Newcastle-9

[PintofDoom]

So no way of knowing in advance. I wouldn't want my case full of expensive camera equipment, laptop etc being put in the hold.
You'd probably be alright but check the conditions of your ticket. And get to the gate early.

[ash666]

And get to the gate early.

I've seen them taken off people at the boarding gate before. Without knowing for sure I couldn't risk it.
Is NCL at the bottom of the heap again, this time for the type of aircraft serving us?
When they start up 3 flights soon 2 are Embraer 190s and 1 is an Embraer 175.

I wonder if my KLM/AF Platinum status would make any difference? I asked KLM a couple of days ago but still no answer, though I can understand they are very busy at the moment.
(My voucher refund will take months, they said a few days ago).

[SWBKCB]

Is NCL at the bottom of the heap again, this time for the type of aircraft serving us?
When they start up 3 flights soon 2 are Embraer 190s and 1 is an Embraer 175.

Three flights a day - bottom of the pile? The summer schedule is usually operated mainly by EMB's :ugh:

[Asturias56]

2s NCL at the bottom of the heap again, this time for the type of aircraft serving us?"

just be thankful you've got any flights at all - some routes and maybe some airports are going to disappear for good

[ash666]

Three flights a day - bottom of the pile? The summer schedule is usually operated mainly by EMB's :ugh:

So most flights are operated by aircraft that may or may not allow cabin baggage in the cabin.
Sums it up.

[SWBKCB]

So most flights are operated by aircraft that may or may not allow cabin baggage in the cabin.
Sums it up.

KLC have a fleet of 49 A/C flying to 60 odd destinations - hardly a NCL issue.

[ash666]

KLC have a fleet of 49 A/C flying to 60 odd destinations - hardly a NCL issue.

That seems to me they operate according to what's most economical for them (I know, that's business) but with little regard for the passengers.
However, I have found an alternative. Go to Edinburgh.
They use 737s and for a return flight in a week or two's time it costs £106 Vs NCL's £165.
I can even get a free train to EDI.

[VentureGo]

Just checked KLM website and see their are a mixed fleet of 175's, 190's, 737-700's and 737-800 operating up to 4 flights per day from late October.

Sunday 25th October shows mix of Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 operating all 4 flights from Newcastle,

https://www.klm.co.uk/search/offers?pax=1:0:0:0:0:0:0:0&cabinClass=ECONOMY&activeConnection=0&connections=NCL:A:20201025%3EAMS:A-AMS:A%3ENCL:A

[ash666]

Just checked KLM website and see their are a mixed fleet of 175's, 190's, 737-700's and 737-800 operating up to 4 flights per day from late October.

Sunday 25th October shows mix of Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 operating all 4 flights from Newcastle,

https://www.klm.co.uk/search/offers?pax=1:0:0:0:0:0:0:0&cabinClass=ECONOMY&activeConnection=0&connections=NCL:A:20201025%3EAMS:A-AMS:A%3ENCL:A

That's more like I remember and much better for when I do long haul.

[fl dutchman]

It is normal on the NCL-AMS to have a mix if 737-7/737-8/E-175/E-190s. (Mainly 737-8 and 737-7 depending on season).

However times are Not Normal. Maybe one day soon they will be.

Im sure they will allow your hand baggage at NCL assuming its within the size and weight limitations.

[ash666]

I would like to trust to that but I've seen too many people before having to hand over their wheeled cabin bags and they weren't that big.
I've only just seen that pax have to fill in a return UK arrivals form 48 hours before returning.
I bet a lot of people don't know to do that after they released the list of no quarantine countries.

[SWBKCB]

For as long as I can remember KLM has been scheduled as Mainline in winter and Cityhopper during the summer, though they frequently flex due to demand.

[GrahamK]

KLM summer is 4 x daily, 3 x mainline 1 x cityhopper (except July-August when its 2 x mainline, 2 x cityhopper). Winter is 3 x mainline, 1 x cityhopper.

[P330]

I’m platinum with KLM and frequently use the E-Jets. I have a routine to ensure this doesn’t happen and simply it’s be there early.

At NCL, you can work out the gate before it’s called and be outside the door before the masses leave the lounge or the pub. Same on return at D6.

If they are looking at trolleys in the hold, that is when the flights are full (probably not going to be full now) and generally they don’t take them off business class passengers or platinum.

So, no guarantees but you can get round it with a bit of planning.

And to be honest, a full 737 is just as bad, if not worse than an E Jet where I often see gate staff asking for volunteers to gate drop their bag.

[ash666]

I’m platinum with KLM and frequently use the E-Jets. I have a routine to ensure this doesn’t happen and simply it’s be there early.

At NCL, you can work out the gate before it’s called and be outside the door before the masses leave the lounge or the pub. Same on return at D6.

If they are looking at trolleys in the hold, that is when the flights are full (probably not going to be full now) and generally they don’t take them off business class passengers or platinum.

So, no guarantees but you can get round it with a bit of planning.

And to be honest, a full 737 is just as bad, if not worse than an E Jet where I often see gate staff asking for volunteers to gate drop their bag.

Thanks.
Maybe they have changed how they do things.
They used to let pax get to the boarding gate and then take it off them there so they would have no knowledge of what status people are or be bothered about first in the queue, it was just everyone with a trolley would have it taken off them. With a fortune's worth of camera equipment and a laptop that's a non-starter.
Maybe I should have a bike ride to the airport and see what the deal is at the KLM counter.

[SWBKCB]

Or just get a smaller bag, that then goes under the seat. :ok:

[mathers_wales_uk]

So no way of knowing in advance. I wouldn't want my case full of expensive camera equipment, laptop etc being put in the hold.

Based on passed experiences and to speed up the boarding process the number of cabin bags removed from passengers at the gate is indeed dependent on the number of passenger on board.

You could politely ask the boarding agents that due to expensive fragile camera equipment inside you would prefer not as you can’t risk it being damaged.

obviously if that’s a genuine reason because if everybody tries that excuse then it will be mandatory because the physically won’t fit.

These items would be classed as delivery at aircraft so should be waiting at the bottom of the steps when you arrive at Amsterdam or back home to Newcastle.

NCL is not bottom of the heap by a long shot. CWL has had Ryanair operate from the 3rd of July. Apart from that there has been no flights at all.

Vueling will re-commence one route weekly tomorrow then apart from that KLM & TUI will be back at beginning of August with the PSI Anglesey operates by T3.

Qatar has decided not to return until the winter.

It appears for CWL KLM will operate 1 x daily then 2 x daily both without night stopping then return to full schedule end of September.

The busier routes or where they feel can make the most money will be restored first where the other will follow later as confidence returns. But certainly NCL is not at the bottom. (Just look at Exeter things could be so much worse)

[ash666]

Or just get a smaller bag, that then goes under the seat. :ok:

I doubt they would allow that for take-off and landing.
A year ago I saw someone told that they couldn't even read a book for take-off.

[ash666]

Based on passed experiences and to speed up the boarding process the number of cabin bags removed from passengers at the gate is indeed dependent on the number of passenger on board.

You could politely ask the boarding agents that due to expensive fragile camera equipment inside you would prefer not as you can’t risk it being damaged.

obviously if that’s a genuine reason because if everybody tries that excuse then it will be mandatory because the physically won’t fit.

These items would be classed as delivery at aircraft so should be waiting at the bottom of the steps when you arrive at Amsterdam or back home to Newcastle.

NCL is not bottom of the heap by a long shot. CWL has had Ryanair operate from the 3rd of July. Apart from that there has been no flights at all.

Vueling will re-commence one route weekly tomorrow then apart from that KLM & TUI will be back at beginning of August with the PSI Anglesey operates by T3.

Qatar has decided not to return until the winter.

It appears for CWL KLM will operate 1 x daily then 2 x daily both without night stopping then return to full schedule end of September.

The busier routes or where they feel can make the most money will be restored first where the other will follow later as confidence returns. But certainly NCL is not at the bottom. (Just look at Exeter things could be so much worse)

About 18 months ago I was determined to have laser surgery on my eyes and had the money saved up for that, plus I thought I needed a new boiler, which I didn't. I am now very happy with trying contact lenses, which I can recommend, one eye for distance and the other for reading and they don't come out for a month at a time.
So I spent a large part of that money on camera stuff and a laptop.
Maybe if I told the girl trying to take my bag that I would hold her personally responsible for the £6500 worth of fragile things in the bag she would have a change of mind!

[10 DME ARC]

666 Just say you have batteries in the bag, which you have in the camera so it can't go in the hold! They could ask you to remove the batteries but I doubt it!

[ash666]

666 Just say you have batteries in the bag, which you have in the camera so it can't go in the hold! They could ask you to remove the batteries but I doubt it!

Brilliant!
Good point, well made.

[guy_incognito]

Maybe if I told the girl trying to take my bag that I would hold her personally responsible for the £6500 worth of fragile things in the bag she would have a change of mind!

So you think it's perfectly acceptable to threaten somebody who is just doing their job?

[ash666]

So you think it's perfectly acceptable to threaten somebody who is just doing their job?

There's always one.
How many smilies etc does it take for the intellectually challenged to get these things?

[ash666]

Just been into a travel agent to see about currency and the chatty girl behind the counter said she had been looking at a summer trip and, like I said earlier, it was hugely cheaper to travel from EDI than NCL.
Simple supply and demand???

[SWBKCB]

Yes - Newcastle and the North East is a small market (which is why EDI gets the bigger jet). The difference in school summer holidays also impacts on the Scottish/North East markets.

[NCL-TRC]

There's always one.
How many smilies etc does it take for the intellectually challenged to get these things?

There’s a nice big wardrobe at the front of the KLM E-190s, I’m sure if you ask ground staff nicely they’ll be able to speak with the crew and arrange for it to go in there should the overheads be full.
Telling someone who’s been up since 3am, probably on minimum wage and also worried about their job security with all that’s happening at the moment that you’ll hold them personally responsible for doing as they’ve been instructed by KLM really isn’t helpful, especially given the current climate.

[SWBKCB]

The slow recovery continues - first British Airways flight back on the departure board today, along with Air France and KLM.

Jet2 re-started yesterday joinging Ryanair and Easy on flights to the Med, with Duty Free and a couple of bars now open.

FedEx freighter re-started last week.

[Jamesair1]

Just looking at the Easyjet summer 2021 timetable. There seems to be 77 flights per week, the major differences are the MALTA and TENERIFE SOUTH are no longer operated after the end of MAR 21.
Weekly frequencies are:-
ALICANTE........6
BARCELONA...5
BELFAST.........19
BRISTOL.........14
CORFU...........2
FARO...........,.6
GENEVA.......2
JERSEY.........4
NICE.............3
PALMA..........8
MALAGA.......6
SPLIT...........2

MALTA & TENERIFE SOUTH.........cancelled

[Fletch]

Am I correct in thinking Newcastle is/was one of the crew bases schedule to close?

[SWBKCB]

I believe the position is "proposed, subject to consultation". Bit surprised to see such a full timetable for next summer. Is this just a placeholder or can this be done with non-based units?

[apaul]

TENERIFE was always winter only and MALTA was already stopping in March 2021. The routes from Newcastle, Southend and Stansted presumably have to be available as usual so as not to prejudice the ongoing consultation. If the base closures go ahead routes and timetables will be altered.

[GrahamK]

Emirates pushed back to 1st October now. Last UK destination to be restarted

[Jamesair1]

I see that Easyjet re-start BRISTOL tomorrow

[ash666]

Can someone remind me if we did Milan last year?

[Jamesair1]

last Milan flights.....Bergamo....were several years ago with RYANAIR as far as I remember

[ash666]

Shame.
Nice to see Split there, though.

[Matt4]

EK are selling flights again for September on their website. They werent before but now they are

[forbesd]

I am looking at flying to Nice. Jet2 have cancelled all Nice flights from the regions for the rest of this year.
I understand that EasyJet have announced that Newcastle is a base that is due to close subject to consultation.
But I see that they are still selling flights, on what appears to be Newcastle based planes, for August September and October, not to mention next summer.
How long will the consultation take? How safe is it to book any of these flights or is it likely that they will be cancelled with little if any notice?
Sorry if I have missed something.

[BAladdy]

EK are selling flights again for September on their website. They werent before but now they are
Looks like they have removed them again. First available flight is 1st October

[SWBKCB]

I am looking at flying to Nice. Jet2 have cancelled all Nice flights from the regions for the rest of this year.
I understand that EasyJet have announced that Newcastle is a base that is due to close subject to consultation.
But I see that they are still selling flights, on what appears to be Newcastle based planes, for August September and October, not to mention next summer.
How long will the consultation take? How safe is it to book any of these flights or is it likely that they will be cancelled with little if any notice?
Sorry if I have missed something.

90 days consultation plus the notice period will run to the end of this summer. The flights next summer appear to originate in Newcastle, but how solid is any airlines current schedule for next summer??

[VickersVicount]

Looks like they have removed them again. First available flight is 1st October
Whats happened to all the NCL bookings that were planned Aug/Sept? Are they just outright cancelled or offered alternatives now other UK routes operating?

[fl dutchman]

The booked passengers on those cancelled flights will probably be re-booked on a different date from NCL, or a different route or a refund/voucher.

See the currently once daily LHR not now operating on Tue and Weds in August. Goes to twice daily in Sept, then showing 5 daily from Oct 1st . ( suspect that may not happen though unless bookings pick up ?)

About 20 departures per day now from NCL. Although a long way off pre Covid levels encouraging to see.

[SWBKCB]

The airport has released 76 members of seasonal staff from their contracts early due to the drop in passenger numbers - and is now looking to cut 34 permanent roles.

A spokesperson for the airport said: "Despite the recent return of some scheduled flights to Newcastle International Airport, the outlook for aviation following the Covid-19 crisis remains very uncertain, and we do not expect to restore pre-crisis levels of business until 2022 at the earliest.


https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/newcastle-international-airport-confirms-job-18669611

[10 DME ARC]

London Heathrow – Aberdeen 10 weekly
London Heathrow – Belfast City 9 weekly
London Heathrow – Edinburgh 17 weekly
London Heathrow – Glasgow 14 weekly
London Heathrow – Inverness 6 weekly
London Heathrow – Jersey 18 weekly
London Heathrow – Manchester 7 weekly
London Heathrow – Newcastle 5 weekly
London Heathrow – Newquay 5 weekly

BA domestic ops as of 2nd August, we really fit into same bracket as Newquay a brand new route!!??

[ash666]

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/newcastle-international-airport-confirms-job-18669611
The airport has released 76 members of seasonal staff from their contracts early due to the drop in passenger numbers - and is now looking to cut 34 permanent roles.
Quote:
A spokesperson for the airport said: "Despite the recent return of some scheduled flights to Newcastle International Airport, the outlook for aviation following the Covid-19 crisis remains very uncertain, and we do not expect to restore pre-crisis levels of business until 2022 at the earliest..
-------------------------------
Maybe that would explain my -yet again- awful experience on my return to NCL a week or 10 days ago.
My car was at South Gosforth so I walked to the train platform, scanning my Pop card as I went, waited on the platform for 5 minutes until a speaker announcement said that no trains were running.
I waited for the next bit about replacement buses but nothing came.
I went back to the main building to find someone who could tell me what was going on.
There was no-one, not a soul. No information desk.
Was it so difficult to put someone at the entrance to to train passageway letting people know what was happening?
Or maybe NCL is the only airport in the world without even a noticeboard to put up there with the information.
But thank you to the girls at the Jet 2 desk who looked it up on their computer and told me I could use the 1-an-hour bus 42 outside.
Yep, after all the above I had 55 minutes to wait and no idea what I should do with my Pop card in all this.
Anyone new to the airport would have been in total confusion.
Even the taxi drivers weren't sure where the bus 42 stop was but people would have bought train tickets by that time.
One day NCL will get it right but I'm not holding my breath.

[Wallsendmag]

The airport has released 76 members of seasonal staff from their contracts early due to the drop in passenger numbers - and is now looking to cut 34 permanent roles.
Quote:
A spokesperson for the airport said: "Despite the recent return of some scheduled flights to Newcastle International Airport, the outlook for aviation following the Covid-19 crisis remains very uncertain, and we do not expect to restore pre-crisis levels of business until 2022 at the earliest..
-------------------------------
Maybe that would explain my -yet again- awful experience on my return to NCL a week or 10 days ago.
My car was at South Gosforth so I walked to the train platform, scanning my Pop card as I went, waited on the platform for 5 minutes until a speaker announcement said that no trains were running.
I waited for the next bit about replacement buses but nothing came.
I went back to the main building to find someone who could tell me what was going on.
There was no-one, not a soul. No information desk.
Was it so difficult to put someone at the entrance to to train passageway letting people know what was happening?
Or maybe NCL is the only airport in the world without even a noticeboard to put up there with the information.
But thank you to the girls at the Jet 2 desk who looked it up on their computer and told me I could use the 1-an-hour bus 42 outside.
Yep, after all the above I had 55 minutes to wait and no idea what I should do with my Pop card in all this.
Anyone new to the airport would have been in total confusion.
Even the taxi drivers weren't sure where the bus 42 stop was but people would have bought train tickets by that time.
One day NCL will get it right but I'm not holding my breath.
It's not a train its a tram and surely you should be venting at Nexus.

[ash666]

It's not a train its a tram and surely you should be venting at Nexus.

Then why do Nexus call them trains?

And it is all part of the NCL experience.
No matter what problems passengers had there was no-one there to ask and with people wandering aimlessly around the terminal building wondering what to do makes it very much an airport problem.
Which could all so easily be have sorted with a simple notice at the entrance to the trains saying trains not running, use bus 42 outside.

[tigertanaka]

London Heathrow – Aberdeen 10 weekly
London Heathrow – Belfast City 9 weekly
London Heathrow – Edinburgh 17 weekly
London Heathrow – Glasgow 14 weekly
London Heathrow – Inverness 6 weekly
London Heathrow – Jersey 18 weekly
London Heathrow – Manchester 7 weekly
London Heathrow – Newcastle 5 weekly
London Heathrow – Newquay 5 weekly

BA domestic ops as of 2nd August, we really fit into same bracket as Newquay a brand new route!!??

I don't think you can really look at all the domestic operations in the same way.

Routes where the train is not an option
London Heathrow – Belfast City 9 weekly
London Heathrow – Jersey 18 weekly

Routes where the train is 4 hours+
London Heathrow – Edinburgh 17 weekly (normally has 70 flights a week, plus 22 a week from LGW, plus 42 from LCY)
London Heathrow – Glasgow 14 weekly (normally has 57 flights a week, plus 23 a week from LGW, plus 30 from LCY)
London Heathrow – Inverness 6 weekly

Route with a £125k a month government subsidy (plus strong current tourism demand)
London Heathrow – Newquay 5 7 weekly

Routes where the train takes 2 hours so are only there right now to provide onward connecting feed
London Heathrow – Manchester 7 weekly
London Heathrow – Newcastle 5 weekly

[highwideandugly]

Wow 2 hours Newcastle to London by train. I blinked and missed the opening of HS3/4/5

[SWBKCB]

Wow 2 hours Newcastle to London by train. I blinked and missed the opening of HS3/4/5

Will we be that far up the HS list? Yes, I the 2 hours isn't quite right (feels more like 2 days...) but I think the general point TT is making is valid - it's also the reason given when we are the first to be cancelled by BA.

[ATNotts]

Will we be that far up the HS list? Yes, I the 2 hours isn't quite right (feels more like 2 days...) but I think the general point TT is making is valid - it's also the reason given when we are the first to be cancelled by BA.

Google tells me the average journey time from Newcastle to London by rail is 3h33m. If you're headed for London, then by the time you've checked in, gone through security, boarded the aircraft, landed, deplaned, then taken the tube or train to central London I don't imagine the overall time is that much different, and you get space to work, and generally, even in standard class, more leg room than you'll ever get down the back of an A320.

The point of NCL-LHR is surely interlining, and with so many parts of the world inaccessible to us, or that require quarantine on arrival, or for which the UK requires quarantine on return the demand for interlining just isn't there; the same reason why Emirates are delaying the return of DXB-NCL.

[SWBKCB]

and you get space to work, and generally, even in standard class, more leg room than you'll ever get down the back of an A320.

Not my experience - and I've never had to stand on an A.320...

[SWBKCB]

It's not a train its a tram and surely you should be venting at Nexus.

I always thought the technical term was "light rail" :ok:

And yes, a Nexus issue but there should have been better co-ordination.

[ash666]

I always thought the technical term was "light rail" :ok:

And yes, a Nexus issue but there should have been better co-ordination.

If it is still the same basic system as originally, they are buses with track wheels stuck on the bottom.

[10 DME ARC]

The point of NCL-LHR is surely interlining, and with so many parts of the world inaccessible to us, or that require quarantine on arrival, or for which the UK requires quarantine on return the demand for interlining just isn't there; the same reason why Emirates are delaying the return of DXB-NCL.
ATNotts is offline Report Post (https://www.pprune.org/report.php?p=10852908)
Well I can only speak for me but with no EK if I want to fly in/out NCL KLM more of an option, cheaper and better connections, saying that nothing has really changed! You be amazed after the last 5 months how many people are actually moving around while they can!!

[ATNotts]

Well I can only speak for me but with no EK if I want to fly in/out NCL KLM more of an option, cheaper and better connections, saying that nothing has really changed! You be amazed after the last 5 months how many people are actually moving around while they can!!

You may well me moving around, but passenger figures across the globe suggest that most people are not!

[fl dutchman]

The LHR goes to 11 weekly from 1 Sept.
A full schedule of 5 Daily showing from 1 Oct ( if it happens)

[Beatts]

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/292988/loganair-adds-newcastle-exeter-service-from-sep-2020/?fbclid=IwAR2Fzo0VMaDB9s5y4uSxs6HO6MsD6UoWKMuAZ7NxLDQXA9z_ju ix9BHIlUw

[fl dutchman]

NCL-LHR
Now going 3 daily instead of 5 from end of Oct to start of Dec. ( some days 2 )

[Jamesair1]

Base closure now confirmed wef 31st Aug. but confirmation given that NCL will continue to be served by inward flights from domestic and international airports.

[GBYAJ]

Base closure now confirmed wef 31st Aug. but confirmation given that NCL will continue to be served by inward flights from domestic and international airports.
only Belfast bristol and Nice.

[chris1001]

Base closure now confirmed wef 31st Aug. but confirmation given that NCL will continue to be served by inward flights from domestic and international airports.

Very sad day for Newcastle, especially for base staff and support staff. Personally I always preferred the relative ‘sophistication’ of EZY over Ryanair and Jet2 with their holiday camp style and constant announcements.

If you look at the timetables for EZY for next year, the flight times, certainly to Malaga are very similar with 7am departures outbound. Will these be subject to change or maybe these are served by Belfast or Bristol based aircraft and crew?

[ash666]

Jet2 with their holiday camp style and constant announcements.



You certainly end up hating Jessie J

[sunshine79]

Newcastle Chronicle are reporting EZY will only fly to BFS and BRS, with NCE to continue until October then no more flights at all, surely that can't be true

[tigertanaka]

You certainly end up hating Jessie J

​​​​​​​Or Jess Glynne

Newcastle Chronicle are reporting EZY will only fly to BFS and BRS, with NCE to continue until October then no more flights at all, surely that can't be true

I think we need to wait for them to re-jigg the summer 2021 timetable but winter does not look great right now.

[ash666]

Or Jess Glynne




Oops. I knew it was the redhead.

​​​​​​​

[SWBKCB]

Newcastle Chronicle are reporting EZY will only fly to BFS and BRS, with NCE to continue until October then no more flights at all, surely that can't be true

It apppears so - from the ChronicleA Newcastle International Airport (https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-international-airport) spokeswoman said: "As of today easyJet concluded its staff consultation and has taken the decision to close three UK bases including Newcastle International Airport. Our thoughts go out to all easyJet staff who have been affected. The North East has a long standing relationship with easyJet and whilst this base closure will impact flights to all their international destinations the airline will maintain year-round services to Belfast, Bristol and Nice for this summer only. Over 80% of the international destinations affected are already served by our existing airline partners and we will continue discussions regarding their interest in the other impacted destinations.

[BHX5DME]

Yes just BFS & BRS from Winter schedule

[The Nutts Mutts]

Did Newcastle have a Geneva ski route with EZY?

[SWBKCB]

Did Newcastle have a Geneva ski route with EZY?

Yes - with both based and non-based a/c

[The Nutts Mutts]

And that's totally gone too? That seems like a big loss, I'd have thought that would be a profitable route. Here's hoping it makes a return once the current travel situation improves.

[HH6702]

I think easyJet will return but may not happen until summer 2022

[CabinCrewe]

Wonder how they selected which bases were to go? Not sure it would be as a result of massive competition.

[skyman771]

And that's totally gone too? That seems like a big loss, I'd have thought that would be a profitable route. Here's hoping it makes a return once the current travel situation improves.
So where is there a published statement stating specifically that NCL-GVA is cancelled for Winter 20/21 ?
At present it remains on booking engine, and as stated elsewhere the equipment was from their European base(s) on numerous occasions last winter....

[The Nutts Mutts]

I just took that from other comments saying that the only winter routes from NCL would be BRS and BFS. Apologies if I got the wrong end of the stick.

[chris1001]

Oops. I knew it was the redhead.


Yep the last thing you need on a 7am departure. Jess Glynn on repeat with loads of drunken Geordies!

The only source so far seems to be the Evening Chronicle and comments on their Facebook from staff. Saying that, the press aren’t exactly reliable till official statement from EasyJet. Had to laugh on Look North tonight when they showed a map of the EasyJet routes and it showed Faroe in the Shetland Islands!!!!

[apaul]

Most of easyet's winter programme from Newcastle can no longer be booked. Nice stopping at the end of September, not October. Appears to be a Geneva flight on Saturday during the skiing season.

[Saabdriver1]

it showed Faroe in the Shetland Islands!!!!

I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.

[SWBKCB]

So where is there a published statement stating specifically that NCL-GVA is cancelled for Winter 20/21 ?
At present it remains on booking engine, and as stated elsewhere the equipment was from their European base(s) on numerous occasions last winter....

See my post 2567 - "whilst this base closure will impact flights to all their international destinations the airline will maintain year-round services to Belfast, Bristol and Nice for this summer only"

From a quick look, the booking engine doesn't seem to have been changed for any flights yet.

[apaul]

Booking engine has been changed for the winter season. Not yet for Summer 2021.

[jensdad]

Had to laugh on Look North tonight when they showed a map of the EasyJet routes and it showed Faroe in the Shetland Islands!!!!

I'm pretty sure Easy don't fly to the Faroes. Just typed FAE into their booking engine and nowt came up...

[jensdad]

Just checked on iplayer and Look North got Faroe in the right place, but their geography isn't entirely better than Chris's ;) as they've obviously mistaken Faroe for Faro.

[chris1001]

Just checked on iplayer and Look North got Faroe in the right place, but their geography isn't entirely better than Chris's ;) as they've obviously mistaken Faroe for Faro.

Trust me, I know where Faro is and where Faroe is. I was having a go at the BBC for their shocking journalism.

[PinOnTheRight]

Trust me, I know where Faro is and where Faroe is. I was having a go at the BBC for their shocking journalism.

They must have corrected the map for the iplayer upload as it shows Faroe in the Faroe Islands, and not in the Shetland Islands as you claim.

[apaul]

It always did show Faroe in the Faroe Islands, but that's a long way from Faro. The map also showed the Canaries as a separate destination to Tenerife South. It was a hopeless piece of work.

[Jamesair1]

Assuming Easyjet only operates to BRISTOL, BELFAST. and NICE in Summer 21 the balance of routes not covered by other operators would be ....BARCELONA, SPLIT, GENEVA and JERSEY, all of which, under normal non Covid 19 conditions, would quickly find replacement operators.

[Saabdriver1]

Trust me, I know where Faro is and where Faroe is.

I think most of us have got that. My laugh or cry point was that the Faroe Islands are nothing to do with the Shetland Islands and I don't think that was confusion caused by Look North!

[10 DME ARC]

I see EK have pushed the re-start date for DXB-NCL to the 1st December! At the moment EDI still re-starts 1st October?

[jensdad]

I think most of us have got that. My laugh or cry point was that the Faroe Islands are nothing to do with the Shetland Islands and I don't think that was confusion caused by Look North!
That was my point as well. Anyway, more serious issues at NCL than BBC's and Chris's geographical inaccuracy.

[ash666]

From the Chron:

"Talks are under way with airlines over taking on the international flights axed by easyJet from Newcastle International Airport.

Newcastle Airport confirmed it is in discussions with other airlines to establish their interest in regards to the impacted destinations.A spokeswoman said: "Over 80% of the international destinations affected are already served by our existing airline partners and we will continue discussions regarding their interest in the other impacted destinations."

[jensdad]

Blue Islands seem to be expanding pretty rapidly at the moment, hopefully they'll have room to stick a couple of Jersey - NCL flights into their schedule.

[Jamesair1]

If not....surely Loganair will jump at the chance but I think Jet2 with their larger a/c will seize the opportunity.

[apaul]

Larger a/c is a problem for Jersey. When Newcastle Falcons chartered a Boeing 737-800 to Jersey this spring they had to leave a lot of the intended passengers in Newcastle. Loganair more likely.

[LBIA]

Can't see Jet2 using Boeing 737-800 on a Newcastle - Jersey route. It could done on a w-leg using a Leeds based Boeing 737-300 though.

I suspect Loganair will most likely pick up the route.

[NCL-TRC]

I suspect Loganair or Blue island as already said would be interesting in filling the hole for Jersey.

Jet2 already fly to BCN, NCE and GVA from other UK bases so would potentially be a candidate for those routes, with BCN and NCE probably fitting quite well into their city breaks brand.

The remainder of the capacity to places like ALC, AGP etc would probably in normal times ended up being divided up between TUI, Jet2 and maybe Ryanair, but at the present time there probably isn’t the demand for these airlines to fill their already scheduled flights so I can’t see them adding any more capacity.

[FRatSTN]

Best hopes from RYR would be BCN and MLA. Maybe added frequency to ALC, AGP, FAO and PMI if anything at all.

[HH6702]

Best hopes from RYR would be BCN and MLA. Maybe added frequency to ALC, AGP, FAO and PMI if anything at all.


could we see another airline fresh at Newcastle.
You would say timing isn’t right but maybe someone will take the risk where Easyjet was operating

[highwideandugly]

Thoughts about Emirates..see Glasgow have 2/3 freight only flights every week.
I thought the Newcastle flight was always jam packed with freight..wonder why no flights through there? Is it all going to Glasgow?

[FFHKG]

Guess. it's where the freight originates depends on their airport of choice. EK move a lot of freight by road to the airport with the available capacity. Maybe, too little local originating freight to road haul the necessary volume to create a full hold from NCL at present.

[inOban]

Much of the freight out of Glasgow is, or was, salmon and shellfish.

[10 DME ARC]

EK I am more worried about the fact EDI starts 1st October 1xday and NCL is just cancelled until end of November but unlike other destinations has no start date! Just glad my DXB commute not needed soon! Joining the likes of Highwideandugly in retirement! :-)

[GrahamK]

I suspect the EK EDI will get pushed back.
Looks like LH to Munich not returning until March 2021
Eurowings to DUS confirmed for Sept restart

[skyman771]

[QUOTE=GrahamK;10866254]I suspect the EK EDI will get pushed back.
Ref EK to NCL, then how are EK managing their other routes, particularly those with A380's ?
Is there not a potential situation where many A380 premium routes are currently experiencing low demand , requiring a switch to 773's? If so then presumably a shortage of equipment elsewhere on the network ?

[skyman771]

Ref earlier comment, then I note EZY has now cleared out all their European destinations & GVA is no more....

[10 DME ARC]

771...As someone who works here believe me when I say no shortage of 77W's!!!

[GrahamK]

TUI cutting flights for next year. SSH at least is gone

[GBYAJ]

TUI cutting flights for next year. SSH at least is gone


cant be any surprises here. At least it won’t be Newcastle specific.

I don’t know anyone going abroad this year or even saying they’ll go next year.

while easyJet has obviously binned Geneva (along with everything else) I wonder what the prospects for any type of ski season is this winter?

[guy_incognito]

I don’t know anyone going abroad this year or even saying they’ll go next year.

With TUI announcing that bookings are up 145% for next summer, it seems that there's plenty of demand for holidays. I don't know anyone who isn't planning to go away on holiday next year.

[SWBKCB]

What was that 145% compared to? I would have thought any plans for next year will be a bit speculative at the monent.

[Alteagod]

I would tend to agree. 145% increase on diddly squat really at the minute

[guy_incognito]

145% up on the same point last year. A significant portion of that will be re-bookings, but it's a clear sign the appetite for package holidays is there. Jet2 haven't released numbers, as far as I know, but I'd be surprised if the picture was much different to TUI's.

[HH6702]

Hi

i wonder if TUI will still base 4 aircraft for next summer. They added an aircraft to help cover TCX.

I can see for next year TUI back to 3 aircraft and I can see Jet2 even reducing the flight offering from ncl also and moving a aircraft to another base so they aren’t leasing from Titan next year.

just my thoughts

[CabinCrewe]

Much of the freight out of Glasgow is, or was, salmon and shellfish.
Some of it is but certainly not ‘much of it’

[LiamNCL]

TUI cutting flights for next year. SSH at least is gone

SSH dropped everywhere but LGW MAN BHX

[ROC10]

What was that 145% compared to? I would have thought any plans for next year will be a bit speculative at the monent.
Agreed. If demand was so high, they wouldn’t be cutting so many flights and potentially even closing bases from the looks of the timetable.

[Yeehaw22]

What was that 145% compared to? I would have thought any plans for next year will be a bit speculative at the monent.

Compared to the forward bookings at the same time a year earlier. But as has been said skewed a lot by people moving their holidays from s20 to s21. The anticipation is moving forward, people are going to book more on the fly much closer to dep date rather than months in advance.

[Yeehaw22]

Agreed. If demand was so high, they wouldn’t be cutting so many flights and potentially even closing bases from the looks of the timetable.

We are just at the start of a deep recession, which equals less money for holidays. Who knows what the coming years will bring. It looks to me as they are being cautious for now but may well add in extra routes/frequencies if demand increases.

The UK fleet is largely staying around the same size but i doubt there'll be any wet leases for the coming year or 2, barring a couple of sunwing a/c at a push.

[oldart]

The UK fleet is largely staying around the same size but i doubt there'll be any wet leases for the coming year or 2, barring a couple of sunwing a/c at a push.

Isn't the 737 max supposed to be in the fleet for next year? I would imagine that they might not need the Sunwing aircraft at all.

[Yeehaw22]

Isn't the 737 max supposed to be in the fleet for next year? I would imagine that they might not need the Sunwing aircraft at all.

Yes it is sometime around spring, and some more to be delivered over the winter too, there are also some a/c EOL and group transfers so hard to pin down fleet numbers. I guess it will be a while before the fleet picture becomes clearer.

[easyflyer83]

Recession or not, don’t write off strong pent up demand. There is very strong evidence that in the financial crash of the late 00’s, people were ring fencing money for holidays.

There may be cuts to how much they will splash out, and a pragmatic review of where they go along with some cut back on those very discretionary weekend breaks and stag do’s etc but ultimately, the traditional holiday destinations in the Med and Canaries will be booming next summer, Covid permitting.

[Atlantic Explorer]

Recession or not, don’t write off strong pent up demand. There is very strong evidence that in the financial crash of the late 00’s, people were ring fencing money for holidays.

There may be cuts to how much they will splash out, and a pragmatic review of where they go along with some cut back on those very discretionary weekend breaks and stag do’s etc but ultimately, the traditional holiday destinations in the Med and Canaries will be booming next summer, Covid permitting.

Have you seen the current and projected unemployment figures? Can’t see many people who are on Jobseeker’s Allowance being able to afford to go away on holiday. The forthcoming financial and economic crisis is quite sobering.

[OzzyOzBorn]

The market will be split. Yes, there are people who have lost jobs and income who will have nothing to spare. But there are also those whose skills have been in demand like never before. NHS staff, logistics workers, online retailers, delivery support, utilities staff, carers, IT staff. Many of these will have earned more than before, and for most taking a holiday has not been an option. Remember too that many retirees have seen their pensions coming in as normal but have not been out spending as they usually would. So there is a pent-up market for travel out there. Maybe not as broad-based as pre-Covid, but there are plenty who look forward to traveling again when all these rules and restrictions have been lifted.

An unemployment rate of 10% - dismal - would still imply that 90% are working and bringing in an income.

[easyflyer83]

Have you seen the current and projected unemployment figures? Can’t see many people who are on Jobseeker’s Allowance being able to afford to go away on holiday. The forthcoming financial and economic crisis is quite sobering.

My point was that during the last recession the travel and airline industry proved to be more resilient than in previous downturns. Given that people place more value on a holiday these days, often at the expense of other discretionary expenditure, and the fact that there is still some money that will be flowing that was saved during lockdown, a strong holiday market in the traditional destinations shouldn’t come as a surprise.

[SWBKCB]

July CAA stats out. Busiest routes were PMI, ALV, AGP, all over 5,000 pax. "Best" performing route was WRO - only down 68%!

[ash666]

Maybe there are a lot of people like me who would love to use the Pisa flight but don't want to be stuck there for a week.
Could they not do 3 or 4 night trips one way or another?

[jensdad]

Maybe there are a lot of people like me who would love to use the Pisa flight but don't want to be stuck there for a week.
Could they not do 3 or 4 night trips one way or another?
All about critical mass, I guess. Would they gain enough passengers to justify another flight? My guess would be no, at the moment anyway. It's lush round there anyway, have a week there :)

[fl dutchman]

I think Pisa was due to be twice weekly before covid.
It has been in past years.

[GrahamK]

Some good news, Eurowings restart Dusseldorf 3 x weekly from next week (Wed, Fri,Sun).
Good to have a wee bit of positivity amongst a lot of negativity

[highwideandugly]

Anyone know the British Airways heathrow plans..seem very erratic at mo. Some colleagues planning on a few return trips next week..said I would ask! I did point out the web site!!

[fl dutchman]

Anyone know the British Airways heathrow plans..seem very erratic at mo. Some colleagues planning on a few return trips next week..said I would ask! I did point out the web site!!

Seems to be one flight daily but not all days until 1 Oct then 5 Daily to end of Oct. Then 2/3 Daily up to end Dec. That was as per yesterday. Changing often.

[GrahamK]

Sad day with the last day of easyJet based ops today.

[Jamesair1]

According to another thread 6 regional airports are bidding for Aer Lingus routes to the USA on a three year contract from 2021 using A321LR aircraft (these a/c are currently based at Shannon). Two of the airports are BHX and MAN but not known who the other four are......NCL?

[SWBKCB]

Only if they had more money than sense.

[10 DME ARC]

Only if they had more money than sense

That will be MME then ......... :-)

[ATNotts]

According to another thread 6 regional airports are bidding for Aer Lingus routes to the USA on a three year contract from 2021 using A321LR aircraft (these a/c are currently based at Shannon). Two of the airports are BHX and MAN but not known who the other four are......NCL?

BRS will be one, I guess that NCL probably is another, or perhaps LBA.

[CabinCrewe]

BRS will be one, I guess that NCL probably is another, or perhaps LBA.
The article says EDI.
Presumably theyd be likely to select somewhere with as near to zero competition.

[GrahamK]

The article says EDI.
Presumably theyd be likely to select somewhere with as near to zero competition.
Most likely:
MAN, BHX, GLA, EDI, BRS and BFS

[GBYAJ]

Sad day with the last day of easyJet based ops today.
agreed.

without wanting to stoke up, they’re a business trying to make profit etc it seems a very tokanist move to shut NCL at this time. Crew claim they were told it was profitable, it can’t be performing any worse than everywhere else and unless the aircraft are leaving the fleet (they may be, don’t know) the saving will appear to be marginal. Except next year when the exceptional items (base closures) are shown in the accounts and makes underlying performance better than it actually was.

but this is easyJet who if I remember correctly moved ncl based aircraft to bfs at short notice to complete with a new operator there and were then
beaten into the ground by Jet2 at Ncl, they never appeared to be the dominant low cost carrier that they claimed to be....

Just my opionin, and for what it’s worth can’t see the mayor and MME ending well either (just look at how leadership at the conservative run Northumberland council is unravelling)!!

[HH6702]

BRS will be one, I guess that NCL probably is another, or perhaps LBA.


im guessing ncl will Be in the running but I’m guessing Edinburgh and maybe lgw will be the 2 that win.

IAG will want to go where they can make more money and keep other out like DY !!

just my guess would be nice but 10% of this happening

[SWBKCB]

just my guess would be nice but 10% of this happening

I've got this really nice bridge for sale, if you're interested?

[SWBKCB]

agreed.

without wanting to stoke up, they’re a business trying to make profit etc it seems a very tokanist move to shut NCL at this time. Crew claim they were told it was profitable, it can’t be performing any worse than everywhere else and unless the aircraft are leaving the fleet (they may be, don’t know) the saving will appear to be marginal. Except next year when the exceptional items (base closures) are shown in the accounts and makes underlying performance better than it actually was.

but this is easyJet who if I remember correctly moved ncl based aircraft to bfs at short notice to complete with a new operator there and were then
beaten into the ground by Jet2 at Ncl, they never appeared to be the dominant low cost carrier that they claimed to be....

Just my opionin, and for what it’s worth can’t see the mayor and MME ending well either (just look at how leadership at the conservative run Northumberland council is unravelling)!!

At one stage NCL ran neck to neck with BRS as an EZY base, similar size, similar range of routes - now NCL is shut, and BRS is how many ???

The signs have been there for years, last base to lose the 737, reduction in based units, a base of sunshine and domestic routes, but city destinations run for a couple of years and get dropped - basically the small customer base for these destinations has been their, and so time to move on...

What's the difference - look at the income levels of the respective catchment areas.

[MerchantVenturer]

At one stage NCL ran neck to neck with BRS as an EZY base, similar size, similar range of routes - now NCL is shut, and BRS is how many ???

BRS was due to have 18 based easyJet aircraft this summer: 10 x A320, 6 x A319, 2 x A321 with nearly 80 easyJet routes albeit some seasonal. The pandemic quickly put paid to that though.

The obvious potential danger to BRS is the over-reliance on easyJet which carried over 50% of its 9 million annual passengers pre-COVID. Today 29 of BRS's 48 airline departures were easyJet (48 is about 45% of the airport's normal programme this time of the year) which is broadly in line with August as a whole.

[GBYAJ]

At one stage NCL ran neck to neck with BRS as an EZY base, similar size, similar range of routes - now NCL is shut, and BRS is how many ???

The signs have been there for years, last base to lose the 737, reduction in based units, a base of sunshine and domestic routes, but city destinations run for a couple of years and get dropped - basically the small customer base for these destinations has been their, and so time to move on...

What's the difference - look at the income levels of the respective catchment areas.

while I agree to a certain extent I don’t think it’s that cut and dry. There is money up here just not as much!

at NCL in the early days high frequency domestic routes (STN, BRS and BFS) worked well with the favourite Med destinations. Start cutting back the domestic and letting Jet2 (and thomsonfly I think with the 737-300) beat them on the Med routes and it all went pear shaped.

I remember flying to Prague with EZY from
NCL and was surprised how full the plane was and how many business travellers there were. On the other hand went to BUD and it was only half full wit xmas market shoppers. So based on this extensive research I think without being an expert there are routes that will work from ncl and those that won’t. I think they tried too many that wouldn’t. Used to fly to all three domestics and every flight was full. I Think ezy moved from being low cost which NCL punters originally embraced and then the airport and
customers didn’t fit with it.

[SWBKCB]

BRS was due to have 18 based easyJet aircraft this summer: 10 x A320, 6 x A319, 2 x A321 with nearly 80 easyJet routes albeit some seasonal. The pandemic quickly put paid to that though.

The obvious potential danger to BRS is the over-reliance on easyJet which carried over 50% of its 9 million annual passengers pre-COVID. Today 29 of BRS's 48 airline departures were easyJet (48 is about 45% of the airport's normal programme this time of the year) which is broadly in line with August as a whole.

Think we'd swop you that problem, MV!

[LiamNCL]

Jet2 much better airline for its customers and employees, hopefully expansion will come when things return to normality to pick up some of easyJets routes.

[ash666]

while I agree to a certain extent I don’t think it’s that cut and dry. There is money up here just not as much!

at NCL in the early days high frequency domestic routes (STN, BRS and BFS) worked well with the favourite Med destinations. Start cutting back the domestic and letting Jet2 (and thomsonfly I think with the 737-300) beat them on the Med routes and it all went pear shaped.

I remember flying to Prague with EZY from
NCL and was surprised how full the plane was and how many business travellers there were. On the other hand went to BUD and it was only half full wit xmas market shoppers. So based on this extensive research I think without being an expert there are routes that will work from ncl and those that won’t. I think they tried too many that wouldn’t. Used to fly to all three domestics and every flight was full. I Think ezy moved from being low cost which NCL punters originally embraced and then the airport and
customers didn’t fit with it.

I remember the head-scratching when EZY pulled the constantly full Prague route, which I used myself as well.

[BAladdy]

BA cutting LHR service to 20 x Weekly (3 x Daily Wednesday to Monday 2 flights of Tuesdays) for winter season

[GBYAJ]

BA cutting LHR service to 20 x Weekly (3 x Daily Wednesday to Monday 2 flights of Tuesdays) for winter season

technically an increase from now though if there is a positive. Doesn’t appear to be a flight today.

until working from home switches to getting back to the office there will be little business travel. Unfortunately a lot of firms (mine included) have realised how much of the travel budget was not necessary spending so will be reluctant to approve business trips by train or plane to London etc.

[LiamNCL]

technically an increase from now though if there is a positive. Doesn’t appear to be a flight today.

until working from home switches to getting back to the office there will be little business travel. Unfortunately a lot of firms (mine included) have realised how much of the travel budget was not necessary spending so will be reluctant to approve business trips by train or plane to London etc.

Not to forget the onward travel via LHR is basically non existant.

[milhouse999]

Nice to see JET2 adding flights - extra Saturday flight added to the NCL to CFU route from 19th September for the final month of the season, picking up where Easyjet have deserted the airport. Meaning JET2 are now up to 3 a week on this route.

The last seat on the BA NCL to LHR flight last night was going for £633 one way.

[inOban]

wasn't king's cross closed for engineering all weekend?

[Jamesair1]

There are still difficulties this morning at Kings Cross....signalling problems causing delays

[SeanM1997]

Loganair launching Aberdeen-Newcastle-Newquay from 29 March 2021 - initially 2x weekly flights before increasing to 3x weekly flights from 30 June 2021. Saturday and Sunday rotations NCL-NQY-NCL will be added (no ABZ tag) from 22 May 2020

https://twitter.com/SeanM1997/status/1303314753566240769

[CabinCrewe]

BA lounge apparently being closed permanently. One wonders how long the LHR route will last at all...

[jensdad]

BA lounge apparently being closed permanently. One wonders how long the LHR route will last at all...
Is that 'permanently' or 'indefinitely'? With the low number of flights at present, I can see sense in the latter. If the former, then maybe a little ominous. But, strange times and all that.

[JKKne]

Judging by posts on Flyertalk and BA staff on there, it’s a permanent closure.

More expected but disappointing cost cutting. Imagine they’ll sign a deal with Aspire if things get back up and running.

[BAladdy]

LM’s S21 schedule is now on sale through until the end of August 2021. LM are currently planning to operate:

Aberdeen - up to 17 x Weekly
Bergen - 3 x Weekly (Wed/Fri/Sun) from 31st March
Exeter - 8 x Weekly (2 flight op on a Friday)
Newquay - Between 2 and 5 x Weekly
Southampton - 17 x Weekly (3 x Daily Mon-Fri and Daily Sat/Sun)
Stavanger - 5 x Weekly (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun)

GCI - No direct flights are currently on sale. However LM are offering up to 2 flights a day to GCI via SOU through there codeshare with Blue Island.

[Jamesair1]

I'm surprised they are not taking up the vacant Jersey route next summer.....maybe its one for their partner...Blue Island.

[BAladdy]

I'm surprised they are not taking up the vacant Jersey route next summer.....maybe its one for their partner...Blue Island.
Loganair are selling flight to JER involving a connection at either EXT or SOU through Blue Island codeshare agreement.

[HH6702]

I'm surprised they are not taking up the vacant Jersey route next summer.....maybe its one for their partner...Blue Island.


Maybe Jet2 but think aircraft maybe too big.
hopefully if things improve before next summer we see loganair base another aircraft or could we see Eastern or Stobart with there ATR on the Jersey

[The Nutts Mutts]

Maybe Jet2 but think aircraft maybe too big.
hopefully if things improve before next summer we see loganair base another aircraft or could we see Eastern or Stobart with there ATR on the Jersey

Out of curiosity, how many aircraft do Loganair currently have based at NCL?

[Fly757X]

Out of curiosity, how many aircraft do Loganair currently have based at NCL?

1 at present, normally 2 to serve both SOU/ABZ in the mornings.

[The Nutts Mutts]

Thanks for that!

[SWBKCB]

1 at present, normally 2 to serve both SOU/ABZ in the mornings.

2 this morning, operating ABZ/SOU early departures

[Matt4]

According to the Ryanair website looks like we have Lauda coming in operating the PMI on Saturday and Sunday

[HH6702]

According to the Ryanair website looks like we have Lauda coming in operating the PMI on Saturday and Sunday


When does this start ?

[Matt4]

When does this start ?

They were supposed to be operating all summer on behalf of Ryanair but cancelled due to the pandemic. I think it’s just now and again at the moment

[GrahamK]

KLM reduce to 14 x weekly for winter

[GrahamK]

No Eurowings until February after the 1st week of October

[BAladdy]

EK have removed from sale all flights to both NCL and EDI for the Winter schedule. First available flight to book is now not until 28th March 2021

[GrahamK]

Not much income for the airport this winter then, with. Can they weather the storm?

[SWBKCB]

Not much income for the airport this winter then, with. Can they weather the storm?

What makes you say that? Winter's are never exactly busy.

[southside bobby]

"What makes you say that?"...

Perhaps a £67.665m loan granted in 2012/3 (in comparative better times?) the repayments on which are currently suspended attempting to deal with the current crisis maybe an indicator.

[SWBKCB]

"What makes you say that?"...

Perhaps a £67.665m loan granted in 2012/3 (in comparative better times?) the repayments on which are currently suspended attempting to deal with the current crisis maybe an indicator.

Like most other businesses?

[southside bobby]

Well perhaps...but more the question of that loan in the first instance which itself was to help re-finance a £300m debt.

[SWBKCB]

Again, this is different to other business in what way? Lots of businesses having issues at the moment - doubt whether NCL is in any worse position than any other.

[Hipennine]

Again, this is different to other business in what way? Lots of businesses having issues at the moment - doubt whether NCL is in any worse position than any other.
Not every business has entered the pandemic where it was already losing cash to pay off loans taken out to pay off loans. Eventually that path only leads in one direction.

[SWBKCB]

Not every business has entered the pandemic where it was already losing cash to pay off loans taken out to pay off loans. Eventually that path only leads in one direction.

Thought NCL had made a profit the last 2 years that have been reported?

[VickersVicount]

Not much income for the airport this winter then, with. Can they weather the storm?
Would be surprised if EK return at all now. Perhaps a ‘relaunch’ at a later date.

[SWBKCB]

Would be surprised if EK return at all now. Perhaps a ‘relaunch’ at a later date.

Think I've got more chance with preficting this weekends Lottery numbers rather than next years Summer season... :ok:

[BAladdy]

Looks like today’s T3 flight to SOU was the last one. Flights no longer available to book on there website.

[Cat Techie]

Looks like today’s T3 flight to SOU was the last one. Flights no longer available to book on there website.
Correct, better for the other operator of the route then. Not that means much as this winter is going only one way I fear (I really hope not as I am one of those likely to be badly affected, but I am a half glass empty man).

[fl dutchman]

BA, LHR 3 flights tomorrow (Thurs). Then 2/3 flights per day after that for a while. Night stopping aircraft resumes at the end of October. ( All subject to change of course)

[GrahamK]

KLM mainline return Winter schedule, 2 x daily.to start with, 3 x daily.towars the end of November. AF schedule seems to be all over the place. 1 x daily Mid morning E190 planned as it stands

[CabinCrewe]

If EK has indeed ditched EDI- is NCL a bit ‘iffy’ as a suspension rather than outright cancellation?

[SWBKCB]

If EK has indeed ditched EDI- is NCL a bit ‘iffy’ as a suspension rather than outright cancellation?

If, if, if - have you any source? Doubt anything is certain at the moment so why the pointless speculation?

[SWBKCB]

August Stats on the CAA website - 2020 is 17.44% of 2019 (2020 105k vs 2019 603k)

[Asturias56]

Whats the difference between a Cancellation and a suspension? they can change their minds on either when things get better

[SWBKCB]

Whats the difference between a Cancellation and a suspension? they can change their minds on either when things get better

Spot on - crystal ball gazing is pointless at the moment.

Jet2 doing some consolidation this morning. PFO being combined with EDI and LCA with LBA originating flights.

[Jamesair1]

A general interpretation would be:-

Cancellation....to terminate permanently

Suspension.....to cease temporarily

[ATNotts]

A general interpretation would be:-

Cancellation....to terminate permanently

Suspension.....to cease temporarily

I can recall many instances down the years where "suspension" was actually marketing-speak for cancellation. Sort of "permanent suspension".

[SWBKCB]

I can recall many instances down the years where "suspension" was actually marketing-speak for cancellation. Sort of "permanent suspension".

Maybe so in "normal" times - in the current circumstances, nobody knows how the market will react over time so either term is pretty meaningless (which I think was the point of previous posts)

[ATNotts]

Maybe so in "normal" times - in the current circumstances, nobody knows how the market will react over time so either term is pretty meaningless (which I think was the point of previous posts)

I agree, routes that were profitable pre-covid ought, once the virus has run it course which Johnson reckons should be Spring next year, have a reasonable chance of making a come back. A lot will depend on which carriers are left by then, and how much they will pull back to their core, most profitable routes. And of course there's the other elephant in the room - Brexit. If there is no deal then business travel may take longer to recover, if if sterling took a hit as a result (of Brexit) foreign holidays could become rather more expensive at a time of what is likely to be (due to Covid) a period of high unemployment and continued recession.

Regional airports may take a long time to recover, perhaps 5 years. The commercial airline and travel industries have probably never experienced such uncertainty for decades, if ever at all.

[GAXLN]

I agree, routes that were profitable pre-covid ought, once the virus has run it course which Johnson reckons should be Spring next year, have a reasonable chance of making a come back. A lot will depend on which carriers are left by then, and how much they will pull back to their core, most profitable routes. And of course there's the other elephant in the room - Brexit. If there is no deal then business travel may take longer to recover, if if sterling took a hit as a result (of Brexit) foreign holidays could become rather more expensive at a time of what is likely to be (due to Covid) a period of high unemployment and continued recession.

Regional airports may take a long time to recover, perhaps 5 years. The commercial airline and travel industries have probably never experienced such uncertainty for decades, if ever at all.

Sadly, it will be a long road back to normality for regional airports given the fleet reductions many carriers have implemented or have still to implement. Regional routes, at the best of times, are pretty marginal so I expect to see consolidation on the larger >10m passenger a year airports and even some of those are facing hard times. You only have to look at Gatwick in that respect. Hopefully, I am wrong and only time will tell what the precise impact is on an airport like Newcastle.

[nighthawk117]

You need to remember that airlines have got rid of a large proportion of their fleet, and the corresponding workforce to operate it. They wont be bouncing back any time soon, regardless of what happens with the virus and the economy.

[VentureGo]

Looks like today’s T3 flight to SOU was the last one. Flights no longer available to book on there website.

https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/eastern-airways-partners-guernseys-aurigny-19055329

https://aviationtribune.com/airlines/europe/aurigny-and-eastern-airways-ink-new-codeshare-agreement/

The above articles would suggest Eastern will resume service between NCL and SOU in the New Year, with codeshare connections to The Channel Islands with Guernsey's Aurigny Air Services.

Interestingly this will compete with Loganair's codeshare with Blue Island's services.

[Jamesair1]

All a bit sad really must be the first time NCL has been without a non stop JERSEY route since at least the BKS days.

[HH6702]

All a bit sad really must be the first time NCL has been without a non stop JERSEY route since at least the BKS days.


could we be about to get jersey back airport Facebook saying new route announcement guess the route

[Jamesair1]

It certainly looks like Jersey to me.......If it is, both Loganair and Eastern seem tied in with interline connection agreements with Blue Islands and Aurigney respectively, both via Sounthampton..........so who could it be???

[Jamesair1]

Solved....it's JET2 operating on SATURDAYS from 22nd May to 25/9.

[SWBKCB]

Emirates back on sale for next summer (I know...)

[BAladdy]

BA have updated schedule for December. They are planning to operate 3 x Daily

[GrahamK]

Jet2 adding Geneva and Salzburg 1 x weekly from mid Dec 21

[SHT13C]

I would just like to voice my disgust at the way both NIAL and Swissport management have treated long serving staff during this pandemic. They have both used this as a cost cutting exercise way beyond the consequences of Covid 19. An example being, the various fat cat managers still prancing around the terminal building, one high up individual even commenting on the Newcastle Spotters Facebook group as if nothing has happened, whilst hard working, long serving, boots on the ground have been savagely cut.

Swissport have cut circa 14 airside supervisors from across 4 departments, to 5 supervisors covering all 4 departments (belts, ramp, cleaning and dispatch). This will massively come back to bite them. The vast experience that they are letting leave cannot be underestimated.

Both companies should get rid of the exorbitant amount of managers that couldn’t organise a p1ss up in a brewery, that are more interested in all of the fluffy non-sense, instead of addressing the alarming lack of new investment in airside infrastructure, an example of which is the yearly sinking of delta taxiway, and the fact that the foxtrot apron tarmac is as thick as two wet beer mats.

[GrahamK]

Nothing new from Tui for W21/22 and S22 it seems

[SWBKCB]

TUI destinations from the Chronicle - says Hurghada is a re-introduction?The Winter 2021/22 destinations are: Lanzarote, Malaga, Alicante, Antalya, Barbados, Hurghada in Egypt, Kittila in Lapland, Gran Canaria, Montego Bay in Jamaica, Paphos, Palma and Tenerife.

The Summer 2022 destinations are: Lanzarote, Malaga, Alicante, Antalya, Bodrum, in Turkey, Corfu, Cancun, Dalaman, Kefalonia, Heraklion, Hurghada in Egypt, Ibiza, Skiathos, Kos, Larnaca, Gran Canaria, Menorca, Orlando Melbourne (Florida), Naples, Enfidha in Tunisia, Paphos, Palma, Reus in Spain, Rhodes, Tenerife and Zakynthos.

[GrahamK]

Hurghada was operating prior to Covid, so I wouldn't class it as new

[NCL-TRC]

I would just like to voice my disgust at the way both NIAL and Swissport management have treated long serving staff during this pandemic. They have both used this as a cost cutting exercise way beyond the consequences of Covid 19. An example being, the various fat cat managers still prancing around the terminal building, one high up individual even commenting on the Newcastle Spotters Facebook group as if nothing has happened, whilst hard working, long serving, boots on the ground have been savagely cut.

Swissport have cut circa 14 airside supervisors from across 4 departments, to 5 supervisors covering all 4 departments (belts, ramp, cleaning and dispatch). This will massively come back to bite them. The vast experience that they are letting leave cannot be underestimated.

Both companies should get rid of the exorbitant amount of managers that couldn’t organise a p1ss up in a brewery, that are more interested in all of the fluffy non-sense, instead of addressing the alarming lack of new investment in airside infrastructure, an example of which is the yearly sinking of delta taxiway, and the fact that the foxtrot apron tarmac is as thick as two wet beer mats.

Here Here, my former team seems like it’s been cut to shreds by Covid’s impact. Yes the virus has done damage to the industry like no one could have imagined but from the things I’ve heard it doesn’t seem like it’s been all that well handled by a lot of the companies at the airport. Suppose the writing was on the wall when one of the incoming senior managers spent more time at his previous airport than he did at NCL just as Corona was starting to hit hard around March.

[VentureGo]

Here Here, my former team seems like it’s been cut to shreds by Covid’s impact. Yes the virus has done damage to the industry like no one could have imagined but from the things I’ve heard it doesn’t seem like it’s been all that well handled by a lot of the companies at the airport. Suppose the writing was on the wall when one of the incoming senior managers spent more time at his previous airport than he did at NCL just as Corona was starting to hit hard around March.

Think you meant "Hear Hear !" https://www.grammarly.com/blog/here-here-vs-hear-hear/
- Also, Before Covid raised it's ugly head, I had serious reservations re, Leon McQuaid and his route development team who promote themselves on the back of successes gained from previous management successes such as Dave Laws Emirates successful negotiations and paving the way for American routes, additional Scandanavian and European links etc... Route Development is sadly defficient at NCL as even loss of past routes would show a significant decline and lack of promotion at NCL under the auspices of McQuid and Co.

[Saabdriver1]

I don't know anything of what happens within the airport, but all I'd say is the relationship between NCL and the airline for which I work is referred to in very positive terms. You don't need many guesses to work out who that is, or to see that the airline can and does act quickly at airports where things aren't working out. NCL is cited as a good example of how to run an airport/airline relationship, and as far as I can tell, that has helped to keep a base open and running for many of our lot in pretty tough times. I won't presume to speak on their behalf, but I'd be surprised if my colleagues whose jobs at NCL depend on this airline/airport relationship, were anything other than supportive.

[CabinCrewe]

...now I doubt if anyone else could offer such ‘straight from the horses mouth’ insight...

[AirportPlanner1]

Iberia Express will operate Gran Canaria & Lanzarote for three weeks over Christmas/New Year

[GBYAJ]

Iberia Express will operate Gran Canaria & Lanzarote for three weeks over Christmas/New Year

wow! In normal circumstances would say great but only last week the airport, Jet2 and TUI were advertising “the Canaries are back” and within days the rug was pulled from under them with dodgy graphs etc! Good luck to all involved.

[Derry321]

- Also, Before Covid raised it's ugly head, I had serious reservations re, Leon McQuaid and his route development team who promote themselves on the back of successes gained from previous management successes such as Dave Laws Emirates successful negotiations and paving the way for American routes, additional Scandanavian and European links etc... Route Development is sadly defficient at NCL as even loss of past routes would show a significant decline and lack of promotion at NCL under the auspices of McQuid and Co.[/QUOTE]

I also have to add my own experience in here - I worked with Leon and the route development and marketing teams at the airport around a series of charter flights for a tour operator a few years ago. By far, the team and NCL were (together with Humberside) the most proactive of any of the many UK airports that were also working with. From the beginning the support that they offered in order to get the programme off the ground through to promotion and launch was superb.

Whilst there are many issues at NCL, from what I have seen personally the competence of the route development and marketing teams is not one of them

[tigertanaka]

Iberia Express will operate Gran Canaria & Lanzarote for three weeks over Christmas/New Year

Looks like a MAD based aircraft. On their website, you can book MAD-NCL on 26 & 27 December NCL-MAD on the 1st & 2nd of January. Prices look pretty good if any Spaniards fancy a new year break in the Toon.

[HH6702]

Change of airport TUI will be using Melbourne airport rather than Sanford for 2022

[highwideandugly]

Build it..and they will come! Amazing opening hours for the NE premier airport..not!

[SWBKCB]

Build it..and they will come! Amazing opening hours for the NE premier airport..not!

NOTAMed as 05.55 until 23.59 from 04/11 to 31/12. Doesn't seem unreasonable for a COVID winter or have I missed the point?

[SWBKCB]

Build it..and they will come! Amazing opening hours for the NE premier airport..not!

Seen the latest NOTAM now, which expands on HWU cryptic comment. Revised hours for 9/11 to 15/11:

MON 0555 - 2359
TUE 0555 - 2359
WED 0555 - 1200 AND 1630 - 2230
THU 0555 - 1200 AND 1630 - 2230
FRI 0555 - 1200 AND 1630 - 2230
SAT 0600 - 1200 AND 2030 - 2230
SUN 0600 - 1200 AND 1630 - 2230

[highwideandugly]

I can understand short term closure of the terminal for a month when no flights. Similar to other airports.

I can’t understand however closing an airfield for 4 hours in the middle of the day.

Military,business flights,emergency cover,general aviation,diversions etc. I always thought connectivity and providing a service to the local area was a rather important facet of local airports?

Oh well🤔

[SWBKCB]

Military, business flights, emergency cover, general aviation, diversions etc. I always thought connectivity and providing a service to the local area was a rather important facet of local airports?

Ans like last time, all can be handled with PPR (might be a bit harder for diversions.... :O)

It's not nice out there - need to balance cost saved against income foregone.

[SWBKCB]

Iberia Express, a low-cost airline owned by Iberia, will operate multiple flights to and from Newcastle between the 26th December 2020 and the 3rd January 2021.

https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/delight-as-newcastle-airport-welcomes-brand-new-airline/

[nighthawk117]

I can understand short term closure of the terminal for a month when no flights. Similar to other airports.

I can’t understand however closing an airfield for 4 hours in the middle of the day.

Military,business flights,emergency cover,general aviation,diversions etc. I always thought connectivity and providing a service to the local area was a rather important facet of local airports?

Oh well🤔

Why stay open if there are no flights scheduled? Shut the airport and save on the staffing costs.

Not worth staying open on the off chance a military flight wants to come in, and on the off chance they do, they can always arrange cover with a days notice. GA can continue with the airport closed, they just need to treat it as an uncontrolled airfield.

[highwideandugly]

So ..same theory..Should Prestwick close their airfield in between their schedule movements?

[LGWAlan]

Looks like a MAD-NCL-ACE on 26/12, MAD-NCL-LPA on 27/12, ACE-NCL-MAD on 2/1/21 and a LPA-NCL-MAD on 3/1/21

[Jamesair1]

Hopefully this will be the start of more regular operations in the summer. The airport news story certainly suggests Iberia Express as a long term relationship.

[GrahamK]

Santorini showing 1 x weekly from July 2021
Skiathos and Kefallonia also showing on the app but no flights available yet

[LBIA]

Jet2 - 3 new routes from Newcastle for summer 2021

Kefalonia = 1x weekly (Fri) commences July 23rd
Santorini = 1x weekly (Mon) commences July 26th
Skiathos = 1x weekly (Fri) commences May 21st

[SWBKCB]

Jet2 - 3 new routes from Newcastle for summer 2021

Kefalonia = 1x weekly (Fri) commences July 23rd
Santorini = 1x weekly (Mon) commences July 26th
Skiathos = 1x weekly (Fri) commences May 21st

Presumably just new for Jet2 at NCL rather than new to NCL - TUI do Kefalonia and Skiathios, did TCX do Santorini from NCL?

[Jamesair1]

Yes, they did

[GrahamK]

Skiathos and Santorini have been served from NCL since the days of Excel/ Air Scandic/ Various other random carriers that had bases at NCL

[Jamesair1]

Good to read that Loganairs core operations are centred on Scotland and Newcastle

[Matt4]

Looking at Air France website looks like they aren’t coming back until the 01st Feb

[Cat Techie]

Good to read that Loganairs core operations are centred on Scotland and Newcastle

Hope the Vacinnce effects are quick and effective. Newcastle is a winner if Covid disappears for Logan. I do have a vested interest in any plans. However until people wish to jump on aeroplanes and are allowed to, that is the issue.

[Asturias56]

"Hope the Vaccine effects are quick and effective"

It's going to take quite a while - you probably need 60% of the population immunised before the virus transmission goes into serious decline - that's circa 40 million people in the UK - at 1 million a week it'll be September . People may start traveling earlier but you have to have a results at both ends. I'd expect little change in the rules until Easter, when we should start to see infection in the vulnerable start to fall - after that a gradual easing until the feel they can swamp any local flareups - probably around June once the universities disperse