Originally Posted by
SWBKCB
Didn't Virgin talk about getting them, so where a potential operator?
If the term ''potential UK operator'' means a UK AOC'd airline operating the aircraft for scheduled pax services (as Global have suggested is their strategy) and not some convoluted (and likely unfeasible) sleight of hand with offshore wet lease operators - then Virgin is far more worthy of the term 'potential' than Global ever will be.
Sure, today a former China Southern aircraft, now of probably somewhat indeterminate actual ownership and control, still in its original livery and cabin config, operated by HiFly, a Portuguese-Maltese (?) company and using HiFly documentation, has laboured across the Atlantic at 27,000 feet with its gear down the entire trip, and made it to Prestwick.
Triumph!
But think about it! In no really meaningful way has this actually got Global Airlines any nearer to launching passenger services to USA etc from Gatwick and to delivering its 'new ethos' for travellers 'to raise the bar in the world of aviation.'
They, or someone, now have a rust-bucket in Europe. (But wait, wasn't their first much-trumpeted aircraft already in Europe - in a field in France? They've gone awfully quiet about #1!)
There is just no way that on the current trajectory the Global 'vision' will ever be delivered. (Summarised on their comedy website as 'fast relief from the aches and pains associated with commercial air travel.')
Global's 'vision' underscore just how little they actually know about how the business operates. 'We’ve all suffered for far too long with long security queues, late flights, lost luggage, inedible food and constant poor customer service,' it rambles on.
Ah-ha. Good luck with al that. Seems they are going for the low-hanging fruit eh? Starting with the easy stuff?
I trust that whoever drafted that BS vision statement got their payment up front. I'm damn sure that HiFly will be demanding similar terms!