kxngb wrote:

With AA and EK pulling out, alongside route culling. Any positive news for EDI moving into 2021?

kxngb wrote:

With AA and EK pulling out, alongside route culling. Any positive news for EDI moving into 2021?

CWL757 wrote:

kxngb wrote:

With AA and EK pulling out, alongside route culling. Any positive news for EDI moving into 2021?

AA is still flying to PHL this year.

digitalcloud wrote:

kxngb wrote:

With AA and EK pulling out, alongside route culling. Any positive news for EDI moving into 2021?

AC to move to mainline with 4x weekly 737 MAX service from June.

by738 wrote:

CWL757 wrote:

kxngb wrote:

With AA and EK pulling out, alongside route culling. Any positive news for EDI moving into 2021?

AA is still flying to PHL this year.

Think its been culled back further so will be interesting to see if it does show up. A 787 even before C19 was a big plane to fill.

kxngb wrote:

Yes the 787 is indeed a big plane to fill but I had heard that the PHL flight from EDI serves a few contracts hence the upgrade to EDI. Which is good news for us consumers

digitalcloud wrote:

kxngb wrote:

Yes the 787 is indeed a big plane to fill but I had heard that the PHL flight from EDI serves a few contracts hence the upgrade to EDI. Which is good news for us consumers

The upgauge is due to the 757 being retired.

kxngb wrote:

certain local media outlets reporting that the airport was closed this morning due an icy runway. Surprised EDI wasn't prepared for this as it has never really been an issue in the past?

Passenger numbers at Edinburgh Airport last year dropped to their lowest level since 1995, according to new figures.

In 2019 a record 15 million people used the airport but that dropped to just under 3.5million last year.

The majority of those travelled before the pandemic hit in March.

Gordon Dewar, the chief executive of the airport, said the fall in passenger numbers due to Covid-19 was "worrying" and warned there was "no clear path to recovery".

The Scottish government says it has extended non-domestic rates relief for the sector and is working with airports on recovery.

by738 wrote:

June seems ambitious for a launch of this type of service... Hasn’t Riga from Scotland been tried by various before even in better times? Seems like a nice carrier though.

An eleven-acre solar farm is to be constructed on Edinburgh Airport’s airfield as the airport publishes its sustainability strategy, Greater Good. The announcement and strategy comes on the same day as the airport confirms carbon neutral status for emissions under its direct control, demonstrating its commitment to a more sustainable future. The solar farm, the first of its kind at a Scottish airport, will provide 26% of the airport’s energy needs and construction is due to begin later this year. The facility is expected to be operational next summer and has been supported by Scottish Government funding of £2 million. The project is one element of the airport’s new sustainability strategy, Greater Good, which sets out how the airport will work towards being more sustainable now and in the future. An important characteristic of the strategy is the fact that a sustainable future depends on not only reducing environmental impacts, such as carbon, but also how the airport manages and enhances its social and economic impacts The Greater Good strategy focuses on four key pillars to achieve a sustainable future for the airport

Zero Carbon – working in partnership to improve our approach to climate change

Enhancing Scotland – creating an airport to showcase the best of Scotland whilst delivering the best passenger experience possible

Scotland’s Best Business – as a hub and facilitator industry, we will work with our people, passengers and partners to create a business with integrity

Trusted Neighbour – working with our neighbouring communities we will share the benefits of sustainable growth with them and mitigate any negative impacts

The strategy has a number of targets within it, such as such as achieving carbon neutrality for direct emissions by 2024, establishing a campus wide sustainability standard as well as a Cleaner Engine Standard. The Greater Good strategy also takes into account some of the work already being carried out at the airport, such as purchasing 100% renewable electricity since 2018, diverting all waste from landfill, paying all staff the Real Living Wage and our commitment to the Modern Slavery Act.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “Our sustainability strategy is about more than just carbon; it’s about making our business, Scotland’s gateway to the world, sustainable and a social and economic asset that serves future generations. To do that, we have to carefully consider our impact on the environment and act accordingly. Our operations are already carbon neutral and while we are proud of that, we know there is more to do for the greater good of Scotland. “For an island economy, travel is an important reality and we need to have a sensible conversation about how to balance the desire and need to travel – whether to see family or do business - in the wake of the pandemic and making our industry cleaner and greener. It’s a challenge for all sectors but particularly for ours. “Aviation is a force for good in Scotland. It’s a significant employer and it directly supports tourism, our universities, business and culture, making a major contribution to the economy. “A sustainable future is what we all want and in the year that COP26 comes to Scotland we all have a duty to set out our plans to tackle emissions. We’re excited to get started on that path with the ambitious actions and targets set out in Greater Good.” On the construction of the solar farm, Gordon added: “We are excited to be the UK’s first airport to construct a solar farm on an airfield. Some may doubt the power of sun in Scotland, but our solar farm will deliver around 26% of our energy needs and allow us to deliver energy back into the grid when we produce more than we need. “This project illustrates our commitment to making environmental improvements and is something passengers will actually be able to see as they arrive or depart. We want to be a leading voice and advocate for a new and improved approach. We will continue to identify opportunities to help us move towards our goals because we know Greater Good will evolve with the climate landscape.”

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey said: “I’m delighted to learn of the heartening efforts of Edinburgh Airport to reduce their emissions. “The solar farm, in particular, illustrates how Government and the aviation industry can work together to help achieve Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets. “Together, we can look to create a future in which we enjoy the social and economic benefits of air travel without having an impact on the environment.”

Airline EasyJet will not go ahead with new routes connecting Manchester to Edinburgh and Aberdeen after a recent travel ban by the Scottish government.

The ban on non-essential travel between Scotland and Manchester and Salford came into force on Monday because of concern over rising Covid rates.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is due to hold talks with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon later.

Mr Burnham said he would be seeking a "political route" to end the dispute.

Posting on Twitter, he said the news from EasyJet showed the ban was having a "real impact on Greater Manchester," adding: "Our concerns are genuine."

The Manchester-Edinburgh route, due to take just 65 minutes, was being introduced to replace a service lost when Flybe ceased operations in March 2020.

Breathe wrote:

So easyjet have cancelled the MAN flights before they have even started because of the Scottish Gov. restrictions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-m ... r-57585295

Airline EasyJet will not go ahead with new routes connecting Manchester to Edinburgh and Aberdeen after a recent travel ban by the Scottish government.

The ban on non-essential travel between Scotland and Manchester and Salford came into force on Monday because of concern over rising Covid rates.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is due to hold talks with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon later.

Mr Burnham said he would be seeking a "political route" to end the dispute.

Posting on Twitter, he said the news from EasyJet showed the ban was having a "real impact on Greater Manchester," adding: "Our concerns are genuine."

The Manchester-Edinburgh route, due to take just 65 minutes, was being introduced to replace a service lost when Flybe ceased operations in March 2020.

Breathe wrote:

Solar farm to be built at the airport:

https://corporate.edinburghairport.com/ ... ble-future

An eleven-acre solar farm is to be constructed on Edinburgh Airport’s airfield as the airport publishes its sustainability strategy, Greater Good. The announcement and strategy comes on the same day as the airport confirms carbon neutral status for emissions under its direct control, demonstrating its commitment to a more sustainable future. The solar farm, the first of its kind at a Scottish airport, will provide 26% of the airport’s energy needs and construction is due to begin later this year. The facility is expected to be operational next summer and has been supported by Scottish Government funding of £2 million. The project is one element of the airport’s new sustainability strategy, Greater Good, which sets out how the airport will work towards being more sustainable now and in the future. An important characteristic of the strategy is the fact that a sustainable future depends on not only reducing environmental impacts, such as carbon, but also how the airport manages and enhances its social and economic impacts The Greater Good strategy focuses on four key pillars to achieve a sustainable future for the airport

Zero Carbon – working in partnership to improve our approach to climate change

Enhancing Scotland – creating an airport to showcase the best of Scotland whilst delivering the best passenger experience possible

Scotland’s Best Business – as a hub and facilitator industry, we will work with our people, passengers and partners to create a business with integrity

Trusted Neighbour – working with our neighbouring communities we will share the benefits of sustainable growth with them and mitigate any negative impacts

The strategy has a number of targets within it, such as such as achieving carbon neutrality for direct emissions by 2024, establishing a campus wide sustainability standard as well as a Cleaner Engine Standard. The Greater Good strategy also takes into account some of the work already being carried out at the airport, such as purchasing 100% renewable electricity since 2018, diverting all waste from landfill, paying all staff the Real Living Wage and our commitment to the Modern Slavery Act.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “Our sustainability strategy is about more than just carbon; it’s about making our business, Scotland’s gateway to the world, sustainable and a social and economic asset that serves future generations. To do that, we have to carefully consider our impact on the environment and act accordingly. Our operations are already carbon neutral and while we are proud of that, we know there is more to do for the greater good of Scotland. “For an island economy, travel is an important reality and we need to have a sensible conversation about how to balance the desire and need to travel – whether to see family or do business - in the wake of the pandemic and making our industry cleaner and greener. It’s a challenge for all sectors but particularly for ours. “Aviation is a force for good in Scotland. It’s a significant employer and it directly supports tourism, our universities, business and culture, making a major contribution to the economy. “A sustainable future is what we all want and in the year that COP26 comes to Scotland we all have a duty to set out our plans to tackle emissions. We’re excited to get started on that path with the ambitious actions and targets set out in Greater Good.” On the construction of the solar farm, Gordon added: “We are excited to be the UK’s first airport to construct a solar farm on an airfield. Some may doubt the power of sun in Scotland, but our solar farm will deliver around 26% of our energy needs and allow us to deliver energy back into the grid when we produce more than we need. “This project illustrates our commitment to making environmental improvements and is something passengers will actually be able to see as they arrive or depart. We want to be a leading voice and advocate for a new and improved approach. We will continue to identify opportunities to help us move towards our goals because we know Greater Good will evolve with the climate landscape.”

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey said: “I’m delighted to learn of the heartening efforts of Edinburgh Airport to reduce their emissions. “The solar farm, in particular, illustrates how Government and the aviation industry can work together to help achieve Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets. “Together, we can look to create a future in which we enjoy the social and economic benefits of air travel without having an impact on the environment.”

Travel operator TUI is closing down its aircraft base at Edinburgh Airport.

The travel operator say any holidays booked from the airport before summer 2022 will still go ahead as normal, subject to government guidelines.

The airline said that it has been a “difficult decision to remove aircraft based at Edinburgh Airport” from next Autumn, but hope it will help “protect” TUI in the long run.

TUI told Edinburgh Live that while there will no longer be an aircraft base at Edinburgh Airport, locals will still be able to book package holidays from the capital.

The airline is looking at either using other airlines on their Edinburgh package deals or flying in aircraft from other airports to pick Edinburgh passengers up.

by738 wrote:

That's a shame. Although they've never shown a huge amount of interest in expansion there. Kind of puts paid to anything like that now. Not sure the equivalent LoCo provision they'll use will have the same integrated holiday feel, but I'm guessing out of the single 737 summer only bases, EDI was chosen as some other operators could take up the slack. Wonder if everything will consolidate at GLA now as think ABZ gone also and whether those 4 week Florida's high summer will ever return.

JannEejit wrote:

by738 wrote:

That's a shame. Although they've never shown a huge amount of interest in expansion there. Kind of puts paid to anything like that now. Not sure the equivalent LoCo provision they'll use will have the same integrated holiday feel, but I'm guessing out of the single 737 summer only bases, EDI was chosen as some other operators could take up the slack. Wonder if everything will consolidate at GLA now as think ABZ gone also and whether those 4 week Florida's high summer will ever return.

I read rumours earlier they might not return to Scottish ops at all, including GLA It seems far fetched when pent up holiday demand is clearly there and we seem to be finally coming through the worst of Covid-19. I guess service stations on the M6 could be the big winners here.

marcogr12 wrote:

JannEejit wrote:

by738 wrote:

That's a shame. Although they've never shown a huge amount of interest in expansion there. Kind of puts paid to anything like that now. Not sure the equivalent LoCo provision they'll use will have the same integrated holiday feel, but I'm guessing out of the single 737 summer only bases, EDI was chosen as some other operators could take up the slack. Wonder if everything will consolidate at GLA now as think ABZ gone also and whether those 4 week Florida's high summer will ever return.

I read rumours earlier they might not return to Scottish ops at all, including GLA It seems far fetched when pent up holiday demand is clearly there and we seem to be finally coming through the worst of Covid-19. I guess service stations on the M6 could be the big winners here.

With the Delta variant and colombian one spreading gradually around Europe again, the worst is anything but over..UK and Portugal are the worst hit right now and it's only beginning of July

JannEejit wrote:

Update: Now hearing Tui will consolidate Scottish services at GLA. Source: The local grapevine.

kxngb wrote:

We need a seasonal direct service to Orlando from EDI. It is one big unserved market where an airline can make the dosh! Im eyeing up Delta on this one.

by738 wrote:

kxngb wrote:

We need a seasonal direct service to Orlando from EDI. It is one big unserved market where an airline can make the dosh! Im eyeing up Delta on this one.

Very unlikely. Peak seasonal only, would pull from any JFK ops and they don’t operate anything similar, like, anywhere.
TUI w-pattern Florida may still operate and is only hope for this IMO.

kxngb wrote:

We need a seasonal direct service to Orlando from EDI. It is one big unserved market where an airline can make the dosh! Im eyeing up Delta on this one.

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s premier carriers, will set up home in Edinburgh later this year, offering direct flights to Barbados and Orlando.

The flight to Barbados will be Scotland’s only direct service to the Caribbean and will launch on 5 December 2021. Flights to Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, will launch on 30 March 2022.

It’s the first time Virgin Atlantic has flown international flights from the Scottish capital in its 37-year history, and the new Caribbean flights will operate twice weekly on an Airbus A330. The Orlando flights will also be twice weekly, operating on an Airbus A330-200.

The new routes offer travellers from Scotland to chance to holiday in the Caribbean, with seamless onward connections from Barbados to Grenada, St Vincent and Tobago thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s connecting flights, alongside flights with Virgin Atlantic’s interline partner, Caribbean Airlines.

The flights to Orlando will also be a huge draw for families looking to experience the world-famous theme parks, stunning beaches and various sporting events in the city and wider Florida.

Virgin Atlantic’s cargo offering will also be an advantage to firms looking to export goods from Scotland to the Caribbean and the USA. It comes as Edinburgh Airport continues to focus on growing its cargo operation to help meet the Scottish Government’s exports targets and contribute to its plan for a more sustainable future for aviation in Scotland.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:

“A premier city like Edinburgh deserves premier airlines and we are extremely excited to welcome our newest partner Virgin Atlantic to Scotland’s capital city.

“To be able to deliver flights to Barbados, Scotland’s only direct route to the Caribbean, and Orlando is a fantastic boost to us as we prepare for the post-Covid recovery, and it is a huge show of confidence in Edinburgh Airport’s ability to deliver for passengers across the country.

“We look forward to the new routes launching and watching passengers head off on the holiday of a lifetime from Edinburgh Airport with Virgin Atlantic.”

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“Commencing international flights from Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for Virgin Atlantic and we couldn’t be happier to be flying from a new home in Scotland. I know our teams are itching to show Edinburgh the Virgin Atlantic spirit and flair we’re famous for.

“Our two new routes provide an array of holiday options to suit everyone. From family fun and the thrills of Orlando’s theme parks to the stunning beaches and chilled out vibes in Barbados, we’re confident there’s something to love for all of our Scottish customers.”

Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said:

“I welcome this news of Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to Scotland, and the launch of their new service to Barbados from Edinburgh. It is encouraging to see airlines develop their connectivity to Scotland at this time and I am sure this news will be welcomed by passengers.”

Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said:

“Safely returning to transatlantic international flights is our continuing goal and today’s announcement by our longtime partner Virgin Atlantic, offering service to Edinburgh, Scotland is a step in that direction.

“From visiting historic castles to world-class golf and seafood Edinburgh offers countless opportunities for business and leisure travel.”

Background

Fares start from as little as £419 and customers on the Barbados route will be able to choose to fly in one of three cabins on the A330, including the luxurious Upper Class, which offers an exclusive bar area and fully flat beds, or Premium, where customers can enjoy a 38” seat pitch, welcome drinks and fine dining.

Virgin Atlantic will be joining its joint venture partner, Delta Air Lines, at its new home in Scotland. Delta currently flies to both New York and Boston from the Scottish capital, with additional partners Air France KLM operating services to both Paris and Amsterdam.

In January, Edinburgh Airport applied to Edinburgh City Council’s planning department for permission to construct a new access road and ‘active travel route’ running north-west to south-east between terminal one and the Gogar Roundabout on the A8 dual carriageway.

The current access road to the airport is in poor condition, and pre-pandemic the route was frequently congested with heavy traffic at peak times.

First discussed several years ago, the proposed new road was intended to to reduce congestion on the current airport road and be fully “accessible to general traffic”.

A planning statement, submitted by George Street-based planning consultants, Lichfields, reads: “This preferred alignment removes the need for a substantial amount of dual carriageway road and is significantly less environmentally sensitive as a result of both this reduced carriageway size requirement and location away from the site’s most sensitive receptors – Gogar Burn, Gogar Mains and Gogar Castle.

“Under this option only the small section of road from the southern junction where a connection would be made for International Business Gateway (IBG) traffic would need to be dualled (approximately 0.25km).

“A further advantage of splitting the airport traffic from IBG traffic earlier is that the road to the airport will require less junctions and bus stops and therefore the journey times to the Eastern Terminus will be as short as possible for public and private transport.

“This is important if users are to be persuaded that it is worthwhile taking this route to the airport rather than continuing to use Eastfield Road.”

However, the plans split public opinion, with the council receiving 57 objections and 74 letters of support from Edinburgh residents.

Objections have focussed largely on the environmental impact – with air quality in the vicinity of the route a major concern for objectors – while supporters say the road will reduce congestion and ease commuting for airport workers.

Now, planners are set to reject the proposals as council mandarins say they conflict with the local authority’s plans for a Gogar link road – despite the council’s local development plans being supportive of another airport access route.

A report, sent to councillors head of a crunch meeting of the development management committee on Wednesday August 18, reads: “The principle of a new access road serving the airport is supported by the local development plan (LDP).

“However, this route is intended to be multi-purpose and support the long-term sustainable development of West Edinburgh.

“The proposed route is not consistent with the West Edinburgh Strategic Design Framework (WESDF) and LDP Proposal T9, which safeguards the Gogar Link Road, a route which was subject to comprehensive analysis as part of WETA (West Edinburgh Transport Appraisal) Refresh Study 2016.

“The proposal would not achieve coordinated development, the route alignment would be prejudicial to the delivery of the Gogar Link Road and potentially require the delivery of a second route to achieve the objectives of the LDP.”

by738 wrote:

Did Iberia /Ibex pull their EDI services?