Friday 17 May 2013

Nah, Luton Airport!

------------------------------------------------------- 
The reports of First Northampton's death
are greatly exaggerated
It was Mark Twain who responded similarly to the publication in the New York Journal, well in advance, of his obituary.
This notice has appeared in Northampton's doomed Greyfriars bus station; reminding the loyal passenger that First's doomed services are not quite dead yet! They might as well be.
-------------------------------------------------------
Who can forget Lorraine Chase's original Campari adverts?
Sophistication was brought low by the reference to what was, then, the "bottom end" of air travel. Luton was charter flight heaven (or hell!).

From the mid sixties, Luton became the operating base for charter airlines such as Autair (which went on to become Court Line), Euravia (now Thomson Airways, following Euravia's change of name to Britannia Airways and subsequent merger with First Choice Airways), Dan-Air and Monarch. In 1972, Luton Airport was the most profitable airport in the country.

It suffered a severe setback in August 1974 when major package holiday operator Clarksons and its in-house airline Court Line (which also operated local bus services) went bankrupt.

In January 2005, London Luton Airport Operations Limited was acquired by Airport Concessions Development Limited, a company owned by Abertis Infraestructuras (90%) and Aena Internacional (10%), both Spanish companies. Abertis is a European infrastructure provider, whilst Aena Internacional is the international business arm of the Spanish national airport and air traffic control organisation.

But from May 1st, dark and dastardly deed have been afoot at Luton.
Arriva's long standing and successful Green Line route 757 (in partnership with EasyBus) was given the heave-ho and replaced by National Express service A1.
This was reported to be an "exclusive" deal.

Of course, we all know that National Express is/was part owned by the Cosmen Brothers (approx 18%) and they are Spanish. As are the owners of the Airport but, equally of course, there is no connection.

Is there?
click to make this timetable extract almost readable

So how does Arriva react to this enforced loss of a lucrative business? The Answer is found on its timetables web site ...
... which claims that it still runs to the airport. Well, does it or doesn't it?

Answer, yes - or no! Traveline says "no way" ...
... via a "timetables" for Luton Airport; but if you ask for route 757...
... it shows its airport time point as Carparkz car park; whence the normal car park shuttle bus whisks Arriva's customers (and their luggage) to the terminal.

But, somewhat more mysteriously, Arriva's former partner, Easybus, started its own service from Baker Street to the Airport from May 1st.
This almost exactly replicates the EasyBus service abandoned in the link up with Arriva!

So is the National Express deal exclusive? Or not?

Route One magazine reported last week that Arriva is taking court action against the Airport because unfair practices have been used to expel it from the terminal.
The Plick Thottens, as they say ...

More will doubtless emerge in due course. In the meantime, you pays your money and takes your choice.
 EasyBus  
Cramped minibus from Baker Street
 National Expess  
High end luxury from Victoria Coach Station
 Arriva   Green Line  
Possibly slightly less luxury from Buckingham Palace Road ...

... with an extra change in the Carparkz car parks.
Hmmm? Who will win this battle?

But it's even more complicated than the above, as we shall see on Monday.


 Next Bus Rail Blog : Saturday 18th May 

42 comments:

  1. I agree with you. It is very informative blog about transport service but I want to introduce public transport service which provides door to door travel services in a cost-less price. Government should take more step for transportation.If you want to read more about our transport services then you can visit our website: http://www.corporatetransport.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am very astonished by the data of this blog and i am happy i had a look in excess of the blog. thank you so much for sharing such great data.
    Car Service In Orange County,NY
    Airport Transportation in Orange County,NY

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am very amazed by the information of this blog and i am glad i had a look over the blog. thank you so much for sharing such great information.
    Boulder Limousine Service
    Boulder Limo Service

    ReplyDelete
  4. It makes a good transportation option for all those who want to be waited at the airport, helped with the luggage and driven home in complete safety and comfort. If you are among the people who travel by plane a lot, Malaysia tour package

    ReplyDelete
  5. List of transportation options available to travel from and to Luton airport. Thanks for sharing the informative post!

    Use Airport 247 Pickups London Stansted

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks
    taxi flughafen zürich

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fantastic post with attractive pictures related to Luton airport. I have enjoyed by spending time on it. Thanks!

    Hire Heathrow Airport Minicab for Best Reliable Transfer

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks
    Heathrow Taxis & Transfers
    Heathrow Taxis
    Heathrow Minicab

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fantastic post with attractive pictures related to Luton airport. I have enjoyed by spending time on it. Thanks!
    barking minicab
    barking taxi
    barking airport transfer

    ReplyDelete
  10. List of transportation options available to travel from and to Birmingham airport. Thanks for sharing the informative post!
    Airport Transfers
    Taxi Services
    Minicab Hire
    Chauffeur Airport Service

    ReplyDelete
  11. Deals offered by National Express sounds cheaper and I think passengers would be happy to travel in this bus to reach the airport.
    meet and greet stansted

    ReplyDelete
  12. I appreciate the route and timetables for Luton Airport by National Express and EasyBus. In my opinion, they are doing good job.
    compare airport parking

    ReplyDelete
  13. Regards a lot relating to providing a really outstanding blog site That offers you anyone techniques relating to webstagram

    ReplyDelete
  14. I must appreciate you a Thank you for sharing.
    Heathrow airport parking

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great post

    Heathrow taxis provide very smart taxis service across London and airport transfer and taxis to all local cities.
    Taxis in GB Airport Transfer-Heathrow Taxis Company provide taxis and minicab to all airports, seaport and railway station in London at affordable price also offers taxi.
    gbairport transfer
    gbairport minicabs
    gbairport taxis

    ReplyDelete

  16. It’s really really great information for becoming a better Blogger. Keep sharing, ThanksTransportation to Montebello

    taxi service near ottawa ontario

    ReplyDelete
  17. GREAT POST
    THANKS FOR SHARING THE VALUABLE INFORMATION
    millhill minicabs providing safe ride facilies for customer.minihill providing taxis,airport transfer and online booking minicabs through the all over the london city.
    taxi services
    millhill online booking
    airport transfer

    ReplyDelete
  18. Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I'd like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post!airport transfers uk

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good information shared by you thanks for this information. On air ports people also looking for long stay parking Gatwick & Luton parking systems.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It makes a good transportation option for all those who want to be waited at the airport, helped with the luggage and driven home in complete safety and comfort. But i would appreciate if you share something about Luxury Airport Transfers London.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Luton Airport is popular for their quality services. Moreover, you can also book cheap airport parking for extra savings.
    Luton airport cheap parking
    Heathrow airport cheap parking

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm very pleased with this great sharing about Cheap luton airport parking

    ReplyDelete
  23. nice blog. this information can be help full to make your trip cost less. London Airport Transfer

    ReplyDelete
  24. Useful information! I landed your post while searching for airport transfers Hemel Hempstead. Thanks for your great contribution that will help travelers.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Good post. please share some content about Taxi Service in LONDON COLNEY as well.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info. Luton Airport Taxi Services

    ReplyDelete
  27. Very happy to say, your post is very interesting to read. I never stop myself to say anything about it. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up Taxi To London City Airport

    ReplyDelete
  28. Really I am very impressed with this post. Just awesome... I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.
    Heathrow taxi company

    ReplyDelete
  29. If you're flying out of London , don't forget to Short Stay Parking stansted options for a hassle-free start to your vacation. Short Stay Parking stansted can be a convenient and affordable option for travelers.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I've read your blog its so interesting and amazing blog it enhance my knowledge and i've get new words from this https://luton-airportspecialist.com/ Luton Airport Taxi Service prides itself on punctuality and reliability, ensuring that travelers reach their destinations on time, every time. With a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers, they navigate through traffic and road conditions with ease, alleviating the stress of travel and providing peace of mind to passengers.

    ReplyDelete