Worst Airline

Yep - he's moved up in the world big time. I guess that's what being a star does for you.

Originally posted by sailor99
Sorry, did I hear someone say Aeroflot?

Hmm despite my loyalties most Russian and CIS airlines would be poor with exception of Ukraine Int and Transaero.

Iain

Originally posted by williestott

Originally posted by Richard28
All to do with hubs.
It is easier for AA to fly to GLA from a hub, than it would be for VS/BA to base an aircraft in GLA permanently.
The reason for this is that with AA, they would have their whole network in the USA to back up the route, allowing pax to travel GLA-ORD-LAX for example, whilst if VS were to fly the route they would be relying more on O&D (origin and destination) traffic.
If there is sufficient O&D demand (eg MAN-MCO) then it can be done, however if it is questionable, then there is a financial risk in launching such a service.
An easier option is for the airline to maximumise trafffic/returns at its existing hubs first (eg LHR/LGW/MAN in the case of VS).
This is even more true when the yields (average people will pay for a seat) are so much higher in London because of the business demand.

Major metropoli (is that the correct plural of more than one metroplis??) will always have greater demand & generally act as a international hub routes as much as final-destinations.
Re: Yields : this was more my point... Clearly there is a suitable enough yield for CO that they have gone from 1 to 3 flights in only a couple of years. I follow them closely in the hope of last minute specials etc & rarely can I get a fare cheaper than Virgin (at the point that were I 60miles from LHR instead, I would pay the extra £20-£30 to fly VS). The dates I wanted in June, it worked out about £25pp dearer to connect @ LHR & fly VS. However, if Id been 60miles from LHR instead - it would actually have been £75pp LESS.
Clearly VS will be happy for ppl to connect to their bases just for the VS experience. However, whilst a 2nd carrier flying the route would obviously create competition & impact yield - with the average CO fares I find being no cheaper than VS fares direct from LHR. Surely its something that ought to be at least trialled?
CO are also opening up routes to other regions & we`ll obviously need to wait longer term to see if this impacts VS yield at all - although with a 6th route being opened to NYC from London, clearly not so far.

Im fairly sure that VS would have a few dozen routes from LON and also MAN they would consider long before they added any from GLA/EDI.
The history of VS made some interesting reading & theyve cleary expanded slower than some other airlines (some of which admittedly have financial issues), at the same time bringing out a more profitable airline with a better reputation.
It frustrates me at times that a couple of these more presitigous airlines dont seem to consider a few more direct routes from places like GLA & MAN, there`s certainly a demand, even if it couldnt sustain daily flights to meet required yield (although I also think more would fly if they could get direct flights). We now have Emirates , but that wont get me to the USA quickly

Willie- just one downfall to your arguement- what a/c would VS use? CO are currently using the 757 on the EWR-GLA service- VS would loose too much money operating an half empty 343 on the route- plus the added costs of postioning from LHR and the fact that by having a 343 operating from GLA half full thye are missing out on operating a full 343 from LHR. As stated earlier the O+D would be too small for GLA to be a success for VS.

VS have survived due to a slow expansion, the likes of EK and AY can expand fast as they have the backing of some very rich royal families.

VS have survived due to a slow expansion, the likes of EK and AY can expand fast as they have the backing of some very rich royal families.

I read an article a couple of years ago on QR. They said that they always lost money on their DOH-NY route and only operated it for the prestige.
If VS and most other airlines went along these rules there wouldn't be an airline out of bankruptcy!;)

Cheers,
VS045