[BackOfThePlane]

@MarkivJ – Interesting stat about loads to SJC but really needs to be taken in tandem with average yields which, even with the recent downturn in the tech sector, are probably amongst the highest in BA’s long haul route network.

As ever, this is pure conjecture on my part and I have absolutely no inside knowledge to back up my comments.

[sparkyflier]

BOTP – I suspect you are right. A few months ago I did a search on San Diego and the prices in J on the non-stop flights were very high indeed and it was much cheaper on ba.com to flu via Phoenix or DFW and connect there.

There are some major firms based in San Diego but also I understand plenty of very wealthy retirees who want to travel. And earlier in this discussion last year I said I believe much of the demand for flying over the pond I believe is ex-USA and Canada versus UK/EU.

I wished BA used that second daily slot and aircraft for other routes such as BOG for example but at the same time know they cannot ignore the low hanging fruit in a proven market.

If BA had more A380s perhaps using this aircraft for a daily route might have been right sized – with demand for F there too.

[BackOfThePlane]

@sparkyflier – ok, but the previous post about low loads from @markivj (and my reply about high yields) was about San Jose, California? I’m sure that yields to San Diego are also healthy but I’m guessing SAN gets more leisure traffic than SJC.

[Olneyflyer]

I read today that Condor are launching flights to San Antonio in Texas for 2024. It does appear that Condor as well as the Lufthansa Group are really targeting the North Atlantic in 2024 which is BA’s bread and butter. It disappoints me that BA are not bringing in anything new for 2024 but actually contracting slightly with the loss of the SJC route. Yet it is happy using a lot of slots at Heathrow flying to bucket and spade locations. Gone are the days were Heathrow catered for the global business markets while Gatwick services the holiday routes. Its a lot more muddy in 2023. I appreciate accessing long haul aircraft is a major issue. I bet they wished they had kept a few of their refurbished B747’s now.

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Johnnyg

[MarkivJ]

I doubt the condor route to San Antonio will be very successful. I own rental homes there and can safely say it’s not going to give condor big yields. BA hopefully still stay out of that area for the next few years. They could instead freq to Austin if they wish to compete

[FDOS]

I would think BA would be well advised to focus on running a stable schedule, rather then expanding.

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sparkyflier, BackOfThePlane

[AndrewinHK]

A note on fleet expansion, BA just signed a long term lease for an additional 2x 787-10 and 2x A350-1000 from Griffin Global Asset Management, these are brand new aircraft and a new relationship for BA with this lessor.

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sparkyflier

[cwoodward]

These aircraft would have very costly to lease as both types are in very short supply to lease and much wanted at the moment.
This is why I believe that several major Asian airlines rumoured this year to be about to lease numerous aircraft as fleet replacements did not finally proceed and are refitting older frames.

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sparkyflier

[sparkyflier]

AndrewinHK – thank you for that. Do you know how long it will be before these 4 aircraft will be operational in the BA fleet?

[AndrewinHK]

@sparkyflier, I don’t know the timing unfortunately, hopefully more details forthcoming. Nevertheless good news for the business traveller, and some confidence from BA on the outlook. I’m flying BA on Thursday, hopefully a good club suite flight ahead!

[sparkyflier]

Indeed AndrewinHK, and good not just for business travellers, but all travellers- VFR and leisure. Nobody wants a cancelled flights meaning less time on holiday or with loved ones.
Guess you are now enjoying the award winning HK airport and ready to enjoy the Club Suite. Hope the crew look after you!

[AMcWhirter]

BA will increase its LHR-ORD service from two to three flights in summer 2024.

The third flight could be daily (no time to check schedules on every day of the week !).

The carrier has not yet told the media but Ba.com has the new schedules.

Looks as though they are effective from sometime in April (rather than from end March).

Ba.com does not display aircraft type for some of the flights on this route.

[MarkivJ]

So it’s one B777 and two 781s for ORD then, next year! Perhaps re-purposing the A380 for elsewhere.

[AndrewinHK]

@sparkflier many thanks, yes I had a very pleasant overnight flight to LHR, I must constantly just be lucky I never seem to have any real issues with BA or LHR. The crew were lovely, the club suite I really enjoy and slept very well, the flight was overbooked according to the crew, so clearly demand over this holiday period at least. E gates were working this morning, 5 minute wait for my bag (I was surprised). A shame HK reverts back to 2x 789 for the winter season.

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Olneyflyer

[sparkyflier]

AndrewinHK – off topic but would BA using 789 put you off flying those aircraft? Are you a Oneworld loyalist and look at QR/CX/AY etc on any potential trip over the winter? Or could try other options on Star or Skyteam?

On 789 I quite like the last window seats of each cabin in J, they face the bulkhead and have direct aisle access so you do not have to navigate getting over any neighbour’s legs.

[Author]

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