[PA_Flyer]

As a Manchester based passenger, this is another disappointing BA decision. Its only a few years since BA offered a large European schedule direct from MAN. Flybe took up some of the slack on these regional routes but some were lost. Wonder how long the Billund and Sunwing Swedish Service will last? The reduction of frequency has made the MAN-LGW service even less attractive utilising ageing Boeing 737-400 aircraft. No one connecting at LGW wants to be forced to wait 4-5 hours. After Jet2 pulled out from the MAN-LGW domestic market, BA has had a free hand to make the most from the lack of competition. Clearly BA do not really consider the fare paying passenger as its priority. Maybe Virgin or Flybe can add an alternative domestic service from Manchester to LGW as well as LHR from March 2013. BAA Heathrow does not support a fast link between LHR & LGW so where does the regional flyer to LGW go from here. On the train I guess. Come back Dan Air – all is forgiven.

[Shearer]

Maybe Virgin or Flybe can add an alternative domestic service from Manchester to LGW

Is it just me or has FlyBe been rather unsuccessful at Gatwick?
Or am I being harsh and they are actually trying new routes speculatively?

[sparkyflier]

Jasonltf! you said two new short haul routes will be announced today. Any ideas which destinations they will be?

Montpellier, Seville & Valencia are underserved and would be interesting if you are not into Ryanscare or Easyjet.

[Jasonltd1]

Sorry the announcement is 1st Nov. None of the above 🙁

[openfly]

This summer BA were over-committed to the Gatwick operation. The aircraft were being asked to do a very heavy schedule. With the dubious serviceability of the ageing 737 fleet, this summer has proved very expensive in the use of Titan wet-charters as the 737s fell by the wayside. By ceasing the MAN route it eases the heavy workload and thereby releases the equivalent of 1.5 hulls. A sensible solution to keeping the LGW BA short-haul operation viable and reducing costs.

[Author]

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