How might Delta and Virgin Atlantic use "metal neutral" to more effectively capture premium traffic, manage demand, and utilize aircraft types across both airlines' fleets?

I can see Virgin flights to DL hubs. Like LHR-SLC in the winter and LHR-ATL year-round, or at least in the summer. Could we also see Virgin scede some LHR slots to DL so DL can set up a smaller, AMS-type base?

Something I've been pondering since the start of this announcement is the still vast gap in premium service between DL and VS. "Metal Neutral" is an interesting term as it relates to capturing premium traffic. If I paid a premium for J class VS service and ended up on DL metal I'd be pretty disappointed. It's a win-win for DL passengers and elites, but if you're a VS passenger that isn't paying attention and end up on a DL operated codeshare you're in for a rude awakening.

This reminds me of years ago (before my family was travel savvy). We flew my grandparents to the US from London for their 50th wedding anniversary. We had always flown VS growing up and had come to love their service, but mistakenly booked them on a CO operated codeshare with a DC-10--which certainly didn't have the VS "flare".

DL can learn from VS, VS can learn from DL. This is a win-win. Consolidation continues. DL is preparing for IAG to buy into AA, and has set the stage to battle back. This could be very interesting!

Actually, I think getting on Delta metal would be an upgrade for VS. DL's 764 fleet is no different in economy than VS... the premium cabin on DL's 764's and re-modeled 763's are (IMO) more classy than VS. I've flown to LHR from ATL with DL several times now and have become spoiled to their superb service.

Quoting vgnatl747 (Reply 2): If I paid a premium for J class VS service and ended up on DL metal I'd be pretty disappointed. It's a win-win for DL passengers and elites, but if you're a VS passenger that isn't paying attention and end up on a DL operated codeshare you're in for a rude awakening.

I don't see why that would be true from LHR, because all DL LHR flights use refitted cabins with lie-flats (772, 764, or refit 763).

Quoting delta764 (Reply 4): Actually, I think getting on Delta metal would be an upgrade for VS. DL's 764 fleet is no different in economy than VS... the premium cabin on DL's 764's and re-modeled 763's are (IMO) more classy than VS. I've flown to LHR from ATL with DL several times now and have become spoiled to their superb service.

Yeah I'm going to have to agree with this post. After seeing many a trip report of VS TATL flights, it seems the catering leaves a lot to be desired compared to the DL Business Elite product. However the on ground experience pre flight, I think VS has the upper hand over a Worldport DL sky club. Hard product about the same except the premium economy product on VS exceeds economy comfort.

"metal neutral" I could see:

VS to DL:
EWR-LHR
BOS-LHR
JFK-LHR
PHL-LHR
MCO-LHR

DL to VS:
DTW-LHR
MSP-LHR
ATL-LHR

New routes stated on either VS or DL:
BWI-LHR
BDL-LHR
PIT-LHR

Fellow members,

There is currently a lengthy discussion going in another thread on very similar information: Breaking NEWS: DL Acquiring 49% In VS (by mindscape Dec 11 2012 in Civil Aviation)


Regards,
Kevin/iowaman