Where now VS?

Having watched the journalists say that he BA IB merger was inevitable as neither was big enough to survive in the 21st century where does this leave VS - Withering on the vine like BD?

My suggestions

Focus on up -market holiday makers with the VH brand

Not diminish on service standards-having used three airlines to India recently I'd vote VS no.1 still, 9W No.2 and BA a poor third

Become SQ in London

Any comments?

I think the comparison with BMI is wrong - short haul flying in Europe has changed so drastically in recent years that BMI was defeated, the same hasn't yet applied to long haul flying.

VS undoubtedly has to grow, coming out of a recession relatively intact (although we don't know how much VS is losing right now), at a time when BMI will be flooding the market with Heathrow slots to stay alive for more than 12 months, BA is diverted by the IB merger and AA talks, when other airlines still haven't mastered Heathrow, with new planes coming online and we hope, people returning to the skies next year, I'd think VS could be in a very good position.

Here's my 'manifesto' for VS:

- be nimble and agile as it is now and get planes back on routes that support the traffic as soon as possible
- update the UCS
- invest in MAN and GLA, run MAN-LAS direct for example - there's an audience in these places for an airline that can make it work
- get some of those BMI slots
- tie-up with Virgin America for FF schemes
- look after your staff and keep the brand high
- look to the Olympics for a huge PR boost

Great manifesto!

quote:Originally posted by jafleming
Great manifesto!


'I like a manifesto, put it to the test-o.'[:D]