Virgin and 'Open Skies'

With 'Open Skies' approaching rapidly, are there any changes to Virgins schedules or are all of Virgins Heathrows slots restricted.

(sounds a bit risky [:I][:D])

David

[Pete]

Other than a potential small re-adjustment of the flights that go from Heathrow and those than go from Gatwick (with the removal of the restrictions that say, for instance, Las Vegas cannot currently operate direct from Heathrow), I doubt we'll see any major changes to the Virgin schedule. As they are currently one of the 4 Bermuda II incumbents, they already have their operation at Heathrow, and lack the aircraft to add many other destinations at this stage. Also worth bearing in mind that Open Skies doesn't free up any new slots, so Virgin will have to gain those in a ever-more competitive market. Either than or just buy bmi already... [;)]

Originally posted by David
With 'Open Skies' approaching rapidly, are there any changes to Virgins schedules or are all of Virgins Heathrows slots restricted.

(sounds a bit risky [:I][:D])

David

VS do have an extra slot at LHR which is currently being babysitted by the Barbados route. As Pete mentioned lack of aircraft is the main problem. Barbados flights are currently looked after by a LGW/MAN config aircraft due to this issue.

Once open skies is under way, The only schedule change I can guess as happening is Barbados being swapped for Las Vegas. VS would ideally like to use a LHR aircraft for Vegas due to the demand for W and J seating - I cannot see where this is going to come from unless a LGW/MAN aircraft is swapped to LHR config and refitted with V-Port.

Until more aircraft arrive in the future and more slots obtained, not a great deal more can be done by VS to create extra services. [:D]

I'm sure I read on a.net that another airline will be baby sitting the Barbados slots, but I can't remember which airline.

Is it seriously likely that Las Vegas will switch to LHR? Have a big group traveling this route in July and that would be a major change for a variety of reasons? How would I find out for sure?

[Pete]

Doubt anything will change on the LAS route by July.

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by Pete
Doubt anything will change on the LAS route by July.

MMMMM...not so sure about that, but who knows.

One interesting thought that popped into my head, with the US carriers drawing down service into LGW could this not be the ideal time to run an all J flight from LGW to NYC on say a 343 converted to all UCS ?

This is a very interesting topic and one which we have had a couple of chats about over the last six months, in particular since BA announced their plans.

I too have heard that LAS could well be on the way to LHR. I would be interested to see how well BGI has done ex LHR. Sure there is the premium demand and of course back in the good old days BWIA operated a very successful LHR programme.

As for an all J 343, am not personally too sure, especially once BA start this new LCY-NYC service which I believe will be a real money spinner.

It would not surprise me if VS follow the example of BD who are 'sitting back and watching what unfolds'. VS is a much smaller airline than the US legacy's, BA and Air France so perhaps this is the best option for the time being.

Originally posted by willd


I would be interested to see how well BGI has done ex LHR. Sure there is the premium demand and of course back in the good old days BWIA operated a very successful LHR programme.

Problem for VS is that they are not offered a true test.

If they had moved the route to LHR metal, they could have gauged what extra J and W revenue was generated by using a higher density premium aircraft.

Using an LGW config aircraft takes away the opportunity for sticking a toe in the water to test what extra revenue is available.

I cannot see what extra they have gained. [:D]

Originally posted by tallprawn

Problem for VS is that they are not offered a true test.

If they had moved the route to LHR metal, they could have gauged what extra J and W revenue was generated by using a higher density premium aircraft.

Using an LGW config aircraft takes away the opportunity for sticking a toe in the water to test what extra revenue is available.

I cannot see what extra they have gained. [:D]

I did not realise the route was being operated by LGW metal.

Taking that into account then maybe the real reason for the move was in order to babysit the slots. I am presuming the slots came about due to Air Jamaica handing over the Kingston slots to VS?

BGI was moved to LHR to protect the slot.

When BGI goes back to LGW the 2nd Washington flight will start again.

As been said before the BGI from LHR was using a LGW config aircraft so there has been no extra demand for Upper Class.