Route Development & Rumours

[Jerry]

Interesting that Vuelling appear to have axed MAN-AMS, hope BHX-ORY goes ahead as planned ?

The Birmingham Paris market probably has less competition on it than the MAN-AMS. Isn't it only Flybe and Air France on CDG that's the only Paris route? Quick look at Skyscanner and there are only 7 fligths a day to Paris from BHX compared to 14 from MAN to AMS.

 

[Daza]

Birmingham Paris could do with some competition the prices on the BHX-CDG route can be sky high! AF/BE have the route sewn up between them.
Daza

 

[Ray Finkle]

Just a point Ray (great work btw) ...whilst we have lost daily AA / JFK Route, We have official gained U2 / EWR as a seasonal winter charter #justsaying

If I'd included it someone would have said that just 2 flights isn't worth it

C,mon Ray answer the question, however cryptically

I always prefer to hear something from an official source (too many 'nailed on' rumours seem to fall at the final hurdle), but, I'll be surprised if the new route count for 2017 stays at 52

We shall see

 

[Brum X]

Birmingham Paris could do with some competition the prices on the BHX-CDG route can be sky high! AF/BE have the route sewn up between them.
Daza

Indeed, BHX-Paris Orly should do really well for them hopefully.

 

[Ashley]

Vueling have also cancelled Edinburgh-Paris Orly flights.

 

[Daza]

BHX-ORY is still bookable and into winter 2017/8
Daza

 

[thunderchild]

I was hoping Vueling might have added Rome this summer but the way they've been cutting UK routes this week I'll settle for us escaping unscathed.

 

[MJH]

Seems the BHX route development team are working hard behind the scenes...m.chinadaily.com.cn/en/2017-02/21/content_28277866.htm

 

[Brum X]

Seems the BHX route development team are working hard behind the scenes...m.chinadaily.com.cn/en/2017-02/21/content_28277866.htm

Great to see

 

[Brum X]

I know Wikipedia is not 100% reliable but it wasnt there the other day.
Hainan Airlines (Charter) flights to Beijing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Airport

 

[IanFarquharson]

Wiki can be updated by anyone, so this is likely to be old news, saying that we normally hear about China services in March each year !

 

[andrew.clarkson]

Hi there ray and all, any up to date news on any new airline announcements at all, because two weeks from now will the end of the winter season, then spring and summer will be here... Andyc

 

[IanFarquharson]

Andy
Nothing at the moment but a couple of high profile events in the next two weeks which would be a ideal time to make an announcement.
We shall see.
Ian

 

[thunderchild]

http://www.therouteshop.com/profiles/birmingham-airport/

Pisa and Riga are the top two unserved European routes from BHX, Stockholm also features but I imagine this hasn't been updated since the Monarch announcement. I imagine Helsinki and Oslo are next in line.

Demonstrates all the good work that has been done at BHX - I remember when the likes of Madrid, Budapest, Lisbon, Prague and Warsaw were on that list.

Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Orlando, Las Vegas, LA and San Francisco lead the long hauls.

 

[Brum X]

Don't let Ray see Orlando, he will possibly go into a rage.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Pisa - looks ripe for Jet2, I really hope that they are looking at it.

Riga - I thought this could have been a great one for Wizz but with their comments about slowing UK growth I'm now not so sure. I don't suppose we'll see Ryanair on the route unless someone else starts it first

Las Vegas - Needs another long haul leisure carrier as we currently only have one and they don't fly there.

San Francisco and Los Angeles - Philadelphia failed as have attempts at a second New York. If huge East Coast hubs can't work are we to believe that West Coast direct will? I find it odd that these make the cut but Atlanta and Chicago do not?

Mumbai - Air India seem intent on the vast majority of long haul being out of Delhi so they are probably out of the frame and any expansion looks to be direct into ATQ. Vistara, Air Asia India and Scoot could all be options but not for a couple of years at least.

Hong Kong - Hong Kong Airlines were mentioned but obviously never materialised. They are part of HNA so after BCA who knows?

Bangkok - Nok Scoot would be the most likely option but I wouldn't hold my breath. No Singapore on the list?

Orlando - #$%@# @~#£=;£ ?"&#

 

[flymetothemoon]

Oh dear he really IS upset!!!

 

[Butty]

I think USA growth is unlikely until things settle down over there. I think Turkey will seriously drop off and routes could be lost if their President wins the referendum and has supreme power....in both instances I am being diplomatic.

Hopefully growth will move to Italy, always under served from BHX.

As for the far east, I had previously wished for Seoul and still do, but the headlines not favourable at the moment.

Unfortunately, strange times in world politics impact on travel, and flights to and from BHX, along with all other airports, are part of the price that is paid. Sad. Why can't people just get along?

 

[David_itl]

Mumbai - Air India seem intent on the vast majority of long haul being out of Delhi so they are probably out of the frame and any expansion looks to be direct into ATQ. Vistara, Air Asia India and Scoot could all be options but not for a couple of years at least.

Vistara on routesonline saying long-haul in a couple of years but the downside is they stated "European capitals". This terrible mindset that the provincial/regional/secondary cities (however you want to describe cities like Birmingham and Manchester) are incapable of producing decent returns still needs to be eradicated. Far better to be the number 1 airline operating a route rather than airline number 4 or 5 into the major route and having to discount heavily to get passengers on board.

 

[TM3]

I notice that Sydney is also on this list. Technically this is already served on a Qantas code through Emirates.

Obviously it would always require a stop somewhere. Is that possibly what they are looking at with some of these locations, Bangkok, Hong Kong or even San Fran of LA?

Qantas are trying to get approval for a JV arrangement on routes through North American with American so maybe this is a possibility if that goes through.