Virgin European. Virgin UK. Virgin Domestic wont work...two letter code VD on a Virgin

Madonna Airlines?
 

Why not re-name it "Madonna"? well it'll be "like a Virgin".
Sorry - its a Sunday.

What does the bearded grinnng git's image bring to the party? Surely the brand is now almost worthless after repeated failure. The train company became "the delayed Virgin train" so frequent was that announcement. All the Virgin businesses are now just a smear of red and zero involvement from Dickie. It woud be interesting before anyone else pays Branson to use the name to carry out some reseach as to what the public impression of the brand is now.

Anybody else bored by this juvenility? :rolleyes:

Very much so, SWBKCB. I don't think loose rivets is aware of how pathetic he sounds every time he uses the phrase "flymaybe", he may grow up one day but don't hold your breath.

To be honest, I wasn't just referring to that. Though I think RJ is right in that the name "Connect Airways" was chosen for a reason.

I was agreeing with you, then I mentioned rivets. I do agree that he's probably spot on with the name, however, who really gives a toss? The name will be the name. This surely is a discussion for spotters corner.

The name is clearly difficult as Virgin Atlantic don't own their name or brand, so VS can't just slap "connect", or whatever onto the Virgin name. Its complicated because they need permission from the Virgin Group, to agree a licensing fee and there is at the added complication of Stobart and Cyrus, who may not feel that "Virgin Something" is the right move for the business - especially if Virgin want a steep royalty fee. The use of the Virgin brand is not without complication. The former Virgin Blue had branding problems when they launched international operations from Australia, firstly they used the "Pacific Blue", "Polynesian Blue" and "V Australia" brands before rebranding the entire operation as "Virgin Australia". Im sure something will be worked out, but it might not be swift.

Is it just Dash8 aircraft that are based at Edinburgh these days, or do they have jets based there as well.

Just the Dash 8

I believe the only jets left (E75's) will be solely based at BHX/MAN

Yes that's what I've heard. Some say 7 will be left others say 9.

Random anecdote but it appears that the customer service team which handle EU261 complaints are liars.

Since when is DSA not an operating base? :D

I flew between AGP and DSA back in June and the aircraft was delayed after allegedly being struck by an airbridge in CDG the day before. They're using this as an excuse not to pay out despite the flight being scheduled over 24 hours after this incident. Frustrating to say the least.

Take it to (what was) small claims court

Excuses
 

Perhaps practice makes perfect - not.

It is the way they insult your intelligence and don't give a damn. I was on the ill-fated Florence - BHX service back in 2014 and after about 50 of the 85 pax had boarded things came to halt and the captain was busy on his mobile before announcing to those on board that the handler had misplaced the push-back bar as they only had one (really). However around an hour later the remaining pax boarded, the tug connected and we departed about 75 minutes late.

We arrived 61 minutes late but during the taxi in at BHX pax were warned that not all bags were on board.....hold on.....clue.... aircraft 175,,clue... temperatures in the mid 20's and clue....the airport was Florence which I think you can join the jots yourself to get the real reason for the delay

Bingo within a month or so the 175 was pulled from the route, the 195 appeared and operated fairly successfully but eventually the route was pulled despite great loads.

It was at the time of 60x60x60 and as it was 61 minutes late I put my claim but also disputing the reason given - I got the £60 voucher within days but no confirmation of the real reason for the delay.

Pete

In most professional industries, blatantly lying to your customers would be frowned upon and would arouse the interest of the relevant regulator. But to avoid their EU261 obligations, some airlines appear to lie as their SOP without fear of penalty or reprisal.