The future of LGW?

If you look at the make-up of the VS LHR routes and LGW routes, something ought to be noticed: LGW = glorified bucket and spade routes, with the 744s being configured differently to those at LHR. I would imagine they are unlikely to start routes which might be more business orientated out of LGW for the time being.

However, don’t be too suprised that some of the American carriers keep some services out of LGW given that (I guess) they would be able to feed those services from their hubs.

In relation to my previous thread about the possible sale of LGW, I have heard from several sources that a lot of the American based airlines that are currently restricted to using LGW, until the the recently agreed Open Skies takes effect, have managed to obtain slots at LHR through negotiating with their alliance partners, and was wondering what effect (if any) this will have on LGW in the future…

I know for sure that Northwest Airlines are definately planning to move their daily MSP/DTW services, and I would not be suprised to see both U.S Airways and Continental also take-up some slots at LHR as well.

I also know that BA are reducing their services to the USA in time for the move to Terminal 5, so I am kind of hoping that VS might look to expand to a few more destinations (LGW-JFK/SFO/LAX please!) or I assume that EZY and/or FR will probaly take the opportunity to expand even more…

Anyone got any thoughts about this at all?

Well as you say all the American Carriers are shifting over to LHR. You have to respect tht really. But in around 5 years time we may see the return of carriers such as Ethiopian, Transaero plus other carriers like TAM, Jet Airways and a few others. As they could sell there high priced slots at LHR for cheaper ones at LGW. This is only a possiblity.

But almost certainly LGW will see a large Low cost growth with airlines like Oasis Hong Kong Starting similar flights. And i think we can say that Ryanair will start a few destinations(Maybe the ones they plan on dropping from Stansted). Plus Clickair are going to be all LGW at some point. And we may even see Vueling etc who are currently only flying to mainland Europe.

I think some more Virgin routes would be nice. But in my opinion they would most likly go to LHR:(

Josh