Branson viewing to buy Gatwick Airport
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sesame Street
Age: 53
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Why is there only one competition comission?
Giving ailrines control of airports is like giving matches to children - they think they know how they work and want to play with them but will burn their fingers.
BAA may have made a hash of things but I struggle to see how you can get more facilities and better quality without spending more money. MOL would introduce an entirely new dynamic and why shouldn't passengers pay for the services they use?
Chose the level of service you require an pay accordingly.
My average pass through time as a SLF is only about 10 - 15 minutes at each airport. I always internet check in and don't park but would pay for fast bag drop and fast track it it avoided mixing with shell suited holiday mob. It woudn't matter to me if the terminal was a shed with concrete floor and whilst T5 looks great on paper it is a huge disappointment to me as a passenger - if I wanted to pay to use a shopping centre - I would go to a shopping centre- at least I could get out when I wanted without having to wait for the Nigels to arrive - Why is BA's punctuality so bad?
Giving ailrines control of airports is like giving matches to children - they think they know how they work and want to play with them but will burn their fingers.
BAA may have made a hash of things but I struggle to see how you can get more facilities and better quality without spending more money. MOL would introduce an entirely new dynamic and why shouldn't passengers pay for the services they use?
Chose the level of service you require an pay accordingly.
My average pass through time as a SLF is only about 10 - 15 minutes at each airport. I always internet check in and don't park but would pay for fast bag drop and fast track it it avoided mixing with shell suited holiday mob. It woudn't matter to me if the terminal was a shed with concrete floor and whilst T5 looks great on paper it is a huge disappointment to me as a passenger - if I wanted to pay to use a shopping centre - I would go to a shopping centre- at least I could get out when I wanted without having to wait for the Nigels to arrive - Why is BA's punctuality so bad?
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: OXF
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groundloop, my apologies... I was not clear.
Until December 2007, Virgin XC services used to serve OXF, hence my referral to them. But you are correct, Virgin XC services are now part of the CrossCountry Trains franchise (a merger of Central Trains and Virgin XC).
The fact that the service levels didn't change when the franchise changed, clearly shows that Virgin XC was getting better before they became XC Trains.
Again, my bad.
S.
Until December 2007, Virgin XC services used to serve OXF, hence my referral to them. But you are correct, Virgin XC services are now part of the CrossCountry Trains franchise (a merger of Central Trains and Virgin XC).
The fact that the service levels didn't change when the franchise changed, clearly shows that Virgin XC was getting better before they became XC Trains.
Again, my bad.
S.
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branson and the virgin brand are the ultimate free publicity machine.he appears in the frame at the drop of a hat,most of his publicly stated intentions come to nothing.i am sure gatwick airport will never belong to virgin or any other branson related company.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Planet Earth
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Why should Virgin Mogul, Sir Richard NOT go for LGW or any other airport for that matter... Whats the problem?
The Virgin group is made up of various companies, enterprises and projects therefor not putting all its eggs in one basket. Its a very successful brand, with worldwide kudos. Cant be any worse that things are already.
I think Sir Richard gets a bad press, and yes sometimes its all about publicity but you have to hand it to him, he does try and he did start out with nothing, and look where he is now.
Iam NOT an employee of any Virgin associated company, but do think he has the talent and knowhow to make LGW a better place for everyone!
The Virgin group is made up of various companies, enterprises and projects therefor not putting all its eggs in one basket. Its a very successful brand, with worldwide kudos. Cant be any worse that things are already.
I think Sir Richard gets a bad press, and yes sometimes its all about publicity but you have to hand it to him, he does try and he did start out with nothing, and look where he is now.
Iam NOT an employee of any Virgin associated company, but do think he has the talent and knowhow to make LGW a better place for everyone!
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: South East UK
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The previous MD of Gatwick was an ex Virgin employee and I don't think he bought any particular benefit to the airport or to the employees, in fact it's hard to think of anything significant that he achieved in his time there.
The problem with running an airport such as Gatwick is dealing with, and trying to satisfy, the diverse range and requirements of different airlines. It's a fair bet that the opinions of what is right, or required, will differ between airlines - Easyjet and Ryanair will be at the opposite end of the spectrum to Emirates. Satisfying those requirements within the regulatory pricing framework is almost impossible, hence the "middle ground" perception with the low cost boys thinking too much is spent and the others wanting more investment.
As for BAA I bet they can't wait to offload it, and they won't really care who to, they should get a good price which will go to paying off some of that huge loan. They'll want to get rid of soon as well, before they get rumbled on the ridiculous "gaming" that went on in the CAA Review, and they fall short on that one.
The problem with running an airport such as Gatwick is dealing with, and trying to satisfy, the diverse range and requirements of different airlines. It's a fair bet that the opinions of what is right, or required, will differ between airlines - Easyjet and Ryanair will be at the opposite end of the spectrum to Emirates. Satisfying those requirements within the regulatory pricing framework is almost impossible, hence the "middle ground" perception with the low cost boys thinking too much is spent and the others wanting more investment.
As for BAA I bet they can't wait to offload it, and they won't really care who to, they should get a good price which will go to paying off some of that huge loan. They'll want to get rid of soon as well, before they get rumbled on the ridiculous "gaming" that went on in the CAA Review, and they fall short on that one.
