Virgin to compete with BA in Europe

News at Heathrow 09/04/2009

New landing technology will reduce the delays caused by fog : 2009 : Chaos fears for dual nationals

Virgin Atlantic is to challenge British Airways by starting short haul flights to Europe

Virgin Atlantic is looking to compete with British Airways by starting to offer short haul flights to Europe.

Virgin have previously offered flights to Brussels under its Virgin Express subsidiary but this was sold in 2004 to SN Brussels airline.

Paul Charles director of communications at Virgin spoke recently saying, “Expanding into Europe will be the next logical step for the airline. We would like to expand our network and it makes sense to go short haul into Europe.” He also said “Any future move into Europe would involve planes that would offer a full business class service unlike the original Virgin Express that offered a more no frills option”.

Virgin had in fact considered buying a stake in BMI late last year but dropped out when Lufthansa agreed to buy a controlling stake for £318million.

James Freemantle of the Air Transport Users Council, the air passenger watchdog said that he welcomed the plans saying that it would challenge the dominance held by British Airways. He said “With the huge growth in low cost airlines there is plenty of choice at the regional UK airports but very few alternatives at Heathrow, any move to increase competition at Heathrow would be welcomed”.

BA currently owns 40% of the take off slots but over recent years BA has been dogged with delays, lost luggage and punctuality issues.

New landing technology will reduce the delays caused by fog : 2009 : Chaos fears for dual nationals

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