Alice operators rally to keep Virgin

[Tunguska]

Alice tourism operators rally to keep Virgin
2:13 PM July 20

Central Australian tourism authorities say they are determined to keep Virgin Blue flying into Alice Springs, despite airline concerns the route needs to be more profitable.

The carrier met with local officials at the weekend and expressed concern that not enough people are flying into the Territory with Virgin.

The planes are at about 70 per cent full but the airline is aiming for 80 per cent.

Central Australian Tourism Industry Association spokesman Craig Catchlove says they are confident of boosting passenger numbers.

"We knew full well that Virgin weren't happy with the loadings and they were quite forthcoming in that," he said.

"But certainly there was no, 'we're going to pull this route, it's under-performing, look out guys'.

"It was an acknowledgment that it's under-performing and it needs to improve and what can we do to make it do that."

Source: ABC

[TIMMEEEE]

The fact that Godfrey has done yet another public whinge is testimony to the fact that he is just not doing his job.

Airlines make profits on some routes but not on others, hence they should be balanced accordingly and the correct fare structure implemented.

What we have here is a situation where VB expect the Alice Springs tourism community to provide some sort of "sweetener" for them to continue servicing the route.

If they cant make a profit with a 70% load factor then their profitablility margin must be extremely thin and is subject to a number of external factors that can affect their bottom line.

In simple terms the airline (VB) is operating on a knife edge and moreso than the oppositions(s).

Perhaps the Alice Springs community should persuade JetStar to commence operations into Alice to really spark things up.
Imagine the whining Godfrey would make then!!!!!

Personally just sick and tired of the backhanded and unprofessional way Godfrey and Huttner whinge and whine about the fact that things aren't going well for them, then want someone else to pay to reduce expenses or provide an incentive to continue operations as mentioned.

They pulled out of Mt Isa I believe some time back amongst a very disappointed Isa community.
As a consequence they lose most of the on-carriage from that port as a consequence.
They've had their gripe about Canberra and the public service (public servants weren't all that impressed apparently), Alice Springs and who knows what next?

I'm surprised they havent threatened to boycott Sydney airport because of the rising charges, but even Godfrey knows that would be a large waste of time and would severley injure VB in the process.

Perhaps the "wailing wall" should be relocated to VB's Brisbane headquarters where it would really get a work-out by Brett and co !

[Bugsmasha]

Once again TIMEEE you cry about Godfrey and Huttner's whining. I think it's time you built that bridge and GOT OVER IT:{ Because you are following them ever so closely, maybe they are rubbing off on YOU:confused:

[HotDog]

Beat me to it Bugsmasha.

TIMMEEE, you are a fine one to call Godfrey a whinger; there is nobody that whinges as much as you do, give it a break mate.:rolleyes: