[AMcWhirter]

Hello Marcus

Re: CityJet

Looks as though it might be sold to Germany’s Intro Aviation. Not sure what that will mean for the current code-sharing with AF-KL.

http://www.ch-aviation.ch/portal/news/19595-air-france-klm-likely-to-offload-cityjet-to-germanys-intro-aviation

[speedbird1456]

will it stop at shannon though because the ba is sooo easy just to walk through domestic

[MarcusUK]

Thanks Alex.

Recently between a few of us we have seen the citjet flghts between LCY-AMS chocker at all times of day. These are a mix of regular (economy paying) business passengers, and many leisure travellers connecting for long hauls. These are the same regular passengers. These are important SkyTeam Passengers.

Can we elicit any statement of intent about KLM keeping a service here?
I feel it would be great for their Cityhopper services, KLM Embraers.
It has become such a confusion with the slots and amalgamations of the VLM’s KLM’s, Citjets.
There is such a need for these flights on this route, especially taken out of feeding the hub at AMS. Can KLM give BT any indication their intent to keep a service, as otherwise BA will pick up this business easily.

There cannot be anything but a profitable route here to keep and an essential link for Schiphol, established for many years. It would be great to see those KLM Embraers flying into LCY and adding just a little more seat capacity on their route. It would be a solid and add to a sometimes weak traffic figure within Europe, again taking up KLM staff and aircraft of the European traffic statistics.

Any way we can elicit some re-assurance from KLM on this?

Cityet to CDG does not really feature as the AMS route, and simply does not operate as a hub feed in the same way. It should really be self PR presence for KLM in and out of LCY, and a smart plane fora smart option for long haul travel from the EU!

Thanks…

[andystock]

I would like to see KLM using the E Jets from LCY. If connecting via AMS ontonlong haul it can just be as quick as a direct flight from LHR.

Plane, Pass Immigration, Pick up Luggage and sitting on the DLR within 15 mins.

[brianba]

Its a clever plan for BA to land at Shannon on the LCY – JFK route sector, that way the passengers clear US Immigration in minutes in Ireland rather than wait in a queue for 3 hrs at JFK! Well done BA

[SwissExPat]

Having done the LCY to JFK with BA, I’d chose this route over the LHR offering manly due to the SNN pre clearence.

Also the cabin feels much less hurried than the 747/777 club offering.

[BigDog.]

The FT is now reporting the story so guess it may be more than just a paper airline….

….A group of former aviation and travel executives are founding a new airline dedicated solely to premium business travellers, with plans for the first flight from London to New York in 2016.

Odyssey is backed by veteran PE pioneer Jon Moulton and Adam Scott formerly of Goldman Sachs.
It has purchased 10 Bombardier CSeries whose combustion technology engines mean they can fly nonstop from London City Airport to New York.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/bombardier-hopes-c-series-testing-takes-off/article18293094/

http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/bombardier-in-2014-looks-to-be-a-big-year-for-both-cseries-and-q-series-153511

There will be 40 lie flat seats.

Future destinations will include key business centres across Europe, North America and the mid-East – within the 8 hour range.

Although Maxjet and SilverJet failed with similar ventures, Odyssey believes flying out of LCY with fast track, as opposed to Luton or Stanstead, and having lower overheads will protect them from the fuel and economic issues which killed-off Max and Silver Jet..

[LuganoPirate]

They may just have a chance at succeeding where others have failed thanks to basing themselves at LCY. I guess it will come down to price, convenience and status points – or rather lack of them!

[LeftAt2L]

The big difference here seems to be the availability of the right technology.

Previous attempts at the all-business class model (discounted like Maxjet/Silverjet or premium like EOS) have been a compromise on aircraft capacity, fuel efficiency or airport choice (in some cases all three). Even the BA A318 is a compromise because of performance from LCY.

The Bombardier C-Series looks as if it fits into the sweet spot. Low capacity tied to good medium- and long-haul capability out of short airfields like LCY.

It’s no coincidence that the all-J Class offers that have survived have been on smaller aircraft i.e. B737/A319 as opposed to B757 and B767. QR have recently added another to the mix and SK are alos planning something.

Premium passenger loads are growing and airlines are investing more and more in the J/F products. Just look at EY lately.

All in all, whilst Maxjet, Silverjet and EOS encountered a perfect storm (fuel price hikes, financial crisis, cabin downgrading etc) that unravelled their models, this airline looks as if it coming to market at the right time with favourable conditions and new technology (lower fuel and op costs) underpinning the offer.

It doesn’t look as barking mad as some might suggest and previous failures should be considered in context. They are also using crowdfunding as a new one of raising money http://www.crowdcube.com/forum-topics/odyssey-15419 ; this might have an unexpected upside if their investors also happen to be their main clients.

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