General Discussion Forum | Virgin Domestic Flights

Virgin Atlantic plans to bid for 12 pairs of Heathrow slots that will be freed up following British Airways' takeover of BMI as Sir Richard Branson sets his sights on launching his first UK domestic flights, the Telegraph reports.
If, as would appear to be the case, Branson is looking to launch UK domestic flights, what type of aircraft is he likely to use, bearing in mind that none of Virgin's current fleet would appear suited to short haul operations? Of course, I suppose there is a chance that this could be just another load of filibuster aimed at shaking up the competition!

got it in one. It's garbage.

There isn't any money in domestics unless you have a load of codeshares and alliance partners, as fast rail has taken the guts out of domestic flying. Branson is waffling on this as usual.

Glasgow and Edinburgh are probably the only moneymakers, and only for BA who can connect a lot of dots and have corporate contracts. BMI downgraded a lot of flying to Embraers in recent years which tells the story of just how flat the domestic routes can be. The slots would end up being used for longhaul expansion if VS wins them, although it isn't a given they would benefit.

FlyBE is testing the LHR water at the moment.....

Sounds logical...altho' the Telegraph article also commented to the effect that "The EC has split the 14 slots into three separate groups: seven pairs that have to be used between Heathrow and Scotland; two slots leased toTransaero; and five further daily slots with various destination restrictions."

Leased to Transaero for London to Scotland? Or is that the London to Moscow pair?

The latter!

I used to love Virgin. I think it serves a niche brand and could be a good product.

However, I wish Branson would just shut up now. He complains and complains, and when he is told to put his money where his mouth is, tumbleweed!

Transaero will be benefitting from a deal some years back regarding airlines operating LHR-Moscow. To stop any one airline having a monopoly or being dominant, there was an agreement to have healthy competition on the routes.

Giving Transaero extra slots bolsters the position if BMI disappears off the route. They would be the first airline on the list that can quickly ramp up service. There is a vacancy for another (UK) carrier but I can't see anyone else wanting to try it

Virgin always say things that they cant follow through with, virgin gaming for example they started it off huge then they just stopped putting the effort in because of other competitors..