Leeds Bradford: EasyJet Flights, New Routes & Schedule Updates

[lbaspotter]

Looks like we might possibly losing another airline. Unless you know otherwise?

As I see Easyjet have released there winter 2017/18 flight schedule today but so far it dose not include the Geneva - Leeds/Bradford route for some reason.

 

[lbaspotter]

Easyjet update. Sadly just like Vueling its just had it confirmed on twitter by a tweet sent from Leeds/Bradford airport that Easyjet will not be returning to operate the Geneva route next winter 2017/18 season.

LeedsBradfordAirport‏ @LBIAirport
@rossbaileyleeds @AvAnalyst Easyjet flights to GVA will not operate in Winter 17/18. Six weekly flights with Jet2 will continue to fly.
1:12 PM - 23 Mar 2017

 

[a300boy]

More bad news ! will it ever end.

 

[cmj]

Can't imagine things getting any better when Brexit starts.

 

[lbaspotter]

Wonder now its confirmed that Easyjet are pulling out if Jet2 might add some extra capacity on its Leeds/Bradford - Geneva route for next winter 17/18 season, either by adding further flights to the schedule or by up-gauging its existing 6x weekly flights which are now on sale from B733 to B738 or B738 to B752?

Or might be potential for Monarch to enter the ski market once again from LBA?

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

After their last piss poor attempt at the ski routes i think Monarch should stick to what they know at LBA for now.

 

[a300boy]

I am worried Monarch will be next to pull out !
We are looking more like Liverpool with only two dominant airlines able to provide future expansion.
If you think more passengers through the door is the way forward and the only way to determine marketing success we are doing very well.
However the loss of so many airlines over the last few years is alarming and must be a source of disappointment to all involved.
We do not seem to be able to sustain new routes introduced by airlines other than the big two and this must raise questions for any new operators considering routes from Leeds.

 

[752]

I think to say we only have 2 dominant airlines is a bit unfair.. I got told Monarch have plans for LBA until at least 2022, my parents flew out with them to ALC on Sunday and there was 4 spare seats..! Bookings for 2017 are looking good for Monarch. Thomson as well have committed to a summer base at LBA and their flights always seem to perform well! yes it is a shame that EZY have pulled the route, but with prices low to GVA are they making any yield on the route? PAX figures are still on the rise and hopefully LBA management can pull something out of the bag..

 

[Britannia94]

Yes it's such a shame to see easyJet go, but instead of looking at what we've lost look at what we've still got or gained. Loganair are still staying with Leeds once there franchise with Flybe comes to an end, sure it might be a PSO route (correct me if I'm wrong but I think it is) but there sticking to the route, they could have easily discountinued the route. Yes we've gained more expansion from the main two carriers at LBA with jet2.com operating to 50 destinations with three new routes this summer. Some routes didn't work but that was down to either timings or the frequency of the route, take the SAS flights to Copenhagen this didn't survive long due to the frequency and timing. It was no good for a lot of people. Then we got the works being carried out on the terminal. Sure it isn't the big shiny new terminal we all want but any works that improve the customer experience at the airport is always a bonus. Now I am not trying to criticise anyone for being negative all I am saying is to try and be positive about what we still have. As for monarch, I can't see them going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[White Heather]

The reason given today for the loss of Geneva is: the snow conditions last winter were poor. This resulted in a significant drop in advance bookings over this winter - skiing fraternity waiting to see when the snow came. Sadly, at the time when it was needed most, if didn't come again. So the upturn in bookings didn't happen. This has impacted on all airports. The result of two poor snow winters in a row, coupled with the poor exchange rate ( courtesy of brexit), has resulted in a poor winter on the route and the lowest bookings that Easyjet have had in their 6 years operating. As a result they are consolidating back to their major bases. The good news is that Jet2 are indeed adding capacity which will cover the seat loss brought about by the loss of Easyjet.

 

[a300boy]

That is why we discuss news on here and any opinion is welcome ! we all have one !
I hope you are right about Monarch but the Caa licence debacle of last year has left me wondering what the future holds for them however I wish them all the best.
From my airline days we were told one or two aircraft bases were always vulnerable by our managers so lets hope sales are as good as you say and they are here for a long time.

 

[752]

Agreed a300boy! reports of monarch booking up 40% this year.. I have Monarch cabin crew friends at LBA and they frequently report loads back to me, all seem quite positive especially for winter! All I say is that everyone needs to back the airlines committed to LBA and not trek over the hill (unless you have to!) anyway back to EasyJet..

 

[Finger66]

Well here they are - the doom and gloom merchants have crawled out of the woodwork again! Yes it is a shame to see Easyjet go, but regardless of whether there was snow or not - if you get my drift (haha), Easyjet have never been that committed to LBA. Nothing has really changed with them on the route in 6 years. So yes I totally agree that let the airlines that are committed to LBA should be left to commit to LBA, even if that does leave a couple of dominant players. The positives for LBA continue to outnumber the negatives. One other thing to consider here is that Geneva is a winter route. Now which airline would be more likely to divert away from LBA, Easyjet or Jet2? Answers on a postcard to:
PO Box U2
Luton
PI55 0FF

 

[a300boy]

Jet 2 probably as the aircraft they have frequently cannot use the Cat 3 facilities for several different reasons and Easyjet seem to be able to do so with the A319 / A320.
Crosswinds are a problem for both airlines so very little difference there.
I strongly object to comments like crawled out of the woodwork being used if posters have an alternative view to yourself.
Not healthy to have two dominant airlines for competition and choice of destination reasons so I for one hope we can get some new operators very soon.
Will crawl back into the woodwork now.

 

[scottrhino]

I have to agree with finger66. EasyJet were around long before Jet 2 and had an opportunity to open up routes from Leeds and in 6 years have sat on their hands and run one route.

I'd like to see more operators but only those who can show commitment the other way. Most U.K. airports have dominant airlines, Doncaster with Flybe and Thomson, Exeter Flybe, Liverpool with easyJet and Ryanair and before anybody comments we cannot attract weird and wonderful airlines from the ex eastern block like Moldovan etc as we aren't big enough to sustain such an airline.

EasyJet could still have it their own way even now with city business flights but they don't seem bothered preferring to concentrate their efforts elsewhere. I for one want this to happen for the good of the airport and passengers but the airline has to offer equal commitment and a winter offering to one destination doesn't show commitment in my eyes!!

 

[scottrhino]

I have to agree with finger66. EasyJet were around long before Jet 2 and had an opportunity to open up routes from Leeds and in 6 years have sat on their hands and run one route.

I'd like to see more operators but only those who can show commitment the other way. Most U.K. airports have dominant airlines, Doncaster with Flybe and Thomson, Exeter Flybe, Liverpool with easyJet and Ryanair and before anybody comments we cannot attract weird and wonderful airlines from the ex eastern block like Moldovan etc as we aren't big enough to sustain such an airline.

EasyJet could still have it their own way even now with city business flights but they don't seem bothered preferring to concentrate their efforts elsewhere. I for one want this to happen for the good of the airport and passengers but the airline has to offer equal commitment and a winter offering to one destination doesn't show commitment in my eyes!!

 

[Finger66]

Fair comment a300boy but as you have pointed out previously we are all entitled to our views and opinions. However my point is that as soon as something negative happens it seems to almost be the end of the world for some people as they take the negativity to the nth degree. I am well aware you like your variety and for that U2 are a loss. Jet2 have done more for LBA than any other airline (exc perhaps BZ in their day) so anything that gives them more weight at LBA has to be a good thing. Not a big fan of playing at something. Do it properly or leave well alone. So on that basis I ain't gonna miss Easyjet. Have enough of them every day waiting ages for them to answer the phone whilst we have to listen to Human by The Killers! Good job their taste in music is up to scratch. Perhaps we should all look on the Mr Brightside!

 

[Finger66]

Fair comment a300boy but as you have pointed out previously we are all entitled to our views and opinions. However my point is that as soon as something negative happens it seems to almost be the end of the world for some people as they take the negativity to the nth degree. I am well aware you like your variety and for that U2 are a loss. Jet2 have done more for LBA than any other airline (exc perhaps BZ in their day) so anything that gives them more weight at LBA has to be a good thing. Not a big fan of playing at something. Do it properly or leave well alone. So on that basis I ain't gonna miss Easyjet. Have enough of them every day waiting ages for them to answer the phone whilst we have to listen to Human by The Killers! Good job their taste in music is up to scratch. Perhaps we should all look on the Mr Brightside!

 

[a300boy]

The proof of the pudding is I fly from Leeds as often as I can and use Jet 2 as a choice for both flights and inclusive holidays and have never had cause to complain.
Just like Vueling I was hoping for more to come from Easyjet and like most of the forums members would have hoped for this could have happened in the future.
How about Yorkshire staying in Europe with Scotland and getting Loganair to base a couple of Saab 2000s here to serve all the european destinations we need.

 

[White Heather]

I think it should be remembered that Easyjet pulling off the Geneva route next winter does not necessarily mean they will never re-introduce it if the market picks up. They have had 5 successful years on this route so haven't just pulled the plug after giving it a brief go, like they did at DSA. Nor does the loss of Geneva prevent Easyjet operating other routes from LBA in the future. Indeed, Tony Hallwood said only yesterday that he would be doing all he can to get them back to LBA in the future on other routes.