RE: B 747 SP

The reason Boeing only sold a small number of the SP variant is because the aircraft was actually more expensive to operate compared to the 747-100 and 200. The SP had a higher seat/mile cost than the standard 747’s of the time.

The SP did set a number of range records in the 1970’s though, mainly thanks to the likes of Pan Am, who pioneered the trans-pacific sector with the aircraft. It was a good aircraft and I haven’t seen one for a few years now, which is a shame.

If it wasn’t for the SP, the 747-400 would not have appeared. With all the range benefits learnt from the SP, Boeing researched an aircraft with similar range and advanced avionics and modern engines. The result of course, was the -400. The latter is now the best selling of all the 747 variants produced.

RE: Is this the end, my only friend, the end???

You’ve stolen items off airliners too? Glad I’m not the only one…

I don’t think the BA fleet is as large as AA or United. Given AA’s recent purchase of TWA, they are going to have an even bigger fleet. BA fleet stands at just over 300 aircraft, I think AA is currently at least 500. BA is probably the largest outside of the USA though, and is still serious competition for the big boys, especially if they do merge with KLM. Although, I wouldn’t take too much notice of the two carriers merging – the EU will block it for starters. Most of this merger talk is unfounded rumours, and can date back as far as 1992.

If SN did go under, who would take over their slots from Brussels? I can’t believe a flag carrier as famous and well respected as Sabena should be allowed to die. I know SN have come under fire from several (unfair at times) quarters, but they are still a good airline.

RE: how to promote an airport?

I wouldn’t get the local authorities involved. They’d screw things up too much.

First thing to do is get a couple of big tour operators interested. A handful of charter flights will start the ball rolling.

Then, you make sure your terminal facilities are adequate. That way, scheduled carriers will be interested. Although the size of the catchment area will be the ultimate deciding factor for a major airline.

It would also depend on what flights you would wish to attract. Short haul flights to large business centres are always good money makers, especially with such types as the CRJ and ERJ-145 now in widespread use.

Obviously, if you wanted long haul flights, make sure your runway is at least 2,800m long. 3,000m would be more ideal. Good maintainence facilities are paramount too.

There has never been a better time to promote a regional airport too. The big major hubs such as Heathrow, CDG and AMS are congested nightmares that often intimidate passengers. If an airline cannot get slots at a major hub, then a promising up and coming regional airport may be the answer.

In the UK, regional airports such as STN, MAN and BHX are now benefiting from the very over used Heathrow. A daily Birmingham-Dubai service would have been laughed at ten years ago, but now is the norm.

RE: BHX

Not sure if you’ve been to this site already, but have you tried http://www.flybhx.co.uk? There is a forum on this site (similar to this one) and you can also join a mailing list which keeps you up to date of all the latest goings on at BHX.

Apart from that, I don’t know if there are any clubs relating to BHX. I myself live only a mile or so from the main runway at BHX, so I do take quite a keen interest in the airport myself.

Hope this helps,

V1

RE: Biggest aircraft in the world???

It’s great to see the big fella’ back in the air. The 225 (and the 124) are true marvels of auronautical engineering, and no matter what some people say, the Russians sure can build some of the best aircraft in the world.

Now, please can we have Concorde flying again?

RE: Future of Birmingham Airport

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Nobody really knows what the hell is going on with regards to the runway extenstion. The CAA is supposed to be inspecting the proposed site this summer, but that is all I know.

With regards to airline activity, Cathay were in talks to fly a Hong-Kong service but they pulled out after a while. Delta have hinted a daily Atlanta service may start in 2002, Continental are looking at a Houston service, and Uzbekistan will use 767-300’s to New York twice a week from 3rd July. The Tashkent service has indeed stopped, but Uzbek may return to that service later this year. BHX is really just a tech stop for the airline. The supposed Air India Delhi service was going to be operated by an A310 via Paris CDG, but this seems to have gone quiet. I heard that the airline didn’t have any spare aircraft to operate the route.

Pakistan International are to increase flights from two a week to three (maybe four) a week very soon. The only downside to this is that the 747’s currently operated are being replaced by the smaller (but still very nice) A310. Though the A310 will now fly direct to Islamabad. The 747 flew to Karachi via Copenhagen before, but it added too much onto the journey time and the passengers were not very happy about this.

There are all kinds of rumours flying around about possible new services, but the above seem to be the most accurate.

Hope this helps,

Regards,
V1

RE: I´ve made my airport web page

Nice site Keltic. I liked the photo’s of the Iberia 747, the big bird looks really nice in that colour scheme. Also nice to see a European Aviation BAC 1-11 in there too!!