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Tetchytyke

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The gates and equipment (not quite sure how you give someone a gate - maybe they mean slots) will be given to Level, thus confirming Paris as Level's next base after Barcelona.

Sounds more like a re-brand than a closure, in that case.

I give it 18 months before the tourist routes out of Gatwick (Cancun, etc) become LEVEL.

Good you booked somewhere! Friends of mine are in Abu Dhabi at the moment - they seem to enjoy it. Are you on the night flight both ways? The seating arrangement should make things a little more pleasant. A full 10 abrest 777 sounds like a nightmare.

It was a bit...interesting...that's for sure, and the route it was on didn't really help much.

We're flying from Edinburgh, daytime flight out but 0210 back from AUH. Chance of sleep pretty much nil, I expect, but we have the hotel until midnight so it's not a disaster.
 
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atillathehunn

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Hmm, I would disagree in a sense. They are chucking the 757s and 767s used by OpenSkies in the bin and operating with A330, though the staff will be offered the chance to move across. Also they are targeting vastly different markets. The people using Level are v price conscious leisure travellers (Willy Walsh said one way Paris - New York for €129). OpenSkies was a boutique almost all business class flight.

Will be curious to see how Etihad are doing out of Edinburgh - they reduced the number of flights so perhaps not hugely well.

I hugely dislike the Middle East - western Europe flights over night. The cabin lights are often on for more than half the flight. Even if I skip dinner on the flight the fact the chairs have to go to upright means sleep is hard. And then breakfast for Manchester is often served while still over Germany. I'm tired just writing about it.
 

Dentonian

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Hmm, I would disagree in a sense. They are chucking the 757s and 767s used by OpenSkies in the bin and operating with A330, though the staff will be offered the chance to move across. Also they are targeting vastly different markets. The people using Level are v price conscious leisure travellers (Willy Walsh said one way Paris - New York for €129). OpenSkies was a boutique almost all business class flight.

Will be curious to see how Etihad are doing out of Edinburgh - they reduced the number of flights so perhaps not hugely well.

I hugely dislike the Middle East - western Europe flights over night. The cabin lights are often on for more than half the flight. Even if I skip dinner on the flight the fact the chairs have to go to upright means sleep is hard. And then breakfast for Manchester is often served while still over Germany. I'm tired just writing about it.

Off the top of my head, the Middle East has at least 8 flights a day to/from Manchester, with only 2 or 3 westbounds arriving around "breakfast time". The rest are surely daylight hours pretty much throughout, given the 4 hour time difference. Not quite so good with eastbounds, but apart from Oman, the other three airlines/destinations all offer 0900ish departures at least 4 days a week, giving mid evening arrivals.
 

ld0595

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ill be curious to see how Etihad are doing out of Edinburgh - they reduced the number of flights so perhaps not hugely well.

I believe that despite the capacity drop, load factors have increased so it seems like 5 a day is working for them. I think it's daily in the summer and read somewhere that the July/August load factors were up in the high 90s.

Also, a planning application has been submitted to Renfrewshire council to extend the western pier at Glasgow airport so it looks possible Scotland may see its first regular A380 service soon.

http://pl.renfrewshire.gov.uk/onlin...ls.do?activeTab=map&keyVal=_RENFR_DCAPR_31984
 

Peter Mugridge

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Japan Air Lines has ordered 20 of the 55 seat version of the "Boom" and it appears the prototype is only a year away from making the maiden flight of the type... If the report is to be believed, there are an additional 50 expressions of interest from other airlines - though of course we have been here before 45 years ago haven't we...?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business...rcial-flight-startup-gets-10m-japan-airlines/

Boom, the US aerospace company hoping to build a “baby" Concorde, has come a step closer to bringing back supersonic flight for commercial passengers after securing a major investment from Japan Airlines.

Boom Technology has formalised an until-now secret partnership with JAL, with the carrier putting $10m (£7.4m) into the company and ordering 20 of the faster-than-the-speed-of-sound aircraft.

Blake Scholl, founder of Boom, called the agreement an “historic” milestone not just for the company, but for supersonic passenger flight.
 

atillathehunn

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Off the top of my head, the Middle East has at least 8 flights a day to/from Manchester, with only 2 or 3 westbounds arriving around "breakfast time". The rest are surely daylight hours pretty much throughout, given the 4 hour time difference. Not quite so good with eastbounds, but apart from Oman, the other three airlines/destinations all offer 0900ish departures at least 4 days a week, giving mid evening arrivals.

Yeah, no news here. But when the bank of connections for my most common destinations comes in just before midnight, the bank of European departures just the other side of midnight are going to be my connection. Companies don't pay for unnecessary hotel expenses when you can make a connection and per diem isn't given on travel days, and I wouldn't pay out of my own pocket, so to be honest I just avoid those airlines where I can. Coming back from east Africa you're pretty much guaranteed an overnight flight, but at least long haul out of Kigali, Entebbe, Nairobi or Addis there's a decent length of time to get your head down.
 

atillathehunn

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I believe that despite the capacity drop, load factors have increased so it seems like 5 a day is working for them. I think it's daily in the summer and read somewhere that the July/August load factors were up in the high 90s.

Also, a planning application has been submitted to Renfrewshire council to extend the western pier at Glasgow airport so it looks possible Scotland may see its first regular A380 service soon.

http://pl.renfrewshire.gov.uk/onlin...ls.do?activeTab=map&keyVal=_RENFR_DCAPR_31984

I believe Emirates were sniffing around the issue, and they landed an A380 there I think over the summer to see what sort of dent it would leave in the runway.
 

atillathehunn

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Japan Air Lines has ordered 20 of the 55 seat version of the "Boom" and it appears the prototype is only a year away from making the maiden flight of the type... If the report is to be believed, there are an additional 50 expressions of interest from other airlines - though of course we have been here before 45 years ago haven't we...?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business...rcial-flight-startup-gets-10m-japan-airlines/

That was kept quiet. I can't imagine that the economics of the operation has changed that dramatically in the past few years, and I'm sceptical. However, as someone who missed Concorde I, I'm secretly a bit happy that someone is trying supersonic again.
 

Peter Mugridge

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That was kept quiet. I can't imagine that the economics of the operation has changed that dramatically in the past few years, and I'm sceptical. However, as someone who missed Concorde I, I'm secretly a bit happy that someone is trying supersonic again.

You're right they haven't made much of a song and dance about it, but there has been a constant "awareness" that the project was progressing in the past few years. What was more of a surprise to me was that we are seemingly only a year from the maiden flight of the 55 seat version whereas I was expecting the biz jet version to be the first in the air.

This isn't a bloated state-funded project with much of the work being duplicated by having a split production line so I would expect that the development costs are proportionately lower overall than they were for Concorde, which of course did all the difficult and time consuming research into the wing shape in particular.

It's also likely to have a two man crew and it goes without saying that the electronics which took up a large volume inside Concorde, at great weight, will be about the size and weight of a desktop computer this time round, which will help greatly. Engine technology has moved along, and from looking at the pictures this is rear twin engine so straight away the structure is more straightforward and operating costs will be considerably lower.

That Japan Air Lines has placed the lead order makes sense as well given the number of lengthy over-water routes from Japan.
 

atillathehunn

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Well I take your point about the funding structure of the programme and some of the advances in technology made, although these seem to focus mostly on the electronics, which I admit have come on leaps and bounds.
I would imagine the 55 seater is first because they have orders for it?

JAL and the great blue yonder to its right does make sense, and I can see potential for slashing drastically the Australia times from all over the world. However, I don't see a return to New York - London. That route appears to have hit the sweet spot journey time vs. cost wise.
 

Western Lord

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JAL has not "ordered" any of these aircraft. It has made a puny investment which gives it the right to take up options. You need to check out a reputable site like Flightglobal to get the true facts rather than believe what you read in the "papers".
 

gsnedders

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I believe Emirates were sniffing around the issue, and they landed an A380 there I think over the summer to see what sort of dent it would leave in the runway.
2014 is the only time I'm aware of an A380 having been here, in principle for the tenth anniversary of Emirates flying to Glasgow. AFAIK, they'd need to modify taxiways and the like for regular operation (the 2014 visit saw the end gates on the domestic wing closed, and a huge ground ops escort given clearances; while the escort might be doable for a once-a-day service, closing the gates probably isn't, but there seems to be some discussion as to whether that was strictly needed or whether it was just providing extra margin). I believe ground pressure of an A380 is less than a 777, so unlikely to be any issue with the runway strength.

An A380 can't take off at MTOW from GLA, but I don't believe that's a problem for Emirates: pretty sure they can carry max payload and enough fuel for DXB without having any problems with runway length.

There's been talk for a while about replacing one of the (two daily) 777 flights with an A380, but last I heard it sounded likely there would be an at least weekly visit of a Emirates SkyCargo 777F given the lower cargo capacity of the A380 if they did that in preference to adding a third 777 flight.

I know at some point BA were also interested in Glasgow for the A380, albeit purely as an alternate (AFAIK, the north most alternate in Europe that BA use is Cardiff, which hardly buys them much time versus LHR). The big thing that would require, as far as I'm aware, is having suitable fire cover (AFAIK, the proposal for the Emirates A380 would be making sure that the crew is there while the A380 is there—there's already enough tenders).
 

atillathehunn

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As is typical I can't find the thread I was reading somewhere. But I was positive I'd read some test flight over the summer. I wasn't in the UK so I didn't ever find out much more about it. Assuming it didn't happen.

Oh well. I did find threads which pointed to an announcement on the A380 flight consolidation this autumn. None has been forthcoming though.

Is MAN not an alternate for LHR which is A380 capable?
 

gsnedders

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As is typical I can't find the thread I was reading somewhere. But I was positive I'd read some test flight over the summer. I wasn't in the UK so I didn't ever find out much more about it. Assuming it didn't happen.

Oh well. I did find threads which pointed to an announcement on the A380 flight consolidation this autumn. None has been forthcoming though.

Is MAN not an alternate for LHR which is A380 capable?

Pretty sure it didn't, mostly because I'm sure I would've heard if it were here.

Both Manchester and Birmingham have regular A380 flights (and Manchester has regular BA flights too, so will have BA staff at hand), so I don't really know if what I was told is true/understand why.
 

atillathehunn

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I don't doubt you when you said it didn't happen. It's me that got my wires crossed, not you.

I know MAN and BHX are diversion airports for LHR in general, I've seen big BA planes parked there before when LHR has been fog bound.
 

Tetchytyke

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I hugely dislike the Middle East - western Europe flights over night. The cabin lights are often on for more than half the flight. Even if I skip dinner on the flight the fact the chairs have to go to upright means sleep is hard. And then breakfast for Manchester is often served while still over Germany. I'm tired just writing about it.

I definitely agree there, but it's all about swings and rounabouts. I'd rather be on a plane at 0210 than the alternative which is being in the airport at 0430 waiting for a flight. My choices for this holiday were Emirates to Dubai (from Newcastle) and transfer or Etihad to Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates flight times from here are pretty rubbish in both directions. I'll just sleep when I get home!
 

Tetchytyke

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Speaking of BA, I see that YouGov are reporting that their brand strength score has absolutely plummeted since they a) brought in buy on board and b) their massive IT fiasco in the summer.

http://www.headforpoints.com/2017/12/08/british-airways-yougov-report/

It'll be interesting to see how this pans out for them. For now, BA are reporting increased revenue and profits. But longer term, it'll be interesting. People won't pay a premium for a service they perceive as appalling.
 

gsnedders

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Does anyone know what percentage of BA's revenue is long-haul? Long-haul, at least, they still have relatively less competition, especially if you're considering the British/western European feeder network too.
 

atillathehunn

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If we're playing the related to BA game, I also saw that CityFlyer have announced Florence and Dublin from Manchester using their City fleet that sits idle much of the weekend.

I have no sympathy for BA though with their plummeting - their IT is still naff. I tried to make a simple change to a booking and it took two phone calls to do so.

Their service on long haul is below average with average equipment. Nothing special to justify the prices. It always feels like services which aren't the USA, HK, SIN just don't matter.
 

atillathehunn

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I definitely agree there, but it's all about swings and rounabouts. I'd rather be on a plane at 0210 than the alternative which is being in the airport at 0430 waiting for a flight. My choices for this holiday were Emirates to Dubai (from Newcastle) and transfer or Etihad to Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates flight times from here are pretty rubbish in both directions. I'll just sleep when I get home!
Yes I really do see your point, and I can see your decision and its rationale. Sleep is for the dead and this is for a holiday.
 

Bletchleyite

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Speaking of BA, I see that YouGov are reporting that their brand strength score has absolutely plummeted since they a) brought in buy on board and b) their massive IT fiasco in the summer.

http://www.headforpoints.com/2017/12/08/british-airways-yougov-report/

It'll be interesting to see how this pans out for them. For now, BA are reporting increased revenue and profits. But longer term, it'll be interesting. People won't pay a premium for a service they perceive as appalling.

Not surprising. BA is now no better than the low-costs, in many ways worse.

Ryanair has better seat pitch now!
 

atillathehunn

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Only advantages I can think of is: London based point-to-point which allows you to get some kind of reward. In turn, you can convert BA AMEX spend to flights.
The only other advantages I can think of is: City airport is convenient for London, long-haul feed, and multiple frequencies daily on quite a few routes. Increasingly they can't even claim the fact they fly to the main airport in a city. While Ryanair does still fly to the shacks in the countryside, they more often than not also seem to fly to the main airport. E.g. Charleroi, Zaventem; Hahn, Frankfurt main; Glasgow, Prestwick.
 

Dentonian

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Yeah, no news here. But when the bank of connections for my most common destinations comes in just before midnight, the bank of European departures just the other side of midnight are going to be my connection. Companies don't pay for unnecessary hotel expenses when you can make a connection and per diem isn't given on travel days, and I wouldn't pay out of my own pocket, so to be honest I just avoid those airlines where I can. Coming back from east Africa you're pretty much guaranteed an overnight flight, but at least long haul out of Kigali, Entebbe, Nairobi or Addis there's a decent length of time to get your head down.

Sorry, I didn't realise you were talking connecting flights across the Middle East.
 

Dentonian

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If we're playing the related to BA game, I also saw that CityFlyer have announced Florence and Dublin from Manchester using their City fleet that sits idle much of the weekend.

I have no sympathy for BA though with their plummeting - their IT is still naff. I tried to make a simple change to a booking and it took two phone calls to do so.

Their service on long haul is below average with average equipment. Nothing special to justify the prices. It always feels like services which aren't the USA, HK, SIN just don't matter.

There had been media reports locally of more City Flyer routes from MAN, but I hadn't heard that Dublin was one. This seems strange given that Aer Lingus is also part of IAG. Will CFE replace EIN rotations or are the extra flights to compete with Ryanair whilst spare slots are available over Winter weekends?
 

atillathehunn

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There had been media reports locally of more City Flyer routes from MAN, but I hadn't heard that Dublin was one. This seems strange given that Aer Lingus is also part of IAG. Will CFE replace EIN rotations or are the extra flights to compete with Ryanair whilst spare slots are available over Winter weekends?
Source: http://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/86/2017-228/9043?ref=Home

I cannot imagine a weekly flight will do much in terms of competition
 

FlyingDutchman

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Hi,


My name’s Phil – I’m a master’s student at a university in London. As part of a methodology course that I’m taking I’m conducting a study on the experiences of plane spotters at London Heathrow Airport. Specifically, I’m hoping to explore the following:


· The changing nature and practices of plane spotting (flight apps etc)

· The social and community aspects e.g. enjoying the hobby with others and sharing images and videos online


If anyone is interested in my study (I can provide more info) and would like to share their knowledge, stories and experiences of plane spotting, I’d be delighted to hear from you.


My email is [email protected] or I can be contacted on here.


Thanks


Phil
 
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atillathehunn

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CX219 has landed at Manchester, marking the beginning of daily service to Hong Kong for the first time in years.
 

Dentonian

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CX219 has landed at Manchester, marking the beginning of daily service to Hong Kong for the first time in years.
I thought this was a message stuck in the ether for 3 years! The pertinant word here is *daily*, as the route has been served 4-5 times a week for exactly 3 years now, switching from 777 to A350 at the beginning of Summer and renumbered from CX357/8 to CX219/6 when the clocks went back.
 

atillathehunn

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That would explain why the plane I sat on went direct to Hong Kong all those times from Manchester. I assumed it was a happy accident.

I didn't say "brand new service to Manchester from Hong Kong".
 

fowler9

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RAF Typhoon flew down the Mersey at about 8pm tonight, made a hell of a racket and I'd be surprised if it wasn't using reheat, naughty naughty. Couldn't see it as I was just outside Lime Street, everyone heard it though. It made it on to the Liverpool Echo website.
 
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