Why is it that some people get so distressed about RB's ability to gain
PR when it suits him? Why doesn't BA take a lesson from him and try to outdo him?
However, this discussion of the shelf life of Concorde has me thinking of analogies from other industries. To quote
NW1
But even if they did (and this is the real point) - with the manufacturer's withdrawal of support for the type
What would happen if other airliner manufacturers behaved like this? Why, it would be like the software industry - upgrade or lose support! The first commercial flights of the 747, for example, took place in 1970. What if Boeing turned round today and said, "Look, the plane's over 30 years old, we don't want to support that type any longer - you must buy more 777s as you will lose all tech support for your 747 fleet by summer. Would that be taken lying down by the operators - not likely.
As for the operational experience, I'm sure there would be some folks who, instead of being laid off or transferred, would move over to VS to continue to work on the aircraft. I hope RB does succeed, with tie-ins to his other businesses, introducing two classes, and with a lower cost basis he should be given the chance to succeed or fail. But he should not be prevented the opportunity of doing so.
Ozzy