EasyJet expansion at Glasgow

[Craig2601]

About time someone expanded in Glasgow I reckon. Only one new route added so far - Glasgow to Birmingham.

 

[Howardh]

About time someone expanded in Glasgow I reckon. Only one new route added so far - Glasgow to Birmingham.

Wonder if there's a nod there to HS2, thinking in future fly that route and finish off on HS2 to central London (rather than Heathrow which is an expensive pain getting to central London quickly)? If so it's already a foot in the door for Easyjet!

 

[scotrail158713]

Is there really enough demand for Flybe and EasyJet flying to Birmingham? I don’t think there is but I’m not an expert on how busy the current Flybe flights are.

 

[Butts]

Is there really enough demand for Flybe and EasyJet flying to Birmingham? I don’t think there is but I’m not an expert on how busy the current Flybe flights are.

I did the return trip last week and both flights were fairly full.

The fares are already competitive, I have just booked a return on Flybe next month for less than £60.

 

[atillathehunn]

Wonder if there's a nod there to HS2, thinking in future fly that route and finish off on HS2 to central London (rather than Heathrow which is an expensive pain getting to central London quickly)? If so it's already a foot in the door for Easyjet!

This is one of the more ridiculous things I've read this morning.

HS2 is 20 years away. If ever.

Birmingham is not a busy airport. Glasgow is not a busy airport. They could get slots any time they like. And anyway, HS2 won't close airports in London and it's not like easyJet doesn't fly to London...

I really cannot fathom the thinking on this one.

They're flying it because they want to nip at Flybe' s heels who currently have a monopoly. I suspect they will go after the remedy slots Flybe has to surrender at CDG and AMS as part of the VS buy out.

 

[takno]

This is one of the more ridiculous things I've read this morning.

HS2 is 20 years away. If ever.

Birmingham is not a busy airport. Glasgow is not a busy airport. They could get slots any time they like. And anyway, HS2 won't close airports in London and it's not like easyJet doesn't fly to London...

I really cannot fathom the thinking on this one.

They're flying it because they want to nip at Flybe' s heels who currently have a monopoly. I suspect they will go after the remedy slots Flybe has to surrender at CDG and AMS as part of the VS buy out.

More importantly, the proposed journey is not even faster or more convenient than getting the train all the way is right now

 

[darloscott]

This is one of the more ridiculous things I've read this morning.

HS2 is 20 years away. If ever.

Birmingham is not a busy airport. Glasgow is not a busy airport. They could get slots any time they like. And anyway, HS2 won't close airports in London and it's not like easyJet doesn't fly to London...

I really cannot fathom the thinking on this one.

They're flying it because they want to nip at Flybe' s heels who currently have a monopoly. I suspect they will go after the remedy slots Flybe has to surrender at CDG and AMS as part of the VS buy out.

Suspect they’re looking at the future Flybe operation with domestic routes cut back as they move more to feeding long haul operations at Gatwick and Manchester. That will likely mean bases such as Birmingham will be cut back to the most profitable flying only.

 

[WestCoast]

Good news as this is a route I do have to use now and again, although I may well opt for the train over Flybe if I'm heading to the Birmingham area.

Excellent to have more choice but I find easyJet is actually rarely cheaper than the BA on Glasgow-Gatwick and I'm BA Silver so get a nice comfy lounge to wait in and the better seats included so it's not so compelling. As long as BA isn't on strike or their computers are kaputt, of course.

Suspect they’re looking at the future Flybe operation with domestic routes cut back as they move more to feeding long haul operations at Gatwick and Manchester. That will likely mean bases such as Birmingham will be cut back to the most profitable flying only.

Yes I suspect so, the only problem with easyJet is that on these short flights they won't fly as frequently as Flybe with their smaller Q400s which is an important factor for business trips. Flybe has its niche for a good reason but as we know they haven't been making money doing it so who knows what the future holds.

 

[atillathehunn]

Suspect they’re looking at the future Flybe operation with domestic routes cut back as they move more to feeding long haul operations at Gatwick and Manchester. That will likely mean bases such as Birmingham will be cut back to the most profitable flying only.

Well it will be interesting if this is true. Flybe have to surrender routes from BHX to AMS and CDG - I'm sure easyJet are after this. Given how little presence easyJet have at Birmingham perhaps these routes are part of them building up traffic for themselves. It's going to be quicker for them to grab slots at Glasgow than sorting out the slots at CDG and AMS.

However, I suspect easyJet won't be interested in most of Flybe's former domestic routes or bases. But yes, it seems Flybe is going back to core routes - niche domestic (Aberdeen - Manchester, for e.g.) and connections from the regions to the new masters' long haul routes. Which is likely a good financial decision.

 

[atillathehunn]

Good news as this is a route I do have to use now and again, although I may well opt for the train over Flybe if I'm heading to the Birmingham area.

Excellent to have more choice but I find easyJet is actually rarely cheaper than the BA on Glasgow-Gatwick and I'm BA Silver so get a nice comfy lounge to wait in and the better seats included so it's not so compelling. As long as BA isn't on strike or their computers are kaputt, of course.



Yes I suspect so, the only problem with easyJet is that on these short flights they won't fly as frequently as Flybe with their smaller Q400s which is an important factor for business trips. Flybe has its niche for a good reason but as we know they haven't been making money doing it so who knows what the future holds.

Looks like all change at the top of BA with CEO and COO being rumoured to be on the way out today.

Flybe will surely keep the frequency, but their total mess with the baggage sizes and charges may be off-putting for travellers.

 

[d9009alycidon]

Totally support this move! As a fairly regular user of this route I absolutely detest Flybe, noisy, uncomfortable, cramped propeller driven aircraft, staff surley and don't commnicate, punctuality so bad it is almost accepted that the evening flights will be late or cancelled. Don't get me wrong, Easyjet are no angels but they are much better than Flybe