Liverpool to lose London air link

[SteH]

This is very disappointing indeed, and also strange considering it was reported just 3 weeks ago that passenger numbers were up.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6693361.stm

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echobusiness/tm_method=full%26objectid=19064526%26siteid=50061-name_page.html

[snappel]

The company said falling passenger numbers meant the service, which was recently scaled back to two flights a day, was "no longer sustainable".
If numbers were up three weeks ago, they're not now. I can only assume there's been a downward trend. EasyJet used to fly to Luton, but stopped it, I'm guessing for the same reason.

[Kev]

I think that a few years ago this would have been very bad news but as the Airport is enjoying massive success then its not a problem.

[SteH]

I think that a few years ago this would have been very bad news but as the Airport is enjoying massive success then its not a problem.

I agree in terms of the numbers of people going through the airport. A major interlining agreement to make Liverpool accessible from all continents is far more important, whether that be BA to Heathrow/Gatwick, Air France to Paris, KLM to Amsterdam or Lufthansa to Frankfurt.

[SteH]

If numbers were up three weeks ago, they're not now. I can only assume there's been a downward trend. EasyJet used to fly to Luton, but stopped it, I'm guessing for the same reason.

Still seems a bit strange to decide 3 weeks after numbers were up to give up the ghost. With respect to the easyjet route to Luton I flew it a number of times and the planes were always nearly full, but yields per passenger were very low and they could make more money elsewhere.

[Jericho]

Believe it or not, I think the Echo got it wrong. Overall the route was continuing to show a steady decline in passenger numbers. Not surprising when you consider that in the end there were only 2 flights a day Monday - Friday and none at weekends. In another article, maybe in the DP, I think a spokesman for VLM was talking about other airlines potentially being interested in the route. Although I suspect airlines who pull routes often say this sort of thing.

[snappel]

For those travelling into central London, it's much easier to take the train. The Virgin Pendolino services are so quick now, and less hassle than taking the plane.

[iain]

More eco-friendly too :PDT10