I know this subject has come up quite a bit but it has finnaly happened – a low cost airline planning to operate transatlantic flights!!!
A US owned start up airline called Sky – Bus has started advertising on the internet offering cheap transatlantic flights from London Luton. If successful, it could spark a price war on Transatlantic routes.
Sky – Bus which will have a yellow and black livery like a U.S school bus, claims it will offer unrestricted one – way fares of £100 with some tickets discounted to around £65!!!!!
It plans to launch cheap fares between Luton and Florida and New Hampshire from next July.
Until now budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet, whcih have transformed domestic and European services, have not dabbled in the transatlantic market.
Major players like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are struggling with a recession following September 11th
The move by Sky – Bus has sparked memeories of Sir Freddie Laker’s ill – fated Skytrain service to New York 25 years ago
(This is an article printed in todays Evening Standard)
Is there anyone who think this will be successful? I think it could be a success if they offer inflight entertainment for a small price and offer decent legroom.
Anyone care to give their views?
regards
dan777
By: dan330 - 13th November 2002 at 21:34
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
Some very interesting discussions on this on a.net!
Does look like a piss take, but its been reported by the media everywhere though, there was a short paragraph in the Daily Mirror, yesterday or today can’t remember.
By: T5 - 12th November 2002 at 17:53
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
lol – someone with a little too much time on their hands! but it fooled most of us.
By: SOFTLAD - 12th November 2002 at 00:39
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
Yeah piss take for sure.But fair play to however did it cos we all went and had a look.
By: Bhoy - 11th November 2002 at 23:00
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
aye, anyone heard of a 767-500???
By: EGNM - 11th November 2002 at 21:39
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
i think this is a piss take m8!!
By: dan777 - 11th November 2002 at 21:09
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
Business Model
SKY-BUS Long Haul Airline Opportunity
THE CHANGING FACE OF THE AIR TRAVEL
Available international seat miles shrunk over 17% in the wake of September 11, 2001 – according to US Bureau of Statistics. Current ATA data shows international airline system load factors continue to recover. Continued press coverage of major international airlines dramatic reduction in long haul aircraft numbers and destinations served. JetBlue and Pan Am US domestic airline startups flourish. Ryanair, EasyJet and Go European domestic airline startups rapidly expand.
DOMESTIC STARTUPS APPLY NEW AIRLINE BUSINESS MODEL
Focus on A “no frills” service – offering customers the best experience that can be delivered. Aircraft fleet consists of same aircraft type – same engines – same avionics – same passenger services. Route structure selected to serve major population markets from secondary airports – avoids direct competition with established major airlines. Routes support rapid aircraft turnarounds and high aircraft utilization. E-Ticketing (Internet based) dominates seat sales. Maintain steeply discounted fares to support “better value” theme with passenger. Flight yield management dominated by simple fare regime and direct advertising to fill aircraft.
SKY-BUS BUSINESS MODEL
USA based long haul international passenger airline service linking new startup carrier networks in Europe, Asia and USA using secondary airfields with a reliable high frequency schedule and aircraft utilization exceeding 18 hours in every 24. 100% E-ticketing and information. Single class cabin with increased space per passenger (pro DVT risk reduction strategy) and some group seating. Serve liquid refreshments and light pre-packaged snacks. No hot food service. In-air kiosk selling of expanded refreshment/food/duty free choices. Video in-flight entertainment package. Separate international passenger handling and full security provisions. Employees have significant share in SKY-BUS ownership. Operate one uniform aircraft type with distinctive yellow and black paint scheme.
SKY-BUS INITIAL OPERATIONS
Initial route – London (Luton – hub for EaseyJet/Go) to Orlando, Florida (Sanford – served by many European holiday charter operators and PAN AM domestic services) continue to Portsmouth NH (Pease International – hub for PAN AM and feeder to JetBlue) and then back to London. Operate 2 aircraft one flying London-Orlando-Portsmouth-London other on London-Portsmouth-Orlando-London route expand to 4 aircraft to offer day or night flights either way between Orlando/Portsmouth and London. Unrestricted $150 one way fares, discounted below $99 – profitable flights at 76% Load Factor. Dry lease B767-300ER aircraft operated by own or contract flight/cabin crews. Inventory of 550 seats/day. Marketing includes commercial TV program offered to European/USA TV networks featuring ongoing airline operations (as pioneered by EasyJet in UK). First expansion would include service Orlando/Portsmouth to Dublin (Shannon Ireland – Ryanair Hub) and London (Stanstead – Go Hub). Further expansion to USA West Coast.
SKY-BUS STARTUP PLAN
Takes 12 months from business start to achieve FAA airline certification to inaugurate scheduled flights 1 July 2003. Find and appoint airline proven senior managers. Deploy E-Ticketing and airline operations system within 6 months. Train cabin crew and passenger service agents within following 3 months. Negotiate initial aircraft leases and select baseline aircraft for expanded operations. Market research for routes. Negotiate coordinated flight schedules with domestic partners.
SKY-BUS EXPANDED OPERATIONS
Within 3 years $250MM sales US carrier to European and Asian destinations with all next generation Boeing 767-500 ER fleet. Linking Virgin Airlines (Australia), China National, EasyJet with JetBlue and Pan Am domestic USA networks.
SKY-BUS FINANCING OPPORTUNITY
Establish business and startup inaugural service $12MM. Fund route operations and expansion to breakeven after 12 months airline service $28MM. Longer term financing for new aircraft operations $75MM. Total over 3 years $115MM.
SKY-BUS Executive Summary prepared by Noah Systems Inc. (Oklahoma and Colorado)
6 June 2002. Further information from info@sky-bus.com
8 2002 Noah Systems Limited
By: A330Crazy - 11th November 2002 at 21:09
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
I don’t think this will get very far. There website is very cheap looking! 😛
Operating to Fiji/NY, they are very hopeful of their venture.
But anyhow good luck to them! 🙂
By: dan777 - 11th November 2002 at 21:01
RE: NEW NO-FRILLS AIRLINE PLANNING TO OPERATE UK – USA ROUTES!!!!
The website is
regards
dan777
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November 11, 2002 at 7:47 pm