Newcastle-9

[Jamesair]

New Timetables are now on the airport website covering Winter 19/20 and a second one for Summer 20

[VickersVicount]

Wonder who would actually look at them/use them?

[SWBKCB]

Well, it will cost rock all for the Airport to produce and it's handy to have everything available in one place. Helps get the old grey cells turning!

[Matt4]

Well I think they have made a mistake on the flight guide for winter because they are saying the Air France is only operating 1 flight a day and I’ve just checked and they are operating the normal 3 flights but they are all going to be operated by HOP it seems

[GrahamK]

More Ryanair routes to be lost shortly?

[NorthEasterner]

Looks like FR TFS base closing and Girona base too.

[GrahamK]

Looks like FR TFS base closing and Girona base too.
Faro too, unless FR decide to open a base st NCL then that's a fair amount of tax continuing to be lost

[Jamesair]

Not looking good unless FR decides the routes are profitable enough to justify either setting up a base at NCL or moving to operating "W" flights to those destinations.

[VickersVicount]

Not looking good unless FR decides the routes are profitable enough to justify either setting up a base at NCL or moving to operating "W" flights to those destinations.
Neither of which are very likely IMO

[TheLambtonWorm]

EasyJet crew member on drink charge.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-49323620

[MARKEYD]

Sorry but is this a no news day or something ?

[Jamesair]

July 2019 PAX figures now available on the airport website ...... Movements 3768 (4588 in 2018)....Pax 606,363 (622,410 in 2018) .
Main reduction seems to be in IT traffic... PAX...139,769 against 155,256 in 2018

[jensdad]

Some of these monthly drops are becoming brutal. 18% drop in movements vs a year ago!?

[SWBKCB]

The movements will be down to the flying school issues - not really that relevant compared to the pax numbers...

[highwideandugly]

SWBKCB...is probably right..the airport don’t encourage non revenue( ie Duty Free and car park users)Hence movements way down..don’t even encourage diversions ,training apparently?

Add the recent Carlisle and Teesside Airport competition and it probably all adds up? The airport have neglected non passenger revenue for years while others have gone looking for other revenue sources?

[CabinCrewe]

scraping the barrel if Carlisle needs to be included...

[NCL-TRC]

Some of these monthly drops are becoming brutal. 18% drop in movements vs a year ago!?

Airports been loosing flights hand over a fist for a while know. With the loss of a based Thomas Cook that used to get worked into the ground during the summer months, minus a daily BA rotation and a few Ryanair’s and probably a few others, it’s probably leveling out after the boom in expansion they had a couple of years ago

[VentureGo]

It will be interesting to see the breakdown by routes your on year when CAA figures are published.

Add the recent Carlisle and Teesside Airport competition and it probably all adds up? The airport have neglected non passenger revenue for years while others have gone looking for other revenue sources?]
Hardly think Teesside or Carlisle have much effect if at all.

[HH6702]

I.T traffic was always going to be down on last year.
loosing an aircraft which was doing around 15 flights per week was always going to make a drop in figures

wait till next summer and compare 2020 with 2019

[Jamesair]

More news on Ryanair NCL flights. TENERIFE will terminate on 5th Jan 20 and LANZAROTE will terminate on 4th Jan. 20....... not exactly good news....We now have to wait and see what will happen to GERONA next summer.

[SWBKCB]

This year's losses fall into three rough groups - reduction on existing schedule routes (LHR, DXB), the TCX losses, and lost routes not replaced (MAD, WAW, SXF). AF/KL have been the bright spots - AMS and CDG both up. With the RYR loses and little new except MUC, looks like next year will be flat again unless something gets pulled out of the bag.

[Jamesair]

On the scheduled front there will be the new Loganair ABZ route at 3x daily and maybe their rumoured Bergen and Oslo flights...whether there is a market for 7 flights a day to ABZ remains to be seen.

[Richard Taylor]

On the scheduled front there will be the new Loganair ABZ route at 3x daily and maybe their rumoured Bergen and Oslo flights...whether there is a market for 7 flights a day to ABZ remains to be seen.

I think we all know the answer to that one!

[Jamesair]

Loganair ABZ - NCL launch flight.....they are getting off to a good start, looks like it is going to arrive early.

[VickersVicount]

Loganair ABZ - NCL launch flight.....they are getting off to a good start, looks like it is going to arrive early.
Lets hope it wasn't because there were few boarding pax !

[HH6702]

2 new routes being announced next week

[tigertanaka]

2 new routes being announced next week



Presumably Bergen and Oslo

They are teasing it on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCLairport/status/1169569379362725888

[BAladdy]

Loganair have made adjustments to there schedule from NCL to ABZ from the start of the W19 schedule ahead of the new route announcement planned for Monday.

The current early afternoon departures from NCL will be replaced with a new late morning departure, with the return sector only retimed slightly. It looks as if the change has been made to allow Loganair to offer a new 4 x weekly ABZ-NCL-BRU service as the retimed services have been allocated flight numbers currently used for NCL-BRU flights

LM001 NCL 07:00 ABZ 07:50 x567
LM543 NCL 11:10 ABZ 12:05 x567
LM005 NCL 14:40 ABZ 15:30 5
LM007 NCL 18:00 ABZ 18:50 x67
LM007 NCL 18:15 ABZ 19:05 7

LM002 ABZ 08:20 NCL 09:10 x567
LM546 ABZ 15:40 NCL 16:35 x567
LM006 ABZ 16:00 NCL 16:50 5
LM008 ABZ 16:45 NCL 17:35 7
LM008 ABZ 19:20 NCL 20:10 x67

[jensdad]

Presumably Bergen and Oslo

They are teasing it on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCLairport/status/1169569379362725888
The photo on their facebook page looks very much like Bergen.

[CabinCrewe]

Presumably Bergen and Oslo
I'm not so sure its both of those...

[BAladdy]

The photo on their facebook page looks very much like Bergen.
It looks like the same photo used on the Bergen page of the destination guide in Loganair’s website.

https://www.loganair.co.uk/destinations/city-guides/bergen/

[VentureGo]

Loganair currently don't fly to Oslo Gardermoen or Sandefjord (70miles away though marketed by Ryanair as "Oslo Sandefjord")

They do serve Bergen currently from Edinburgh, Inverness & Manchester and seasonally from Sumburgh & Kirkwall.

[jensdad]

Interesting that they're launching two destinations but only one has been given the Newcastle Airport striptease act. Maybe the next one isn't quite as bonny!

[sixchannel]

Interesting that they're launching two destinations but only one has been given the Newcastle Airport striptease act. Maybe the next one isn't quite as bonny!
Wish I understood that.
Must be a Geordie thing. Being long time married to one, I thought I knew all their strange customs. Obviously missed one. 😁

[BAladdy]

Interesting that they're launching two destinations but only one has been given the Newcastle Airport striptease act. Maybe the next one isn't quite as bonny!
We will find out soon enough the 2nd destination. Can only surmise that you wouldn’t be excited or surprised by it. Makes me think it might be somewhere like LDY or SEN.

[Rottweiler22]

I would say Bergen’s a definite, but the second eludes me. I know that originally Oslo was planned from NCL along with Bergen. However, Loganair pulling the ABZ-OSL route due to poor passenger numbers and competition with SAS makes me think otherwise. Nevertheless, I reckon Oslo’s the favourite.

Southend could be a serious contender. Can’t see Derry / Londonderry having much point. Not unless they can get a PSO out of it. Dublin would be more logical, with Ryanair cutting theirs in the winter. Cardiff, Exeter or Newquay would be 100/1 shots.

[PDXCWL45]

I would say Bergen’s a definite, but the second eludes me. I know that originally Oslo was planned from NCL along with Bergen. However, Loganair pulling the ABZ-OSL route due to poor passenger numbers and competition with SAS makes me think otherwise. Nevertheless, I reckon Oslo’s the favourite.

Southend could be a serious contender. Can’t see Derry / Londonderry having much point. Not unless they can get a PSO out of it. Dublin would be more logical, with Ryanair cutting theirs in the winter. Cardiff, Exeter or Newquay would be 100/1 shots.
Fingers crossed for Cardiff!!

[HH6702]

Southend makes sense

[toon22]

... at 100/1, time to get your money out ladies and gentlemen!

[BAladdy]

Loganair have announced the routes they are adding from NCL


Bergen

3 x Weekly from 26th April 2020 to 21 May 2020

LM506 NCL 08:30 BGO 11:05 ER3 7
LM506 NCL 09:55 BGO 12:35 ER3 24

LM507 BGO 11:40 NCL 12:15 ER3 7
LM507 BGO 13:05 NCL 13:40 ER3 24

4 x Weekly from 22nd May 2020

LM506 NCL 08:30 BGO 11:05 ER3 57
LM506 NCL 09:55 BGO 12:35 ER3 24

LM507 BGO 11:40 NCL 12:15 ER3 57
LM507 BGO 13:05 NCL 13:40 ER3 24

Guernsey

Weekly from 23rd May 2020

LM509 NCL 09:00 GCI 10:30 ER3 6
LM510 GCI 16:00 NCL 17:30 ER3 6

[SWBKCB]

So who predicted Guernsey? Interesting comment from LOG in the press release on the NIA website -

"We’re working on further developments of our services at Newcastle as well and hope to share further exciting news soon"

[jensdad]

I was wrong about the second destination not being very bonny, then! Great news about Guernsey. Will have to see how their fares compare to Flybe's via Southampton or Exeter, but nice to have a direct service to one of my favourite places in the British Isles.

[HH6702]

Good news with Loganair

maybe they will go after Flybe routes

Southampton
Cardiff
Jersey

wonder if they will try BHD ?

[jensdad]

They seem to have had mixed fortunes when they've deliberately gone head-to-head with flybe / Eastern. They won on the Northern Isles routes from Edinburgh etc, but they got chased off Teesside-Aberdeen. Belfast City might be a possibility. (Flybe don't do Jersey from Newcastle now btw)

[JonnyH]

I was wrong about the second destination not being very bonny, then! Great news about Guernsey. Will have to see how their fares compare to Flybe's via Southampton or Exeter, but nice to have a direct service to one of my favourite places in the British Isles.

About £74.99 one way judging by their website for most Saturdays.

[mmeteesside]

They seem to have had mixed fortunes when they've deliberately gone head-to-head with flybe / Eastern. They won on the Northern Isles routes from Edinburgh etc, but they got chased off Teesside-Aberdeen. Belfast City might be a possibility. (Flybe don't do Jersey from Newcastle now btw)

The Teesside-Aberdeen was part of the chess game also involving the Shetland routes, an obvious attempt to force Eastern off those. Once they withdrew then the Teesside route came off - however I wouldn’t rule it out returning now they’re going head to head on other routes. There is a huge offshore market in the North East but they’re more price sensitive than before!

[HH6702]

on sale now

[HH6702]

on sale now

TFS increases by 1x weekly

[Jamesair]

Good to read that Loganair are looking to further develop their network from Newcastle, "with further exciting news soon".

[Jamesair]

JULY STATISTICS FROM THE CAA

MAIN RISERS
Cancun......5796 + 45%
Krakow.....3238 +26%
Enfidha.....4623 +119%
Salzburg...1208 +11%
Nice............5288..+14%
Paris........14,739 +15%
Corfu......12,712..+24%
Heraklion..6793 + 8%
Skiathos...1572 +59%
Naples....4958...+49%
Pisa.........3039 +35%
Rome.....3230 +24%
Verona...3165 +10%
Faro.......24,553...+16%
Almeria.....3048...+24%
Palma....54,190....+9%
Stavanger....1444...+12%
Dalaman......23,829...+22%

Aberdeen .....1638....+6%
Jersey.........4749.....+10%
Southampton....10,819...+3%

MAIN FALLERS


Wroclaw........2794...- 8%
Orlando.......2905....- 32%
Brussels....1674....- 38%
Dubrovnik....3005...- 25%
Split............2274....-14%
Dusseldorf...3418....-5%
Kefallinia .....1391....-52%
Kos..............2717.....-32%
Salonica....1648....-15%
Santorini....1580....-13%
Zakinthos....8040....-8%
Dublin........19,319,,,,,-5%
Funchal......1721.....-5%
Mahon.........5993.....-31%
Malaga.....28,535....-4%
Reus.........9098.....-21%
Fuerteventura....4645.....-23%
Las Palmas.........4863.....- 31%
Tenerife...........16,645.....-17%
Geneva.........2891.....- 5%
Bodrum.........1381.....- 60%
Dubai.........21,888.....- 3%

Bristol........16,926...... - 3%
Cardiff..........514.......- 56%
Exeter........ 3879........- 11%
Heathrow....40,842.....-1%

Belfast ....24,250.....unchanged

[HH6702]

DXB doing ok at nearly 22k for the month

[inOban]

And still slightly higher than EDI.

[GrahamK]

Looks like the losses to EDI are starting to stabilise, should hopefully see growth going forward again. August should see healthy figures being the main month for English schoolkids being on holiday

[GrahamK]

New route for Jet2 from Feb 2021, Salzburg, 1 x weekly

[BAladdy]

Loganair flights to BRU will reduce in frequency to 7 x weekly from 7th July

[HH6702]

Loganair flights to BRU will reduce in frequency to 7 x weekly from 7th July


july is a long way away ?

[Jamesair]

It makes absolute sense when you compare pax numbers against their Stavanger route....with Stavanger at 6 weekly 1444 and growing with Brussels at twice daily with 1674. That aircraft could be put to much better use on a new route.

Good to see Jet 2 adding Salzburg.

[JonnyH]

Virgin looking to potentially add NCL/LHR if they get a third runway.

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/virgin-atlantic-plan-add-newcastle-16936901?fbclid=IwAR3RIoheAwwmajZXbn_1v6gFbyzrNd6YU19zsMpntH BCarqso1eWUOiwG1Q

[sixchannel]

Virgin looking to potentially add NCL/LHR if they get a third runway.

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/virgin-atlantic-plan-add-newcastle-16936901?fbclid=IwAR3RIoheAwwmajZXbn_1v6gFbyzrNd6YU19zsMpntH BCarqso1eWUOiwG1Q
No News news. How many years away is that?

[Saabdriver1]

The reduction on NCL-BRU is for July and August only. Think this will become the new norm, particularly with other things to do with the aircraft.

[JonnyH]

No News news. How many years away is that?

Completely agree! But this is the Newcastle thread.

[Rottweiler22]

The reduction on NCL-BRU is for July and August only. Think this will become the new norm, particularly with other things to do with the aircraft.

NCL-BRU is dominated by business passengers. July and August are school and summer holiday territory, so lots of customers are on holiday or with their kids. They’ve always been a quiet time for the Brussels, so
it makes sense.

[Jamesair]

Whilst that is true, the figures have been over 30% down on Brussels every month since the BMI demise, it must be difficult to justify a twice daily service. It is probably down to the loss of the majority of transit passengers on the route.

[bigchrisfgb]

Virgin looking to potentially add NCL/LHR if they get a third runway.
The thing is they have a good base at Gatwick and Newcastle is now without a Gatwick route. If they added a Gatwick route to/from Newcastle then they could offer connecting flights to compete with BA (and others) very easily. Virgin doesn’t need a 3rd runway at Heathrow, and they certainly don’t need it to offer end to end services from Newcastle.

[Jamesair]

EasyJet summer schedules published today, taking August as the main month it looks like:

ALICANTE 6 WKLY
BARCELONA 5 WKLY
BELFAST....19 WKLY
BRISTOL....13 WKLY
CORFU....1 WKLY
FARO......6 WKLY
GENEVA...2 WKLY
JERSEY.....4 WKLY
PALMA.....8 WKLY
MALAGA....6 WKLY
MALTA.......2 WKLY
NICE......3 WKLY
SPLIT......2 WKLY

RHODES IS CANCELLED FOR NEXT YEAR

[skyman771]

The thing is they have a good base at Gatwick and Newcastle is now without a Gatwick route. If they added a Gatwick route to/from Newcastle then they could offer connecting flights to compete with BA (and others) very easily. Virgin doesn’t need a 3rd runway at Heathrow, and they certainly don’t need it to offer end to end services from Newcastle.
100% agree!, insofar as NCL is concerned a good LGW service could be of significantly more benefit to NCL than any 3rd runway at LHR.
For a starter there is nothing to say there will be a 3rd runway in the next 5 years at least.
Apart from connecting VS flights, at least there would also be the option (even if required bag recheck ) to access some pretty basic destinations NOT accessible with BA from LHR say Florida, & specifically FLL.

[Travel Agent]

Whilst that is true, the figures have been over 30% down on Brussels every month since the BMI demise, it must be difficult to justify a twice daily service. It is probably down to the loss of the majority of transit passengers on the route.

They need a codeshare at Brussells. A lot of pax connected with flights to Africa as well as north America I would imagine, hence the drop in numbers (IMHO)

[Skipness One Foxtrot]

100% agree!, insofar as NCL is concerned a good LGW service could be of significantly more benefit to NCL than any 3rd runway at LHR..
Er how? People on the MAN thread point at LGW as a missing link on their network but it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. Gatwick doesn’t do connections well, it really doesn’t. BA do not hub, it’s a point to point business model based on the leisure market and some points redemption to keep the frequent flier base sweet. Even GLA/EDI struggle with good weekend connections to BA long haul as the short haul fleet refocuses away from domestic flying on summer weekends. This year, VS have the smallest volume of LGW seats in over 15 years. Some days only had three flights as focus is on MAN and LHR. Even Norwegian feeding their own long haul remains loss making.

So the reason LHR wins is it gets the local London traffic and connections whereas LGW has a tiny fraction of the available connections, which is exactly why no one flys the route. There’s no significant benefit that I can see that LGW brings.

[jensdad]

There’s no significant benefit that I can see that LGW brings.
Except if you want to visit, or have relatives or friends in, the area to the South or East of London? Brighton & Hove alone has a population only 10,000 smaller than Newcastle's. When BA, Easyjet and Flybe flew the route I used it several times to get to places that can't be reached from Newcastle, or Heathrow for that matter.

[SWBKCB]

Except if you want to visit, or have relatives or friends in, the area to the South or East of London? Brighton & Hove alone has a population only 10,000 smaller than Newcastle's. When BA, Easyjet and Flybe flew the route I used it several times to get to places that can't be reached from Newcastle, or Heathrow for that matter.

And what would the benefit be to Virgin (which is where the discussion started)? They've made it clear that their interest in short haul flights is to feed into their long haul network - and in an interview with Flight this week, only LHR and MAN were mentioned in connection in terms of feed and the flyBe deal

[jensdad]

And what would the benefit be to Virgin (which is where the discussion started)? They've made it clear that their interest in short haul flights is to feed into their long haul network - and in an interview with Flight this week, only LHR and MAN were mentioned in connection in terms of feed and the flyBe deal
Skipness said there was 'no significant benefit' in a link to Gatwick, and used Manchester's lack of a link there (previously flown by BA, so he isn't just talking about Virgin) as an example. If there is 'no significant benefit' in a link to Gatwick, then presumably there isn't a benefit in one to Munich. Or Lyons, Zurich, or any of the other places that are on NIA's wish list.
Even regarding flybe or whatever they are called next year: we'll see what happens to our links to Southampton and Exeter. My bet is that they'll stay. If it's worth flying to Exeter, then it's worth going to Gatwick.

[CabinCrewe]

Skipness said there was 'no significant benefit' in a link to Gatwick, and used Manchester's lack of a link there (previously flown by BA, so he isn't just talking about Virgin) as an example. If there is 'no significant benefit' in a link to Gatwick, then presumably there isn't a benefit in one to Munich. Or Lyons, Zurich, or any of the other places that are on NIA's wish list.
Even regarding flybe or whatever they are called next year: we'll see what happens to our links to Southampton and Exeter. My bet is that they'll stay. If it's worth flying to Exeter, then it's worth going to Gatwick.
The expense of a full fare BA route on an Airbus will be very different to a EXT on a DH8 with FlyBe...

[jensdad]

To be fair, that part of my post was preceded by the phrase 'even regarding flybe or whatever they are called next year'.

[Jamesair]

I seem to remember that one of the reasons given for the cancellation of the Gatwick route was the lack of originating passengers travelling in the reverse direction (Gatwick - NCL).

[VickersVicount]

I seem to remember that one of the reasons given for the cancellation of the Gatwick route was the lack of originating passengers travelling in the reverse direction (Gatwick - NCL).
Yes the 50% of the overall cost of operating which is often forgot. Sometimes overridden with a lucrative high fare/high cargo inbound, neither of which could be attributed to this route.

[jensdad]

I seem to remember that one of the reasons given for the cancellation of the Gatwick route was the lack of originating passengers travelling in the reverse direction (Gatwick - NCL).
I'm pretty sure that could apply to most, if not all, routes operating out of Newcastle though? One of the most notable things when travelling through Newcastle is the massive preponderance of local accents in the departure lounge. Interesting question, this: is there a single route out of NCL that carries more 'outsiders' than locals?

[SWBKCB]

I'm pretty sure that could apply to most, if not all, routes operating out of Newcastle though? One of the most notable things when travelling through Newcastle is the massive preponderance of local accents in the departure lounge. Interesting question, this: is there a single route out of NCL that carries more 'outsiders' than locals?

Probably say that about most regional airports, except some East European routes.

[Jamesair]

I was just going to say that the two most likely routes for other nationals are the two Polish ones operated by Ryanair with probably a good mix on Jet2's Krakow plus any service used by overseas students at the UNI

[jensdad]

Probably say that about most regional airports, except some East European routes.
Would be interesting to see a comparison between Newcastle and other UK airports. There are probably some stats buried on the CCA website somewhere for me to find if I get an idle hour or so...

[jensdad]

I was just going to say that the two most likely routes for other nationals are the two Polish ones operated by Ryanair with probably a good mix on Jet2's Krakow plus any service used by overseas students at the UNI
Yeah, I think Wroclaw is probably the best bet.

[nighthawk117]

other nationals yes, but they're still NCL outbound passengers. i.e Polish people living in the UK and travelling home for a week/weekend to visit family, rather than inbound passengers coming to visit Newcastle and the North East.

[Jamesair]

Good point nighthawk117.............I did read that Dutch and German tourists make up a large percentage of visitors to the North East so maybe Amsterdam and Dusseldorf qualify for inbound passengers.

[ash666]

When it comes to Germans and Dutch visiting the region I wonder how the airport compares to the ferry?
The ferry would be better for tourists bringing their cars to tour round the area and use it as a gateway to Scotland as well.

[rpmac]

-and to take back all they buy which would not go on a plane.

[jensdad]

My experiences of flying to Amsterdam on KLM are that the majority of passengers are from this end. Not sure about Duesseldorf though.

[tigertanaka]

My experiences of flying to Amsterdam on KLM are that the majority of passengers are from this end. Not sure about Duesseldorf though.

I would say the same (also for LHR and CPH as well when we had it). I have done the DUS flight a few times, however the outbound times are not very business friendly for ex-UK pax but are OK for people originating in Germany (and those connecting in DUS). This might point to decent inbound traffic.

[Jamesair]

The sad demise of TCX leaves the airport with a loss of two based a/c operating 30 weekly flights planned for next summer. It will be interesting to see which operators move to fill the gaps. Jet 2 with a/c number 8, TUI with a 4th based a/c or EZY filling the gaps with its new package tour plans.

[LiamNCL]

The sad demise of TCX leaves the airport with a loss of two based a/c operating 30 weekly flights planned for next summer. It will be interesting to see which operators move to fill the gaps. Jet 2 with a/c number 8, TUI with a 4th based a/c or EZY filling the gaps with its new package tour plans.

Intresting but the gaps will be plugged , I would like to say x1 TUI and whatever else.

[VickersVicount]

TUI dont have any aircraft to be plugging gaps at all the TCX bases

[LiamNCL]

TUI dont have any aircraft to be plugging gaps at all the TCX bases

Sunwing :} plenty time for them and others to plan hopefully.

[JonnyH]

The sad demise of TCX leaves the airport with a loss of two based a/c operating 30 weekly flights planned for next summer. It will be interesting to see which operators move to fill the gaps. Jet 2 with a/c number 8, TUI with a 4th based a/c or EZY filling the gaps with its new package tour plans.

LS have already added a few additional flights before the end of the year. Looks like they’ve got some TFS double days now as well as some additional DLM’s in October.

I am sure someone will come along with the exact rotations.

I am not sure TUI could plug the gaps, it would all be depending on the MAX, and I doubt EZY would base anything else here and FR definitely wouldn’t. I think the best we could hope for would be another 1 or 2 LS based aircraft but, again, it’s dependent on what they can get but there’ll be a few leases on the market for Summer 20 now no doubt.

[toon22]

What’s happened to LHR today. 3 out of 5 cancelled?

[jensdad]

I think there was due to be a BA strike today. Maybe a lack of bookings due to that?

[BAladdy]

What’s happened to LHR today. 3 out of 5 cancelled?
Today was meant to be a pilot strike day they cancelled all flights 14 days ago. About 4 days later the pilots union announced they were cancelling the strike. Many pax had already rebooked. BA only reinstated about 50% of there flying schedule.

[JonnyH]

SX-ABQ has been on the ground for a while now since doing some TCX flights for the CAA. Is this subsequently going to be leased by LS for some of their additional flights? Seems a like a long for it to be here. Almost certain it was there on Tuesday at NCL and it is still here today.

[sixchannel]

SX-ABQ has been on the ground for a while now since doing some TCX flights for the CAA. Is this subsequently going to be leased by LS for some of their additional flights? Seems a like a long for it to be here. Almost certain it was there on Tuesday at NCL and it is still here today.
It was - inbound from Thessaloniki (SKG). ZT1377 aka ACW1377. Repatriation flight?
Not moved since.

[LiamNCL]

It was - inbound from Thessaloniki (SKG). ZT1377 aka ACW1377. Repatriation flight?
Not moved since.

LCA-NCL via SKG but indeed hasnt moved since arriving late Wednesday

[NCL-TRC]

It’s broken, very broken

[sixchannel]

It’s broken, very broken
Is the RAC on its way? ;-)
Assume it flew in and landed normally, so how is it broken?

[BAladdy]

Ryanair have in recent days began to release there S20 schedule for sale. Frequencies below are now available to book until 24th October 2020

Alicante - Daily
Dublin - 11 x Weekly
Faro - 4 x Weekly until 27th July. No flights available to book after that date.
Gdansk - 2 x Weekly
Malaga - 4 x Weekly until 26th July. No flights available to book after that date.
Palma - Daily
Wroclaw - 2 x Weekly

Flight to Girona are not available to book.

[JonnyH]

It’s broken, very broken

It must be! It could be making some decent dollar on the CAA flights but is still sitting there again tonight!

[yeo valley]

Ryanair have in recent days began to release there S20 schedule for sale. Frequencies below are now available to book until 24th October 2020

Alicante - Daily
Dublin - 11 x Weekly
Faro - 4 x Weekly until 27th July. No flights available to book after that date.
Gdansk - 2 x Weekly
Malaga - 4 x Weekly until 26th July. No flights available to book after that date.
Palma - Daily
Wroclaw - 2 x Weekly

Flight to Girona are not available to book.

Girona flights looked to be dropped from all UK airports with the exception of STN for what ever reason.The main reason could be charges to the airline from the airport.

[Jamesair]

The airport has published the Summer 2020 Timetable on its website......the new Bergen and Guernsey routes are not shown

[Jamesair]

The CAA have published the August stats....but why oh why have they only published the International stats in the single format, leaving out the simple to read version.

[Matt4]

Looks like we have a TUI 757 on its way in from Palma. Do you think it’s one of the MT rescue flights?? It positioned out from Glasgow so probably might be

[LiamNCL]

Looks like we have a TUI 757 on its way in from Palma. Do you think it’s one of the MT rescue flights?? It positioned out from Glasgow so probably might be

No its just the last of the season BY1361 PMI-NCL as scheduled on a 757 , Its not uncommon to see end of season inbound legs operated by various aircraft as they tend to operate from another base , Few year ago i remember a 787 on the final IBZ-NCL of the summer.

[SWBKCB]

CAA status - selected highlights:

LHR up 1% (399),
AMS up 4.6% (1,366),
DXB up 2.8% (616),
DUB down 5.8% (1,238)
CDG down 4.1% (522)
ABZ up 98% (685)
BRU down 51% (1,236)

[yeo valley]

No its just the last of the season BY1361 PMI-NCL as scheduled on a 757 , Its not uncommon to see end of season inbound legs operated by various aircraft as they tend to operate from another base , Few year ago i remember a 787 on the final IBZ-NCL of the summer.

With bigger aircraft on the last flight of the season,does the holiday reps take up seats or do they come back to the UK a different way.

[sixchannel]

With bigger aircraft on the last flight of the season,does the holiday reps take up seats or do they come back to the UK a different way.
I thought 'end of season' was post Half Term holidays.

[LiamNCL]

I thought 'end of season' was post Half Term holidays.

Well its not ended yet but NCL are down to 2x TUI 737s , Thats why a spare aircraft was picking the last Wednesday PMI up.

[NCL-TRC]

Newquay airport reporting on Twitter, Loganair are start flights to NCL from spring 2020

[sixchannel]

Newquay airport reporting on Twitter Loganair are start flights to NCL from spring 202
'bout time too.
Looks like CAX have missed the bus.

[FFHKG]

Probably far more people wish to flee Newcastle than the English Lakes so it makes sense. Carlisle will develop its own niche markets with more appeal to its residents.

[sixchannel]

Probably far more people wish to flee Newcastle than the English Lakes so it makes sense. Carlisle will develop its own niche markets with more appeal to its residents.
And here's us 'fleeing' darkest West Midlands for Northumberland as often as possible. Funny old World.

[TheLambtonWorm]

https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/loganair-announces-newcastle-to-cornwall-airport-newquay-route/

[SWBKCB]

And here's us 'fleeing' darkest West Midlands for Northumberland as often as possible. Funny old World.

Don't tell - it keeps out the riff-raff...

[jensdad]

Probably far more people wish to flee Newcastle than the English Lakes so it makes sense. Carlisle will develop its own niche markets with more appeal to its residents.
If you've got nothing sensible to say, say nothing.

[jensdad]

On a more constructive note: must admit, I didn't see that coming, especially four times weekly and year-round. I'm guessing flybe might well pull off their seasonal weekly route to Newquay, although, I'm guessing, their fares are probably cheaper than Loganair's.

[GrahamK]

On a more constructive note: must admit, I didn't see that coming, especially four times weekly and year-round. I'm guessing flybe might well pull off their seasonal weekly route to Newquay, although, I'm guessing, their fares are probably cheaper than Loganair's.
perhaps flyBe will transfer their ops to MME?

[highwideandugly]

I quote the previous honourable gentleman. “ if you’ve got nothing sensible to say..say nothing” !

[Jamesair]

I wonder who will take up the lost capacity on Dalaman next season, with TCX having operated daily flights this summer...the destination had 23,625 pax from NCL in August alone, up 19% on last August.....a growing market.

[CabinCrewe]

I wonder who will take up the lost capacity on Dalaman next season, with TCX having operated daily flights this summer...the destination had 23,625 pax from NCL in August alone, up 19% on last August.....a growing market.
They'll just all go on whatever cheap packages there are elsewhere. Plenty of destinations with other tour operators that are nowhere near full, just as happened when Enfidiha crashed.

[sixchannel]

I wonder who will take up the lost capacity on Dalaman next season, with TCX having operated daily flights this summer...the destination had 23,625 pax from NCL in August alone, up 19% on last August.....a growing market.
Begins with 'J' and ends with '2’ perhaps?
TUI too sloth-like to respond to such an opportunity.

[skyhawk1]

[QUOTE=Jamesair;10586542]I wonder who will take up the lost capacity on Dalaman next season, with TCX having operated daily flights this summer...the destination had 23,625 pax from NCL in August alone, up 19% on last August.....a growing market.[/QUOTE

that works out at 4 flights every day. Didn’t know Newcastle had that many.

[LiamNCL]

Dalaman will be a big loss, Jet2 could pick it up but your talking daily A330 territory in height of summer. Other reductions will probably be absorbed elsewhere but would like to see TUI start up Hurghada as it does from nearly every other base (Santorini at a push but cant see anyone replacing Skiathos ) easyjet could up TFS to year round aswell. Realistically i think we will get +1 Jet2 738.

[highwideandugly]

Just a thought..we talk about all these uk tour operators..do Turkish tour operators not Exist? Could they not take up the slack? After all its their economy..or is the UK Tour operator so advanced!
Same goes for Spain,Italy,Greece..et al...or do they just rely upon us?

[HH6702]

There is a lot of talk over at Jet2 with aircraft leases for next summer and a few A330

could we see a based lease A330 at ncl?

daily PMI/ALC then DALAMAN??

highly unlike but it would save the need for 2 daily flights with crew costs etc

more will be known by end of November when jet2 sorts out the leases

did TCX have around 4/5 on lease ?

[SWBKCB]

Just a thought..we talk about all these uk tour operators..do Turkish tour operators not Exist? Could they not take up the slack? After all its their economy..or is the UK Tour operator so advanced!
Same goes for Spain,Italy,Greece..et al...or do they just rely upon us?

It's a spanish company offering the PMI flights from Teesside next year, but in the main, no.

[Jamesair]

AUGUST CAA Stats

Main Risers
Salzburg......1414...+37%
Split...............2415....+8%
Corfu..........12.786...+31%
Santorini.....1894.....+14%
Naples............4562.....+40%
Pisa.................3205.....+28%
Rome..............3251.....+27%
Malta..............4982.....+9%
Amsterdam..31,225....+5%
Faro..............23,903.....+4%
Almeria..........3175......+28%
Girona..........6287.......+17%
Palma..........54,197.......+7%
Stavanger....1340......+5%
Dalaman.....23,625......+19%
Krakow.........3200......+24%
Enfidha..........4761......+193%
Dubai............23,038.....+3%

Aberdeen.....1419.....+17%
Newquay........695......+17%
Heathrow...39,488....+1%

Main Fallers

Brussels....1208.....- 50.5%
Dubrovnik...2799......-35%
Larnaca......9622......-6%
Paris..........12,105.....-4%
Dusseldorf...3275....-3%
Kefallinia.....1503.....-48%
Kos................2725....-38%
Thessalonica..1361...-51%
Zakinthos.....8286......-8%
Dublin.........20,182......-6%
Barcelona....6593.....-4%
Mahon.........6091.......- 26%
Malaga......29,677.....-4%
Reus...........9135.........-15%
Fuerteventura....5595.....-16%
Las Palmas......4783......-20%
Tenerife.........17024......12%
Bodrum...........1773.......-49%
Sanford..........2381......-34%

Belfast.........24,774.....-3%
Bristol.........16,979.....-7%
Cardiff.............330.....- 55%
Southampton....10,104....-2%

Good to see Dubai with the 3% increase....maybe the Edinburgh effect has worn off

[JonnyH]

SX-ABQ has been on the ground for a while now since doing some TCX flights for the CAA. Is this subsequently going to be leased by LS for some of their additional flights? Seems a like a long for it to be here. Almost certain it was there on Tuesday at NCL and it is still here today.

Been here for almost 2 weeks now - bird strike according to a colleague. I really thought they would have got it shifted.

[Falcon900LX]

There's an unfinished repair on it, it didn't look as if it was bird strike though. More likely to be from GSE damage down-route.

[Ph1l1pncl]

Still a fairly large drop over August 2018 - over 16 thousand less passengers going through the terminal. Did we have a bug reduction in flights summer 19 over summer 18? Or is it just the general downtrend due to headwinds which this region always suffers from first?

[HH6702]

Still a fairly large drop over August 2018 - over 16 thousand less passengers going through the terminal. Did we have a bug reduction in flights summer 19 over summer 18? Or is it just the general downtrend due to headwinds which this region always suffers from first?

yes we had 1 less A320 from TCX

[sixchannel]

Still a fairly large drop over August 2018 - over 16 thousand less passengers going through the terminal. Did we have a bug reduction in flights summer 19 over summer 18? Or is it just the general downtrend due to headwinds which this region always suffers from first?
We had a bug reduction in Cramlington too. Used a can of 'Raid' - that sorted them!
Even the loss of a TCX A320 is likely to only account for 12,000 max at 28 days on 2 rotations every day. I wonder where the other losses were.

[Jamesair]

Loss of routes and reductions in frequency on some of our scheduled routes.....e.g. Amsterdam, Dublin, Southampton, Cardiff, Berlin, Warsaw etc.etc.

[Travel Agent]

TUI to increase ex UK capacity by 2 millions seats according to Travel Weekly. More flights from Newcastle among others, wonder if we will see another based aircraft?

The collapse of Thomas Cook has prompted Tui to raise capacity from the UK by two million seats.In-house airline Tui Airways will also create jobs for more than 100 pilots and over 200 cabin crew, with many being recruited from the failed rival. The extra two million seats cover Turkey, Greece, Balearics, Canaries, Egypt, Mexico and Florida.

Tui will offer more 7, 10, 11 and 14-night durations and more flights from Manchester, Doncaster Sheffield, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow airports.

Source: Travel Weekly website

[ash666]

From the airport today.
"Did you know from the 28th October the first flight from NCL to Heathrow Airport (left=https://www.facebook.com/HeathrowAirport/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARDyw2a0SHONAJ_HX0aX4xdh_YJYpnnZb8jxMO0QiAzHvTJ3aLBYWbdm SW57Cdtd_qidLA8TEfKIVbe-&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC9ol_SHX45Y-VRcXqKnbNst91KYCcxV2VAim-wDUj8ZP17s2CaXOvdKxSgDri5_novzHtmCcUtX3LjbcKkeyNJosBvwZXn70w ZSmIOG6D4d0L_2motp_HYUiOr8pp6p-GqM1JqGcoOoQRbk13j2lgvbaVSI6OKgK8s6byRsvvPV0_9KXFK_gcP5GLcZR Hjbx3cdLR-h9pJHd5F79_gqz0pYQY501MV02e7urbIwneAKgv2p_ZV4Gk-mnY8Ytqxuog8VuDapvckcPh1Fk3ga6fT3YP7r49Velts3jsPptXm4lK8ufFN CAEdKNIfR5WwslnWlSbNPRNORPhpOQO0kJWkG9R6PbKMQ2CvcwiWasmyxl5L e9vPoyuP) departs at 7am, getting into Heathrow at 8.25am. Perfect for those 9am meetings! "

What planet are they on?
30 mins min to get out of the airport then an hour on the tube to central London.
9am meeting long since finished.

[LiamNCL]

Good news by TUI surely that will see NCL upto 4x based , should see them pick up the likes of HRG and JTR.

[SWBKCB]

What planet are they on?

A planet that doesn't revolve around central London?

[HH6702]

I think we will definitely see 4 based maybe a 5th then no sunwing next year?

I expect jet2 to add at least 1 aircraft also maybe even 2 they won’t want to miss out on getting the extra pax

just lets hope they don’t overkill the market now

[VickersVicount]

I think we will definitely see 4 based maybe a 5th then no sunwing next year?

I expect jet2 to add at least 1 aircraft also maybe even 2 they won’t want to miss out on getting the extra pax

just lets hope they don’t overkill the market now
Or more likely, more Sunwing...

[tigertanaka]

AreFrom the airport today.
"Did you know from the 28th October the first flight from NCL to Heathrow Airport (left=https://www.facebook.com/HeathrowAirport/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARDyw2a0SHONAJ_HX0aX4xdh_YJYpnnZb8jxMO0QiAzHvTJ3aLBYWbdm SW57Cdtd_qidLA8TEfKIVbe-&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC9ol_SHX45Y-VRcXqKnbNst91KYCcxV2VAim-wDUj8ZP17s2CaXOvdKxSgDri5_novzHtmCcUtX3LjbcKkeyNJosBvwZXn70w ZSmIOG6D4d0L_2motp_HYUiOr8pp6p-GqM1JqGcoOoQRbk13j2lgvbaVSI6OKgK8s6byRsvvPV0_9KXFK_gcP5GLcZR Hjbx3cdLR-h9pJHd5F79_gqz0pYQY501MV02e7urbIwneAKgv2p_ZV4Gk-mnY8Ytqxuog8VuDapvckcPh1Fk3ga6fT3YP7r49Velts3jsPptXm4lK8ufFN CAEdKNIfR5WwslnWlSbNPRNORPhpOQO0kJWkG9R6PbKMQ2CvcwiWasmyxl5L e9vPoyuP) departs at 7am, getting into Heathrow at 8.25am. Perfect for those 9am meetings! "

What planet are they on?
30 mins min to get out of the airport then an hour on the tube to central London.
9am meeting long since finished.

This is a big improvement from the usual winter timetable. In recent years the first LHR flight has left NCL at about 6am in the Summer but normally 7:50 in winter. This had made flying further afield difficult as you couldn’t get a connecting flight that left LHR before 10:15, now it is 9:25.

Must be a while since you flew to London but without checked luggage it’s 2 minutes from leaving the plane to domestic arrivals and the Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes to Paddington.

[ash666]

It's not so much the timing as the airport's comment about how it is great for 9am meetings showing how out of touch they are with their passengers and the realities of travelling.
I defy anyone to get to a meeting in central London by 9am.
From an 8.25am arrival it would be a lot more than 2 mins to get to domestic arrivals (it will be more than that to get the doors open, even if the 8.25am is at the stand), then walk to the Heathrow Express, then wait for the train, then get to Paddington, then get to the meeting.....
The vast majority would be going on from Paddington to elsewhere in London as well.

[SWBKCB]

Where's any mention of Central London?

[ash666]

They said along the lines of great/perfect for 9am meetings.
A seriously hope you aren't saying it implies somewhere other than central London. That would be just silly.

I say "along the lines of" because it looks as though they have realised the idiocy of their post and removed it.
But not before MANY people replied thinking the same as me.

[LiamNCL]

Or more likely, more Sunwing...


Not sure , Sunwing dont have a very big fleet.

[JonnyH]

Or more likely, more Sunwing...


They’d be far better off doing similar to what they’ve done with Bristol, if I remember correctly and someone will correct me if I’m wrong, and that would be to incorporate some of the higher, in demand routes with the LH schedule and bringing in the 788.

I agree we will likely get one additional aircraft, perhaps leased, and then a few W patterns.

[HH6702]

They’d be far better off doing similar to what they’ve done with Bristol, if I remember correctly and someone will correct me if I’m wrong, and that would be to incorporate some of the higher, in demand routes with the LH schedule and bringing in the 788.

I agree we will likely get one additional aircraft, perhaps leased, and then a few W patterns.

there was talk that for next summer the 788 was between ncl and brs and BRS won it. They will need to get a few more 789’s first to free up a 788 for Ncl

[MerchantVenturer]

there was talk that for next summer the 788 was between ncl and brs and BRS won it. They will need to get a few more 789’s first to free up a 788 for Ncl
This summer a B787-8 has been based at BRS for five days each week operating to Cancun (2 rotations per week), Sanford, Dubrovnik, Larnaca and Dalaman. In recent summers it was there for two/three days each week operating to Cancun, Sanford and (last year) Punta Cana.

In summer 2020 it will be based for the entire season operating to Cancun (2 rotations per week), Sanford, Larnaca, Dalaman, Burgas, Las Palmas, Palma (2 rotations per week), Heraklion and Antalya.

[L66MBD]

G-TCDN is on the move - anyone know where to?

[Jamesair]

Changes noted on the RYANAIR SUMMER 20 timetable...

FARO....3 Weekly until 23/10/20.....previously 4 Weekly until 27/7/20

MALAGA.....4 Weekly until 24/10/20....previously until 26/7/20

[Ph1l1pncl]

The airport was advertising for a Lounge Delivery Manager to work on a new lounge project from the job description. Thinking of locations, I wonder if it will be built on top of the immigration hall? When they built that extension they did say they would build the other floor at a later date. It would have views over the Apron so would be a good location for a Lounge, better than Aspire and the BA Lounge.

Also, would the new Lounge be a new company I.e. No1 Lounge, or an in house Lounge by the airport similar to the Yorkshire Lounge, White Rose and 1432 Club at Leeds Bradford. I can’t see British Airways moving lounges like they did in Aberdeen unless they airport want the BA Lounge as extra space for the Aspire Lounge.

[skyman771]

...It would have views over the Apron so would be a good location for a Lounge, better than Aspire and the BA Lounge...
A few observations here, from someone who frequents numerous business lounges, then to be honest when travelling through NCL I tend to attempt to spend as little time between arrival & flight departure to the extent that I avoid the Aspire lounge "like the plague".
At times It's frankly "horrid" & early mornings is often full of drunk noisy Geordies off on one of the many bucket & spade IT's, who have gained access through tour company promotion / bank concession on premium accounts/ or simply subscribe to "priority pass". The vast majority see it as simply a cheap way of getting totally inebriated & can't pass up the opportunity of something for nothing / greed.
There are many instances where it is necessary for staff to restrict access even to those who may otherwise qualify for entrance,
To add to this it's pretty dingy and the choice of food is basic & predictable & in reality better quality food is available on the public concourse "for a price", but often it's a price worth paying.
Now they also have an Aspire Plus section which is available to ticketed "business class" passengers though it's actually no better, being less busy (predictably!), then it may offer a bit more peace & quiet, but little else, about 30% natural light vs. zero natural light in Aspire & this is only from pier,then only obstructed & limited (i.e. useless) views. The food is shared as are other facilities, so really little more than a semi quiet annex.
I don't fly BA out of NCL these days but used to and as such can't comment on their current offering, but suffice to say that it was completley the opposite of the Aspire Lounge & as well as being upstairs with 100% daylight & full view of the apron, it was civilised being populated with pax who knew how to behave, also offering a "slightly" improved buffet food.
As such it is obvious to me that BA will never allow themselves to become involved with a load of bucket & spade Geordies & IF new lounges are the order of the day, will ensure that they maintain the exclusivity necessary to address bad behaviour.
One final & positive observation, I was recently in an AA business lounge at MIA, & they had an excellent system to control excessive /binge drinking. They did this by administering free alcohol purchase vouchers (usually 2) to all (over 21) persons who were admitted to the lounge. More vouchers were readily available as & when guests required them, but they had to ask & if necessary could be controlled. What it controlled was the "group drinking" mentality when habitually one member of a group wanders to the bar with large group orders feeding an ever more intoxicated bunch. This is IMHO something that ought to be introduced at Aspire, but then ....

[ash666]

Quite amazingly, I find myself in full agreement with Skyman's post.
I often wonder how on earth so may people are allowed access to the Aspire lounge.
Part of the problem, I guess, is that half the KLM and AF flights have pax with Sky Priority which gives them access, even if they have to use points.
But the noise and behaviour makes it a pretty unpleasant place, though the food and drink I would say is ok.
The old one was more refined but the food and drink option was non-existent. Even at 6am you couldn't get a bowl of cereal.
And I have seen highly indignant passengers turned away because it was full of riff-raff and, no, I am not remotely a snob.
I get access to the Aspire Plus lounge and even get some biscuits (though I could go through and get something more), and find it an oasis of tranquility, though, like Skyman says, I do limit my time there to 1 cup of coffee.
On the other hand, we know that NCL is desperate to get income in from all sources so if people pay via Priority Pass etc to get in they will keep allowing it. Mind, I am only guessing that NCL benefits from that and it is not a totally an independent run scheme.
The lack of light and views doesn't bother me though the view of the apron etc would be good.

[jensdad]

I agree with a lot of what you say, with the caveat that I suspect that one or two of the 'pax who knew how to behave' in the BA lounge were Geordies as well.
Must admit, when on my last trip through Amsterdam I spied and heard (from some distance away) a bunch of people who completely refused to integrate themselves into the Business-Class Eurosoup that inhabits large parts of LHR, AMS and CDG, I experienced a strange frisson of pride when I realised that they were Geordies. But that's possibly a discussion for the sociology forum if there is one.
I agree though: Sharing a departure lounge with people who find it an essential part of their cultural identity to get poo-faced at 5.30am can be a pain.

[10 DME ARC]

I have to agree with most of the comments above on the Aspire lounge, Aspire plus was always a bastion of quietness and a lot more civilised however it too is starting to fill at times, my wife travelling EK Business walked in earlier this summer to find most of the seat reserved for couples and groups! When asked why she could find a seat was told by a rude member of staff that they were busy with direct bookings and that EK should have their own lounge! EK upon complaining said they couldn't control non EK lounges sorry! I used the plus lounge in early September and both toilets were U/S and you have to go down pier or into terminal to go to toilet!! Really.......
I have had need to use EK LHR T3 lounge of late and find it fabulous! Floor to ceiling view's, cooked meals, direct access to upper deck from both gates EK use, could not be more different to NCL!

[tigertanaka]

I am gold on BA and KLM and use both lounges at NCL (although most of my KLM flights are out of MME).

THe BA lounge is great, OK it is not as nice as some of the other BA outstations like GLA but there is plenty of space and if you are waiting on the inbound flight to come in, you can see when it has arrived at the gate. The lounge has a well stocked help yourself bar and some nice snacks although the lack of any hot food for breakfast is a slight letdown.

However, the Aspire lounge is not a great experience. I normally only nip in for 15 minutes but sometimes there is an issue finding a seat during the mid/late morning as many places are reserved for the EK flight. Clearly having a manned bar goes some way to restrict some paid guests from getting the maximum value for money but it doesn't stop some trying. I have been refused entry in the past on the grounds that the Aspire lounge was full and was told that I should have paid to pre-book in order to guarantee entry - I do 120 flights a year so that it not happening as I only want a quick drink and some space to check a few emails.

Is the Aspire plus lounge ever busy? Every time I walk past when arriving at NCL or walking to the BA lounge there is hardly anyone in.

[HH6702]

see TUI will put May-Oct 2021 holidays on sale next month the 7th nov

[Jamesair]

Statistics now available on the airport website for Aug and Sept.....both months down on 2018

[virginblue]

I have long wondered what the story behind the NCL-DUS route is. It has existed for something like 25 years, first served by Gill, later by Eurowings Mk. I and now by Eurowings Mk. II. It is one of the very few destinations served by the Lufthansa group not from FRA or MUC, but only from a non-hub airport (I know this will change in 2020). What exactly is the target group of the route? Industry that I am not aware of?

[FRatSTN]

Eurowings/Germanwings also had a long history at STN but sadly they're now pulling out their only remaining CGN route. Lufthansa/Eurowings are doing a lot of restructuring at the moment to cut costs and being tough on routes that aren't quite performing.

[Ph1l1pncl]

Looking at the Easyjet website it would appear that they are not going to operate the Rhodes flights next summer. It be interesting to see what they do instead of Rhodes - Newcastle must be the smallest or one of the smallest bases for Easyjet.

[jensdad]

I have long wondered what the story behind the NCL-DUS route is. It has existed for something like 25 years, first served by Gill, later by Eurowings Mk. I and now by Eurowings Mk. II. It is one of the very few destinations served by the Lufthansa group not from FRA or MUC, but only from a non-hub airport (I know this will change in 2020). What exactly is the target group of the route? Industry that I am not aware of?
Often wondered that myself. My mam had to go to Essen in the late 60's and flew on 'an old propeller plane' from Newcastle to Duesseldorf, so the route was operating back then.
Edited to add: It's not so much the link to Duesseldorf that's interesting (it's the major airport for the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation as well as the picturesque Rhineland region) but the lack of a service to Frankfurt.

[toon22]

Do I recall correctly that BUA (later BCal) operated NCL - AMS - DUS fora while in the 70s?

[Jamesair]

I think it may even have gone further back than that....maybe Hunting Clan

[LiamNCL]

S20 Ryanair PMI-NCL-PMI showing operated by Lauda on Tu We Fri Sa

[virginblue]

Hunting indeed offered NCL-AMS-DUS in the mid 1950s with Vikings and Viscounts.

I am also aware of BKS serving DUS at some point between 1959 and 1963: NCL-LBA-RTM-DUS. Twice weekly in 1960, flight time a leisurely 4hrs. BKS main route form the Northeast to DUS was always LBA-(XXX)-DUS back then. It was served continously for more than a decade. In 1966, BKS also tried a connecting MME-AMS-DUS service that met the LBA at AMS, but that was short-lived.

I don't think BUA/BCal operated to Düsseldorf, but I may be wrong, of course.

[Matt4]

According to Wikipedia (which I think someone is messing around with it) but Flybe are to end the Aberdeen, Cardiff and Exeter just wondering if anyone could shine a light on this

[Jamesair]

I would be very surprised to see Flybe axe EXETER...pax loads of between 3,500 and 4,500 a month. Aberdeen and Cardiff ....possibly....and not sure how Newquay will stand up to the competition from Loganair.......whoever it was on Wikipedia has totally deleted Newquay !!!!!

[skyman771]

Hunting indeed offered NCL-AMS-DUS in the mid 1950s with Vikings and Viscounts.

I don't think BUA/BCal operated to Düsseldorf, but I may be wrong, of course.

In the 60's British United as they were then known operated the route NCL-AMS-DUS with viscounts. I was told that the reason that the route extended to DUS was to serve the many British army bases that were located in Germany around that time. It was not a daily service possibly 3? weekly and it may have operated through to Glasgow.
Time moved on & with diminishing demand from military the route terminated at AMS & in late 60's Viscounts replaced by BAC 1-11's, which morphed into today's KL AMS route.

[GrahamK]

Looks like Tui taking on Skiathos on a Wednesday for S20, and Dalaman going daily? Still expect Hurghada and maybe Santorini to be added

[ash666]

Did I miss Agadir, Morocco being mentioned here?

[LiamNCL]

Did I miss Agadir, Morocco being mentioned here?

Mentioned a while back now but probably hear more of it closer to the time , TUI Looking like routes starting to be added JSI WED & FRI , DLM 6x weekly. Likely a 4th 738 ?

[ash666]

Announced yesterday: "Fly Direct to Agadir, Morocco with TUI every Thursday next summer"

[LiamNCL]

TUI showing TUE 7:45am departure to JTR aswell

Announced yesterday: "Fly Direct to Agadir, Morocco with TUI every Thursday next summer"

This route was first announced about February.

[HH6702]

is that a definite 4th based aircraft now

[LiamNCL]

is that a definite 4th based aircraft now

A quick look on TUI first week in MAY 20 and VRN NAP RHO & JSI all depart on a wednesday morning for example so that looks like 4x to me ? Looks like more will be added.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1564x1564/img_20191022_091627_ef55ff797e86ad0faee6ae26c81bb5a0cfbff37a .jpg

[Jamesair]

The TUI changes so far seem to be:
ANTANLYA..... +1
DALAMAN .... +2
LARNACA........+1
PALMA............+1
TENERIFE.......+1
SKIATHOS...... +1

SANTORINI (NEW ROUTE) 1

ORLANDO....PLUS AN ALTERNATE MONDAY FLIGHT

[SWBKCB]

The TUI changes so far seem to be:
ANTANLYA..... +1
DALAMAN .... +2
LARNACA........+1
PALMA............+1
TENERIFE.......+1

SANTORINI (NEW ROUTE) 1

ORLANDO....PLUS AN ALTERNATE MONDAY FLIGHT

add to all this years Sunwing 'W''s, does this give a full schedule for a fourth a/c?

[LiamNCL]

The TUI changes so far seem to be:
ANTANLYA..... +1
DALAMAN .... +2
LARNACA........+1
PALMA............+1
TENERIFE.......+1

SANTORINI (NEW ROUTE) 1

ORLANDO....PLUS AN ALTERNATE MONDAY FLIGHT

& SKIATHOS +1 NEW ROUTE WEDNESDAY (System showing friday aswell old TCX schedule)

[virginblue]

In the 60's British United as they were then known operated the route NCL-AMS-DUS with viscounts. I was told that the reason that the route extended to DUS was to serve the many British army bases that were located in Germany around that time. It was not a daily service possibly 3? weekly and it may have operated through to Glasgow.
Time moved on & with diminishing demand from military the route terminated at AMS & in late 60's Viscounts replaced by BAC 1-11's, which morphed into today's KL AMS route.

You are correct. I did some more research and apparently BUA took over the DUS route from BKS at some point in the 1960s and routed it via AMS instead of RTM. In 1964, it was thrice weekly with a DC3, in 1966 it was daily except saturdays on a Viscount. The flight indeed originated at GLA. It was, however, no longer operated in 1968.

[Travel Agent]

TUI are apparently adding Hurghada too

[Travel Agent]

TUI are apparently adding Hurghada too according to travel trade press...

Santorini, Hurghada and Skiathos are added from Newcastle airport together with additional flying days to destinations such as Orlando, Dalaman, Tenerife, Palma and Larnaca.

[toon22]

Thanks for that post. Forces - linked VFR traffic was important in that era and may give some support ( as families settled permanently in Germany) to the current DUS route.

[LiamNCL]

HRG confirmed on a FRI by TUI

[SWBKCB]

Leon McQuaid, Head of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We have received countless requests for services to be restored to Hurghada, Skiathos and Santorini, so we are extremely pleased that TUI is putting these routes on sale for summer 2020. As well as the three new routes, TUI has also added more flying days to some of its existing destinations including additional direct flights to Florida on its state-of-the-art Dreamliner. The fourth aircraft added by TUI has also added extra capacity to the likes of Antalya and Tenerife – showing the airline’s commitment to passenger demand and to creating additional jobs for the region.”

TUI UK launches additional 98,000 seats for Summer 2020 from Newcastle Airport (https://www.pprune.org/airlines-airports-routes/599768-newcastle-9-a-97.html)

[JonnyH]

Good to see the additional TUI routes. Will they make it directly to HRG on a bad day?

Also, the Olympus SX-ABQ is still sitting at NCL after 4 weeks - must be costing them a small fortune, could have easily been wet leased over the next week or two.

[LiamNCL]

Good to see the additional TUI routes. Will they make it directly to HRG on a bad day?

Cant remember Egypt ever being a issue for the 738 afterall it did SSH before the ban.

[GrahamK]

Good to see the additional TUI routes. Will they make it directly to HRG on a bad day?

Also, the Olympus SX-ABQ is still sitting at NCL after 4 weeks - must be costing them a small fortune, could have easily been wet leased over the next week or two.

Believe its a bit broken?.

[ROC10]

Believe its a bit broken?.

It would appear more than “a bit” broken...

Maybe they don’t have the funds to repair it or something? Although I’d imagine they would’ve gotten a fair amount from TUI for all the work they did this summer.

[LiamNCL]

Cant see Hurghada or extra TFS / AYT on the TUI site yet.

[Jamesair]

AYT was 1 wkly now shown as 2.....TFS was 2 wkly now 3.....Hurghada not on timetable yet.

[rog747]

Good to see the additional TUI routes. Will they make it directly to HRG on a bad day?

Also, the Olympus SX-ABQ is still sitting at NCL after 4 weeks - must be costing them a small fortune, could have easily been wet leased over the next week or two.

All Egypt routes SSH Marsa Alam HRG LXR and even the most south Aswan are all no problem for a full 737NG (700 and 800) on most days from/to most UK airports but not sure about GLA on the way back from SSH? (The MAX would be OK but the NG might be pushing it for GLA)

[PintofDoom]

Word at the airport is the aircraft has a hole in the fuselage near to the L4 door.

[skyman771]

Ground incident ? Airport liable ? If so would explain lack of urgency from current operator 🙁

[jensdad]

Word at the airport is the aircraft has a hole in the fuselage near to the L4 door.
I think I read up the thread that the damage is believed to have been done at the airport it arrived here from. Whatever the case, I'm guessing someone has some awkward explaining to do... :(

[sixchannel]

Wow indeed.
IIRC it flew into NCL with full load of pax.
Must have leaked like a sieve.

[jensdad]

On another note, a bit of credit where it is due: I've been whingeing on here previously about the airport media team's announcement of 'new routes' which are actually reintroductions of old routes, or even just a new operator on an existing route. Yestrday's announcement of Hurghada etc made it clear that these are returning routes. :ok:

[nclops]

Ground incident ? Airport liable ? If so would explain lack of urgency from current operator 🙁
Whether it happened down route at the departure airport or somehow happened in flight I’m not sure, but said hole was definitely already there on arrival into NCL.

[JonnyH]

Wow indeed.
IIRC it flew into NCL with full load of pax.
Must have leaked like a sieve.

CAA flight from SKG.

[LiamNCL]

CAA flight from SKG.

It diverted to SKG from LCA , The original flight was LCA-NCL.

[jensdad]

It diverted to SKG from LCA , The original flight was LCA-NCL.
Think they diverted into Salonica while they worked out where the draught was coming from? :)

[LiamNCL]

Think they diverted into Salonica while they worked out where the draught was coming from? :)

Probably bailed out while they could :E

[ash666]

I thought it was just ships that had a draught.

[Falcon900LX]

Current situation with the SX- Storm Engineering requested payment for services before any further repair work. Payment hasn’t been received so a jig lift is positioned behind said aircraft so it cannot depart without payment. Batteries have also been removed.

[SWBKCB]

Must be PPrune readers...

A brand-new luxury lounge will soon be under construction at Newcastle International Airport.The Airport’s new premium lounge will boast high-end hospitality and fantastic views of the runway – and is set to open in time for summer 2020.

Brand new luxury lounge set to open at Newcastle International Airport (https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/brand-new-luxury-lounge-set-to-open-at-newcastle-international-airport/)

[CabinCrewe]

Must be PPrune readers...



Brand new luxury lounge set to open at Newcastle International Airport (https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/brand-new-luxury-lounge-set-to-open-at-newcastle-international-airport/)
Depends on your definition of luxury. I am guessing it won't be any CX/QF style First Lounge...

[DanAir89]

While it’s great news the TUI for 2020, I’m surprised by how their “late” 2019 programme has been scaled back . 3rd aircraft left a few weeks ago but it is half term this week and there’s very few departing flights on the peak days of Friday and Saturday while Jet2 still have loads of departures. Did the HQ planners miss this?

[crewmeal]

All Egypt routes SSH Marsa Alam HRG LXR and even the most south Aswan are all no problem for a full 737NG (700 and 800) on most days from/to most UK airports

Egyptair use a 737-800 on the Luxor Heathrow route every Monday (2500 miles) and during September the temperature can reach around 40+c at departure time. So imagine the the weight and runway length needed for that.

[rog747]

Egyptair use a 737-800 on the Luxor Heathrow route every Monday (2500 miles) and during September the temperature can reach around 40+c at departure time. So imagine the the weight and runway length needed for that.

Yes they do, and also have used an A320 in the past - basically anything they had lol (777 & 747's in the old days when the market was buoyant)

Luxor has a very long runway an the MS flight does depart at 08.55...
Back in the day when Luxor was very popular (always on Mondays and Thursdays lol) - Astraeus 737/757, Thomson 757, Monarch 757 A321 and A300/A330 saw all the flights back to UK depart usually in late afternoon or evenings when it was still very hot - No problems and rarely tech stops on the way home.

I flew Aswan from/ to LGW on both Astraeus 737-700 and GB Airways A320 - both full and no stops.
(ASW is as south as you can go, apart from Abu Simbel airport but there are no charters there anymore)

[HH6702]

While it’s great news the TUI for 2020, I’m surprised by how their “late” 2019 programme has been scaled back . 3rd aircraft left a few weeks ago but it is half term this week and there’s very few departing flights on the peak days of Friday and Saturday while Jet2 still have loads of departures. Did the HQ planners miss this?

They scaled it back due to the MAX issues so they could send our 3rd aircraft to another airport so they can return a leased aircraft
That was all planned before TCX failure.

[Jamesair]

Interesting to see LM509 on the airport departure board for OSLO tomorrow afternoon (BERGEN appeared today).....could this be a rehearsal for the next Loganair announcement????

[GrahamK]

AF for S20 now showing as double daily A318 (nightstopping and morning flights), with the afternoon flight operated by Hop E190

[LiamNCL]

Eurowings seems to be back on the Airbus for the winter , A320 yesterday & A319 today and tomorrow.

[GrahamK]

Eurowings seems to be back on the Airbus for the winter , A320 yesterday & A319 today and tomorrow.

Aye, A319 Mon-Fri with the 320 on sundays. Q400 back next summer. AF this winter is back to all Hop!

[TheLambtonWorm]

Apologies if this has already been mentioned but Eurowings are cutting the Dusseldorf service down to 4 per week from April 2020. Tue & Thu flights have been axed.

[Jamesair]

JET 2....... a few changes to the Summer 2020 timetable.......KRAKOW....NO flights now in July/August....DALAMAN now 6 wkly....increase from 5. ARRECIFE now 4 wkly...increase from 3.

[Jamesair]

EASTERN AIRWAYS.

Nov 11 sees a change to the Eastern Cardiff and Aberdeen services. They will start a CARDIFF - ABERDEEN service routing via NEWCASTLE...... 5 X WEEKLY with no change of aircraft

[NorthEasterner]

IIRC this used to be the case maybe last year, the CWL would transit stop and carry on to ABZ and vice versa.

[HH6702]

Well TUI put Summer 2021 on sale today I’m guessing nothing new

[MARKEYD]

Its the same for most of the UK airports that TUI operate from , just a carbon copy of next summers flights

Usually next April is the time for new destinations to be announced

[Jamesair]

Just as a point of interest...CHINA EASTERN began Codesharing with AIR FRANCE on PARIS - NEWCASTLE on 4th April 2019

[DanAir89]

Its the same for most of the UK airports that TUI operate from , just a carbon copy of next summers flights

Usually next April is the time for new destinations to be announced

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/348928/tui-adds-400000-seats-for-winter-2020-21

[LiamNCL]

Changes to the TUI Long haul schedule for 2021 will see a dreamliner based here 4 days a week all summer operating Cancun and Orlando on SUN MON TUE FRI & MON TUE FRI SAT.

[Plane mad 134]

Flybe add new 2x daily SEN-NCL eff 29th March 2020, This will be operated by Stobart, great news!

[PorkyPig76]

In other news it has been unofficially confirmed TUI are to begin NCL-DWC starting next winter. More to follow

[jensdad]

Flybe add new 2x daily SEN-NCL eff 29th March 2020, This will be operated by Stobart, great news!
Good news, this, and importantly it also allays some fears that flybe are going to abandon the regions and turn into purely a feeder for Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow and Manchester.

[SWBKCB]

Rather low key announcement....

Flybe launches new route from Newcastle to London Southend (https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/flybe-launches-new-route-from-newcastle-to-london-southend/)

SOU also increased.

[LiamNCL]

TUI flying to Dubai DWC Next winter to coincide with the Marella ship being based in port there over the winter.

[ash666]

NCL Facebook saying fly to Budapest with Lufthansa.
Is this really a direct flight?

[jensdad]

NCL Facebook saying fly to Budapest with Lufthansa.
Is this really a direct flight?
Sadly not, I've followed the link in the facebook post and did a dummy booking. All the flights are via Duesseldorf or Munich.

[ash666]

Sadly not, I've followed the link in the facebook post and did a dummy booking. All the flights are via Duesseldorf or Munich.

It's a bit sill of the airport to post it like they have, very misleading.
They could choose any city on the planet if you need transfers and multiple flights.

[SWBKCB]

CAA stats out - drop about 4%. Big drop on LHR (25% - over 11,000) and also the TCX affect.

DXB small decrease, AMS steady, 16% up on CDG.

[Falcon900LX]

Take it the BA Must be due to strike action and cancellations?

[VentureGo]

Today's Air France mid morning flights to NCL AF1058 and return to CDG AF1059 are showing on FR24 as being operated by Air Austral with flight nos. UU8058 / UU8059. Same is showing for next week Tuesday 26th Nov,
Today's flights did not operate and are not showing on Newcastle Airport's Arr./Departure screens.
Any explanations as to why they are showing on FR24? (operated by Air Austral E190 - which are not part of Air Austral's fleet)
I seem to remember AF had planned to reduce schedules temporarily by cancelling this mid morning flight

[GrahamK]

Air Austral codeshare with AF. Not sure why the mid morning flight hasn't operated today, but is back tomorrow on s Hop E170

[VentureGo]

Air Austral codeshare with AF. Not sure why the mid morning flight hasn't operated today, but is back tomorrow on s Hop E170
Seems to be just the Tuesday flights - Not bookable via Air France booking site next week (26th) either, although back on sale for Tuesday 3rd December.

[jensdad]

Looks like someone has removed the AF1058/9 from the schedules, but hasn't removed the Air Austral codeshare flight number. Still, would be nice to see an Air Austral at Woolsington!

[VentureGo]

Newcastle Airport's Passenger stats for October now available on their website. Total passengers for October 473,974 compared with 512,455 for same period last year same - A difference of -38,481.
Year on Year comparison to date 136,174 down on 2018

https://www.newcastleairport.com/about-your-airport/airport-facts/passenger-statistics/

[SWBKCB]

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating flying over 20 million passengers to and from Newcastle International Airport. For over 15 years we have been providing passengers with a variety of destinations from Newcastle, all with low fares and great service. By entering into a new long term agreement with the airport, we are pleased to be reaffirming our commitment to our customers in Newcastle.


easyJet celebrates flying 20 million passengers with flight giveaway at Newcastle International Airport (https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/easyjet-celebrates-flying-20-million-passengers-with-flight-giveaway-at-newcastle-international-airport/)

[Jamesair]

With TUI quickly scheduling and announcing load of extra departures from NCL next summer to cover the loss of TCX flights, there still seems to be no sign of any extra flights from JET2. Are there still more flights to be timetabled?

[Jamesair]

Very interesting to see the September pax figure for ABZ showing at 3,730 up 168% on the Sept 18 figure. Comparing it with the Aug 19 figure of 1.419 it shows what a big untapped market there is for this route. It looks like they were correct to take the plunge. Brussels seems to be climbing back, cutting back the loss of pax to minus 22% at 1,952 and Stavanger up 36% at 1,169.

Congratulations to the sales development team at NCL for the increasing flow of new routes arriving this winter and next summer.

[Cautious Optimist]

We found the same thing during Loganair's brief competing on the Aberdeen route down the road. They not only found a market of their own, they boosted Eastern's too.

[HH6702]

Yes good increase im guessing the price has helped also.
I wonder which other route Loganair could have a go at they could have the right size aircraft for some european routes

[SWBKCB]

Very interesting to see the September pax figure for ABZ showing at 3,730 up 168% on the Sept 18 figure. Comparing it with the Aug 19 figure of 1.419 it shows what a big untapped market there is for this route. It looks like they were correct to take the plunge. Brussels seems to be climbing back, cutting back the loss of pax to minus 22% at 1,952 and Stavanger up 36% at 1,169.

So long as they're making money...

[Jamesair]

If they don't make money they seem to quickly pull loss making routes. Will be interesting to see what happens on the Newquay route.....Bergen I'm sure will work as would Oslo, if it happens.

[toon22]

Rumour has it that Newquay is selling very well. No surprise as Bristol does c.17k pax per month with not a great schedule. Likewise, Exeter with a schedule that mirrors Bristol does okay. Newquay is another 100 miles away, so it should do well.

[10 DME ARC]

Don't suppose anyone knows why the Ryanair DUB took so long to land after the go-around yesterday??

[highwideandugly]

Yeh I noticed that.aircraft all over ! Too much traffic?

[fl dutchman]

Dont know if its been reported on here about TUI flying NCL to Sharm from Nov 20 ?