MANCHESTER - 5

[MUFC_fan]

No worries.

I have just been looking through the slots that were organised for S08 (and I must say we missed out on U2 big time! plus a lot more flights from BE). Anyway, noticed that QR are holding an extra 8 slots p/w. That would make QR the most frequent long haul operator to the middle east with one day with 3 daily flights! :D Anyway, thats not happening yet but the have HELD the slots.

Also, looks like we are to see quite a few changes around MAN over the next 12 months (from the god old grape vine, please forgive me if these have already been mentioned):

1. FR are to open base by 2010 with four based aircraft
2. EK will go 3x daily when the fuel situation changes and 1st A380 due 2010 with the next one following a year later
3. US to have 1x daily 752 and 4x weekly 752 services from PHL this autumn making the route 11x weekly for the season
5. Lots more U2 routes
6. Fedex are apparently due to expand both in EU and US from MAN if they are not ditching the airport which also speculated
7. VS to fly the A343 through MAN on cruise charters to the Caribbean and US aswell as additional B747s meaning a total of three aircraft could be on the ground in MAN at one time making for great photo ops!
8. Sunnair increase flights from 2x daily to 3x daily with same equipment
9. Finnair upgraded their HEL to 3x daily which has already started but also includes an A319 inseated of the Embraer on one rotation
10. ZRH going A319 with GVA again available during the winter
11. And my personal old favourite - LH are to launch JFK from MAN with A340s!:ok:

Some of these are facts, others are rumours, make of them what you will but I would be very surprised if all of these came to fruitation, especially the QRa dn obviously the LH one.

Make of it what you will and I may have also missed some out. Please correct me as appropriate.

[Curious Pax]

3. US to have 1x daily 752 and 4x weekly 752 services from PHL this autumn making the route 11x weekly for the season

According to their online timetable this is for 4/9-2/10, then back to a 330. Received wisdom is that it is just to cover heavy maintenance on the 330s. Extra flights are 0645-0845 on Fri/Sat/Mon/Tue.

9. Finnair upgraded their HEL to 3x daily which has already started but also includes an A319 inseated of the Embraer on one rotation

319s have been popping up a lot recently.

10. ZRH going A319 with GVA again available during the winter

Also confirmed on the Swiss online timetable.

Of the others I don't think there is much danger of the VS one happening in the next couple of years; LH - nice but I'd be surprised; U2 - that seems to be starting to happen from Dec with the new Sofia/Geneva routes; RYR - if T3 has been converted to locost by then then I would expect that to happen.

The FedEx line perhaps sums up the overall situation at MAN (and elsewhere) at present!!

[MANFlyer]

11. And my personal old favourite - LH are to launch JFK from MAN with A340s.

Yep, this is one of my favourite jokes as well.

[Suzeman]

Fedex are apparently due to expand both in EU and US from MAN if they are not ditching the airport which is also planned


:confused: There's a great rumour - talk about having it both ways!! :ugh:

Suzeman

[eggc]

QR are holding an extra 8 daily slots

Wow...a Doha shuttle :ok:

[MUFC_fan]

Sorry, I have made the corrections!:\:\:ok:

[j4ckos mate]

I must have been to MAN thousands of times we used to ride the escalators,, get a can of coke for the petrol station near the car hire places, watched the satellite being built on pier c, nevermind terminal 2.

we recently flew to Turkey on Onur air, (delayed 4 hours), what did strike me was how scruffy terminal two had become. we went for a drink and the Bar staff were arguing amongst themselves, and it was full of "niges stag do faliraki 08" t shirts, so we left there as it was getting too rowdy for the kids to be around, "fair enough" i thought.
on to the expensive shops, these were starting to close (am i in Manchester i thought or Yerevan), i dont ever recall them shutting in the summer. the staff just didnt want to be there.

There was an old dear from LPL flying to her villa somewhere and she had fallen on a drink not cleaned up, her elbow was a right mess, black and blur and bleeding, and on top of that the fall had damaged her lap top, i was embarressed for her.


it was one of the last flights of the day, and we got the impression that it was only cleaned once a day, at the end of the day, the tables in the cafe were strewn with knocked over cups and plates.
we went to the information desk and rang the phone it was too much expecting someone to be there. whoever answered was really put out and didnt know what i wanted to know. i am not a snob i was brought up in Wythenshawe, didnt have much,never got much, but was truly appalled at how scruffy it had become, i know its not like it was when out parents were yoiung, and flying was amazing, and you got your suit on to go on a plane, i know that, there were some right yobbos, kids and parents, but i was shocked at how it had gone down hill so much.

[Ringwayman]

VS have operated cruise charters from MAN before (3 or 4 years ago), so can't really say that's not going to happen.

As for LS, why read too much into a flying programme for a years time? I'd be more worried if by mid-December they hadn't increased the programme!

[harer92]

are you saying that an emirates a380 will/might come to manchester in 2010 and in 2011 another a380 will come to manchester

wb

fanx

[Ringwayman]

If Emirates starts A380 services in 2010, then say goodbye to a 3rd service for at least 3 years, At the same time, forget about a 2nd A380 service for a similar length of time. It's going to be a trade-off between bumping capacity or bumping frequency. There is no way they would be willing to increase capacity at MAN by 50% in the space of 2 years as ticket prices would have to drop quite a bit to get 2 604 seat A380s to be flying economically here every day!

[eggc]

Long haul ex Manchester might not be a flat as we would think...

"The number of passengers expected to fly to the US this summer is already up by almost 8 percent, with other long-haul routes seeing a 10 percent increase."

www.uk-airport-news.info (http://www.uk-airport-news.info/manchester-airport-news-070808a.htm)

[Code 100]

Anybody know how the non-daily routes are doing -

e.g. Tripoli, Riyadh, Reykjavik, Sofia, Ercan, Kosice etc.

Are they in any danger, or are they holding their own?

[VFR Transit]

Does anyone know of any interesting types / airlines due in over the aug bank holiday???

Thanks
VFR

[Vuelo]

EK are moving to T1 in March so that they CAN operate the A380 into MAN as that is the only terminal which will be able to accommodate it. SQ are also moving over for the same reasons, though it also part of the terminal reassignment project.

[newscaster]

PK 702 route change, going MAN-IST-ISB for two weeks.

[Momentary Lapse]

You mean EK are moving BACK to T1 in March.

What a waste of money.

I still can't see how the terminal will work with all that peakiness morning and evening.

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Not much sign of a 'Recession' at MAN today, More the opposite.

T1 & 2 Packed out on Friday morning & Afternoon.

Traffic was queing to go into T2 carpark by the roundabout at 7 am.

7/8 A/C taxying up to 05L.

[Vuelo]

BG are rumoured to be restarting a DAC-MAN-JFK service soon with a 747 twice a week. Anyone know more?

[Tower1]

Its the BA replacement service.:p
Bye
Tower

[jongeman]

The BA replacement service will hopefully be a DL 763 next summer. :ok:

(Edit...or a 764...any advance on that?)

[Higher Archie]

Some observations:

EK and SQ's move to T1. This is part of a long-term project to allocate specific carrier types to dedicated terminals ie. T1 Full Service Scheduled, T2 Leisure, T3 LoCo. In theory this is a good move, however it depends on some serious work on T1 and expansion of T3. Some of the T1 work is underway, but it needs the redevelopment of Piers B and C and new lounges on the old Southern Front. The T3 apron work is underway, but needs an expansion of the main terminal. EK want to be able to operate an A380 by 2010, but this needs a new Pier C. SQ want the upgraded facilities to move from T2, but won't be interested in A380 facilities.

Regarding the BG rumour of a DAC-MAN-JFK. They've now got two leased 74's a -200 and a -300. The -200 with 16J and 526Y and the -300 with 512Y seats. That'll quite nicely replace the BA service:)

[StoneyBridge Radar]

Some news of good cheer is that whilst Etihad are reducing a fair number of schedules systemwide for winter 08/09, the MAN rotation is being maintained. :ok:

Stoney

[AircraftOperations]

"Regarding the BG rumour of a DAC-MAN-JFK. They've now got two leased 74's a -200 and a -300. The -200 with 16J and 526Y and the -300 with 512Y seats. That'll quite nicely replace the BA service:)"


Jees. I can't see many people with any knowledge of aircraft type and cabin comfort choosing those configs to JFK over the other types currently flying there - even if it is cheaper.

If I were SLF (and not flying upfront or a SLF crew moving between the US and the UK), I would not be choosing BG. In fact, I will be speaking to our travel guys to ensure we are not booked on BG for any crew movements.

[BTNH]

This sounds not nice at all! Sounds like real cattle class config.!!!!:=

[Shyted]

And the 2 747s in question are leased from Kabo Air of Nigeria (ex Northwest machine) and a One 2 Go 747300. I think i would rather swim to New York...

Shyted

[FlyZB]

BG were a bit of a nightmare last time they operated into MAN. Regularly delayed & often cancelled because the a/c was constantly tech! Let's hope they can improve matters if they do return.

EK's move to T1 is pretty much cemented, as work is due to start shortly on their own Exec Lounge which will be built on the Southern Front where the Lancaster Brasserie used to occupy. Whether or not they decide to operate the A380 into MAN is another matter but facilities will be ready by 2010, work on an A380 satellite lounge at the end of B Pier is at an advanced planning stage. No other airlines will be moving over to T1 in the near future however. SQ, QR & VS have all expresed an interest because of the redevelopment but it will require some airlines moving from T1 to T2 to accomodate this. TCX are the most likely candidate and that would fit in with the idea to make T2 all Charter but so far there have been no talks between MAN and Thomas Cook regarding this. In any case lets not forget that T2 Airside is being redeveloped shortly anyway, so the airlines in question may decide to stay.

And just a quick word regarding LS. I happened to speak to the Station Manager last week and he said it was definately going to be a very quiet Winter for Jet2. At present the Summer programme is being finilised but we should expect wholesale changes. I personally think that LS are afraid of competition. Dropping AGP, MJV, FCO & FAO seems a little crazy, even during the quieter months as these destinations do attract good year round loads. Now that EZY are doing daily Malaga & ZB have a healthy MJV Winter programme, I think they've just given up without trying to compete. Seems a bit premature though, especially as they've had the monopoly on Murcia up until this Summer & still have the monopoly to Rome.

[Going loco]

Jet2 have lost considerable amounts of money trying to develop the MAN base over the last few years. I'd wager that anyone spouting off that they should be prepared to put even more money at stake over what will be a hugely challenging winter for discrentionary air travel, wouldn't be so reckless with their own money. For next summer, the schedule is on sale already and doesn't show anything remotely resembling wholesale changes.

[MUFC_fan]

Has anybody heard about Wizzair supposidly coming to MAN and ditching LPL?

[eggc]

No, but that would not be good news for LPL and Peel, although in tough times you can understand why carriers are retreating back to the larger airports, with their large established customer bases. Tough on LPL though, more so if EZY/RYR send more MAN's way.

[aeulad]

Apologies if already reported, Turkish are further increasing capacity on their Istanbul route this coming winter.

TK 1994 Dep 1130 1234_67 A321
TK 1996 Dep 1505 1_3_5_7 B738

Regards

Mike

[virgin_cc_wannabe]

Turkish are already 10x weekly.

On another note, etihad are switching to a B777-300 soon. I know its on the november booking engine, but not sure when the switch happens.
Taken from etihad website

[One Sixty until 4.]

It would be extremely interesting to see if this is true. Since the contraction of Centralwings who replaced mainline LOT, MAN has no direct Polish route.

Perhaps Wizz will win the race to be the first operator back at MAN. I understand MAN courted all the usual suspects to restore the link, maybe there has been some shrewd negotiating to agree mutually attractive landing & handling fees? Cost generally wins over a convenient departure airport from the customer's point of origin. it would take a major change to prompt the flight away from LPL.

[MidnightMoonlight]

iv heard there will be a 3rd daily service for EK!!

[aeulad]

I never said the frequency was being increased, I said the capacity is being increased from

5x321
5x738

to

6x321
4x738

while only a small increase, is a step in the right direction.

RTFQ

Regards

Mike

[OltonPete]

Etihad

Quite an increase from the 330 to the 77W but pax figures have been going through the roof. I would have thought there would have been
much whooping with joy on this thread about this increase.

All dates I checked this winter are showing as the 77W.

Jet2

Now the bad news, I know it has been mentioned in previous posts
but I am shocked at the lack of winter flights. Have I checked correctly that there are no Monday or Wednesday flights except for Christmas,
New Year and February?

Three aircraft based at most per the timetable, again is this right?
I suppose with profits of £300000 before the downturn something
had to be done. They have an aircraft spare tomorrow as well as
they are taking Villa out to Iceland. Do they have any aircraft
with downtime at MAN in the summer months but I suppose it is
another way of keeping the money coming in.

Emirates

Tim Clark was quoted today (forget the rag) that if oil goes down to
$105 then new routes such as AMS, KBP, BCN, EZE, ALG and DUR will
be considered but it did not go into increasing capacity on existing
routes. Is their a source to this rumour of a third daily?

Pete

[Nedstar]

Re EK at MAN...

Plane Mad - Manchester forum > Discussion: Emirates News (http://www.plane-mad.com/view-topic.php?topic=1426)

[MUFC_fan]

If I am not mistaken, this will make EY the only airline offering real F seats on a scheduled basis?

Please correct me if I am wrong.

[Mr A Tis]

Please correct me if I am wrong
but I think Saudi offer "F" on their scheduled service to Jeddah

[Fuel Boy]

Does anybody know when the winter schedule is to be released??

As I can't get anything past the 26th of October on AMOSS.

Many thanks

Fuel Boy

[1station]

Fuel Boy

I believe slot handback for the Winter is this Friday so Amoss (Chroma Fusion) should be updated soon after. Hope this helps :ok:

[virgin_cc_wannabe]

can us mere mortals have access to amoss, and if so, where?

[MUFC_fan]

I have just checked my emails and BMIBaby have changed their flights schedule to BCN!

Although they have only moved by a few hours, they no longer suit my plans - am I in a position to ask for my money back?

Cheers.

[Danny_R]

Yes you are, as they have changed the conditions of the contract without your permission per say and therefore you are able to cancel it. Just ring them up and explain you booked those flights for the fact the times suited you, the new times do not and so you'd like a refund.

[TSR2]

All tickets are non-refundable.

However, if after you purchase the ticket the airline makes a significant change to the scheduled flight time that is not acceptable to you, the airline should offer an alternative flight that is acceptable to you, or provide a full refund.

The problem you may have is proving that the revised flight time is a SIGNIFICANT change as there is no definition of 'significant change' in the Terms and Conditions.

[MUFC_fan]

I need to be somewhere by 2100Z and the flight arrives 1925Z opposed to mid-afternoon.

The place I need to be is in Barcelona but I have to go to the hotel THEN get there in less than 1h 30 mins!

[Code 100]

What's the story behind the Lufty A340 diversion this morning (Charlotte?).

Was it a medical, fuel or other problem?

If mechanical, did it miss the school and hospital that the M.E.N. will undoubtedly report as 'Disaster averted' headline later.

[Ian Brooks]

Mechanical I would think as it departed with undercarriage still down as seen climbing through approx 10,000 ft , I would have thought even with hot brakes it would not have left it down for that long

Nice to see an A340 600 in MAN as they look so impressive

Ian

[Code 100]

Thanks, Ian.

Must have been a good sight. Hopefully find some photos later.

[PPRuNe Pop]

Time to start a new thread. This one now closed.

It must be titled thus MANCHESTER - 6

AA&R Mods