I have been seeing news about cuts in many airlines to cope with the 11th sept events. I have never heard anything about Virgin. I think they might be severly affected since they have a big presence in the North Atlantic markets. Have you heard anyhing about it?. What´s your oppinion about Virgin?. Is the Branson star fading?.
By: dan330 - 15th December 2001 at 18:31
RE: virgin
Before September 11 they had two daily flights, one was a 747-400 (the early one) and one an A340.
According to the OAG website they are now both A340’s.
Its a great plane to fly on!
By: shauny2k1 - 15th December 2001 at 09:40
RE: virgin
I am flying Virgin from LHR to LAX in April, anyone know which aircraft they use on this route? A-340 or 747?
Shaun
By: james - 14th December 2001 at 22:46
RE: virgin
I’ve got a friend who is quite high up in Virgin so Ive learnt abit about there reaction to the aireline recesion.
They cut back about 500 cabin crew. But a good 200 went of their own accord. Taking the redundancy package that was offered. The rest are on hold until business picks up again. And are seeking alternative work in the meantime.
I think the airline as a whole downsized temporarily about 20%. Chicargo and Toronto were dropped, but again only temporarily as these routes were two of their newest. And currently unprofitable. But apparently their African network is excelling.
They grounded all 747 200’s bar four. And they are looking to start recruiting again in spring.
All in all I think they are doing ok.
By: andrewm - 10th December 2001 at 12:11
RE: virgin
I think Virgin didnt get hit as bad because of the markets they are in.
The European secor of virgin got a bi badly hit as they filed for help from governments. If i remember correctly theyapplied to the Belgium governement at the same time as Sabena.
Their Austrailian market, low-fare, is reporadly doing extremely weel as it had the best airline launch when it started as is keeping up those standards.
Thier transatlantic department seems to be doing ok, compared to others which do thoose routes. Virgin are back by a billionaire remember and i think Richard, might fork out a fe quid for his second most sucess ful venture!
Andrew M
By: dan330 - 4th December 2001 at 17:37
RE: virgin
They’ve cut a few atlantic routes such as Chicago and Toronto. I heard they’d retired the entire 747 classic fleet. Some routes have also been moved between Gatwick and Heathrow and I think the A340’s are operating most of the US routes with the 747-400’s being switched to South Africa and Asia.
I think I also heard that all flights to Athens have been halted.
I had a quite detailed magazine come, as I am in their flying club, I’ll try to find it and confirm these details.
By: KabirT - 4th December 2001 at 16:10
RE: virgin
Well…i think Virgin is not suffering as bad as other airlines. Really havent heard much of them that they are going bad….not sure though!
By: Bhoy - 3rd December 2001 at 19:09
RE: virgin
Virgin lost about 200 jobs (I think), and if I remember correctly, they parked some 747 claaics, although at the moment I think that’s just temporarily.
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December 3, 2001 at 5:41 pm