PPRuNe Forums - Edinburgh-4 (2024)

The only form I could see SQ realistically come to EDI would be as a tag on to a fifth freedom flight - only two possible destination that comes to mind would be something like a 3 weekly SIN-EDI-DEN routing (although they may just want to add this as MAN expansion)

SIN-EDI-DUB or vice versa might work

Hainan S24

Route appears to have been loaded on system. First flight showing much earlier than 2023. 17th May. Initially 2 x weekly but increasing to 4 x weekly. Really good news if confirmed.

Is Ethiopian a real possibility?

Some of us had known since the early hours of this morning 😉

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....44ddd580e2.jpg

The Star alliance part must put EDI in a strong position ahead of GLA?

Don't think it makes much of a difference tbf. Depends on the target market I suppose

Reportedly strong demand from the UK to Africa via Addis Ababa. A 789 presumably could reach EDI. Other reports suggesting there could be a technical stop on the continent. It would certainly be quite a catch for any Scottish airport.

Commercially it has no relevance. It's not as if LH Group or United will be feeding Ethiopian via Scotland. Ethiopian are positioning themselves to be the carrier connecting Africa to the world, so if there's enough local traffic out of Scotland bound for Africa then they may well go after it. I mean LGW just bagged Singapore so all bets are off IMHO.

Actually, in commercial terms to some extend it does of they were considering new destinations within 50 miles of each other.

Airline alliances aren't just about connections. it's about access to lounges, marketing, data, corporate accounts, alliance negotiated deals on ground handling rates, jet fuel buying rates.

So current Alliance partner users and airport fees will both be a factor, two airports so close to each other, with one having 8 Star alliance partners the other with one.

Airlines pay big money to be a part of an alliance
.
Amazing Edinburgh has Airlines from Star Alliance-(8) One World-(5) and skyteam (4)

Air Canada

Equipment change. Although subject to change, 789 currently showing as operating S24 season, replacing previously published 788.

The updated S24 ACL details a few interesting things.

Play have allocated slots for a daily Reykjavik service. The rumour re a switch from Glasgow may well turn out to be correct.
Emirates have “allocated” slots for a daily service. This doesn’t guarantee a resumption but suggests that something may break re this one.
Qatar allocated slots suggest a 3 x daily service. Fantastic if this is confirmed.
United - increased seats. Earlier start than normal for the Washington service.
Hainan - increased frequency reported.
Iberia - increased frequency reported.
Ryanair - significant amount of growth across the market expected.

Very interesting. Did I also see slots for an increased frequency on VS to MCO?

PLAY is an interesting one. Not sure about them but they’ve not had much success at GLA where you would think there would be demand given their lack of services to the US. They maybe feel EDI is more attractive prospect for them to sell. Will just have to wait and see.

Not sure what to make of the reported VS frequency increase. Number of seats appears to remain the same. We know that they are expected to resume much earlier in 2024 compared to 2023. This would suggest an increase in seats if the season runs to end of October 24, as was the case in 2023.

The updated report is mostly good news. However, disappointing to note fairly significant drop in seats planned by Turkish, Scandinavian and Air France. This can obviously change, dependant on forward bookings etc.

The only thing I would say about PLAY is what would they really add to EDI? Yes more seats to Keflavik, but outside of that their North American destinations are BWI (Fair it isn't served direct), BOS (served daily by DL, a more attractive option for Americans), SWF (A poor choice compared to 2x UA and 1x DL and 1x B6), IAD (served longer and daily by UA) and YHM (a poor second choice to daily AC and 4x WS).

Not saying it isn't a welcome addition for EDI, but unless the price is right will it be attractive?

If these are to operate summer 24, wouldn't you expect them to be on sale by now?

Whilst I would not be surprised if Play and additional QR come to fruition, both these airlines appear to be serial slot applies.

Both have applied for daily slots at my local BHX (Play new, QR for second daily) since 2022 and neither has happened. As i said, not saying it wont happen at EDI.....and agree with comments made re: Play and their North American connections, not sure they will be that attractive given the range of TATL non.stops

Whist the timetable shows Turkish as A320, the seat maps are all loaded as A321. Is this the assumption of a reduction in seats?

Air France are going 3 daily so 21 services a week ack it's on an E190. In fact peak summer 24, Edi to CDG/ORY/BVA will ve 45 services a week. (AF-21, Ezy-14, TV-5, FR-4)

Lufthansa going 3 daily also 21 services a week. (2 x A321 and a nightstopping A320) as well as their STR,CGN and MUC