Virgin Atlantic

[A400]

Sky Team

VS is joining the Sky Team alliance from March. Could be good news for EDI. Lots more codeshare opportunities, primarily with AF and KLM. I doubt we will see any additional VS routes from EDI.

Excellent news in terms of them joining sky team. I didn’t read your post properly. Maybe at some point they will add more from EDI

 

[Jetsco]

Excellent news in terms of them joining sky team. I didn’t read your post properly. Maybe at some point they will add more from EDI

It would be nice to see VS expand and perhaps try another route. In a recent article, on the growth of Qatar at EDI, statistics showed that only a tiny percentage of pax from India and Pakistan for example use QR to travel to/from Scotland via Doha. EK still command this market via Dubai into Glasgow. This, in my opinion, could present an opportunity for VS. We know demand exists. QR is clearly aware of the demand that exists from parts of Asia and is trying to tap more into this market. The problem with VS is that they appear to be concentrating on LHR yet again. They abandoned LGW then Glasgow and are also cutting back at MAN. We already see them scaling back at EDI compared to S22. MCO route starting much later than last year.

 

[mullion]

Not really cutting back at MAN more they just don`t have the aircraft at present as after they lost the B747 and A332 they are really struggling, they have to use the LHR slots or loose them so they will come back in a couple of years when more of the A339s and remainder of A350s arrive which I think totals 15 aircraft plus I think the A333 are going in for a refit

 

[A400]

Not really cutting back at MAN more

There not operating Atlanta between April-May so are making cuts there. Apparently due to pilot shortages. This may be a reason for them not adding much from EDI

 

[mullion]

It was quoted as a tech reason so maybe crew shortage but only dropping for a short period which
probably many crew going onto A339 and not being into high season at that time

 

[gulftraveller]

It would be nice to see VS expand and perhaps try another route. In a recent article, on the growth of Qatar at EDI, statistics showed that only a tiny percentage of pax from India and Pakistan for example use QR to travel to/from Scotland via Doha. EK still command this market via Dubai into Glasgow. This, in my opinion, could present an opportunity for VS. We know demand exists. QR is clearly aware of the demand that exists from parts of Asia and is trying to tap more into this market. The problem with VS is that they appear to be concentrating on LHR yet again. They abandoned LGW then Glasgow and are also cutting back at MAN. We already see them scaling back at EDI compared to S22. MCO route starting much later than last year.

Given that neither MCO nor BGI have been stellar performers from EDI, I doubt that we will see VS expand there, and certainly not to Pakistan, even when more aircraft arrive. The market eastwards is larger at GLA. QR are doing well now at EDI, but it has taken a long time for the route to build and any return by EK would to their detriment.

 

[A400]

Is everything unlikely as far as your concerned?

 

[Jetsco]

VS S24

Some positive news from VS. Latest OAG shows Orlando route will re-start 3rd April 2024. Much earlier than this year - June. A351 is the listed operating aircraft.

 

[Jerry]

Virgin Atlantic are to increase their Edinburgh to Orlando route from 2 to 3 weekly from June 4th 2026 until August 20th 2026.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1928112673297945071