by the locals!

[FlyboyUK]

Looks a bit like Knock next to the sea:}

[haughtney1]

Loadsa room.....the ramp has plenty:ok:
Seriously though, it looks very similar in size to Skiathos:ok:

[jetstream7]

BOAC said...DanAir went there with 737s
Thought La Gomera's airport opened a few years after DA ceased ops - was there another airport on the island or is it a rebuild?

[LGS6753]

Astraeus are re-branding their scheduled services "Flystar".

It appears that the Flystar name will gradually become more prominent - a recent press article refers to the airline as Flystar - Astraeus.

[aeulad]

Plan is to replace G-OOOB and G-OAVB with newer build 757s.

Regards

Mike

[Alan Tracey]

With 2 B757 going to Bmi LHR, does this mean the closure of the LGW charter base???

[airhumberside]

They have more than two aircraft based at LGW. It might mean some changes to the scheduled network (could Freetown be going since they are operating it for bmi as well) but Im sure AEU will still have a LGW base

[A330Ryan]

Freetown is going and I don't see why Astraeus would be going? They operated fine before these 2 aircraft were delivered!!!!!

It may affect the cabin crew but not the flight deck as they will still fly these 757s along with bmi cabin crew.

[kotakota]

Just seen www.aviationjobsearch.co.uk website and Astraeus are doing a big recruit , something is up but no news for current FlySTARS as usual !!

[EC Does It]

Heard a rumour that Astraeus are laying off, Anyone have any gen?

Puritan, where are you?

[rubik101]

Heard a rumour yesterday, from a good source, that Astreus are taking on more routes to Africa this summer. The Gambia being one of them.

[EC Does It]

Don't they already fly there?

[Beanbag]

Daysleeper, if you hover your cursor over the thread title in the thread listing you'll see the first few lines of the first post in a little tool-tip window. Would've shown you enough to save you reading this thread.

[flyingman-of-kent]

I read that BMI are leasing a couple of 757's or 767's from
Astraeus for new routes while waiting for their A300's

[m500dpp]

They are still advertising for CC - closing date 31/3!!!!!

[atmosphere]

from my "reliable sourse"

Astraeus will be Leasing 2 x 757-200 Aircraft to BMI, and by all accounts Astraeus will move into the wet/damp/dry leasing of Aircraft, and move away from the holiday charters. Flight deck jobs are safe for now, Cabin Crew will find out on Monday ish. Union has been advised and is dealing with both Cabin Crew and Ground staff employment.

The Cabin Crew I know in AEU aren't holding there breath!

[Out Of Trim]

Suggest you read the bmi thread - bmi to damp lease 2 x Astraeus B752s for 2 Years.

[Dan D'air]

Atmosphere,

Are you CC or FC? Well done for the post but I couldn't really make out what you meant, especially with the grammar!!

[exeng]

Atmosphere's post was correct in that AEU are moving away from charter work and towards ACMI work. (ACMI = aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance)

This ACMI work will probably be some dry lease, some wet lease and some 'damp' lease.

The BMI work will involve damp lease operation (i.e. without Cabin Crew as these are provided by BMI).

AEU's requirement for Flight Deck Crew remains unchanged (for now) but it is possible that the requirement for Cabin Crew may diminish as more damp lease (i.e. BMI work) operations take place.


Regards
Exeng

[m500dpp]

wonder if BMI would take any AEU cc? might make sense, they currently dont operate any 757s according to Jethros - ready made trained staff!!!

Would seem to make sense - which probably means it wont happen!!!

(of course BMI are Heathrow vs LGW for AEU.......)

[Jalite]

So it looks like they want to get rid of over half of us (cabin crew that is!) oh joy. Now we know why they didn't want to get a bigger crewroom! Not a happy state of affairs at all :(

[Captain_Cargo]

Hi All

Not sure how true this rumour is true, but i have heard Astraeus have ordered 5 new B737-700 aircraft.

If anyone here from Astraeus can confirm this.

Best Regards



Captain Cargo

[JB007]

Hate to be picky...

There's no B737 in Boeing's model range. Maybe they should buy a 737 instead

Eh?

Do you mean Boeing never built a B737-700???

Eh?

[flyguy901]

don't be so childish and picky on the poor guy

[atmosphere]

If the Potential staffing model would see Cabin Crew reduced to circa 65 staff (from the current 125) and all roles to be based at LGW, with Ground Staff reduced to 51 staff (from the current 71) I can't see them ordering in 5 737-700's

[aztruck]

Why not?......

[Puritan]

With respect to the rumour about more B737-700 aircraft; one is always glad to see growth and employment opportunities, so it would certainly be good if Astraeus did introduce more aircraft,… but would these really be ‘more’, or are they just ‘replacements’?

I.e. At some point (later this year?) Astraeus’ new parent company(NTH (http://www.flgroup.is/newsroom/news/deal-news/archive/nr/232)) is reported as wanting to start operating flights to North America, via Keflavik, apparently filled with passengers from Scandinavia & Iceland… no doubt influenced by the ‘Open Skies’ agreement which commences at the end of March 2008. But therein these are likely, initially, to be ‘thin’ routes.

So maybe it’s the case that 5x B737-700s could be introduced as part of a phased retirement of the B757’s (a fleet which, I believe, Astraeus’ original Chairman once described as “Spectacularly unreliable!”). Nb. Astraeus presently has 5x B757… so the numbers do seem to fit.

And Astraeus already have 138 minutes ETOPS for their B737-700’s and therein a low cost operation across the Atlantic, via Keflavik, from / to the ‘smaller airports’ (e.g. Ryan Air style) in Scandinavia / North America might just be feasible?!

But, from where are they going to get the pilots (especially Captains)?

Astraeus do have a handful of pilots on the B757 who are already type-rated on the B737; so these could go through an OCC.
Those who are not 737 rated could be put through a B737 type-rating course (i.e. just as Astraeus did when they got the B757, when they took some off the B737 and type-rated them on to the B757). So there is a precedent / they’ve done if before!
And then there’s always the option for ‘Mixed Fleet Flying’, i.e. some pilots being allowed to fly the B737 & B757 on alternate days (so to speak).

Coupled with this, some may be aware that Astraeus recently ran an advertising campaign, on ‘Aviation Job Search’, specifically pointed at trying to recruit more B737 pilots (of all ranks)… or maybe this is just a toe-in-the-water exercise to determine the response, i.e. to see what’s out there?

This is a rumour network after all. ;)

[aztruck]

Well Gojib has gone as far as Mexico city and trans Pacific etops Tokyo- Anchorage -Los Angeles this week so I think reliability is going rather well.
If you need 757 capability, there is only one choice...er...a 757. 737-700's come up a little short. BMI seem to like the idea.
Couple of 767 300 er's would be nice. If only we could find someone for them to play with.

[willy wombat]

So, are the 757s still spectacularly unreliable or have they got better (or worse)?

[amber 1]

"Spectacularly unreliable" seems a bit harsh. There are still plenty of them flying around.

[opsjockey]

er, i think Aztrucks post answers your question:

Quote// Well Gojib has gone as far as Mexico city and trans Pacific etops Tokyo- Anchorage -Los Angeles this week so I think reliability is going rather well.\\Unquote

........

[Puritan]

Duh! I was only offering a possible explanation as to why a 'rumour' about Astraeus getting 5x B737-700's could potentially have some validity and might be feasible (it is a rumour network after all, right ?!)... and then some on here get all defensive! :ouch:

Aside - Imho, one B757 (from a fleet of 5) making it around the world, crewed by 4 Training Captains (one of whom is the Ops Dir who's under orders to deliver a WorldWide AOC, and another of whom is responsible for the charter itself.... dare one say 'vested interests'?), plus two engineers, is all well and good. BUT it can hardly be denied that there have been instances (in the past) when AEU's B757 fleet has been far from 'reliable'; wherein I could quote a number of events, but I'll leave it at that. :*

[amber 1]

Just to keep stirring things up a bit, "rumour" also has it the bmi guys and gals, especially the SFO's, are none to happy about the 757 LHR deal (see the bmi thread)

[BYALPHAINDIA]

So, are the 757s still spectacularly unreliable or have they got better (or worse)?

They must be getting well worn by now.

G OOOB ex Air 2000 got around 68,000 hrs + on it.

Built in 1987.

They are workhorses.

[Aviator 101]

Hmm.. I do know of a European operator with 757's, of which at least 3 of them have about 90.000 hrs+ built 1989-1991 and in excellent condition still :ok:

[Heffer]

AEU have renewed their 757 fleet. G-OOOB has moved on.

Their average fleet age is now down to around 14.8 years. The newest is 1997 build (Boeing stopped production in 1999).

Other UK carriers have older fleets. MON 757 fleet average is 22.3 years (oldest 1983 - newest 1988!).

[Max Angle]

Just to keep stirring things up a bit, "rumour" also has it the bmi guys and gals, especially the SFO's, are none to happy about the 757 LHR deal (see the bmi thread) Think it may turn out that its the Astraeus pilots who won't be happy, looks like quite a lot of bmi pilots are going to be checked out on the 757 for the duration of the contract. Expecting a bid form for it shortly.

[OLNEY 1 BRAVO]

I think you will find that 757 production ceased in 2004 (not 1999) with the final two examples being delivered to Shanghai Airlines.

[fade to grey]

Max angle,
I was under the impression the deal is for 'damp lease' i.e aircraft and pilots - I cannot understand why Bmi would got to the expense of getting their own folks type rated for the contract.
Furthermore as bmi has no 757s on it's AOC what would happen - would you have bmi pilots re employed by Astraeus ?It s not as simple as getting' checked out' (we're not talking about Cessna 152s here !),

furthermore I find all the bleating by the bmi pilots about their promotion prospects rather distasteful as we are actually talking about people's jobs here - not just getting an extra stripe !

[Max Angle]

Well a lot of bmi SFOs have been waiting many years for commands (we have just had the first 3 promotions since 2001) so I think they can be excused for feeling a little aggrieved that two aircrafts worth of extra work is going to be farmed out to another carrier.

As for the check out well it's the same process as a 152 it just costs more and takes longer but it's not a big deal. It's all pretty tedious though and there is nowhere to put your dinner on a 757 so not for me I think.

[fade to grey]

well if the bmi folks have been waiting from 2001 for promotion that shows either blind faith or lack of imagination.......if they were that desperate what about ryanair or easyjet in the past 7 years ?

anyway the point i am trying to make is spare a thought for the aeu boys and girls, we are uncertain of the future

but i guess in this industry you would cut your granny's throat for a fiver..it was ever thus.

[standbyils]

AEU will only use bmi pilots to plug their own holes, not disadvantage AEU pilots.

[Tail-take-off]

Flying for Ryanair? Now that would be desperate.

As for bmi pilots flying the 757s it would be the same scenario asa the bmi guys who flew the BMED aircraft when they had seperate AOCs. ie following a conversion they would complete an Astreaus LPC/OPC & line check & would be seconded to Astreaus for the duration of the contract.

Almaty, Bihskek & Freetown are very popular nightstop destinations for a variety of reasons so the bmi pilots are unhappy to loose these. The SFOs are unhappy with the loss of promotion prospects & the junior FOs & Capts are unhappy about the lack of job security offered by having people below you on the seniority list.


AEU will only use bmi pilots to plug their own holes, not disadvantage AEU pilots.

They don't seem too worried about the effects on the cabin crew why should the pilots be any different.

[Fat Dog]

They don't seem too worried about the effects on the cabin crew why should the pilots be any different.

Now that really is a bit naive - recruting B757 Captains is a bit of a different kettle of fish to recruiting cabin crew (no disrespect intended to our friends who work their ar$es off in the cabin...)

[standbyils]

The bmi contract for AEU is surley the shape of things to come for Astraeus. AEU supply the aircraft and pilots (AEU's AOC) and the customer airline keeps it's image in the cabin, which is all the pax see (cabin crew who can operate on 2 AOCs/2 aircraft types). In the case of the AEU/bmi deal, the Cabin Crew will still be able to fly for bmi on 1 of the bmi types when required. This is a different story for pilots, of course.:)

WW AOC for AEU next I hear. With the backing of their Icelandic Board, good luck to them.

[Dan D'air]

So does anyone know if it's true that most of the CC are losing their jobs this month??

[FlyingFromTheUK]

Yes, this is true...

A large number of crew are finishing with AEU 2wards the end of the month and it has to be said it seems alot of them are happy...

Alot are moving onto Ba, Virgin, Qantas, BMI and EZY so i wish them al the very best with there new airlines and hope the crew who have been kept on (about 30people) that it stil works out within the company

[OliWW]

News that Iceland Express are starting 5x weekly Gatwick - Reykjavik which is being operated by a B737.700 operated on behalf of Astreaus, based in Reykjavik, starting 29th Sept, so with Astreaus only having 2 B737.700, does this mean that there will be a cut back in the flights the B737.700 did this winter compared to next, e.g East Midlands - Gambia on a friday

[airhumberside]

AFAIK AEU are pulling out of the regular charter and scheduled business. Just doing ad hoc charters and wet leasing

[aztruck]

2 737-300's gone away somewhere where someone else flys them.
2 737-700 in Stockholm and Oslo for the Summer, scheduled, AEU Pilots, Sterling Cabin Crew.
757 in Kef, AEU Pilots, Icelandic Cabin Crew. All Year round.
757 in Warsaw till October, AEU Pilots Polish Cabin Crew.
2 757 in Heathrow for 2 years. AEU Pilots BMI Cabin crew.
757 Ad hoc in Gatwick year round. AEU Pilots and Cabin Crew.

Transatlantic ex KEF flights kick off this winter I believe, plenty of other work lined up.
Felt museum and Yurt making highlights of the stop in Kyrgystan!

[BOAC]

Not forgetting the 2 Astraeus 700's twice a week KEF-GOT-KEF from 15 May and KEF-ARN-KEF from 1 June that handling in GOT/ARN have been notified of?:confused: You sure you are up to date? Things move fast.:)

[Puritan]

Plus a rumour that Astraeus have contracted (signed a LOI, or maybe more?) to operate the scheduled service between Gatwick and Accra (Ghana) on behalf of 'Ghana International Airways' (GIA). Wherein, looking at GIA's timetable, one might guess that any such contract might start mid-June or thereabouts?

[aztruck]

Reminds me of a Pink Floyd track.

[Romeo Zulu]

Astraeus are such a talented airline with so much change hope all is for the good

[Dissident]

Are the AEU-crews based in Stockholm Swedish or English? For how long is the contract with Sterling running-when it expires where will the 73:s go? Any ideas?

[igb56]

Astraeus Flystar website now has just very brief message on an otherwise bare page : " Astraeus Flystar is not currently operating and scheduled services and as such the booking site is no longer available".

[londonmet]

Hi,

I believe they've moved 100% ACMI now.

L Met

[Notso Fantastic]

That's correct. The line of business has changed to leasing only.

[BOAC]

Its AstrAEus:ugh:. Where are the fantastic spelling police when you need them?

igb56 - your post will probably shortly be off here (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?p=4159464) where you can 'read all about it'.

OK, 2 out of 3:ok:

[Duck Rogers]

Aaaaaaand the winner of this week's cigar is BOAC!




*hits 'Move Thread' button

[airhumberside]

The line of business has changed to leasing only.
I thought they still had a plane based at LGW doing ad-hoc charter?

[BOAC]

...............a Havana too:)

In fact the company is still operating scheduled services, but for others, as an ACMI operation.

Iceland Express
Sterling
BMI
Ghana Airways

to name but four. The Sterling a/c are still in Astraeus colours.

[igb56]

OK BOAC, me no spell good and plenty dim, but what do you mean when you say "igb56 - your post will probably shortly be off here where you can 'read all about it'"?

[Hogg]

If you clicked on the link you may have realised that theres another thread... this one running about Astraeus.
Your post was merged with this one.
i.e. put onto this thread

Simple as that :bored:

Hogg

[globetrotter79]

Does anyone know whatever became of the rumour of A320s for AEU (or have I missed something!)?

[Wycombe]

Just returned over the weekend from a trip to "God's own" and noticed G-OJIB parked up at AKL when we left on Friday night - Bruce and the boys gigging in town and featuring heavily in the local media, of course!

Curious as to how this works financially for the airline? - do the band "charter" the a/c - was just thinking that a trip like this must take it out of "normal" commercial use for a couple of weeks at least?

If no one is able to say for commercial reasons, fair enough, just interested really :ok:

[WHBM]

I think you'll find that it's a commercial deal like any other. There are several operators, notably in the USA, who do such charters for touring rock bands, entertainers, politicians, etc.

It's February, absolute bottom season for UK charter operators, so pretty much a case of just paying by the flying hour. There are a couple of holiday companies who do one or two round-the-world dedicated charters every year with an aircraft with spare time from normal charter operations, taking several weeks for the trip, and just using one crew and aircraft throughout. They tend to go at this time of year as well.

[Wycombe]

...true enough, I guess what makes this one a bit different is that the "charterer" might actually also be flying the aeroplane -so is that some new category between a wet lease and a damp lease??

On the subject of "Round the World" charters, a Monarch 757 was also in Auckland a couple of weeks ago doing one of these, known as "The Captain's Table" air cruise I believe.

[Hamrah]

Its a standard commercial charter operation. The aircraft has been chartered by Iron Maiden for the tour. It is fully crewed, and Bruce flies when he can , and when Flight Time Limitations permit. There is a fully constituted crew on board, NOT including BD.

[aztruck]

The aircraft is a bit special as you will all see when flight 666 the movie goes live in cinemas worldwide on April 21.
The new Zealand airforce visited Gojib in Auckland to see how things were done. Their military combi/vip cost 38 million dollars and 2 years to convert. Astraeus project managed the easa approvals at a fraction of that cost.
This is a very specialised aircraft in combi config, with nothing comparable for the cost and operational flexibility mix.
Having just inaugurated Astraeus's 180 minutes Etops trans pacific flights and exercised our unrestricted worldwide AOC on Gojib I´m knackered but really pleased.

[POLISH_EDDIE]

Great to hear it! The in flight shots (I think they were taken over Southern CA?) of GOJIB from Flight 666 trailer look very impressive! :ok:

Have found some great new pics of GOJIB:

JetPhotos.Net Photo » G-OJIB (CN: 24292) Astraeus Airlines Boeing 757-23A by Will Mallinson (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6495311)
JetPhotos.Net Photo » G-OJIB (CN: 24292) Astraeus Airlines Boeing 757-23A by Paul Bowker (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6494804)
JetPhotos.Net Photo » G-OJIB (CN: 24292) Astraeus Airlines Boeing 757-23A by Will Mallinson (http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=6495342)

[fly_boi2008]

Anyone got any ideas as to what Astraeus have got up their sleeves for this summer???
Through the pipeline I have heard about a new base in Italy? New aircraft for KEF and LGW? Also the return of JIB's? As well as operating from BOH-737?
Thanks
Fly-Boi

[Rainboe]

Oh you're soooo last year!

[fly_boi2008]

Haha!
Go on......

[Rainboe]

You're picking up goss in BarMed, aren't you? Shouldn't believe all you hear, though some would say you weren't far off the mark.

[FlyingFromTheUK]

hey

was just wondering if Astraeus are pickin up again as lookin for crew or is it because its the summer

cheers

[Kirks gusset]

Hear they may be doing the Palmair contract from BOI this year, appaerntly crews being offered this as a base, augmented by agency pilots.. Didn't Jet2 get this?

[BOHEuropean]

If you look on flypalmair.co.uk and go to book a flight, it's AEU flight codes from the 1st May - Viking VIK up until then!

[sam1993]

Astraeus will indeed be operating the flights for summer 2009 using an ex BA 737-500. Palmair cabin crew are currently on the conversion courses for this aircraft type.

Regards
Sam

[Giggey]

Hi All.
Got this hint by a friend.
Is it true they are getting Airbus? do you have any news about it?

rgds

[spider_man]

Advert posted last week on a recruitment website seeking A320 Captains.

[fjencl]

Anybody got any info on what routes they will be operating the A320 on, or what airline will they be operating for......?????

[BOAC]

There was an ongoing lot of 'pressure' from the Vikings to go AB as the launch customer there, so I would reckon its a fair bet.

[Klea]

Hi there, I just received invitation to attend the interview for cabin crew position, I dont know much about the company could somebody give me some info- about rostering(how many days on and off), for whom they are flying any layovers and about how is the salary for cabin crew...

Any info will be very much appreciated ;)

[SCANDIC]

Will Astraeus be keeping the ex Zoom airlines 757-28a or will it go back into storage in the winter.:ok:

[Hamrah]

Astraeus took delivery of G-STRW, the former Zoom 757, on July 24th. It is on a long term lease, and in an all Blue livery. For now it is Manchester based operating on behalf of Monarch.

[sam1993]

It will operate on behalf of Monarch until mid September replacing an Air Finland 757 that was operating for them. Will it have Monarch titles applied or remain plain blue for the lease? Also, are there any plans for it after September?

[Curious Pax]

Any news on the source for the A320s AEU are acquiring? CEO's message on the website mentions the first one arriving in September, and the diagram of the layout appears to originate with Iberia, so putting 2+2 together will they be some of Iberia's retirees?

[thepeacock]

Presume Astraeus will be operating all sectors of the New York flights for Iceland Express. Anyone know the start date for that ?

[aeulad]

The 737-700 is quite capable of doing KEF-NYC. GSM used to operate GLA-BOS with the -700, which is a good few hundred miles longer than KEF-NYC.

Regards

Mike

[thepeacock]

Got a start date for the New Yorkers .... June 2010

Iceland Express Low Cost New York Flights Iceland Express Low Cost New York Flights|Airline News (http://airline-news.co.uk/iceland-express-low-cost-new-york-flights/)

[BOAC]

Good to see this getting closer - it was a 'hot rumour' in 2004/5, and one of the obstacles was the c/crew working agreement. Presumably now Iceland has been having a 'spot of difficulty' that has changed a bit. I reckon it could be flown non-ETOPS too which would make life easier.

[geordiejet]

Who are these flights going to benefit? You can easily pick up a return from LON-NYC for £250. Even if they offered a free fare and pay only for the taxes, surely they cannot get the prices down to less than that??

Even when Zoom touted low cost flights to New York, it was a struggle to get anything for less than £300. Now with traditional airlines offering non-stop flights slashing their prices, is now really the time?

I'm keen to see how the prices will turn out. I believe they are released next week, so I may be back to eat humble pie, but I really cannot see this lasting.

[VOM1T]

Perhaps they will fill the NYC sectors with passengers from:

Alicante 3x weekly
Aalborg 1x weekly
Barcelona 1x weekly
Basel 2x weekly
Berlin 3x weekly
Billund 2x weekly
Birmingham 1x weekly
Bologna 1x weekly
Copenhagen 9x weekly
Frankfurt Hahn 2x weekly
Friedrichshafen 2x weekly
Gothenburg 2x weekly
Geneva 1x weekly*
Krakau 1x weekly
Paris 1x weekly
Warsaw 2x weekly

as well as London., do you think ?.

[thepeacock]

Will be interesting to see what connections are available and what works with only four flights a week to NYC.

I think they can make money in summer but would lose shed loads of it in the winter so would not be surprised if this is summer only.

[BOAC]

With acknowledgement to John Dyer's 'Gatwick Roundup', the latest rumour on the Aer Lingus gossip is:
"All Aer Lingus operations from Gatwick & Bristol will, from 1/11 for a period of 3 to 6 months, be performed by Astraeus. The same seven Aer Lingus A320s will be used, but all crews will need to attend a five-day course before the end of this month to cross over to Astraeus' standard operating procedures. There will be no changes in appearance among crew or aircraft & the carrier is stressing that this is a temporary measure in order to obtain a UK AOC for a few months while applying for its own. This temporary AOC will also allow Aer Lingus to apply to non-EU countries to start flights from Gatwick, primarily to the USA (Chicago, Orlando or Washington) & possibly South Africa".

Good news for Hamrah's Guinness testing outings:)

[haughtney1]

The "Murphia" are certainly busy these days! good on em:ok:

[Shanwickman]

Aer Lingus does not need a UK AOC to fly between the UK and the USA.

[OltonPete]

quote

"All Aer Lingus operations from Gatwick & Bristol will, from 1/11 for a period of 3 to 6 months, be performed by Astraeus. "

I assume that Bristol should read Belfast or is that another scoop!!!!!!

Pete

[BOAC]

Don't know, OP - just a direct 'lift'. Anyway, I guess you are right, but it could be Birmingham too unless it is new point.

[EISNN]

Shanwickman. why would you think EI doesn't need an AOC to operate to the US? I thought if you were not registered in the UK with an UK AOC that you couldn't operate outside the EU. And seeing as the flights originate from the UK wouldn't that be the case?

[LGW_08R]

Open Skies though, so it doesn't really mater, an example of another airline, although they have been doing it for years, would be Air India, who fly from UK-USA.

However i think people are getting caught up on the USA part, maybe they do actually have an interest in the mentioned Egypt, Turkey and South Africa, all of which would require them to have a UK AOC.

[Bearcat]

operating on a uk AOC with an EI reg? FR the same??

[DOOBIE]

It doesn't seem to be an issue these days using an a/c registered elsewhere in the EU. Monarch had a B757 registed EIMON a few years ago.

[G-AWZK]

Sorry, but I don't get it.

Why go to the trouble and expense of applying for a UK AOC? What is wrong with having an Irish AOC and using 5th and 6th Freedom rights?

I can't help feeling there is more to this than meets the eye...

[EISNN]

In the case of FR they bought Buzz and gained their UK AOC that way and may operate from UK to non eu countries.

In EI's case they've piggie backed on Astraeus' AOC and can now do the same as Astraeus also have 1 x A320. EI crew in LGW and BFS are now being trained with the Astraeus AOC and can operate UK to non eu destinations such as Moscow, Agadir, Tunis, Cairo etc but only with A320's NOT A330's. Whether FR's or EI's reg's have EI or G on the tail doesn't matter. Hence Monarch have EI reg aircraft.

Hope I've made that clear as possible. :}

PS '5th freedom' only occurs when you originate the flight from another country. Besides you're limited in the number of passengers you can pick up in the transit airport.

[G-AWZK]

I am aware of the limitations of the 5th freedom rights, but within Europe the "7th freedom rights" mean that having a UK or Irish AOC makes virtually no difference - for example do FR need a Belgian AOC to operate Charlois - Agadir? Did VLM hold a UK AOC to operate LCY - LPL & MAN?

I still find it a little odd that such a well developed and mature airline who have vast amounts of experience operating for years as a national flag carrier around the globe are now applying for a UK AOC. Is it some way of wrong footing the unions, similar to the botched attempt BA made with Open Skies?

After all the years of their existence why are they just now going down this route?

[EISNN]

the EU and Morocco signed a bi lateral agreement at the end of 2005 allowing EU airlines to operate from any EU country into Morocco.


Click on the link below and see point 3. Contents of the Agreement and then see "For EU Carriers".


http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air/international_aviation/country_index/doc/morocco_info_note.pdf


As for VLM operating LCY to MAN/LPL; that's intra eu so it doesn't matter. It's like EZ operating from Rome to Berlin or FR operating Ciampino to Bergamo for example.

Hope this helps clear a few things up. :ok:

[ZeBedie]

Have Astraeus lost the Aer Lingus contract?

[peacock1]

......heard it on the tom tom drums that, yes, they are being terminated with almost immediate effect.... no further info available...:}

[spider_man]

who has taken over the contract or is it going back inhouse at AL?

[TheRedVonBaron]

there are 139 pilots in aerlingus who are currently being threatened with redundancy due to a "surplus" who are available.

[INLAK]

Yep, it's all over for Astraeus and their Aer Lingus contract.

[sam1993]

Astraeus will be operating from Gatwick to Winnipeg via Reykjavik using a 757 on behalf of Go Travel Flights next summer! :ok:

[snipes]

I'll take that wager. I bet the EI guys will be fine.

[Rainboe]

Snipes I'll take that wager. I bet the EI guys will be fine. Just in case the wager is deleted.

Let's see if AL will continue to pay bigger than BA 747 Captain pay for an AL A320! They have an extreme cost problem. Who's going to keep financing them and keeping hay coming into this trough surrounded by the fattest pigs in Europeland?

[muckin fuddle]

Its an in joke Roy.If you knew the story behind it you would be proud


If you know, plesase tell us more.....................

[BAladdy]

Does anyone know if AEU's contract with Palmair is coming to a end.

Just noticed that AEU have put the 735 currently operating the route up for sale/lease

ADVERT REMOVED

Anyone know anything about this??


You might want to look at the thread in Terms And Endearment

[adfly]

I think its just so company's can subcharter it when Palmair are not using it(sometimes in the afternoons when it only operates 1 return flight per day), or they could be upgrading to a 737 700!!

[shamrock7seal]

Looks like Palmair are stopping the lease from November 2010.

Possibly Palmair can't afford the lease through each winter when they don't have enough activity to justify a whole aircraft and flight crew. Alternatively Palmair could be shifting to a different aircraft with more range as the -500 is pretty limited especially for Canaries.

The aircraft is listed as being 'available' from Nov '10 to Apr 2012 (covering the remainder of the Palmair original contract which was for 3 years)

[Groundloop]

Possibly Palmair can't afford the lease through each winter when they don't have enough activity to justify a whole aircraft and flight crew.

The Palmair contract is based on a pay-to-fly arrangement. It costs Palmair very little to keep the aircraft on the ground.

[yeo valley]

perhaps palmair will buy seats from other airlines.?? With no fear of filling a whole plane. Also do other destinations as well. Just a thought.

[Groundloop]

perhaps palmair will buy seats from other airlines.??

But that would destroy the whole Palmair ethos of a full service airline - allocated seats, hot meals, etc. Their whole selling point is that they still offer all of this.

[dublindispatch]

Have heard that AEU are doing some charter work from Dub for summer 10, in on sat and sun, any ideas??

[Captain Lampshade]

I guess technically it is AEU but understand it is using the Palmair a/c

[TCX69]

bmi Lease

This lease is meant to be ending in April. Does anyone know if this will be extended?

Although a confirmed date is not yet known, bmi will be extending the lease of G-STRY until some time in June when both of bmi's A330's return from C Checks. One of which will then operate the current 757 routes to ALA/FNA/FRU.

[Clandestino]

Seemingly G-STRP is back four weeks early from wet lease to Dubrovnik Airline. Rumor has it that legal actions are pending. Would someone please share what happened down there, if it's not confidential?

[BAladdy]

Does anyone know what Astraeus has planned for it's fleet in the future.

I hear that the A320, G-STRP, is also expected to be flown to the US in October to be parted out and that G-STRZ a 757 is expected to be withdrawn from service this week.

Will these aircraft be replaced and do Astraeus have any plans to add to the fleet before the start of the S12 season