Virgin Nigeria (threads merged)
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A step in the right direction.... A victory for Nigerian aviation.......................................
AON brace for some real competition.
Congrats to VGN team and promoters! Drooling for a press release
All Eyes on IATA: They will now confirm the IATA code
V_ fill the gap guys
AON brace for some real competition.
Congrats to VGN team and promoters! Drooling for a press release
All Eyes on IATA: They will now confirm the IATA code
V_ fill the gap guys
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surely not,
You bearer of good news. I owe you one at goodies when I get to los.
Anything to shut AON up is great joy in my honest opinion.
Rani
Possibly iata code VN, callsign Virgin Nigeria.
Zazoo,
How far? When are you crossing the pond.
You bearer of good news. I owe you one at goodies when I get to los.
Anything to shut AON up is great joy in my honest opinion.
Rani
Possibly iata code VN, callsign Virgin Nigeria.
Zazoo,
How far? When are you crossing the pond.
GunsssR4ever
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Well I was briefed on their Ghana Operation and all I can say is that the professionalism in branding / display / ticketing / security / and plain awareness that they display throughout the world is coming to Ghana and they WILL set the standard.
The others will take years to try and catch up.
Saying that ... quite impressed by AERO .. dunno why but they seemed to be efficient. 15 min late on a Friday evening.
Bellview was 4 hrs delayed
The others will take years to try and catch up.
Saying that ... quite impressed by AERO .. dunno why but they seemed to be efficient. 15 min late on a Friday evening.
Bellview was 4 hrs delayed
The good wishes are warmly received. I know the guys who worked really hard to make it possible, and there is a real sense of achievement and excitement.
It doesn't get easier from here though. The new challenge is perhaps even greater, and that is to achieve and maintain the highest standards and because Virgin Nigeria is a PRIVATE airline it has to make a profit as well!!
I believe that the IATA 2 letter code allocated is VK, the others having been used already.
Onwards and upwards!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gunsss I agree about Aero. I know several of their guys and have flown with them a couple of times, they are very good.
It doesn't get easier from here though. The new challenge is perhaps even greater, and that is to achieve and maintain the highest standards and because Virgin Nigeria is a PRIVATE airline it has to make a profit as well!!
I believe that the IATA 2 letter code allocated is VK, the others having been used already.
Onwards and upwards!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gunsss I agree about Aero. I know several of their guys and have flown with them a couple of times, they are very good.
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Believe it or not the Nigerian traveller is very loyal individual and loves new things. Nigerians have been known to wait for hours only to travel with a certain airline even if there are other airlines leaving earlier. VGN being the new kid on the block has the advantage of setting the standards and building a dependable reputation easily.
A clean, quick, courteous and on time operation will easily win over the public. Properly maintained aircraft and with adequate spares, will minimise the ground time while fixing aircraft. A well equipped maintenance base too, can make or break an airline.
There will be corporate companies and embassies lining up by the dozen, block booking seats on certain flights to move their staff around, so income/profits is assured. The likes of Aero will get that competitor that will only make them think of new better ways to further improve their already good standards.
As I have said before it is a win win situation for the travelling public.
VGN can do it with the right support. Good luck
A clean, quick, courteous and on time operation will easily win over the public. Properly maintained aircraft and with adequate spares, will minimise the ground time while fixing aircraft. A well equipped maintenance base too, can make or break an airline.
There will be corporate companies and embassies lining up by the dozen, block booking seats on certain flights to move their staff around, so income/profits is assured. The likes of Aero will get that competitor that will only make them think of new better ways to further improve their already good standards.
As I have said before it is a win win situation for the travelling public.
VGN can do it with the right support. Good luck
Last edited by Oyindo; 5th Jun 2005 at 10:01.
GunsssR4ever
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Well said Oyindo
I am not English so I could not have said it better ...
Nigerians will never stop being "innovative" (read my lips 419 bru) .. but I ahve worked with Nigerians in the last 6 years and those in the flying industry is someof the most serious businessmen and partners I have come met and worked for / with.
Again - well done SN. Now that I have pasted the cream around the cherries the beers are on you.
Sean Mendis left us again (last night) so I do not need to buy as I only owe him
Your bets are catching up ...
I am not English so I could not have said it better ...
Nigerians will never stop being "innovative" (read my lips 419 bru) .. but I ahve worked with Nigerians in the last 6 years and those in the flying industry is someof the most serious businessmen and partners I have come met and worked for / with.
Again - well done SN. Now that I have pasted the cream around the cherries the beers are on you.
Sean Mendis left us again (last night) so I do not need to buy as I only owe him
Your bets are catching up ...
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Anyone aware of what's happening these days? Seems to be another lull. Or perhaps VGN is making final preparations on a long-haul / domestic combo press release.
----
(Update June 10, 2005)
Just heard from a contact in London that an A340 (or otherwise) will be operated initially as a bridge aircraft until long-term deals with Boeing and/or Airbus are finalized.
The shocker: VK will use said aircraft to launch scheduled flights to LGW (expected) within....2 weeks!
----
(Update June 10, 2005)
Just heard from a contact in London that an A340 (or otherwise) will be operated initially as a bridge aircraft until long-term deals with Boeing and/or Airbus are finalized.
The shocker: VK will use said aircraft to launch scheduled flights to LGW (expected) within....2 weeks!
Last edited by Rani; 10th Jun 2005 at 16:37.
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A340 G-VBUS was ferried to BAe Filton on June 6th. Perhaps the maintenance work includes seat reconfiguration and exterior paint job in VK colors. Another possibility is that this is VS routine maintenance. Let's wait and see (can hardly wait
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Things seems to be moving at lighting speed these days within VK.
The first wave of operations is expected to begin on 27th June 05 with the wet leased A320 Airbuses, operating on the domestic/west coast routes, while the A340 for the international routes. Second wave, 7 Boeing 737’s will be phased in to take over about September 05 from the wet leased aircraft. It is expected that in a couple of weeks interview letters will be sent out to prospective pilots, they should all be fully trained up in time for September. A well respected Nigerian Pilot has been appointed CP. Good choice. He will be very popular with the troops. Good luck HJ.
The first wave of operations is expected to begin on 27th June 05 with the wet leased A320 Airbuses, operating on the domestic/west coast routes, while the A340 for the international routes. Second wave, 7 Boeing 737’s will be phased in to take over about September 05 from the wet leased aircraft. It is expected that in a couple of weeks interview letters will be sent out to prospective pilots, they should all be fully trained up in time for September. A well respected Nigerian Pilot has been appointed CP. Good choice. He will be very popular with the troops. Good luck HJ.
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Transition Fleet
Hello Oyindo,
Does this mean that VGN will operate 3 aircraft until September? Sounds like a practical/reasonable transition fleet.
About the 737s, I must say honestly that Airbus would have been
a superior aircraft to introduce and develop in Nigeria. I don't want to start a Boeing/Airbus war here but I was hoping Nigeria invests in European technology on the long run. Well, boils down to operating/crew training economics...So will leave that to their business plan. I do hope that VGN doesn't become a dumping ground for Virgin Express 737-300s. I doubt the current capitalization of the airline can finance 737 NGs. The Stock Exchange IPO is expected to raise significant funds though. Will this happen before September?
I realize WT's experience with the A310 was a nightmare. I think this was mainly due to the corrupt management and lack of supporting Airbus workshop. I think the Airbus 319/320/321/340 cockpit commonality would have made sense.
Are the D-finger modifications complete?
Does this mean that VGN will operate 3 aircraft until September? Sounds like a practical/reasonable transition fleet.
About the 737s, I must say honestly that Airbus would have been
a superior aircraft to introduce and develop in Nigeria. I don't want to start a Boeing/Airbus war here but I was hoping Nigeria invests in European technology on the long run. Well, boils down to operating/crew training economics...So will leave that to their business plan. I do hope that VGN doesn't become a dumping ground for Virgin Express 737-300s. I doubt the current capitalization of the airline can finance 737 NGs. The Stock Exchange IPO is expected to raise significant funds though. Will this happen before September?
I realize WT's experience with the A310 was a nightmare. I think this was mainly due to the corrupt management and lack of supporting Airbus workshop. I think the Airbus 319/320/321/340 cockpit commonality would have made sense.
Are the D-finger modifications complete?
Rebel PPRuNer
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The 737s aren't coming from Virgin Express (or Virgin Blue) I suppose?
VEX has 733s/734s which might do for a startup if VEX proper was upgrading to 73NG or 32x
VEX has 733s/734s which might do for a startup if VEX proper was upgrading to 73NG or 32x
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update
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/stor...96&p=y46x834xz
Branson launches Nigeria air service
13/06/2005 - 12:24:53
Richard Branson’s entry into Nigerian aviation will begin with a London-Lagos service starting later this month, it was announced today.
The first flight of Virgin Nigeria, in which Virgin Atlantic has a 49% stake, will begin on June 28.
The Nigerian-based company will operate twice-weekly services between Lagos and Heathrow for the first two weeks, rising to three flights a week after that.
Tickets for the new service went on sale today. The return fare for the first flight to London and back will be less than £500 (€750) and after that the economy return fare will be less than £700 (€1,050).
Virgin chairman Branson said today: “Today is a momentous first step for Virgin Nigeria and we at Virgin are proud to be associated with this new Nigerian company.
“Virgin Nigeria is a fully private sector airline and is already a major employer of some 200 Nigerian staff, which number will rise to almost 1,000 within months.”
Branson launches Nigeria air service
13/06/2005 - 12:24:53
Richard Branson’s entry into Nigerian aviation will begin with a London-Lagos service starting later this month, it was announced today.
The first flight of Virgin Nigeria, in which Virgin Atlantic has a 49% stake, will begin on June 28.
The Nigerian-based company will operate twice-weekly services between Lagos and Heathrow for the first two weeks, rising to three flights a week after that.
Tickets for the new service went on sale today. The return fare for the first flight to London and back will be less than £500 (€750) and after that the economy return fare will be less than £700 (€1,050).
Virgin chairman Branson said today: “Today is a momentous first step for Virgin Nigeria and we at Virgin are proud to be associated with this new Nigerian company.
“Virgin Nigeria is a fully private sector airline and is already a major employer of some 200 Nigerian staff, which number will rise to almost 1,000 within months.”
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More Details below. Well done VK What about the A320 domestic ops? I also checked amadeus.net for the flight schedules but they have not been uploaded yet I guess.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news05...nNigeria.shtml
Virgin Nigeria is to commence operations with service on its inaugural route between Lagos and London Heathrow on 28 June 2005.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Simon Harford, today said, “On Tuesday 28 June 2005 the first flight of Virgin Nigeria will take off. The day marks a historic moment for Nigerian aviation as the country’s new fully private sector flag carrier takes to the skies with a weekly service to and from London for the first two weeks, rising to three flights a week thereafter. We are also finalising plans for our opening group of short-haul routes within Africa, which will be announced shortly.”
Virgin Nigeria’s inaugural flight on 28 June, VK281, will operate from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport. The first flight from London Heathrow to Lagos VK280 will be on Monday 4 July 2005.
The service will be operated using an Airbus 340-300 in a three-class configurations with 187 seats in Economy class, 28 in Premium Economy and 40 Business class seats.
Tickets go on sale from 14 June 2005.
Chairman of Virgin Nigeria, Felix Ohiwerei, said, “Everyone at Virgin Nigeria is delighted by this landmark announcement and we are looking forward to greeting our new passengers on board. We take very seriously the importance of Virgin Nigeria to the Nigerian economy and nation, and are determined to operate to the highest standards of private sector and aviation governance.”
Chairman of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, said, “Today is a momentous first step for Virgin Nigeria and we at Virgin are proud to be associated with this new Nigerian company. Virgin Nigeria is a fully private sector airline and is already a major employer of some 200 Nigerian staff, which will rise to almost 1,000 within months.”
Virgin Nigeria was formally established on 28 September 28, 2004, with the signing of the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Virgin Atlantic Airways, the Strategic Investor/Technical Partner in the country’s new flag carrier project.
The airline is owned 51% by Nigerian Institutional Investors from across the country, via a successful private placement process completed early in 2005. The 49% balance is held by Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited. Share ownership in the new flag carrier is expected to be widened in the future to all Nigerian investors through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
What about the A320 domestic ops? I also checked amadeus.net for the flight schedules but they have not been uploaded yet I guess.http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news05...nNigeria.shtml
Virgin Nigeria is to commence operations with service on its inaugural route between Lagos and London Heathrow on 28 June 2005.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Simon Harford, today said, “On Tuesday 28 June 2005 the first flight of Virgin Nigeria will take off. The day marks a historic moment for Nigerian aviation as the country’s new fully private sector flag carrier takes to the skies with a weekly service to and from London for the first two weeks, rising to three flights a week thereafter. We are also finalising plans for our opening group of short-haul routes within Africa, which will be announced shortly.”
Virgin Nigeria’s inaugural flight on 28 June, VK281, will operate from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport. The first flight from London Heathrow to Lagos VK280 will be on Monday 4 July 2005.
The service will be operated using an Airbus 340-300 in a three-class configurations with 187 seats in Economy class, 28 in Premium Economy and 40 Business class seats.
Tickets go on sale from 14 June 2005.
Chairman of Virgin Nigeria, Felix Ohiwerei, said, “Everyone at Virgin Nigeria is delighted by this landmark announcement and we are looking forward to greeting our new passengers on board. We take very seriously the importance of Virgin Nigeria to the Nigerian economy and nation, and are determined to operate to the highest standards of private sector and aviation governance.”
Chairman of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, said, “Today is a momentous first step for Virgin Nigeria and we at Virgin are proud to be associated with this new Nigerian company. Virgin Nigeria is a fully private sector airline and is already a major employer of some 200 Nigerian staff, which will rise to almost 1,000 within months.”
Virgin Nigeria was formally established on 28 September 28, 2004, with the signing of the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Virgin Atlantic Airways, the Strategic Investor/Technical Partner in the country’s new flag carrier project.
The airline is owned 51% by Nigerian Institutional Investors from across the country, via a successful private placement process completed early in 2005. The 49% balance is held by Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited. Share ownership in the new flag carrier is expected to be widened in the future to all Nigerian investors through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
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I gather there is a Virgin Nigeria A320 parked in Varna Bulgaria.
It is Bulgarian registered, not good news for V.N being a good company to work for if they have started by using a Bulgarian Reg aircraft.
It is Bulgarian registered, not good news for V.N being a good company to work for if they have started by using a Bulgarian Reg aircraft.
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That particular a/c (LZ-BHB) along with its sistership LZ-BHD will be operated on wet lease for a few months until long term leases or (maybe outright purchase orders?) are secured.
Global Warning I fail to understand the point of your last post?
Are you implying BH Air are not a good operator because they are Bulgarian? Wet leasing in a/c when according to the press release the airline has been set up from scratch in 9 months seems very sensible to me. How does being responsible equate to VGN being a poor airline to work for??
Are you implying BH Air are not a good operator because they are Bulgarian? Wet leasing in a/c when according to the press release the airline has been set up from scratch in 9 months seems very sensible to me. How does being responsible equate to VGN being a poor airline to work for??