VS buys more LHR slots.

[Nottingham Nick]

According to a travel industry website that I subscribe to, but can't link to-

Air Jamaica is pulling its daily service from Heathrow to the capital Kingston, freeing the slots which have been picked up for an undisclosed sum by Virgin Atlantic.....

The reports goes on to say that a VS spokesperson has confirmed the story and said more details will be released later in the week.

Nick

[Decker]

This?

I'm confused (nothing new I hear you cry;)); JM is to drop its daily service in favour of two extra flights per week with VS[:?] I suppose the LGW 744s will have a greater capacity than JM's A343 service, but still?

45.

[Nottingham Nick]

Originally posted by Decker
This?

Yes. [y][oo]

I don't think VS are too concerned by the Kingston element of the deal, I'm fairly sure most destinations would be strongly considered if they come with a bonus pair of slots at LHR which could be used on far more profitable routes...

My heart bleeds for BA missing out....[:p]

[Neil]

Surely VS aren't going to fly into Kingston? The Air Jamaica flight, which used to do Montego Bay and then onto Kingston was used a lot by VH for pax into Montego Bay, surely VS are just going to add another LGW-MBJ service, for VH B&S pax and then use the LHR slots for something else that suits better?

[Decker]

More on this. I think the last para translates as "I called the booking line".

Originally posted by Decker
More on this. I think the last para translates as "I called the booking line".

I notice the article states that VS will operate the flights from Gatwick, which if I remember correctly the LGW fleet is hard-pressed as it is, surely something's going ot have to give unless VS move more aircraft round to accommodate this. Hmmmmm [:?]

This has been rumoured for quite a while in certain Carribean aviation forums.

JM are in a bit of bother with the banks and so therefore are trying to cut money- a la BWIA/Carribbean Airways style.

The 343's that JM have are due to be returned soon and rather than keep them on JM have opted to get rid. All North American flights will be flown with A320 family aircraft.

As a result LHR has been dropped and like BWIA/Carribean they have opted to link up with a British carrier on a codeshare.

I would imagine new service to Kingston will start with a JM flight number and the Mon Bay service will also get a JM codeshare. This is exactly what has happened with BA and Carribean Airways. Or maybe the Mon Bay service will operate via Kingston?


I am guessing that slack will come in the LGW fleet from the stopping of fligths to NAS. Althought with MRU services starting in Nov it will be interesting to see what happens. Also remember the 343s are back from VK now- so maybe we can have a rejig of LHR a/c??! [:?]

Originally posted by willd
Also remember the 343s are back from VK now- so maybe we can have a rejig of LHR a/c??! [:?]

sorry slightly off topic but when did these come back?
A LHR config 744 will be opping a lgw route this summer so may ease up the lgw fleet a bit

NO 343s have returned to the VS fleet as far as im aware, think thats all just speculation... they may have been leased to another company, but theyd need the UCS to be installed for us to use them and dont see VS spending that much cash for an aircraft thats on its way out.

Originally posted by Airbus340

Originally posted by willd
Also remember the 343s are back from VK now- so maybe we can have a rejig of LHR a/c??! [:?]

sorry slightly off topic but when did these come back?
A LHR config 744 will be opping a lgw route this summer so may ease up the lgw fleet a bit

One left the fleet for Air Comet at the end of its time with VK.

The other (forget which reg) is back within the next month or so as VK get its 2nd 763. Seeing as its lease isnt up for a while I would imagine it would have UCS fitted and be put to use, especially with the new NBO/ORD routes meaning 343s are being worked harder.

Rumour has it the remaining VK A343 may be leased out to another airline by VS.

45.

Well done to VS for getting to slots but i dont think that is was a wise move by Virgin at the moment. they have the finances but at the moment the metal with VS is stretched enough and with another 2 routes to come this year i think that it has been a bad move stalling the A346s. IMO not the best decision VS has made.
(prepares to get abuse) lol

If I'm not mistaken, slots get withdrawn from airlines if not used enough.

Since VS don't have any shorthaul aircraft to do boomerang flights (ala BA LHR-Cardiff, and keep the slots theirs) could they be at risk?

[mitchja]

The Air Jamaica LHR flights will still operate upto the end of June, therefore, I would think the slots wont become available to VS until July 1st anyway.

Last time VS had spare slots at LHR, Air France baby sat them for them.

My guess (and this is only a guess) would be VS using these slots for more DXB flights?

Regards

More DXB flights would be good - an AM and evening outbound, an AM and afternoon return.

I believe the Mauritius route is now going to be operated from LHR using an A340 - it's definately listed on Amadeus as that anyway [^]