BIRMINGHAM - 6

[nigel osborne]

CAT111.

The prevailing runway at BHX remains 33 and unless winds prevent, aircraft have to state reasons why they want 15.

BHX has had 5 years of downgrading and upgrading of its ILS.

New ILS was fitted 5 years ago 15 end, then the following year on 33. Then 2 years when the runway extension was being built and the final year when it was moved back to the end of the extension.

Full CAT3 will be re-established on 33 when all the current cabling work and grass reseeding have taken hold.

Nigel

[Guest 112233]

Nigel

Your reply addressed all my points, exactly. These systems are very complex.

Thanks.

[chinapattern]

Launching Birmingham-Wroclaw effective 18th March x2 weekly Mon/Fri. Wizz are steadily building up a nice little portfolio from BHX.

[OltonPete]

Credits: CAA for the monthly pax
Libhomeradar, A BHX Blog, flybe site to enable the average pax to be calculated on some routes
Load Factor: A mixture of estimates (flybe) and airline seat maps.

Some of these contain IT pax such as Dubrovnik, the Canaries flights and possibly Malta. Flybe did vary aircraft type with very few 195 flights and a reduced 175 operation therefore some load factors might be higher than stated.

Wizz seem fair for month 2 of operation although below their network average I believe. Turkish is very impressive in face of the third Emirates, which in itself was okay considering the extra capacity. Air India is still a bit low but should improve now until May with PIA higher than it has been in terms of load factors due to the reduced frequency in October.

Just wish AA had better figures but the good news is virtually no effect on United.

VLM have some way to go and Antwerp will need a long run but will it get it?

Ten routes shown for 2014 that did not operate in October 2015 amounting to 21375 pax.

Route......................2015......2014.......Avg pax......Load Factor
ANTWERP..................241...........0..........10........ .......20%
BRUSSELS..............13790.....10590..........69........... ....76%
TORONTO..................607........810........152.......... .....63% end of season
DUBROVNIK..............4377.......2998
LARNACA.................7424.......5501........169.......... .....80%
PAPHOS...................4607......3113........171.......... ......83%
COPENHAGEN............9731......9433..........92............ ...66%
HURGHADA....................0......1745
SHARM EL SHEIKH......6396......3669........183...............85%
BORDEAUX................1428......2134.........55........... .....62%
LYON.......................4304......3820.........69........ ........84%
NICE........................3534......2466.......110........ ........68%
PARIS (CDG)............34343... .33302.......104................86%
TOULOUSE.....................0......3198
BERLIN (TXL).............4468........655........70................7 9%
COLOGNE.......................0......2914
DUSSELDORF............19287....17945........53.............. ..62%
FRANKFURT..............27026....26725......109.............. ..70%
HAMBURG..................2353......3338........51........... .....55%
HANOVER..................3697......6516........50........... .....64%
MUNICH..................16458.....15722........98........... .....73%
STUTTGART..............6433.......6912........62............ ...70%
GIBRALTAR................3761.......3747......145........... ....83%
ATHENS........................0.........940
HERAKLION................1221.......2681......153........... ....71%
PREVEZA.................... 212............0......106...............50% end of season
BUDAPEST.................2736...........0.......152......... ......84%
KEFLAVIK..................3378.........165......154......... ......84%
AMRITSAR.................4240............0
DELHI.......................6856.......6060......179........ .......70%
CORK........................6736.......6271.......59........ .......82%
DUBLIN....................71075.....62173......131.......... .....80%
KNOCK...........................0.......2740......
SHANNON..................2896.......4137.......56........... .....77%
WATERFORD................841.......1900.......25............ ....50%
FLORENCE......................0.......3376
MILAN (MXP)..............7728.......6764.......69................7 3%
ROME (FCO)...............6887.......7642.....157................8 5%
TRIESTE.........................0.......1296
VENICE......................6941.......3372.....151......... .......76%
KAUNAS.....................3040.......2649.....169.......... ......89%
MALTA.......................3226.......3249.....179......... .......95%
AMSTERDAM..............50007.....44829.......93............. ...83%
OSLO ............................0.........391
ISLAMABAD.................5906.......5501.....295........... .....78%
BYDGOSZCZ................4869.......4554.....174............ ....92%
GDANSK..................... 2698.......1702.....169................89%
KATOWICE................. 3129.......3236.....174................92%
KRAKOW.....................2825.......3081.....177.......... ......93%
WARSAW................... 2700............0.....150................83%
FARO........................20411.....19310.....179......... .......87%
OPORTO..........................0.......1494
FUNCHAL....................2933.......3116.....163.......... ......76%
BRATISLAVA................4888.......3148.....175........... .....92%
ALICANTE..................27212.....31419.....181........... .....90%
ALMERIA............ ..........217.......3195 diverted pax in 2015?
BARCELONA ...............22378.....18006.....165................85%
IBIZA.........................3586.......3948.....149....... .........80%
MADRID..................... 3139............0.....131................70%
MAHON...................... 3171.......3008.....159................74%
MALAGA....................29591.....22527.....174........... .....86%
MURCIA.................... 5417.......5390.....159................84%
PALMA......................17279.....18670.....166.......... ......85%
REUS..............................0.......1829
ARRECIFE..................14678......15867
FUERTEVENTURA..........9918.......9676
LAS PALMAS....... ........8642.......7427
TENERIFE .................21931.....21828
GOTEBORG.......................0.......1452
ZURICH...................... 7647.......8575.......72................73%
BODRUM.....................2629.......3619.....131.......... ......64%
DALAMAN...................8630........8176....160........... .....79%
ISTANBUL.................13337......10516.....123........... .....80%
ASHKHABAD................3669........5164....115............ ....69%
DUBAI......................57530.......45130....309......... .......76%
NEW YORK (JFK).......... 6257.............0....120................68%
NEW YORK (EWR).........8342........8428....154................91%

Pete

[nwoody2001]

Wizzair


New route to Wroclaw starts 18th March.

2x weekly Mon and Fri.

W6 1807 WRO 19:30 BHX 20:50
W6 1808 BHX 21:20 WRO 00:35

[davebham]

Is it really so bad that AA's load is only 68%? It's a new service that flies at the same time as the United service, and yet, even in October, is shifting over 6000 pax. I tried out the service back in May, and the only free seats I could see were in business class.

I guess it all depends on AA's expectations.

I do wonder about flight times - while 9am departures are good for getting to NYC at lunchtime, perhaps offering departures at different times of day could also prove tempting, and offer real variety compared to United's service.

[ATNotts]

Is it really so bad that AA's load is only 68%? It's a new service that flies at the same time as the United service, and yet, even in October, is shifting over 6000 pax. I tried out the service back in May, and the only free seats I could see were in business class.

I guess it all depends on AA's expectations.

I do wonder about flight times - while 9am departures are good for getting to NYC at lunchtime, perhaps offering departures at different times of day could also prove tempting, and offer real variety compared to United's service.

What's really in play here is that UA and AA are members of different alliances, and business passengers may favour one alliance over another when things like corporate deals and frequent flyer programmes come into play. I'm guessing that the 09:00 departure from BHX for both carriers offers a sensible compromise for attracting both point to point and connecting passengers.

If the yields are good, then I imagine that AA will be OK with an LF of 68% - but of course we aren't privy to yield information.

[nigel osborne]

AT NOTTS.

Re AA load factors as you say we don't have that info to hand.

However know the fares have been very cheap last few months not sure if that gives us an indication of how well its doing financially ?

Nigel

[BobBHX]

I was waiting at Gate 42 last Friday and saw the AA boarding at Gate 44. I was really surprised at how few people boarded. Although I didn't count them I would guess there to have been no more than 80. Obviously you can't draw conclusions from one isolated flight but I would certainly have expected it to be much busier on a Friday in the run up to Christmas - e.g. weekend shopping breaks in NY.

[111KAB]

Call for Birmingham Airport expansion after London development plans hit by delay - Birmingham Post (http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/business-news/call-birmingham-airport-expansion-after-10569978)

[ATNotts]

Call for Birmingham Airport expansion after London development plans hit by delay - Birmingham Post (http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/business-news/call-birmingham-airport-expansion-after-10569978)

I regret that local chambers can "call for expansion" all they wish, but with the chancellor of the exchequer having a constituency a stones throw from Manchester, and the rest of the government more interested in "The City" than the rest of the country, BHX has two hopes of getting game changing expansion - Bob Hope, and no hope!

So sorry to be pessimistic, I think it's more realism than pessimism - even though I can't disagree with the chambers' premise.

[nigel osborne]

ATNOTTS.

I think BHX airport primary role is there to serve the people of the West Midlands.

It is doing that very well at the minute . We cannot and should not try and take on the role of a 3rd runway for southern England.

Seems likely the PM will do a complete U turn tonight and brake his promise to make a final decision before the end of the year.

There is the London Major elections on 1st May and with Tory candidate Zac Goldsmith has threatened to resign if LHR was picked. So we will probably get a decision later in May..

In the meantime BHX can strive to increase its passenger numbers and 2016 is already looking like double digit increases.

In the spring BHX also announces its revised airport expansion masterplan ,with phased building projects and apron additions.

So think it will be fine:)

Nigel

[Daza]

KLM will increase flights to AMS to 6 x daily from 27th March link to source http://goo.gl/07Je0j (I think they did operate 6x daily some years ago), bringing the fight to Flybe maybe?
Every little helps :ok:
Daza

[Guest 112233]

Quote:from Nigel Osborne (No criticism intended )

"We cannot and should not try and take on the role of a 3rd runway for southern England."

It looks as if that may be actually happening by default re the KLM post above.

Is it the sort of "Halo factor" where AMS bound travellers from say Northampton/Oxford etc are gradually migrating their business northward from LHR because of the Hassle ?

CAT III

[Logohu]

Is it the sort of "Halo factor" where AMS bound travellers from say Northampton/Oxford etc are gradually migrating their business northward from LHR because of the Hassle ?

It's all about KLM and AMS cementing their claim to be the alternative to LHR R3 for the UK regions. MAN also going 6x daily next summer, as well as new double daily KL services from INV and SOU to AMS next year. So they have the UK pretty much covered.

EI and IAG are building up DUB as another alternative hub to the west.

[OltonPete]

KLM BHX-AMS has been 6 daily before for at least one summer season with two late afternoon BHX departures but I can't remember the year. I thought Manchester was always 6 daily in summer or has been for a couple of years.

I am sure Norwegian released BHX - TFS at weekly for summer but the Monday service as well as Friday is showing and this after Madrid was moved back to three a week as well after initially loading as two a week but this is only the same as summer 2015 but of course 4 Iberia Express and 4 Ryanair to contend with as well.

Ryanair have altered the timings of their BHX-Dublin times again next summer but still can't really make out their full schedule although still looking good for four based.

American Airlines have pushed back my JFK flight next summer to 9.50 arriving in New York 12.45

Pete

[nwoody2001]

Indeed, our new European Locos have slowly been increasing capacity at BHX for next summer....


As of August 2015, we have the following:

Norwegian
Barcelona - 2x weekly
Madrid - 3x weekly
Malaga - 3x weekly

Vueling
Barcelona - 4x weekly

Wizzair
(Did not operate)

Summer 2015 Total - 12x weekly flights

As of August 2016, we have the following:

Norwegian
Barcelona - 2x weekly
Gran Canaria - 1x weekly
Madrid - 3x weekly
Malaga - 3x weekly
Tenerife - 2x weekly

Vueling
Alicante - 3x weekly
Barcelona - 6x weekly

Wizzair
Budapest - 2x weekly
Bucharest - 2x weekly
Poznan - 2x weekly
Warsaw - 3x weekly
Wroclaw - 2x weekly


Summer 2016 Total - 31x weekly flights

[nigel osborne]

Pete,

I think the 9.50 time out to JFK is very much in line with what MAN and other UK airports have been doing and I was surprised to see AA going for such an early departure from BHX.

Lets hope it works and attracts more passengers.

The loads are all over the place over a 90% load factor the other week, then 2 days later am told just 40% !

Nigel

[BHX5DME]

AA today = 155
UA today = 152

[AviatorGlenn]

Only 28 passengers departed on yesterdays AA flight to JFK

[OltonPete]

https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/media-information/news/2015/12/november-passenger-figures-give-birmingham-airport-a-tenth-month-of-record-breaking-growth-this-year/

Obviously suffered a bit due to the Sharm, Lufthansa and other weather cancellations (not at the BHX end).

Estimates were around 10% up originally but until the provisional stats are out we will have to wait and see how individual routes performed. Actually on this matter the CAA website has been updated and I can't find any provisional stats and if anyone can provide a new link it would be appreciated.

Pete

[Ringwayman]

Pete. here's the CAA Airport data link (http://www.caa.co.uk/Data-and-analysis/UK-aviation-market/Airports/Datasets/UK-airport-data/)

[OltonPete]

Ringwayman

Cheers for that - I had got that far but the estimated release date for provisional November stats don't appear, in fact for November I could only find the estimated release date for the actual figures and even then they got the wrong year.

I assume the November ones will appear when they are published and there isn't an estimate release date.

Pete

[jon01]

Daily Emirates A380 confirmed from March 2016

Airbus A380 to fly from Birmingham Airport for first time - Birmingham Post (http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/business-news/airbus-a380-fly-birmingham-airport-10611920)

[Daza]

Fantastic news 2016 is looking great for Birmingham Airport. :ok:
Daza

[Daza]

Birmingham must be the worlds smallest (certainly in terms of passengers) to be served by A380. Several European capitals OSL ARN come to mind don't see it!
A real success story for Birmingham airport and the wider Midlands region.
Daza

[AerRyan]

DUB doesn't have an A380

[nwoody2001]

As of August 2015, this is the list of all airports across the world with scheduled A388 ops… Of these, only Mauritius (FIMP) is smaller in PAX numbers than BHX…



Abu Dhabi International Airport (OMAA)[/URL][URL="http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/english/"]
(http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/english/)Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM)



Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson (KATL)
Auckland International Airport (NZAA)
Bangkkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (VTBS)
Barcelona (LEBL)
(http://www.schiphol.com/)Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA)
Brisbane Airport (YBBN)
Dallas/ Fort Worth International (KDFW)
Delhi International Airport (VIDP)
Doha International Airport (OTBD)
Dubai International Airport (OMDB)
Düsseldorf Airport (EDDL)
Frankfurt Rhein-Main-Flughafen (EDDF)



Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (ZGGG)



Hong Kong International Airport (VHHH)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental (KIAH)
Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (OEJN)
Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (FAJS)

· Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
· Kumming Changshui International Airport (ZPPP)
· Kuwait International Airport (OKBK)
· London Gatwick (EGKK)
· London Heathrow (EGLL)
· Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX)
· Manchester Airport (EGCC)
· Mauritius (FIMP)
· Melbourne Airport (YMML)
· Milano Malpensa Airport (LIMC)
· Miami International Airport (KMIA)
· Moscow Domodedowo Airport (UUDD)
· Mumbai International Airport (VABB)
· Munich Airport (EDDM)
· New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK)
· Osaka - Kansai International Airport (RJBB)
· Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG)
· Perth Airport (YPPH)
· Rome-Fiumicino (LIRF)
· San Francisco International Airport (KSFO)
· Shanghai Pudong International Airport (ZSPD)
· Singapore Changi Airport (WSSS)
· Seoul Incheon International Airport (RKSI)
· Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (YSSY)
· Tokyo Narita International Airport (RJAA)

· Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ)
· Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD)
· Zürich (LSZH)

[cheesebag]

We can finally put the "Is the A380 coming" debate to bed! fantastic news

[LandingConfig]

What stand will the A380 use?

[nwoody2001]

54C I believe, its currently out of service whilst being upgraded!

[LandingConfig]

54C I believe, its currently out of service whilst being upgraded!

Does that involve installing a dual airbridge?

[Invicta DC4]

54C has a double airbridge already, I understand that a 3rd (upper deck) is currently being added.

[LTNman]

This is really great news for Birmingham and puts them on a new level.

[CabinCrewe]

Is this an Emirates gazump to QR? Seems quite a big capacity jump. Isnt that what EK tend to do?

[SWBKCB]

I was thinking the same re QR.

Also, while the politicians dither over LHR/LGW etc, the market in the region is letting actions speak loader than words...

[chinapattern]

As of August 2015, this is the list of all airports across the world with scheduled A388 ops… Of these, only Mauritius (FIMP) is smaller in PAX numbers than BHX…

Do Air France no longer fly the A380 to Abidjan, Ivory Coast. I thought that route held the honour?

Great news for BHX.

[nigel osborne]

Close Daza as Prague is getting A380s of EK think from May16.

They are just 500,000 passengers ahead of us.Think we are still the smallest though in Europe ?

Nigel

[All names taken]

Great news for Brum :ok: A nice early Christmas present.

But guys....don't give up your day jobs to go into marketing will you? Good news and all you're taking about is BHX being the smallest this and that?:p
Seriously though... Happy Christmas.

[nigel osborne]

nwoody2001.

Stand 54 is still in use the EK 77W was on it today.

I suspect they will wait until the new air bridge arrives before they close it.

Three brand new APUs arrived for the upgrade few weeks back though.

[ATNotts]

Great news for Brum :ok: A nice early Christmas present.

But guys....don't give up your day jobs to go into marketing will you? Good news and all you're taking about is BHX being the smallest this and that?:p
Seriously though... Happy Christmas.

Can't help but agree with you there - but it is an interesting stat.

Becoming a little "bagso-esque" local media coverage has been pretty pathetic, particular as far as our national broadcaster is concerned (thats the one we're forced to pay for!). Not a mention on the BBC news website so far as I can see, but plenty on Aston Villa's woes! Not even the regional pages.

It's not as though Emirates and BHX haven't issued news releases.

[tubby linton]

What routes will Monarch be flying from Birmingham next summer?

[chaps1954]

ATNotts
Think you have got a way to go to match Bagso lol!

Ian

[golf yankee one one]

Yes, very welcome news, but..

I believe BHX is getting the 2-class A380, and I wonder if I'm the only person thinking that checking in, boarding or passing inbound through immigration with 614 other souls may not represent an improved experience!

[mustbeaboeing]

Not forgetting the arrival 'experience'

[OltonPete]

tubby linton

Same as 2015 minus Bodrum.

Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma, Malaga & Mahon
Fuerteventura, Las Palmas, Arrecife & Tenerife
Faro & Funchel
Heraklion & Preveza
Paphos & Larnaca
Rome & Venice
Dalaman
Dubrovnik
Gibraltar
Nice
Sharm.

Obviously Sharm at 4 a week is in doubt. Some frequency changes from 2015 but other than that not a lot of difference.

Vueling

Now daily to Barcelona in August making 24 a week with Monarch increasing to 6 a week, Ryanair to 9 and Norwegian static at 2.

Flybe 195

Summer 16 now showing it for Paris three daily once again.

Pete

[Ethiopia]

Monarch announces Lisbon and Madrid as new destinations (http://aviationtribune.com/airlines/europe/item/3053-monarch-announces-lisbon-and-madrid-as-new-destinations)

[Daza]

Great news about Lisbon a city I have visited many times, it is a real gem a little overlooked so three new UK routes from Monarch is good. Now I am generally a "glass half full" type of person but even I am finding hard to put positive spin on four operators on BHX-MAD :}
Daza

[Daza]

BHX-LIS 4 x weekly
BHX-MAD 3 Weekly
Link to Monarch website 2015 News - Flights - MONARCH LAUNCHES LISBON AND MADRID AS NEW SUMMER 2016 DESTINATIONS | Flights News - Monarch (http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/2015-news/monarch-launches-lisbon-and-madrid-as-new-summer-2016-destinations)
Daza

[nwoody2001]

BHX - MAD = Happy Hunger Games!!!


Anyone still to confirm there summer plans, I suspect there will be many cheap tickets going to MAD! 14x weekly services!!!

[Daza]

If MON remove some or all of the 4 SSH flights and are adding a new aircraft to make a total of 9 frames I guess new routes could be announced and/or increased frequencies on existing routes.:ok:
Daza

[getonittt]

Now I am generally a "glass half full" type of person but even I am finding hard to put positive spin on four operators on BHX-MAD

Indeed, but I assume MON are quite aware about the competition as they are the last to the party unlike BCN where they were on the route with RYR before VUE and NAX joined in. As it happened the BCN route was quite sustainable for the 4 carriers on the route during 2015 but I have to admit I will be interested to see how the Madrid route will pan out during 2016. You also have to factor in there is competition from other airports with Manchester having multiple carriers and EZY operating from BRS & LTN.

Congrats to Monarch for seeing that Lisbon was a large gap in the BHX route network hope it works well for them .
Cue TAP / RYR / Flybe announcing LIS soon ...Joking! :)

[Daza]

Multiple route frequency increases ex BHX now showing from June 2016 to ALC AGP PMI FUE LPA ACE FCO & TFS :ok:
Daza

Credit to OP

[Daza]

Getonittt wrote As it happened the BCN route was quite sustainable for the 4 carriers on the route during 2015

I agree. I have to say I didn't think that 4 airlines on BCN was sustainable but in 2016 we will see even more flights to BCN as Monarch, Ryanair and Veuling all add frequency.
Does MAD have the attraction for leisure passengers that BCN has? Business wise I would say MAD is equal if not more of a draw than Spain's second city. BHX-MAD is a total of 14 weekly flights (which is twice daily doesn't sound so unreasonable now):}
I guess we will have to wait and see?
Daza

[Daza]

More great news Christmas day passenger numbers are up 63% and the festive period is up 18% on 2014!
https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/media-information/news/2015/12/birmingham-airport-experiencing-its-busiest-festive-period-on-record/
More great news :ok:
Merry Christmas and best wishes for all in 2016!
Daza

[Hotel Tango]

Forgive my cynicism but although it might be great news for the airport coffers it certainly isn't for us customers. The already poorly designed terminal facilities are getting more congested and the security lines longer. May our respective Gods help us when the A380 starts operating!

[Itchin McCrevis]

Christmas day passenger numbers are up 63%

LOL what's that 5 flights instead of 3..!

the festive period is up 18% on 2014!

That sounds very decent - although I am hearing whispers from some airports and airlines that the festive getaway has not been as strong as expected.

[GayFriendly]

LOL what's that 5 flights instead of 3!

I'm pretty sure that's a tongue in cheek comment but just in case, FYI there are 34 departures from BHX on Christmas Day this year including EK (3), AI, T5, BE, DY, KL, TK, LH, AF, ZB, LX, SN and TOM, thats a big increase from even a few years ago when the number of departures would have barely got into double figures, merry Christmas!

[Monty Gordo]

Itchin McCrevis

A quick check on the departures board for tomorrow shows 34 flights leaving including Dubai X 3, Istanbul X 2, Delhi, Bridgetown and Ashkhabad. So in all probablity 68 movements....

[Itchin McCrevis]

Christmas day passenger numbers are up 63%
LOL what's that 5 flights instead of 3..!
I'm pretty sure that's a tongue in cheek commentTongue in cheek..?! humour..?! - me..?! preposterous..! My colleauges Anna Lyzt and Martha Matician tell me that bragging about your big percentage is often just a cover-up for inadequacy in the material department..! I assume they were talking about airports?

[Monty Gordo]

Itchin McCrevis: Your comments as about as banal as your name and almost as bad as your grammar.

[Bagso]

Monty....we don't see eye to eye.....

But on this occasion as it's Christmas "just", 100% agree IM utterly moronic name!

[Itchin McCrevis]

Monty....we don't see eye to eye.....But on this occasion as it's Christmas "just", 100% agree See that...Christmas really does work!

Anyway ignoring Statler and Waldorf and returning to the subject of airports I will re-iterate the point of my post - it is traditional at this time of year for airports to make statements about the level of growth they are expecting over the festive season, this year we are seeing claims of very significant growth : 18% from BHX and up to 25% (max I have seen) elsewhere.

This is in conflict from comments I have heard on the quiet from SOME airlines and airports (yes I really do talk to these) that sales for the festive season are weaker than expected. Now at some point the significant post-ressesional (is that an allowable word Gordo?) growth we have been seeing (UK wide) is going to turn into over-capacity. It is just possible that this festive season MAY be a harbinger that this is point is on the horizon. I await the true December traffic results with interest.

Condiments of the season to you all.

[golf yankee one one]

But the four airlines involved aren't offering exactly the same thing.

All offer cheap flights to Madrid, but IB Express also offers connections to many cities in S America and Africa (and a BA flight # in case you have loads of Avios.

In the long term, it is most important for BHX that the IB Express link thrives and increases frequencies, particularly as IAG will almost certainly increase useful connections through MAD (eg JNB restarting).

Spain is "on the way" to Africa and S America and journey times will be generally be shorter than via CDG or AMS, and even more so compared with DXB.

[crewmeal]

Agreed! It also seems that IAG want to launch DUB as a hub to North America in the same way is IB Express want to to use MAD as a hub. This is IAG's get out clause of not having any flights from UK airports (apart from London airports). It also offers a cheaper option than UA or AA although pricing can change at anytime.

I need to go to IAD from BHX in the summer and all the booking engines offer EI flights via DUB as well as TK flights via IST!

[ZULUBOY]

Was on the E195 to TXL today. Not sure how often it's used on this route but I go there 5-6 times a year and it's always been the 175 previously

[Seljuk22]

TK will increase their flights
Turkish Airlines - News - turkishairlines.com (http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/corporate/news/news/frequency-of-birmingham-flights-to-increase)

[Daza]

Looks like the massive increase in capacity by EK and QR to ME and connections to Indian sub-continent hasn't put them off. Great news :ok:
Daza

[Daza]

For summer 2016 the flight is thirteen times a week. Initially with second Wednesday flight added on 30th March, the second Tuesday flight commences on Tuesday 31st of May 2015. Considering the slow start it had numbers wise and competition at Birmingham going East, Turkish have quickly grown this route. Does anyone remember how long it has been operating?
Daza

[OltonPete]

ZULUBOY

The 195 operates Monday - Friday on the Berlin. It was a fairly late change with it once timetabled to do an Edinburgh in between the Amsterdam flights.

Weekend seems to be the 175 still and of course it will be the 175 next summer running double daily Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

Daza

Turkish started December 2008 per the CAA stats and passenger figures have been all over the place since day one averaging between 55% and 85% load factor. Double daily no doubt will help the connections but also some highly competitive pricing has helped in the last few months.

However it is very noticeable that fewer 321's have visited recently (one today though).

Pete

[chinapattern]

Turkish are apparently in discussions to launch Amritsar which would no doubt be a boost for passenger numbers connecting from BHX.

[chaps1954]

Hope nobody from UK trapped in hotel in Dubai (Well hope no one trapped from anywhere)

Ian

[CabinCrewe]

Massive capacity increases a slight worry. QR, EK and TK all offering excellent connections but theres only so many outbound. Will be interesting to see if someone buckles first with a 'change in capacity' later this year- my bet is on TK. Think the same will happen at EDI with TK, EY and QR all scrabbling for the same group of pax. Long may low oil prices and lots of empty seats continue!

[chaps1954]

CabinCrew
It`s funny I thought that when EK started increasing at MAN 20 odd years
ago now look at it, EK 3x daily QR going to 16 weekly EY 2 daily and TK
3 daily, the same is happening at BHX, simply put if people can go direct they will do unless there is a huge difference in cost and as long as there is competition prices will be keen

Hope you all have the year you have dreamed of because it looks that
way from up north

Ian

[ZULUBOY]

ZULUBOY

The 195 operates Monday - Friday on the Berlin. It was a fairly late change with it once timetabled to do an Edinburgh in between the Amsterdam flights.

Weekend seems to be the 175 still and of course it will be the 175 next summer running double daily Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

Daza

Turkish started December 2008 per the CAA stats and passenger figures have been all over the place since day one averaging between 55% and 85% load factor. Double daily no doubt will help the connections but also some highly competitive pricing has helped in the last few months.

However it is very noticeable that fewer 321's have visited recently (one today though).

Pete

Thanks Pete for the info. Back on the 175 to BHX yesterday and only a couple of spare seats

[Daza]

Slowly Norwegian add capacity BCN has a new Tue flight added to make 3 per week. Norwegian will operate 12 flights a week in total now from Birmingham in summer 2016. BCN is now 25 per week operated by 4 airlines for the peak of summer 2016 :)
Every little helps :ok:
Daza

[getonittt]

This could apply to any of England's regional airports but this seems to be gathering pace in the midlands too.


Midlands in for the long haul debate on air duty - BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35223130)

[OltonPete]

Although a steady start to 2016 there have been additions already to the 2016 schedules.

Other than the already mentioned Tuesday Norwegian Barcelona in summer, easyjet continue to add Geneva frequencies this winter. Fairly new is a third Sunday easy Swiss service at 14.55 which starts early February and continues to the end of March.

This when added to the half-term extra on a Saturday will make 10 GVA flights from Friday - Monday for two weeks at least but still nine thereafter and of course the planned the extra Thursday evening service starts as well on 11/2. Half-term week will see 14 flights and still 13 the following ones until the clocks go forward.

Not to be outdone Monarch seem to be constantly adding to this winter. The most recent is a third Fuerteventura a week from Sunday 14 February (first ever Sunday FUE?) for 4 weeks and then the third rotation does returns in May on a Tuesday. I suspect this is compensation for the loss of Sharm although SSH does appear in the timetable from 11 February at the moment.

One Tuesday in February sees three ZB Tenerife flights and two in the following weeks (next Tuesday just one flight full-stop from BHX!), which again is another increase.

Also it is only a few weeks before Venice restarts but that was always planned although up on last year. February with 29 days and favourable whether could be an interesting month.

All lessens the blow of the loss of Antwerp from March.

Pete

[Daza]

After increasing BCN Norwegian add a second weekly flight to Las Palmas ex BHX on Sunday's from 2nd October. :ok:
Daza

[simoncorbett]

More new flights from BHX ?


Rumour of Wizz adding mon & fri tp Bulgaria....from April & of course TBC

[Daza]

Reported from another forum
BHX-SOF Every Monday and Friday from March 28th. Bookable now on their mobile site/app.

W6 4371 SOF 18:25 BHX 19:55
W6 4372 BHX 20:25 SOF 01:45

Six routes in less that 4 months operating from Brum :ok:
Daza

[Fairdealfrank]

Midlands campaign to cut APD
This could apply to any of England's regional airports but this seems to be gathering pace in the midlands too.


Midlands in for the long haul debate on air duty - BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35223130)


This is nonsense: ADP can't be devolved to English regions. It either has to be devolved to county councils, or central government has to take the decision to scrap at BHX (in the same way as it was for long haul at BFS).

Better still, scrap it entirely or levy it at a low rate of, say, £5.00 for shorthaul and £10.00 for longhaul in economy and premium economy (for the entire UK).

[chaps1954]

You can`t scrap APD in one area and not another except perhaps London
to help pay for it`s new runway

[MerchantVenturer]

Re the discussion in the previous posts, the Westminster government has three proposals out for discussion to mitigate the effects of APD devolution to Scotland, and possibly to Wales, and has been seeking responses from various groups and organisations.

1. Devolve APD to local authorities or combined local authorities.

2. Vary APD in England with the Westminster government retaining control.

3. Provide aid to regional airports.

The snag with the first is that a sum of money equal to the amount raised in APD through those airports in an area would be deducted from the Westminster grant to the local authority or combined local authority. The local authority would then have to decide by how much (if at all) it could reduce or even abolish APD in its area.

The government itself accepts that its second proposal might not be legal and was going to seek the views of the European Commission on its legality.

The third proposal could only be applied to airports with a throughput of less than 3 mppa and exceptionally to airports between 3 mppa and 5 mppa.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/442960/Discussion_paper_on_impacts_of_air_passenger_duty_on_regiona l_airports.pdf

[getonittt]

Better still, scrap it entirely or levy it at a low rate of, say, £5.00 for shorthaul and £10.00 for longhaul in economy and premium economy (for the entire UK).

That is what it used to be before a succession of chancellors decided to treat this tax like they do and increase it the same way as alcohol ,petrol and tobacco because they thought it was a luxury to be able to fly around Europe for 2 pence. Well it stopped that but also caused a lot of hurt for the aviation industry in the U.K. At least , it seems, that this lobbying has not only stopped the continual increase but will also cause a rethink about how this tax should be collected going forward. I have read that a straight abolition of APD across the U.K. would pay for itself but I'm sure that debate should be for a different thread.

[nigel osborne]

Looks like there will be no return to flights to Egyptian resorts for a considerable time.

Been another terrorist attack today this time in Hurghada, on tourists in a hotel one with a gun another with a suicide vest on. Three European tourists injured.:(

Nigel

[number1delta]

Any idea if the handling agent has been announced yet for Qatar airways yet?

[Fairdealfrank]

You can`t scrap APD in one area and not another except perhaps London
to help pay for it`s new runway
Why not? it was done at Aldergrove for long haul flights.




That is what it used to be before a succession of chancellors decided to treat this tax like they do and increase it the same way as alcohol ,petrol and tobacco because they thought it was a luxury to be able to fly around Europe for 2 pence.
Certainly did for most, not for those swanning around in private jets of course. APD started as one of Ken Clarke's many so-called "stealth taxes" in the early 1990s, and the tradition of "stealth taxes" has continued with subsequent chancellors.




Well it stopped that but also caused a lot of hurt for the aviation industry in the U.K. At least , it seems, that this lobbying has not only stopped the continual increase but will also cause a rethink about how this tax should be collected going forward.
Yes, it gives the impression that the government is anti-aviation, a pity as the aviation industry is one of the UK's success stories.



I have read that a straight abolition of APD across the U.K. would pay for itself but I'm sure that debate should be for a different thread.
Apparently present levels of APD deters inbound tourism, chokes off investment and costs the economy 25,000 jobs.

90,000 jobs would be created and £4 billion added to the economy within a year of scrapping APD. Who knows if this is accurate but if so, it's a no-brainer.

The government must be aware of this, it has been chipping away at APD for the last couple of years.

[jon01]

Thomson S16 update

The additional seventh based aircraft is now reported to be a B738 from the Canadian airline Sunwing

On Saturday, the afternoon Izmir departure has gone and is now operating to Verona, which replaces the lunchtime Verona 'W' B738. Thomson have also added extra capacity to Verona with a chartered Flybe ERJ-175 that departs at 08:00

[BHX5DME]

Any idea if the handling agent has been announced yet for Qatar airways yet?

Swissport

[bhx bod]

The official press release for the Wizzair flights to Sofia also included an increase of flights to Budapest.These will be 3 weekly from the summer.
2016 off to a very good start.:D

[jon01]

2015 & December pax

December 2015 passengers 683,291 (Up just under 10%)

2015 total 10,188,880 (Up just under 5% compared to 2014)

[Daza]

All bodes well for 2016 lets hope we get many more monthly double digit increases in passenger numbers next year. It looks like PKs predictions about the Christmas period added to Decembers great totals.:D
Daza

[Daza]

bhx bod wrote The official press release for the Wizzair flights to Sofia also included an increase of flights to Budapest.These will be 3 weekly from the summer.
2016 off to a very good start.
Now official :) Wizz BHX-BUD now bookable three times a week in 2016. Flights operate Tue, Thu and Sat from 29/3/16 departing BHX 2000 arriving 1930.
Daza :ok:

[AviatorGlenn]

Sometime last year I see reports that United were going to upgrade all European services from the 757 to Boeing 767s and Boeing 777s.

Im guessing BHX will get upgraded to Boeing 767 in the near future, but does anybody know when?

Glenn

[GayFriendly]

Wizz have been nothing but good news for BHX so far! Surely they must hold the record for the biggest number of new routes launched by a new airline to BHX in the shortest space of time? I assume they must be happy with bookings so far and that we will see more frequency increases on existing routes in the future.


Looking at their route map I can see a few other potential routes for BHX - if Bucharest goes well, maybe another Romanian destination (Timisoara, Cluj or Tirgu Mures) could start. Riga and Kosice have potential. Split, Ljubljana and Bourgas could work in summer?

[Doors to Automatic]

That is what it used to be before a succession of chancellors decided to treat this tax like they do and increase it the same way as alcohol ,petrol and tobacco

I think you will find that it was only one chancellor - dour, one eye and no idea how to handle money.

[ATNotts]

Wizz have been nothing but good news for BHX so far! Surely they must hold the record for the biggest number of new routes launched by a new airline to BHX in the shortest space of time? I assume they must be happy with bookings so far and that we will see more frequency increases on existing routes in the future.


Looking at their route map I can see a few other potential routes for BHX - if Bucharest goes well, maybe another Romanian destination (Timisoara, Cluj or Tirgu Mures) could start. Riga and Kosice have potential. Split, Ljubljana and Bourgas could work in summer?

I believe there is every chance that within 2016 BHX will become the second largest UK destination for Wizz; of course after Luton. I agree Bourgas does seem a possible additional route, and with all the terror scares around the eastern Med. Constanta could be another outside bet, though probably not now until 2017.

[getonittt]

Split, Ljubljana and Bourgas could work in summer?

Summer only flights ? You have to realise that the vast majority of pax on the existing flights are migrant workers who are VFR or just commuting. As for new routes I would guess cluj and perhaps another polish destination .

[chaps1954]

AviatorGlenn
Very much doubt in next year or so as I don`t think ant UK regional
airports are due other than possibly EDI or the long rumoured ORD to
MAN but I will believe it when I see it

Ian

[nwoody2001]

I believe there is every chance that within 2016 BHX will become the second largest UK destination for Wizz; of course after Luton. I agree Bourgas does seem a possible additional route, and with all the terror scares around the eastern Med. Constanta could be another outside bet, though probably not now until 2017.


That would be some pretty good going at BHX is currently 4th, behind


3rd Glasgow (Bucharest, Budapest, Gdansk, Katowise, Lublin, Poznan, Vilnuis, Warsaw) (circa 20 weekly flights)


2nd Doncaster (Bucharest, Cluj, Gdansk, Katowise, Kosice, Lublin, Poznan, Riga, Vilnuis, Warsaw, Wroclaw) (circa 30-35 weekly flights)


1st Luton (not going to list them all)


of the above routes currently not served from BHX, Lublin and Riga stand out to me, but if they are to grow much bigger, Wizz will have to choose some more outside the box destinations (like Ljubljana or Cluj etc) or start a fight with RYR!! - for what its worth, I suspect both will occur!!!

[mattjwood]

AviatorGlenn
United 757s
Sometime last year I see reports that United were going to upgrade all European services from the 757 to Boeing 767s and Boeing 777s.

Im guessing BHX will get upgraded to Boeing 767 in the near future, but does anybody know when?

Glenn

I have booked with United for March and is still showing a 757 so it doesnt look like this is going to be in the near future.

[OltonPete]

Source: CAA Provisional Figures.

The CAA version. BHX shown as 683030 up 9.9% for December and 10,180,175 for the rolling year up 5%. All very close to the BHX figures as you would expect

Air Transport Movements show a healthy increase in December but only a slight annual increase: -

6683 for December up 8.3% - rolling 89841 up 0.9%.

Dublin once again breached 70000 pax and Emirates 60000.

JFK had its second best month for average load at 131 per flight but still only 74%. It has reverted to type recently flying fresh air but fingers crossed not too much and they did operate all the flights that were scheduled even moving the Friday Christmas Day flight to Christmas Eve which was is normally a non-operational day.

United in the end only operated one more flight than American per libhomeradar averaging 152 or 90% load factor. A little bit of hope that the two services can live side by side although I did not monitor fares during December.

Air India was just shy of 12000 pax at 193 per flight or 75%. PIA was slightly down averaging 225 at 66% which is a bit disappointing.

Turkish was 11217 which averages to around 108 just below 70% load factor.

Wizz seemed to do okay, Budapest 85%, Warsaw 78% and Poznan 80% for the few days it ran after starting on 18/12. All below the network average but early days.

Pete

[AerRyan]

United upgrading all flights outside of the UK and Ireland to a widebody from a 757. Think you picked it up wrong.

[LandingConfig]

United upgrading all flights outside of the UK and Ireland to a widebody from a 757. Think you picked it up wrong.

Not all flights, just selected routes like TXL and BCN. The likes of LIS and OSL remain on the 752.

I suspect MAN/GLA/EDI will be prime suspects for 767 upgrade.

[j636]

Off topic but all non IE/UK flights will be upgraded as new aircraft arrive. By the way LIS is B763 since last summer and OSL is highly likely not upgraded because of DY who are likely creating downward pressure on yield for UA and a B763/4 wouldn't stack up commercially.

As for here it would be EDI/DUB who would be prime candidates for larger aircraft considering they have twice daily service to EWR, MAN/GLA only have single.

[AviatorGlenn]

The contract is yet to be awarded for Qatar at BHX.

[GayFriendly]

Just wondering if anyone had heard if these are returning or has the new MAN-PEK service put paid to them for 2016? I can't remember when they were announced last year?


Beijing Capital Airlines are starting scheduled MAD-Hangzhou flights (according to the news feed I read with support from CAISSA the agency involved in the BHX charters) this March so maybe BHX is still on their radar for flights?

[nwoody2001]

Beijing Capital Airlines applied for slots to operate BHX - Hangzhou 1x weekly and BHX - Beijing 1x weekly from April 2016 and that was after the MAN - Beijing route was announced which tells us that a) there must be some interest and b) that discussions must be ongoing.


I would be surprised if after this, there was no summer charter program but anticipate hearing news in the coming weeks/months

[chaps1954]

Chinese tourist industry is struggling at moment I believe

Ian

[Monty Gordo]

If it follows the same pattern as 2015 then we should be expecting an announcement at the beginning of March

[hammerb32]

Not sure if this is a daft question but is no-one flying directly to Hamburg from BHX anymore?

[Hotel Tango]

I believe that Eurowings do at least once a day direct. Not sure about Saturdays though.

[OltonPete]

hammerb32

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in winter

Daily ex Saturday in summer with the A320 on a Friday and some Sundays

Pete

[hammerb32]

hammerb32

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in winter

Daily ex Saturday in summer with the A320 on a Friday and some Sundays

Pete
Thanks Pete and HT

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

Can anyone give me a date for when NATs left the Tower and who now handles ATC provision at EGBB? Google was not my friend on this!

Thanks

[Daza]

Another new route: Flybe Birmingham - Nantes, 5x weekly operating Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun from Sat 21st May.
I don't think BHX has ever been linked to NTE with a scheduled flight before? :ok:
Bookable now

[nwoody2001]

Seems we were a little premature with our posts, it seems its not only Nantes at 5x weekly being announced, but also Rennes at 4x weekly and Limoges at 2x weekly!!!

Flybe will now offer 30 routes from BHX, is this a new record for them???? the additional 11x weekly flights over summer will help fight off Ryanair to stay as the biggest airline at BHX

Official Press Release from BHX Below:

- x - x - x -

Flybe Announces Three More Summer Routes From Birmingham
21st January 2016

Leading Regional Airline Boosts 2016 Summer Programme with Three Brand New Routes to Nantes, Rennes–Saint-Jacques and Limoges

Flybe has announced a further expansion of its 2016 Summer programme from Birmingham Airport with the news of three brand new routes to regional France, namely Nantes, Rennes-Saint-Jacques and Limoges. Seats are available for booking now at http://www.flybe.com (http://www.flybe.com/) from £32.99 including taxes and charges.

Flights will operate five times a week to Nantes – the historic port city on the Loire River in western France. Nantes is ideally situated as a gateway to the beaches of the Atlantic coast and highlights of the Loire Valley, including Muscadet wine, cycling and river tourism.

Rennes, the capital city of Brittany, boasts a 2,000 year history. Its architectural mix ranges from the medieval, with cobbled streets and plenty of hidden corners to explore, to 18th century. It is an ideal base from which to discover Brittany, including the Forest of Brocéliande – which legend claims is the home of Merlin, King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake. Flights to Rennes-Saint-Jacques will operate four times a week.

Limoges is a town of art and history in west-central France. The Limousin Region is a popular destination for fishing, horse-riding, golf and mountain biking, owing to its beautiful and diverse scenery. Flights to Limoges will operate twice a week.

These new summer routes provide an additional boost to Flybe’s existing high frequency schedule from Birmingham. With lots of value-priced fares on a wide choice of flights for time-saving travel, the airline remains committed to making it as convenient and easy as possible for its customers, whether flying for business or leisure.

William Pearson, Aviation Director, from Birmingham Airport, commenting on the route announcements said: “We are delighted that Flybe will be offering flights to these currently unserved cities in France giving passengers more choice to these business and leisure destinations. Flybe serves 30 destinations from Birmingham offering great service and fantastic value. Flybe is Birmingham Airport’s largest airline and we welcome its expanding route network.”


SCHEDULE DETAILS OF NEW SUMMER ROUTES FROM BIRMINGHAM (BHX);

TO NANTES (NTE)

Effective for travel 21st May – 29th October,2016

Operates Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun

Mon/Wed/Fri

Morning flight from Birmingham and Nantes.

Sat/Sun

Suitably scheduled late morning from Birmingham and returning flight mid-afternoon.

TO RENNES-SAINT-JACQUES (RNS)

Effective for travel 21st May – 25th September, 2016

Operates Tues/Thurs/Sat/Sun

Tues/Thurs

Early flight from Birmingham returning late morning from Rennes.

Sat

An Early evening flight from Birmingham and return flight leaving late evening.

Sun

Handy morning flight from Birmingham with reverse flight leaving Rennes at lunchtime.

TO LIMOGES (LIG)

Effective for travel 21st May – 29th October

Operates Wed and Sat

Conveniently timed midday from Birmingham and early afternoon from Limoges.

Full route details at http://www.flybe.com (http://www.flybe.com/)

Flybe’s 2016 Summer schedule from Birmingham now offers a total of 30 routes offering passengers a choice of up to 413 flights a week to an extensive range of attractive destinations.


https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/media-information/news/2016/01/flybe-announces-three-more-summer-routes-from-birmingham/

[Daza]

nwoody2001 wrote Seems we were a little premature with our posts
On this occasion I don't mind being premature :E

3 new routes making a total of 30 destinations and 400 plus flights a week. Great news. :ok:
Daza

[GayFriendly]

Compared to summer 2015 BHX will see an additional 17 new or re-introduced scheduled destinations and 4 new airlines to the departure boards:

Qatar, Czech, Blue Air, Iberia Express

Doha, Prague, Bucharest, Sofia, Poznan, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Budapest, Knock, Rotterdam, Rennes, Limoges, Nantes, Verona, Corfu, Vilnius, Lisbon

Tempered only so far by the loss of Antwerp and I guess Kaunas (replaced by Vilnius)

That's pretty damped impressive! Be nice to see Vienna, Helsinki, Stockholm as well as a few more niche Europe (Ljubljana, Seville, Porto, Naples, Pisa....) and leisure long haul, Vegas, Cuba, Goa, Phuket....maybe I'm just being greedy, unrealistic or both!

[nwoody2001]

i don't think any of your hopes are unrealistic, and I hope the route development team are on with attracting these routes to the airport. they have definitely earnt their salary this year that's for sure!!!!

[Daza]

In addition to three new Flybe routes several existing routes will see increases too.
Bergerac, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Isle of Man and La Rochelle all see increases on originally planned Summer 2016 schedules. :ok:
Daza

[ATNotts]

Reported on the Newcastle thread, the airport plans to turn the old tower into a viewing area.

It would be really good if the management at BHX could be so far sighted - a facility like that would attract visitors, who would pay to use it, and would offer added revenue to NCP on the Elmdon site, and give catering restaurant opportunities. It may also serve to raise awareness of just what BHX offers, flights and destination wise, and help increase support for the airport among the public when it looks for expansion.

If such a facility were to be set up (hypothetically - since it won't!) how much would people be prepared to pay? I would suggest, based on the sorts of charges levied at German airports, around £ 1.50 - £ 2.00 per day.

[Suzeman]

Can anyone give me a date for when NATs left the Tower and who now handles ATC provision at EGBB? Google was not my friend on this!

Thanks

From the NATS annual report 2014

NATS renewed their contracts with Belfast, Cardiff and RAF Gibraltar. They lost the contract for Gatwick. Birmingham will not renew their contract with NATS but will take the service in-house from 2015.

Can't find the exact date though.

[Big Green Glow]

April 01st 2015

BAATL. In house provider.

[cheesebag]

Looking at various social media It appears that work has began on the A380 airbridge

[GayFriendly]

Only a very short season but Korean Air have announced summer charters from Seoul to Glasgow.....very interesting and quite a coup for them . I have always wondered if BHX have ever looked at Korea and Japan for inbound charters are these are strong markets for UK tourism along with the holy grail of China. I really hope we hear something about our summer Chinese charters soon.

[AviatorGlenn]

Work has begun on Stand 54, modifications of the 2 existing airbridges and installation of a third airbridge.

Some of the concrete will also be replaced on the stand to strengthen it.

Glenn

[Centre cities]

Lets hope that they finish it in time then.

Centre cities

[OltonPete]

Forgot to post these: CAA have provided the monthly figures with average pax and load factor estimated based on airline sites, bl*gs and libhomeradar.

Madrid is missing as is all Norwegian BHX routes in the punctuality stats. Some routes have IT pax mixed in with schedule route - Canaries.

Route................ 2015......... 2014.....Avg Load....Factor
ANTWERP.............245..............0..........12.......... 25%
BRUSSELS.........11913..........9053......... 66..........72%
DUBROVNIK...
LARNACA............3935..........3119........197.........92%
PAPHOS..................0............463
COPENHAGEN...... 8733..........8266..........87.........55%
HURGHADA...............0......... 2045
SHARM EL...........1377......... 4502.........196.........92%
LYON.................3427......... 3479..........57..........64%
NICE....................167..........187.......... 94..........44%
PARIS (CDG)......31009........33421......... 93..........70%
TOULOUSE...............0......... 2541
BERLIN (TXL).......4425......... 2388..........63.........72%
COLOGNE.................0.........2928
DUSSELDORF.......19990.......16761.........50..........59%
FRANKFURT.........19584.......25380........100.........58%
HAMBURG.............1887........4663......... 52..........60%
HANOVER.............5053........5456..........47..........60 %
MUNICH..............14294......14781..........99..........70 %
STUTTGART..........5840.......5379.......... 62..........71%
GIBRALTAR............3583.......3022.........138.........79%
BUDAPEST............2158............0.........154..........8 6%
KEFLAVIK..............2797.......1456.........140..........7 6%
AMRITSAR............5790
DELHI ..................6380.......6816.........203..........79%
CORK...................5715.......6294...........56......... .78%
DUBLIN.............. 76323......62025.........117..........75%
KNOCK......................0....... 2170
SHANNON.............2500........3282..........52..........72 %
WATERFORD...........809........1565..........22..........45%
FLORENCE.................0........2663
MILAN (MXP)........7424........ 4484..........66..........73%
ROME (FCO).........4267........ 2576.........142.........72%
VENICE.................182..........601...........91........ .43%
KAUNAS..............2629.........2879.........164.........87 %
MALTA................3051.........2697.........170.........9 0%
AMSTERDAM....... 46773.......41851..........94.........80%
OSLO.......................0........ 1541
ISLAMABAD.........5887......... 5908......... 226........76%
BYDGOSZCZ........4212......... 4511..........176........93%
GDANSK............. 3032......... 2929......... 168........89%
KATOWICE..........3166..........2834.........176........93%
KRAKOW.............3191..........3176.........177.......94%
WARSAW............2538..............0..........141.......78%
FARO.................8124......... 7700..........150.......74%
OPORTO..................0..........1346
FUNCHAL............2316..........2519......... 129........63%
BRATISLAVA....... 3830..........4224.........166.......88%
ALICANTE..........18345........15265.........180........90%
BARCELONA........13988.........5376......... 125........67%
MALAGA............14708........11458......... 147........74%
MURCIA...............270............492......... 135........71%
PALMA............... 3326..........1046......... 151........80%
ARRECIFE..........12909........12507.........???
FUERTEVENTURA..7557......... 7042.........???
LAS PALMAS....... 4110......... 3923..........108........56%
TENERIFE..........17570........15449.........???
GOTEBORG...............0......... 1214
ZURICH.............. 7099......... 7449..........70..........70%
DALAMAN.............211...........602..........70
ISTANBUL.........10767.........8386..........103..........66 %
ASHKHABAD........ 3665.........5502..........141..........74%
DUBAI..............52890........45891..........294.......... 73%
NEW YORK (JFK).. 4560..............0..........103..........59% I had one less flight 62%
NEW YORK (EWK).7303......... 7581......... 146..........86%

Pete

[cornishsimon]

Are these figures available for domestics also ?


cs

[OltonPete]

Source CAA for monthly figures and actual rotations giving the average load. Load factors estimated based on seat-maps or aircraft used. Jesey Guernsey added together for average load and show under Jersey

Route.............................2015.....2014.....avg pax....load factor
ABERDEEN.......................8626 10400........56............72%
BELFAST CITY (BHD).......20553.....21941........ 59...........75%
BELFAST INT.................20742......15335.......133..........86.0 %
CITY OF DERRY....................0.......1937
EDINBURGH.................. 24254......25192........61...........75%
GLASGOW.....................19623......20247........50...... .....62%
GUERNSEY......................3005.......2519........see Jersey
INVERNESS.....................3062.......2834.........59.... ......75%
ISLE OF MAN...................2661.......3530.........46..........64 %
JERSEY..........................3065........2768........60.. .........76%
NEWCASTLE.....................862.........789........11..... ......36%

2014 - Sectors on ABZ 186 compared to 152 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on BHD 348 compared to 364 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on BFS 126 compared to 156 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on EDI 373 compared to 401 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on GLA 354 compared to 391 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on INV 59 compared to 52 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on IOM 69 compared TO 58 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on JER 100 compared to 104 in 2015
2014 - Sectors on NCL 77 compared to 82 in 2015

Noticeably EDI,BHD & GLA had more flights in November 2015 than 2014 but pax were down although from what I saw fares were well up.

Pete

[CabinCrewe]

some quite low ones in there that must be a worry. JFK and IST rather low too. Any reasons?

[LandingConfig]

I thought EK were now 3-class at BHX? That would give an average of 82% instead of 73%.

[OltonPete]

LandingConfig

The Emirates figure is based on the actual aircraft operating. The EK source lists the config of virtually every aircraft so my figure for EK should be fairly accurate. BHX as far as I know has never been all three class.

EK37 was a three class 77W for a period but first class was never sold. EK41/2 was three class from 1/8/2015 - 31/12/2015 but as ever with EK's flexibility during school holiday periods a two class would operate.

Conversely now the schools are back the all two class service does not happen every day with EK41 this morning three class but again first class is probably not sold. EK39 has also been a three class version at least once this month. EK37/8 is very rarely three class even during the low season of May and June.

CabinCrewe

Turkish - No! American - yes.

If Turkish were worried by load factor BHX and EDI would have stopped years ago and BHX will be seeing further increases with double daily by June. Although not as spectacular as the Manchester Turkish it has its moments and the only concern is from March when QR arrive and the EK A380. However Turkish tend to react with their pricing but the way they operate there is little chance of knowing how it is doing. In isolation on a four hour sector it doesn't look good nut it is all about feeding the hub.

With the American I can't really say to much to defend it. The seat-map speaks volumes, the fares are shown on the website and all I can say is, fuel is cheap!

Pete

[LandingConfig]

OltonPete - thanks for the explanation.

Perhaps AA will become seasonal this year?

[number1delta]

Had a call from an old collegue today asking if I would like to return to BHX to become a Dispatcher for Qatar Airways.

Do we think that they will remain at BHX and be successful? I miss the airport and would love to return, however it needs to be something concrete.

[nigel osborne]

number1delta,

Unfortunately the airline business is often anything but concrete.

Every year there is more and more competition.

Qatar announced BHX before EK announced a big upgrading in capacity from 420 seater 77W to a daily 615 seater A380.

Turkish have just announced an increase from 12 to 14 flights a week from BHX with many connections going in the same direction as Qatar and Emirates.

Whether this huge increase in capacity to the region from BHX can result in fairly full planes all round is far from certain.

It also depends on what the airlines are happy with. If you look at EDI they have Qatar and Etihad and the load factors on the last two are nothing spectacular. In fact either QR or Etihad are moving a service to the evening to see if they can do any better.

However Qatar don't have much form for chopping services from the UK so I think its fair to say they will commit to BHX at least for a few years.

Hopefully they can fill their planes from BHX and not look back.

However will so much competition you can never give a concrete answer that Qatar will be here for good.

What is very likely is that the capacity and number of passengers flown to the region will steadily increase between them all. Probably winners and losers but the trend is for success to the region to continue.

So perhaps you should just go for it,they are a 5 star airline and we have exciting times at BHX.

Nigel

[simoncorbett]

Qatar.... ?

Well who would of thought Emirates at BHX would of ever gone to more than 1 flight a day let alone 3, many people were shocked to see them start at all & look how they have blossomed.

I wish Qatar's adverts around area had in big LETTERS from Birmingham in fact Icelandairs adverts dont say from Birmingham - i'm sure people will assume they only fly from London !

[OltonPete]

LandingConfig

I suppose the price of fuel has given them a bit of wriggle room in winter and allowed them to give it a chance.

If the booking engine is anything to go by the January figures are going to be scary. I have been able to cross-check a few loads and it is fairly accurate measure of pax on board but of course not yield.

The other thing I have noticed is that when you check AA business class it never seems to sell out yet United is often "showing full". On Sunday the plane had an average load in and out but business was showing full and inbound this morning as well.

Obviously United are entrenched and we don't know how many were upgraded FF's coupled with the fact that their next flight outbound is not until Friday and this might have affected things, which just goes to show there are a lot of factors to be taken into account at this time of year.

Pete

[AviatorGlenn]

Came across this on LOT Polish instagram account

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBP5ZFHKeEi/?taken-by=flylot
(https://www.instagram.com/p/BBP5ZFHKeEi/?taken-by=flylot)
Your thoughts?

Glenn

[nigel osborne]

Aviatorglenn,

Interesting but could mean anything..

Yes we are to start Birmingham soon, or could be referring to a connecting flight ..

That could tie in with "Birmingham on our way" ie we drop in here with a partner airline that then connects to Poland.

Time will tell.

Nigel

[ZULUBOY]

Basing another A321 for Winter 2016

[number1delta]

Thanks Nigel. Was forced to take redundancy after many years service so not sure wether to just move on now from Aviation.
Also not sure if I want to work for the handling agent that offered me the position.

[nigel osborne]

number1delta.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do :)

Nigel

[OltonPete]

Picking up bits and pieces from other threads and various booking engines next winter is shaping up well.

Ryanair have a few flights released and this shows Verona and Madrid continuing at their summer frequencies and Barcelona daily next winter!

Dublin is six a day most days and Krakow twice weekly as now.

Vueling - Alicante continues through winter at 3 a week so up on this winter although Barcelona remains two weekly.

Thomson have doubled Sal at the expense of the Friday Hurghada. Other increases on long-haul previously reported.

Thomas Cook as previously mentioned two based with 4 x Tenerife and 2 x Banjul the main increases plus a new Las Palmas and Hurghada.

Icelandair is back to two weekly next winter at the moment.

Pete

[golf yankee one one]

Reports today of a possible new rail link to MAN from Chester/Shropshire.

That would obviously be welcome, but for Shropshire residents it will be another factor to consider when deciding whether to fly from MAN or BHX.

Although MAN has more direct destinations, for many journeys (eg by EK) there are virtually identical departure times and prices.

The journey time to the airport by train (or indeed by road) is also very similar.

How then to choose? I would suggest that the decision may often come down to how user friendly the airport feels.

My own feeling is that going from either MAN or BHX with a change at an efficient modern hub is infinitely preferable to battling with all the uncertainties that flying from LHR involves.

Do others share my views? - because there are many "grey areas" around the country where the choice of departure airport may be influenced by similar factors which are at least partly under the control of the airport's management.
golf yankee one one is online now Report Post

Between MAN and BHX I am influenced by
- the transfer from the station to the terminal (BHX slightly better)
- how crowded are check in and departure lounges (MAN varies with terminal but can be depressing, BHX OK)
- wifi access (appalling and disgraceful at BHX which is shamed by most 3rd world airports)
- delays at immigration (unpredictable and no clear winner)
- an inexpensive hotel room within walking distance of the terminal for 0600 departures (BHX wins hands down)

Do others share my views? - because there are many "grey areas" around the country where the choice of departure airport may be influenced by similar factors which are at least partly under the control of the airport's management.
golf yankee one one is online now Report Post

[Fishaman]

There have been a few non operated flights recently, some on consecutive days also for AA & UA, anybody know why? Must be some pretty miffed PAX.

[BHX5DME]

All UA / AA non-op flights were pre-planned Winter reductions.

[LandingConfig]

UA is 4x weekly until 29th Feb, AA is 5x weekly until 12th March.

[Fishaman]

Cheers guys.

[Daza]

Pakistan add Saturday ISB flight from 2nd April back to four times weekly schedule. :)
Daza

[Daza]

Passengers up 9% to almost 667,000. See link below. Long haul traffic grew at 18%.:)
https://birminghamairport.co.uk/media-information/news/2016/02/birmingham-airport-has-a-strong-start-to-2016-setting-a-new-passenger-record/
Daza

[111KAB]

To add to Daza's post >


https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/birmingham-airport-celebrates-busiest-ever-january-3251

[AMM626]

Budapest goes A321 from November.

Great to see Wizz doing so well :ok:

[jfy1999]

As posted on the Manchester thread, Russian carrier Vim Airlines have won approval for flights to both MAN and BHX.

Not sure what the market for BHX-Moscow is but it seems their main intention is to provide onward connections to India. To me this sounds a lot like Comtel/Mint Airways' attempt to fly via Vienna. If it even gets started it looks like facing stiff competition from Air India and the T5/QR connections.

[chinapattern]

There are also rumours going round of Turkmenistan upgrading to full 777 ops and Uzbekistan planning another return (they initially planned to resume flights back in 2009 but nothing ever materialised).

[insuindi]

The RAF charter operated by Small Planet from PAD has veered off the taxiway whilst taxiing post landing today. No injuries and runway remained open.

[VickersVicount]

Lithuanian airline charter in reasonable weather.... mmm.

[Buster the Bear]

Rosaviatsia, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, has approved VIM Avia to operate up to seven times a week services from Moscow to Manchester and Birmingham. No firm plans have been announced to start services but services to Moscow from Manchester were suspended by EasyJet in September 2015 leaving a gap in the market.

[chinapattern]

Warsaw upgraded to an A321 from 24/9!

[BHX5DME]

Emirates will be sending an A388 from Dubai on 23.03.16 (originally quoted as from Toulouse and on 24.03.16) to test the new 3 finger airbridge on 54C.

[hammerb32]

Any ideas if this operating one of the daily services or is it a standalone flight?

[bhx bod]

Just in for testing the air bridge and also possibly taxi trials.
I understand some slight alterations have been made to taxiways,to hopefully prevent any mishaps.(unless you are an Eastern European charter airline of course).
Should arrive at about 1000 and leaving at around 1700.
Opportunity to see B773 and A380 together!

[OltonPete]

Some changes network wise as reported on other threads and BHX is affected.

A sixth daily Amsterdam has been added with an 08.00 departure but changes to 07.55 when Dundee starts and operates their new AMS service and then returns to BHX in the afternoon.

13 aircraft based for summer 7 x Q400's, 5 x 175's and 1 x 195 (supposed to be a spare) with an 8th Q400 arriving for the Rotterdam service in September.

Pete

[chaps1954]

bhx bod
That is a very long turn round for the A380 as the Manchester turnround is only 1hr 50 mins

Ian

[nwoody2001]

chaps1954


This isn't a scheduled pax flight, this is a technical flight to test the operation of a A380 at BHX since the extended runway was built, a new double-deck air bridge was built (Manchester doesn't have one of these I believe?) and alterations made to the taxi ways ...prior to regular scheduled pax services commence on March 27th

[chaps1954]

sorry mis understood your comment thought you meant the scheduled flight was in that long

Ian

[bhx bod]

chaps1954,
Perhaps could have worded my post better,but as nwoody says,this is a one off flight.EK39/40 ops as normal 77W on this day so both aircraft will be on the ground together.

[chaps1954]

Enjoy them

Ian

[jfy1999]

A couple of things to note on this route:

1) Vueling seem to be making it summer-only. Although it was previously showing in the booking engine as remaining 3x weekly for winter, it's now only bookable via Barcelona.

2) Although the press releases for the Ryanair S16 schedule had Alicante down to be 2x daily, the timetable is showing only 12 weekly flights in August, the busiest month, with 1 daily flight on Tuesday and Saturday. At least one of the flights on the days when this route is 2x daily should be from a BHX-based aircraft, so my guess is that the BHX-based aircraft has been reallocated (possibly for Barcelona which is 2x daily on Tuesday and Saturday). The timings are also very strange with some days seeing the two flights from ALC to BHX landing within minutes of each other.

[111KAB]

Huge £1m airbridge goes up at Birmingham Airport with Airbus A380 en route - Birmingham Mail (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/huge-1m-airbridge-goes-up-10968538)

[Daza]

Flybe will operate daily Luxembourg from Birmingham commencing 5/9/16 another new route I don't think its ever been a destination served by scheduled flights ex BHX (I'm happy to stand corrected if I'm wrong). :ok:
Daza

[Businesstraveller]

Thursday 31st March will offer the chance to see an Emirates A380 and Qatar Airlines B787 Dreamliner at BHX at the same time:


Emirates A380 arrives 12:20 and departs 14:20
Qatar Airways B787 arrives 12:20 and departs 16:20

[jfy1999]

As I posted before Alicante is not operating for W16-17, however, a post on another site says Vueling are to replace it with a winter-only route to Malaga.

[nwoody2001]

As I posted before Alicante is not operating for W16-17, however, a post on another site says Vueling are to replace it with a winter-only route to Malaga.

I think you're jumping the gun here jfy...


Firstly, the vueling timetable is far from finalized yet so whilst BHX-ALC is not bookable at present, this doesn't mean it wont be, theres a time to wait yet.


Secondly, the source of the BHX-AGP simple shows the winter timetable which shows they appear to plan to operate the route, but there's no reason to think this would be winter only!!!

[chaps1954]

The Manchester to Alicante has apppeared on their booking engine
so maybe still to load BHX but mind you didn`t think is was due to operate for winter from Manchester anyway

Ian

[737James]

I see Thomson have now confirmed their BHX-DXB flights from Jan 17 I think it leaves at 22:30 on a Monday then gets back at 15:35 on a Tuesday I presume these will be on the 787 timings are quite strange I wonder whether they will have them doing a European sector in the morning on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon

[LandingConfig]

I see Thomson have now confirmed their BHX-DXB flights

The flights are to Dubai Al Maktoum, DWC.

[canberra97]

The Thomson DWC flights are in conjunction with Thomson Cruises so the timings are not strange at all, perfect in fact for disembarking and embarking cruise passengers.

[oceanhawk]

Don't rule out the 767 doing some of this flying next winter. The company rumoured the 767 would be involved . Bhx also has the crews. Timings are an inefficient use of a 787. Timing looks sensible for an east bound cruise flight. Anyway ,it will be one or the other.

[EI-BUD]

Birmingham Amsterdam route saw 42600 passengers in January. This was 52K in August. January was up year on year by 14%. This has to be one of the biggest routes ex the UK regions without a low cost carrier, i.e. an easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz or Norwegian etc. Certainly an attractive opening there, given that Flybe are at 5 a day and KLM operating too... Not a huge amount of flights ex the UK international flights, operating outside of the London area with that level of passengers and no low cost airline operating ...


EI-BUD

[Daza]

EI-BUD wrote Birmingham Amsterdam route saw 42600 passengers in January. This was 52K in August. January was up year on year by 14%. This has to be one of the biggest routes ex the UK regions without a low cost carrier, i.e. an easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz or Norwegian etc. Certainly an attractive opening there, given that Flybe are at 5 a day and KLM operating too... Not a huge amount of flights ex the UK international flights, operating outside of the London area with that level of passengers and no low cost airline operating ...

Flybe add a 6th daily weekday flight and KLM re-instate their sixth daily flight from 27th March so 12 flights a day Mon-Fri. :ok:
Daza

[jfy1999]

Don't rule out the 767 doing some of this flying next winter. The company rumoured the 767 would be involved . Bhx also has the crews. Timings are an inefficient use of a 787. Timing looks sensible for an east bound cruise flight. Anyway ,it will be one or the other.

Mmm maybe, though I thought the 767s were to go to TUIfly in Germany after the S16 flying season.

[jfy1999]

I think you're jumping the gun here jfy...


Firstly, the vueling timetable is far from finalized yet so whilst BHX-ALC is not bookable at present, this doesn't mean it wont be, theres a time to wait yet.


Secondly, the source of the BHX-AGP simple shows the winter timetable which shows they appear to plan to operate the route, but there's no reason to think this would be winter only!!!
According to information on another forum Alicante is now showing as 6 weekly on one timetable, so if this works out I'll be happy I was wrong!!

[Fried_Chicken]

The 18th March should see a C Series operate ZRH-BHX on a route proving flight prior to entry with Swiss.

FC

[ericlday]

Announced in Tenerife courtesy of Janet Anscombe

The Tenerife Cabildo says that from this summer there will be two new routes to TFS Reina Sofía from Manchester and Birmingham operated by Spanish airline Vueling with a code shared by British Airways. Tenerife president Carlos Alonso said that Turismo was constantly seeking to improve connectivity with the island, and is also reaching further agreements at the ITB travel fair in Berlin with Air Europa, Thomas Cook, TUI, among others.

The new Birmingham route will operate Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 June, and Manchester’s on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 July. (The Manchester route will be weekly until halfway through September). Cabildo tourism councillor Alberto Bernabé said that the two new routes announced today were of great importance with British tourists being the main holiday market here, with over 1.7m holidaymakers from the UK staying in tourist establishments in Tenerife last year, a growth from 2014 of 5%.

[OltonPete]

Tenerife this summer - 2 x D8, 8 x ZB, 3 x FR and 2 x VY.

Depending on which GDS system you use Alicante is also loaded once again for winter but not on their website.

Six a week in one and two a week in another but the one with two has changed four times, twice this week alone, as it was three (Mo, We & Fr), nil, three (Tu, Th, Sa) and back to two (Mo & Fr).

Malaga also at two a week is in GDS as well but again not on their website.

Barcelona remains at two a week next winter at the moment.

Pete

[chaps1954]

Olton Pete
Just had a look at Manchesters what a mess on TFS 8 airlines with
schedules plus IT as well and BCN isn`t much better
I`m impressed how you can keep tabs on what is happening at BHX
must have far too much time on yoir hands lol!

[mart901]

TFS

Just looking TOM have 2x weekly on sale and TCX have 4x weekly (2 operated by smartlynx).

[Daza]

Monarch are to continue BHX-LIS through the winter three times a week, lovely city great for a short break. :ok:
Link to news report https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/media-information/news/2016/03/monarch-adds-lisbon-for-winter-2016-from-birmingham-airport/
Daza

[GayFriendly]

That's really good news about Lisbon, I must admit I thought it would be seasonal. IMO, the only glaring gaps from BHX in terms of primary European cities are Vienna and Stockholm, which is somewhat of an improvement on a the glaring gaps of a few years ago! Helsinki would also be nice too.


Had to laugh when I clicked on link to BHX LIS press release, they have used a picture of a Monarch A330!! At least it was actually a photo of one at BHX.....

[OltonPete]

chaps1954

Mrs O would probably agree ;)

Monarch

Venice now released for November but just a weekly Saturday service. Sharm is bookable twice weekly but LCA isn't. 7 aircraft required some days

Vueling

VY7459 in 10.15 out 11.00 Monday and Friday from June and just Friday showing for winter but still not on the Vueling site!

Ryanair

Still only a few routes released for winter 2016/7

Pete

[OltonPete]

Further capacity increases.

The A321 on the Warsaw is now from 27/9/16 and Sofia from February.

Budapest is still the same I believe from winter 2016/7.

Pete

[j636]

OP

Looks like FR upping capacity to Canaries for winter.

[BHX5DME]

Feb 2016 up 15% to 725k

[Daza]

Great results even with the extra day this is a significant increase! :ok:
Daza

[Terenceskipp]

Question.
Have just booked a cruise with Cunard, flight out from BHX to Venice F/N ZT883, return from Rome, ZT886. The confirmation says ZT- Air Zambezi, but travel agent said Titan Airways, who the heck am I flying with????, and should I panic???

[GrahamK]

Question.
Have just booked a cruise with Cunard, flight out from BHX to Venice F/N ZT883, return from Rome, ZT886. The confirmation says ZT- Air Zambezi, but travel agent said Titan Airways, who the heck am I flying with????, and should I panic???

Titan Airways 320 i'd imagine. Decent airline by all accounts

[jfy1999]

This confusion over the airline seems to be an issue particular to charter flights. On FR24 and a couple of online timetables Thomson flights have been shown as Transavia France and Thomas Cook as Air Tanzania.

[Terenceskipp]

Thanks for the reassuring ???? replies.

[Nipper1011]

A ZT flight number is definitely assigned by Titan Airways who are a long established and very reputable outfit based at London Stansted.


ZT has been Titan's IATA designator for many years but sees little use because they mainly fly for other airlines on those airlines' flight numbers.


ZJ was Air Zambezi's IATA designator before they ceased operations in late 2012.

[Daza]

Flybe have put their winter flights (up to Jan 31st 2017) on sale. BHX highlights include twice daily TXL on weekdays, twice daily HAJ, MXP, STR during the week. Six daily AMS, five daily DUS (weekdays) and a surprise NTE will operate three weekly. RTM remains twice daily and LUX daily. GLA & EDI are 7 daily weekdays.
Up on winter 2015/6 :ok:
Daza

[tubby linton]

What time is the EK A380 due in and will it be appearing daily?

[AMM626]

In 12:20, out 14:20 daily.

[LandingConfig]

2 hour ground time for a 615 seat aircraft?

[FFHKG]

Emirates schedule a 1hr 50mins turn round for the A380 at MAN, so 2 hours should be sufficient if ground handling does their job efficiently

[tubby linton]

They will be queuing out of the door at the staff security checkpoint

[rutankrd]

Birmingham has installed a triple bridge for this . Thats better than the twin bridge on gate 12 at Manchester !

Think it will be Okay

[Philflies]

Hi Folks,
Are there any further details on timings for the A380 proving flight on 23rd March? The last update (bhx_bod) mentioned arriving 10ish? Is there any more info on that?

I'm going to have baby-Philflies in tow, so can't hang around for hours like I used to!

Regards

[bhx bod]

Philflies,re route proving flight EK A380.

The latest info I have is a late afternoon early evening arrival from Hamburg on Tuesday 22nd.
The aircraft is due to stay roughly 24 hours.I am afraid I have no definite times to give you at this moment.
As you and others can see it has changed yet again,as it appears a new aircraft is involved after all.
If I can get something more definite then I will post times,but don't hold your breath.
I would have thought that getting publicity for something like this would be of great use for BHX.Strange nothing official has come from the airport people themselves.

[AMM626]

At the moment it's expected from Hamburg at 18:20 on the 22nd.

Departure is due for 18:00 on the 23rd.

It's definitely still subject to change as it's been moved several times already.

[bhx bod]

Thanks for that AMM626,I got the dates just not the times,cheers.:ok:

[AviatorGlenn]

There is a big press/media event at 1030 on Wednesday 23rd for the A380 until 1430

[Curious Pax]

Departure is due for 18:00 on the 23rd.

Back to Hamburg or onwards to Dubai? A6-EOW looks to be in the last stages of customer acceptance so may be a combined demo/delivery flight?

[AviatorGlenn]

Looks like its now arriving at 1720, will be A6-EOW which will return to Hamburg on the 23rd before being delivered to EK

[bhx bod]

The A380 has been confirmed by the airport media people as arriving @1650 using flight number EK7380.

[cheesebag]

Still with its French registration?

[bhxstu]

Am i correct in thinking the aircraft is on its way...

https://www.flightradar24.com/AIB207F/92c5ea4

Hope thats ok to include the link. Delete if required.

[Curious Pax]

F-WWSJ (which is the prospective A6-EOW) has just started descending off the east coast of the UK, flying as AIB207F according to FR24. It seems to be heading in the rough direction of BHX.

[GrahamK]

Seems to be a Norwegian 787 heading into BHX from LGW. Subbing for a 737 or could we about to hear some long haul news for BHX?

[cheesebag]

Norwegian I believe have an agreement with MAEL for maintenance, maybe that's what the 787 is doing? I may be wrong

[nigel osborne]

Yes Cheesebag in right.

LN-LNB 787 arrived and went to MAEL whilst LNE left BHX earlier to Gatwick.

Assume the arriving one had the same crew bringing it in from LGW.

Unfortunately no sign of Norwegian adding more routes from BHX yet. Attention seems to have switched to Manchester where they are launching 3 more European routes from their and increasing frequencies on others.

Rumours suggest they could add more routes from Manchester soon but who knows ?

Nigel

[Fishaman]

Does anybody know the DEP time for the EK380.

[AMM626]

It's scheduled for an 18:00 departure but that may well change.

[GrahamO]

So the A380 from Emirates is going to be used on the BHX route ......

Given it takes well over an hour for luggage to arrive from a 777,and my personal worst when travelling with non Gold passengers with luggage is 2.5 hours, anyone care to bet how long they will take to offload a full A380 of luggage - two hours minimum, three hours on average ?

Seriously, its a joke. Immigration can't cope, the arrivals hall at the bottom of the stirs is a postage stamp and the single escalator is out of action half the time. A triple bridge will be pointless when 600+ people go to a single escalator to a tiny area down below.

[oceanhawk]

You are spot on with these observations. This maybe a logistical nightmare. If arriving behind it during the summer months expect delays . I will want to carry more fuel and expect to hold. The airport have said that a runway inspection will take place after it lands to begin with and a runway inspection will take place after every departure. ILS signal interferences may result in following aircraft being given an RNAV approach at short notice. ( these approaches require a significant brief beforehand).
With more movements this summer and the usual Monarch lunchtime rush, the arrivals hall maybe caos. I can see passengers being held on the jet .

[Betablockeruk]

This is an exact replica of the discussion that took place when EK put their A380 into Manchester. Arrivals, ILS interference, approach separations, etc. They work through it all and then will have the confidence to increase capacity. So, yes, you will have teething issues but eventually it all gets ironed out.

[GrahamO]

With respect, the arrivals area at MCR is much bigger than BHX. Much much bigger if I recall.

Resolution of 'teething problems' won't solve the problem - they offload a 777 with two baggage handlers and have refused to sort it out for the last two years. During said 2.5 hour wait I did complain to Emirates (Gold Card Line) that nobody from the ground services lot were around to field questions and I asked a customs guy what was happening. he told me they only use two baggage handling staff and it was evident by the delay and 'burst' nature of luggage that it was te sme two guys at the aircraft as were actually putting stuff on the conveyor.

Even Emirates local guys ringing the ground handler couldnt get them to answer the phone.

It'll be a total shambles. And no 'working around' too few staff, insufficient space will make a quart fit in a pint pot !

[tubby linton]

Oceanhawk do you have a reference to these runway inspections?

[canberra97]

Oceanhawk

It's CHAOS not CAOS

GrahamO

It's MAN not MCR

Sorry I just had to correct you both!

[Suzeman]

This is an exact replica of the discussion that took place when EK put their A380 into Manchester. Arrivals, ILS interference, approach separations, etc. They work through it all and then will have the confidence to increase capacity. So, yes, you will have teething issues but eventually it all gets ironed out.

Most of these issues were resolved prior to the start of the EK A380 MAN operation, such that the first appearance of an A380 at MAN was on the first revenue service; no proving flight required for airfield procedures or ground handling.

As far as special runway procedures are concerned there are none anymore - I think there were some in the early days.

From the latest MAN aerodrome manual - ASI 11 page 194

MAG World - Aerodrome Manual (http://www.magworld.co.uk/magweb.nsf/Content/AirOpsDLAerodromeManual)


Both runways at Manchester meet ICAO Code E requirements. Paved shoulders are provided and offer protection against jet blast erosion and ingestion by the outboard engines of very large aircraft. The use of these Runways by Code F and larger aircraft is acceptable provided that the aircraft operator has certification from their respective regulatory body to operate the type from such runways. There are no specific aerodrome or ATC procedures applying to the use of runways by very large aircraft other than restrictions on the exit and entry points which may be used.

[Low Level Pilot]

"This is an exact replica of the discussion that took place when EK put their A380 into Manchester. Arrivals, ILS interference, approach separations, etc."

I'm not an ATC expert and stand corrected if I'm wrong but ILS interference wasn't usually a problem at MAN. They simply opened up the second runway for its arrival at lunchtime until the problem was sorted.

Did hear a Flybe Dash8 asking what seperation was required when following the A380 in when both using 23L. He elected for a visual approach, ILS seperation was twice the size.

[oceanhawk]

It's an internal company e mail, minutes from a meeting with the airport.

[tubby linton]

Heard nothing about it from our local management, were any other local operators at the meeting?

[golf yankee one one]

And this isn't just a plain vanilla A380.
This is a 615 seat 2-class A380....

[chaps1954]

If BHX didn`t think they could handle it they would say so otherwise it would be a very embarassing mess

[Itchin McCrevis]

If BHX didn`t think they could handle it they would say so

Yeah right..!?! honesty in big business would be so refreshing.

[crewmeal]

As the EK380 & QR787 arrive together at 12.20 on certain days plus all the holiday flights, that's a hell of a lot of luggage, hopefully the airport authorities have looked into this. Are there any extra belts installed along with extra staff to cope?

Last time QR diverted into BHX it seemed a shambles and they were very critical of the way their flight was handled. I'm sure they will have their 'eye on the ball'

[ATNotts]

Rarely have I read so much rubbish pre the A380 operation at BHX.

Does nobody think that the management of the airport, handling agents, fuelers, air traffic (not to mention Emirates) and the like haven't thrashed out plans as to how the airport will handle the larger aircraft, within the confines of the facilities available? You'd think, to read some of this (NOT, I might add, from posters who lurk more often on the MAN thread) that the sky was going to fall in on Sunday!

The greatest unknown, and something which the airport has no control is UKBA, who will undoubtedly be even more vigilant than usual following this weeks attacks in Brussels; but perhaps even they might have done some forward planning - not withstanding the UK's mantra "security is paramount"!

Of course there will be teething problems, but surely not the mayhem that's being suggested.

[GrahamO]

Does nobody think that the management of the airport, handling agents, fuelers, air traffic (not to mention Emirates) and the like haven't thrashed out plans as to how the airport will handle the larger aircraft, within the confines of the facilities available?

After several years of only having 777 operating they still havent sorted out that so why start with the A380 ?

You'd think, to read some of this (NOT, I might add, from posters who lurk more often on the MAN thread) that the sky was going to fall in on Sunday!

Maybe you dream of spending three hours plus in a cold, draughty luggage area instead of 30 minutes, but most people would rather not. Those of us who actually use the current route do actually understand that there is only one conveyor belt big enough for a 777 size aircraft and its entirely manually loaded. There is simply NO WAY that the airport can cope with a 380. 600 people at 3 abreast means a queue about 100 yards long. Thats from the start of the immigration queue, back up the escalator, and 60 yards along the walkway, which is basically to the aircraft airbridge.

There will be mayhem - so best leave the comment to those that actually know the layout, the single escalator access , the tiny arrivals hall and the muppets who offload baggage at a snails pace ?

But hey, maybe they have built a new terminal in the last three weeks.

[oceanhawk]

I am with you all the way on this subject, everything you say I agree with. I work at the airport and use EK.
A couple of years ago our then handling agent recruited staff for the summer and by June half of the new recruits had left.

[Hotel Tango]

As a regular user of BHX I have to agree with Graham O.

On my last two arrivals only half the automatic passport control lanes were open. Not sure if this was due to staffing shortages (the process has to be monitered) or technical issues.

Birmingham just can't cope with several simultaneous normal wide body arrivals/departures, let alone an A380 among them!

[111KAB]

Airbus A380 airliner to fly from Birmingham Airport - BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-35871886)

[Geoff44]

Arrived on EK 041 B777 on January 4th. Our bags took 90 minutes ! Complained to EK and they blamed Customs !

[ATNotts]

Arrived on EK 041 B777 on January 4th. Our bags took 90 minutes ! Complained to EK and they blamed Customs !

Customs, or UK Border Agency - they are different organisations, and given they are both government agencies probably neither coordinates with the other!

What's more they are a soft target.

We've all got tales of delayed baggage reclaim, if you fly often enough with bags, as I used to, it's an occupational hazard. Another day, your bag might be first on the carousel as you walk up to it.

[All names taken]

Crikey - a lot of hand wringing over this. I'm sure it will be ok after the inevitable teething problems. Manchester has been handling the A380 for years now without drama.
Ah but...I hear you say...Manchester is much bigger and able to cope.
Don't forget Manchester has three terminals and the A380 only flies in to one of them - Terminal 1.
I don't believe Manchester Terminal 1 is that much bigger than BHX.
Have faith.

[chaps1954]

No T1 is quite compact really and they had to rebuild the end of pier
B to fit the A380 stand and there currently is 1 remote stand
When the T2 rebuild starts there will be a huge change but
at present I`m not quite sure how the A380 stands will work
and when they will actually be built but there will be more

It is a learning curve which BHX will learn fast and I`m sure there
will a post first schedule visit meeting to look at how operations
went on and how they can be improved

Many of the problems that were first expected did not happen
mainly on the airfield but I expect MAN was in a better position
in handling pax due to the much higher number of large aircraft
handled over the years in the 747 size

[ATNotts]

Crikey - a lot of hand wringing over this. I'm sure it will be ok after the inevitable teething problems. Manchester has been handling the A380 for years now without drama.
Ah but...I hear you say...Manchester is much bigger and able to cope.
Don't forget Manchester has three terminals and the A380 only flies in to one of them - Terminal 1.
I don't believe Manchester Terminal 1 is that much bigger than BHX.
Have faith.

I honestly cannot imagine such negativity being voiced were Emirates to introduce the A380 at Glasgow or Newcastle.

Come on Brummies! We're famous for being a miserable, whinging, glass half empty lot and this just perpetuates that stereotype.
As I have said before, and I absolutely agree with chaps1954 sentiments, any problems tomorrow and Monday (of which perhaps the foul weather forecast for Monday may prove to be one!) will be resolved in a timely manner.

Glass is firmly half full on this one - but I fully expect any short comings tomorrow will be well aired here, and undoubtedly picked up by an ignorant media, mangled and regurgitated which will do little to enhance the airport's reputation.

[chaps1954]

Believe it was all very painless and quick and I`m talking about handling the A380

Ian