FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - BA to move to LGW South Terminal Nov 2016 [revised to 25 Jan 2017]
Old Jan 13, 2016 | 5:14 am
  #734  
orbitmic
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Originally Posted by FrancisA
I am not privy to the commercial details, but if I were negotiating such a deal, I would certainly drive a hard bargain.

BA are still GAL's second biggest customer by a long way. In this instance neither EZ or VS passengers are experiencing any reduced service; whereas BA passengers clearly are. BA are also exposed to the risk that the terminal moves project overruns and the temporary arrangements last longer than anticipated. (As looks likely.)

I would say that is a very sound position from which to drive a very hard bargain.

Part of that has to be no significant negative impact on premium passengers. I would put that high on my list as BA's focus at LGW is the premium leisure market and if you alienate that group, they can and will take their business elsewhere.

Indeed if you lose your passenger base, there is little point in having fancy check in areas in the South terminal!

Of course this is all conjecture (as is much of the content of this board). However, it is certainly my take, looking at what is happening (and without being able to see any potential offsetting goodies), that if this is the best deal BA could strike at LGW, then they ought to get a better negotiating team.
Well one big thing missing from the theory is that none of us knows whether ba was actually part of asking for the move in the first place. I personally see significant advantages in being in south rather than north not least fewer disruptions when terminal transit has issues.

Ot but I also disagree with your view that premium leisure traffic is ba's key target at lgw. Of course they like having them but I suspect key target is leisure and premium a mere afterthought.
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