Virgin America expects US to DENY right to fly

[fngswa]

Here is a link to an article from Reuters. Must be something to this if Virgin is putting it out. How many pilots have they hired?? This should be an interesting thread, I'll just sit back and watch.

Wow, can't paste link here. Ok, failed that test

go to
quote.yahoo.com
Look up quote: CAL
It will be in the news on CAL

So much for those proving runs

 

[Deerkiller]

http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/artic...2-22_22-30-15_N22340344&type=comktNews&rpc=44

 

[chperplt]

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Virgin America Inc., the Burlingame-based brainchild of Sir Richard Branson, expects federal authorities to reject its application to start a low-cost U.S. airline. Competitors had raised concerns that foreigners such as Branson would wield too much influence in the venture.

U.S. law requires that Americans control domestic
airlines flying within the country and that foreigners hold no more than 25 percent of a domestic airline's stock.
Virgin America has been waiting more than a year for a decision.

"We are hearing that there is going to be a negative order coming," Fred Reid, Virgin America's CEO, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal. He expects a decision as soon as next week.

An outright rejection is possible. It's also possible that the Transportation Department will tell the company how it might address concerns raised about foreign control or other matters.

On Tuesday, Donald Carty, Virgin America's chairman and former American Airlines CEO, was named chief financial officer at computer maker Dell Inc.

Carty's appointment to the Virgin America board in February had lent cachet to the airline's attempts to get federal approval for its license to fly. Carty also invested an undisclosed amount of money in Virgin America.

A Virgin America spokesman said Carty's new job at Dell would not affect his status as the airline's non-executive chairman. The spokesman declined to say how much time Carty will devote to Virgin America.

The airline has taken delivery of planes and had launched a massive hiring effort. Virgin America had plans to offer low-cost domestic air service like JetBlue Airways Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co. One of its first routes will be between San Francisco and New York City.

Branson raised $177 million in startup capital for the airline in December 2005 from U.S. private equity firms and Branson himself.

Rival airlines have objected to Virgin America's application to fly. They questioned whether Virgin America is under control of U.S. citizens, or by Branson. Virgin America has said it complies with U.S. law and that Branson does not control the enterprise.
Virgin America is a separate business from other airlines begun by Branson, including Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., which offers trans-Atlantic service.

 

[Whine Lover]

Posturing.

 

[clickclickboom]

Here is a link to an article from Reuters. Must be something to this if Virgin is putting it out. How many pilots have they hired?? This should be an interesting thread, I'll just sit back and watch.

Wow, can't paste link here. Ok, failed that test

go to
quote.yahoo.com
Look up quote: CAL
It will be in the news on CAL

So much for those proving runs

the ones that really take the hit here are the pilots.. I hope the interview, training, proving runs etc etc etc are not all for nothing.. Thats got to hurt

Good luck Guys!!

 

[Benhuntn]

Yeah FNG your right the pilots are the one's taking the hit. Not the flight att. or the mechs. or ops folks or anyone else....

 

[LoveGun]

Virgin knows they will get rejected the first time, but will get approval with their second or third shot. This is great PR. The plucky/sexy/underdog airline up against mean old United Airlines and corrupt government... at least that's the story VA will tell. Get ready for a blitzkrieg of Virgin PR moves. Remember how much hype jet blue had when it started? Virgin will have ten times that hype. They can position themselves as the underdog, they're run by an international celibrety... and just wait until they unviel their aircraft. They'll be getting free publicity from their aircraft interiors alone. Reporters will be writing and broadcasting like fools about the marvels of flying on VA. Entertainment Tonight and CNBC Powerlunch will interview Richard Branson. Spaceship One will be on Discovery channel, TLC, and the Speed Network. Meanwhile they'll have fun giveaways and contests, all creating more hype. Add to that their launch cities will be LA, San Fran, and NYC. Those three cities are home to the country's most pretencious trend setters. They will have to fly Virgin because it's the coolest thing in air travel. The hype will be so much that you'll want to puke.


Will this hype be enough to overcome predatory pricing and a limited intial route network? I don't know. However, VA is starting out with almost twice as much start capital as Jet Blue, and Branson has plenty more to give. Also, Virgin America will have international flow with Virgin Atlantic. And, Branson is building his own oil refinery.

 

[skiandsurf]

and Branson has plenty more to give.

I think this is the problem.



And by the way, how is Virgin Records and Virgin Cola doing these days? Dont most of his Virgin products fail here in the states?

 

[jonjuan]

Virgin knows they will get rejected the first time, but will get approval with their second or third shot. This is great PR. The plucky/sexy/underdog airline up against mean old United Airlines and corrupt government... at least that's the story VA will tell. Get ready for a blitzkrieg of Virgin PR moves. Remember how much hype jet blue had when it started? Virgin will have ten times that hype. They can position themselves as the underdog, they're run by an international celibrety... and just wait until they unviel their aircraft. They'll be getting free publicity from their aircraft interiors alone. Reporters will be writing and broadcasting like fools about the marvels of flying on VA. Entertainment Tonight and CNBC Powerlunch will interview Richard Branson. Spaceship One will be on Discovery channel, TLC, and the Speed Network. Meanwhile they'll have fun giveaways and contests, all creating more hype. Add to that their launch cities will be LA, San Fran, and NYC. Those three cities are home to the country's most pretencious trend setters. They will have to fly Virgin because it's the coolest thing in air travel. The hype will be so much that you'll want to puke.


Will this hype be enough to overcome predatory pricing and a limited intial route network? I don't know. However, VA is starting out with almost twice as much start capital as Jet Blue, and Branson has plenty more to give. Also, Virgin America will have international flow with Virgin Atlantic. And, Branson is building his own oil refinery.

Sounds like the hype UAL and DAL gave to TED and Song with their fun giveaways and contests.

 

[LoveGun]

I think this is the problem.



And by the way, how is Virgin Records and Virgin Cola doing these days? Dont most of his Virgin products fail here in the states?

Good point.

 

[johnsonrod]

Sounds like a great career opportunity!

 

[regionaltard]

the ones that really take the hit here are the pilots..

I assume you're referring to $90 Airbus Captain syndrome here......

 

[Heavy Set]

I think a lot of Skywest pilots just left for Virgin America. Oops. And they just got that slight raise for the longer Rjs too. Bummer.

 

[LoveGun]

All the haters are lining up. "I'm so smart for staying at my regional job and never taking a risk."

Let the story play out a few months before you count Virgin America as dead.

 

[jonjuan]

I think this is the problem.



And by the way, how is Virgin Records and Virgin Cola doing these days? Dont most of his Virgin products fail here in the states?

How is Virgin Atlantic doing these days? I believe their motto is "No way AA/BA"

 

[Coool Hand Luke]

Why is this even posted on the "Majors" board anyway?

 

[jonjuan]

Why is this even posted on the "Majors" board anyway?

Because they'll be a major, i.e DAL, UAL, AA, AAA, WN, LCC, B6, F9, CAL, UPS, FDX, etc.....

 

[800Dog]

Because they'll be a major, i.e DAL, UAL, AA, AAA, WN, LCC, B6, F9, CAL, UPS, FDX, etc.....

So from day one they will have over 1 billion in revenues? It will take some time before they are a major.

 

[ATLDRVR]

Because Virgin America will affect all of us at major airlines so it is information we need to read about.

 

[Fins Up]

the ones that really take the hit here are the pilots.. I hope the interview, training, proving runs etc etc etc are not all for nothing.. Thats got to hurt

Good luck Guys!!

I'm not sure I would take a job for a company that doesn't even have a license to operate yet. Guess I'm just not a gambling man.

 

[800Dog]

Because Virgin America will affect all of us at major airlines so it is information we need to read about.

What is happening at all airlines in some way affects the majors. Lets do away with the majors board and call it hangar talk!

 

[propjob27]

I think a lot of Skywest pilots just left for Virgin America. Oops. And they just got that slight raise for the longer Rjs too. Bummer.

Skywest guys didn't "leave" for Virgin, at least the ones I know of anyway. They took vacation and/or a leave of absence to attend ground school, and then are going back to Skywest while waiting for the airline to actually start operations (when/if it does...)

 

[Heavy Set]

Skywest guys didn't "leave" for Virgin, at least the ones I know of anyway. They took vacation and/or a leave of absence to attend ground school, and then are going back to Skywest while waiting for the airline to actually start operations (when/if it does...)

Maybe they should take a leave for Skybus next.

 

[Andy]

Maybe they should take a leave for Skybus next.

There's an entire subset of pilots out there that are chasing the next Southwest Airlines. But $90 an hour for the left seat of an A320 really brings the bar down to a new low. Don't be surprised to see Skybus bring left seat narrowbody pay down to $75 an hour.
The day of pilots earning a 6 figure income is rapidly coming to a close. Pilots ... we're our own worst enemy.

 

[G100driver]

Pilots ... we're our own worst enemy.

Exactly. I am not sure why any guys here are bemoaning the downfall of Virgin America ... Good F'n ridence.

 

[pipe]

I am thrilled that this thing is going in the crapper. I hope someone flushes before it has a chance to crawl back out.

If you are willing to work with at a company that will pay an A-320 Capt $90/hr --YOU ARE THE PROBLEM!!!! Not a part of the problem, THE problem. Regardless of how dire you feel your current situation is, you are essentially putting a bullet in your own future. Cannibalistic pricing of your services as a pilot will ensure that there is no "better" place that you can leave Virgin for in the future.

Not trying to be a D!CK here, but don't be a whore and then ask for respect in the morning.

PIPE

 

[viper548]

Skywest guys didn't "leave" for Virgin, at least the ones I know of anyway. They took vacation and/or a leave of absence to attend ground school, and then are going back to Skywest while waiting for the airline to actually start operations (when/if it does...)

I know of several that left and are no longer on the seniority list

 

[LoveGun]

Please don't accuse me of being a VA cheerleader, I really don't have a dog in this fight, but I think you guys are reading way to deep into this WSJ article. Where does it say that Virgin is giving up on obtaining an operating certificate? There has to be an appeal process, second chance, and failing that a lawsuit. There is no way the investors and board of directors are going to give up this easily. If VA succeeds as nothing more than a stock swindle and a vehicle to keep the airbus assembly line running these people will find a way to make a go of it. The lawyers and execs stand to make a killing.

 

[Exskydiverdrivr]

I doubt SKW is granting questionable LOA's when we are barely staffing alot of our flights. Also, vacation requests (4 in a row for me) are being catagorically denied due to insufficient staffing. Good luck if you're moving to greener pastures, but I doubt you're gonna get a helping hand or seniority retention while you're doing it.

 

[skykid]

I am thrilled that this thing is going in the crapper. I hope someone flushes before it has a chance to crawl back out.

If you are willing to work with at a company that will pay an A-320 Capt $90/hr --YOU ARE THE PROBLEM!!!! Not a part of the problem, THE problem. Regardless of how dire you feel your current situation is, you are essentially putting a bullet in your own future. Cannibalistic pricing of your services as a pilot will ensure that there is no "better" place that you can leave Virgin for in the future.

Exactly!! I have said several times that I hope they fall flat on their face at Virgin. What we don't need is another participant in the race to the bottom. I wouldn't wish ill on anyone who is actually holding a job at an existing carrier, but we don't need a bunch more pilots saying "We're a young airline, you can't compare our crap pay to established airlines."

If you are a captain on a plane that holds 100 people or more, you are worth AT LEAST 150K/year. Let's get the bar back up there.