V-Flyer

Link to full article here.

British billionaire Richard Branson may be spreading his wings to Malaysia, where he is reportedly picking up a stake in the start-up long-haul budget airline AirAsia X, which plans to offer service to China, Europe and Australia.

The Star newspaper quoted unnamed sources who said Branson will take a 20% stake in the airline’s parent Fly Asian Express from its head Tony Fernandes, who owns 50%, and his deputy Kamarudin Meranum, who holds 30%. Fernandes controls the successful Malaysian regional budget airline AirAsia. There has been no response yet from Branson, owner of Virgin Atlantic.

cont'd....

Didn't we here of a similar alliance last year, albeit without any financial input[?]

45.

if he does it could make for some interesting connections for vs? but then again from a vs point of view, shouldnt he concentate on the lgw/man/gla fleet first?

You may have SQ putting a little pressure on him to get VS involved, while SQ can't be seen to be trying to influence carriers in their backyard directly, I am sure they would love to have some input in where this new carrier flies.

Well it's now official - the BBC reports a 20% stake purchased for an undisclosed sum.

Jonathan

My guess would be that SQ would not be amused, though at the end of the day this is a Virgin Group investment & nothing really to do with VS. It would be interesting to see the Virgin name being used though.

20% of another airline: no problem...

...little red cushions in UC: well that's another matter[B)]

45.

Damn those little red pillows... [:(][:0]

No Money for the crew pay deal but money for a 20% stake in another airline!!!

Originally posted by virgin is the best
No Money for the crew pay deal but money for a 20% stake in another airline!!!

Of course because if done right, his 20% investment will be worth a hell of a lot more. How much did he make from DJ in the first 2 years?

Thats the problem the crew at VS dont feel respected. Does Richard work for VS management!
I understand that a lot of money will be made from Air Asia but saying what you said Richard could be taken the wrong way as it has been.

Originally posted by virgin is the best
Thats the problem the crew at VS dont feel respected. Does Richard work for VS management!
I understand that a lot of money will be made from Air Asia but saying what you said Richard could be taken the wrong way as it has been.

Bit lost here - which Richard are your referring to, me or SRB?

If you meant me, nope I don't work for VS management but I can see why he would do that kind of investment. It's a vicious circle basically, say he spent $xx million on the pay deal for staff, do you think everyone would be really that grateful? Would they expect it again in the future given that a precedent has been set? So in reality why would he bother, there is no shortage of people wanting to be crew - all comes down to supply and demand. Now putting up a large amoutn of money into a startup business and getting a damn good return, that's what SRB is all about - he's a business man at core.

I'm not intending to be harsh with any of the above, that's just brutual reality.

Thanks,
Richard