Fuzzy14 wrote:mitchja wrote:I’ve merged these into one thread.
Thanks, I had a look but couldn't see it (because I looked under Departure Lounge).
TCX have got such a complicated operation with leased aircraft and variable cabin standards, the devil is going to be in the detail. What exactly would VS be getting for the money and could they do it themselves for cheaper?
Focusing specifically on the long-haul part that VS are interested in, they will get routes to destinations that they don't currently serve, remove a competitor out of MAN in particular and be able to take more VH destinations "in house" by being able to offer flights on VS aircraft which they can't do at present such as the Dominican Republic. If Thomas Cook continue to book its passengers on VS flights to its former destinations, that's a guaranteed revenue stream and less risky compared to launching a route by itself.
Additionally, some of the Thomas Cook A330's are almost 20 years old and a few of them were first delivered to Airtours (anyone remember them?) and remained in the fleet during the MyTravel era and after its subsequent merger with Thomas Cook. When you factor in the native A330's, it gives VS buying power with Airbus and Boeing as there will be approx. 20 aircraft that will need replacing instead of 10-14 at present. I can see an RFP being issued in the next year or so. The long-haul crew will already be type-rated for A330's which will cut down the amount of additional training needed during the integration process plus costs. Finally, their A330's have RR engines like the native -300's which will help with maintenance costs and spares commonality.
I expect one of the first things they will do is refit the aircraft to make the product in line with the rest of the native VS fleet. I believe some of the A330's that were first built for Airtours had toilets under the main cabin. Does anybody know if they still have these?