Manchester-2 [Archive] - Page 6

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DavidShepherd

23rd Mar 2018, 09:30

Charging for drop-off seems to have enraged quite a few posters. On one had there is a demand for better roads, better terminal facilities all of which should have been delivered already, yet a total unwillingness for the airport to raise revenue. These same posters don't want drop-off fees, don't want walk-through duty-free, don't want the fast-track options to be offered. Presumably they also want the £19.99 fares too. I get that having your cake and eating it is ideal, but someone has to pay for that Billion pound cake.

Well said.

Mr A Tis

23rd Mar 2018, 09:34

Brian, virtually every airport in the world is able to manage its drop off area (free) apart from British ones. Likewise luggage carts. Fast track option is a creation by deliberate queue management policies.
The number of people paying £19.99 for a flight is minuscule -flying is expensive. The UK has the highest APD in Europe. A one way flight to Southampton from MAN with Flybe has £26 tax added before you even start on the fare.

LAX_LHR

23rd Mar 2018, 09:42

Brian,

It’s the ‘disguise’ of the fee that is ‘enraging’ people.

They say it’s to reduce congestion. The simple fact is, people will likely just pay the fee and still drop off outside the door. People prefer convenience. This means the congestion issue is unlikely to be sorted.

The simple fact is, that MAN is now charging to make what should be an already provided Airport experience barely palatable.

Let’s take a couple travelling through the airport.

They pay £3 to drop off outside the door. Let’s say they need a trolley, that’s another £1.they then check in and see the security queue snaking around the terminal (which it seems to do more often than not now, 45mins wait again today. That’s another £7.50 for fast track.

On the return, the border queue is ridiculous again, that’s another £7.50 to avoid the queue, then another trolley, that’s another £1. Lastly, time to be picked up, that will be another £4.30 please.

So, all of those charges at nearly £25 just to make the Airport experience bearable. When plenty of other airports manage to provide said services for free, including ones with large low cost presence.

‘You want to complain about the queues, well, good for you, we’re still not going to fix the actual root of the problem, we will just encourage you to pay to avoid the problem’

World class aspirations? Barely breaking from its regional shackles with these types of charges and service. Shame really.

azz767

23rd Mar 2018, 12:05

What does that leave the VS schedule looking like at peak times then now? 3x 744 (2x MCO 1xJFK) and 2x A332 (1x ATL 1x BOS/SFO)?

ZOOKER

23rd Mar 2018, 12:12

Some very valid points from LAX and A Tis.

SWBKCB

23rd Mar 2018, 12:33

And equally valid comments from Brian Dromey earlier.

So either the airport are incompetent money-grabbers screwing as much as out of the poor PAX to pay for more pina colodas by the pool, or they are doing the best they can to provide some sort of service while the robber baron airline bosses compete in a race to the bottom and the Govt stands idly by counting their pile of gold, which they've done nothing to earn.

You pays yer money and takes yer choice (pun intended :E)

Does anybody really know the answer?

rkenyon

23rd Mar 2018, 12:39

What does that leave the VS schedule looking like at peak times then now? 3x 744 (2x MCO 1xJFK) and 2x A332 (1x ATL 1x BOS/SFO)?

What about BGI & LAS? Are they now A330?

LAX_LHR

23rd Mar 2018, 15:12

LAS is on the B744 in between the 2nd MCO flights, BGI is A330 on the same frame as the SFO/BOS aircraft.

Baltic Skies

23rd Mar 2018, 21:08

I will not be paying to be dropped off for a flight at Man.
It's off to EMA for short trips and a train to LHR for longhaul.

canberra97

23rd Mar 2018, 21:26

I will not be paying to be dropped off for a flight at Man.
It's off to EMA for short trips and a train to LHR for longhaul.

What an absolutely ridiculous statement it's beyond me how stupid that sounds!

Curious Pax

23rd Mar 2018, 21:36

I will not be paying to be dropped off for a flight at Man.
It's off to EMA for short trips and a train to LHR for longhaul.

You’ll be paying to be dropped off for a flight from EMA then! Rapid drop-off: £2.00 for 10 minutes and £1.00 for every minute thereafter according to their website.

Skipness One Echo

24th Mar 2018, 00:08

So, all of those charges at nearly £25 just to make the Airport experience bearable. When plenty of other airports manage to provide said services for free, including ones with large low cost pre
Good point BUT at "expensive" airports like LGW and LHR, that is factored into what they charge the airlines, it's in your ticket price. So when airports like EDI for example go for broke in getting new operators in, they give the airlines a cut price deal and worry about how they'll get the revenue back later. This is the result, you generally get what you pay for, except when you pay a lot of money for your ticket and you still have to pony up for all the "extras".

I typed that as extras, but they're BASICS (!)

PDXCWL45

24th Mar 2018, 04:51

I will not be paying to be dropped off for a flight at Man.
It's off to EMA for short trips and a train to LHR for longhaul.

Can't you catch the train to MAN?

bycrewlgw

24th Mar 2018, 04:51

What an absolutely ridiculous statement it's beyond me how stupid that sounds!

Or you could get the train to MAN?? Just a thought...

Curious Pax

25th Mar 2018, 12:36

Seen elsewhere that the US preclearance plan for MAN has been abandoned as too costly. Anyone able to confirm?

Navpi

25th Mar 2018, 13:25

Seen elsewhere that the US preclearance plan for MAN has been abandoned as too costly. Anyone able to confirm?

If true it could possibly construed as a total lack of ambition.

At least there is a regular and very porous shuttle to Dublin :)

LAX_LHR

25th Mar 2018, 13:36

Dairyground

25th Mar 2018, 19:17

I'll consider pick up or drop off at Heald Green railway station and the train from there.

Nomoresteerage

25th Mar 2018, 19:57

What does that leave the VS schedule looking like at peak times then now? 3x 744 (2x MCO 1xJFK) and 2x A332 (1x ATL 1x BOS/SFO)?

I would hope the 747 to JFK will have more Upper Class than the beach fleet otherwise the high yield passengers could bleed via London or Dublin.

Rutan16

25th Mar 2018, 20:48

Suzeman

26th Mar 2018, 10:06

Some interesting pictures of building work progress on the TP project can be found here on the Skyscraper City site courtesy of Scottie Dog.

SkyscraperCity - View Single Post - Airport (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=146678851&postcount=11388)

Manchester Exile

26th Mar 2018, 12:21

Good to see, for those of us who live overseas and don’t visit more than once every few years. Thanks!

Plane.Silly

26th Mar 2018, 13:52

VO222 MAN 0905 OST 1150
VO223 OST 1210 MAN 1300

Not sure if this is a typo or if i'm missing something. Isn't 20 mins a bit a push for turnaround time? Even the Irish guys can't do it that quick

Porky Speedpig

26th Mar 2018, 14:23

Not sure if this is a typo or if i'm missing something. Isn't 20 mins a bit a push for turnaround time? Even the Irish guys can't do it that quick

Just about achievable on a F50 with max 50 customers. Doesn't leave any allowance for late inbound though. The DanAir milk run services thru MAN in the morning and evening had 10 minutes on the ground, typically 15-20 people on and off and no refuelling.

LAX_LHR

26th Mar 2018, 15:10

FFMAN

26th Mar 2018, 15:29

Also OST is a small airport so minimal taxi times and airport processing for pax should be quite quick/easy.

Although since posting this, VLM have flat out denied any interest in serving MAN this summer. So to have slots from May and appear on both FR24/Airport public timetable on website is no interest......

Is it bookable though?
I would be quite interested in an Ostend service and would probably use it. That part of Belgium is surprisingly difficult to get to otherwise. Should do well with tourist visitors to Bruges / Brugge too if marketed properly as that's not far down the road..

LAX_LHR

26th Mar 2018, 15:49

It’s not bookable, yet.

SWBKCB

26th Mar 2018, 16:37

The DanAir milk run services thru MAN in the morning and evening had 10 minutes on the ground, typically 15-20 people on and off and no refuelling.

And one engine kept running :ok:

OSTpax

26th Mar 2018, 20:05

So apply for slots and then deny interest in MAN.:sad:

Would have thought that MAN is more interesting than BHX from ANR.

Scottie Dog

26th Mar 2018, 21:18

Manchester Statistics - February 2018 (Part 1)

Destinations that are either new (no passengers since my records started in January 2005), or have not been served for a number of years - if the latter then the month and year of the last service is shown.

Enfidha (Tunisia) has reappeared for the first time since July 2015 with 1,036 passengers.

One domestic statistic are currently missing from the CAA report for February.

Belfast City and Inverness are yet to provide figures

Total passengers for these routes in February 2017 were 25,350

Moving monthly and annual figures - based on CAA statistics/MAG statistics

Monthly passengers - 1,681,406 +1.30%
Annual Total - 3,346,029
Moving Annual Total - 27,811,759 + 6.85%

Monthly Movements - 13,006 -1.80%
Annual Movements - 26,544
Moving Annual Movements - 202,990 + 4.02%

Manchester Statistics - February 2018 (Part 2)

Top 25 destinations - by passenger numbers

AMSTERDAM..................................... 83,709
DUBAI................................................ 82,322
DUBLIN.............................................. 78,479
TENERIFE (SURREINA SOFIA)............. 60,417
HEATHROW....................................... 52,990
PARIS (CHARLES DE GAULLE)............. 44,936
ALICANTE........................................... 39,112
FRANKFURT....................................... 38,445
ABU DHABI......................................... 37,078
ARRICIFE............................................ 36,406
GENEVA............................................. 32,084
MUNICH............................................. 25,564
BERLIN (SCHONEFELD)....................... 25,455
DOHA................................................. 25,369
COPENHAGEN.................................... 25,142
KEFLAVIK............................................ 24,693
MALAGA............................................ 24,072
BELFAST INTERNATIONAL.................. 23,636
FUERTAVENTURA............................... 22,226
LAS PALMAS....................................... 21,372
BARCELONA....................................... 19,349
BRIDGETOWN.................................... 19,252
BRUSSELS........................................... 18,352
ISTANBUL........................................... 17,958
ISLAMABAD........................................ 16,278

CAA statistics for February are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - February 2018 (Part 3)

Top 25 destinations with highest percentage increase.

Destination......................................Total Pax....Schedule Pax....Charter Pax....Percentage change
COLOGNE.......................................... 12,744........... 12,744.................... 0.................. 264.635
BANJUL............................................... 4,899............. 4,899..................... 0.................. 241.394
NEW YORK (JFK)................................ 13,005........... 13,005..................... 0................. 153.905
AGADIR............................................... 7,206............. 7,206..................... 0.................. 145.019
ST LUCIA............................................. 2,219.............. 2,219..................... 0................. 108.749
PERPIGNAN........................................... 296..................... 0................. 296.................. 92.2078
BOURNEMOUTH................................... 178..................... 0................. 178.................. 91.3979
TORONTO.......................................... 2,864............... 2,864.................... 0.................. 62.6349
TROMSO............................................... 418..................... 0................. 418.................. 45.6446
FRANKFURT..................................... 38,445............ 38,445..................... 0.................. 45.3827
GLASGOW......................................... 4,503.............. 4,503...................... 0.................. 44,2345
GOA................................................. 12,799.............. 9,383............... 3,416................. 42.1164
HURGHADA..................................... 14,076............ 14,076...................... 0................. 40.7882
STAVANGER...................................... 2,260............... 2,260...................... 0................ 35.899
HONG KONG................................... 13,532............. 13,532...................... 0................ 34.5664
BASLE................................................ 9,162............... 8,572.................. 590................ 30.55
OPORTO............................................ 3,921............... 3,084.................. 837................ 29.8774
HELSINKI............................................ 9,802............ 10,327....................... 0............... 27.636
CHAMBERY........................................ 6,633.............. 1,152................ 5,481............... 27,705
IRELAND WEST.................................. 1,750.............. 1,750....................... ................. 24.5552
BILLUND............................................ 2,266.............. 2,266....................... 0............... 24.0964
ISTANBUL........................................ 17,958............ 17,788................... 170............... 21.8483
BUDAPEST....................................... 12,147............ 12,147....................... 0............... 21.7989
SALZBURG......................................... 8,274.............. 5,178................ 3,096............... 19.6183
KEFLAVIK......................................... 24,693............ 22,034................ 2,659.................18.1936

CAA statistics for February are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - February 2018 (Part 4)

Figures for the European and long haul destinations that I consider to be the main points for our connecting traffic.

Foreign_airport……..Total_Pax 2017……..Total Pax 2018……% change
VIENNA………………….. 5,945……….…………….. 5,984……………….. +0.65601
BRUSSELS……………… 16,431……………………. 18,352……………….. +11.6913
BEIJING………………….. 6,711………………….….. 5,541.………………. -17.4341
PRAGUE………………… 12,950……………………. 14,742…….…………. +13.8378
COPENHAGEN………. 23,941……………………. 25,142……………….. +4.88507
HELSINKI………………... 7,588…………….……….. 9,802………………… +29.1776
PARIS (CDG)………….. 45,786…………………… 44,936……………..... -1.85646
DUSSELDORF………… 18,187………..…………. 16,116……..………… -11.3873
FRANKFURT MAIN… 26,444……………………. 38,445….…………… +45.3827
MUNICH……………….. 27,419..…………………. 25,564………………. -6.76538
HONG KONG……….… 10,056….………………… 13,532.……….……. +34.5664
KEFLAVIK……………….. 20,892……………….….. 24,693….………….. +18.1936
DUBLIN………………….. 78,793………………….. 78,479………..…….. -0.39851
MILAN (MALPENSA).. 11,415…………………. 11,321……………….. -0.83032
ROME (FIUMICINO)….. 7,261..……………. …..7,571……………….. +4.26938
AMSTERDAM………….. 75,212………….…….. 83,709.…………….... +11.2974
ISLAMABAD……………. 16,477..……………..… 16,278….……………. -1.20774
LISBON…………………… 15,430………………….. 14,398………..…….. -6.68827
DOHA…………………….. 26,729…………………… 25,369…………..….. -5.08811
JEDDAH…………………... 8,063…………………….. 8,489….……………. +5.28339
SINGAPORE……………… 6,584…………………….. 6,300……………….. -4.31349
MADRID…………………. 11,878………………….. 10,534…..…………... -11.315
STOCKHOLM (ARN)… 13,879………………….. 12,713..………………. -8.40118
GENEVA…………………. 33,510………………….. 32,552….………....... -2.85885
ZURICH………………….. 11,564………………….. 13,285…………………. +14.8824
ABU DHABI…………….. 33,671……………….…. 37,078…..…………... +10.1185
DUBAI…………………….. 81,066.…………………. 82,322………………... +1.54936
ATLANTA………………… 10,335…….……………... 5,840…………………. -43.493
CHICAGO…..……………………. 0……………………………. 0..………………. +0.00
HOUSTON………………… 3,542……………………. 3,249…………………. -8.27216
NEW YORK (JFK)……….. 5,122………………….. 13,005…………..……. +153.905
NEW YORK (NEWARK) 8,312….…………………. 8,275..………………. -0.44514
PHILADELPHIA…………. 7,703…………………….. 8,250……..…………. +7.10113
HEATHROW……………. 54,278…………………… 52,990……….….……. -2.37297

CAA statistics for February are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - February 2018 (Part 5)

Comparison of top 25 destinations - February 2008 versus February 2018

Foreign airport...........................February-08...........February-18
HEATHROW....................................... 73,464..................... 52,990
TENERIFE (SURREINA SOFIA)............ 67,896...................... 60,417
DUBLIN.............................................. 57,208..................... 78,479
DUBAI................................................ 42,841..................... 82,322
PARIS (CHARLES DE GAULLE)............ 40,296...................... 44,936
AMSTERDAM..................................... 38,502..................... 83,709
ALICANTE.......................................... 36,881...................... 39,112
ARRECIFE........................................... 32,795...................... 36,406
MALAGA............................................ 32,743...................... 24,702
SHARM EL SHEIK................................ 30,874...................... 0
GATWICK........................................... 29,255...................... 0
FRANKFURT....................................... 27,975...................... 38,445
ORLANDO.......................................... 27,325...................... 14,864
GENEVA............................................. 22,937...................... 32,552
EDINBURGH....................................... 20,422...................... 7,484
LAS PALMAS...................................... 19,156....................... 21,372
BELFAST CITY..................................... 18,789...................... TBA
BRIDGETOWN.................................... 18,338...................... 19,252
ISLAMABAD........................................ 17,841..................... 16,278
CHICAGO (O'HARE)............................ 17,298...................... 0
PAPHOS............................................. 16,323....................... 13,398
NEW YORK (NEWARK)....................... 15,967....................... 8,275
COPENHAGEN.................................... 15,385....................... 25,142
FARO.................................................. 15,331....................... 11,590
SALZBURG.......................................... 15,042....................... 8,274

CAA statistics for February are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - February 2018 (Part 6)

Major changes to Domestic traffic

Edinburgh - 7,484 +7.62151%
Exeter- 9,393 + 6.93306%
Glasgow - 4,503 +44.2345%
Heathrow- 52,990 -2.37297%
Isle of Man - 12,007 +4.76398%
Newquay - 4,327 +11.3771%
Norwich - 1,397 -37.6896%
Southampton - 16,112 +0.14295%

CAA statistics for February are provisional

Manchester Statistics - February 2018 (Part 7)

An extra list for interest only - some destinations with annual carriage (March 2017-February 2018)

Amsterdam - 1,050,878
Dubai - 990,172
Dublin - 972,207
Alicante - 869,423
Tenerife (Surreina Sofia) - 859,131
Palma - 743,718
Malaga - 675,967
Heathrow - 659,941
Paris (Charles de Gaulle) - 628,060

DP.

26th Mar 2018, 21:53

The whole road system needs trashing and starting again.

It’s interesting to note that their reasoning for implementing the drop-off charges is that the forecourts aren’t designed to handle the levels of traffic, when they’re having a brand new shiny forecourt built at T2. It seems hard to justify charging for that one, once open, when they’ve had chance to design it to handle the required capacity.

The main departure level T1 drop-off, in my experience works reasonably well, by and large. The T1 ground level doesn’t really need to be open for anything but buses.

There’s no denying, of course, that T3 is a shambolic mess, and it’s this that causes the bulk of the problems on the internal airport road network.

Nomoresteerage

26th Mar 2018, 21:55

Nomoresteerage it is one of beech fleet .

All Remaining 747s are shared between Gatwick and Manchester none are left at Heathrow .

Oh and they still have more upper class than BA/AA and EI out directly of Manchester you know their offerings start with an Airbus or turbo prop !

Agreed - as I've just travelled the service as SLF. Booking 4 weeks out I could not get the date I wanted as it was sold out but was lucky I could swap the dates round with work with the current 19 seat config.

If that goes down to 14 then I expect it will be sold out even sooner, so BA/AA and EI will be the beneficiaries.

Bernoulli

27th Mar 2018, 12:13

Genuine question: how many aircraft do Jet2, Easy Jet and Thomas Cook each have based at Manchester? I guess Council Van knows it to be Jet2 but what are the actual numbers? I know that with TCX they change on a seasonal basis as ACMI aircraft come and go and so definitive numbers will be hard to agree.

chaps1954

27th Mar 2018, 12:24

This summer Jet2 18 plus 2 spares, Easyjet 12 and TCX I think about 16 or 17 and TUI
about the same Ryanair 12 peak season plus a lot of visiting aircraft which could be about 12 a day
Ian

gojmc

27th Mar 2018, 12:26

easyJet are currently 3 x A319, 2 x A320 neo and 7 x A320 186 seat version

Caravaggio

27th Mar 2018, 13:21

Just come through the non existent traffic congestion outside terminal 3.

Espada III

27th Mar 2018, 17:20

Sitting in a plane waiting for a tug to get us away, but it hasn't turned up. Pathetic.

Scottie Dog

27th Mar 2018, 17:39

Sitting in a plane waiting for a tug to get us away, but it hasn't turned up. Pathetic.

That however is outside of the airport authority's responsibility, you need to be looking towards the handling agent to blame.

Caravaggio

27th Mar 2018, 18:03

Come back at the same time one day in July. See if you notice any difference.

Sorry I didn’t notice MAG offering to waive their money making scheme outside busy periods!
I have often flown from terminal 3 throughout the year. About10-12x/year for the last 4 years. The congestion has been at security, passport control and baggage collection. Never at pick up or drop off!
A bit of honesty from MAG over this issue wouldn’t go amiss. The current PR effort which seems to involve being ‘economical with the truth’ shows a disdain for their customers which is somewhat offensive.
If it looks like a duck, flys like a duck and quacks like a duck. It’s a duck!

AndrewH52

27th Mar 2018, 18:27

Sorry I didn’t notice MAG offering to waive their money making scheme outside busy periods!
I have often flown from terminal 3 throughout the year. About10-12x/year for the last 4 years. The congestion has been at security, passport control and baggage collection. Never at pick up or drop off!
A bit of honesty from MAG over this issue wouldn’t go amiss. The current PR effort which seems to involve being ‘economical with the truth’ shows a disdain for their customers which is somewhat offensive.
If it looks like a duck, flys like a duck and quacks like a duck. It’s a duck!

You have either been very lucky or else not tried to travel on a first wave departure. Traffic last summer was chaotic at times and cars regularly queuing back to the T2 roundabout of a morning.

I’ve also been stuck waiting for my taxi pick up at T1 because the pick up car park was full.

doublesix

27th Mar 2018, 19:35

Just come through the non existent traffic congestion outside terminal 3.

Should have driven through at 4.30 pm!!

EZYMAN

27th Mar 2018, 19:53

Should have driven through at 4.30 pm!!

If you have a look at all 3 terminals, you can see that when they were built with 2 drop off/pick up channels outside the terminal, however due to the incident in Glasgow, it now means you can’t use the one closest to the terminal which puts more pressure on the remaining channel.

It’s due to this that traffic builds up, so I’m not blaming MAG, because it’s outside factors that have meant this.

irishlad06

27th Mar 2018, 20:06

This summer Jet2 18 plus 2 spares, Easyjet 12 and TCX I think about 16 or 17 and TUI
about the same Ryanair 12 peak season plus a lot of visiting aircraft which could be about 12 a day
Ian

Jet2 are to be 21 aircraft based in total.

13xB738
7xB757
1XA332

Plus away based PMI and ALC aircraft operating 10 rotations a week plus a GLA aircraft operating
GLA-PMI-MAN-PMI-GLA on a sat n sun in July and Aug

The96er

27th Mar 2018, 20:56

If you have a look at all 3 terminals, you can see that when they were built with 2 drop off/pick up channels outside the terminal, however due to the incident in Glasgow, it now means you can’t use the one closest to the terminal which puts more pressure on the remaining channel.

It’s due to this that traffic builds up, so I’m not blaming MAG, because it’s outside factors that have meant this.

If somebody driving a car with explosives into a terminal building is the issue, then simply erect bollards along the length of the building. The closure of the forecourts at UK airports is an over reaction to an event that happened many years ago.

AndrewH52

27th Mar 2018, 21:16

If somebody driving a car with explosives into a terminal building is the issue, then simply erect bollards along the length of the building. The closure of the forecourts at UK airports is an over reaction to an event that happened many years ago.

DfT require a minimum distance of 30m (I think) from drop off to Terminal frontage. It’s as much about minimise the impact of a blast, as preventing a car being driven into a building.

In any event, each of the three terminals and their supporting road network is now operating above design capacity and so some action to reduce vehicle numbers is inevitable.

LAX_LHR

28th Mar 2018, 07:36

Turkish Airlines using a B77W on today’s TK1993/1994 flight.

MANFOD

28th Mar 2018, 07:59

And American using an A333 on various PHL flights this week.

FFMAN

28th Mar 2018, 08:22

Just come through the non existent traffic congestion outside terminal 3.

Congestion is a fact of everyday life in T3 - but it is self-inflicted by the airport management - IMO in order to justify this money grabbing scheme.

Over recent years they have slowly but surely closed off a number of drop off / pick up points for no apparent reason (although we now know why) to the point where the available space is minuscule. This forces people who are committing the outrageous acts of wanting to drop off or meet their friends or loved ones to continually go round the loop at 5 miles an hour, causing the rest of the road network to back up and affect the other terminals. If people turned up, dropped off / picked up and were gone in a single move, the congestion would be significantly less. No money to be had from that though....

In the case of T1 Level 5 drop off this has been abused for some time by taxi drivers who instruct their pax to meet them there on return - turning it into an informal pick-up zone. Again easily fixed: one of the marshals would simply move on anyone who enters the zone as a single occupant of a vehicle....but I guess there's no money to be made in that either.

The airport company should just be honest and say they're out to pick the pockets of their customers.....just like the airlines. The whole aviation business is a nest of vipers run by a nasty bunch of conniving charlatans.

My wife and I met with some friends at the weekend and discussed doing one of our frequent city breaks and inevitably this subject arose. The general consensus is one of 'straw that broke the camel's back' . The whole airport experience is so utterly miserable it is now to be avoided where ever possible. We decided to go to Bath instead of Seville. That's 6 of us both ways - 12 pax lost off the list for this year. We won't be the only ones.
Any business that treats its customers with such contempt.......

roverman

28th Mar 2018, 08:27

I wonder if it's time to review the risk of terrorist action which lead to the closing of the drop-off lane closest to T3 and also at other terminals and indeed other airports.

I am no expert in these matters but I would have thought that it would be possible to prevent a vehicle actually entering the building by placing some form of low barrier immediately in front of the window line, and thereby keeping all drop-off lanes open. That would leave the doorways as soft spots but considerably reduce the overall opportunity. We must be living with some level of risk at the moment, as a bomb-laden vehicle can be driven close to the frontage, where blast could still harm those within the building, and there will always be gatherings of people at the front of a terminal.

I may be shot down for saying this but taking a pragmatic view we live with risk daily, whether it be crossing a busy road or going shopping. You could still drive a car through the windows of most supermarkets, and there are hundreds of people inside.

Terrorist attacks are shocking but they are still comparatively rare. Whilst I wouldn't advocate removing all safety measures at airports I also don't believe that removing some of them would lead to a rise in attacks. There is something of a security industry and culture which has now grown up as politicians need to be seen to respond to the 'threat'. The security industry benefits from us all being scared of imminent attack and likes to promote this sense of threat.

One of the greatest 'threats' to our fine air transport industry is making it such a pain to fly that some people now don't bother.

LAX_LHR

28th Mar 2018, 08:31

Will need to wait for the actual release of flights to see the full picture, but TUI will increase MAN-CUN to daily next summer.

If this is the only long haul increase then can only assume another flight is being dropped to accommodate the extra CUN, otherwise there may be more to come.

Mr A Tis

28th Mar 2018, 08:43

FFMAN & roverman are correct. I don't use MAN now for any domestic travel as it is far too time consuming and a hassle- this is to the detriment of Flybe who must lose out on huge chunks of business, now being relegated to a low fee connecting service for the majors.
Any bottleneck could be considered a terrorist target- hence car park/ barrier queues, security queues, check in queues are actually creating targets for the deranged. The very act of creating these bottleneck for "our security" is in fact making us less secure. The key needs to be engineering free flow of people- what we have got is engineered money making schemes.

chaps1954

28th Mar 2018, 09:07

To be honest anywhere there is a collection of people is a target be it an airport,rail
terminal, shop,concert, bus stop or busy street. The government put the restriction on
airport terminals after the Glasgow incident because it could cause massive damage
and huge delays let alone all the people that would be there which doesn`t bare thinking about. I was at the Manchester arena a few weeks ago and the delays to get in were substantial along with several checks incl airport style body checks which I have got to say was fine by me.

LAX_LHR

28th Mar 2018, 09:39

DE883 MBJ-MUC B767-300 D-ABUZ has diverted in. Presumably tech issue?

LAX_LHR

28th Mar 2018, 12:21

Seems Tunisair could still be on the cards for this summer:

Arabian Aerospace - Tunisair struggles to squeeze through the Open door (http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/tunisair-struggles-to-squeeze-through-the-open-door.html)

He noted that Manchester in the UK and Dublin in Ireland could both re-join the network in 2018, likely as charter services.

LAX_LHR

28th Mar 2018, 15:03

MAN have extended dual runway ops from 9th July.

0615-2000 Mon-Fri
0615-1600 Sat
0615-0930 then 1300-2000 sundays

Baltic Skies

28th Mar 2018, 15:17

I avoid MAN now.
The money is irrelevant,yet i feel treated with contempt being made to pay to drop off and pick up.
The whole experience is penny pinching and low cost,dreadful.

Baltic Skies

28th Mar 2018, 15:24

This year i have already taken 3 short breaks in the UK,rather than take advantage of a cheap flight to Europe.
The reason being,the airport experience is now awful.
From the chaos on arrival and departure by car,being screamed at in the security queues only to proceed to crowded departure lounges with no seating.
I am sure many other potential customers are avoiding the airport and will continue to do so until the experience improves dramatically.

ZOOKER

28th Mar 2018, 16:02

I remember the marketing campaign round about the time the 'Terry's Chocolate Orange' logo was intooduced......Something along the lines of 'Manchester.....Gateway Airport'.

Gateway to to Hell, now perhaps, according to many recent posts?

Also, many years earlier, marketing material was produced proudly proclaiming...."Manchester International Airport.....Serving the business-end of Britain".

One of my work-colleagues wondered if this meant Manchester Airport was actually a suppository?

MANFOD

28th Mar 2018, 17:51

I am sure many other potential customers are avoiding the airport and will continue to do so until the experience improves dramatically.

If the comments regarding value engineering on the TP are accurate, then that experience may not improve dramatically despite the original high hopes.

The other point that strikes me, from observations by various contributors on this and other forums, is the perception that MAN seems short of ambition.
With some of the actions and decisions taken, it doesn't always present itself, or come across, as an International Gateway airport.

brian_dromey

28th Mar 2018, 19:26

If the comments regarding value engineering on the TP are accurate, then that experience may not improve dramatically despite the original high hopes.

The other point that strikes me, from observations by various contributors on this and other forums, is the perception that MAN seems short of ambition.
With some of the actions and decisions taken, it doesn't always present itself, or come across, as an International Gateway airport.

The TP project is much more disruptive and visible than other similar projects, such as LHR T2 and T5. I think the decision to dramatically expand T2 is the right one, at least its a sensible shape for an airport terminal, unlike T1. Although demolition of T1 seems to have been kicked into the long grass, I think it will happen eventually, hopefully as part of a dramatic T3 overhaul, which I think is the most cramped, crowded and badly laid-out of all the terminals.

Im not sure the perception that MAN is short of ambition is a true reflection of what they have achieved. MAN is incredibly competitive with easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 slogging it out in Europe, Thomas Cook and Virgin doing well on the long hauls and flyBe doing....well whatever it is flyBe do around the UK. 3x daily A380 to DXB, up to 2x daily AUH, IST and DOH, daily SIN and Houston with SQ, daily HKG with Cathay. The US3 are also present, although destinations and frequencies tend to wax and wane.

In terms of destinations, airlines and the overall mix of options for customers I think MAN is unrivalled globally, probably due to the lack of a traditional based airline. The terminals are going to be a mess for at least 5 more years, hopefully the roads will improve much sooner, ideally before the summer season gets into full swing.

MANFOD

28th Mar 2018, 21:31

For the record, I wasn't saying that the experience at MAN won't improve with the TP; simply that it may not be as dramatic a change as it might have been in the light of the value engineering.

As regards ambition, I agree that MAN has achieved a lot and has a route network and airline portfolio better than many other non-capital airports. I'm merely suggesting that some have formed a view that in more recent times that ambition has been less obvious. For example, it could be cited that at the end of what was to be a 10 year TP project, there would be few if any additional aircraft parking stands, although more contact stands and greater flexibility in aircraft usage. (but if what was to be pier 2 is never built, that's about 11 less contact stands). An airport can grow significantly over 10 years which is presumably what the airport wants, and while having more flights at quieter periods of the day and larger aircraft carrying more passengers is highly desirable, one would expect more demand for overnight parking of based aircraft. Hopefully, in time, plans will be announced for developing T3 to provide greater capacity in the terminal and for aircraft parking, but at this juncture, apart perhaps from some working at the airport, we don't know.

SQ380

30th Mar 2018, 17:39

Currently being discussed on airliners.net

TG is considering Manchester, Hamburg, and Madrid for the fourth quarter of this year.

Only been waiting 27 years and counting

TURIN

30th Mar 2018, 23:14

TG? Not that old chestnut again?

Betablockeruk

30th Mar 2018, 23:46

Maybe they read this

http://http://www.anna.aero/2017/01/24/europe-thailand-trends/

Manchester – Bangkok #1 unserved route

MAN2SIN2BKK2FRA

31st Mar 2018, 08:02

TG was first rumoured for November 1982(?) using a DC10 via Stockholm and still waiting

LAX_LHR

31st Mar 2018, 08:16

Thai won’t start MAN because too many people will be avoiding MAN now there is a drop off charge...

But seriously, now that most major European points are covered, MAN must now be the next logical step, MEB4 or not....

CabinCrewe

31st Mar 2018, 09:23

the passenger figures will not drop a jot as result of drop off- it hasnt at other airports who have done similar.
Can you honestly imagine a boardroom route planning meeting at TG discussing a drop off parking fee...?

LAX_LHR

31st Mar 2018, 09:33

It was a tongue in cheek comment.

Mind you, shows what this thread has become that people think it’s a serious comment.

Mr Mac

31st Mar 2018, 16:30

LAX-LHR
On EK18 this week and judging by the bar customers there were quite a few who have been using EK for holiday routes to Thailand, perhaps the route into Phuket helps as well. This is not just an observation on one flight as there are regular holiday users on these flights heading too and from Thailand. Do not think TG could fill a 380 but a via service with smaller metal say 3 times per week may work for them.

Kind regards
Mr Mac

LAX_LHR

31st Mar 2018, 16:41

Well, Bangkok is the 3rd largest unserved long haul route in the world, and all those pax are routing through somewhere, so, unsurprising that EK is seeing a lions share of this.

I’ve been told it’s a 4 weekly A359 on the cards, which to me seems the perfect aircraft for the route to get it going. That is unless TG goes bananas and send in a HD B77W and really fare dump the route, but that won’t be sustainable.

FFMAN

31st Mar 2018, 17:08

It was a tongue in cheek comment.

Mind you, shows what this thread has become that people think it’s a serious comment.

LAX LHR
Serious question: is there any depth that MAN could sink to that you wouldn't defend? Or mock those that raise genuine, legitimate concerns.
What would you say perhaps if they hired people to punch passengers in the face as they went through security....unless of course they paid a fiver to avoid the unpleasantness, would that be ok? Or would you say that people will still keep turning up / the infrastructure doesn't pay for itself / what do you expect for a 9.99 flight etc etc. Just how crap does it have to get?

The whole Manchester experience has plummeted in recent years, those that think it hasn't frankly need to use the airport more frequently and see how well other airports cope in similar situations. Comparator airports such as Brussels, Dusseldorf and Copenhagen are light years ahead in terms of the passenger experience. I frequently feel like a piece of meat when being processed through MAN - despite having paid hundreds, if not thousands for the flight.

MAN are now masters at contriving fake situations to justify hidden costs and charges...make the security queues so bad that people will gladly throw money at them to avoid the worst of it....artificially generate congestion by closing off practically all drop off points...so that they can claim they are doing everyone a favour by charging them to drop people off....they rely on most people being fools or turning up once a year and saying 'oh it's only once a year'...but when it's every week, the relentlessness and sheer misery of it all grinds you down. As I said in a previous post..start annoying the regulars in any business, aviation or otherwise....you're asking for trouble.

Mr A Tis

31st Mar 2018, 17:22

To be fair to LAX LHR his post 1287 was also critical of MAN
I do agree with FF MAN though, my last trip thro T2 was on a ticket costing in excess of £4k, it it wasn't very pleasant.
From previous posters, there is obvious bleed of some passengers away from MAN either to other airports or, like me train, rather than plane on domestic destinations.This is purely because of the travel experience. Yes the airport is doing well but just think how much better it could be doing if it had kept ahead of the game. This petty charging of this and that-remember when they charged for clear bags too? Number one priority should be fast rapid movement of people not collecting fees for what the passenger has already paid for. its a mess in T3 and grinds to a halt when a shuttle disembarks blocking the way. can't make it up.

LAX_LHR

31st Mar 2018, 17:26

FFMAN,

I defend MAN at every opportunity? Post 1287 on page 65 for a simple start should set that right, or are you just selectively picking on my posts to vent your frustrations? If so, your venting at the wrong person, as no offence but to be honest, I don’t really care how you feel going through the airport, and why would I? I care about how I feel when I go through the airport, not what another person thinks, and unless something happens to warrant a complaint, I won’t lodge one. But like I say, post 1287, that shows I’m not just about the nice fluffy ‘defend at all costs’ person. And via PM’s I’ve sent, there are a few posters who will testify I’m not always happy about MAG decisions.

I ‘defend’ MAN where applicable. It’s called discussion. Everyone will have an opposing viewpoint. For the vast majority of the time, I post routes news and rumours. Why people find me so controversial that some posters seem to lament picking me out of the crowd to have a dig at, I have no idea but it’s so tiresome. I just don’t know why I bother anymore. Just seems most people would rather have a dig, or take the piss, than just leave me to my own devices. Just worry about your own sh*t rather than worry about what I write, seriously it’s just getting boring.

southside bobby

31st Mar 2018, 17:28

Sadly as I may have mentioned before TG are not of this world.

They defy most logic that a westerner could employ.

They do not fare dump or price match per se & tend not to regard competition & certainly do not think of themselves as a holiday airline.

Most travellers to holiday Thailand really do know all the other routes to travel there & all involve a transit stop in Europe or Middle East.

Even Thai`s in the UK mainly elect for a transit nowadays rather than a more convenient direct flight with the national airline.

The hope for MAN would only be if there exists Thai political influence in the North or if they have ordered too many shiny new a/c types.

Neither being a commercial decision tho.

spannersatcx

31st Mar 2018, 18:35

I recently travelled to/from MAN from AMS/TLS and LHR, I had no troubles at MAN, apart from nobody to let us in the terminal as the BA flt was late ex LHR (after 2200)!
All in all I would say that TLS and LHR were the worst, AMS the best and MAN 2nd. But that's just my opinion.

Skipness One Echo

31st Mar 2018, 21:20

Sadly as I may have mentioned before TG are not of this world.

They defy most logic that a westerner could employ.
Just like Qatar or Etihad but with shallower pockets then!

eggc

31st Mar 2018, 22:11

TG Dec 1st 4 weekly A350 :ok:

canberra97

1st Apr 2018, 00:52

TG Dec 1st 4 weekly A350 :ok:

Any source or link to validate this ''breaking news''?

zed3

1st Apr 2018, 09:01

The date?!!!!!

LAX_LHR

1st Apr 2018, 12:18

The Thai news was broken well before the April 1st threshold

Navpi

1st Apr 2018, 13:17

Would TCX not be an ideal fit for that type of route ?

Dobbo_Dobbo

1st Apr 2018, 14:15

Would TCX not be an ideal fit for that type of route ?

Possibly, but TG are hardly a premium heavy airline and it helps that they are on the kangaroo route, which also helps viability of the MAN-BKK sector.

TURIN

1st Apr 2018, 14:25

Well said LAX.

Ignore em. Or put em on the ignore list.

eggc

1st Apr 2018, 15:56

I think LAX is trying to say the TG news isnt an April Fool actually...however official news of such is still lacking.

canberra97

1st Apr 2018, 17:48

I think LAX is trying to say the TG news isnt an April Fool actually...however official news of such is still lacking.

Which is why I asked for a link or validation!

I'm aware as everyone else that it has been speculation over the last few days and I wasn't even relating it to an April Fools Joke which I NEVER participate in!

LAX_LHR

1st Apr 2018, 18:19

Canberra,

You weren’t alluding to it being an April fools joke, but it appears Zed3 did.

In terms of speculation and sources, so far, there is only the news in the Thai press that it could be a 4Q18 start for MAN. Lots of internals to suggest that the belle is finally going to the ball, so to speak, 21 years after appearing on the guest list for potential invites.

Suzeman

1st Apr 2018, 18:47

I wasn't even relating it to an April Fools Joke which I NEVER participate in!

Can't believe that :E

canberra97

1st Apr 2018, 20:08

Can't believe that :E

Well I can assure you that you should believe it, I'm too mature to engage in ridiculous April Fools jokes, as a teenager and as an adult I've never participated as I find the whole thing stupid!

Suzeman

1st Apr 2018, 21:03

Well I can assure you that you should believe it, I'm too mature to engage in ridiculous April Fools jokes, as a teenager and as an adult I've never participated as I find the whole thing stupid!

Excellent. :ok:

MAN2SIN2BKK2FRA

2nd Apr 2018, 09:57

If its true then great and its an A350 not one of their new 787-900s. Passengers with greater than 52" waist are banned from business class of the 787s - but not economy!!!

paully

2nd Apr 2018, 10:31

If its true then great and its an A350 not one of their new 787-900s. Passengers with greater than 52" waist are banned from business class of the 787s - but not economy!!!

With waists that size they should be banned from buses let alone 787`s :eek:

Logohu

2nd Apr 2018, 22:17

Tomorrow's Hainan service is being operated by an aircraft from their low cost subsidiary Lucky Air. It's running over an hour late so maybe not so lucky ?

chaps1954

3rd Apr 2018, 06:53

OK OK change of record please

Suzeman

3rd Apr 2018, 08:28

Tomorrow's Hainan service is being operated by an aircraft from their low cost subsidiary Lucky Air. It's running over an hour late so maybe not so lucky ?

Believe that it is now back with Hainan and in their colours

Logohu

3rd Apr 2018, 08:59

Believe that it is now back with Hainan and in their colours

Thanks for the info ;)

Betablockeruk

3rd Apr 2018, 09:09

Let's have a summary of rumours, on this Rumour network:

Hainan 3 wk to Guangzhou - slots granted
CAAC or Hainan to Shanghai - politics holding everything up
Kuwait to Kuwait City - eternal rumour
Thai to Bangkok - eternal rumour
Virgin and/or SpiceJet and/or Jet Airways to India - manoeuvring to be next MAN - India flight

LOT and EL AL can't make their minds up.

Any others?

LAX_LHR

3rd Apr 2018, 09:12

There are a few more long haul but will hold off for now until have more info

Pin Head

3rd Apr 2018, 15:25

Think Thai to bkk is fir sure.
Sting rumour in the media here in .. bkk

OSTpax

3rd Apr 2018, 21:06

With new routes for VLM regional starting in June it seems like a large goodbye to MAN for the moment.:ouch:
But we still have VLM(Brussels) lol...:)

Scottie Dog

4th Apr 2018, 08:16

Yesterday Manchester Airport tweeted the following:

"This week marks one year until the opening of the first pier as part of our Transformation Program"

https://preview.ibb.co/jyYbHH/Screenshot_20180403_200835.png (https://ibb.co/c2tbHH)

Betablockeruk

4th Apr 2018, 14:04

@manairportPRESS having been doing a series of graphics tweets "where people from the {region} are travelling to for their long-haul holidays from @manairport" , copying in all local news outlets.

https://twitter.com/manairportPRESS

Not sure the Birmingham Post will appreciate the info. :}

Ex Cargo Clown

5th Apr 2018, 03:00

Also MAG looking for a Mandarin/English airport manager.....

azz767

5th Apr 2018, 10:55

LAS is on the B744 in between the 2nd MCO flights, BGI is A330 on the same frame as the SFO/BOS aircraft.

When does the schedule for these flights change? Today we have a 744 on BGI and a 330 on JFK. Today we have 3x 744 and 2x 332 operating, increasing to 3 of each in peak summer if I’m not mistaken. Impressive operation VS are building

Dobbo_Dobbo

5th Apr 2018, 16:50

Also MAG looking for a Mandarin/English airport manager.....

Apologies if I've missed something, but I'm not sure I understand the significant of this?

Is it that they are looking for an airport manager to work in the UK who can speak Mandarin (indicating that they expect more Chinese services and passengers at MAN/STN); or is it that they are looking for an airport manager who speaks Mandarin to work in China (implying that MAG's airport services arm is expanding in China)?

Cheers in advance!

Suzeman

5th Apr 2018, 19:47

Also MAG looking for a Mandarin/English airport manager.....

Warning - Warped sense of humour required and not an April Fool...:eek:

Or could it be Mandarin as in Whitehall Civil servant? :cool:

Of course that is not likely as it would mean a move away from London and going north of Watford could result in a terrible nose bleed.

Anyway, it would be good to get some clarification as Dobbo x2 has noted.

Logohu

5th Apr 2018, 20:46

Or could they just be looking for someone with a slightly "orange" hue ? A Trump offspring perhaps to push through USPC, or put the boot in with those pesky Shanghai slot coordinators ?
I'm sure Stormy and the gang have a few likely candidates stashed away somewhere, just waiting for their chance to shine ;)

Ok, I'll get me coat....

Betablockeruk

6th Apr 2018, 10:10

Also MAG looking for a Mandarin/English airport manager.....

This position already exists, as indicated in the job advert "This exciting opportunity is available due to an internal promotion"

LAX_LHR

7th Apr 2018, 14:06

Flightrider

7th Apr 2018, 17:42

New Orleans should be fine but Baltimore will be a slog even in the absence of a Washington service. BA only fly it from LHR through a combination of support from the State of Maryland and feed from Accra and Lagos.

I guess TC must have the same state support but am surprised that somewhere like Tampa or Chicago didn't make the "list" before BWI. It's a tough market.

PDXCWL45

7th Apr 2018, 18:47

Does anyone know how many aircraft TUI will base at MAN for Summer 2019?

LAX_LHR

7th Apr 2018, 20:55

Should be 14 based if my calculations are correct?

PDXCWL45

8th Apr 2018, 07:50

Should be 14 based if my calculations are correct?

Thanks. I'm guessing 3 are 787s?

LAX_LHR

8th Apr 2018, 08:19

Yes. 2 for long haul (1 B788 and 1 B789) and a B788 for short haul. Not sure if there will still be a B767 or 2 by then either?

triggerfish

8th Apr 2018, 13:34

There is at least one 767 as I am booked to Rhodes on one 4th sept 2019.

Dobbo_Dobbo

8th Apr 2018, 14:40

There is at least one 767 as I am booked to Rhodes on one 4th sept 2019.

Bloody hell - that's organised!!!

canberra97

8th Apr 2018, 14:47

Triggerfish

I have never come across anyone who has booked their holiday so far in advance, the longest length of time that I have booked before travel was two months, and the shortest was within 24 hours of departure and I've done a couple of those :-)

paully

8th Apr 2018, 15:49

I agree Canberra....thats what you call forward planning :ok:..but often the best price..Disappointing to see re the 767 though, I thought all the old coal burners had disappeared from the Uk fleet..:sad:

canberra97

8th Apr 2018, 15:54

But then again personally I never take package Holidays myself so there's no need to book so far in advance :-)

From now till September 2019 I could well have undertaken several trips away for all sorts of durations.

MAN2NYC

8th Apr 2018, 16:19

As per A.net, VS increasing ATL and JFK in Nov/Dec

MAN-ATL ops Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
MAN-JFK ops Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

Scottie Dog

8th Apr 2018, 16:35

Should be 14 based if my calculations are correct?

Which happens to be the exact number of aircraft that were based this morning.

Dobbo_Dobbo

8th Apr 2018, 17:02

As per A.net, VS increasing ATL and JFK in Nov/Dec

MAN-ATL ops Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
MAN-JFK ops Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

Slight disappointment, I had hoped to see them back to daily over the winter. Perhaps it's needed to start DEL?

spannersatcx

8th Apr 2018, 18:55

Slight disappointment, I had hoped to see them back to daily over the winter. Perhaps it's needed to start DEL?
The 330-200's will be off line for cabin refits, as by all accounts they are rubbish!

azz767

8th Apr 2018, 19:50

Anyone know what G-ZAPX was doing at MAN earlier? Left mid afternoon to somewhere in France I think under a Titan callsign.

Rutan16

8th Apr 2018, 19:57

Chambery ski charter at the end of school holiday and as the seasons programme begins to wind down

Dobbo_Dobbo

8th Apr 2018, 21:08

The 330-200's will be off line for cabin refits, as by all accounts they are rubbish!

Hi Spanners - that's tentatively good news if they intend to put the cabin right. The A332 should help open up at MAN parts of the LHR network for longer periods (e.g. SFO, LAX, DEL, JNB) should they wish to do so.

triggerfish

9th Apr 2018, 02:01

Yes was early to book but still got last suite in hotel on chosen date and is the 7th break,waiting for ba to open for 2019 to try club europe to ibiza.any news on anyone reinstating non stop man to mle as every flight we took was full then dropped by tom! Tried ek and qatar but prefer non stop tcx maybe?

MANFOD

9th Apr 2018, 07:35

Potentially 2 new Thomas Cook routes to Baltimore (3 weekly) and New Orleans (2 weekly) next summer.

OY-VKG will become G-TCXD next year and MAN will have 8.5 based A330 (the part based STN/GLA A330 will be GLA/MAN next summer) so 8 full time A330 and a part year based A330.

Does that compare with 8 or 7 based for this summer? May mean something or nothing but BOS & SEA still not showing on the TCX web site for bookings in 2019 although the other US flights are. Hopefully they are still to be loaded.

LAX_LHR

9th Apr 2018, 09:00

It’s 7 based this summer. BOS and SEA will be added soon, it’s mainly the ‘holiday long haul’ that’s been added so far.

MANFOD

9th Apr 2018, 09:20

Thanks LAX_LHR.

7 to 8.5 then for the A330's. Good stuff.

LAX_LHR

9th Apr 2018, 09:29

Indeed.

The online timetable for MAN is far from complete. JFK has been a huge success for MT so no way that will be just 6 weekly either. I suppose it will all be added in once the new routes and new A330 have been factored in.

azz767

9th Apr 2018, 10:30

More increases on the ICE of late, 767 3 of the last 4 days and due again Friday. Could we get to a stage of either 767 daily or a second service some days with maybe the new 737 on the busier days?

LAX_LHR

9th Apr 2018, 10:38

The B767 was planned for most of April, approximately 4 days a week.

April is the last month of higher winter demand, the service then drops to 5 weekly next month.

Winter to KEF has gone crazy, to think Easyjet offer 9 weekly (and most flights going full), Icelandair daily with some B753 and B763 usage, as well as 2 weekly TUI and now next winter seeing ad hoc charters to Auekeri, I was sceptical the market could support that capacity but each carrier appears to be holding its own.

Betablockeruk

9th Apr 2018, 10:57

Relative just done DEN-KEF-MAN and quite happy with service, duration and price. Certainly an option for west coast US if MAN doesn't do non-stop.

Mr A Tis

9th Apr 2018, 11:39

Dobbo_Dobbo

9th Apr 2018, 13:24

Canada is a bit thin with just Transat YYZ/YVR & Rouge is very limited seasonal to YYZ & this year appears quiet pricey. I can see many people using Icelandair as a one stop to Montreal or Halifax. Some attractive stop over deals in Iceland too. Not surprised ICE are doing well.

It's pleasing to see TS increase capacity over the winter months to YYZ but the extreme seasonal fluctuations remain a challenge. As you say, rouge (and by extension AC) appear largely disinterested in growing at MAN and (whether that is justified or not) this opens the door to a number of one stop options.

LAX_LHR

9th Apr 2018, 14:23

The extra ATL and JFK flights this winter are utilising the B744 fleet.

The new Wed JFK and Thu ATL are showing as B744 operated.

Flightrider

9th Apr 2018, 15:13

I thought the whole MAN operation this coming winter is to be 747 flown?

Dobbo_Dobbo

9th Apr 2018, 22:13

I thought the whole MAN operation this coming winter is to be 747 flown?

There are certainly A333s in the mix - quite what the fleet allocation is I'm not sure.

LAX_LHR

10th Apr 2018, 11:43

Vueling have increased BCN-MAN to 8 weekly for August and 1st week of Sept:

VY8748 BCN 1210 MAN 1345
VY8749 MAN 1425 BCN 1745
Daily

VY8758 BCN 1820 MAN 1955
VY8759 MAN 2040 BCN 2359
Monday’s

Confirmed and bookable.

Just to re-visit this, This increase now actually takes place from 23rd April for the summer season.

LAX_LHR

11th Apr 2018, 08:50

Media reporting MAN pax figure was up just under 4% for March.

Dobbo_Dobbo

11th Apr 2018, 08:58

Media reporting MAN pax figure was up just over 4% for March.

Further to this:

Passengers

Rolling 12 month: 27,882,845
March 2018 total: 1,988,233
YoY change: +3.7%

Cargo

March 2018 total: 9,443 tonnes
YoY change: -4.9%

Scottie Dog

11th Apr 2018, 10:01

Further to this:

Passengers

Rolling 12 month: 27,882,845
March 2018 total: 1,988,233
YoY change: +3.7%

Cargo

March 2018 total: 9,443 tonnes
YoY change: -4.9%

Excellent figures, even allowing for Easter being early this year.

chaps1954

11th Apr 2018, 10:39

Also mustn`t forget with cargo we have to take Lufthansa out of equation which won`t
clear until September

LAX_LHR

11th Apr 2018, 10:55

I think the figure is incredibly positive.

When you consider we are effectively going to be ‘chasing our tail’ until October when the Monarch seats are then taken out of the equation, MAN is doing very well. The collapse of XL hit MAN quite hard for a year or 2, but the Monarch one doesn’t seem to have done nearly the same damage really. Yes, growth is less, but growth is growth.

Logohu

11th Apr 2018, 12:03

Earlier Easter Will have helped March, but still pretty good set of stats.

MANFOD

11th Apr 2018, 12:11

I agree. It's a very decent result with pax up 3.7%.

The impact of an earlier Easter is difficult to judge although it presumably will have boosted outbound MAN originating pax. Those returning pax will count in April. I tend to look at March & April combined when the timing of Easter partially falls in different months from one year to the next.

In the press release, it's encouraging that the CEO seems confident we'll see growth in pax numbers this year, bearing in mind the start of summer ACL report was a very marginal increase in seats. Of course, Oct-Dec won't be adversely affected by MON's demise which should make for a positive impact as the immediate response by other carriers in 2017 was very limited, especially if we see some new routes next winter.

It's also a good point about the impact of the loss of MON compared to XL. The latter was a blow from which it took longer to recover, but the timing in 2008 was at the height of the financial crisis as I recall.

LAX_LHR

12th Apr 2018, 12:02

Just had a look at the Easyjet schedules for early winter.

Clearly a work in progress as the schedules seem to be all over the place at the moment, from random increases such as CDG having 11 weekly flights some weeks and PRG going 9weekly, to Bilbao and Gibraltar only having 2 flights a week despite it being higher other winters. (GIB is the particular stand out as would have thought more capacity was required, not less).

Based aircraft wise, Sunday shows 13 based, but then Tuesday’s only 9 based.

Therefore, think it’s safe to say we will need to wait a little longer before any major analysis is done.

MKY661

12th Apr 2018, 12:58

Bilbao and Gibraltar only having 2 flights a week despite it being higher other winters. (GIB is the particular stand out as would have thought more capacity was required, not less).

GIB also ran 2pw this Winter and have actually reduced capacity slightly for S18, but hopefully frequency will increase

MANFOD

12th Apr 2018, 13:06

FFMAN

17th Apr 2018, 05:55

What do other FFs think of the 1903 Lounge at T3 now that it looks like AF/KL have moved out of the dire 'Aspire' (sic) Lounge? Personally it's a thumbs up from me.
I'm impressed as it's a little smaller, more personal with great service and IMO more like what a business lounge should be.

The trouble with 'Aspire' (and the one at T1 is even worse, which someone I know calls the 'Despair Lounge') is that they have encouraged a certain type of passenger to pay for entry. That means it attracts those that do a quick cost benefit analysis on the cost of the entry fee versus the 'benefit' from the amount of alcohol they can throw down their necks in the time available. Therefore the more they drink the better value it is in their minds. Incentivizing alcohol consumption is not a good idea at an airport.

Mr A Tis

17th Apr 2018, 08:21

Not had chance to try the 1903 yet. However I agree with you FFMAN, the concept of "lounges" at MAN has changed considerably over the years. No longer a calm oasis. Positive marketing of the facilities means often full. If i'm not on a J class ticket- then I'm using Priority Pass- but in this case often refused entry at MAN as the lounges are full- often with pre booked groups (stags & hens). As MAN is my home airport, I'm not renewing Priority Pass after 10 years of use as it's rarely accepted at MAN these days. Mind you being surrounded by large groups necking as much Stella as they can in an hour at 7am, I'm probably not missing much.

paully

17th Apr 2018, 08:33

Interesting comments re T3 lounges. We are passing through this place in late September for a Ryanair 2.30pm midweek departure and have been contemplating booking one of these lounges. They are being heavily marketed by MAG via E mails etc and I did wonder as to the viability.

Basically is T3 ok at that time of day and year on its own ?..like you guys we`re only interested in a `calm oasis`somewhere/anywhere before the flight..Thanks

Dobbo_Dobbo

17th Apr 2018, 10:40

I wonder if MAG will consider this in the new terminal. We can probably expect dedicated lounges from some of the larger carriers (e.g. BA, EK, VS, EY) and possibly other lounges from alliances (e.g. OW, *A).

I'd hope that MAG would offer a range of unaligned lounges. If Aspire is the boozy lounge, I'd hope they offer an 1905 equivalent (e.g. As a priority pass lounge).

Perhaps the airside internal part of the terminal will be pleasant enough to mean that less passengers will have cause to use the lounges. Or perhaps not(!)

LAX_LHR

17th Apr 2018, 11:21

The lounge offering does need a bit of a shake up.

As said, have a set of lounges dedicated to ‘pay as you go’ so that the masses can use them.

Then I’d personally look at having a ‘family lounge’. It can be quite a stressful experience bringing a family through the airport, and to me, MAN lacks a real family dedicated area where parents can relax as well as letting the kids play without p**sing off anyone else.

Then have the nice and quiet lounges, as well as ‘invitation only’ ones.

Also, I do wonder if the merits of an arrival lounge could help? Reported this week that business trips have increased by 55% in the North West for 2017, and there will be some that wouldmt mimd the chance to refresh and relax before continuing the day. The lounges at LHR seem to be well used....

Mr Mac

17th Apr 2018, 11:56

pholling

17th Apr 2018, 12:06

LAX-LHR
I hope the EK lounge does not go back to like it was in T2 before the move to T1. Grubby little room round the back as I recall. Current one in my view is one of the better ones on EK route network, with good views and pleasant staff. T3 BA lounge was good back in the day, but have not used it or BA for sometime so could not comment now. SQ ok, but not as good as EK in my opinion as are others in T2.

I agree with your comments re family room and on arrival lounge, though I do not think MAN has that many flights yet where this would be of interest, though could well be wrong on this.

Kind regards
Mr Mac

My understanding is that the 1903 lounge is a bit of an experiment. It exists in T3 as there was both space and a potential market. There are more airline specific lounges in T1, but only the BA one in T3. T2 is a mess as the space for lounges is quite constrained. However, if there is good traffic through the 1903 lounge in T3, I would expect one to open in T2 eventually. As for a family lounge, the closest thing seems to be the Virgin Holidays V-room, but that is for people on Virgin Holiday's itineraries out of T2 only.

LAX_LHR

17th Apr 2018, 12:29

LAX-LHR
I hope the EK lounge does not go back to like it was in T2 before the move to T1. Grubby little room round the back as I recall. Current one in my view is one of the better ones on EK route network, with good views and pleasant staff. T3 BA lounge was good back in the day, but have not used it or BA for sometime so could not comment now. SQ ok, but not as good as EK in my opinion as are others in T2.

I agree with your comments re family room and on arrival lounge, though I do not think MAN has that many flights yet where this would be of interest, though could well be wrong on this.

Kind regards
Mr Mac

I understand there is to be a large area dedicated to lounges in T2.

I’ve personally heard of 2xescape, 1903, V-room, VS clubhouse, BA terraces (inc Oneworld), star alliance, aspire, Etihad, Emirates, no.1 lounge, and at least 2 (I’ve heard QR want one and imagine there could be another paid for lounge).

In terms of an arrivals lounge, I do believe there would be ample usage, especially a lounge that opens say, 0500-1200 to meet the bank of US arrivals, EK (especially F class pax), SQ, QR, EY, CX, HU, TG and so on. Plenty of J and some F class pax to use them.

And thats not to mention any short haul arrivals that may want them (BA pax who used J/F into LHR but didn’t have enough time between transfers to freshen up at LHR).

And in terms of a lounge that only opens in the morning, plenty of lounges around the world that have reduced opening to meet specific flights, so, that shouldnt be an issue either.

Homo Simpson

17th Apr 2018, 12:33

The 1903 lounge is good.
It is for 16 years of age and above and you can't have a group of more than 4. Not allowed even on different bookings although you can contact them before if you are which is clearly a form of screening.
Roll it out in the other Terminals I say.
Going to set you back at least 25 quid per person but Fast Track is included.

Escape lounges I have found to be good as well.
Aspire lounges seem to have poor staff in them and they just can't be arsed working.

Best lounge would be between Emirates and Etihad.

Lee J

17th Apr 2018, 12:46

I find it comical when Priority Pass cardholders criticise the clientele of airport lounges - if it wasn't for those who paid to enter the lounge, they certainly wouldn't be open long if they relied on free cardholder entries.

LAX_LHR

17th Apr 2018, 13:26

Jet2 summer 2019 on sale.

Not looked at existing route changes yet, but a new route to La Rochelle on Saturdays from May 2019. Barcelona increases from 5 to 6 weekly too.

MANFOD

17th Apr 2018, 13:31

Quoting Mr Mac re EK lounge:
"Current one in my view is one of the better ones on EK route network"

We don't normally travel J class on long haul holidays but we did in January, and I must say I was very impressed with the Emirates Lounge at MAN. Spacious, quiet and relaxing atmosphere, great views towards R23R, good choice of food and drinks and very pleasant staff. Preferred it to Hong Kong although that was decent enough. Dubai lounge for the A gates was just huge and less enjoyable.

Danny G

17th Apr 2018, 13:32

Re Lounges, We have access to the Aspire lounge in T2 as part of out TUI flight, is this lounge as bad as the one in T3 or is it worth spending time there? Otherwise I suppose its Frankie and Bennys as usual!!

Danny

Mr A Tis

17th Apr 2018, 13:53

Lee J. I find it comical when Priority Pass cardholders criticise the clientele of airport lounges - if it wasn't for those who paid to enter the lounge, they certainly wouldn't be open long if they relied on free cardholder entries.

Not sure where you get the idea Priority Pass is free ?? Try £260 a year.- and it's not accepted in every lounge by any means.

Used world wide in airports that don't rely on flogging places to stag parties. The only airport I have been refused entry is Manchester (multiple times), nowhere else in the world & I travel across all continents.

pholling

17th Apr 2018, 14:14

Dobbo_Dobbo

17th Apr 2018, 14:44

New opinion piece. Apparently 300,000 passengers from MANs catchment fly to indirect or via LHR to India alone. If accurate, that is a significant number...

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/manchester-airport-india-cowans-opinion-14541384

irishlad06

17th Apr 2018, 15:16

Jet2 summer 2019 on sale.

Not looked at existing route changes yet, but a new route to La Rochelle on Saturdays from May 2019. Barcelona increases from 5 to 6 weekly too.

FCO goes to Daily and a 2nd A330 is confirmed. KRK increases to 4pw with other new destinations to be announced. Base increasing by another 2 aircraft for main summer season.

LAX_LHR

17th Apr 2018, 15:28

2 A330 and 2 more aircraft! What will that make Jet2 based for S19? 23?

I’m still hedging a bet that BOJ is a new route. I wonder if TLV could make a come back now Monarch have gone?

LAX_LHR

17th Apr 2018, 15:43

Also, in line with other bases, looks like MJV is being dropped from April 2019. Looks like more ALC flights to compensate the loss.

Lee J

17th Apr 2018, 16:03

Lee J.

Not sure where you get the idea Priority Pass is free ?? Try £260 a year.- and it's not accepted in every lounge by any means.

Used world wide in airports that don't rely on flogging places to stag parties. The only airport I have been refused entry is Manchester (multiple times), nowhere else in the world & I travel across all continents.

I appreciate and know the Priority Pass isn't free, I looked into it at one point but after seeing a regular notice on the door of the Swissport lounge at T2 saying no space for cardholders, I decided against it - not to mention the stigma attached to them. I do think lounges are right to prioritise people who have paid £25 - £50 for entry rather than pass holders. Does anyone have any idea how much a lounge receives per Priority Pass entry? I can't imagine its even 20% of the normal entry fee.

Just out of curiosity, the you were refused entry in Manchester which lounge(s) was it? I ask, because it seems that the Escape Lounge T2 is perennially booked up for certain times, e.g. you cannot even reserve a space a 10 months in advance.

I've not been refused entry, because I don't carry a lounge pass nor have I ever relied on turning up on the day. Only ever pre-booked which I've never had an issue doing - I can book the Escape Lounge at T2 online for tomorrow and countless other days without a problem. I'd suspect the fact you can't book 10 months in advance is more an oversight since you can book T1 and T3 but then I can't imagine many people book that far ahead.

paully

17th Apr 2018, 17:41

If Manchester has your details they`ll send regular e mails offering good discounts in all these lounges as well as parking/ fast track security and passports etc :ok:

Mr Mac

17th Apr 2018, 17:44

EK (especially F class pax), SQ, QR, EY, CX, HU, TG and so on. Plenty of J and some F class pax to use them.

LAX-LHR
When in F on EK - shower on the plane or J shower DXB when changing planes, simples.;)

Regards
Mr Mac

LAX_LHR

17th Apr 2018, 17:59

Or also have the option of an arrival lounge too. Simples ;)

ZOOKER

17th Apr 2018, 21:21

Lounge = Waiting Room.

Surely most folks just want to turn up and fly?

Mr Mac

18th Apr 2018, 07:21

Zooker
You can just turn up and fly, but unfortunately I personally do not have access to our company Gulfstream, so like everyone else we have to use lounges, or a seat in the terminal. Lounges are as you say a better class of waiting room.

LAX-LHR
I think most people either head for home or hotel on arrival, though I do grant you some go straight to work as I have done in the past when outbound. I think it depends how far you have travelled, for example a Trans Atlantic Red eye - straight to the office, in bound from say China may go to hotel first drop things, then office. This is my experience of visitors who have come into our office recently.

Regards
Mr Mac

Mr A Tis

18th Apr 2018, 08:56

The Cathay arrival lounge in HKG is always full, however, it is fairly small and they of course have huge numbers of long hauls arriving. Not sure of demand at MAN. I'd just be happy if the departure ones at MAN were fit for purpose. (Showers & toilets for a start)

Dobbo_Dobbo

18th Apr 2018, 09:48

If MAN genuinely aspires (amongst other things) to be a credible alternative point of entry to the UK to LHR, it will be difficult for it not to offer these types of facilities.

If there is not enough demand from individual airlines (e.g. CX at daily A350 is not close to the MEB3's multiple daily departures) the airport should seek to facilitate an alternative solution. Whether that's a MAG solution (e.g. 1903 in T2) or an alliance based one (e.g. OW lounge) it should be on their radar.

FFMAN

18th Apr 2018, 10:23

Interesting points.
I think my concern is one of 'horses for courses' - I just don't think it's fair that I have to share what used to be called 'business lounges' with a bunch of loud mouthed idiots going off to Prague on a stag or hen do.
If you hear the phrase 'eh, it's dead posh in 'ere innit - they've even got Stella' either they are in the wrong place...or I am.
There should be some provision for people that choose to do that but if I'm traveling for work, it's likely I want to use the time in the lounge to do some prep work for the trip or generally get 'in to the zone'.
Emirates at T1 is the best IMO - it would be nice if there was a dedicated lounge for the Alliances but probably only *A have the critical mass at MAN. (I guess the BA lounge serves as a de facto OW lounge too).

pholling

18th Apr 2018, 12:31

I've not been refused entry, because I don't carry a lounge pass nor have I ever relied on turning up on the day. Only ever pre-booked which I've never had an issue doing - I can book the Escape Lounge at T2 online for tomorrow and countless other days without a problem. I'd suspect the fact you can't book 10 months in advance is more an oversight since you can book T1 and T3 but then I can't imagine many people book that far ahead.

A couple of times I have tried to book into T2 Escape multiple times over a 10 month period, i.e. starting 10 months out (for a family holiday) up to the week and a couple of days before travel. The issue is arrivals in the 07:30~10:00 timeframe. Availability after that time is fine and sometimes before that time are ok. T2 is really constrained for lounge space and my understanding is that several of the airlines use the escape lounge for their premium passengers, e.g. TUI, VS, etc. They may be pre-booking/holding spaces during the morning peak.

DomyDom

18th Apr 2018, 13:24

Also, in line with other bases, looks like MJV is being dropped from April 2019. Looks like more ALC flights to compensate the loss.

I think MJV closes to civilian traffic from the end of the year with the opening of the long awaited new Corvera Murcia International Airport.I wouldn't be supplied to see this announced for Summer2019.

Scottie Dog

18th Apr 2018, 19:28

Just a few photos, taken yesterday, which show progress on the Manchester Transformation project:

https://preview.ibb.co/krzsz7/IMG_5460_edited_1.jpg (https://ibb.co/cGj36n)

https://preview.ibb.co/gYw6Rn/IMG_6578.jpg (https://ibb.co/f0LY6n)

https://preview.ibb.co/c6UXz7/IMG_6574.jpg (https://ibb.co/bCUnXS)

https://preview.ibb.co/nv4MsS/IMG_6572.jpg (https://ibb.co/fEqGRn)

canberra97

18th Apr 2018, 23:42

Good photos Scottie Dog, perhaps you can keep us all updated here on Pprune with your photos in a similar way to LTNman does on the Luton thread as I'm sure we're all appreciate it.

Plane.Silly

19th Apr 2018, 07:00

I’m still hedging a bet that BOJ is a new route. I wonder if TLV could make a come back now Monarch have gone?
Also, in line with other bases, looks like MJV is being dropped from April 2019. Looks like more ALC flights to compensate the loss.

I would agree, LAXLHR, BOJ looks favourable, despite other operators chucking capacity at it too, Jet2 have been known to be market disruptors from time to time

Didn't they try TLV years ago? I would be very surprised if that came back for them, But with the 2nd A330 coming in, stranger things have happened.

As for MJV, they have April 19 flights, but nothing afterward. That could go either way, depending how their conversations with Corvera are going. Definite switch to ALC as a back up plan, focusing on their Package Holiday customers. They did that after 2014, when they went from 7 routes to MJV down to the current 4, with flights moving up the road.

Don't expect anything for a couple of weeks. Historically, they put all bases on sale, then announce new routes/destinations after that. Must be an exciting time for them.

azz767

19th Apr 2018, 08:41

Anyone know why a VS A330-300 is operating the ATL today? Did it swap down route with one of our -200’s? (Per fr24)

chaps1954

19th Apr 2018, 09:06

Could be planned maintenance or unplanned, loads.

Ian

Espada III

19th Apr 2018, 19:37

Didn't they try TLV years ago? I would be very surprised if that came back for them, But with the 2nd A330 coming in, stranger things have happened.

Wish they would. The monopoly EZY have on the MAN-TLV route means stupidly high prices. They were more reasonable when Monarch were doing thrice weekly on the same route.

Frequently far cheaper to change in Europe using a legacy airline and the times can be more convenient too.

azz767

20th Apr 2018, 08:26

Anyone know why a VS A330-300 is operating the ATL today? Did it swap down route with one of our -200’s? (Per fr24)

To answer myself, it seems G-VWND went to JFK on Wednesdays flight but hasn’t returned since. Must have gone tech down route

Scottie Dog

20th Apr 2018, 18:05

Good photos Scottie Dog, perhaps you can keep us all updated here on Pprune with your photos in a similar way to LTNman does on the Luton thread as I'm sure we're all appreciate it.

Thanks Canberra. I'll try to do a monthly update from now on - provided nobody objects.

Little G73

20th Apr 2018, 18:29

To answer myself, it seems G-VWND went to JFK on Wednesdays flight but hasn’t returned since. Must have gone tech down route
Ground incident with VWND and VINE. ND came off worse. Interesting they cancelled LHR and not MAN unlike American who rely on BA to bail them out on many occasions.

LAX_LHR

22nd Apr 2018, 08:23

British Airways have converted the Sunday morning service to Chambery from a charter flight to a scheduled service this winter.

Rutan16

22nd Apr 2018, 11:11

Ground incident with VWND and VINE. ND came off worse. Interesting they cancelled LHR and not MAN unlike American who rely on BA to bail them out on many occasions.

Why do you say that Virgin/Delta would have had to seek the help of arch rival BA to get Manchester passengers up from Heathrow or route them via a convoluted connection over Amsterdam or Paris not cheap when combined with delayed payments added the their costs.

No it seems sensible to me to operate the Manchester service and rebook the London bound passengers on later Delta or Virgin services whilst also rerouting any connections scheduled over London via Paris or Amsterdam surely.

When American or BA operated Manchester - JFK scrubbing Manchester section was easy with the shuttle picking up the loads and their combined dozen or so JFK-LHR evening departures and near hourly departures on the west bound LHR-JFK routing.

LAX_LHR

22nd Apr 2018, 11:24

GavinC

23rd Apr 2018, 08:19

Palma seems to be increasing in attraction as a winter destination.

From no scheduled flights over winter a few years ago, there will no be at least 9 weekly flights with 4 carriers this winter (Jet2, Thomas Cook, Easyjet and Ryanair).

Palma itself is a very nice city break although recent Government changes made to better regulate short term holiday lets (ie. banning them) may impact upon demand to Mallorca across the year.

SealinkBF

23rd Apr 2018, 11:52

Palma seems to be increasing in attraction as a winter destination.

From no scheduled flights over winter a few years ago, there will no be at least 9 weekly flights with 4 carriers this winter (Jet2, Thomas Cook, Easyjet and Ryanair).

It's a lovely place. Been a few times in January, weather was around 16C, and it's so peaceful. Bars are open though :D

Caravaggio

23rd Apr 2018, 13:34

paully

23rd Apr 2018, 20:38

Just come into departures lounge at T3. 2pm drop off. 1 minute queue only at drop off despite area being down to one lane as road resurfacing work going on outside terminal.
No queue at Ryanair bag drop
All security channels open. No queue.
And free WiFi increased from1 to 4 hours.
Excellent.

Thanks, we are using Ryanair from here later in September and also after the first wave has gone out. Fingers crossed for the same as you:ok:

OSTpax

24th Apr 2018, 10:43

VLM starts OSTEND-MAN-ANTWERP in October 2018.
Just in time for the fair in Ostend:O

https://pr.flyvlm.com/vlm-to-launch-new-routes-from-manchester-to-antwerp-and-ostend-bruges-on-1st-october-2018

Danny G

24th Apr 2018, 12:47

Palma seems to be increasing in attraction as a winter destination.

From no scheduled flights over winter a few years ago, there will no be at least 9 weekly flights with 4 carriers this winter (Jet2, Thomas Cook, Easyjet and Ryanair).

Palma is a fantastic city to visit in winter, the last time wewere there was just before christmas. You can find really good deals on accomodation either in the city or in one of the adjecent resorts (Playa de Palma is a 10 min bus journey) Thrtr is lots to do and the really good thing is there are not hordes of tourists!!

LAX_LHR

24th Apr 2018, 14:42

Jet2 to add Bourgas, Izmir and Chania next summer.

5 new routes in one day, makes a nice change.

LAX_LHR

24th Apr 2018, 17:40

Here we go again with VLM......

VO121 ANR 0730 MAN 0825
VO124 MAN 1330 ANR 1615
Daily Ex-Sun

VO127 ANR 1655 MAN 1750
VO128 MAN 1825 MAN 2110
Daily Ex-Sat

VO222 MAN 0905 OST 1150
VO223 OST 1210 MAN 1300
Daily Ex-Sun (operates a W pattern between VG121/124)

All F50

May be a few months later, but Just a reminder of the VLM schedule, which was posted in March. But don’t forget, VLM had no intention of launching the route. :ok:

southside bobby

24th Apr 2018, 18:02

lol...Remember perfectly well LAX LHR...

roverman

24th Apr 2018, 22:29

Just come into departures lounge at T3. 2pm drop off. 1 minute queue only at drop off despite area being down to one lane as road resurfacing work going on outside terminal.
No queue at Ryanair bag drop
All security channels open. No queue.
And free WiFi increased from1 to 4 hours.
Excellent.

MAG are taking customer feedback seriously and this looks like an attempt to address some specific issues which have been high on the complaints list.

LAX_LHR

25th Apr 2018, 12:46

Thomas Cook to increase their Hurgarda route to 8 weekly this winter. There will be 2 flights on Fridays. There are also rumours that there will be low cost competition on this route come November too.

In other news, Ryanair seem to have reduced the Frankfurt route from 6 to 5 weekly June-October. Seems this is one battle LH seem to be winning.

Ex Cargo Clown

26th Apr 2018, 15:30

FI B738max due on 11/6. Wonder why?

Scottie Dog

26th Apr 2018, 16:40

Apart from being a planned aircraft type change for that date I'm afraid I can't help.

chaps1954

26th Apr 2018, 16:51

My guess is for the ground crew to get a play with and a bit of publicity, new aircraft and all that, wouldn`t be suprised
if Turkish do the same as they are scheduled into BHX this summer

Ex Cargo Clown

27th Apr 2018, 01:36

Apart from being a planned aircraft type change for that date I'm afraid I can't help.
One day though?

GrahamK

27th Apr 2018, 05:28

Apart from being a planned aircraft type change for that date I'm afraid I can't help.
Trial before it becomes a permanent change?

Betablockeruk

27th Apr 2018, 08:12

FI B738max due on 11/6. Wonder why?

Does it fit if they need to use it? Sort of test? I'm sure others have done similar but can't recall any without another cup of coffee.

j636

29th Apr 2018, 15:38

As per A.net, VS increasing ATL and JFK in Nov/Dec

MAN-ATL ops Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
MAN-JFK ops Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

Now showing x3 weekly each.
ATL (Tu, Th, Sa)
JFK (Wed, Fr, Su)

Betablockeruk

1st May 2018, 08:39

Welcome back!

10:05 Malta KM146 On approach T2

LAX_LHR

2nd May 2018, 12:13

Thomas Cook have a one off charter to Manaus, Brazil on 31st Jan 2019.

MT3766 MAN 0715 MAO 1415 A332.

Betablockeruk

2nd May 2018, 13:26

Presumably cruise related. Or England fans reminiscing about getting beat by Italy in World Cup 2014.

LAX_LHR

2nd May 2018, 14:30

Not sure a cruise liner could get that far inland? Unless it’s a river cruise?

Betablockeruk

2nd May 2018, 14:43

Not sure a cruise liner could get that far inland? Unless it’s a river cruise?

There's loads to choose from and they do go that far inland.
https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=147

You learn something everyday.

canberra97

2nd May 2018, 22:31

There's loads to choose from and they do go that far inland.
https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=147

You learn something everyday.

The Thomas Cook flight to Manaus, Brazil is cruise related and is chartered by Fred Olsen Cruises to connect with their cruise ship BRAEMAR when she departs Manaus on the 31 January 2019 on River Amazon adventure cruise.

The cruise is a round trip from Barbados with passengers also disembarking and embarking in Manaus, Brazil hence the Thomas Cook charter flight.

I have to admit that I did have a chuckle when I read "cruise ships don't go that far up the Amazon unless they are river cruises" :-)

LAX_LHR

3rd May 2018, 03:04

You do learn something new every day!

For the record Canberra, I didn’t say ‘cruise ships don’t go that far up the amazon’, I actually enquired ‘not sure a cruise liner can get that far inland’ which is a completely different proposition. Being an aviation forum, is it not possible that someone could look at the location of Manaus and not immediately be the first point you think of as a cruise embarkation and disembarkation point?

Dobbo_Dobbo

6th May 2018, 17:58

Looks like there is some movement on this:

Manchester – Atlanta eff 31MAR19 1 daily 747-400, replacing A330-300
Manchester – Las Vegas eff 31MAR19 2 weekly A330-200, replacing 747-400

https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/278491/virgin-atlantic-s19-preliminary-changes-as-of-06may18/

LAX_LHR

6th May 2018, 18:08

Indeed. 4 based B744 (1xJFK/1xATL/2xMCO) and 2 A332 (LAS/BGI/SFO/BOS)

Dobbo_Dobbo

6th May 2018, 19:18

Bit of spare capacity there, even if there are no additional airframes from the above 6.

Rutan16

7th May 2018, 06:31

Seems certain a couple of the 332s will be headed to Gatwick where their performance and capacity will better match during the northern summer especially on the Caribbean routes and releasing a 747 at the same time

LAX_LHR

7th May 2018, 06:57

Certainly seems that’s way. 2 A332 at LGW and 2 at MAN.

Dobbo_Dobbo

7th May 2018, 10:05

Assume all the A333's are at LHR?

Nomoresteerage

7th May 2018, 20:16

I also assume this will be post A332 re-fit to Virgin standard rather than ex-Air Berlin configuration - proper upper class and premium economy.

wouldhave

8th May 2018, 07:40

Aegean have cancelled their Friday daytime flight into Athens. This appears to have been done at late notice as they emailed me Friday to advise flight was cancelled and the only option they gave me was the Saturday night which would mean I would lose two days of holiday.
Have checked their website and this appears to be the case for the whole summer - Easyjet haven't upped their prices since Friday for the Friday afternoon flight so maybe light loads?

DC3 Dave

8th May 2018, 10:42

This is in contrast to strong loads being reported on the Luton thread for Wizz's new route to Athens, and Friday's price is the highest in the next 7 days.

LAX_LHR

8th May 2018, 11:53

The Fri flight has been canx for some time. I’ve seen 3 weekly all evening flights in GDS for at least 3 months.

Scottie Dog

8th May 2018, 20:46

Manchester Statistics - March 2018 (Part 1)

Destinations that are either new (no passengers since my records started in January 2005), or have not been served for a number of years - if the latter then the month and year of the last service is shown.

There were no updates for this category in March

One domestic statistic are currently missing from the CAA report for March.

Belfast City and Jersey are yet to provide figures

Total passengers for this route in March 2017 were 26,055

Moving monthly and annual figures - based on CAA statistics/MAG statistics

Monthly passengers - 1,988,233 +3.71%

Annual Total - 5,334,262

Moving Annual Total - 27,882,845 + 6.41%

Monthly Movements - 15,023 -1.08%

Annual Movements - 26,544

Moving Annual Movements - 202,826 + 3.17%

Manchester Statistics - March 2018 (Part 2)

Top 25 destinations - by passenger numbers

Foreign_airport...............................Total_pax_this _period
DUBAI...........................................94816
AMSTERDAM..................................90189
DUBLIN.........................................79024
TENERIFE (SURREINA SOFIA)...........73710
HEATHROW....................................58693
PARIS (CHARLES DE GAULLE)...........52279
ALICANTE.......................................50403
ARRECIFE.......................................46625
FRANKFURT MAIN............................45328
ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL.............42995
GENEVA.........................................40145
MALAGA.........................................33819
DOHA............................................30415
COPENHAGEN.................................29776
MUNICH.........................................29051
BERLIN (SCHONEFELD)....................27842
BARCELONA....................................27084
ORLANDO.......................................26585
FUERTEVENTURA.............................26461
BELFAST INTERNATIONAL.................26258
KEFLAVIK........................................25225
LAS PALMAS....................................24302
HAMBURG.......................................21233
PAPHOS..........................................20770
ISTANBUL.......................................20243

CAA statistics for March are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - March 2018 (Part 3)

Top 25 destinations with highest percentage increase.

Destination.......................... Total Pax.. Percentage change
GATWICK..............................116..........11500
CASABLANCA MOHAMED V......2729.........724.4713
NAPLES.................................4382........387.4305
SANFORD..............................1220........313.5593
HERAKLION...........................611..........284.2767
COLOGNE (BONN)..................13805.......217.8678
TORONTO..............................4702........158.3516
AGADIR.................................8361........151.4586
BEZIERS................................516..........149.2754
DUBROVNIK...........................390..........130.7692
DALAMAN...............................3886........127.6508
RHODES.................................408..........124.1758
BANJUL..................................4744.........120.753 8
ST LUCIA (HEWANORRA)..........2380.........116.1671
CHANIA..................................455...........113.61 5
NEW YORK (JF KENNEDY).........16963........102.0848
GERONA.................................649...........83.3333 3
IBIZA.....................................1705.........69.14 683
GOA.......................................11464.......68.786 81
SALZBURG..............................6899.........62.21491
CARDIFF WALES......................84.............58.49057
FRANKFURT MAIN....................45328........56.93117
VERONA VILLAFRANCA.............2233..........56.37255
CHAMBERY.............................7061..........56.25138
KITTILA.................................1339..........54.440 6

CAA statistics for March are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - March 2018 (Part 4)

Figures for the European and long haul destinations that I consider to be the main points for our connecting traffic.

Foreign_airport…………….……… Total Pax 2018…………% change
VIENNA.......................................7040........... ................4.095815
BRUSSELS...................................20011............ .............12.87793
BEIJING......................................5725........... ................-14.5012
PRAGUE......................................16646........... ..............11.33703
COPENHAGEN..............................29776............... ..........8.608112
HELSINKI....................................11498........... ..............41.27043
PARIS (CHARLES DE GAULLE)........52279.........................3.965397
DUSSELDORF...............................19782.............. ...........-8.50562
FRANKFURT MAIN.........................45328.........................5 6.93117
MUNICH......................................29051........... ...............3.35124
HONG KONG (CHEK LAP KOK)........15649..........................47.09089
KEFLAVIK....................................25225........... ...............15.19843
DUBLIN.......................................79024.......... ................-6.48711
MILAN (MALPENSA)......................13783....................... ...2.76618
ROME (FIUMICINO)......................6250....................... .....-27.4184
AMSTERDAM................................90189.............. ............3.370851
ISLAMABAD.................................19371............. .............1.941901
LISBON.......................................16988.......... ................-7.974
DOHA.........................................30415.......... .................8.516484
JEDDAH......................................8883............ .................23.51224
SINGAPORE.................................6970.............. ...............-4.00771
MADRID......................................13141........... ................0.481725
STOCKHOLM (ARLANDA)...............14454...........................6.45 9453
GENEVA......................................40145........... ................10.98057
ZURICH.......................................12645.......... .................8.774194
ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL..........42995...........................17.07 922
DUBAI.........................................94816......... ..................10.57131
ATLANTA......................................9332........... .................-29.0396
HOUSTON.....................................5123............ ................8.884166
NEW YORK (JF KENNEDY)...............16963...........................102.0 848
NEW YORK (NEWARK)....................9220............................ .6.910946
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL......10630............................1.937092
HEATHROW..................................58693............. ...............-3.45117

CAA statistics for March are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - March 2018 (Part 5)

Comparison of top 25 destinations - March 2008 versus March 2018

Foreign airport.............................March-08.......March-18
HEATHROW....................................83,822.......... ..58,693
TENERIFE (SURREINA SOFIA)...........72,797............73,710
DUBLIN.........................................64,228....... ......79,024
ALICANTE......................................50,412........ .....50,403
DUBAI...........................................46,876...... .......94,816
PARIS (CHARLES DE GAULLE)...........45,914.............52,279
AMSTERDAM...................................41,728.......... ...90,189
MALAGA.........................................41,568....... ......33,819
SHARM EL SHEIKH (OPHIRA)............38,863..............0
ARRECIFE.......................................37,032....... .......46,625
GATWICK.......................................33,899........ ......116
ORLANDO.......................................32,475........ ......26,585
FRANKFURT MAIN............................30,717..............45,328
GENEVA..........................................27,635...... .......40,145
LAS PALMAS....................................27,099............ .24,302
FARO..............................................24,435.... .........19,330
ISLAMABAD.....................................23,742........ .....19,371
PAPHOS..........................................23,636...... .......20,770
CHICAGO (O'HARE)..........................22,311.............0
BELFAST CITY..................................21,671.............0
EDINBURGH.....................................20,330........ .....8,267
NEW YORK (NEWARK).......................18,421.............9,220
PALMA DE MALLORCA........................17,904.............18,206
SALZBURG.......................................17,373....... ......6,899
COPENHAGEN...................................16,766......... ....29,776

CAA statistics for March are provisional.

Manchester Statistics - March 2018 (Part 6)

Major changes to Domestic traffic

Foreign_airport......................Total_pax_this_period.. ....................Total_pax_percent
ABERDEEN............................17580................... ..........................-1.96844
BELFAST INTERNATIONAL.......26258................................... ..........8.95888
EDINBURGH..........................8267..................... ..........................-9.17381
EXETER................................8635.................. .............................-16.8672
GLASGOW............................5840..................... ..........................43.6301
GUERNSEY...........................4763..................... ..........................14.00191
HEATHROW..........................58693..................... .........................-3.45117
INVERNESS..........................4305..................... ..........................-19.1397
ISLE OF MAN........................13938............................ .................-0.74064
NEWQUAY............................5108..................... ..........................4.60782
NORWICH............................1629..................... ..........................-39.4199
SOUTHAMPTON....................18269........................ ......................1.63561
SOUTHEND..........................3928...................... ..........................0

CAA statistics for March are provisional

Curious Pax

9th May 2018, 07:48

ALICANTE......................................50,412........ .....50,403

Disappointing to see the Alicante market crashing over the last decade!

Danny G

9th May 2018, 11:20

Lee J

9th May 2018, 15:14

Heathrow continues to fall and of course Gatwick is now non existent, which shows people prefer to fly from their local airport rather than the London hub BA wants them to.

People will always prefer to fly from their local airport... if their destination is available.

roverman

9th May 2018, 18:20

Heathrow continues to fall and of course Gatwick is now non existent, which shows people prefer to fly from their local airport rather than the London hub BA wants them to. I miss the LGW link as it made a quick trip down to head office much easier than travelling through terminal 5

I think what it shows is that 10 years on there is a good deal more choice available out of MAN to fly either direct to many destinations or via a multitude of connecting hubs both in Europe and beyond. Going via Heathrow still offers a high number of departure times from MAN - 8 or 9 a day, and a good range of onward flights but it is just one of many options and there's no 'proper' premium product on the first sector.

Nomoresteerage

9th May 2018, 21:10

I think what it shows is that 10 years on there is a good deal more choice available out of MAN to fly either direct to many destinations or via a multitude of connecting hubs both in Europe and beyond. Going via Heathrow still offers a high number of departure times from MAN - 8 or 9 a day, and a good range of onward flights but it is just one of many options and there's no 'proper' premium product on the first sector.

And also, if you connect elsewhere, when you board your last flight to MAN you know you can hopefully sleep for a few hours on an overnight then be home within an hour or so of landing - if you go via LHR it adds another 3+ hours to cover the last 150 miles. I now fly Virgin when going West and Emirates when going East for work - from a regular BA connector a few years ago. It's all perception, but is preferable for me.

Danny G

9th May 2018, 21:30

People will always prefer to fly from their local airport... if their destination is available.
Yep just my point pity BA dont get it.

I was always dubious about the LHR shuttles, they are always the first flights to be cancelled if there is a problem at LHR and I never wanted to chance it. BA must have lost a lot if business in the regions to the likes of Emerites and Ethiad going south. Its a pity because I liked the BA model.

MAN777

9th May 2018, 23:51

I think BA has lost a lot of traffic on its own doorstep (LHR & LGW) with the procession of ME3 wide bodies going east !

EK for me given the option

MKY661

10th May 2018, 15:04

Just wondering if Flybe are axing MAN-LUX after 1 July? It said they were to sun it for their S18 Schedule due to Popular Demand:
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/294701/flybe-extends-manchester-luxembourg-route

LAX_LHR

10th May 2018, 15:32

LUX seems to get updated very late. Ryanair have threatened to serve MAN-LUX on more than one occasion, so one wonders if flybe are being cautious as to if/when RYR launch flights?

edit

just looked at airport timetable and the route seems to continue after 1st July at 5 weekly with various times.

LAX_LHR

10th May 2018, 16:09

Thomas Cook to launch Comiso, Italy next summer

MT1270 MAN 0540 CIY 1005
MT1271 CIY 1105 MAN 1345

Thursdays from 2nd May 2019 with A321.

Mr Mac

11th May 2018, 07:29

Nomoresteerage
The number of ex BA FF on the ME3 and SQ is very large out of MAN, and I also have found a number on LH doing changes at FRA and MUC. The experience and product is just better in my opinion, and with those who seem to be swapping as well. You would think that some one at BA would take note, but alas for them it seems there is no interest about anybody, or business outside the M25 doughnut. Also as others have pointed out the shuttle to Manchester is often the first to get canned if problems arise. The other thing is on routes East if you compare transfer times via LHR you can be generally be nearly half way to DXB by the time you even leave UK airspace, and your bags may also not be on board if you have hold luggage via LHR !

Regards
Mr Mac

LAX_LHR

11th May 2018, 07:44

Stats for April show Manchester just shy of 2% down (-1.95%)

all things considered, and the usual caveat of Easter falling in another month, isn’t too bad.

should hopefully be the only negative month this year, and the rise upwards (albeit very slowly) should continue.

chaps1954

11th May 2018, 08:55

I think there were quite a few canx flights due to weather at various airports and Heathrow was down over 2% again I suspect weather problems

BHX5DME

11th May 2018, 11:49

London’s fastest growing airport sees 8.1% rise in passengers in April as it gears up for key long haul route launches.
MAG as a whole grows 2.7% despite fewer bank holiday days this April than last year.
MAG expects growth to strengthen further through the summer

Passengers
Manchester
London Stansted
East Midlands
MAG
Rolling 12 month total
MAN
27,838,941
STN
26,317,799
EMA
4,854,189
TOTAL
59,009,622*

April 2018 total

MAN
2,202,390
STN
2,365,424
EMA
405,198
TOTAL
4,973,012
April 2018

% change

year on year
MAN
-2.0%
STN
+8.1%
EMA
-0.3%
+2.7%
Cargo
Manchester
London Stansted
East Midlands
April 2018 tonnes
MAN
9,471
STN
20,542
EMA
28,091
April 2018

% change

year on year
MAN
+1.4%
STN
-0.6%
EMA
+7.1%
*excludes figures for Bournemouth Airport, which was sold to RCA in December 2017.

London Stansted, the capital’s fastest growing airport, geared up for a landmark summer season with an 8.1% year on year increase in passenger numbers in April – equivalent to 177,000 additional passenger in the month. The airport contributed to its owner MAG’s growth of 2.7% during the same period.

Growth at Stansted, which served 2.4m passengers in April, was bolstered by new services to New York with Primera Air, Reykjavik with WOW Air and Bastia & Ajaccio with Air Corsica. As well as Dubai, other new long haul destinations still to launch from Stansted this summer include Washington DC, Boston and Toronto. At the same time, Stansted’s short haul offering is gathering apace with Ryanair, Jet2.com and easyJet’s networks being complemented by new additions this year such as Wideroe and Air Corsica.

Meanwhile, Emirates’ new daily service to Dubai, which will launch in June, will mark the first time that Stansted has a direct link to a Middle Eastern hub airport and will open up 150 new route options for passengers in the East of England wishing to travel East to the Middle East and Asia.

“http://content.presspage.com/quotes/150_27798.jpg?86502597London Stansted will be the fastest growing London airport in 2018 and this record April is just the start of a very busy summer to come.Ken O'Toole, CEO, London Stansted Airport„Tweet (https://twitter.com/share)Stansted’s growth also comes despite the Easter weekend falling partially in March this year, meaning that April included only two busy bank holiday days this year compared with four last year. This contributed to Manchester Airport’s traffic in April declining slightly year on year (-2.0%) but growth is expected to gather pace from May as airlines ramp up their summer timetable. The airport has handled 27.8m passengers in the last twelve months, 4.9% up on the same period a year ago.

East Midlands Airport handled the same number of passengers that it did a year ago, despite the Easter effect, seeing 405,198 passengers through its doors in April, compared with 406,505 last year.

On the cargo side of MAG’s operation, the UK’s biggest airport for cargo aircraft, East Midlands, cargo tonnages grew 7.1% year on year, Manchester grew 1.4% and London Stansted declined 6.1%.

Ken O’Toole, CEO, London Stansted Airport said:

“London Stansted will be the fastest growing London airport in 2018 and this record April is just the start of a very busy summer to come.

“With limited spare capacity at other airports in the South East, Stansted will deliver 50 percent of London’s expected passenger growth over the next decade. Given this anticipated growth, we have applied for permission to raise the number of passengers we serve to 43 million a year, with a firm commitment to do so without any additional flights or noise impacts beyond our current permissions.

“We are also investing heavily to ensure the passenger experience is an efficient, comfortable one even as we continue to grow. We have recently opened 12 new check-in desks and are adding additional seating and restaurant facilities in time for the summer peak. This investment coupled with our new and existing range of airlines and destinations will bring even more passengers to Stansted in the coming months.”

LAX_LHR

11th May 2018, 12:06

I would say I’m surprised a certain somebody has come back to report the traffic figures now a negative number is present, but then, I’d be lying.....

BHX5DME

11th May 2018, 13:14

LAXLHR

They are actually very good figures !
With Easter you always need to add March and April and in this case Manchester is up so good figures !
I wish the same could be said for BHX !
I had 12 hours at MAN two weeks ago and was impressed how busy it was for April.

CabinCrewe

11th May 2018, 14:45

Do we think MAG will go after EDI when it undoubtedly gets farmed off ?

LAX_LHR

11th May 2018, 14:55

I’d say it’s unlikely.

GIP will be wanting to sell for a tidy profit, and MAG currently have a lot of their capital tied up in the MAN-TP project, STN arrivals build and EMA improvements, that I don’t see MAN able to raise a decent bid.

Mr A Tis

11th May 2018, 15:30

LAX_LHR

11th May 2018, 18:30

Manchester has picked up a few flights for the Champions league final in Kiev.

one is a Transavia B737, another is a Thomas Cook A321 and another is just down as TBC so far.

liverpool looks to have the best flight though, as Worldchoice indicating an Ethiopian B788 will be used.

lfc84

11th May 2018, 20:40

LAX_LHR

11th May 2018, 20:45

I think it’s worldchoice sports but could be wrong. I forget where I saw it now?

Scottie Dog

12th May 2018, 18:06

MAN is a decade behind the curve having been neglected over these years with the distractions of STN, EMA, BOH, HUY, having had to dispose of two of these, I'd hope they'd not be interested in another.

On the Domestic figures, except for BFS & GLA they are either static or in decline. I'd say they certainly are bleeding some domestic pax to road and rail (Bad news for Flybe) For domestic travellers T3 is too uncomfortable & time consuming & once the stupid APD is factored in, it's rarely a viable option. I certainly would do more domestic flying if it was easier- but it isn't, so I spend a lot of time at Stockport station instead.

Whilst not totally disagreeing with your comment on the drop in domestic carriage I thought I would look back at my records for the last 10 years. (Where March stats are not published I have used February).

Aberdeen - 11,266 (March 2008), 17,580 (March 2018)
Belfast City - 21,671 (March 2008), 20,674 (February 2018)
Belfast Intl - 15,990 (March 2008), 26,258 (March 2018)
Edinburgh - 20,330 (March 2008), 8,267 (March 2018)
Exeter - 4,354 (March 2008), 8,635 (March 2018)
Glasgow - 12,968 (March 2008), 5,840 (March 2018)
Heathrow - 83,822 (March 2008), 58,693 (March 2018)
Inverness - 1,674 (March 2008), 4,305 (March 2018)
Isle of Man - 14,261 (March 2008), 13,938 (March 2018)
Newquay - 1,142 (March 2008), 5,108 (March 2018)
Norwich - 3,679 (March 2008), 1,629 (March 2018)
Southampton - 13,713 (March 2008), 18,269 (March 2018)

This exercise has been enlightening for me as it's the first time I have done a full analysis of all (still existing) domestic routes. I appreciate that in the intervening years there have been ups and downs - in particular on the Scottish and East Anglia services - however the general flow is still encouraging.

Scottie Dog