CWC Airlines
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 42
From: UK
For what it's worth, my opinion would be definitely to base the aircraft at an H24 airfield - something Lydd/Ashford is not nor ever likely to be. There is nothing worse than being hamstrung by restricted operating hours when the freight arrives late for example, or a last minute charter cannot be bid for as your aircraft is effectively grounded.
The advantages of SEN are that it is H24, is well known as a light freight airport so has the infrastructure, is located sufficiently near London and the M25/M1 etc. and is (I assume) looking for new business so may offer a good deal to a new operator.
Lydd/Ashford is just too remote in my view for this type of operation, which demands maximum flexibility.
The advantages of SEN are that it is H24, is well known as a light freight airport so has the infrastructure, is located sufficiently near London and the M25/M1 etc. and is (I assume) looking for new business so may offer a good deal to a new operator.
Lydd/Ashford is just too remote in my view for this type of operation, which demands maximum flexibility.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Earth
Good points made there EF, however I am not sure what is the runway lenght of SEN and one does wonder if its a hendrence if any expantion is made into larger aircraft if it works out for them, its only natural to try and increase aircraft capacity and Aircraft size.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 42
From: UK
If it's a matter of choosing between SEN and LYX, then they have very similar runway lengths anyway.
My adage would always be 'get established at the best location for your initial operation in order for that to be successful' and 'never have entrenched ideas as to how your operation might grow - be prepared to change your plans as the reality of the initial operation takes shape'.
After all, there is no point choosing somewhere like MSE just because it has a long runway, which may or may not be useful to you in the future, if it's location will be a hindrance to firmly establishing your commercial viability in the first place.
I wish them well whatever they choose to do.
My adage would always be 'get established at the best location for your initial operation in order for that to be successful' and 'never have entrenched ideas as to how your operation might grow - be prepared to change your plans as the reality of the initial operation takes shape'.
After all, there is no point choosing somewhere like MSE just because it has a long runway, which may or may not be useful to you in the future, if it's location will be a hindrance to firmly establishing your commercial viability in the first place.
I wish them well whatever they choose to do.
