Mongu,

Doesn’t matter what your company does – there are still MANY business travellers travelling on full-fare economy tickets, mainly because they either (a) book at the last minute or (b) need the flexibility… A mid-class in short haul will win these passengers, who are getting fed up with being treated like the rest of the herd whilst paying several times the price of the lowest fare. Scano have recognised this market and the need to differentiate it from the back of the cabin, and others are beginning to wake up to it too.

Andy

They were there for a display associated with the final rounds of the British Touring Car Championships being held at Donington Park this weekend. One did a very good routine Sunday at about 13:30 – managed to watch it whilst I was waiting for the somewhat later than originally planned arrival of the non-hushed African International DC-8-54F. Sadly, I don’t know when the Tornados are going home – probably tomorrow, although I appreciate that’s not much help.

Andy

No, its not delivered for another week… So you must have seen the Air Berlin a/c. I suspect Ryanair will keep this a/c like this for a while, like Korean – there’s no shows due so there’s no reason to paint it as such unless its for long term advertising / awareness.

Andy

Watch and learn as well, you’ll see when it’s finished oh ye of little faith. 😀 😉

Ah, sneaky b*****d… 😮 Post it in the normal forum, then move it, so that those visiting the normal forum see the topic too! 😮

I’ll have to remember that… I think that the mods will be moving more trip reports in future! :diablo: 😀

Watch and learn as well

Nah. Nice report, but can’t be bothered… Life’s too short and I need some sleep before more important things like the Grand Prix starts at 6AM! 😀

Andy

Hey, weather looks nearly as nice as it was at Nottingham East Midlands when our IL-76 landed… Interesting pics though – glad someone goes out in the crap weather!

Andy

I believe that there is a latent demand for a short haul “premium economy” product, mainly from the business community that often ends up paying full economy fares because of the need to book at short notice but who then get treated like sh*t and with contempt in the same way as those who pay next to nothing and travel on the same flight. To all intents and purposes, the likes of BA, VS and BD have recognised this demand on long haul (as have UA with their economy plus product), albeit that the premium service involves space rather than catering which is understandable given the nature of the operations on which the premium economy is offered. In Europe, when it comes, I believe that the differentiation will be service rather than space.

Take for example that once fine airline Swiss(air), now a miserable operation as far as short haul is concerned which I refuse to fly on any more. I made a one day return trip BHX-BSL last year, booked only the day before, for which they did the honour of charging me (or more accurately my company) £505. For that economy fare of £505, I got nothing other than a seat – tea, coffee, food were all extra. The passenger who sat next to me, who booked months in advance and paid £78 return, was far less bothered about forking out EUR1.50 for a cup of coffee, which I refused to do on principal.

You’re right – Scando has recognised this demand and will soon provide “full service” economy to those paying full economy fares, and “pay-as-you-consume” service to those who pay discounted fares. I think that this will win Scando quite a lot of friends in the short-haul business travel community which is increasingly travelling economy rather than in business class.

Andy