Articles tagged “virgin”

Uncategorized

Virgin Rail gets its wish to continue running West Coast line, but only for 13 months

Virgin’s small success in temporarily getting the line back hasn’t resulted in a long-term contract, but rather a new bidding process. And thirteen months of political meddling are likely to be as much fun as these last few months.

Nathalie Thomas, The Daily Telegraph | 12 years ago

Tourism

Branson’s West Coast rail dream turns nightmare as UK government mulls takover

First Virgin lost its bid to First Group, then the bid was thrown out, then Branson rejoiced. Now the UK government is considering taking over -- as it did the east coast line -- and, as a result, likely improving customer satisfaction and on-time rates.

Tom Metcalf and Chris Jasper, Bloomberg | 12 years ago

Airlines

Richard Branson calls the prospect of buying American Airlines “quite fun”

How fun would it be to see Branson make over American Airlines? Too much fun, perhaps.

Skift | 12 years ago

Uncategorized

Virgin rail debacle leads to further investigations within UK DfT practices

The privatized train industry is reportedly enjoying half a billion of UK taxpayers’ dollars to make up for revenue shortfalls. Perhaps another department shakeout can cover up this issue as well.

David Millward, The Daily Telegraph | 12 years ago

Uncategorized

Win for Sir Richard Branson as government kills contract with West Coast rail rival

Even though the contract doesn't automatically revert to Virgin, Branson's win is huge here as his persistence forced the government to shuffle ministers and criticize its own handling of the bidding process.

Rachel Cooper, The Daily Telegraph | 12 years ago

Airlines

Virgin America focuses on quality over quantity in decision to delay adding aircraft

Virgin seems to be going through an identity crisis with fares and flight capacities floating somewhere between budget and legacy airlines, and needs a break for services to catch up with its recent expansion.

Skift | 12 years ago

Media and PR

What CEOs can learn from Richard Branson’s brazen Twitter tips

Not every company can get away with its head exec tweeting sexual innuendos, but Branson’s off-the-cuff remarks mixed with some serious business insights help fliers connect with the personable Virgin brand.

Skift | 12 years ago

Airlines

Virgin America’s Q2 revenue went up, but expenses went higher

Skift | 12 years ago

Airlines

Despite a slower economy, low-cost carriers in the U.S. are growing

Low-cost carriers have come to represent not so much a wide price variation, but a different way of thinking at the corporate level and goals for fliers that are focused on retention and rewards through more creative means.

Andrea Ahles, Fort Worth Star-Telegram | 12 years ago

Uncategorized

While Sir Branson and FirstGroup bicker, rail staff and passengers are left in limbo

It's a testament both to Virgin's determination not to lose this contract and the British government's current ineptness at managing transportation strategy that this contract remains an issue.

Nathalie Thomas, The Daily Telegraph | 12 years ago