Virgin Atlantic News Page 34
New ash flight rules set to come into force
New measures developed by the Civil Aviation Authority are due to come into force today in an effort to reduce disruption caused by volcanic ash. Following talks between airlines, regulators, and aircraft manufacturers, the CAA has developed a new Time Limited Zone, allowing aircraft to fly through higher volumes of ash for shorter periods.
Virgin blew whistle on price-fixing to avoid millions in fines
Virgin Atlantic “blew the whistle” over its price-fixing cartel with British Airways as it became so scared of the financial consequences if US regulators found out. The fines would have run into millions so Virgin owned up in order to gain immunity from prosecution, a court was told.
BA price-fixing cartel heads to court
The trial of four senior British Airways executives on accusations of price fixing has begun in London. The defendants agreed with Virgin Atlantic executives to fix fuel surcharges, which rose from £5 to £60 for a typical long-haul return ticket over an 18-month period.
Branson urges government to compensate airlines
Virgin Atlantic boss Richard Branson has lashed out at the UK government for its handling of the ash crisis, saying it should pay compensation to airlines as there had been “no danger at all to flying”.
OFT launches Virgin Atlantic price fixing probe
Virgin Atlantic faces an Office of Fair Trading investigation into its pricing strategy for passengers on its London to Hong Kong service, following a Cathay Pacific decision to blow the whistle on alleged price collusion on the route. Virgin denies the allegations and plans to a “robust” defence.
Branson lambastes “lazy” EU over BA-AA tie-up
Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson has labelled EU competition commissioners as “lazy” and “misguided” as he ramps up the campaign against the planned alliance between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. The multi-billionaire is calling on Brussels to block the venture and is threatening to mount legal action.
Virgin Atlantic nets England World Cup role
In what will be seen by many as a snub to the troubled British Airways, long-haul carrier Virgin Atlantic has been appointed as the official airline of the England football team ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Virgin lashes out at BA-AA alliance
Virgin Atlantic has renewed its call to US regulators to deny the proposed venture between British Airways and American Airlines, arguing it will stiffle competition and lead to prices hikes on transatlantic routes.
SITA appointed by Virgin Atlantic as network guardian
Aviation communications specialist SITA today announced their appointment by Virgin Atlantic as the airline’s Network Guardian with primary responsibility for all voice and data IT services, which will result in a significant reduction in network communication costs.
Helplines set up for Flyglobespan passengers
Two dedicated phonelines have been set up to deal with the huge number of passengers affected by the collapse of the Globespan Group. More than 8,000 calls have been received from passengers either stranded abroad or waiting for news in Scotland following the collapse of the group, which included the airline Flyglobespan.
Virgin Atlantic responds to European Commission About BA/AA
Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, has responded to the European Commission’s Statement of Objections about British Airways and American Airlines’ plans to effectively merge. Virgin Atlantic has previously told regulators in Europe and the U.S. that BA/AA would be a monster monopoly and should not be allowed to go ahead.
Virgin Atlantic helps passengers pay their fare share
Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long haul airlines, today announced a unique initiative which will help its passengers find other travelers to share taxi rides into city centers across the world