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Post by expressflight on Dec 6, 2013 11:39:02 GMT
I wouldn't read too much into the types that are shown on various routes for S14 at this stage. I don't think the lack of any announcement yet regarding possible new routes signifies anything one way or the other at present. I'm not suggesting there will definitely be additional routes; only that it's still a possibility.
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Post by tagron on Dec 7, 2013 0:41:48 GMT
I don't doubt there will be changes to the schedule, but the substantive point is that it is the ATR42s that are planned to remain in the fleet for S14. The original ATR72s are being withdrawn so far on a one-to-one basis as the new -600s are delivered.
According to information published elsewhere only three of the original ATR72s remain and one of these is planned to leave the fleet shortly. Unless they retain one or both of the remaining ATR72s (and I have no idea what is planned) the S14 fleet size will be the same as for S13. This does not appear to give much scope for a new SEN based operation given that they have already announced new DUB routes recently though presumably they could still source an extra SEN rotation.
They could still lease in extra capacity. They could also take up the options on the final two -600s though there must be a question over delivery timings for S14.
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Post by expressflight on Dec 7, 2013 8:24:17 GMT
My recent understanding was that the total fleet for S14 would comprise 14 aircraft.
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Post by Thames Gateway on Jan 27, 2014 18:46:19 GMT
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Post by EGMCfollower on Feb 8, 2014 18:19:39 GMT
Hearing rumours that the last ATR72-600 to be delivered to Aer Arann will be left all white and is to be based in the UK to form a new airline. No airport specifically mentioned, although common sense would suggest that SEN is the beneficiary with Stobart backing Aer Arann. Could this bring about new European routes?
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Post by jjc212 on Feb 8, 2014 20:10:33 GMT
If true (and I do emphasise the if!) it would be very exciting but also quite nerve racking! One does wonder what brand they would use, stobart air? The brand would need to be strong and heavily promoted locally as customers will have never heard of it. Unlike easyjet which has really helped them become the success they are at Southend.
I personally believe that there is potential for this venture to work if indeed it does go ahead. 72 seats should easily be sellable on key city destinations as easy jet have demonstrated a market exists to Belfast and Edinburgh, just maybe not a market that is big enough for an A319! The smaller number of seats could also mean that a double daily departure tis feasible on a route that requires it for business traffic (I'm thinking perhaps EDI when easyjet drop it in summer)
On the subject of potential routes, 4x departures a day from Southend can be expected in order to appropriatly utilise the aircraft. This could be made up of a 2x daily departure to a key uk city In the morning and evening and then two more departures to other short haul European or uk destinations - I wonder if this aircraft could be used to provide the 4th daily Dublin rotation that was discussed, maybe even operating via Carlisle?
Obviously it is all just speculation at the moment, but does anyone have any thoughts on potential routes?
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Post by EGMCfollower on Feb 8, 2014 20:30:25 GMT
I thought the idea was for Aer Arann to join up with another legacy carrier to operate European flights from SEN so Stobart Air would not become an airline. I still think something like Edinburgh and Belfast (BHD or BFS) could work from SEN as both attracted quite high numbers. There are also niche routes like the ones Join! wanted to operate such as Munster, Maastricht (soon to end from STN by Ryanair), Liege, any Benelux destination really, or perhaps Caen (which I thought was on the cards?). Of course Carlisle could be an option, but they need to develop the airport first before it can start to accept passenger flights.
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Post by expressflight on Feb 9, 2014 9:04:24 GMT
I would just make the point that if the ATR 600 rumour is true that doesn't necessarily mean that it would not be supplemented by, say, one of the existing ATR42s. That would open up a greater number of destinations for any "new" airline.
Interesting times is all I will say at this stage.
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Post by EGMCfollower on Feb 9, 2014 10:50:07 GMT
Yes quite right as for sure they would have to use an ATR42 on say the Carlisle route and some of the potential niche thinner routes (although when Carlisle will be operational is another matter). Very interesting if true.
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Post by EGMCfollower on Feb 21, 2014 11:40:04 GMT
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Post by aurigny72 on Feb 21, 2014 11:41:32 GMT
I have just read on flightglobal.com a advertisement for ATR-600 Captains for Aer Aranns new base at London Southend, so it looks like this will happening in the near future. Some good news at last.
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Post by expressflight on Feb 21, 2014 12:14:17 GMT
Yes it looks as if we may get confirmation quite soon. Makes the airport's recent reply to the new routes question look even more inexplicable.
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Post by wetlanding on Feb 21, 2014 12:27:17 GMT
Does this mean Aer Arann will partner or go it alone.
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Post by EGMCfollower on Feb 21, 2014 12:29:17 GMT
Contracts begin at end of March beginning of April, so better get a move on! And I still think they will partner up, but I guess we won't have to wait long to find out.
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Post by jjc212 on Feb 21, 2014 14:07:20 GMT
Interesting move, I wonder what desitnations this could open up, I'm personally hoping for the continuation of the EDI service as I have used it with easyjet and found it to be a useful link to the North of the UK.
This news might do something to explain the rather erratic (and limited - only 16 per week) number of flights currently loaded on the aer lingus booking engine for the Southend - Dublin route for this Summmer. Even though I know this aircraft has been roumoured to be used by another partner and not Aer Lingus does anyone think it is possible that it could do some flying on the SEN-DUB route? I have noticed some obvious gaps in the schedule that seem to have been left vacant almost on pourpose. Very exciting news none-the-less even if this isn't part of the plans.
I am surprised that they didn't decide to base an ATR-42 first off considering the lower economics of operating the aircraft which I would imagine to be important to what appears could be an unknown start-up operation. One hopes this operation is successful and well patronised so we see further expanison in the future!
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