Zoom Starts at JFK

[PhilDernerJr]

Not sure if it's been mentioned (didn't see a thread), but I was lucky enough to get a nice view of Zoom's first flight and water cannon salute from my own departing plane last week.

http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/Zoom_767_G-UKZM_JFK_062107.jpg

So what airport are they flying from? Is this a regular thing or temporary? how many times a week?

[mirrodie]

Nice shot buddy!

[Matt Molnar]

Nice shot!

They're flying to and from LGW.

See this thread (http://www.nycaviation.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6025&postdays=0&postorder=asc).

[T-Bird76]

Zoom also is flying to Bermuda. Fares aren't that bad to for peak summer season. Interesting though Zoom is another carrier at JFK that isn't using jet ramps but rather they are boarding at the hardstand via air stairs with buses that take you to the plane. I have to say that JFK this summer really has some wonderful variety in and out; it’s nice to see it so busy again.

[nwafan20]

Nice shot, I also like the 2 NA planes on opposite sides.

[Nonstop2AUH]

Tommy do you know who else is using stairs at JFK? To be honest, while I am sure Zoom does it to save money, I have seen stairs used by BA at Heathrow many times in recent years, including just 2 weeks ago, so it's not only something a low fares carrier would use.

[PhilDernerJr]

For its first flight, Zoom was actually assigned a gate.

When it comes to the IAT, getting a gate is a priviledge, and also a little more expensive.

Another reason that some airlines don't get gates is when they can't comply with rules or there's a variable that prevents the airline from operating withhinthe guidelines. This would include anything from an airline leaving trash or equipment behind (the airline's fault) or the plane coming in/going out to a destination that Customs like to pay a lot of time to, creating delays in kicking out the plane to depart or to park elsewhere. These can make the IAT force a hardstand assignment.

[T-Bird76]

Tommy do you know who else is using stairs at JFK? To be honest, while I am sure Zoom does it to save money, I have seen stairs used by BA at Heathrow many times in recent years, including just 2 weeks ago, so it's not only something a low fares carrier would use.

I've seen Mexicana, Extra, FlyGlobespan, Primarus, and Delta is using the people movers on a daily basis now to load 767s.

[PhilDernerJr]

Extra/Travelspan, always have hardstand ops. Primaris/Constellation have been getting gates for deps, but hardstands for arrivals (which is due to long Customs inspections). Samewith FlyGlobespan and some North American ops.

Delta's terminal has been looking PACKEDlately, and until a few weeks ago, I never saw them using those people mover things of theirs. Not sure what the deal is.

[Nonstop2AUH]

So many hardstand users is a surprise, I don't think I've boarded from anything other than a jetway at JFK since I was a kid. But then again, there are alot of new lowfare or charter operators there and I haven't flown with them. The DL peoplemovers you describe, are they like the buses that jack up to level with the door? The ones that used to say "I love NY" on them or something? They must be ancient.

[T-Bird76]

So many hardstand users is a surprise, I don't think I've boarded from anything other than a jetway at JFK since I was a kid. But then again, there are alot of new lowfare or charter operators there and I haven't flown with them. The DL peoplemovers you describe, are they like the buses that jack up to level with the door? The ones that used to say "I love NY" on them or something? They must be ancient.

Yes the people movers are those but Delta has repainted them white with the Delta brand on it.

[Nonstop2AUH]

I guess the concept is that the '70s era peoplemover will make the 20 year old 767 you're boarding look modern!

[Matt Molnar]

Zoom also is flying to Bermuda. Fares aren't that bad too for peak summer season.
The taxes on those fares are mind boggling, but still about $50 less than AA on the dates I tested.

JFK-BDA
7/10-7/15

Zoom
Outbound leg: $51.50
Return leg: $54.00
UK tax: $191.10
Total Fare: $296.60

AA
Total fare: $340.50

[Iberia A340-600]

Great picture, Phil!

I was quiet surprised to see a Travelspan 737-800 at the gate at Terminal 4 as I thought they normally use a hardstand. I also saw Caribbean out on the hardstand.

[nikon50bigma]

Nice shot!

[T-Bird76]

Zoom also is flying to Bermuda. Fares aren't that bad too for peak summer season.
The taxes on those fares are mind boggling, but still about $50 less than AA on the dates I tested.

JFK-BDA
7/10-7/15

Zoom
Outbound leg: $51.50
Return leg: $54.00
UK tax: $191.10
Total Fare: $296.60

AA
Total fare: $340.50

They are even lower then jetBlue who prices out at $346.00