Aviation Discussion

[YorkshireBear]

You forgot to mention smoking on the planes and at the airport !!

Did you not like the "caledonian girls".......I wish they could all be...



BA still operate Embraers on some routes in the UK.

Not on any routes I'm likely to fly, by time I've got on plane at Manchester Airport the Leeds train would already be in King's Cross!

 

[WestCoast]

There was a time I really liked BA and I mostly flew domestic:

• Direct flights from Edinburgh to, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Dublin, Paris, Shetland, Southampton, Stornoway and Wick

Did I mention the free refreshments?

Have you flown the new version of Loganair recently? Sure they aren't the cheapest but they are as close to old fashioned BA style experience as I can remember. Checked bags are included with all fares, you can check in at online or at the airport your choice, you get a tea and biscuit onboard if your plane has a member of cabin crew who have very snazzy tartan uniform...

Not on any routes I'm likely to fly, by time I've got on plane at Manchester Airport the Leeds train would already be in King's Cross!

Plenty of options left for the Embraers, perhaps KLM out of Leeds/Bradford as well? I think Finnair also have them running to Helsinki from Manchester too.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Have you flown the new version of Loganair recently? Sure they aren't the cheapest but they are as close to old fashioned BA style experience as I can remember. Checked bags are included with all fares, you can check in at online or at the airport your choice, you get a tea and biscuit onboard if your plane has a member of cabin crew who have very snazzy tartan uniform...



Plenty of options left for the Embraers, perhaps KLM out of Leeds/Bradford as well? I think Finnair also have them running to Helsinki from Manchester too.

Love new loganair. Pleasure to fly with.

Forgot about finnair, New about KLM but can't think of anywhere I need to go with them. Whereas Mrs love Portugal. Think some of the German flights frpm manchester are Embraer now which is another bet as well.

 

[eoff]

Have you flown the new version of Loganair recently? Sure they aren't the cheapest but they are as close to old fashioned BA style experience as I can remember. Checked bags are included with all fares, you can check in at online or at the airport your choice, you get a tea and biscuit onboard if your plane has a member of cabin crew who have very snazzy tartan uniform...

I was completely put off Loganair by small planes and cabin bag allowance, they would be a nice choice for USA from Edinburgh via Dublin as I think you can clear US immigration in Dublin. On nearly all trips I take a backpack for laptop and medium sized camera that I'm not going to check in.
If things have changed I should consider them again.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Sure they aren't the cheapest but they are as close to old fashioned BA style experience as I can remember. Checked bags are included with all fares, you can check in at online or at the airport your choice, you get a tea and biscuit onboard

I've not had the pleasure of Loganair yet but t'missus has a few times to and from the island, including with The Toddler, both Loganair and BA CityFlyer and raves about them.

It's not just any biscuit, it's a Tunnock's Caramel Wafer!

I was completely put off Loganair by small planes and cabin bag allowance

Still relatively small planes, so hand luggage is limited, but you get inclusive hold luggage. You'd be grand with a laptop/camera bag. They'd no issues with a nappy bag which, as all parents know, has to be about the size of a house.

 

[Chester1]

I was completely put off Loganair by small planes and cabin bag allowance, they would be a nice choice for USA from Edinburgh via Dublin as I think you can clear US immigration in Dublin. On nearly all trips I take a backpack for laptop and medium sized camera that I'm not going to check in.
If things have changed I should consider them again.

I think its every US bound flight from Dublin and Shannon. Of course you need to make sure you have sufficient transit time. American Airlines has moved services to Heathrow Terminal 5 and lead to speculation that it is to prepare for US pre clearance there. Manchester's terminal 2 extension and modernisation is including provision for pre clearance but the airlines are unsure whether its worth extra paying for. I would guess that passing through US immigration and customs before take off will be even more appealing if Covid-19 tests have to be done as part of the process.

 

[gsnedders]

I think its every US bound flight from Dublin and Shannon. Of course you need to make sure you have sufficient transit time. American Airlines has moved services to Heathrow Terminal 5 and lead to speculation that it is to prepare for US pre clearance there. Manchester's terminal 2 extension and modernisation is including provision for pre clearance but the airlines are unsure whether its worth extra paying for. I would guess that passing through US immigration and customs before take off will be even more appealing if Covid-19 tests have to be done as part of the process.

I wouldn't read so much in the move to T5? As it is, we're seeing most (all?) of Oneworld consolidate in T5, which makes sense when T3 and T4 are both closed and operations are far from normal. If AA was to move to T5 permanently, it would imply more BA services move away from it, especially when the slot use rules come back into force.

 

[ValleyLines142]

Does anyone know what's happening with BA's G-ZBKN? (787-9). Its been parked up with the engine covered up for absolutely ages on the hangar at Heathrow, close to the Envoy Avenue bus stop. See it regularly when going past on the 285 bus.

 

[FrodshamJnct]

Does anyone know what's happening with BA's G-ZBKN? (787-9). Its been parked up with the engine covered up for absolutely ages on the hangar at Heathrow, close to the Envoy Avenue bus stop. See it regularly when going past on the 285 bus.

I think it’s due to premature wear issues with the Trent 1000 and waiting for replacements.

 

[Jamesrob637]

I think it’s due to premature wear issues with the Trent 1000 and waiting for replacements.

Get it out and bring back classic 747s

 

[ChiefPlanner]

For what it's worth - no 1 son did Gatwick - Palermo a week ago , on empty trains to the airport , a half closed down airport and a lightly loaded plane.

He did Palermo - Catania - Naples - Rome by train on decently loaded services . with affordable walk on fares. Never paid more than 50E for a journey.

I collected him from Stansted a few hours ago , a fully loaded inward Ryanair which was 20 early , and I was surprised how quite busy the European focused airport was , - so some people are travelling. Quite enjoyed people watching on arrivals.

 

[BananaRepublic]

I wouldn't read so much in the move to T5? As it is, we're seeing most (all?) of Oneworld consolidate in T5, which makes sense when T3 and T4 are both closed and operations are far from normal. If AA was to move to T5 permanently, it would imply more BA services move away from it, especially when the slot use rules come back into force.

Pre-COVID, T5 was already more than full and unable to handle all of BA’s services.
Over a number of years, they had to offload and move more and more services over to T3, which was far from ideal for the airline.

IAG partner, Iberia moved to T5 a few years ago, but it wasn’t possible to return any more BA services back from T3, or to bring Aer Lingus (also an IAG partner) over from T2.

If LHR services return to anything like the pre-COVID levels, there’s no way AA could be retained at T5, without inflicting serious damage to BA’s hub operation at the airport.

T5 desperately needs the proposed D gates built, which is supposed to be the plan when a much enlarged T2 Replaces T3.


z

 

[gsnedders]

Pre-COVID, T5 was already more than full and unable to handle all of BA’s services.
Over a number of years, they had to offload and move more and more services over to T3, which was far from ideal for the airline.

IAG partner, Iberia moved to T5 a few years ago, but it wasn’t possible to return any more BA services back from T3, or to bring Aer Lingus (also an IAG partner) over from T2.

If LHR services return to anything like the pre-COVID levels, there’s no way AA could be retained at T5, without inflicting serious damage to BA’s hub operation at the airport.

T5 desperately needs the proposed D gates built, which is supposed to be the plan when a much enlarged T2 Replaces T3.

It's not ideal from a BA point-of-view, no, but it's worthwhile remembering that from their financial point-of-view there's no difference between a BA transatlantic and an AA transatlantic: through the joint venture, they get the same money either way. As such, I wouldn't be totally surprised if we saw some further replanning of the joint-venture flights across both T3 and T5 in years to come (and note Aer Lingus aren't part of this, despite being part of IAG) to try and minimise the number of cross-terminal transfers (which, while painful, aren't diabolical except for passengers arriving from within the CTA who don't need to reclear security if they remain within T5).

Last I knew the plan for c. 2030 (i.e., what was then meant to be post third runway) was for a T5X to the west of T5A, providing a substantial increase of gates around the main building, and T5D was at this point unlikely to happen.

This all said, I don't think it's really clear what's going to happen in the coming years. Clearly all the airlines in T5 can't remain there as passenger numbers increase. There are unquestionably costs to being split across terminals, but for BA that's unavoidable. For Iberia I presume the use of T5 is justified due to passengers transiting onwards. For the other airlines, I believe many have far fewer passengers transiting. It's the joint venture (of BA, Iberia, AA, and Finnair) that really makes things interesting.

 

[FlambeGarlic14]

Does anyone know what's happening with BA's G-ZBKN? (787-9). Its been parked up with the engine covered up for absolutely ages on the hangar at Heathrow, close to the Envoy Avenue bus stop. See it regularly when going past on the 285 bus.

It’s now a year since it last flew!

 

[BananaRepublic]

.....Last I knew the plan for c. 2030 (i.e., what was then meant to be post third runway) was for a T5X to the west of T5A, providing a substantial increase of gates around the main building, and T5D was at this point unlikely to happen.....

The new terminal facilities included in the third runway proposal, involve a new terminal to the west of T5, arranged back to back, with T5. Although separate terminals, they are linked together airside, to create a large combined terminal complex.

The only new gates to the west of the current T5, would be those attached to the new terminal building.
The majority (most) of the new gates and parking stands associated with this new terminal, are proposed to be remotely located on the north side, between the current northerly runway (09L/27R) and the proposed new runway.

Under the Heathrow development plan, T3 would be removed and replaced by a much enlarged T2 with a large number of additional gates.
The plan results in what has been described as a “toast rack” layout, which adds two more satellite piers similar to T5B & T5C, located on the current T3 site, one of which would be an addition to T5 and the other associated with the expanded T2 complex.

What happens now, with no new 3rd runway and uncertainty over how a post- COVID-19 world will pan out, is unclear.
The new terminal and gates to the west of T5 will not be built without the new runway, but HAL still have an ambition to replace the sprawling and dated T3 with the planned development of T2 and the revamped and realigned central area.
If that goes ahead, T5 is likely to get its new gates.



z

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Does anyone know what's happening with BA's G-ZBKN? (787-9). Its been parked up with the engine covered up for absolutely ages on the hangar at Heathrow, close to the Envoy Avenue bus stop. See it regularly when going past on the 285 bus.

It’s now a year since it last flew!

It lives!! The transponder has just been switched on for the first time in ages and it's moving around ( under tug tow I should think ) within the technical block.

 

[Butts]

Love new loganair. Pleasure to fly with.

Forgot about finnair, New about KLM but can't think of anywhere I need to go with them. Whereas Mrs love Portugal. Think some of the German flights frpm manchester are Embraer now which is another bet as well.

Is there no free alcohol on Loganair ? If you are comparing it to the "old" BA there should be.

I have a few flights EDI-SOU and INV to BHX coming soon so at the prices they charge would hope for a tipple for my troubles.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Is there no free alcohol on Loganair ? If you are comparing it to the "old" BA there should be.

I have a few flights EDI-SOU and INV to BHX coming soon so at the prices they charge would hope for a tipple for my troubles.

I am not comparing to old BA really as only flew once as a child... Just in general I enjoy them.

No tipple im afraid.

 

[Butts]

I am not comparing to old BA really as only flew once as a child... Just in general I enjoy them.

No tipple im afraid.

Scottish Airline with no Malt's onboard - ludicrous - are they completely "dry" ?

 

[Tetchytyke]

Scottish Airline with no Malt's onboard - ludicrous - are they completely "dry" ?

They have booze available for sale I believe.

I also think they're still doing an on-board refreshments service despite Covid. A lot of airlines aren't.

 

[Butts]

They have booze available for sale I believe.

I also think they're still doing an on-board refreshments service despite Covid. A lot of airlines aren't.

BA (albeit in a limited freebie in cattle) and Easyjet both of which I have been on are. I believe Ryanair are as well.

Which Airlines are not ?

 

[Tetchytyke]

Which Airlines are not ?

AFAIK Aurigny aren't and, I'll be honest, I thought Easyjet still weren't

 

[FQTV]

AFAIK Aurigny aren't and, I'll be honest, I thought Easyjet still weren't

Aurigny might be almost, if not the only one in Europe that isn’t offering refreshments currently (though they are managing to sell duty free).

Most airlines have amended on board service to a greater or lesser extent, and BA has actually reintroduced basic complimentary food in Euro Traveller (domestic and short haul economy), with a cuplet of water.

In Club Europe (business), the meal service is chilled in a bag, with an apparently full beverage service.

easyJet, Ryanair et al are all offering in flight food and beverage, albeit from a reduced range compared to the pre-Covid menus.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Aurigny might be almost, if not the only one in Europe that isn’t offering refreshments currently (though they are managing to sell duty free).

Interesting to hear, thanks. As you can imagine, opportunities to fly anywhere from here have been limited recently!

 

[Butts]

Can't wait for my trips on Loganair (even without free booze) - looks like Mini Embraers 135/145 are on the cards for my journeys.

The tiny craft still pack a punch and make rail travel look so 19th Century......

Hopefully the pilot will take us up to it's maximum speed of Mach 0.78 or nearly 600mph as it leaves snailrail in it's wake. Talk about the Tortoise and the Hare

 

[FrodshamJnct]

Looks like Lufthansa are storing their remaining A380s and A340s and permanently decommissioning some A340s:

“In addition to the fleet changes already communicated, the following decisions have been made: After six Airbus A380s were finally taken out of service in the spring, the remaining eight A380s and ten A340-600s, which were previously intended for flight service, will be transferred to long-term storage and removed from planning. These aircraft will only be reactivated in the event of an unexpectedly rapid market recovery. In addition, the remaining seven Airbus A340-600s will be permanently decommissioned.”

Full link here.

 

[WestCoast]

Flew BA Glasgow - Heahrow and back on Sunday, A319 outbound and A320 returning, flights over 90% full both ways. From a short chat with the crew, lots of passengers seemed to be connecting on to holiday destinations in Greece on the outbound which are now served from Heathrow. I have to say of the three airlines I've flown post-covid (BA, easyJet, Ryanair), BA managed the process the best I think. The boarding routine announced very clearly with apologies made for no priority boarding, hand sanitsier provided on entry, crew firmly but politely reminding people the wear face coverings properly. The little goodie bag with crisps/biscuits and water is a nice touch. My Silver status has been extended so they always try to hold back the seat next to me, which was the case on the outbound but not on return.

T5 at Heathrow has certainly changed, not that busy but lots of leisure passengers it felt more like Gatwick used to. The service in the lounge is great now though - at seat service delivered to your seat via the app is such an improvement on the buffet!

I was mulling just switching everything over to easyJet for my trips down south, but I actually think I will continue with BA especially as I find Heathrow and City more convenient than Gatwick or Luton.

 

[daodao]

EasyJet is reported to be "hanging by a thread", according to the BBC - see article at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54303379

An airline union official says he believes that EasyJet is "hanging by a thread".
In a leaked recording obtained by BBC News, Martin Entwisle said the company was in a "really, really dire situation."
Mr Entwisle made the comment after a meeting with the airline's chief financial officer, Andrew Findlay.
EasyJet denies that Mr Entwisle's claims in the recording reflect what EasyJet or its finance officer said.

Will Sleazyjet suffer the same fate as Flymaybe? As a UK-based airline, IMO it is at much greater risk than its rivals Ryanair and Wizz Air, because of Brexit.

 

[philosopher]

EasyJet is reported to be "hanging by a thread", according to the BBC - see article at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54303379


Any comments?

Will Sleazyjet suffer the same fate as Flymaybe?

I am not really too surprised as I think it must be extremely challenging for any company to operate with a fraction of their normal revenue for at least a year.

I think it just highlights how crazy the situation is. If in 2019 you said to someone that you thought EasyJet may go bust in 2021, they would have looked at you as mad, however if this article is to be believed that now seems a genuine possibility.

 

[cactustwirly]

EasyJet is reported to be "hanging by a thread", according to the BBC - see article at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54303379


Will Sleazyjet suffer the same fate as Flymaybe? As a UK-based airline, IMO it is at much greater risk than its rivals Ryanair and Wizz Air, because of Brexit.

All airlines are at risk.
easyJet have got out of that, as they now have a Austrian subsidiary called easyJet Europe.