RE: Future of 146/Avro RJ?

Does anyone know why in the 80’s the UK decided not to produce commercial aircraft anymore?

Was it a political matter stemming from the Government?

RE: Future of 146/Avro RJ?

Glad to see I am not the only “blasphemer” here!

Why do people always defend BAE ??????

They effectively finished commercial aircraft design in the 80’s. The 146 programme was started in the 60’s, if you trace the various concepts back through time. It took 20 years to take off!

Look at what they have built which is in regular service today:

ATP – evolution of the 748 which has not sold well
J41 – evolution of the smaller Jetstreams. Actually sold reasonably well, but it was losing appeal compared to the competition
J31 – nice plane, bit long in the tooth though.
146 – ’nuff said

Basically, they decided not to design any new planes a long time ago. You cannot go on improving old designs for ever and a day and still retain a competitive advantage over the oppositon.

And don’t use the “Boeing do that but they still outsell Airbus” argument against me. They are different markets with different inherent dynamics.

Please redirect your ill feeling toward whichever reasons made BAE take the decision to get out of the commercial side of the aircraft business!

RE: Security at CDG

African airports;

I travel 3 or 4 times a year through Lusaka. With international flights, they inspire confidence. Seems secure.

But for domestic flights…the X-ray machine and arch are located so that you need to pass through them BEFORE you check in.

So, people push their trolleys through the arches…it pings, they point at the trolley and the guards wave them on. They sometimes ask you to put bags on the X-ray machine, but only if they are not heavy. Heavy cases are assumed to be safe!

I have seen people (not exactly unusual, this) check in, then leave the check in area for a drink. Then they re-enter before their flight. The arch usually pings at them but as they hold boarding cards they are ALWAYS waved on.

Some domestic airports actually have NO security, though a policeman watches over things (sometimes).

Admittedly, it is unlikely that anyone will target Zambia – but, it is discomforting all the same.

Does anyone else have African horror stories?

RE: BA – Which 10 routes are no more?

I always used to use the LGW-Lusaka route which was a 10 hour haul to Harare then a 45 minute sector to Lusaka. The B747-400 had about 75 passengers on this short hop, typically!

So – do you think they are axing 5 long haul routes or 5 long haul sectors? Subtle difference I think.

RE: Manx Airlines

The LHR route was a lifeline for the Isle of Man, despite ridiculous fares for a 1 hour toilet-class flight (£300 rtn). The plane was often full though; why couldn’t they replace the silly little BAE 146 gas guzzler with a 737 or Airbus to maximise revenue?

The IOM Government has indicated they have an “open skies” policy and are prepared to listen to offers to start an new airline! Before the BA takeover, EasyJet tried to operate from the IOM but the IOM Gov’t rebuffed them because it would create competition with Manx Airlines. Another political U-turn!