Virgin Nigeria (threads merged)
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Guys,
VK is getting the best aircraft that VK can get considering:
1) Contrary to the original business plan, VK was forced by the government to operate longhaul(read costly) when it hadn't planned for that
2) VK is not financed from public funds.
3) VK still has to show a return on investment to the shareholders
4) The 767's will have an interior refit before entering service with VK (not sure this includes PTV's but unlikely at this time; maybe later)
5) VK will have studied the impact of the 767s on it's loads and revenues and will take appropriate measures as time goes on.
Some posters almost expect VK to have the resources(after 19months in the Nigerian environment) to provide aircraft with the latest PTV etc of carriers that have been flying for 60-80 years.
Bear in mind that the introduction of a different aircraft type is an attempt to keep costs down. The A340s at VK were very very expensive.
Speaking to people at VK, they all want the new aircraft and gizmos as well, but know the funds aren't there.
If people feel so strongly about it and have about 5million USD to spare, I'm happy to pass on to VK through my contacts
Let's hope VK doesn't get it wrong.
ps. Astraeus will not be operating the 767.
VK is getting the best aircraft that VK can get considering:
1) Contrary to the original business plan, VK was forced by the government to operate longhaul(read costly) when it hadn't planned for that
2) VK is not financed from public funds.
3) VK still has to show a return on investment to the shareholders
4) The 767's will have an interior refit before entering service with VK (not sure this includes PTV's but unlikely at this time; maybe later)
5) VK will have studied the impact of the 767s on it's loads and revenues and will take appropriate measures as time goes on.
Some posters almost expect VK to have the resources(after 19months in the Nigerian environment) to provide aircraft with the latest PTV etc of carriers that have been flying for 60-80 years.
Bear in mind that the introduction of a different aircraft type is an attempt to keep costs down. The A340s at VK were very very expensive.
Speaking to people at VK, they all want the new aircraft and gizmos as well, but know the funds aren't there.
If people feel so strongly about it and have about 5million USD to spare, I'm happy to pass on to VK through my contacts
Let's hope VK doesn't get it wrong.
ps. Astraeus will not be operating the 767.
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Thanks Rev, that clears a lot.
From what I have heard, A340 guys have been given options to choose.
Very commendable given our environment..way to go Vk.
Hope the 767's will not be WET for long
From what I have heard, A340 guys have been given options to choose.
Very commendable given our environment..way to go Vk.
Hope the 767's will not be WET for long
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Word out is that Atlantic slapped a 1.25 million usd bill on vk, for using Atlantic flight deck crew on vk flights, if vk is so cash-strapped, why are.nt they investing on training local crew workforce which is by far cheaper for them.
Going for a wet lease arrangement on the 767 will again incur great cost to vk from whoever is supplying the pilots.
Furthermore, since the 767 will most likely be jaa reg, how many of the vk 737 pilots have jaa licences to be trained on it, when its time to phase in the local pilots ? This cant be very encouraging.
Going for a wet lease arrangement on the 767 will again incur great cost to vk from whoever is supplying the pilots.
Furthermore, since the 767 will most likely be jaa reg, how many of the vk 737 pilots have jaa licences to be trained on it, when its time to phase in the local pilots ? This cant be very encouraging.
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Whitedove2,
Don't know where your "word" about VS slapping VK with a bill came from. Fact is that the A340 flight deck crew were part VS and part VK. Down the back, of the 11-14 cabin crew carried only 3 were VS(1 x FSM & 2 x CSS). This was always part of the initial wet/damp lease agreement and the costs were well known from day 1.
As I explained earlier, VK has now decided to cut those costs and is going to a different arrangement. The 767s MAY NOT be on a wet lease for the whole of their stay at VK. Make of that what you will as regards your concerns on whether local pilots will be trained or not. Do you think it's possible for an airline to switch aircraft type overnight and have flight deck crew/cabin crew ready, considering that those same crew are still operating the remaining 340 with the rest of the cc already flying on the BMI A330?
Don't know where your "word" about VS slapping VK with a bill came from. Fact is that the A340 flight deck crew were part VS and part VK. Down the back, of the 11-14 cabin crew carried only 3 were VS(1 x FSM & 2 x CSS). This was always part of the initial wet/damp lease agreement and the costs were well known from day 1.
As I explained earlier, VK has now decided to cut those costs and is going to a different arrangement. The 767s MAY NOT be on a wet lease for the whole of their stay at VK. Make of that what you will as regards your concerns on whether local pilots will be trained or not. Do you think it's possible for an airline to switch aircraft type overnight and have flight deck crew/cabin crew ready, considering that those same crew are still operating the remaining 340 with the rest of the cc already flying on the BMI A330?
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I will not use former Nigeria airways positive achievements in terms of aircraft acquisition, crewing and utilisation of local crew on fleets comprising of a310/dc10/b747 flying worldwide as example, cos this would be attributed to government ownership.
However bellview as far back as year 2000 had an a300-600 Nigerian reg flown by local crews to rio,bombay,amsterdam, and currently operate 767 local reg, to lhr,bombay etc, with local crew from inception.
Are they using voodoo ?
However bellview as far back as year 2000 had an a300-600 Nigerian reg flown by local crews to rio,bombay,amsterdam, and currently operate 767 local reg, to lhr,bombay etc, with local crew from inception.
Are they using voodoo ?
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I never said Nigerians can't fly the 767s. I'm saying that those Nigerians who are already flying the 340s will need some time for training etc as the switchover will happen overnight. If they're still being utilised on the 340s, when are they going to do their training?
Your example of Bellview means that you expect VK to recruit completely new pilots or pull some of the inadequate numbers of 737 pilots from the line to attend 767 training.
Your example of Bellview means that you expect VK to recruit completely new pilots or pull some of the inadequate numbers of 737 pilots from the line to attend 767 training.
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jethros seems to think so (at least the not astraeus bit) as the 767 acquisition info disappeared a few weeks ago
http://www.jethros.i12.com/fleets/fl...s/astraeus.htm
http://www.jethros.i12.com/fleets/fl...s/astraeus.htm
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The 767-300ERs will be leased from LatCharter, Icelandair's subsidiary(http://www.loftleidir.com). This is the same company tha charters 763 to Ghana International... I was hoping for more modern a/c but it seems like those Icelandic airframes are just as old as the ex. AC ones 
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Got this from the website
"
LatCharter, the Latvian airline owned by Loftleidir Icelandic, a subsidiary of Icelandair Group has signed an agreement with Virgin Nigeria Airlines, a subsidiary of Virgin Atlantic Airways.
From April this year LatCharter will operate two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the daily flight route between London, England and Johannesburg, South-Africa, through Lagos, Nigeria
Sigþór Einarsson, Icelandair Group Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of LatCharter says the agreement is the largest in the history of Loftleidir Icelandic and LatCharter, worth 7, 3 billion ISK in the next 4 years. The contract will generate revenue of 2,1 billion ISK per year in year one and two and 1,5 billion per year for the rest of the contract. “This agreement is in line with Icelandair Group policy of fast growth in the international charter operations and aircraft trading. We look at this a knowledge based expansion, as we are exporting the vast experience and business contacts within Icelandair Group. This contract is an important milestone on that route; it increases turnover fast, it opens new markets and opportunities for further growth”.
“We are pleased with our marketing success in the growing travel and tourism sector in Africa. In addition to this new assignment Loftleidir Icelandic has since last November operated a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft for Ghana International Airlines on the route between London and Johannesburg, through Accra”, says Sigþór Einarsson.
Loftleidir Icelandic acquired the charter airline LatCharter Airlines last year. At that time, Latcharter operated two Airbus A320 aircraft. Two more A320’s have since been added, and when the two Boeing aircraft that will be flown for Virgin are added the fleet will have tripled since the company was purchased. Further growth is expected in the near future for both LatCharter and Loftleidir Icelandic.
Virgin Nigeria Airlines was founded in September 2004 and is a part of the Virgin Group headed by Richard Branson. The company is a subsidiary of Virgin Atlantic Airways. The Virgin Nigeria fleet is now 11 aircraft, serving 10 destinations.
"
"
LatCharter, the Latvian airline owned by Loftleidir Icelandic, a subsidiary of Icelandair Group has signed an agreement with Virgin Nigeria Airlines, a subsidiary of Virgin Atlantic Airways.
From April this year LatCharter will operate two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the daily flight route between London, England and Johannesburg, South-Africa, through Lagos, Nigeria
Sigþór Einarsson, Icelandair Group Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of LatCharter says the agreement is the largest in the history of Loftleidir Icelandic and LatCharter, worth 7, 3 billion ISK in the next 4 years. The contract will generate revenue of 2,1 billion ISK per year in year one and two and 1,5 billion per year for the rest of the contract. “This agreement is in line with Icelandair Group policy of fast growth in the international charter operations and aircraft trading. We look at this a knowledge based expansion, as we are exporting the vast experience and business contacts within Icelandair Group. This contract is an important milestone on that route; it increases turnover fast, it opens new markets and opportunities for further growth”.
“We are pleased with our marketing success in the growing travel and tourism sector in Africa. In addition to this new assignment Loftleidir Icelandic has since last November operated a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft for Ghana International Airlines on the route between London and Johannesburg, through Accra”, says Sigþór Einarsson.
Loftleidir Icelandic acquired the charter airline LatCharter Airlines last year. At that time, Latcharter operated two Airbus A320 aircraft. Two more A320’s have since been added, and when the two Boeing aircraft that will be flown for Virgin are added the fleet will have tripled since the company was purchased. Further growth is expected in the near future for both LatCharter and Loftleidir Icelandic.
Virgin Nigeria Airlines was founded in September 2004 and is a part of the Virgin Group headed by Richard Branson. The company is a subsidiary of Virgin Atlantic Airways. The Virgin Nigeria fleet is now 11 aircraft, serving 10 destinations.
"
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For record:
Docket OST-2007-27184
ANSWER OF VIRGIN NIGERIA AIRWAYS re:
Application of
BELLVIEW AIRLINES
for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit
On February 1, 2007, Bellview Airlines applied in this Docket for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit, which would authorize it to provide scheduled air service between New York and Nigeria. Bellview asked the Department to move quickly, citing its desire to commence service by the end of April.
While Virgin Nigeria does not object to the Application of Bellview, its own Applications for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit and Exemption (Dockets OST-2005-23461 and 23460, respectively) have been pending before the Department for almost fifteen months
, depriving the public of the benefits its proposed service would provide. Virgin Nigeria respectfully urges the Department to approve both Applications without delay.
Virgin Nigeria wishes to note that it has entered into a strategic partnership with North American Airlines, pursuant to which North American Airlines will operate the service to the United States on Virgin Nigeria's behalf. North American also will gain access to Virgin Nigeria's network beyond Lagos. Virgin Nigeria will amend its pending application to show that such service would be flown under a wet-lease agreement with North American. Virgin Nigeria plans to supplement its permit and exemption applications very shortly to reflect this new information as well as to update on other material changes to Virgin Nigeria?s operations. Since our application over a year ago, Virgin Nigeria has added six aircraft to its fleet and is now the largest airline in Nigeria, both in terms of fleet (with nine aircraft) and passengers carried. Virgin Nigeria joined IATA in December 2005 and along with North American Airlines has since entered into interline agreements and other partnerships with several international airlines to deliver more choice and connectivity to customers including Air France/KLM/North West, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways. Virgin Nigeria?s brand reputation is principally centred on safety and superior in flight services, and is one of only two airlines in Nigeria that is recommended for air travel by the US Embassy in Nigeria.
The Department on several occasions has expressed a desire to foster stronger links between the United States and Nigeria. Promptly authorizing the services of Virgin Nigeria?s application would significantly further this goal.
source: http://dmses.dot.gov
Docket OST-2007-27184
ANSWER OF VIRGIN NIGERIA AIRWAYS re:
Application of
BELLVIEW AIRLINES
for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit
On February 1, 2007, Bellview Airlines applied in this Docket for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit, which would authorize it to provide scheduled air service between New York and Nigeria. Bellview asked the Department to move quickly, citing its desire to commence service by the end of April.
While Virgin Nigeria does not object to the Application of Bellview, its own Applications for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit and Exemption (Dockets OST-2005-23461 and 23460, respectively) have been pending before the Department for almost fifteen months
, depriving the public of the benefits its proposed service would provide. Virgin Nigeria respectfully urges the Department to approve both Applications without delay.Virgin Nigeria wishes to note that it has entered into a strategic partnership with North American Airlines, pursuant to which North American Airlines will operate the service to the United States on Virgin Nigeria's behalf. North American also will gain access to Virgin Nigeria's network beyond Lagos. Virgin Nigeria will amend its pending application to show that such service would be flown under a wet-lease agreement with North American. Virgin Nigeria plans to supplement its permit and exemption applications very shortly to reflect this new information as well as to update on other material changes to Virgin Nigeria?s operations. Since our application over a year ago, Virgin Nigeria has added six aircraft to its fleet and is now the largest airline in Nigeria, both in terms of fleet (with nine aircraft) and passengers carried. Virgin Nigeria joined IATA in December 2005 and along with North American Airlines has since entered into interline agreements and other partnerships with several international airlines to deliver more choice and connectivity to customers including Air France/KLM/North West, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, South African Airways. Virgin Nigeria?s brand reputation is principally centred on safety and superior in flight services, and is one of only two airlines in Nigeria that is recommended for air travel by the US Embassy in Nigeria.
The Department on several occasions has expressed a desire to foster stronger links between the United States and Nigeria. Promptly authorizing the services of Virgin Nigeria?s application would significantly further this goal.
source: http://dmses.dot.gov
This 15 month lack of support for Virgin Nigeria over its application to operate the New York route is unacceptable. It highlights the inefficiencies within the Nigerian Govt, and a total disregard towards the Nigerian people who have long stated a desire for this route to be operated.
Good luck Virgin Nigeria with your application and I hope that the Nigerian Govt fulfil their obligations to help promote Nigerian airlines.
Good luck Virgin Nigeria with your application and I hope that the Nigerian Govt fulfil their obligations to help promote Nigerian airlines.