Whats going On? Why only one new route?

I know its fantastic the Virgin have announced an increase in profits and are adding a brand new route for 2007, but do you not think that adding just 1 new route is a bit disappointing. Where are the three or four new routes a year or the added extra capacity to existing routes that Richard said they would add when they order all the A340-600’s.

Do you not think that this would have been the ideal time to announce services to Beijing, Toronto, Chicago or Rio?

It has been said on here many times before that Virgin have got the slots that they need to add extra routes, and with a continuous supply of new aircraft over the coming months I don’t see a problem.

What is every body’s else’s view on this?


Edit to thread title by mod for clarity....Nick

Maybe VS want to make sure the future A346 orders come in on time before they announce new routes when they don't have the A/C to cover it?
As the year goes on we might see some more new destinations announced.

Chris

Edit: To correct my spelling...

If Virgin have the slots at LHR, I would guess / hope they can only hold onto them for so long without using them, given the high demand for slots at LHR (i.e. the airport is "full").

That said, I am sure that VS could "rent out" any spare slots they have to another airline. I am sure there would be more than a few takers.

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by Airbus340
Maybe VS want to make sure the future A346 orders come in ontime before they announce new routes when they dont have the A/C to cover it?

Chris

Good point Chris. Seams to be a bunch of delays from TLS...

well one new route but lets not forget other routes with added frequency such as NY and HKG?

I think you may be right about lack of aircraft not to mention crew.. recuiting is busier now than ever and many customer fronting positions are going to online application process in the next few months to help speed things up?

[Decker]

Hence "recruiting is busier now than ever" I'd guess . All these new routes to fill and additional services...

And don't forget although it is by no means official, ORD is on the cards.

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by Decker
Hence "recruiting is busier now than ever" I'd guess . All these new routes to fill and additional services...

I bet VS is going start to use contract crews when they start interchanging with Virgin America on transpacific routes. I also think that VAmerica will be a full FC partner with the start earning rates (miles/TPs) of CO, HP, and DL or most anyother partner.

[Scrooge]

Has VA said they are doing trans pacific?

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by jetwet1
Has VA said they are doing trans pacific?

Not that I know of dogg but I waz readin' my magic eight ball. Give it a few years and it will happen. Trust me Dave, SRB wants to have Virgin airlines worldwide and VS coded flights RTW on various Virgin metal. It's just a mental thing.

There are more new routes planned but will not be announced until they are 100% certain of times etc.

VS will not use contract crews. We have 2 new crew courses starting each week. There is no shortage of crew at VS believe me. That is one thing we have hit the nail on the head with.

[mitchja]

On the slot front at LHR - arn't AF still 'slot-sitting' a couple of VS slots out of LHR ie the VS code shared fllights to France [:?] These could be easily used by VS.

Regards

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought it had already been announced that VS will not codeshare with Virgin America. I was under the impression that Virgin America's link to the Virgin empire ended at the name, and that Fred Reid already said that it would not codeshare with VS or provide any frequent flyer benefits.

Granted, that may have just been a spiel to skip over a couple hurdles with the regulatory restraints, but I thought that was what I heard.