Blink
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Beside being a very funny guy, are you able to participate to a serious conversation or did you just ask daddy to play with his laptop ?
Since you have to be in the airport AT LEAST one hour before departure time, it's already 2 hours MINIMUM on a return trip. And you still have to add the disembark and luggage collection time. Through the General Aviation Terminal it's only 5 min...
Since you have to be in the airport AT LEAST one hour before departure time, it's already 2 hours MINIMUM on a return trip. And you still have to add the disembark and luggage collection time. Through the General Aviation Terminal it's only 5 min...
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Fly ex LCY. If you read my post correctly, you will see that it is easily possible to do in 45 mins. (30 if you already bought your ticket)
Thanks, I am flattered by the funny guy thing.
Thanks, I am flattered by the funny guy thing.
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sispanys ria
Would you really think it medically odd to need a pee on a 1:30 flight?
DC-9
I may spend a few minutes on pprune, but I've been at work since 07:00 and will be leaving shortly.
Seriously. Can anyone in the know tell us what the angle is with Blink, obviously there is some radically new way of purchasing time on aircraft? I'm interested. We've seen people in the past who simply came in with the business plan of being more hungry from a marketing perspective, but maybe Blink really have found a unique way of selling their services. I'm not after anyone betraying any confidence, but with all the bluster they must have something special up their sleeves apart from funding and aircraft type?
Would you really think it medically odd to need a pee on a 1:30 flight?
DC-9
I may spend a few minutes on pprune, but I've been at work since 07:00 and will be leaving shortly.
Seriously. Can anyone in the know tell us what the angle is with Blink, obviously there is some radically new way of purchasing time on aircraft? I'm interested. We've seen people in the past who simply came in with the business plan of being more hungry from a marketing perspective, but maybe Blink really have found a unique way of selling their services. I'm not after anyone betraying any confidence, but with all the bluster they must have something special up their sleeves apart from funding and aircraft type?
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Going back to the BA pilots vs the GA Pilots question, we've had a couple of ex-airline guys, one is really very good indeed in the getting it done department, and has certainly added something to the mix with regards SOP's, the other one wasn't.
phil
phil
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Phil,
From what I've managed to glean from the press Blinks model is going to be different from your usual AOC operation,I guess its all confidential until it launches in the next month or so.Maybe brokers wont be playing such a large part of the operation which wont be such a bad thing and will therefore lead to a larger slice of the profits.
As the Mustang is not intended for the rich luxury end of the market, cutting out catering,water and waste servicing will only save time and money,in my humble experience most so called executive catering leaves a lot to be desired and in a lot of cases is just repackaged food available to all from Waitrose with an enormous premium placed on it.On a short flight most execs will be happy with a paper to read and a bottle of water,from the tap of course!!!!!
From what I've managed to glean from the press Blinks model is going to be different from your usual AOC operation,I guess its all confidential until it launches in the next month or so.Maybe brokers wont be playing such a large part of the operation which wont be such a bad thing and will therefore lead to a larger slice of the profits.
As the Mustang is not intended for the rich luxury end of the market, cutting out catering,water and waste servicing will only save time and money,in my humble experience most so called executive catering leaves a lot to be desired and in a lot of cases is just repackaged food available to all from Waitrose with an enormous premium placed on it.On a short flight most execs will be happy with a paper to read and a bottle of water,from the tap of course!!!!!
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Sorry for the delay in replying. Been away for a few days being muggins-up-the-front.
Highflight420 asked:
I’m not critical of all new ideas, far from it, I just happen to be very sceptical of this one and suspicious of someone who opened up their PPRuNe account to defend Blink. It appears that I’m not the only one.
Your argument that flying in a smaller business jet will be preferable because it is more environmentally friendly than a larger one is one-eyed. If that's your driving factor in choosing a mode of transport, you'd go commercial.
I’ve answered your questions, now you can answer mine. What has Blink actually achieved so far that is making money in a revolutionary way?
Chips
Highflight420 asked:
Chippie Chappie
Why would you be critical of a team of people trying to set up something new? it seems this sort of attitude is endemic in the UK workplace these days.
Why would you be critical of a team of people trying to set up something new? it seems this sort of attitude is endemic in the UK workplace these days.
Your argument that flying in a smaller business jet will be preferable because it is more environmentally friendly than a larger one is one-eyed. If that's your driving factor in choosing a mode of transport, you'd go commercial.
I’ve answered your questions, now you can answer mine. What has Blink actually achieved so far that is making money in a revolutionary way?
Chips
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Highflight,
You are not part of Blink? I assumed the way you were blindly backing everything they have planned that you were in the fold. It would now appear that you actually know naff all about it, apart from what we have all read in the press. I didn't realise you were just some high houred wannabe after a job with them.
You are not part of Blink? I assumed the way you were blindly backing everything they have planned that you were in the fold. It would now appear that you actually know naff all about it, apart from what we have all read in the press. I didn't realise you were just some high houred wannabe after a job with them.
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Chippie Chappie,
First of all I haven't just opened an account been on here viewing for some years.
Secondly in answer to your question absolutely nothing so far,they haven't officially launched as yet.I'm not defending the company or ideas etc etc, I'm defending the fact that two young guys have had that guts to put up their own money and raise additional finance for a well thought out business plan that they think will work,time alone will tell but at least they are doing it,compared to the many others on this site who seem to pontificate and denegrate for no real reason. If you were all such smart business men you wouldn't be up front flying other peoples aircraft like me,most of us are risk averse, thank god a few are not otherwise no new businesses would ever get off the ground.
Phil,
Argh the personal attack I wondered when that would come,I wasn't aware I had made any personal remarks against you,just rather goes to prove that this industry has a long way to go before it grows up.
First of all I haven't just opened an account been on here viewing for some years.
Secondly in answer to your question absolutely nothing so far,they haven't officially launched as yet.I'm not defending the company or ideas etc etc, I'm defending the fact that two young guys have had that guts to put up their own money and raise additional finance for a well thought out business plan that they think will work,time alone will tell but at least they are doing it,compared to the many others on this site who seem to pontificate and denegrate for no real reason. If you were all such smart business men you wouldn't be up front flying other peoples aircraft like me,most of us are risk averse, thank god a few are not otherwise no new businesses would ever get off the ground.
Phil,
Argh the personal attack I wondered when that would come,I wasn't aware I had made any personal remarks against you,just rather goes to prove that this industry has a long way to go before it grows up.
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Highflight,
That's hardly a personal attack. You have come in here, openly criticised with a broad brush all other GA operators, praised the "well thought out business plan that they think will work" with no knowledge of what that business plan is. The gusto that you approached the "will they won't they" question over Blink is bizarre if it is simply based on admiration of their affinity to risk.
Phil
That's hardly a personal attack. You have come in here, openly criticised with a broad brush all other GA operators, praised the "well thought out business plan that they think will work" with no knowledge of what that business plan is. The gusto that you approached the "will they won't they" question over Blink is bizarre if it is simply based on admiration of their affinity to risk.
Phil
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Bizare ? So what ? Do you think Blink is looking for clients on Pprune ?
Some of your comments are making me sick. What is wrong with this endeavour ? If it doesn't work, you'll be satisfied, and you will be allowed to proudly say "i've predicted it!" and if it works, it would just be fine (except for the jealous ones...)
There is definitely a market. I know it because I worked for a year on such a specific niche. Some are already working on it. The marketing approach has nothing to do with the classic aviation industry. What people are looking after is a cost effective solution (the word solution includes many different services and benefits). Fractional of PC 12 and TBMs are doing very good job in Europe and in the states, just like Avantair. Thanks to their AOC they will go commercial, more attractive than fractional. What most of you don't understand, is that there is a big new market of clients currently not using business aviation because of the costs. Blink will raise new corporate clients.
Think like a Manager: multiply the hourly salary of your traveling staff by 2 wasted hours in the airports. Multiply it by the number of used flight, and you will get how much you are wasting every year with the airline. Business aviation is the solution, because it is flexible and time saving (in addition it can take you directly to unscheduled destinations). The only problem is the cost. By lowering it, you will raise new customers. Managers are not stupid, they will do their maths.
And even if you don't agree with this model, you still can be skeptical in a more decent way, and respect people working hard to setup their dreams.
Some of your comments are making me sick. What is wrong with this endeavour ? If it doesn't work, you'll be satisfied, and you will be allowed to proudly say "i've predicted it!" and if it works, it would just be fine (except for the jealous ones...)
There is definitely a market. I know it because I worked for a year on such a specific niche. Some are already working on it. The marketing approach has nothing to do with the classic aviation industry. What people are looking after is a cost effective solution (the word solution includes many different services and benefits). Fractional of PC 12 and TBMs are doing very good job in Europe and in the states, just like Avantair. Thanks to their AOC they will go commercial, more attractive than fractional. What most of you don't understand, is that there is a big new market of clients currently not using business aviation because of the costs. Blink will raise new corporate clients.
Think like a Manager: multiply the hourly salary of your traveling staff by 2 wasted hours in the airports. Multiply it by the number of used flight, and you will get how much you are wasting every year with the airline. Business aviation is the solution, because it is flexible and time saving (in addition it can take you directly to unscheduled destinations). The only problem is the cost. By lowering it, you will raise new customers. Managers are not stupid, they will do their maths.
And even if you don't agree with this model, you still can be skeptical in a more decent way, and respect people working hard to setup their dreams.
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Well...
..."What most of you don't understand, is that there is a big new market of clients currently not using business aviation because of the costs. Blink will raise new corporate clients."
My best guess is, that IF the Mustang is the way to undercut the costs of businessjet travel in a way to get close to Airlines Business Class costs, than it will work as advertised. Looking at the available info on the Mustang, I just doubt it. It is definetely a nice airplane, but where exactly is the gain over, say a C525?
The ONLY way to lower your cost per hour is fly a lot.(Granted that they might get better rates for being regularly customers with Handlers, but will that be that significant? They will manage better fuel prices on airfield with competition, but not at the advertised remote fields that have their own bowser)
Without empty legs, otherwise the benefit is gone. CAN they do that? Can they put, say an average of 12 hrs per day on the airplane? Is the Mustang designed to do that kind of hard work? I thought its aimed at the upgrader from KA, Conquests and the like...
I´ve been in executive aviation for quite a while and I´ve seen a lot of startups with "revolutionary" new ideas. Most are history by now. Look at NetJets, they are making a profit now, after how many years of loosing money? Is Blink backed up by another Warren Buffet?
Don´t get me wrong, if BLINK works as advertised, I´ll salute the guys for beeing so smart. Still I have some nagging doubts...
My best guess is, that IF the Mustang is the way to undercut the costs of businessjet travel in a way to get close to Airlines Business Class costs, than it will work as advertised. Looking at the available info on the Mustang, I just doubt it. It is definetely a nice airplane, but where exactly is the gain over, say a C525?
The ONLY way to lower your cost per hour is fly a lot.(Granted that they might get better rates for being regularly customers with Handlers, but will that be that significant? They will manage better fuel prices on airfield with competition, but not at the advertised remote fields that have their own bowser)
Without empty legs, otherwise the benefit is gone. CAN they do that? Can they put, say an average of 12 hrs per day on the airplane? Is the Mustang designed to do that kind of hard work? I thought its aimed at the upgrader from KA, Conquests and the like...
I´ve been in executive aviation for quite a while and I´ve seen a lot of startups with "revolutionary" new ideas. Most are history by now. Look at NetJets, they are making a profit now, after how many years of loosing money? Is Blink backed up by another Warren Buffet?
Don´t get me wrong, if BLINK works as advertised, I´ll salute the guys for beeing so smart. Still I have some nagging doubts...
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why do you spend so much time in here talking to these guys do they buy charters ?.
So the new idea is no catering and tap water. "awesome"
I think he means 'umbrage.
So the new idea is no catering and tap water. "awesome"
I think he means 'umbrage.
Last edited by Martin Barnes; 15th Mar 2008 at 16:52. Reason: spelling
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Hi Martin,
I see you have the inside knowledge of the masterplan.
Syspanis,
I was describing Highflights blind backing of a business plan that he claims to have scant knowledge as bizarre, I hope Blink isn't bizarre, it's what we have been doing for 20 years. There is nothing in your description that is not currently being done, it's just a different type of aircraft, that in my opinion offers less value for money than a C525.
As if we have not been selling the benifits of time saving from charter. You think people actually want to sit in these thimgs - no, Time is our product.
There is little point in preaching to people who were converted 15 years ago.
I see you have the inside knowledge of the masterplan.
Syspanis,
I was describing Highflights blind backing of a business plan that he claims to have scant knowledge as bizarre, I hope Blink isn't bizarre, it's what we have been doing for 20 years. There is nothing in your description that is not currently being done, it's just a different type of aircraft, that in my opinion offers less value for money than a C525.
As if we have not been selling the benifits of time saving from charter. You think people actually want to sit in these thimgs - no, Time is our product.
There is little point in preaching to people who were converted 15 years ago.
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I've been away working but left this thread with the impression our protagonist wasn't a pilot, but rather a 20-something year-old who'd bought into a Blink salesman's hype.
Now that I'm back and caught up I see no reason to change my mind.
Highflight420, did they sting you for much money?
Now that I'm back and caught up I see no reason to change my mind.
Highflight420, did they sting you for much money?
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Phil,
I'm not blindly backing anyone or preaching anything,I'm basically saying good luck to the two young men setting it up,it's just the typical British attitude to shoot down all and sundry that rather saddens me.
The Mustang I understand will be built in larger numbers than the other small citations currently being built and I guess there must be a cost advantage or the programme wouldn't be sold out for the next few years,the vast majority being sold into Europe are going to companies rather than individuals so somebody thinks there is a market,you don't order these significant numbers on a whim and a prayer.
I don't imagine Blink are going to directly challenge your company for business Phil,that's more likely to be LEA I would have thought.My bigger worry is that you spend so much time on this site instead of perhaps chasing new business,I'm glad I'm not relying on you for my long term employment.My excuse is it's my days off and it's raining outside
Mr Barnes,
I most certainly did and thank you for correcting my spelling,maybe you would like to run a quick eye over my previous posts. Easyjet and RyanAir get away without the food and water unless you want to pay for it,this is the lower end of the market these guys are aimimg at.I refer you to my previous post, I am forever uplifting pretty shoddy very expensive catering that I could provide from Waitrose at a much reduced price,bottled water is it seems declining in popularity so tap water might be the new thing in the UK at least, maybe not some countries abroad.
bfato
Oh to be 20 again, no I'm a long way from that mortgage worry free age,30 years in aviation at the sharp end and in both camps qualifies me to have my own views I think,and I thought I'd turned into a grumpy old man.Aviation used to be such a pleasant place to be how it's changed.I guess I'm just
I'm not blindly backing anyone or preaching anything,I'm basically saying good luck to the two young men setting it up,it's just the typical British attitude to shoot down all and sundry that rather saddens me.
The Mustang I understand will be built in larger numbers than the other small citations currently being built and I guess there must be a cost advantage or the programme wouldn't be sold out for the next few years,the vast majority being sold into Europe are going to companies rather than individuals so somebody thinks there is a market,you don't order these significant numbers on a whim and a prayer.
I don't imagine Blink are going to directly challenge your company for business Phil,that's more likely to be LEA I would have thought.My bigger worry is that you spend so much time on this site instead of perhaps chasing new business,I'm glad I'm not relying on you for my long term employment.My excuse is it's my days off and it's raining outside
Mr Barnes,
I most certainly did and thank you for correcting my spelling,maybe you would like to run a quick eye over my previous posts.
Easyjet and RyanAir get away without the food and water unless you want to pay for it,this is the lower end of the market these guys are aimimg at.I refer you to my previous post, I am forever uplifting pretty shoddy very expensive catering that I could provide from Waitrose at a much reduced price,bottled water is it seems declining in popularity so tap water might be the new thing in the UK at least, maybe not some countries abroad.bfato
Oh to be 20 again, no I'm a long way from that mortgage worry free age,30 years in aviation at the sharp end and in both camps qualifies me to have my own views I think,and I thought I'd turned into a grumpy old man.Aviation used to be such a pleasant place to be how it's changed.I guess I'm just
Last edited by Highflight420; 15th Mar 2008 at 17:53.
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Malc
He started it...........
Apparently you are not allowed opinions about a company run by a couple of chaps with a business plan...I think...or something like that....good aircraft...no...oh?...environmentally freindly then....no....cheaper..no?....ahh, they are going to sell charters to save people time?...already done? ok, good luck to them...fine lads and all that.
He started it...........
Apparently you are not allowed opinions about a company run by a couple of chaps with a business plan...I think...or something like that....good aircraft...no...oh?...environmentally freindly then....no....cheaper..no?....ahh, they are going to sell charters to save people time?...already done? ok, good luck to them...fine lads and all that.
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I've noticed an interesting paradox on this forum! We have a thread running about a company who's business model is based on the LoCo style, in which the owner claims that you should expect an inferior service, tatty aircraft, no catering and penalties if you turn up late but accept it because you bought cheap and then we have this thread about a new fleet of aircraft based on the LoCo model (stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap - stuff the catering, let the buggers starve) which the owners claim will be hugley successful without any compromise to the passengers.
Well, good luck to them. Assuming they get the right number clients on board to make it work (and that WILL be the tough part) then they also need to make sure their ops team is as tight as a drum, and as trustworthy as possible - they only need to take a quizzical glance at the 24/7 thread to see how it COULD all go!
Oh, and the concept of using a private jet to save time? Staggering, it had never occured to me before....... There surely must be more to it than that?
Well, good luck to them. Assuming they get the right number clients on board to make it work (and that WILL be the tough part) then they also need to make sure their ops team is as tight as a drum, and as trustworthy as possible - they only need to take a quizzical glance at the 24/7 thread to see how it COULD all go!
Oh, and the concept of using a private jet to save time? Staggering, it had never occured to me before....... There surely must be more to it than that?
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I don't understand why some of you believe there is a need to advertise Blink on Pprune 
...
They already have a good marketing strategy, and it's not here they will prospect clients.
Beside the market niche consideration, I have to admit one thing. The Mustang is definitely not the best aircraft to achieve their goal.
The only efficient way to achieve a really profitable offer in this niche would be to have our SMART
JAR authorities being finally compliant with the ICAO annex 6 recommendation. In US, Australia, Canada, Malaysia and so many countries, you can operate commercial flights with modern single engine turboprops (under stringent conditions). And a commercially operated PC 12 would definitely get you the right cost effective solution... but in Europe, seems like we don't want of it...
...They already have a good marketing strategy, and it's not here they will prospect clients.
Beside the market niche consideration, I have to admit one thing. The Mustang is definitely not the best aircraft to achieve their goal.
The only efficient way to achieve a really profitable offer in this niche would be to have our SMART
JAR authorities being finally compliant with the ICAO annex 6 recommendation. In US, Australia, Canada, Malaysia and so many countries, you can operate commercial flights with modern single engine turboprops (under stringent conditions). And a commercially operated PC 12 would definitely get you the right cost effective solution... but in Europe, seems like we don't want of it...