The last ‘horses mouth’ information I had was that their share of the income from Legends, with all charges including the flightline walk and the corporte marquees generates sufficient profit for TFC to cover just a proportion (not their entire) insurance bill for the fleet for a year. (ie. not rent, wages, light, heat, materials, etc etc etc)Moggy
I’ve heard that many of the Companies look to turn over enough revenue to pay just their insurance bill, which as Moggy has stated have increased significantly especially since September 11 and I guess again since 7 July last year, which the cynic in me thinks is just the insurance industry using these as an excuse to up their income and dividends.
Also, those of us who drive know that fuel costs have gone up significantly over the past twelve to eighteen months. Couple that to rents for hangar space, electricity, maintenance costs etc, which don’t come cheap and have a tendency to go up, I think £30 is a small price to pay for the privilege of seeing these fabulous aircraft in the air, compared to operating and owning one.
To me the Warbird world is akin to a football match, which is 22 men kicking a bag of wind around a field, refereed by 40,000 people. Owning and operating a Warbird Company is one or two people being told how they should organise their airshows and operate their aircraft by 40,000 non-executive directors.
It’s the same tune every year after Legends and has been for as long as I care to remember, it’s too expensive, too many wind breaks, prats with ladders, not enough toilets, paying to walk the flightline and expensive food. Number one in the Aviation anoraks hit parade.
I feel a letter coming on to Mr Grey and the people at TFC thanking them for a great weekend, and suggesting that they double the price of the ticket.
(1) It would only allow those of us who can afford to go to attend;
(2) It would stop the people who moan about the cost from going;
(3) It would reduce the number of people turning up with windbreaks and ladders because they won’t want to pay the price; and
(4) It will be easier to get around because the size of the crowds will be smaller; and
(5) Traffic congestion will be significantly reduced, because of all of the reasons above.
If the above reduces the numbers attending by half, there would be no effect on revenue. In fact it could reduce infrastructure costs in the long run, by reducing the need for extra bogs and catering facilities each year. Yes some of the stall holders may suffer, but lets face it did anyone want to buy AA membership or perfume over the weekend ????
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