FutureCEO From United States, joined Aug 2003, 58 posts, RR: 0 Posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3553 times:
Ah leave it to Matt Drudge to come up with the good stuff...
"Richard Branson, the British billionaire who founded Virgin Atlantic Airways, is thinking of making Los Angeles the headquarters for a low-cost airline -- Virgin USA, the LOS ANGELES TIMES is planning to report on Saturday, sources tell DRUDGE. 'Schwarzenegger has been lobbying Branson to make a commitment'... Developing... "
WGW2707 From United States, joined Aug 2003, 1197 posts, RR: 52 Reply 1, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3453 times:
Ahhh....
I am getting a strong sense of deja vu...
Haven't we been hearing the same story about Richard Branson, but with Las Vegas and Pennsylvania substituted for Los Angeles, several times now?
Also a similiar story with Branson pressuring the Governator to modify LAX to accomodate the A380?
Seems to me that either Drudge's report is innaccurate (most probable) or that Branson doesn't have a clue where he's going to set up his new airline (also likely) or that Branson is on one of his shameless self-promoting publicity campaigns (again, likely)....
MSYtristar From United States, joined Aug 2005, 5429 posts, RR: 55 Reply 2, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3431 times:
LAX would make an intriguing location but, like BOS, it would not really provide much in the way of domestic connecting oppurtunities. Now who knows, perhaps VirginUSA will be a point-to-point carrier...a better plan for them in my opinion...perhaps having a few focus cities in places that currently see Virgin Atlantic flights...BOS, LAX, and MCO (for example) nonstop to key leisure and business markets. Wouldn't be a bad concept for them...avoid the hub and spoke altogether.
Stephen
New Orleans, LA
UA's 744 Y-class seat is more comfortable than DL's new 77L Y-class seat.
Uadc8contrail From United States, joined Sep 2003, 1782 posts, RR: 14 Reply 3, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3406 times:
if sir richard was really serious about setting up shop in the usa wudnt have he done it already????if he waiting for us to fold up and merge with ual(crazy idea)where is he gonna start????no gate space in lax and if he thinks he can go up against neeleman and his crew in nyc he is having a 60s flashback, branson rolled the dice in austr against AN and won....AN was the first to fold...had AN not done it DJ was gonna fold(any aussies in here now that)
737-990 From United States, joined Apr 2000, 340 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 3388 times:
The only problem with Governor Scwarzenegger is that he has absolutely no say what happens at LAX. LAX is owned and operated by the city of Los Angeles and so far Mayor James Hahn wants to put a cap on LAX capacity. Just like the previous post about Sir Richard writing the Governor about the A380 and LAX, it gets the publicity but nothing else.
FutureCEO From United States, joined Aug 2003, 58 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 3351 times:
Well I highly doubt that Drudge's report is inaccurate. He probably has the best sources of anyone in the news business. I guess we will just have to see what the LA Times say tomorrow.
FA4UA From United States, joined Nov 2003, 812 posts, RR: 29 Reply 7, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 3261 times:
As I stated in another thread.... GREAT, just what the world needed: another Low Fare Carrier at LAX!
I think that LAX would be a great place to eventually grow to, but to base your operations there would be limiting their potential. Granted, the southland is one of the largest markets for commercial aviation, but logistically they should shoot for something in the middle of the US. I hear there might be some free space over in STL? hmmm??
I bet Branson is still kicking himself for not going in with Neelman on B6 when they launched! Poor bloke, too late now!
FA4UA
The debate continues... Starwood or Hyatt... which is better
Branson May Base Airline in L.A.
Start-up Virgin USA could create up to 1,500 jobs. Schwarzenegger has been asked to lobby LAX to make upgrades.
By Peter Pae, Times Staff Writer
TOULOUSE, France — Richard Branson, the flamboyant British billionaire who founded Virgin Atlantic Airways, is thinking of making Los Angeles the headquarters for an airline he wants to launch in the U.S.
Branson, an aviation buff who flies hot-air balloons, has discussed the idea with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The two met this year during the filming of the remake of "Around the World in 80 Days," a Jackie Chan movie in which Branson and Schwarzenegger have small parts.
Schwarzenegger has been lobbying Branson in recent weeks to make a commitment. "We are considering Los Angeles within our plans," Branson said in a letter this week to Schwarzenegger.
The low-cost airline, which Branson would call Virgin USA, could create up to 1,500 jobs. A decision on the headquarters could come within six weeks, he said in an interview.
Los Angeles is among a handful of cities where Branson might base a U.S. carrier; others include Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Miami. A key criterion is that Virgin Atlantic already operates its international service to London from the U.S. city's airport. Virgin Atlantic operates two nonstop flights a day from London to Los Angeles.
Branson, an entrepreneur who has created a major record company and dabbled in a variety of ventures including soft drinks and cellphones, has long wanted to operate an airline in the U.S.
The recent success of JetBlue Airways Corp., the low-cost, cross-country carrier, has caught the attention of many in the industry. Branson's plans have accelerated in recent weeks as more domestic airlines have set up low-cost carriers of their own to compete with JetBlue, including Delta Air Lines' Song and United Airlines' Ted.
Branson didn't elaborate on how he would market Virgin USA. He has had tremendous success elsewhere. In Australia, Branson started Virgin Blue in August 2000 with a staff of 600 and two aircraft. It now has 2,800 employees and operates 40 jets, and has garnered nearly a third of the Australian market.
Branson says he is talking to a major U.S. carrier about purchasing a "significant" number of its gates. He declined to name the carrier, but some analysts believe it is US Airways, which wants to shed some of its slots.
An agreement with the airline could be reached as early as next week, Branson said.
U.S. law permits a foreign carrier to own 49% of a U.S. carrier.
Branson made his remarks while visiting the headquarters here of European aircraft maker Airbus. A contingent of executives has been talking to Airbus about purchasing a dozen single-aisle A320 jetliners for Virgin USA. Branson said he has met with Boeing Co. about purchasing a like number of single-aisle 737s.
In his letter to Schwarzenneger, Branson urged the governor to encourage LAX officials to make improvements, including installing passenger gates capable of accommodating what will be the world's biggest passenger plane, which Virgin Atlantic plans to begin flying in 2006.
Virgin Atlantic has ordered six Airbus A380s, which will seat 555 passengers on two levels. It hopes to become the first airline to offer A380 service between Los Angeles and London.
Schwarzenegger's office confirmed that he had met with Branson and encouraged the executive "to bring more jobs to California."
Branson said he might consider alternatives, such as San Francisco International Airport, if LAX fails to make the improvements. But he said he was confident in the governor. Schwarzenegger "never seems to fail in his films," Branson said, "so I think that problem is solved."
Lhr001 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 3113 times:
So, we are to believe that Branson always gets what Branson wants? Recently, hasnt Virgin Atlantic Airways only offered one daily departure to London Heathrow from Los Angeles.. If so... What is the big rush to do what he wants?..
Compare the A380..with 550 seats to a British Airways 747-400 with 380 seats that flys 3 x a day... Who is the better customer to LAX? Compare it to a British Airways 747-400 that flys 2 x a day to San Francisco.. For sure, we can see that if it is passenger numbers that British Airways has more traffic, and thusfore more standing in the market.
Remember, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport are both known for ATC delays due to traffic.. Imagine another 10 A320 aircraft flying into/out of LAX on a daily basis. If each aircraft is utilized at 4 flights per day... That is an additional 40 flights per day into an already saturated market.
At the same time, isnt there a rule that states Virgin America cannot be linked to Virgin Atlantic.. Virgin America is to be an American airline... and foreign airlines cannot operate domestic U.S. sectors.. Thusfore, why is Branson pushing the envelope to serve a gateway of Virgin Atlantic as the home base?
Their are plenty of other West Coast airports that can offer space for Virgin America to operate from-
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Portland
Oakland
Ontario
Sacramento
Seattle
Perhaps, Branson will get his way... Perhaps, Branson will not get his way...
In the end we will see if he even chooses Los Angeles or San Francisco. For the time being the West Coast is more than happy to be at home with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, America West Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines... All of which can call the West Coast home..or key in operations!
AS739X From United States, joined Apr 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 30 Reply 10, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 3016 times:
You can rule out OAK, I have stated in the multiple VirginUSA threads that OAK is 7 million pax over capacity. There is a dog fight for gates as is. The new terminal has yet to be started, plus there is only 1 runway for commercial operations. Another ATC nightmare. Seattle is close to capacity as well. Not to be bias, but that would be damn hard to fight AS/QX there. PHX and AS / KLAS), USA - Nevada">LAS, the heart of WN counrty, that makes you think. SMF, I just dont think so!
Didnt the article say that a major criteria is where there is VS service already? So why do we keep looking for an alternative airport, it was said right here that they want a city VS is in. Make Philly an interesting consideration.
What makes Brason think he can find room at LAX? No A380's, no gate space, ATC problem on the same level as SFO.
Lhr001-was there a type of aircraft named already? Did I miss something? I think the A32X has a slim chance.
ASSFO
"Some pilots avoid storm cells and some play connect the dots!"
Lhr001 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 11, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 2985 times:
AS739X,
For the above mentioned article it is stated that Branson was looking for 10 or so aircraft... and being that he was in Toulouse! He was noted as choosing between Boeing 737 and Airbus A320! A320, would make sense as he is to be one of the first operators of the new A380! In addition having in his fleet A340-300, A340-600...
In addition... Per regulations Branson cannot connect/code share.... Virgin Atlantic with Virgin America. It goes against Anti-Trust laws... Furthermore, Branson owning Virgin Atlantic - a foreign airline.. a foreign airline cannot operate freely within the U.S. Thus is why you will never see Singapore Airlines flying LAX-JFK with traffic rights, or Virgin Atlantic SFO-HNL with traffic rights!
The agreement reached was that the two airlines would be linked in name only, not operations! PHL, is an idea... however, will the airport be able to accomodate the additional intended growth of US, and WN...in addition to Virgin America?
Coronado990 From United States, joined Oct 2003, 1380 posts, RR: 3 Reply 13, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 2897 times:
Branson should take over the LHR-SAN route from BA (BA couldn't keep it up!) and then start Virgin USA in the west by connecting SFO, LAX, SAN & LAS with 10 aircraft.
Then grow from that core to music oriented destinations where Virgin has recognition such as Seattle, Austin, Chicago, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, Detroit, Miami, Philadelphia, New York City & Boston. Oh yeah...and dare I say Cleveland (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). Orlando and Washington DC could also be added since they are already served by Virgin Atlantic and are obviously popular destinations.
Later, Hawaii could be flown from California and then have Virgin Blue operate SYD & AKL to HNL where the two could link up.
I that respect, California is centrally located (think globally).
"UNCLE SAN" If you've seen one airport, you've seen one airport!
Gigneil From United States, joined Nov 2002, 13883 posts, RR: 90 Reply 14, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2828 times:
For the above mentioned article it is stated that Branson was looking for 10 or so aircraft... and being that he was in Toulouse! He was noted as choosing between Boeing 737 and Airbus A320! A320, would make sense as he is to be one of the first operators of the new A380! In addition having in his fleet A340-300, A340-600...
The new airline will not be related to Virgin Atlantic, like Virgin Blue is currently not. DJ, for example, operates the 738 and 73G. I'd expect Virgin USA to be similar.
Toxtethogrady From United States, joined Dec 2000, 871 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 2805 times:
"Well I highly doubt that Drudge's report is inaccurate. He probably has the best sources of anyone in the news business. I guess we will just have to see what the LA Times say tomorrow."
Translation: he cribs his articles from the Washington Post wire. Drudge does virtually no original reporting.
737-990 From United States, joined Apr 2000, 340 posts, RR: 1 Reply 17, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 2682 times:
US is down to 3, maybe 4 gates at Terminal 1 (which I believe is the busiest terminal after TBIT thanks to Southwest). How many gates would they shed and still maintain a presence at LAX? Unless they plan to sell those gates and move in with United at Terminal 7?
Amhilde From United States, joined Oct 2003, 643 posts, RR: 6 Reply 18, posted (5 years 11 months 3 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 2671 times:
VS only had one daily out of LAX for the past month because they were refitting parts of the fleet- they go back 2x a day on 10 December ( I should know as Im out on 9 December) and judging from the partial difficulty I had in securing the dates I wanted, both those flights are pretty well booked out for December.
But Virgin America hasnt anything/wont have anythign to do with VS- which someone else also mentioned on here- just like Virgin Express and Blue havent anything to do with this company ( or Virgin Bride or Virgin Trains dont either to name a few other companies under the Virgin brand) so really all the discussion on LAX improvements for an A380 are pointless.
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