Virgin - 2
Is anyone else, like me, struggling to understand the point of the "rebranding" exercise to change the font on the aircraft titles? I just can't see what it adds. Branding is about enhancing customers' perception of the business so that it becomes more profitable. This makes no difference whatsoever, particularly when the majority of passengers will board Virgin flights via an airbridge and so not see it anyway.
It smacks of a brands and corporate design department having to do something to justify its continued existence.
It smacks of a brands and corporate design department having to do something to justify its continued existence.
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I had a thought before, with there being rumours of EK increasing MAN to 3 X Daily would this encourage VS to open the route from MAN - DXB daily with their new A333's resulting in EK - 1 X A388 & 1 773 along with VS daily A333 service as part of them expanding Manchester and making it into a bigger base. Stupid thought or not?
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easyjet A321,
Pretty unlikely. Whilst there is some point-to-point traffic on EK's MAN-DXB route, the key to the service's success is access to the huge wave of EK connections to points beyond. As a competing carrier, Virgin is unlikely to be offered unrestricted interline access to this extensive EK operation. The Virgin A333 would have to rely principally on DXB terminating passengers - are there enough of these, especially with EK (and EY down the road) selling seats too?
Virgin does codeshare ex-MAN with Singapore Airlines, so they could conceivably cooperate with them via DXB. However, SIA have their own scheduled service linking MAN with Asia/Australasia, so it is difficult to imagine that they would encourage a VS operation to DXB.
So, VS on MAN-DXB? Sadly, probably not. My two cents worth anyway!
Pretty unlikely. Whilst there is some point-to-point traffic on EK's MAN-DXB route, the key to the service's success is access to the huge wave of EK connections to points beyond. As a competing carrier, Virgin is unlikely to be offered unrestricted interline access to this extensive EK operation. The Virgin A333 would have to rely principally on DXB terminating passengers - are there enough of these, especially with EK (and EY down the road) selling seats too?
Virgin does codeshare ex-MAN with Singapore Airlines, so they could conceivably cooperate with them via DXB. However, SIA have their own scheduled service linking MAN with Asia/Australasia, so it is difficult to imagine that they would encourage a VS operation to DXB.
So, VS on MAN-DXB? Sadly, probably not. My two cents worth anyway!
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Could a fully laden VS 333 make it off the runway at BHX all the way to MCO? If it could would they ever consider BHX (there is only one flight a week on TOM to Orlando Sanford) or would it mean too much traffic dilution from MAN and LGW? Just a thought....
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Could a fully laden VS 333 make it off the runway at BHX all the way to MCO
Im not too sure to be honest? How did TCX's A330 fare when it operated BHX-carribean on the day LGW closed due to snow?
If that got off the runway with enough fuel to make it non-stop, then Id imagine VS could do it.
Like you say, it depends on the VS business plan. MAN is the closest base as there are no MCO flights ex LHR, and Id imagine getting round to LGW is a pain.
On top of that, only 2 A330's are being configured for leisure routes. One of them will be at MAN daily whilst the other is split between LGW/GLA so I dont suppose theres much room for a BHX flight.
Im not too sure to be honest? How did TCX's A330 fare when it operated BHX-carribean on the day LGW closed due to snow?
If that got off the runway with enough fuel to make it non-stop, then Id imagine VS could do it.
Like you say, it depends on the VS business plan. MAN is the closest base as there are no MCO flights ex LHR, and Id imagine getting round to LGW is a pain.
On top of that, only 2 A330's are being configured for leisure routes. One of them will be at MAN daily whilst the other is split between LGW/GLA so I dont suppose theres much room for a BHX flight.
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I've heard VS are a couple of aircraft down at the moment due to technical issues and this is leading to some serious delays on some routes. Most likely just a temporary thing.
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they have 2 346's in storage and 1 744 leased in South America somewhere.
The problem with a small airline is that it is difficult to get over rolling delays with no spare a/c available.
By the way it's back to 2 hours late now.
The problem with a small airline is that it is difficult to get over rolling delays with no spare a/c available.
By the way it's back to 2 hours late now.
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x1 A346 should be back online very soon as it was in for a C Check this month. The 2nd one should be available by the end of the year. Not sure which routes they will be supporting, but should give some flex to flying program. The B744 is on lease until next year at least I believe.
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Fleet Plan
I have read in several different reports over the last year that the priority is to replace the LGW leisure B747s. Whether that is with the A330's (which I understand are themselves an interim solution) or whether the 787's will do that I am not sure. Both would certainly improve the flexibility to serve leisure routes that do not warrant the capacity of a B747.
I also read in the last week or two that a A346 that had been in store at Lourdes was being prepared for a return to service
I also read in the last week or two that a A346 that had been in store at Lourdes was being prepared for a return to service
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virgin service
just returned too the uk from mco, o/b flight slightly late.on board service was excellent in economy.a/c was spotless.cabin crew very friendly.on the return we were held on the taxiway for half a hr due too weather,captain very apololgetic and gave full reason.flight was bumpy but again cabin crew top notch,thank you virgin
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It would appear that VS have been granted a license for charters from the UK to Canada:
CTA | Decision No. 352-A-2010 : Non-scheduled international service - Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
Is this just for a one-off or do VS have plans to enter this market, maybe with the new A330s when they're not operating the MAN/GLA stuff?
CTA | Decision No. 352-A-2010 : Non-scheduled international service - Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
Is this just for a one-off or do VS have plans to enter this market, maybe with the new A330s when they're not operating the MAN/GLA stuff?
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maybe with the new A330s when they're not operating the MAN/GLA stuff?
The MAN A330 is going to be tied up all year as MAN-MCO is not a seasonal route. It could be for when the GLA flights dont run over winter as all the LHR frames are quite busy as they are.
Id say as charters, the flights will run from either MAN or LGW.
The MAN A330 is going to be tied up all year as MAN-MCO is not a seasonal route. It could be for when the GLA flights dont run over winter as all the LHR frames are quite busy as they are.
Id say as charters, the flights will run from either MAN or LGW.
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Would seem odd for VS to run regular Canada charters when all of their other 'regular' flights are scheduled. Makes me think it will just be some ad-hoc charters (Cruises? Military?)
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Virgin predicts 'fewer airlines'
Strikes, mergers and a collective loss of $9bn in 2009 across the industry have turned the blue skies of the aviation business a murky grey over the last year.
Friday boss Steve Ridgway of Virgin Atlantic discusses the future of the industry.
Link - BBC News - Today - Virgin predicts 'fewer airlines'
where is the aviation industry headnig towards?
Friday boss Steve Ridgway of Virgin Atlantic discusses the future of the industry.
Link - BBC News - Today - Virgin predicts 'fewer airlines'
where is the aviation industry headnig towards?
Strangely, on a worldwide basis there's probably more airlines now than ever before. So it's not surprising that there may be some consolidation in the coming years. Nothing new in the cyclistic world of aviation.
