V-Flyer

SRB on Radio 4 - have a listen to what sounds like it slipped out around 4mins 28 ish

Radio 4 Link

What do you think ?

David

SRB is well known for not being able to keep a secret!!

Regards

Watch this space I guess

Interesting... thanks.

So what would BMI become? Virgin BMI?

Chuck-

If this did happen, I guess they would use the Virgin name as Virgin brand has a lot more respect worldwide.

That's what's going to happen with the TeleWest/NTL/Virgin mobile UK tie-up thing.

Regards

And *A would be an interesting issue...

Not exactly the best kept secret in the world is it?

Perhaps "Virgin Midlands"

I think it was pretty much taken as read that this was the case, but its good to hear it from the horses mouth, so to speak.

Wow, I might finally be able to earn miles and TP's from BHX [y]

Dean

I'm just piecing some information together but it is interesting.

1. We've heard constant rumors of A330s being bought, maybe they're not being bought, but being secured through this merger.
2. We've also heard rumors about VS trying to return to ORD, but perhaps they will simply scoop up this route through the merger as well.

Interesting interview - sounds like the A380's are long gone then to me given the enivronmental stance.

Thanks,
Richard

Anyone able to provide a brief transcript? I'm having a nightmare trying to get Realplayer to work.

There's one on this thread on FT, Ben.

Wonder what SAS and LH's thoughts are given their position...? [:?]

Would be great if it happened...

Originally posted by tallprawn
Wonder what SAS and LH's thoughts are given their position...? [:?]

I heard they both want rid of BMI, so no problems there.

Regards

Originally posted by mitchja

Originally posted by tallprawn
Wonder what SAS and LH's thoughts are given their position...? [:?]

I heard they both want rid of BMI, so no problems there.

Regards

... and desperately too

Originally posted by slinky09

Originally posted by mitchja

Originally posted by tallprawn
Wonder what SAS and LH's thoughts are given their position...? [:?]

I heard they both want rid of BMI, so no problems there.

Regards

... and desperately too.

Now, if this thing really is real perhaps we should think about what it means. It prefigures massive expansion opportunities, all those slots at Heathrow available for long haul, cutting the uneconomical BMI short haul routes. New markets galore. Plus also TPs and miles on European flights (which would signal to me a massive shake up of Flying Club given all the earning possibilities), and a hellof a lot more!

Perhaps BMI would become the new Virgin Express?

More likely British Virgin - Although marketing gurus would say using the two words in the same brand name would be a confusing and unfamiliar concept

Virgin Midlantic

Thanks,
Sarah

Wishful thinking, Sir Michael has plans for BMi & although SRB has plenty of money does he have enough to buy out Sir Michael/SAS/Lufthansa (they own 51/20/29%). Unless SMB has had enough & wants to team up with SRB to take on BA. To combine the 2 airlines would be a nightmare, be interesting to see if there is any truth in it.

Having had the pleasure of meeting Michael Bishop, I know from the horses mouth that he and SRB are actually very friendly. Him doing a deal with Virgin isn't that unlikely, and given he personally owns 51%, SRB only has to deal with him to gain control over the airline.

Pete

Originally posted by Denzil
Wishful thinking, Sir Michael has plans for BMi & although SRB has plenty of money does he have enough to buy out Sir Michael/SAS/Lufthansa (they own 51/20/29%). Unless SMB has had enough & wants to team up with SRB to take on BA. To combine the 2 airlines would be a nightmare, be interesting to see if there is any truth in it.

SMB, correct me if I'm wrong, is getting on a bit and has no kids, so no dynastic issues there. Wouldn't be unusual for someone in his position to secure the future of his 'baby' ... agree though that it'd be a huge challenge in merging these airlines with their very different brands, networks et al, but then there's all those slots ...

The hardship of merging 2 totally different business models has got to be worth the rewards of all those extra slots...... LHR's slots has to be the number one reason for why VS would be interested rather than UK connections and the short haul benefits.

If there is a chance of a deal, SRB would surely snap SMB's hands off.

Very Interesting interview. [:?]