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Virgin in talks to sell Heathrow slots to BA :
Virgin Atlantic is in talks to sell take-off and landing slots at Heathrow airport to British Airways PLC, despite repeated claims that it is unable to secure enough slots at the congested London airport, reported the Sunday Times without citing sources.
The report said BA is understood to be close to buying slots that
Virgin Atlantic had used for a daily service to Athens, and two other sets that belong to Virgin Express, based in Brussels.
The article added that Virgin is understood to be close to buying a set of Heathrow slots from defunct Belgian flag carrier Sabena.
Meanwhile, a report in The Observer said bmi british midland chairman Sir Michael Bishop has accused BA and Virgin of working together in ‘selfish self-interest’ in attempting to block a new deal to open up transatlantic competition from London.
“We are aware of strong resistance by the incumbent airlines in their own legitimate but selfish self-interest to maintain the status quo at Heathrow,” he is quoted as saying.
Nobody at the companies was immediately available for comment.
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Link: http://www.ananova.com/business/story/sm_608843.html?menu=
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By: greekdude1 - 18th June 2002 at 07:44
RE: Virgin in talks to sell Heathrow slots to BA
Why would Branson do this? He is always quick to jump on BA’s every move, and now he is selling them even more slots to further increase their huge Heathrow presence? Why not use those slots for other routes other than Athens? And why cancel the Athens route? There’s no way that route was not profitable, especially now during peak summer time when all the Brits are flocking to the hot spots. He should get the ex Sabena slots, and keep the other ones as well. If anything, sell them to somebody that needs them more, and not to BA. As far as the BMI guy goes, this guy needs to work with Branson, not go against him. These 2 guys need to team up against BA. That’s just my opinion.
GD1
By: mongu - 17th June 2002 at 23:22
RE: Virgin in talks to sell Heathrow slots to BA
What a whinger Bishop is!
Is he seriously suggesting that he would not do the same? All companies act to try and maximise profits if they can.
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June 17, 2002 at 3:05 pm