Virgin Atlantic Classics
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
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From: swamp
Virgin Atlantic Classics
Rumour control has suggested that Virgins Classics, currently residing in a sand pit, are to be dug out and used later this year, with Virgin again???
Can/will anyone quash or uphold this rumour please.
Can/will anyone quash or uphold this rumour please.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 370
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From: North of London
It may be that the Virgin management want to dig them out of the desert for use, but who is going to fly them? Almost all Virgin classic FE's have been snapped up by quality operators, most pilots have moved on to better jobs also, so please don't tell us that the Virgin managers think that for 6 months all their ex-staff have been sitting around pining for their old jobs back, and will forgive them for the way they have been treated??
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: UK
Couldn't agree more Colonel!
I'm more than happy in my new job and have absolutely no desire to go back to VS after the shambolic events since September.
However I suspect that there will still be plenty of CVs sitting on JT's desk.
I'm more than happy in my new job and have absolutely no desire to go back to VS after the shambolic events since September.
However I suspect that there will still be plenty of CVs sitting on JT's desk.
Rebel PPRuNer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,839
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From: Toronto, Canada (formerly EICK)
Lisa said:
oh please please please 
BA and AC need some competition...
Have already booked for August but at least two trips due in the next 18 months...
Toronto back on line
BA and AC need some competition...
Have already booked for August but at least two trips due in the next 18 months...
Joined: May 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
joebanana wrote:
"I'm more than happy in my new job and have absolutely no desire to go back to VS after the shambolic events since September"
This is a point of view I have heard from many Virgin Atlantic pilots after their treatment last year post 9/11. It seems that the company has lost the confidence of many - if there were another downturn in air transport, they are simply not prepared to trust Virgin, it would seem.
People used to fall over themselves to fly for Sir Richard; regrettably that no longer seems to be the case from what they have told me.
"I'm more than happy in my new job and have absolutely no desire to go back to VS after the shambolic events since September"
This is a point of view I have heard from many Virgin Atlantic pilots after their treatment last year post 9/11. It seems that the company has lost the confidence of many - if there were another downturn in air transport, they are simply not prepared to trust Virgin, it would seem.
People used to fall over themselves to fly for Sir Richard; regrettably that no longer seems to be the case from what they have told me.
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 512
From: UK
Interesting how people with no direct experience of VAA are prepared to comment on internal matters. As one of those employees (not a pilot) who was made redundant post 9/11, I could see no difference between our treatment and that of any other large company dealing with redundancies. The difference for the pilot work force was essentially a product of their Flight Deck committee's arrangements on their behalf..... and that, I suspect, was a no-win situation. LIFO was the basic principle and, while its application may have seemed a little odd in certain areas, it was never going to be any easier or more even-handed in EVERYONE's eyes.
For those not involved in the commercial aviation sphere, IT IS A VOLATILE EMPLOYMENT AREA. Always has been, always will be. A VERY large commercial operator employed one of their senior captain/managers for some three years together with the necessary administration set-up to examine the 'peaks and troughs' of the operation with a view to 'ironing them out'. Result? Zilch, Rien, Nada.
While VAA may well be Sir Richard's favourite 'toy', at the end of the day he is a business man. Having worked for both VAA and BA, both have inherent management problems but my previous 35 + years in the RAF prepared me well for that.
For those not involved in the commercial aviation sphere, IT IS A VOLATILE EMPLOYMENT AREA. Always has been, always will be. A VERY large commercial operator employed one of their senior captain/managers for some three years together with the necessary administration set-up to examine the 'peaks and troughs' of the operation with a view to 'ironing them out'. Result? Zilch, Rien, Nada.
While VAA may well be Sir Richard's favourite 'toy', at the end of the day he is a business man. Having worked for both VAA and BA, both have inherent management problems but my previous 35 + years in the RAF prepared me well for that.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 95
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From: California
There are at least five Classics - two are in service with Air Atlanta Icelandic three are parked in the desert and one at LHR I believe
Inside track with VS indicates they will be looking to sub lease out at least three in the next few months. I would guess that they dont want to take a book loss by selling them.
Inside track with VS indicates they will be looking to sub lease out at least three in the next few months. I would guess that they dont want to take a book loss by selling them.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2
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From: UK
Some of what Lisa said above isn't entirely even a good rumour!!!
2 Classics will be back from the desert not sure which ones yet.
The present 747-400 fleet based at LGW will stay at LGW for the present future as will the LGW-MIA.
A340-600 comes online at the end of july
Lisa check your source first!!!!!
2 Classics will be back from the desert not sure which ones yet.
The present 747-400 fleet based at LGW will stay at LGW for the present future as will the LGW-MIA.
A340-600 comes online at the end of july
Lisa check your source first!!!!!
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 453
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From: ???
The only truth is that there are 5 aircraft in Mojave (take a glance at www.cactuswings.com to check) and 2 in use by Air Atlanta
Rumours are very actively doing the rounds on the other subjects and only time will tell if they are true
Rumours are very actively doing the rounds on the other subjects and only time will tell if they are true
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,993
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From: UK
Bolts - Involuntary voluntary ! 
In other words, if I didn't apply I would have to go anyway, so not too much choice. As the'elderly statesman' (or knackered old git) of the team I was 'standing well above the parapet', so it didn't come as a huge surprise. Could have been worse and not having to get up early every day has its compensations. 
In other words, if I didn't apply I would have to go anyway, so not too much choice. As the'elderly statesman' (or knackered old git) of the team I was 'standing well above the parapet', so it didn't come as a huge surprise. Could have been worse and not having to get up early every day has its compensations.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 134
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From: UK
The A340-600s are likely to replace most of the 10 existing -300s. Possibly up to 3 -300s may be retained to allow limited route expansion. At the moment, I believe that 2 of the 3 stored Classics are being considered for use on bucket-and-spade routes for Virgin Holidays. As VAA no longer has the 742 on its AOC, a third-party operator would have to operate the aeroplanes on VAA's behalf. Where the crews would come from is another question, as most (but not all) of the Virgin ex-Classic crews have retrained or have left the company for pastures new - whether voluntarily or not.
Personally, I wouldn't put too much faith in this project coming to fruition, but you never know!
Personally, I wouldn't put too much faith in this project coming to fruition, but you never know!
Moderator
Joined: Dec 1997
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Suffolk UK
Some words of wisdom from our MD last week suggest that Digitalis' summary is pretty close. I think we have the option of keeping more of the 343s but, as yet, only one is confirmed as staying. There was some route info; I'll place it on our forum.