By: Ship 741 - 11th February 2009 at 12:59
Northwest and American couldn’t sustain it …i think Delta more so than United will eventually withdraw
Delta CEO Richard Anderson has publicly stated that Delta was giving Qantas almost 100 passengers a day (on average). Given that the 777 in the Delta configuration only holds 268, Delta only has to attract 30-40 more pax a day to pass 50% load factors…..then throw in peak travel times/heavy demand…..then throw in cargo. And this is a relatively high yield market for Delta compared to other places they compete (ie., the North Atlantic). Finally, Delta now (with Northwest) has a huge Pacific prescence to go with their extensive U.S. domestic network (much more expansive than Northwest’s.
Meanwhile Qantas is in the process of introducing the A380 into service….which has roughly 100 more seats than the 744, and they are losing 100 pax a day, and facing new competition which is sure to depress yields.
V is a boutique operation for Branson and UAL is on life support. I see UAL not only exiting this market, but eventually exiting the marketplace altogether.
Its also very interesting that the article that spawned this thread was about a 777 delivery.
By: supermario - 11th February 2009 at 11:26
Branson is a media-loving opportunist.
What he said and did will not win him any future favours/business.
From Doug McVitie, Arran Aerospace MD:
“Sir Richard’s ingratiatingly biased pro-Airbus comments and his selective memory regarding the numerous Airbus France and Germany strikes last year smacks of posturing — a dangerous game to play in a duopoly. Boeing’s relationship with British Airways, the world’s largest operator of 747’s, will always be stronger than anything going on between Virgin and the US manufacturer, whether or not Sir Richard realises this.
He’s worried about late 787’s? Well, Virgin could always hang on until 2015 for Airbus A350XWB’s, by which time BA’s 787s should be firmly established on all competitive BA-Virgin routes.
A dangerous game indeed.”
Thats if we see an operational 787 by then………:p
By: FBEDCOM - 11th February 2009 at 10:49
Branson is a media-loving opportunist.
What he said and did will not win him any future favours/business.
From Doug McVitie, Arran Aerospace MD:
“Sir Richard’s ingratiatingly biased pro-Airbus comments and his selective memory regarding the numerous Airbus France and Germany strikes last year smacks of posturing — a dangerous game to play in a duopoly. Boeing’s relationship with British Airways, the world’s largest operator of 747’s, will always be stronger than anything going on between Virgin and the US manufacturer, whether or not Sir Richard realises this.
He’s worried about late 787’s? Well, Virgin could always hang on until 2015 for Airbus A350XWB’s, by which time BA’s 787s should be firmly established on all competitive BA-Virgin routes.
A dangerous game indeed.”
By: KabirT - 11th February 2009 at 09:38
Looks like Mr. Branson did not have very kind words to say for Boeing during the handover ceremony,
By: steve rowell - 11th February 2009 at 09:15
predicting Qantas and V only run???
thats a big call steve. I think delta will give a good run
Northwest and American couldn’t sustain it …i think Delta more so than United will eventually withdraw
By: supermario - 11th February 2009 at 09:10
I predict they’ll force United and Delta off the route within eighteen months!!!
predicting Qantas and V only run???
thats a big call steve. I think delta will give a good run
By: Grey Area - 11th February 2009 at 07:57
I can’t say I think much of the livery. 🙁
By: steve rowell - 11th February 2009 at 06:43
About bloody time !!! I though for a while there that we would not see V Australia flying !
I predict they’ll force United and Delta off the route within eighteen months!!!
By: supermario - 8th February 2009 at 12:16
About bloody time !!! I though for a while there that we would not see V Australia flying !
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February 7, 2009 at 7:00 am