Virgin Atlantic
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Virgin Atlantic
Rumours been going on for some time but looks like they are hotting up!
Virgin Atlantic Receives A String Of Approaches Over Possible Tie-Up Or Merger | Business | Sky News
Virgin Atlantic Receives A String Of Approaches Over Possible Tie-Up Or Merger | Business | Sky News
. or perhaps not if this chap's comment is anything to go by:
I have however noticed a real change in the overall attitude of the cabin crew recently (I fly Virgin every couple of months to return to the US to see family) and just wondered if anyone knew why this may be?
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I wonder if they can keep going as an independent (given their ownership structure) niche player when every deal these days seems to be about alliances. SkyTeam would seem to be the logical choice.
Keeping Danny in Sandwiches
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The old rumour was a tie up with B Midland, Lufthansa were never very happy at having to buy Mr Bishop out. Tying in Lufthansa Singapore and Virgin would make a lot of sense for the Star Alliance.
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Keep an eye on the middle east
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Hmmm I don't see it as very likely any of the Middle Eastern carriers getting too involved with this deal; they're extremely focussed on their own bases out in the homelands and would be reluctant to explore 'new' territories.
I'd expect VS to be holding talks with an American carrier something along the lines of Delta / United / American (maybe?) as well as some European big players such as Lufthansa or bmi... I remember something coming out a little while ago about VS wanting to explore the short haul sector, so I wouldn't be suprised to see a potential interest with the likes of Thomson / First Choice / TAP.
I'd expect VS to be holding talks with an American carrier something along the lines of Delta / United / American (maybe?) as well as some European big players such as Lufthansa or bmi... I remember something coming out a little while ago about VS wanting to explore the short haul sector, so I wouldn't be suprised to see a potential interest with the likes of Thomson / First Choice / TAP.
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Ha! I specifically resisted the urge to put easyJet but still... two completely different business models so can't see those getting together. At least with the likes of Thomson / FC etc there is still a pretty large focus on premium service, whereas with the LoCo's it's more of a price dominated sector.
Could also explain why VS have purchased 2 A333s without Upper Class suites, maybe looking into the simply Premium + Economy config for charter routes?
Could also explain why VS have purchased 2 A333s without Upper Class suites, maybe looking into the simply Premium + Economy config for charter routes?
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I'd expect VS to be holding talks with an American carrier something along the lines of Delta / United / American (maybe?) as well as some European big players such as Lufthansa or bmi...
He won't say more (jungle drumbs beating) and I ain't asking.
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ImPlaneCrazy: Hmmm I don't see it as very likely any of the Middle Eastern carriers getting too involved with this deal; they're extremely focussed on their own bases out in the homelands and would be reluctant to explore 'new' territories.
Of course they are looking to expand outside their tiny home market. Qatar (pop 1.5 million) has more widebody seats in its orderbook than British Airways has in its current fleet.
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I'd expect VS to be holding talks with an American carrier something along the lines of Delta / United / American (maybe?)
Your expectations might well be spot on, as our Dir Marketing (the original ex-Laker head honcho in the same capacity) says...'expect a surprise'.
He won't say more (jungle drumbs beating) and I ain't asking.
He won't say more (jungle drumbs beating) and I ain't asking.
What cost to buy Singapore's 49% complete with associated LHR slots, immediate access to unserved-by-Delta California - LHR and all routes East and South, compared to the overinflated prices all the US carriers paid for access to LHR just a couple of years ago?
Could be a relative bargain.
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No serious contender will want to be involved until the Cold Hand of Branson has a few fingers severed and he loses the majority stakeholder position. That alone has ensured the Singaporean stake remained unsaleable.
Any kind of flotation or restructuring of Virgin Atlantic will need the existing shareholders to be reduced or eliminated, with a nod to the EU rules. For that alone it'll be a tough deal to try and call. Many potential bidders won't fancy Sir Beard being involved in their companies either which means share swaps may not be the ideal solution.
BTW the two A333 with no Upper are for MAN and LGW Orlando services that traditionally haven't sold well in the front cabin, as they are packed out with Virgin Holidays punters off to see the mouse.
Any kind of flotation or restructuring of Virgin Atlantic will need the existing shareholders to be reduced or eliminated, with a nod to the EU rules. For that alone it'll be a tough deal to try and call. Many potential bidders won't fancy Sir Beard being involved in their companies either which means share swaps may not be the ideal solution.
BTW the two A333 with no Upper are for MAN and LGW Orlando services that traditionally haven't sold well in the front cabin, as they are packed out with Virgin Holidays punters off to see the mouse.
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For an airline that rolled out a whole new livery this year they've stopped painting. Three B747-400s and that was it. Telling?
The A340s that came back from storage went straight into service.
The A340s that came back from storage went straight into service.
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I highly doubt that they have stopped painting; with all of the disruption that has been of late I'd say it's put a right spanner in the works regarding their painting schedule with all aircraft being stuck in overseas locations and utilised to the max with recovery flights etc.
They will get done... sometime!
They will get done... sometime!