BA 747 to Doha, Qatar
 

Rumours abound that BA will launch a direct 747 service LHR to Doha in Jan 2003.

Is this just village gossip or has anyone else heard something to
substantiate this?

I think the facts are that BA will switch the equipment used on LHR-BAH-DOH (i.e the BA124/5) from a 777 to 747-400 at the start of the Summer schedule 2003 (i.e. end of March).

Technically LHR-BAH-DOH is a 'direct' service......however I think a LHR-DOH nonstop with a 747 would be overkill based on the traffic distribution BAH/DOH.

I don't think a 747 on this route would be overkill at all!

Remember some of BA's 747-400's are kitted out with half the aircraft consisting of flat beds, with the total no. of pax only around 300. This will perfectly suit all the high yeild traffic!

I don't think current passengers BAH/DOH are a relaible guide, as only masochists like me are happy to sit in Bahrain for an extra 90 minutes simply for the sake of a few lousy airmiles. Non-stop LHR/DOH would be popular, and would put some pressure on Goat Air!

BA 747 to Doha, Qatar
 

Agree with Killick, the extra 90 minutes are a pain, especially DOH - BAH - LHR at unearthly hour of the morning. Are BA losing high yield traffic onto Houston (oil execs etc) as a result? A direct (DOH - LHR without the stopover) flight would be the answer and provide some competition but I doubt it could work 7 days a week?

I think the 7-day a week issue is very valid.

Also, if BA were to directly compete with QR on the LHR-DOH segment they would open themselves up to a yield conflict, and QR's yields are renowned for being absurdly low.

Personally, I'd rather there were two seperate flights. Bahrain is so busy now due to the growing economy, lack of competition from GF and also Dharhan traffic it's a nightmare getting a seat during the busy periods!

The BA 747 is a replacement of the 777 on the LHR/BAH/DOH service.

There is no way at present that BA would consider operating LHR/DOH non-stop ... unless they flew on to another city beyond Doha. LHR/DOH loads will not justify a stand-alone service unless you are QR feeding traffic onto your entire network.