Vancouver Route

Hi all,
I'm a long-time lurker here, I don't post often (enough). Seeing today's press conference from SRB was quite interesting and relevant to me, particularly in respect of the new routes, as my wife is Canadian and we try to see the family as often as possible.

So, here's my question - when does the collective wisdom of v-flyer think that the new Vancouver route is likely to start?

I know that as always in these things 'it depends' and 'soon(tm)' are valid answers - just wondering what people think...is it likely to be when the first tranche of new planes arrive or.....?

Thanks all for your time...

Jon

[Scrooge]

It will probably be after the 744's start rotating out of the LHR fleet, so figure 2012-2013, at least that's if VS sticks to my plan !

Virgin would be daft to not take advantage of the 2010 winter Olympics in BC IMHO.... Especially given how poor the AC product is (and pricey)

I was thinking the same woggledog and Vancouver is also has a popular and growing cruise ship base as well as a fantastic destination in its opwn right.

[Scrooge]

You have to remember, the Olympics are only a couple of weeks, there is still the rest of the year, the lift to Vancouver is still not that large, right now the 343 is probably the most suitable aircraft in the VS fleet to run the route, I guess if a free one could be found in the system you could run a LHR - ORD _LHR - YVR - LHR - ORD - LHR routing using a pair of 343's

I'm disappointed that there was no mention of a LHR-YYZ route.GGRRRRRRR

All I can say is Vancouver - bring it on!! [^]

quote:Originally posted by Scrooge
You have to remember, the Olympics are only a couple of weeks, there is still the rest of the year, the lift to Vancouver is still not that large, right now the 343 is probably the most suitable aircraft in the VS fleet to run the route, I guess if a free one could be found in the system you could run a LHR - ORD _LHR - YVR - LHR - ORD - LHR routing using a pair of 343's

True, but what better opportunity to create some brand awareness in BC / SEA

Yeah, I guess I was vaguely hoping they'd do something in time for the Olympics too but you're right that it's only 2 weeks. It's also quite soon, given the delivery timeframe for the new planes.

Ah well, I live in hope.

[HighFlyer]

I am pleased to hear of a new route, and a destination that I haven't been to but really want to visit. I just hope VS can sustain the loads.

Thanks,
Sarah

quote:Originally posted by jmechan
So, here's my question - when does the collective wisdom of v-flyer think that the new Vancouver route is likely to start?


I fly this route pretty much on an annual basis, and I've tried both AC and BA in recent years, with BA definitely being my preferred operator. (The oldies like me may remember the days of CP and even Wardair). Speaking for myself, a well-timed competitor would be welcomed.

What surprises me is that the LHR-SEA route is still left solely to BA with one or two daily flights, still with seemingly spectacularly high load yields and fares to boot. UA pulled the route about ten years or so ago.

H

I'm working on Vancouver 2010 and actually quite like the AC product to Vancouver. Saying that, I tend to fly via Los Angeles with Virgin for the miles/tier points/quick holiday in LA

[Scrooge]

quote:Originally posted by Howard Long


What surprises me is that the LHR-SEA route is still left solely to BA with one or two daily flights, still with seemingly spectacularly high load yields and fares to boot. UA pulled the route about ten years or so ago.

H


NW tried it and died a quick painful death.

[HighFlyer]

I guess the issue with the SEA route is getting the right tie-in and corporate deals with the large Seattle based companies. Certainly the view from most of my colleagues was that they'd rather not fly NW if they could help it as many had less than great experiences when they flew with them VIA AMS, and they were offering us FlyingBlue status when they launched the SEA route. I'd love to see VS fly there.

Thanks,
Sarah

quote:Originally posted by Howard Long


I fly this route pretty much on an annual basis, and I've tried both AC and BA in recent years, with BA definitely being my preferred operator. (The oldies like me may remember the days of CP and even Wardair). Speaking for myself, a well-timed competitor would be welcomed.




CP what a fantastic J experience, I think Manchester-Vancouver maybe from Birmingham,but it was my first ever J flight and got me hooked about 91.The cutlery still had Wardair stamped on it so not long after the change over.