Monday, January 24, 2011
Virgin America cancels Toronto Service
What?
That was a short lived service. Virgin America flew their first "international" service to Toronto Airport in June 2010. They've just announced today that they will be cancelling this service effective April 6th 2011. Toronto was apparently not a lucrative enough airport to keep service to? Hard to believe for an airport that served over 30 Million passengers in 2009.
I'd have to say that this is a good move for Virgin America. If they were unable to create a lucrative market in Toronto...then they should be halting any ideas of international expansion and focus on small, short hop flights within the US. At least they are realizing before going bankrupt that they need to start small and slowly work themselves up in the market. Most of these fast rising, low cost airlines go belly up within 5 years leaving passengers stranded all over the world.
I personally have heard pretty good things about this airline so far, and the Virgin brand has done well both across the Atlantic, in Europe and Australia. They've got the money to back this airline, but they need to make smart moves. Let's hope they continue by expanding slowly and build by reputation & quality.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Another Low Cost Carrier attempting the Atlantic Route. Britflights.com
There’s a new airline promising charter flights from Vancouver & Toronto to London Gatwick. Britflights.com is beginning it’s low fare service this summer. But can we trust they’ll last?
Over the past several years, we have already seen 2 charter airlines (Zoom & Flyglobespan)flying into the UK who have gone the way of the dodo.
They promise low fares to the consumer, but should they continue to take the bite? A low fare is only good fare if the airline keeps to their schedule and don’t go bust before they get back home. How many travellers over the last few years have been left stranded and stuck purchasing brand new tickets last minute at high prices, and stuck waiting for potential refunds on cancelled flights. How many times does this need to happen before consumers think twice before purchasing?
Everyone is looking for a good deal, but in this industry you really need to look at all the options and consider the possible risks when you decide on taking a gamble with an unknown, new charter airline. You won’t be talking about that great deal you got on your flight if your left stranded with no flight.
Need we be reminded of the numerous airlines that have gone bankrupt over the last decade and left thousands and thousands of passengers scrambling.
Greyhound Air (1996-1997) 
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