Interview: Virgin Atlantic CEO on Going All-In With Delta and the Dreamliner
Photo Credit: Virgin Atlantic CEO Craig Kreeger believes the airline is maintaining its identity while getting lots out of the Delta Air Lines joint venture. Virgin Atlantic
Skift Take
If Virgin Atlantic takes delivery of the 21 Dreamliners it has lined up, they will make up a majority of its fleet. With the airline's growth limited by Heathrow capacity constraints, taking advantage of the economic benefits of the new planes is of paramount importance.
How do you blend Virgin Atlantic cool and edginess with play-it-safe Delta?
Craig Kreeger, a former American Airlines executive who became CEO of Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic 20 months ago after its Delta joint venture already had been announced, doesn't appear flustered by the question.
Kreeger, sitting for an interview in a Premium Economy seat on board the airline's first 787-900 Dreamliner, parked at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta the other day, scoffs at the contention of Willie Walsh, IAG's CEO, that Delta runs the show in the joint venture and that Virgin Atlantic doesn't really exist anymore.
"I have to say it's utterly ridiculous," Kreeger says, referring to Walsh's put-down. "And Willie's words are Willie's words. But, this airplane doesn't look like a Delta airplane. Our approach is clearly Virgin Atlantic."
Virgin Atlantic, which could have Dreamliners as the majority aircraft in its fleet within four years, has been losing lots of money over the p
