Here is my two-pennyworth…I don’t think BA will go for the A380, primarily because Virgin have ordered it, and so they will want to maintain some sort of difference between the two carriers. Secondly, the A380 is brand new, it is not succeeding any other type of aircraft becuase it is the first of its kind. The 747 series have a very good reputation, and is loved by the airlines and the many people that travel on them (me included!).
TO be honest I think that’s rubbish! To claim that BA won’t order the 380 because Virgin already have is nonsense, BA will order the aircraft that best suits their needs, regardless of what Virgin have. Both airlines operate the 747-400.
Unlike Richard Branson, Willie Walsh is a much more rational thinking kinda person, and will critically evaluate every little detail before taking the final decision. This is in no way ment to rubbish RB’s style of management or flare, but what I am saying is that as soon as the Airbus announced the thought of a ‘super-jumo’, Virgin, started off by saying that they were going to put saunas, gyms, swimming pools, and even casinos onboard…!
I think you’ll find at Virgin Atlantic RB is not involved in the day to day running of the airline. Sure, he comes on TV and announces the orders and does the PR, but that’s just because he makes good TV! I don’t think Virgin rashly decided to buy the A380 for the hell of it!
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