Leeds Bradford: General Airport Discussion & Updates

[The Pole]

Just a random observation but I think this is good to put into context LBA's winter program.. looking at EMA departures yesterday they had 2 Jet2 flights according to FR24 and their website, looking at it today, they have 12, LBA nearly has triple that. Ryanair operating considerably more today and tomorrow here then EMA. (obviously EMA has many cargo movements)

very interesting, could LBA catch EMA up once the terminal extension opens?

Also strengthens the argument what on earth can DSA offer in winter?

Dont mention DSA on her you'll get a red card!

Dont mention DSA on her you'll get a red card!

Here, I must learn to proof read! Or type and look at what I am typing!

 

[Aviador]

So long as what you are discussing is related to the forum you are discussing it on then you're not going to receive a "red card".

 

[BCFC]

So which aircraft could reach Florida, Caribbean, Mexico,from LBA?

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

EMA runway shuts during the day @alpha.alpha hence no flying on Tuesday or Wednesday or minimal.

Jet2’s make up of departures is mixed. LBA has more city breaks, ski route on Thursday, has more frequent flights to Spain, compared to EMA which is primarily leisure.

EMA AGA not operating yet. LBA AGA operating.

Ryanair haven’t they fallen out with EMA?

 

[Jerry]

So which aircraft could reach Florida, Caribbean, Mexico,from LBA?

The only potential option would the 787.

 

[BCFC]

The only potential option would the 787.

So TUI is the only option then at the moment. They don't like LBA though.

 

[dmrodgers]

So TUI is the only option then at the moment. They don't like LBA though.

Would this be with a reduced payload from LBA as Boeing are quoting 8500ft as the ideal length for a fully loaded 797-800 but depending on the conditions it could possibly operate out of airports with 7500ft, both greater than we can currently offer.

 

[Aviador]

So which aircraft could reach Florida, Caribbean, Mexico,from LBA?

The same aircraft that reaches or has reached those destinations from BRS and LBA in the past. We know aircraft like the Boeing 787, the A330Neo and potentially the A350 have the ability to reach these destinations from LBA with a maximum passenger load and sufficient fuel.

 

[Jerry]

So TUI is the only option then at the moment. They don't like LBA though.

And they seem to be rolling back on long haul a bit as well.
Unfortunately I don't want to be negative here but long haul from LeedsBradford especially to the west is a bit of a pipe dream and just a not realistic goal. Focus long haul wise should be on more European hubs and hub airlines.

 

[HX3]

Long haul inclusive tour from anywhere in the UK is pretty limited, compared to pre-covid. Tui only recently announced they will drop Costa Rica and St Lucia from Gatwick.

Mid-haul is seen as more lucrative and Gambia, Egypt, Cape Verde and anything up to 6 hours is totally doable from LBA. This also works for operators as they can be done with the same crew and on smaller aircraft, which gives flexibility across the regions. Hopefully Jet2 will explore these routes in the future.

 

[752]

EMA runway shuts during the day @alpha.alpha hence no flying on Tuesday or Wednesday or minimal.

Jet2’s make up of departures is mixed. LBA has more city breaks, ski route on Thursday, has more frequent flights to Spain, compared to EMA which is primarily leisure.

EMA AGA not operating yet. LBA AGA operating.

Ryanair haven’t they fallen out with EMA?

I know it does, but long sectors to the canaries you would have thought Ryanair might offer a service or two. Even a morning / evening DUB before/after the closure.

 

[Aviador]

And they seem to be rolling back on long haul a bit as well.
Unfortunately I don't want to be negative here but long haul from LeedsBradford especially to the west is a bit of a pipe dream and just a not realistic goal. Focus long haul wise should be on more European hubs and hub airlines.

I don't agree. We absolutely know the task involved and what is achievable. When talking long haul from Leeds, we're not taking about multiple daily flights to the likes of Las Vagas, Los Angeles and Atlanta. There is a sense of realism here and we know what is realistically achievable. Perhaps the odd flight to Orlando, Mexico and the Caribbean. I don't know why you think it's a pipe dream. Those along with destinations such as Dubai and Doha to the East are natural places the airport can and should look to expand to if it is to reach its full potential.

 

[Jerry]

There is a sense of realism here and we know what is realistically achievable. Perhaps the odd flight to Orlando, Mexico and the Caribbean. I don't know why you think it's a pipe dream.

Because the reality is that the only airline who operates those sorts of routes from regional airports is TUI. They have a pretty decent operation at Manchester that covers those routes. The other option is P&O cruises to Barbados in the winter but why hasn't P&O operated from LeedsBradford already? Terminal restrictions wouldn't apply in winter. Going East is different especially as they're hub airlines and not just relying on a specific market and of course there's a big Asian population on the doorstep but again the airlines have significant operations at Manchester.
I know long haul is considered the ultimate goal for many regional airports but I think it there just needs to be a realism. A more realistic target for an airport like LeedsBradford as someone pointed out would be more medium haul routes and European hubs and cities.

 

[JRP]

Dunno if this has been posted elsewhere but a really good watch

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

I know it does, but long sectors to the canaries you would have thought Ryanair might offer a service or two. Even a morning / evening DUB before/after the closure.

Impossible with Ryanair’s tight turn arounds. A canary island is what 9 hours at best so can’t depart at 930 as runways shut, can’t depart earlier as runway for arrival is… shut.

As for Dublin why take the risk? All it takes is a delay here and there suddenly Ryanair have an aircraft out of base, crew out of hours, cancelled flight or diverted eating into any profit a Dublin would bring.

Ryanair are been risk averse. Well done to them.

 

[White Heather]

Because the reality is that the only airline who operates those sorts of routes from regional airports is TUI. They have a pretty decent operation at Manchester that covers those routes. The other option is P&O cruises to Barbados in the winter but why hasn't P&O operated from LeedsBradford already? Terminal restrictions wouldn't apply in winter. Going East is different especially as they're hub airlines and not just relying on a specific market and of course there's a big Asian population on the doorstep but again the airlines have significant operations at Manchester.
I know long haul is considered the ultimate goal for many regional airports but I think it there just needs to be a realism. A more realistic target for an airport like LeedsBradford as someone pointed out would be more medium haul routes and European hubs and cities.

Actually, P&O have operated to Bridgetown Barbados in the past , but on Britannia 767s - at a time when Britannia were happy to base at LBA (although Bridgetown flights were not on the based aircraft) and before they (in their new guuse as TUi) were enticed to DSA by the subsidies on offer.

Clearly, TUi seem unlikely to ever operate such routes from LBA and at present Jet2 aren't interested. Even if they did long haul, there's no guarantee they would operate from anywhere other than MAN, STN and BHX. Maybe GLA.

But, LBA do seem confident of flights across the Atlantic post 2026, but they're targeting scheduled rather than IT flights and have even indicated airlines who are 'interested' - which clearly is confidential. It may never happen, but LBA management are clearly not giving up on the possibility.

 

[Jerry]

But, LBA do seem confident of flights across the Atlantic post 2026, but they're targeting scheduled rather than IT flights and have even indicated airlines who are 'interested' - which clearly is confidential. It may never happen, but LBA management are clearly not giving up on the possibility.

That's interesting I'd be surprised if any were mainline 🇺🇸 carrier's as they don't even operate outside of London in England.

 

[Len Fish]

Well there’s always IPS Airways!

 

[gulftraveller]

But, LBA do seem confident of flights across the Atlantic post 2026, but they're targeting scheduled rather than IT flights and have even indicated airlines who are 'interested' - which clearly is confidential. It may never happen, but LBA management are clearly not giving up on the possibility.

Sounds like very wishful thinking, maybe a claim to justify repeated jollies to the US for key personnel. If the pound ever surges against the dollar, US airlines will return but LBA would be a long way down the priority list: there is a limit to the number of A321XLRs United will operate.

 

[White Heather]

Dunno if this has been posted elsewhere but a really good watch

What a brilliant watch. An hour well spent. Thanks for posting.

Anyone who calls themselves a supporter of LBA needs to watch this. It will enable you to get to know what our CEO is about, and what he's doing to give us a seriously good airport over time. It will also confirm quite a few things I've reported from Consultative Meetings in case anyone thinks I make half of it up.

I came away from watching even more convinced that LBA is at last in good hands. The future is bright. Maybe the future is orange too!