Second pic of the day…. Farewell!

It would be different if an airline could legitimatly make a profit off Concorde. AF and BA have been able to sustain losses from their Concorde operations for years, because they are both such big airlines and have so many other planes in their fleet that are profitable, and are able to compensate for Concorde’s losses. The question is, are Virgin Atlantic big enough to compensate? Even if they lower prices considerably and are able to maintain a higher load factor, is that enough? As far as Virgin Upper Class goes, that is more or less a quasi-First/Business class hybrid. After all, what’s the difference between First and Business, a full-size sleeper? With some airlines, even that’s not the case. Service is tremendous in both, and I’m sure you get great service in Virgin’s upper class, on the same par if not better than some carriers first class. And they do have full size sleepers, if I’m not mistaken.

I disagree, they still have life left in them.

Concorde is all about marketing; they aren’t natural profit makers but they can have a place at the top of the range. Anyway, some of Branson’s ideas for reviving Conc make some sense. The real issue is that BA and AF both charge too much money for flights on Concorde. With a fuel (and staff and maint.) bill in the stratosphere, every seat needs to be filled.

This is achievable with a more realistic pricing policy in my opinion. There is essentially a very high level of demand for premium flights between LHR and JFK and it could be the missing link in VS’s price range. Remember, VS don’t have a First class product at the moment – Economy, Premium Economy and Business (a la Upper Class) and I think they loose out a little to BA First. Conc seats won’t compete with that in space or luxury terms, but the “Concorde effect” more than compensates.

I agree with Cyprus, they need to be retired.

COME ON BRANSON ……….BUY UM ALL …….. KEEP THE FLAG FLYING 😀 😀 😀

very sad. c,mon richard

Ren

I understand that many people (among myself) would like to see this bird keep flying for many years to come. Indeed, she is a unique bird, one of her kind. An art of what human can accomplish.

I may gave the impression that I am against the pursuit of Branson’s decision and pursuit to get a couple of Concordes and retain them flying for some time. In fact, I have nothing against such decision provided that it is an honest one and feasible in economic terms (i.e. generate sufficient yield to create a profit p bare in mind the economic recession and the bad situation the airline industry is currently facing); and it is not another ‘bluff’ to hit the nerves of their eternal ‘enemy’ British Airways.

However, my concern is that Concorde proved in July 2000 she is vulnerable perhaps more vulnerable than compatible aircrafts. Also She is getting older, with the youngest Concorde being more than 20 years old. I fear the fatigue of sonic travelling has started her even more vulnerable.

Dont you think it will be more appropriate for her to retire in glory (as she will retire in October) or retire in disgrace from a possible second accident?? or end her carreer because she wasnt generating enough money to keep her going?

Finally, concluding, I would like also to express once again my dissappointment for British Airway’s decision to sell pieces of Concorde for action. As I mentioned at the beginning of the reply, she is an art therefore she shouldn’t end as pieces of artifact to rich and famous houses!!!!!!!!!!

kind Regards

Originally posted by Cyprioteagle
it is sad to let her go…. but we need to stop a bit a think…..

All goods things must gradually come to an end

True but in this case it’s an enforced ending and there are people who are willing to keep the ending from happening for a few more years yet.

a330 and ren frew, both are very nice pictures

it is sad to let her go…. but we need to stop a bit a think…..

All goods things must gradually come to an end

To think I am supposed to be able to speak a bit of French :p
Zut alors!

I love this pic, the old and the new side by side.

Sorry Hand, my French lessons never taught me that!

Originally posted by Saab 2000
Au revoir mon cherie 🙂

don’t think much of your french grammar, Adrian… :p

‘Cherie’ is feminine, ‘Cheri’ is masculine, as is ‘mon’. :p 😉

Originally posted by T5
Wonderful photograph.

For those of us who don’t speak French, allow me to translate:

“Goodbye and thank you” :p

Right and the other one says : “Concorde , supersonic forever”

As Del Boy might have said… “Bonnet de Douche” !

Au revoir mon cherie 🙂

Wonderful photograph.

For those of us who don’t speak French, allow me to translate:

“Goodbye and thank you” :p

Thats a timeless picture!!!

Sheer class!

C’mon Branson , don’t give up !!!!!!!!!