Only Slightly OT - Virgin win EDI & ABZ Heathrow routes
#91
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,200
There are two big issues I have with SRB's endeavour I am still finding very difficult to comprehend.
Why go to all the expense of wet leasing aircraft and crews, as well as throwing untold funds into marketing new services which at best will return marginal profits (if any at all) when the EU imposed a condition on BA to open up its domestic feed to competitors. Is there a commercial advantage running your own airline i'm missing here?
Also, looking at the Virgin Group's broader commercial interests, surely this new enterprise pays ruin to all ambitions Virgin rail had for the East coast mainline franchise (linking London with Aberdeen and Edinburgh)
Why go to all the expense of wet leasing aircraft and crews, as well as throwing untold funds into marketing new services which at best will return marginal profits (if any at all) when the EU imposed a condition on BA to open up its domestic feed to competitors. Is there a commercial advantage running your own airline i'm missing here?
Also, looking at the Virgin Group's broader commercial interests, surely this new enterprise pays ruin to all ambitions Virgin rail had for the East coast mainline franchise (linking London with Aberdeen and Edinburgh)
#92
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: City of Kingston Upon Hull
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 4,938
There are two big issues I have with SRB's endeavour I am still finding very difficult to comprehend.
Why go to all the expense of wet leasing aircraft and crews, as well as throwing untold funds into marketing new services which at best will return marginal profits (if any at all) when the EU imposed a condition on BA to open up its domestic feed to competitors. Is there a commercial advantage of running your own airline i'm missing here?
Also, looking at the Virgin Group's broader commercial interests, surely this new enterprise pays ruin to all ambitions Virgin rail had for the East coast mainline franchise (linking London with Aberdeen and Edinburgh)
Why go to all the expense of wet leasing aircraft and crews, as well as throwing untold funds into marketing new services which at best will return marginal profits (if any at all) when the EU imposed a condition on BA to open up its domestic feed to competitors. Is there a commercial advantage of running your own airline i'm missing here?
Also, looking at the Virgin Group's broader commercial interests, surely this new enterprise pays ruin to all ambitions Virgin rail had for the East coast mainline franchise (linking London with Aberdeen and Edinburgh)
I have read through a number of VS announcements and I am intrigued to know if VS believe that there are any other airlines other than BA/IAG, as BA/IAG is the only one they ever quote as being in competition with them. It is almost like an obsession with them. I wonder if they would have bothered setting up domestics if it was airline other than BA that was giving up slots?
#93
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,360
My understanding from those far wiser than I is
* operate for 3 years with the wet lease
* slots then become VS's to use for any routes
...so in 2016 expect the routes to be cancelled with regret and more profitable destinations overseas put in place. Very shrewd and in the meantime a load more boring VS spin about bringing the fight to BA.
* operate for 3 years with the wet lease
* slots then become VS's to use for any routes
...so in 2016 expect the routes to be cancelled with regret and more profitable destinations overseas put in place. Very shrewd and in the meantime a load more boring VS spin about bringing the fight to BA.
#94
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: City of Kingston Upon Hull
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 4,938
My understanding from those far wiser than I is
* operate for 3 years with the wet lease
* slots then become VS's to use for any routes
...so in 2016 expect the routes to be cancelled with regret and more profitable destinations overseas put in place. Very shrewd and in the meantime a load more boring VS spin about bringing the fight to BA.
* operate for 3 years with the wet lease
* slots then become VS's to use for any routes
...so in 2016 expect the routes to be cancelled with regret and more profitable destinations overseas put in place. Very shrewd and in the meantime a load more boring VS spin about bringing the fight to BA.
#95
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: FL350, seat 0k
Programs: SK*G, BA Silver, Flying Blue, VLM, VT Traveller, PC Platinum, BW Diamond
Posts: 3,545
Old BMi crew, using old BMi aircraft leased from BA. That is what I heard.
#96
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Mucci de la Cuisine Arienne du Rseau Courte Dure de British Airways
Posts: 4,704
#97
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: FL350, seat 0k
Programs: SK*G, BA Silver, Flying Blue, VLM, VT Traveller, PC Platinum, BW Diamond
Posts: 3,545
Surely Virgin are going to have strip out and refit these 20yr old A320s if they want them looking all shiney and spangly.
This page inspires me the most, Chief Pilot has been flying 6 years.
http://flyavex.com/management
#98
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: FL350, seat 0k
Programs: SK*G, BA Silver, Flying Blue, VLM, VT Traveller, PC Platinum, BW Diamond
Posts: 3,545
I noticed the ramp up in prices too, during the merger I was hopping the BMi Embraer because I could get it on a BA code for 45 ^
Now as you say, nothing exists for less than 70 each way
#99
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,663
Don't worry yourself Globalste, the folks on here believe it's just public transport and all pilots are just bus drivers, and therefore come way after price/cabin crew/snacks/champagne type in the lounge...
It's got Virgin on the ticket, must be alright eh?
It's got Virgin on the ticket, must be alright eh?
#100
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,168
#102
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Quite close to NQY
Programs: BAEC Silver,clubcard,clubcard plus, BA Amex................ And Mucci x3 ;)
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#103
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Australia
Programs: QF LTS, Marriott LTP, ALL GOLD
Posts: 2,440
Flights will be operated by Aer Lingus with staff in full VS uniforms and aircraft in Virgin Atlantic livery.
Initially 4 x A320's with 174 seats will be wetleased.
Hot breakfast service and snacks offered at other times.
All flights operate into LHR T1 with Scottish flights on sale from 21 December - lead in fares from 99 return.
3 daily x LHR-ABZ
6 daily x LHR-EDI
Initially 4 x A320's with 174 seats will be wetleased.
Hot breakfast service and snacks offered at other times.
All flights operate into LHR T1 with Scottish flights on sale from 21 December - lead in fares from 99 return.
3 daily x LHR-ABZ
6 daily x LHR-EDI
#104
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DEL
Programs: Mucci du Miel d'Or
Posts: 2,372
Flights will be operated by Aer Lingus with staff in full VS uniforms and aircraft in Virgin Atlantic livery.
Initially 4 x A320's with 174 seats will be wetleased.
Hot breakfast service and snacks offered at other times.
All flights operate into LHR T1 with Scottish flights on sale from 21 December - lead in fares from 99 return.
3 daily x LHR-ABZ
6 daily x LHR-EDI
Initially 4 x A320's with 174 seats will be wetleased.
Hot breakfast service and snacks offered at other times.
All flights operate into LHR T1 with Scottish flights on sale from 21 December - lead in fares from 99 return.
3 daily x LHR-ABZ
6 daily x LHR-EDI
But surprised that VS(EI) are just emulating BA service standards. I thought they might do something different. Even the prices don't appear to be lower.