Globalflyer,
Once upon a time, Nigeria Airways operated flights from LHR to Nigeria usually taking off around 20:30. I remember quite well flight number WT801 which arrived in LOS around 0330. This would explain those VK slots, they inherited them?

On another note, this early arrival would make onward connections convenient (To ABV/PHC/KAN as well as African destinations), those flights taking off around 0700-0800.

Still, 0330 arrival is dead-tiring, not to mention plain wierd.

Rani, for once, and probably once only, you are incorrect on the info I know about.

VGN has not directly inherited any slots which were Nigeria Airways. BAA would not protect slots for anyone over the length of time since WT operated. BAA use ACL to manage the slot allocation on a use them or lose them basis, and as several years have passed since WT operated there is no way in the world that they could be linked to WT!!

If the slot remains unused due to its unsuitability to any other route that is a matter that is totally different

For at least 10 years and until 2003, Nigeria Airways flights took off (in theory of course:} ) from LHR at 20:30 and the direct flight arrived LOS at 03:30. Remember ABC Flight Schedule Guide? Check those at your nearest library and you will see what I'm talking about, it's history.

It might very well be a coincidence. But I personally think there is some indirect connection. I appologize if I sounded inquisitive!
I realize the last thing VGN needs at the moment is an accusation of inheriting WT assets......

The Virgin Nigeria web site is now up and running looking at the Time Table the departure times out of Lagos - London Heathrow -and the return flights to Lagos seems not to be that far off time wise from the WT schedules of past. Bookings can now be made on line.
The A343 with the VK livery was spotted on ground London Gatwick a couple of days ago being prepared for a scheduled VS flight. No point it sitting on ground when it can be making money.
I would like to see the faces of the passengers when they are boarding a Virgin Nigeria aircraft on their way to say Boston. We should not complain about the PR let everyone know that we have arrived.
G-VBUS is having a look over by the relevant authorities hopefully today. She should pass with flying colours. Good luck.

MarkD
LAG is a VOR/DME (113.70 MHz) 6.7 NM to the north of lagos DNMM


OK hands up who are the lucky 45 who have been called up? One airline chanchangi has lost at least 5 pilots so far from what i hear. A local daily quoted Simon hartford saying 120 pilots will be recruited. there;s about to be some major wahala among the local airlines. Does anyone know of any other airlines that have lost pilots to the bearded one?
AP
I hear the 2nd F28 is ready but it might b on very very long final like a few other aircraft we've been waiting for:ok: . 1st one has just recovered from a windscreen crack (what's it with IRS and cracked windscreens?:* )

Virgin Nigeria goes on Sale
 

Just in case some on you aren't aware of the latest developments (and for the sake of resucitating this thread!!)

Virgin Nigeria is now on sale, offering:

Lagos - London - Lagos from 28 June (3 weekly)
Lagos - Abuja - Lagos from 29 June (3 daily)
Lagos - Port Harcourt - Lagos from 30 June (2 daily)
Lagos - Accra - Lagos from 20 July (2 daily)

http://www.virginnigeria.com

I've met some of the VGN hosties and they are phwoarrrrrrrrrrr. Worth the ticket just to look at them..

I can't wait for them to start flying to Axxra cos apart from the turbo prop of Aero, nothing else is reliable enough. Why don't Bellview clean the interiors of their planes? Yuk they are grubby.

Good Luck for Tomorrow all you VGN guys and Gals in Lagos

I'm looking forward to a successful launch of services by Virgin Nigeria tomorrow. The culmination of a lot of hard work to start, and the beginning of a lot of hard work to continue :D

I shall raise a glass of something suitable tomorrow and toast the new era. I hope many others will do the same.

First flight safely on its way to London.................... the new era is upon us. :ok: :ok: :ok:

Good luck and well done S.N.

I see in the local newspapers that 20 July is your starting date for Accra - Lagos ..

Well done :ok: and best of luck, goodwill and make lotsa bucks :ok:

ETA
 

ETA for VK281 is 20:30!

Gunnssss..............................


Thanks for the good wishes, now get your backside back here and be ready for the start of services!!! The Silver Fox is missed by many :D vicmas :D :O :E :E

Anyone got photos of those wonderful hosties? VN's website is very dry for visual candy! I wonder if they served jollof, gari or pepper soup on today's inaugural flight!

On this occasion I lit a Cohiba!

surely not,

Congrats to you guys. More grease to the elbow. Wishing you guys all the best in this new endeavor.

Unfortunately, I got the " we're sorry you don't meet the min qualification" email.

Hopefully i'll make it in soon than later.

Cheers

Drove 150 miles too see that plane... got pics of it but as it was stormy thunder and rain they are not very visible:-( will be pocted soon

:ok: Here's wishing VK all the very best in it's start up. Here's also wishing that - again (Enginner, are you there ;) :rolleyes: )- lessons from a previous era have not been lost in the annals of history(?) :confused: or on dusty shelves in some storage room, BUT will be brought to bear on the NEW operations.

CONGRATULATIONS! again, VK and best wishes from here, there and everywhere!!! :cool: :ok:

Branson Interview
 

CNN Interview with SRB:

LONDON, England (CNN) -- This week, Virgin Nigeria, the nation's flag carrier, commences operations with its inaugural flight to London.

The airline is a joint venture, 51 per cent held by Nigerian institutional investors and 49 per cent by Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin Nigeria hopes to capitalize on the lucrative Lagos to London route with offers of low-cost flights.

Business travel is on the rise to West Africa, with promises of new oil sources as prices ride high, while Nigeria is already a significant producer.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Richard Branson told CNN's Mathew Chance that the new African airline he is heavily involved in is not strictly about business.

Full interview:

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/0....nigeria.intv/

Virgin Nigeria Launch And Developments
 

Way to go VK.
Soups the pic asap pls.

Any deppic/saw taht on tv last night awesome.

no news on recruiment/:confused:

UP-UP-UP & away. Happy Landings VK. A giant step for aviation IN NIGERIA, now go out there and conquer the rest of Africa and make us proud.