VA fights to keep Reid

[Neil]

Seems VA are hoping that the DOT will allow Fred Reid to stay, full story here

Neil

[Bazz]

Good spot Neil [y]

Wonder what the phrase "...amend the franchise agreement to allow the new airline to exist separately from the Virgin brand..." actually means? Where is Onionz when you need him?

It would appear from the brief synopsis in the piece that the changes are indeed very considerable. Let's hope the DOT agree to the request!

I feel like that quote means that Virgin America will be sort of like Virgin Mobile USA, wherein the company really has nothing to do with Virgin, it's just paying to use the brand name. I'm not sure how bad that would really be.

Virgin America might want to watch out though. It only barely got permission to fly and asking for a bit more might put them back where it started.

I agree with Nick, I don't think VX would be wise to push DOT over this and should accept the conditions given...

How horrifying would it be to see DOT reverse their decision just because VX pushed a little too hard to keep Fred.

Originally posted by tallprawn
I agree with Nick, I don't think VX would be wise to push DOT over this and should accept the conditions given...

How horrifying would it be to see DOT reverse their decision just because VX pushed a little too hard to keep Fred.

DOT will do exactly that; it is my view that we can all kiss Fred Reid goodbye, or stop planning to grab a seat on the first available VX flights just for V-flyer bragging rights, 'cause they won't be flying at all.

VX has a choice: choose another, or pack it in. DOT rarely reverses their original decision; VX got more than I'd expected. It is now 'know when to put up and shut up' time. If they don't, DOT will be more than happy to put the skids to VX altogether.