V-Flyer

How much of a say does Singapore Airlines have in the running of Virgin Atlantic? Can SQ, for example encourage VS to fly SYD-LAX-LHR as it is a British airline? How much say did SQ have in VS's decision to order more 340-600s two years ago?

As far as I am aware they leave it to the VS board of directors to run VS. There is not much involvement from them.

I think they bought 49% of the airline and got one or two seats on the VS Board. Ultimately the fact they own a minority of the stock, albeit as large a minority as it comes, means they can't force change. Given what happened to airline stocks in the wake of 9/11, after SQ had paid a stunning amount of money to SRB, there may have been the potential for some antipathy between the two sides, but I haven't heard the relationship between them is anything other than cordial.

Best wishes

David

I do find it suprising that SQ do not use Virgin Atlantic baggage handling at LHR - you'd have thought they would have realised some cost savings here.

Originally posted by Richard28
I do find it suprising that SQ do not use Virgin Atlantic baggage handling at LHR - you'd have thought they would have realised some cost savings here.

VS don't have their own baggage handling. It is done by a company called Plane Handling, which the Virgin Group used to own a major stake in.

Plane Handling was originally a joint venture between GHI (which in turn was acquired by Go-Ahead group, eventually becoming part of Aviance) and a Virgin Group company called Virgin Aviation (which is seperate from the VS operating company).

In 2004, Aviance UK bought the remaining shares in Plane Handling from Virgin, but it continues to be operated as a standalone operation for the time being.

Quite ironic actually, as SQ is handled by Aviance.

Mike

In my books, any input from SQ is welcome[y]:):D (although AFAIK it is limited)

VS.

Originally posted by mike-smashing
VS don't have their own baggage handling. It is done by a company called Plane Handling, which the Virgin Group used to own a major stake in.

Thanks Mike - you learn something new everday! [y]

it's all branded Virgin at LHR, so I just assumed - silly me!!

None of the Plane Handling equipment is Virgin Branded at LHR. If you look out of any right hand side window on A/C you will see plenty of Plane Handling equipment there. They handle all our baggage and cargo. It used to be a Virgin company up until sometime last year when Richard sold it to get some more pocket money.

I dont think they have too much involvement but there are strict rules on a Virgin branded company competitng with SQ. This is why Virgin Blue's international operation is called Pacific Blue- SQ didnt want the Virgin name to be in competition with SQ- not that it is directly but still...so there are clearly some rules.