Virgin Atlantic
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Glasgow
Age: 43
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I don't think they forgot to get CAA approval for ETOPS as they were granted ETOPs at 180mins weeks before the aircraft entered into service. Not sure what you meant by that statement? They had this approved before they operated any commercial flights with the aircraft.
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London (Babylon-on-Thames)
Age: 42
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Although why they didn't bring in a few A330's on some of the shorter routes (BOS, IAD, ORD, DXB) instead of leasing them out baffles me.
Anyone know if the upcoming B744 refits will result in a product matching the A346, or will they be "next gen"? Would be nice to think so - mind you they'll probably fire them over to the Row, and dump the skankier ones back at LGW/MAN/GLA.... Having said that, are there enough LHR based B744s already upgraded??
airbourne
I don't see you're logic. You can still fly one route with DL and have a completely different experience on another. Why does fleet size have anything to do with it. The passenger doesn't take that into consideration and wouldn't always believe that it should be. Plus we both know that DL has a huge domestic fleet that we can take out of the equation here.
When VPort was launched for example, the LGW 744's were still relatively new so why replace them there and then? Refurbishment, admittedly, has taken longer but again there are still airlines where you get a PTV on some long haul sectors but not on others. PTV's being just one consideration of the hard product of course.
I'm not necassarilly saying it's right or certainly not ideal but is it a disgrace? Probably not.
I don't see you're logic. You can still fly one route with DL and have a completely different experience on another. Why does fleet size have anything to do with it. The passenger doesn't take that into consideration and wouldn't always believe that it should be. Plus we both know that DL has a huge domestic fleet that we can take out of the equation here.
When VPort was launched for example, the LGW 744's were still relatively new so why replace them there and then? Refurbishment, admittedly, has taken longer but again there are still airlines where you get a PTV on some long haul sectors but not on others. PTV's being just one consideration of the hard product of course.
I'm not necassarilly saying it's right or certainly not ideal but is it a disgrace? Probably not.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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First time flyer with VS
I am due to travel with VS for the first time in August. Booked LGW LAS return. I am quite excited about the trip and looking forward to the flight but from what ive read on previous threads im a little anxious now. Flyong from LGW does not sound like a great experience?
Sealink, don't worry. Basically, the "hard product" (i.e interior, PTV's etc) aren't as good as many of the LHR machines. Last year I flew a sector on a A343 (that has a similar hard product to LGW aircraft) and it was fine....infact it was an enjoyable flight. It's just that the LHR aircraft are actually very well equipped and so the difference between the two is very noticable and it's taken them a while to start updating those ar LGW/MAN. Put simply, the product on your aircraft, in Economy atleast, will still be leaps and bounds ahead of some of the other carriers you could have chosen to LAS.
The actual inflight service is very similar if not identical and the crew operate both LGW and LHR so there is no "second tier" crew mentality. Even if there was, you can still have bad and good crew regardless of airline or base.
The actual inflight service is very similar if not identical and the crew operate both LGW and LHR so there is no "second tier" crew mentality. Even if there was, you can still have bad and good crew regardless of airline or base.
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Manchester
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I flew with Virgin from Gatwick to Orlando last Easter and whilst the product is not as good as the one offered from Heathrow, I found it perfectly reasonable for the price paid. It should also be noted that most people only write a review when they are unhappy and few write one to praise the service.
This website is especially useful for Virgin Atlantic flights e.t.c: V-Flyer: The Independent Virgin Travel Community for Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America and Virgin Blue
This website is especially useful for Virgin Atlantic flights e.t.c: V-Flyer: The Independent Virgin Travel Community for Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America and Virgin Blue
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: West Sussex
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Absolutely. I've have colleagues who have worked for VS ex MAN (and LGW) and they always comment on the difference onboard when compared with LHR. Certainly ex MAN this is compounded by the very high expectations that those who have saved one or two years to see Mickey Mouse, have.
When you are promised a wide selection of films and games and then find you are on a bird with the Nova system - especially when it fails - is not what you were sold. Most people will (understandably) think that they are not getting the product they signed up to whereas we all know that the ticket you buy is to transport you from A-B, anything else is just a bonus.
Of course, people then talk about the old planes on the LGW/MAN routes which isn't actually true - the planes aren't that old but the fittings are tired and the IFE is now outdated. However, if you have booked a trip of a lifetime to Florida, Vegas or the Caribbean then the fact that the physical plane is fine isn't going to cut much ice.
Flight crew of Virgin Atlantic jet arrested for allegedly stealing cash a passenger paid for an upgrade | The Sun |News
If this is true how on earth do they think they could have got away with it. Back in the 70's when BA started the shuttle services to GLA & EDI, it was a license to print money, because it was part of the cabin crew's job to collect the fare!!!
If this is true how on earth do they think they could have got away with it. Back in the 70's when BA started the shuttle services to GLA & EDI, it was a license to print money, because it was part of the cabin crew's job to collect the fare!!!
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern ireland
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Virgin has recently taken delivery of 2 A330's but I am not aware of any expansion of routes or frequency. That suggests that they are replacements but for what - B747, A340/300 or A340/600?
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Manchester
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Pilots are to stike unless a deal can be reached soon...
BBC News - Virgin Atlantic pilots vote to strike
BBC News - Virgin Atlantic pilots vote to strike
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Manchester
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First Virgin A340 in the new colour scheme:
Photo 23530 - Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A340-313X G-VELD at Manchester - Plane Mad
Second A340 (G-VAIR) positioned up to Manchester for painting today.
Photo 23530 - Virgin Atlantic Airways Airbus A340-313X G-VELD at Manchester - Plane Mad
Second A340 (G-VAIR) positioned up to Manchester for painting today.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Coventry
Age: 48
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Sam,
How many logo changes have VS been through now in their history now? By comparions, Ryanair have changed little since introducing the 737, don't think Easy has changed at all since day 1, apart from swapping phone for .com and even BA have been steady since dropping the dodgy tailfins. Virgin seem to be going through a permanent rebrand.
How many logo changes have VS been through now in their history now? By comparions, Ryanair have changed little since introducing the 737, don't think Easy has changed at all since day 1, apart from swapping phone for .com and even BA have been steady since dropping the dodgy tailfins. Virgin seem to be going through a permanent rebrand.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LHR
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A return to profit for Virgin, but a rather downbeat assessment of the year ahead:
Virgin Atlantic Airways - Popup
Pre-tax operating profit of £18.5m
Revenues increased by 13% to £2.7bn
Cargo revenue increased by 39% to £224m
82% load factor
Strong year end cash position of £562m
New London to Accra route launched
"Whilst we have been very focused on trading the airline back to profitability, we have worked hard to introduce new aircraft, new routes and extra rotations to the existing network where there has been high demand. This year we are investing heavily in new product innovation so that we retain and enhance our leadership in customer service and experience," said Steve Ridgway.
Virgin Holidays also recorded a strong performance driven by high demand for its core Orlando and Caribbean holidays. The company is doubling its UK retail network to 120 stores, creating 200 jobs nationwide.
Quarter 1 2011/12 (1st March to 31st May 2011)
Total revenue up by 7.6% to £658m
Two new Airbus A330s introduced on leisure routes
New Manchester to Las Vegas route launched
Steve Ridgway said: "Since the turn of the year, market conditions have become tougher with increased capacity, faltering consumer confidence and high fuel prices. We are also seeing softer trading in the areas that are hit hardest by the continued rises in Air Passenger Duty, particularly the Caribbean routes and Premium Economy cabins. Whilst business traffic remains strong, demand in the economy cabin is more challenged."
Virgin Atlantic Airways - Popup
Pre-tax operating profit of £18.5m
Revenues increased by 13% to £2.7bn
Cargo revenue increased by 39% to £224m
82% load factor
Strong year end cash position of £562m
New London to Accra route launched
"Whilst we have been very focused on trading the airline back to profitability, we have worked hard to introduce new aircraft, new routes and extra rotations to the existing network where there has been high demand. This year we are investing heavily in new product innovation so that we retain and enhance our leadership in customer service and experience," said Steve Ridgway.
Virgin Holidays also recorded a strong performance driven by high demand for its core Orlando and Caribbean holidays. The company is doubling its UK retail network to 120 stores, creating 200 jobs nationwide.
Quarter 1 2011/12 (1st March to 31st May 2011)
Total revenue up by 7.6% to £658m
Two new Airbus A330s introduced on leisure routes
New Manchester to Las Vegas route launched
Steve Ridgway said: "Since the turn of the year, market conditions have become tougher with increased capacity, faltering consumer confidence and high fuel prices. We are also seeing softer trading in the areas that are hit hardest by the continued rises in Air Passenger Duty, particularly the Caribbean routes and Premium Economy cabins. Whilst business traffic remains strong, demand in the economy cabin is more challenged."
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Dublin, Ireland
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Dear Steve,
Maybe if you made your product better, to tourist passengers, people might return and your wouldnt be so downbeat about the next year! When you have a sh1t product, passengers will go somewhere else! simple!!!
Regards,
Me!
Maybe if you made your product better, to tourist passengers, people might return and your wouldnt be so downbeat about the next year! When you have a sh1t product, passengers will go somewhere else! simple!!!
Regards,
Me!