BELFAST AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL

[Mlinnie]

Maybe Jet2 could drop Leeds and replace it with a say a 2 daily East Midlands ??

[LBIA]

I think you'll find that the Leeds/Bradford - Belfast Int'l service is always the last route to be added to the schedule and be put on sale by Jet2.

Saying that i wonder if its under review or maybe been dropped due to the falling pax figures and with flybe adding a 4th daily flight to City wont have help matters.

[GAZMO]

Just looking at the available flights to the London area for tomorrow, first flights

EZY to LGW...fully booked
EZY to SEN...fully booked
EZY to STN...fully booked
EZY to LTN...£110

EI to LGW...£104
BE to LGW...£81

Even the later AM flight EZY appear to be getting better yield to LGW

Can this be interpreted as EZY doing well

[BFS BHD]

LS 310 from Lanzarote was suppose to land at 21:10 tonight but is now got a BIG delay and is expecting tomorrow EVENING at 18:20!!

[GAZMO]

Must be major tech problem? Probably have to fly engineer out or send replacement aircraft

[BCALBOY]

Severe weather conditions in Ace, Jet2 have 6 flts diverted to other Canary Islands ,nightstopping mostly Tfs or Lpa ,operating to Ace tomorrow and then back to Uk.Presume other operators affected similarly.

[BFS BHD]

Cheers for that BCALBOY :ok:

[BFS BHD]

Summer Based aircrafts:

EZY - 6x A319-111's (No A320s based this year :()
LS - 2x B737-377
TOM - 1x B737-800
TCX - 1x A321-212 (A320-214 will be based from time to time instead of A321!)

Other visitors at Airport:
Aegean Airlines- A320
Air Europa- B737-8
SATA International- A320
Small Planet Airlines- A320 or B737-3
United Airlines- B757-200 (Daily)

Any others please feel free to post them!

Cheers :ok::ok:

[BFS BHD]

Was reading a other aviation website and came along that easyJet will be adding a new route or two to the summer times. They say the it will be in Spain. Also saying that there will be a 7 based instead of a 6 based this summer! A319s and A320s!

Will be good if this happens!!

BFS BHD

[GAZMO]

Which other website is your source?

[BFS BHD]

Airlines for BFS summer 2013 (http://www.niaviation.co.uk/index.php?topic=8523.msg35413;topicseen#new)


Thats where someone as said about it :) They say they are EZY cabin crew at BFS :eek:

[GAZMO]

Thanks BHD BFS

We will just have to wait and see. Hopefully good news

[BFS BHD]

No problem hopefully will happen :)

[BFS BHD]

Not if they start the route in June or July. :=

[Mlinnie]

Maybe it could be routes to the Canaries ?

[GAZMO]

If anything probably a few sunshine routes for July and August and then maybe switch to European cities

[BFS BHD]

Liverpool- 447 571+6
Gatwick- 354 324 +3
Stansted- 311 074 -13
Glasgow- 266 987 +8
Edinburgh- 237 242 -
Luton- 232 310 +59
Bristol- 217 182 +21
Newcastle- 193 123 +7
Manchester- 149 344 +599
Southend- 95 480 ...
Total:
4 313 685 up 5%


Someone else can do International routes etc :ok:

[EI-BUD]

Hi All,

Total Passengers (International) BFS 2012 = 1,510,003

Variation on 2011 BFS = -3.3%


Charter Traffic down YoY to 360,966 from 404,182 = -11.97%
Scheduled Traffic down YoY to 1,149,037 from 1,156,152 = -0.62% (7115)

Total Passengers (International) BHD 2012= 73,294

Variation on 2011 BHD = +36.45%


Charter Traffic down YoY to 13153 from 17393 = -32.24%
Scheduled Traffic up YoY to 60164 from 29259 = 51.35%


Overall, total Belfast International Traffic (both airports) down 23,689 passengers. Equivalent to 151 fully loaded 156 seater Airbus 319s!!!

[GAZMO]

Thanks EI BUD for these stats

Probably emphasises the need for just one belfast airport , especially after news of the 500,000 pax who go to Dublin !!

[bongoo]

Aye, coz that will stop them right enough......:zzz:

[EI-BUD]

Probably emphasises the need for just one belfast airport , especially after news of the 500,000 pax who go to Dublin !!


Gazmo,
While I would be a firm supporter of one airport for Belfast, I am not going to even go there as regards which one as some get far to emotional about it and the thread becomes boring.!

However, in terms of related to pax going to Dublin, I think we need to be realistic, there is a whole host of destinations that we simply dont have and Dublin does, and hence it is not just about being competitive its about the range of destinations, and again we have a small local population, a much smaller inbound tourism than DUB has. So we need to keep focusing on sustainable routes and not get too hung up on trying to capture that people going down to Dublin.

In addition, I referred to before, at least a quarter of the NI population (and equally all people in the border counties, Donegal, Cavan, Louth etc. find Belfast a suitable alternative to Dublin, whats the stats for them going to Belfast?) will find DUB more convenient or just as convenient as Belfast. Hence we again need to be realistic about what we can capture of that 500,000 people.

The international traffic stats dont make for awful reading, in a period of recession, year on year, we had a total decline from Belfast Airport on these routes of almost 24k people, that about 3%. Dublin in % terms not far away from that, so much for the 500k pax that are attracting. So that would suggest to me it is not a new phenonomen its always been on that scale, and if anything over the last decade we have been developing more scheduled routes and hence can provide better offer to the customer.

EI-BUD

[AIRPORT66]

Before the recession hit the numbers of people flying from Dublin was much higher it was 1.6 million at one time and six hundred thousand of those was flying to America the data was given to Bfs when Aerlingus came to belfast.

[ILS25]

So yet another positive announcement from BHD in the form of KLM.

What are BFS management doing up there ? :bored:
Have they all retired or something ?

Answers on a postcard please.

[GAZMO]

Have to agree. Are they waiting on a golden handshake before retirement?

BHD have had FR, WW, EI and now KLM. BFS have had...................?

OK LS has jumped on the canaries route and also Salzburg, but what is needed are new airlines

On the AMS route, is it going to be similar to WW in that EZY will increase frequency? How many pax will actually transfer? Will BA and EI on LHR be losing connecting pax?

Personally I would rather see NEW routes rather than duplicated ones

[True Blue]

Surprised there has been no comments re the Feb Caa stats out today.

TB

[BFS BHD]

Seems to be good at BFS, BHD seems to have had a drop in numbers on few routes. And a a few drops in passengers in the international routes from BFS!

[EI-BUD]

Hey True Blue,

Probably no commentary as they were not published!!!


On the AMS route, is it going to be similar to WW in that EZY will increase
frequency? How many pax will actually transfer? Will BA and EI on LHR be losing
connecting pax?


Gazmo,

I can't see easyJet going more than the current frequency with daily plus extra rotation on Mon and Fri.

KLM usually have v competitive fares on long haul and they will compete for their share of the transfer pax that easyJet cannot catch by increasing frequency. If KL can get the schedule right along the lines of what I have said before

night stop Sun-Thur to offer Mon-Fri business flight BHD AMS,
flights back (AMS BFS) on sun- fri, with the fri evening from AMS going straight back out (being attractive to leisure passenger)
An additional flight on Sun from AMS to BHD and then straight back, so in effect 2 Sunday AMS BHD p.m.
Good solution for Belfast based business travellers and long haul traffic connecting.
Based on say a 190, I cannot seeing the size of the leisure market being a huge target for KL but with the right schedule they should be able to hold there own.


This could be a valuable relationship for BHD, with linkages to Transavia, could they at some point be lured to Belfast for a sun route or 2? Seems quite unlikely, though we saw over the last 2 years with EI and WW, the seer lack of a 'right fit' airline for BHD to Europe routes.

Outside of EI there are not a lot of options, from where I can see!

EI-BUD

[True Blue]

Well I have to say the stats are much better for Bfs than Bhd. Bfs down 0.10% after the loss of EI, BHD still down 2.7% even after the gain of EI. Ezy holds its own on Lgw, there is about 28k extra seats to Lgw from Bhd, but only about 12k extra pax. Strong possibility that both carriers there now losing money on the route. Combined pax numbers to Lhr down about 4500 pax against the totals from the 2 airports last year. From that you might deduce that not all who would have used Lhr from Bfs have transferred to Bhd. Result, lower load factors. I would be surprised if any of the carriers out of Bhd to London are making money. But I keep forgetting, fares are higher out of Bhd because over 60% of pax prefer to use that airport. Silly me.

TB

[EI-BUD]

True blue,
I stand corrected the stats were published!

EI-BUD

[GAZMO]

Looking at the BFS annoucement on their Web that BFS had 7.5% increase in last three years and

"We expect current growth trends to continue throughout 2013. We will continue to work closely with local government departments to promote the business case for these vital links in our discussions with existing and potential airline partners.”

Can anybody see where the increase is coming from?

[BFS BHD]

That would be about correct :confused:

2011- 4,016,170
2012- 4,103,620
2013- 4,532,086

Unless im wrong :confused:

I also see they say ''Our key targets remain securing services to Canada and Asia, as well as key additional routes into mainland Europe, all pivotal for economic and social development in Northern Ireland.''

But they seem to of said this for the past year or so, :\ So who knows. :sad:

[BFS101]

BIAL One of Best Performing Airports in UK
Belfast International Airport was the second best performing airport in the United Kingdom during 2012, according to new passenger figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The airport chalked up a five per cent passenger increase – 215,000 in real terms – during the year, pipped only by Aberdeen (eight per cent), but ahead of Manchester with a 4.5 per cent increase. The list of the UK’s top 20 commercial airports also shows Belfast International beating Glasgow and Birmingham during a period of unremitting economic challenges. Belfast International’s growth – still one million down from the peak of 2008 – would have been even greater if it wasn’t for a "Dublin Airport offensive into the Northern Ireland market, accounting for over one million lost passenger journeys through local airports," says BIAL.
BIAL's Business Development Director Uel Hoey, said: "Despite challenging conditions in the aviation sector and the wider economy, Belfast International Airport has demonstrated strong growth, in excess of 7.5 per cent over the last three years.
"Our key targets remain securing services to Canada and Asia, as well as key additional routes into mainland Europe, all pivotal for economic and social development in Northern Ireland. We expect current growth trends to continue throughout 2013."
From NI Travel News Eshot

[j636]

Summer Based aircrafts:

EZY - 6x A319-111's (No A320s based this year http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/sowee.gif)

EZY will have an A320 at Belfast.

[BFS BHD]

Where you here that from :ooh:

[j636]

There won't be a press release, it will be for the peak summer period same as last summer. Any EZY crew will confirm it.

[BFS BHD]

Thanks for that mate :O

[EI-BUD]

Apart from based A320, we are getting lots of visits from other bases of A320! Within 2hours this evening there were 2 in and out, one left just ahead of my flight to ALC.

There was BMI regional embraer on stand beside my flight ref ending bn, anybody know what that visit was for.?

Ei-bud

[GAZMO]

Has the UA flight departed?
Still on the departure board

[BCALBOY]

UA website showing flight as cancelled several hours ago!

[TSR2]

EWR arrivals board has the flight as cancelled.

[BFS BHD]

A320 inbound from Luton now :) G-EZTD (http://www.flightradar24.com/data/airplanes/g-eztd)

[BFS BHD]

Would BMI Regional ever think about starting up at BFS anytime soon? Or maybe cityjet or someing?

[BHD2BFS]

I think these airlines would prefer BHD as they target business travellers, a BMIR flight from BHD to BRS could be a possibility?

I sometimes wonder if the lack of new airlines at BFS is down to the dated terminal with lack of facilities i.e. a good business lounge for international business travellers and general grubby apperance. Or is it down to possibly high fees?
I am surprised United have not complained about the condition of the international pier and demanded BFS management to do something about it even if it means only sprucing up the area around gate 22

[BFS BHD]

There is only so much room at BHD and remember the cap on the number of passengers at BHD only so many people aloud a year! Some airlines will need to start at BFS if they want to start at Northern Ireland :)


Anyone know why a Bingo Airways A320 is due into BFS this evening?

cheers

[yeo valley]

its in from mecca lol.
sorry could not resist saying this.

[BFS BHD]

Seaking at BFS to help with people who are stuck in the snow!

[GAZMO]

EZY flight in from Milan at 0.45 am. Anybody know anything about this?

[BFS BHD]

Empty flight must be a tec aircraft at BFS and this is the only one thats free. :ok:

[BFS BHD]

Think it may be the 6th aircraft arriving for the summer. But not sure. Maybe someone else on here knows?

Sames to be 6 departs for EZY tomorrow morning:

EZY254 London Stansted 06:15
EZY832 London Gatwick 06:35
EZY182 London Luton 07:00
EZY130 Manchester 07:05
EZY193 Birmingham 07:10
EZY6793 Faro 08:35

:confused:

[BFS BHD]

Thanks for that thought it was it but wasn't sure :p

[Straightahead]

Bingo Airways reg SP ACK brought in the Israel football team

[mart901]

Nice to see 6th a/c arrive. Is that the normal amount? Whats the mix of 319/320 now?

[BFS BHD]

6x A319s for now then 1 A320 will replace one of the A319s for june/ july and august :)

[GAZMO]

Anybody know why UA95 cancelled today?

[ILS25]

Went tech with a door problem as far as i'm aware.

[BFS BHD]

I see easyJet are putting Winter 2013/14 up for sale tomorrow....Wonder will there be any extra flights or new routes? Will be keeping an eye on easyJet, BFS and news website tomorrow just in cease. ;)

[GAZMO]

Fingers crossed, but I doubt it as there probably would have been leaks on some website or other

[GAZMO]

No new aircraft for winter period, although BHX goes up to three daily on selected days +2 and Geneva down 2 Looked at February 2014

In Brief (max flights daily / weekly)
AMS daily
ALC 3 weekly
BHX 3 daily
BCN 2 weekly
BRS 3 daily
EDI 4 daily
GLA 4 daily
FAO 3 weekly
GVA 6 weekly
KRA 3 weekly
LPL 6 daily
MAN 3 daily
LGW 5 daily
LTN 3 daily
STN 4 daily
SEN daily
AGP 4 weekly
Malta 2 weekly
NCL 3 daily
CDG daily

[GAZMO]

Quote from Manchester eveing News MEN re EZY

"About 200 jobs will be added in 2014 following recent news of 330 permanent positions for pilots this year.
The new posts will be offered across all 11 of easyJet's UK bases - Manchester, Gatwick, Southend, Luton, Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast - and across easyJet's European sites..

200 across Europe!!!!!!!!!!

[BFS BHD]

Jet2 are to base a Boeing 737-800 in Lanzarote from November. They will operate two flights to BFS and the rest to Blackpool, Glasgow & Manchester.

Monday = EXS310 - ACE 09:00 BFS 13:30 / EXS309 - BFS 14:30 ACE 19:00
Tuesday = EXS168 - ACE 09:00 GLA 13:40 / EXS167 - GLA 14:30 ACE 19:00
Thursday = EXS168 - ACE 09:00 GLA 13:40 / EXS167 - GLA 14:30 ACE 19:00
Friday = EXS310 - ACE 09:00 BFS 13:30 / EXS309 - BFS 14:30 ACE 19:00
Saturday = EXS892 - ACE 09:00 MAN 13:20 / EXS891 - MAN 14:30 ACE 19:00
Sunday = EXS708 - ACE 09:00 BLK 13:20 / EXS707 - BLK 14:30 ACE 19:00


Wonder will anything replace the flights that was used by BFS aircraft :eek:

[GAZMO]

One can always keep fingers crossed, maybe Gran Canaria, but would be great to see some European cities

[Another_Dude]

Good News! No more tec stops in Faro

[BFS BHD]

Anyone know what the loads where like on the first flights of the year to Blackpool Airport and Palma Airport for Jet2 at BFS?

Cheers :)

[AIRPORT66]

The first jet2 flight to Palma had 142 pax on it.

[BFS BHD]

Thats for that! :ok:

[BFS BHD]

Does Anyone know what airline will be doing the SFB flights from BFS this year? And also has anyone got the dates on when they will be operating them.

Cheers BFS BHD :)

[BFS101]

Thomas Cook Holidays offer a one-off 14 night departure to Sanford on 5 July for peak twelfth fortnight period, using TCX.

[BFS BHD]

Cheers for that BFS101! :ok:


Still no new airlines or routes at BFS :rolleyes: Will we ever see anything at the airport! :ugh:

[ILS25]

Doubt it. Too busy with the runway works, 50th anniversary celebrations and preperations for the G8.

With the sale of Cardiff now agreed, I wonder will Abertis offload the rest of their airport portfolio ?

[SecondDog]

With the sale of Cardiff now agreed, I wonder will Abertis offload the rest of their airport portfolio ?

If they can get someone in who will invest a bit more or at least bring in a decent business development strategy, lets hope so....

[BFS BHD]

BIG gap tomorrow at the airport:

EZY6756 Malaga 15:35
TCX8013 Tenerife 19:15

How can the airport go on with this, they must be losing money :eek:

[SecondDog]

BIG gap tomorrow at the airport:

EZY6756 Malaga 15:35
TCX8013 Tenerife 19:15

How can the airport go on with this, they must be losing money http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/eek.gif

Thats part of the problem, I don't think they are (they seem to be just trying to ride out the recession/depression)

Like I said earlier, a different style of Business Development strategy is required to flesh out the gaps. (I don't think the Harbour has it right either mind you but somewhere in between would be nice!)

The only winners at the moment are the Airlines. I think they've rarely been in a better bargaining position to deploy their aircraft.

[GAZMO]

ENT600 arriving from LGW....anybody know about this flight?

[VickersVicount]

positioner for a one of charter ?

[BFS BHD]

Ulster rugby team coming back. Also jet2 and flybe are doing flights for the fans into BFS :)

[BFS BHD]

May put this on here as well.

Jet2.com senior management have taken the difficult
decision to cease operations at Belfast International Airport from midnight
Sunday 7th April 2013. This is due to increased safety concerns during current
runway maintenance programme.

Our domestic flights operating on Monday
8th April between Belfast International and Leeds Bradford will now operate to
and from Belfast City Airport. All customers travelling on these affected
flights will be provided with coach transportation. We will make a further
announcement tomorrow regarding our international flights operating later this
week.


Status (http://www.jet2.com/new/status)

[ILS25]

It just keep getting better at BFS. Well done :D

[Torque2]

And you have to ask why, if there is a problem, Easyjet,TCX etc haven't raised the question. And why just the LBA flights.

[BFS101]

More details re LS from the Belfast Telegraph report

Jet2 suspends flights at Belfast - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/jet2-suspends-flights-at-belfast-29181475.html)

[GAZMO]

During this down-time, one Jet2 aircraft has been reported as exhibiting engine-related problems on three occasions. No other airline, nor indeed any other Jet2 aircraft or aircraft of this type, has reported any similar issue. A full investigation is underway to assess what actually occurred. At this stage, there is no conclusive evidence connecting these reported problems with the runway maintenance at Belfast International Airport. Despite this, and indeed the implementation of additional precautionary measures by the airport in the meantime, the airline has decided to withdraw all flights.

Interesting reading.....Is it just one aircraft?, no issue with EZY or TCX?

Is it an excuse to move to BHD? Are the LS 737 too old?

Maybe someone at BFS can enlighten, but not good day for the management at BFS......again

[larry the man]

Altogether strange indeed.

Everything else operating perfectly fine at BFS.

Reports circulating of some very heavy braking and unusually extensive use of reverse thrust on the jet2 landings which have flagged up problems.

Anyhow - looks like it was a fine idea to ship their passengers off to BHD.
Leeds due out at 8.30 this morning. Aircraft tech and still on the ground - so no better luck with a change of venue!

mmmm??? :hmm:

[True Blue]

I had family friends flying LS to Salzberg on the 30th March. The flight was delayed over 5 hours. I believe a replacement aircraft was brought in. When they boarded, they were told at that stage the reason for the delay was that the first aircraft had stones in the engines.

TB

[EI-BUD]

So LS are sub leasing in aircraft a plenty at other airports, so if the BFS routes are cancelled due to safety concerns, they could relocate the stricken fleet to other bases?

I assume the freight flying programme is not operating between BFS and EMA each night this week too, due to their safety concerns?

Is the second runway not fully serviceable for them to use instead? It has not had maintenance done??

[GAZMO]

Flew into BFS last night......smooth touchdown and roll out down runway.

Suggestion of heavy braking by larry the man. If this was the case then I dread to think about the braking at BHD!!!

[ILS25]

Runway 25 was fully open last night. Other nights 25 was operating with reduced distances. I don't know what times the affected aircraft landed but it may explain the heavy braking and extensive reverse thrust if it was landing during the times the runway was shortened.

[EGAC is Better]

This whole Jet2 thing is intriguing but regardless of who is right or wrong, it is a public embarrassment for BFS. I presume BFS management were aware of LS's concerns? It would be rather strange to go public on the issue without giving BFS reasonable chance to fix it beforehand.

Supposing the issue is 'stones in the engines' and not wanting to flame an Airbus vs Boeing war......EZY & TCX use A32x at BFS which have a higher ground clearance at the engine pod. Could it be the combination of 737 engine pod being lower to the ground and possible higher than normal amount of stones around the runway/aprons/taxiways due to ongoing resurfacing has caused instances of ingested stones?

Anyway, if there are safety concerns the right thing to do is investigate. If the consequence is sending PAX to a different airport rather than cancelling their flights, so be it.

AC

[Torque2]

The reduced landing distance brings the runway down close to the same length as BHD so no major improvement there.

Only the LBA flights have been changed at the moment, if it was a major concern surely J2 should have ceased/moved operations entirely and promptly. perhaps they've done the figures and confirmed they need a runway longer than BHD to operate the network?

17/35 is closed at certain times when WIP is close to the intersection, 07 is also closed at those times but 25 is open with reduced distances (1770m TORA + LDA) (2080 ASDA) see notam's.

If J2 dont like the situation they only have the option of cancelling the longer routes or refuelling en-route if they choose to operate entirely from BHD. Expensive, especially if no other operator has a problem.

[LBIA]

Tomorrow's Jet2 Belfast Int'l - Tenerife (LS381) service is been operated from City of Derry airport while domestic flights between Belfast and Leeds will continue to operate from Belfast City Airport.

[richardnei]

Looks like Tuesday's LS BFS/TFS is now operating from LDY according to the Jet2 website.

Also heard from the airport that the mail flights are cancelled aswell as the passenger services.

[Skipness One Echo]

If it's FOD ingestion, stones etc, the B733 nacelles are uniquely close to the ground. That's why they need to be oval and why TCX et al are not being affected.

[Straightahead]

The aircraft in question is GGDFL B737-3 fitted with winglets.Strange how Jet2 have been operating B737 at BFS for a good number of years.Is there an underlying problem with this type of machine with winglets? As for the Royal Mail operation , this will be operated by Atlantic Airlines with 1 ATP and 1 ATR.If im not mistaken many years ago when British Midland moved to BHD the A321 suffered much damage due stones and increased reversed thrust.

[EI-A330-300]

And the fact that boeing jets require more runsway than airbus. Clearly managment at Belfast don't see to fussed as if they were serous they would have Jet 2 back tomorrow. THe airport has a very bright future in there hands!

Just how does this happen when every other airport can carry out resurfacing and not cause a carrier to swtich airports over it. Expect BFS or runway contracotor will pick up the bill for reparis to the aircraft?

[NWSRG]

Clearly managment at Belfast don't see to fussed as if they were serous they would have Jet 2 back tomorrow. THe airport has a very bright future in there hands!

Good to see the armchair experts out in force! ;)

Presumably the management at BFS have absolutely no idea how to run an airport, or manage a runway resurfacing! Although, contrary to the expert opinion on here, the CAA seem to think the BFS operation is fully compliant with all relevant standards. Now, who would know better?

[EI-A330-300]

As you know it all would you tell us what additional measures were put in place to try and keep LS from moving?

Stones don't fly so for the airport to say it may not be runway works related is bull. The fact is it happened at BFS.

[NWSRG]

Calm down now...

The CAA, the regulating authority, have found no issue with the runway. No other airline has encountered any issue. And as for Jet2, only one of their aircraft has suffered an issue. So the common thread here is NOT the runway.

This would seem to be an over-reaction by Jet2...to publicly question the safety of the runway at Aldergrove is not the way to do business.

[EI-A330-300]

Are you suggesting that this move by Jet2 is to do with business over safety.

[tigger2k8]

Only having issues with one aircraft and not any other seems a bit strange and premature... Regardless safety comes first... But you would have thought another airline would report issues.. Although all it takes is one stone.. Could even have been dislodged due to a previous aircraft using bravo when landing 25, as they have been doing so during works..

Time will tell

[NWSRG]

Are you suggesting that this move by Jet2 is to do with business over safety.

Not at all...simply stating that questioning the safety of an airfield which the regulating authority has stated is safe seems to be setting yourself up for a fall...

[flybar]

Not at all...simply stating that questioning the safety of an airfield which the regulating authority has stated is safe seems to be setting yourself up for a fall...


Don't think that Jet2 are going to fall anytime soon! Strikes me that the airport are being very complacent. How many more aircraft have to suck in stones before action is taken. Can't imagine that the man from the CAA has been there every day to inspect!!

[SecondDog]

I believe that on the first two incidents with the aircraft, there were no runway length restrictions as the resurfacing hasn't been taking place now since end of March (wind/snow/low temps etc) so how they managed to suck in stones from the debris caused by the works (that weren't ongoing at the time) is a real mystery.

Third time it landed with reduced distances runway 25 so the runway works (which are at the rwy intersection) were not a factor as the aircraft does not pass the works area.

Stones don't fly so for the airport to say it may not be runway works related is bull. The fact is it happened at BFS.

Well they haven't been able to prove it yet, your statement is just your assumption (as I outlined above, I'm struggling to see how the works impact the situation at all?)

If some of the guys who are fixing the engines aren't entirely certain, I think it best to let the investigation run its course.

As you know it all would you tell us what additional measures were put in place to try and keep LS from moving?

Well, there it seems there was a considerable effort made to accomodate Jet2 in their investigations, including taking them out onto the runway to see for themselves, also I saw the airport sweeping and inspecting the runway several times during the last couple of days. Then we even had to tow the aircraft to/from the runway holding points for all arriving/departing Jet2 flights (despite some of their own Engineers saying it wasn't necessary)

All in all I think the airport has tried to reassure Jet2 about the continued safety of the aerodrome. I, for one, AM cynical enough to suspect an ulterior motive.

Jet2 top brass were in meetings today so I suspect we will find out soon enough

[BHD2BFS]

i must admit i do think there is something fishing go on,
am i right in thinking that LS are leasing A320's for S2013? would this allow them to fly their network from BHD
however if they were going to move, i think this is the wrong time to be doing it as summer is approaching and many holiday makers will have arrangements made reg car parking etc
it may just be Jet2 up to their work and show BFS management that they can as quickly as other airlines and flee to BHD and are looking to cut a better deal with BFS
im sure all will be in press pretty soon though

[mart901]

Jet2 may be playing the game and have ulterior motives but its likely to be a storm in a teacup, they have stated these are temporary measures and will be in place until they are sure of safety. People tend to jump to conclusions. After all the runway works will end in time and therefore cannot be used as a reason for moving bases, unless they drag on for too long in their opinion.

[rudolf]

How could Jet2 move? The freight can't operate from the City.

[vectisman]

Interesting that Flybe seem to be doing well on the Belfast City to Leeds route recently adding a 4th daily rotation. I am sure that has nothing to do with the recent Jet2 decision to temporarily move their Leeds route to BHD.
I think I need a break, as I do not want to become as cynical as some on here!!!

V.

[sarcon]

Rudolf
You are correct that the Royal Mail contract can't be operated from the city, but with the announcement as to who won the contract due within the next 10 days or so that might not be an issue for Jet 2!

[Belboy]

CoD will be delighted with Jet2 operating from their airport. Will the service be direct or will it require a fuel stop, I know Aer Lingus often did on the way back, althought they used the Airbus?
Everyone needs to be cautious about what they are saying regarding the Jet2/Aldergrove situation in case this ends up in a court.

[SecondDog]

You are correct that the Royal Mail contract can't be operated from the city, but with the announcement as to who won the contract due within the next 10 days or so that might not be an issue for Jet 2!

That is the rumour that is doing the rounds but doesn't the current contract run until Autumn 2014?

[Mlinnie]

How could they move to BHD ? Is there even any room left there ?

[eastern wiseguy]

Everyone needs to be cautious about what they are saying regarding the Jet2/Aldergrove situation in case this ends up in a court.

Wise words BELBOY......

[GAZMO]

Flights starting back tomorrow from BFS. Using the North South runway

[AirGuru]

Update re; Flights scheduled to operate from Belfast International from Wednesday 10th April 2013

Following our decision to temporarily suspend operations at Belfast International Airport, due to safety concerns during the current maintenance programme on the main runway, we have today come to an agreement with the airport that we will now operate all our flights using the alternative North/South runway. This will take effect from Wednesday 10th April, until further notice. This decision follows close consultation with the airport and a detailed safety assessment conducted today. All our customers due to travel from Belfast International this week should go to the airport as normal.

We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this has caused however the safety of our customers is of paramount importance and we will not operate from Belfast International Airport’s main runway until the resurfacing has finished.

Such a simple solution, was it not ?

[GAZMO]

Have to agree a simple solution. Can the canaries flights reach their destination using the shorter runway?

[BFS101]

Weather permitting, when is the runway resurfacing work due to be completed??

[BFS BHD]

Last week Jet2 had 3 based aircrafts one Holiday scheme one (not the broken one), a Jet.com scheme and a Jet2 with a green tail scheme. One on stand 27, 28 & 29.

Broke one is on stand 11 on the east apron.

[AirGuru]

A 62m difference in favour of BFS's runway, maybe just maybe with a push. No mention of anything other than ops from BFS on the Jet2 website so im assuming after a day of discussions they have worked out it is actually suitable. Another Abertis run airport, another catastrophe.

Just to put things into perspective, as petty as it may sound they are such a poorly run outfit (Abertis) that CWL's terminal exterior had not been cleaned since 2007, over 6 years ! The government bought the airport and within what i made 2 hours of the announcement, the cleaners were brought in and made it look brand new. How hard and costly was that ey ?

Im actually glad to hear that Abertis are to sell the majority of their airports division, with what iv seen firsthand at CWL and heard from their other airports, its just a shambolic toll road company that tried their hand at airports and by large failed. Even the FM of Wales ran them down.

[BFS BHD]

May/June time may be later now after the 3 weeks of bad weather.

[ematom1]

G-CELY went tech at East Midlands Thursday and Friday night on the cargo run from Belfast G-CELX had to position in both nights to operate the flights

[AIRPORT66]

Last year we all know jet2 asked the Bfs management for a reduction on charges so they could bring in knew business do you think that could have been discussed again in the past 2 days.

[LBIA]

Last week Jet2 had 3 based aircrafts one Holiday scheme one (not the broken one), a Jet.com scheme and a Jet2 with a green tail scheme. One on stand 27, 28 & 29.

Broke one is on stand 11 on the east apron.

The red tailed Boeing 737-300QC, G-CELY positioned into Leeds on Saturday afternoon and has re-entered service this evening after having some maintenance done to it. The green tailed Boeing 737-300F, G-CELW was positioned over to Exeter yesterday evening while the Jet2holidays livered Boeing 737-300WL, G-GDFL remains parked up at Belfast Int'l and has been withdrawn from service.

Looks like Jet2 will resume normal service from Belfast Int'l tomorrow.

Status (http://www.jet2.com/new/status)

Update re; Flights scheduled to operate from Belfast International from Wednesday 10th April 2013

Following our decision to temporarily suspend operations at Belfast International Airport, due to safety concerns during the current maintenance programme on the main runway, we have today come to an agreement with the airport that we will now operate all our flights using the alternative North/South runway. This will take effect from Wednesday 10th April, until further notice. This decision follows close consultation with the airport and a detailed safety assessment conducted today. All our customers due to travel from Belfast International this week should go to the airport as normal.

We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this has caused however the safety of our customers is of paramount importance and we will not operate from Belfast International Airport’s main runway until the resurfacing has finished.

[BFS BHD]

Anyone know there the white Jet2 has went to havent seen it at BFS for a few weeks?

[LBIA]

Anyone know there the white Jet2 has went to havent seen it at BFS for a few weeks?

Yep sure do, G-GDFE positioned Leeds to Budpaest on March 31st for a C-check.

[BFS BHD]

How long do C-checks last?

[BFS BHD]

Anyone know the loads for SEN from BFS? Are they on the up yet or still not good?

Not many Departures tonight again:

EZY258 London Stansted 16:50 CHECK IN
EZY138 Manchester 20:15
EZY487 Edinburgh 21:20
EZY614 Liverpool 21:20

:ugh::ugh:

Is this what its going to be like in July and August :{

[FRatSTN]

As far as I know, Departures for Saturdays in August from BFS are:

TOM1616 05:40 Palma de Mallorca
TCX8274 06:00 Palma de Mallorca
EZY254 06:15 London-Stansted
EZY6703 06:35 Alicante
EZY6793 06:40 Faro
EZY193 07:00 Birmingham
LS361 07:00 Palma de Mallorca
LS305 07:10 Faro
EZY548 07:15 Newcastle
EZY600 07:25 Liverpool
EZY463 08:05 Glasgow-International
EZY481 08:15 Edinburgh
EZY602 08:15 Liverpool
EZY6755 08:25 Malaga
EZY132 08:40 Manchester
EZY716 08:55 London-Southend
EZY444 09:05 Bristol
EZY6771 09:35 Amsterdam
EZY6711 10:00 Palma de Mallorca
EZY834 10:10 London-Gatwick
LS301 10:40 Alicante
UA076 11:10 New York-Newark
EZY184 13:25 London-Luton
EZY836 13:45 London-Gatwick
TCX8124 13:50 Gran Canaria
EZY258 13:55 London-Stansted
EZY6737 14:00 Nice
TOM1678 14:15 Gran Canaria
EZY465 14:30 Glasgow-International
EZY6731 14:30 Malta
LS339 14:30 Jersey
LS319 15:15 Pisa
LS714 15:35 Blackpool
EZY6757 16:15 Malaga
EZY6797 17:10 Faro
EZY6713 17:20 Palma de Mallorca
EZY614 18:00 Liverpool
EZY6691 20:30 Ibiza
EZY487 21:20 Edinburgh

[BFS BHD]

Sounds a bit better! :ok:

[BFS BHD]

Where do you get this info from @FRatSTN?
Cheers
BFS BHD

[KNT544]

Anyone know the loads for SEN from BFS? Are they on the up yet or still not good?
Try booking a few seats on a BFS SEN this weekend and you will see that tomorrow and Monday are full. Sunday only allows 3 seats before showing as sold out.

[BFS BHD]

Wonder why they are going 1 daily then if there getting good loads :confused:

[Jack1985]

Wonder why they are going 1 daily then if there getting good loads

Most probably yields.

[Tagron]

I understand that although some flights are full, others, especially some midweek flights, are only lightly loaded. This seems to leave the overall position that BFS has been the weakest of the SEN routes. The new daily schedule has morning rotations on Mon,Tues and Sat, evening rotations on Wed,Thurs, Fri Sun. One can only guess that EZY have decided this is the best way to improve the financial performance of the route based on their experience to date and there are opportunities to use the aircraft more profitably elsewhere from SEN.

[AIRPORT66]

The Edinburgh flight is being reduced to a daily service as well as Belfast.

[LBIA]

Looks like jet2 seem to be having problems this morning as both Belfast outbound flights are calling into Leeds for extra fuel.

EXS361 = Belfast - Leeds - Palma
EXS309 = Belfast - Leeds - Arrecife

[KNT544]

Probably because they (by their choice) are using the shorter runway in BFS.

[Husky One]

That's an operational master stroke. Travel 30 mins in the wrong direction to pick up fuel. Passengers must love it :rolleyes:

[BFS101]

Cheaper to fly from Belfast than Dublin??

Holidaymakers can save ?140 each by flying from North - Independent.ie (http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/holidaymakers-can-save-140-each-by-flying-from-north-29193449.html)

Interesting article, but only compares EI like for like, with examples of Majorca and Portugal. Is this actually lower demand across the NI sun routes, OR lower than expected demand from EI at BHD... Not to get into the whole drawn out BFS vs BHD, cos that pretty much bores us all to tears. But a genuine question. Are EI's cheaper fares to the sun a reflection of EZY, LS, and the charters departing NI as a whole, or just EI trying to get bums on seats???
Clickandgo.com said that there had been a surge in holidaymakers from the Republic booking holidays from Belfast because of lower prices.
For example, a week's holiday in Majorca departing on May 21 costs €253 per person flying from Belfast compared with €393 if you fly from Dublin.
Both of those holidays involve scheduled flights with Aer Lingus staying in the exact same apartments in Majorca.
The difference is accounted for by the lower flight price. The Belfast flight was priced at €135 per person yesterday compared with €276 for the flight from Dublin.

[GAZMO]

March stats out from caa.
Not bad on the domestic front, naturally some Spanish routes down and USA

[True Blue]

Yes, Bfs up 2.4% for the month. Bhd down 2.7% even with the arrival of Ei. Another bad set of figures for Bhd - Lgw, only an increase of about 11k pax, loads on this route must be dire for these two. Wonder what the two operators think now, both having a difficult time, EI sold a great story by Bhd. Easy ups numbers to Lgw by 2k, a 7% increase.Easy now only just over 4k pax less than Flybe to Manchester and Flybe had a 15% drop to Bhx. Ever wonder if these stats are correct, considering the majority, we are told, prefer to use Bhd!!

Wonder if EI ever think they should have stayed where they were? What is amazing in large companies, is the number of times they get it wrong, could this be one such decision?

TB

[cuthere]

Jaysus True Blue we get it. We really do. You have a psychotic dislike of BHD, its users and the airlines who've made the decision to fly from there. If they've made a bad decision, then on their heads be it. It'll be good for EZY and your one true love, BFS.

Let it go man. You'll feel better for it. Really, you will.

[True Blue]

Cuthere, sorry I do not have any of the feelings you state. But I do have a dislike of propaganda, someone or somedody trying to convice us black is white. And in our general lives, if the general public took a more critical look at many issues, maybe we wouldn't be in the mess we are in. But that is another story, not for discussion here.

TB

[BFS101]

Have a close friend who is cabin crew for BE, and chatting to them, believe that loads on the BE LGW tend to be generally healthy, though this is based on a reduction in capacity, and obviously does not reflect yield. Friends on the Sunday past EI, afternoon LGW - BHD, stated only about 1/3 full....

Now I have no intent dislike for EI, (before I too get flamed) but this general gossip and hear-say, plus the previously mentioned report in the Irish Independent that EI are selling seats from BHD substantially cheaper than DUB, and possible interpretation of CAA stats would lead to a belief that EI have an issue of filling seats. Stand to be corrected!

Noticed today that EI have an offer on the LGW's that you pay tax and charges only!!! Though more interesting, it states the travel period is up to December, however LGW currently on-sale up to end of Oct. Is this an indication that LGW will continue through the winter from BHD??

[Jamie2k9]

Fares higher at DUB than BHD has always will be like that, does not reflect EI services at BHD in any way, it was the same at BFS. Remenber different operating costs, competors and currency. Compare Ryanair at LDY to DUB and you will see the exact same results.

June 16-23 Palma
EZY 291 - BFS
EI 350 - BHD

that tells you nothing but media would claim that EI are doing better when that may not be the case.

Only taxes and charges to the UK is nothing new and that offer you refer to is all Irish-UK routes so also does not reflect in any way of BHD. They do this offer every few months.

True Blue If EI had stayed at Belfast there would of being major changes in terms of capacity and routes offered so which ever airprot they were/are at there was changes on the way.

[GAZMO]

From the BHX thread BFS load factor over 70%, not bad for a new route

[eastern wiseguy]

LGW's that you pay tax and charges only.Is this an indication that LGW will continue through the winter from BHD?

Not at those fares.

[Straightahead]

BFS handled 5 RYRS 3EI 1BA 1 AER ARRAN and 1 eurojet due high winds at DUB late on Wed night,

[GAZMO]

Busy night for the guys at BFS

[BFS BHD]

STATS March 2013
(Compared from March 2012)

Gatwick- 31, 094 (+7)
Luton- 18, 810 (-1)
Southend- 9786 (Starting to go up at last)
Stansted- 26, 517 (-8)

Birmingham- 11, 712
Blackpool- 277 (+154)
Bristol- 19, 407 (+14)
Edinburgh- 22, 861 (+9)
Glasgow- 22, 278 (-4)
Leeds- 5240 (+20) Finally going up!
Liverpool- 38, 253 (-2)
Manchester- 18, 253 (+63)
Newcastle- 17, 929 (+4)

Innsbruck- 770 (+2)
Salzburg- 1315
Paris- 8783 (+8)
Lourdes- 183
Dublin- 48
Verona- 1407
Malta- 2623 (+8)
Amsterdam- 10, 070 (+10)
Faro- 4657 (-9)
Alicante- 3791 (-51)
Barcelona- 3544 (-7)
Malaga- 6057 (-36)
Murcia- 1009 (+275)
Palma- 680 (-2)
Arrecife- 2860 (-53)
Las Palmas- 1418 (+3)
Tenerife- 7425 (+11)
Tromsoe- 138
Geneva- 9827 (+21)
Antalya- 182
Plovdiv- 584 (-2)
Krakow- 3740 (+3)
Enfidha- 1688
Newark- 5966 (-13)

[BFS BHD]

Any new routes going to be announced by Thomson or Thomas Cook for the winter or summer next year??

[Mlinnie]

Arent Thomas Cook putting the A321 year round at BFS ?

Would be great to see Tunisia and Egypt year round

[BFS BHD]

Hope so :) First i heard but :)

[canberra97]

Condsidering Thomas Cook are currently disposing of their Airbus A320 fleet I would only assume that TCX BFS flights would be operated by the A321 in the future!

[IrishFlyer2013]

According to the seat map on the flythomascook.com BFS will have an A321 based this winter.

The A321 has been based in BFS every summer since the Summer 2010 season and it will also be based in BFS this summer.

From Mid July to the start of September BFS will see an A320 based. The A321 will operate from STN during that period.

[BFS BHD]

Thats good! Also do TCX fly to Fuerteventura from BFS? Not sure :bored:

[AIRPORT66]

No they don't they changed it to Tenerife last year.

[BFS BHD]

Thanks :ok:

[ILS25]

Why should BFS hold up the work in progress because jet2 won't use 25 ?

I'm sure they want to get as much of the resurfacing work done as possible before G8.

[BFS BHD]

Seems to have landed at Dublin and wont be coming to BFS tonight has 07, 17, 35 are all closed with 25 opened with reduce runway and its not aloud to use that runway!

Well done BFS couldn't keep the shorter runway open for another 10 mins for it to arrive. :D

Wonder what LS will think of this.....

[GAZMO]

Is there a restriction on the shorter runway at BFS

[BFS BHD]

Runway 17, 35 & 07 are all closed with runway 25 open with ruduce runway. :bored:

[Lifeauthor]

Jet2 landed at eidw at 22.22. It was running more than just 10 minutes late! Why should bfs keep their short runway open for jet2? They have a perfectly serviceable runway 25 for jet2 to land on. Its good enough for all the other operators to work on. Wise up jet2.

[ILS25]

Agreed. There is a notam that the airfield is closed to all traffic between 2200 and 2230 to facilitate setting up for the works in progress, so the airport have to stick to this. Normally 17-35 is available after 2230 for the jet2 freight movements.

Would I be right in saying that there are no jet2 freight movements on a Sunday night / Monday morning, as that would explain why the airport decided to notam 17-35 out of service as it was not required for jet2 after 2230.

The airport have a business to run at the end of the day, if the airfield is notam'd closed why would they keep it open for one late movement. It has to be reopened by 2230 or other movements will suffer.

[SecondDog]

Agreed. There is a notam that the airfield is closed to all traffic between 2200 and 2230 to facilitate setting up for the works in progress, so the airport have to stick to this. Normally 17-35 is available after 2230 for the jet2 freight movements.

Would I be right in saying that there are no jet2 freight movements on a Sunday night / Monday morning, as that would explain why the airport decided to notam 17-35 out of service as it was not required for jet2 after 2230.

The airport have a business to run at the end of the day, if the airfield is notam'd closed why would they keep it open for one late movement. It has to be reopened by 2230 or other movements will suffer.

All agreed. I think they are at or around the intersection now for the resurfacing so it is not accessible regardless because the works area infringes.

[Danmadole]

Was onboard a fully-loaded EZY A320 that departed from Bravo intersection on Rw25 for Liverpool on Saturday morning. Well up by the time we reached the cross-runway.

The return flight ex LPL was at 2145 last night aboard an A319 which arrived (again) on Rw25 at 2235 ~ must have been one of the first in after re-opening. Brakes were applied hard and we were off at Bravo... this after a VERY slow taxi out to the runway and subsequent flight up from LPL which took well over 40 mins (normally 30).

Clearly Jet2 dont fancy the shorter runway or the fuel burn waiting for it to re-open.

[NWSRG]

An idle evening, so the sound of an aircraft overhead outer Ballymena stirred the interest. According to Plane Finder it was EZY inbound from LGW, passing over the Kells area for an approach to 17 after a circuit over Lough Neagh. Now the NOTAM mentioned above (and the temporary closure from 2200 - 2230) explained all of that...

However, of more interest was the route prior to that...an almost direct routing from LGW to Dublin, before turning north up the coastline. And an inbound from BRS appears to have done something similar...

Why did these two EZYs take what seems like an 'indirect' route? In my experience, BRS flights usually come straight up the Welsh valleys, out over north Wales towards IOM, while the LGW flights are the same as any London departure...midlands, then WAL, then IOM...

Just a curious amateur!

[True Blue]

Over the past few months, I have been on several flights from Lgw that have headed out to Dub and then up the coast. No idea why.

TB

[BFS BHD]

Now up to 2 weekly (Tuesday and Friday) over the summer 14.

As of this summer 13 it is only the one flight on a (Friday).

Finally some good news for Jet2 :ok:

[GAZMO]

Great news, hopefully Lazarote will go twice weekly as well, and maybe a weekly to LPA

[BFS BHD]

ACE is still only a winter service for LS at BFS. :)

[GAZMO]

Looking at the Jet2 website for April 2014 there is a flight to both Tenerife and Lanzarote on Fridays. Assuming that this is the only rotation that the planes will make, due to their friendly times does this mean that there will be another aircraft at BFS for summer 14. Surely on a Friday there would have to be flights to either ALC, Murcia or Palma?

[BFS BHD]

Vulcan to land and display at Belfast International Airport over the Newcastle Airshow in Country Down to celebrate the 50th birthday of the airport! Will also be the Red Arrow and Eurofighter landing at the airport to re fuel before heading off again. :)

[BFS BHD]

ACE will be done by a B737-800 that will be based at ACE over the winter. :) So thy fixes that ;)

[NWSRG]

Another idle evening in Kells, and again an amateur curious about traffic overhead. This time (according to Plane Finder) it was a TNT 734 heading north-east for a 25 approach. However the Plane Finder track indicated a take-off and some manoeuvres over Lough Neagh and Belfast before returning to BFS...a training flight? Or a technical problem? Again, just curious!

[BFS BHD]

Return due to gear problem, landed safely :)

[BFS BHD]

Spotted on the deps page that Jet2.com are doing a charter service to Keflavik at 10:25. Football charter?

LS6133 Keflavik 10:25

[BFS BHD]

Seems some Palma flights for Thomas Cook will be done by a B757-200!

[NWSRG]

Return due to gear problem, landed safely

Thanks sir...that explains things...:ok:

[BFS BHD]

No problem :ok:

[Another_Dude]

Jet2.com Winter!
Jet2 are to base a Boeing 737-800 in Lanzarote from November. They will operate two flights to BFS and the rest to Blackpool, Glasgow & Manchester.

Monday = EXS310 - ACE 09:00 BFS 13:30 / EXS309 - BFS 14:30 ACE 19:00
Tuesday = EXS168 - ACE 09:00 GLA 13:40 / EXS167 - GLA 14:30 ACE 19:00
Thursday = EXS168 - ACE 09:00 GLA 13:40 / EXS167 - GLA 14:30 ACE 19:00
Friday = EXS310 - ACE 09:00 BFS 13:30 / EXS309 - BFS 14:30 ACE 19:00
Saturday = EXS892 - ACE 09:00 MAN 13:20 / EXS891 - MAN 14:30 ACE 19:00
Sunday = EXS708 - ACE 09:00 BLK 13:20 / EXS707 - BLK 14:30 ACE 19:00


Wonder will anything replace the flights that was used by BFS aircraft


Looks like this has changed. If you look on the site now, they operate Thurs & Sun on BFS Aircraft. Will they still have this issue of tec stopping on the way home?

[BFS BHD]

Still the same when i check :confused:

[IrishFlyer2013]

Thomson Airways will be flying from Belfast to Corfu for the Summer 2014 season. This is a brand new route for Summer 2014.

They are also introducing BFS - Ibiza again. They flew BFS-IBZ last summer but have dropped it for this summer. They will be flying from Belfast to Ibiza for the S14 season.

BFS-Palma increases from 2 weekly flights to 3 for for Summer 2014.

BFS-Reus increases from a weekly flight to 2 weekly flights for July 2014.

BFS-Sharm El Sheikh operates on a Tuesday for Summer 2014 instead of a Wednesday and BFS-Tenerife operates on Sunday instead of Friday for Summer 2014.

Great news for BFS! :ok:

Source: Thomson - Holidays to some of the best winter & summer holiday destinations (http://www.thomson.co.uk/holidays.html)

[AIRPORT66]

Eventually a knew destination and increase in some others hopefully this will encourage Thomascook they have nothing knew next year just the same thing but using a lot of easyjet flights.

[IrishFlyer2013]

There are two gaps in the Thomas Cook schedule for Summer 2014. Friday morning and Sunday afternoon from what I can see on there website.

Mahon has moved from Friday morning to Sunday morning. Reus has been reduced to a weekly flight.

Friday's BFS-TFS departs at 13:55 so they could add a new destination on Friday morning and Sunday afternoon and/or increase flights. Hopefully they do!

Thomson appear to have dropped the Belfast-Bodrum route for next summer. But with the increase in flights to PMI & REU and new and returning services to CFU & IBZ it should see an increase in seats from Thomson next summer.

[Torque2]

Irish...Mahon hasn't changed, it still goes on Fridays. Tfs goes after it so there won't be any major change there either.

[BFS BHD]

Is it just me or is Thomson Airways search engine down where you search flights? :bored:

[FRatSTN]

If you mean when you try to book a "flight only", then yes, you can't seem to do it after April 2014 which is really odd as I managed to do it at around 8:30 this morning but since then you can't do a flight only booking for after April 2014! You can book a package holiday though with a Thmson flight until October 2014.

[BFS BHD]

yep thats what im getting wonder why they took it down again...:confused:

[True Blue]

flight only seats go on sale a lot later than package holidays. Remember, they prefer to sell packages, more money in it for them.

TB

[BFS BHD]

Any flights to Orlando for TCX in 2014? Can't seem to find any flights on the website :confused:

[Torque2]

The full programme will be available in July 2013, check then.

[BFS BHD]

Okay will check then...:\

[Another_Dude]

Looked at BFS-ACE on Jet2 website again. Seems to be BFS aircraft during SEP & OCT then changes to ACE aircraft from NOV

[IrishFlyer2013]

Irish...Mahon hasn't changed, it still goes on Fridays. Tfs goes after it so there won't be any major change there either.

Mahon goes on Sundays for Summer 2014. Its on the TC website.

Thomas Cook have added an additional Belfast to Dalaman flight for S14. TCX will operate BFS-DLM three times weekly for S14. The third flight departs every Sunday afternoon.

[BFS BHD]

Seems there is three Jet2 departs tomorrow morning:

LS0333 Dubrovnik 07:00
LS0361 Palma 08:00
LS0309 Lanzarote 09:00

Drove past BFS this afternoon and there does seem to be 3 LS sitting up on the apron 9, 28 & 29. Are they keeping the three over the summer? :confused:

[david1994]

TCX for S14 appears to be so far:

TCX

M DLM 0700-1725 BOD 1855-0500
T REU 0700-1315 HER 1415-0020
W IBZ 0600-1255 LCA 1355-0130
T ACE 0705-1635 DLM 1750-0420
F TFS 1355-2345
S PMI 0600-1250 AYT 1355-0040
S MAH 0600-1240 DLM 1355-0040

TOM

M DLM 0700-1725 BOJ 1855-0405
T PMI 0535-1300 SSH 1355-0255 *W* REU 1240 ARR - 1410 DEP
W MAH 0600-1250 IBZ 1420-2125
T PMI 0600-1300 ACE 1455-0025
F REU 0600-1215 CFU 1500-2300
S PMI 0540-1250 LPA 1415-0005
S AGP 0725-1450 TFS 1620-0210

[BFS BHD]

TOM has more flight than TCX for a change. :p

[GAZMO]

Wonder if TCX will put another destination for Friday AM

[BFS BHD]

Not at the moment they will just keep it on the ground for a aircraft rest. :ok:

[Zag23]

no ALC or FAO from either for 2014.

[GAZMO]

Probably enough flights with LS and EZY to Alc and FAO plus EI to FAO from BHD

[Mlinnie]

What's the odds that somewhere like Tunisia could be added on the Friday morning ?
Or will it just be another Spanish rotation ?

[GAZMO]

Seems a bit strange that they would leave a blank on Friday AM. Surely putting summer 14 on sale now they could offer another destination
Planes sitting on Tarmac don't make money

[BFS101]

Is this not just the preview programme?? Thomas Cook apparently are very happy with the EZY arrangement, from what I've heard. However as EZY have not finalised flight programmes for summer 14, these destinations possibly are not included.

I would expect to see Thomas Cook add Faro, Alicante and Malta, to their Belfast range, once EZY confirm the details of these flights.

[AIRPORT66]

Think the friday morning gap is being filled with Tunisia.

[GAZMO]

Any source to this piece of info?

[BFS BHD]

Hopefully!

[pamann]

I take it that 'BOD = Bordeaux (France)' should be 'BJV = Bodrum (Turkey)' seeing that TCX do not offer holidays to the Bordeaux region from anywhere in the UK?

[Mlinnie]

When does the A321 arrive for the summer ?

[IrishFlyer2013]

Thomas Cook's A321, G-NIKO, positioned to BFS from LGW this morning.

[BFS BHD]

Air Europa B737-800 (Winglets) in tomorrow from Valladolid at 12:35 :)

[GAZMO]

And leaving one hour later. Assume one of charter since their charter service to Palma I think starts 4thMay

[BFS BHD]

Nice AN-124 UR-82009 landed yesterday at BFS for collecting more wings etc to bring to Canada. On stand 25A beside Cargo apron so easy spotted on airport road & british road :)

[BFS BHD]

Both Airlines come in from Palma and then back to Palma.

Anyone know what aircraft type TOM and TCX will use on these flights?

As TCX as a flight to Las Palmas at 10:30 from BFS.

[Mlinnie]

TCX being done by 757 don't know about Thomson

[AIRPORT66]

Does Thomson not have Air Europa doing there Palma flights for the first few weeks till the based aircraft arrives at end of the month.

[IrishFlyer2013]

Thomson are using a B738 on today's Belfast to Palma service. G-TAWM is operating today's flight.

They will be using there aircraft as well as Air Europa. TOM will operate BFS-PMi on a W leg with Gatwick every Saturday. AEA are operating BFS-PMI every Tuesday for Thomson. This is until the BFS based aircraft arrives.

The TCX based A321 will operate BFS-PMI every Saturday from next week. The B752 will operate the flight today. This is again on a W leg with Gatwick. TCX increase BFS-PMI to 2 weekly at the end of May. The second flight operates every Tuesday and it is on a W leg with Glasgow. The B753 will operate this flight every week except for August where the B752 will operate it.

The TCX A321 based in BFS will operate BFS-LPA-TFS-BFS today.

[BFS BHD]

Seems Newcastle airports Thomas Cook flight to Las Palmas is operating via BFS this afternoon.

[Thesaurus]

Friday Morning will be BFS-MAH-BFS 31 May to 04 Oct 0520/1215.
Friday Afternoon BFS-TFS-BFS 1345/2335. All times GMT.

Minor variations to BFS schedule throughout Summer 2013 to cater for peak demand on other routes.

BFS reverts to an A320 19 July to 04 Sept. Then back to A321.

TCX will have an A321 based at BFS for Winter 2013/2014.

Hope this helps.

T

[BFS BHD]

Any B767s or A330s dueing the summer Thesaurus?

BFS BHD

[GAZMO]

Notice air Europa coming in today from Lanzarote. I thought they only did a few weeks to Palma in May. Is this a one off?

[IrishFlyer2013]

It's a positioning flight. The aircraft arrives from ACE empty at 11:30 and departs to Palma at 12:20. AEA are operating BFS-PMI for the next few weeks from today.

[BFS BHD]

Looking at their timetable for Leeds-Belfast and its only bookable to NEXT month (June) now! What does this mean is it dropped or what? :sad:

[BFS BHD]

Seems Dubrovnik and Reus is on sale for 2014

Dubrovnik down to weekly from 2 weekly

Reus goes from weekly to 2 weekly

[GAZMO]

Are they pulling LBA or are they adjusting summer schedule and loading the winter one?
Tomorrow will tell

[BFS BHD]

Spotted this on the arr/dep pages;

Arrivals:
OS9753 Vienna 11:45

Departures:
LS2020 Milan 09:45

Anyone no what this are for?

Thanks

[BFS BHD]

GAZMO said;
Are they pulling LBA or are they adjusting summer schedule and loading the winter one?
Tomorrow will tell

I really hope so dont what to see this route going!

[IrishFlyer2013]

Spotted this on the arr/dep pages;Arrivals: OS9753 Vienna 11:45 Departures: LS2020 Milan 09:45 Anyone no what this are for? Thanks

An Austrian tour operator has organised the Belfast to Vienna flight. They have also organised flights to Dublin. Here is the link; Tourism Ireland | Corporate Website | - About Tourism Ireland Marketing Programmes (http://www.tourismireland.com/Home!/About-Us/Press-Releases/2012/Tourism-Ireland-Welcomes-New-Flights-From-Austria.aspx)

The Jet2 flight to Milan is being operated for The Travel Department. Travel Department | Escorted Holidays from UK and Ireland - Travel Department (http://www.traveldepartment.ie/)

[BFS BHD]

Thanks for that IrishFlyer2013

[GAZMO]

TCX flight to Berlin tomorrow. Is this a positioning flight?

[BFS BHD]

Still Leeds-Belfast only on sale to next month must be dropped then :rolleyes:

[BFS BHD]

Also that Thomas Cook flights being operated by G-DAJC B767 comes from Manchester tomorrow morning around 7am :ok:

[BFS BHD]

Air Europa (AEA735) is in tomorrow again from Valladolia at 12:35 should be B738 again like last time.

[GAZMO]

TCX to Berlin has check in open so not an empty flight. Is it a one off charter?

[IrishFlyer2013]

It's a once off return flight. The return flight operates on Sunday by a B752. http://www.planeboys.de/forecast/saison_und%20extrafluege/sxf/sxf_extra_flights_a.htm

This flight has been chartered by the Henderson Group.

[GAZMO]

Ibiza twice weekly and Menorca weekly available for s14

no word on LBA? Not looking good!!

[BFS BHD]

It has to be dropped now thats near 3 days its been off the website. Bad news for BFS once again...

[LAX_LHR]

LBA fights have been dropped.

[Mlinnie]

Best we can hope for Is that maybe it's been replaced by East Midlands ??

[BFS BHD]

Hope so! Think it would work good at BFS!

[BHD2BFS]

Maybe Cardiff?

[BFS BHD]

Other forums are saying that BA will be training their B787s at BFS when they get them. Anyone else heard anything else?

[SecondDog]

There was some BA 747 training earlier this year so perhaps for a change BFS have managed to impress?

[Tower Ranger]

Well either that or the circuit is even quieter than Prestwicks now.

[SecondDog]

:ok: Probably!

[GAZMO]

Just noticed that EZY have six flights to LGW tomorrow from BFS. Error on website or what?

[KNT544]

There are 6.

[BFS BHD]

Seems like Alicante is still only 4 weekly BUT will be done by an aircraft from Alicante:

(Monday, Friday, Saturday)
Deps: ALC 07:30
Arrs: BFS 09:40

Deps: BFS 10:40
Arrs: ALC 14:45

(Wednesday)
Deps: ALC 08:00
Arrs: BFS 10:10

Deps BFS 10:50
Arrs: ALC 14:55

Only one put on sale today :)

[GAZMO]

Maybe a couple of new destinations for S14 if aircraft is ALC based.

Shame about LBA

[BFS BHD]

Maybe ACE will go yearly?

[Mlinnie]

Maybe the 738 based at ACE for this winter will remain there next summer which could mean new routes for BFS ?

[BFS BHD]

Sure ACE doesnt operate in summer :bored:

[AirGuru]

CWL is a pretty good option, apart from the existing BE service from CWL to BHD, and EZY @ BRS offering BFS. But it would be great to see BFS on the boards down here, especially with Jet2.