“We disagreed with the way the [BMI sale] process was evaluated and that such an important decision was pushed through in 35 days” STEVE RIDGWAY
routes flying from summer 2013, Ridgway says. Though he adds grimly: “BA has
been clever in trying to
put that back as much as it can so that it can get as much flying time as possible.” Ridgway says if Virgin was awarded
the routes it would operate single aisle aircraft with two classes, but admits the airline is expecting to face stiff competition for the coveted slots from airlines such as Aer Lingus. These are not the only routes
Ice cubes in the form of Richard Branson’s face will feature in Upper Class drinks
managing director of Virgin Freeway, launching the UK’s first automated frequent flyer programme 1994: Appointed to the airline board as executive director customer services 1998: Becomes managing director of Virgin Atlantic 2001: Appointed chief executive 2006: Awarded the CBE in the Queen’s New Years honours
may not stop the deal going through. The immediate focus now, Ridgway
says, is to “ be competitive and push a strong case” for the 12 Heathrow slots which are up for grabs, after British Airways was told to release them as part of the deal to acquire BMI. Seven of the slots must be used between Heathrow and Scotland, while the remaining five slots will have various destination restrictions. The process for bidding for the routes will begin in August and run until around the end of November, with the aim to have the
which Virgin has its eye on. Ridgway says he would “love to fly to South America”, but, he acknowledges, “we’ve been saying that for the past 10 years”. In particular, he says he would like to see the airline flying to Brazil, as part of its commitment to growing its offering to emerging economies. He would also like to see Virgin “build on its core routes with added flights and frequencies,” – an aim that has been realised on the New York route, with a fourth daily frequency.
UK airport capacity Of course, Virgin’s commitment to growing its product offering is pointless without the airport capacity in the UK to support it. So how would Ridgway like to see the government tackling the issue? He believes that a policy review of airport expansion is
“absolutely critical for UK aviation”, and insists that Heathrow must be considered as part of that. “To not include Heathrow in the debate seems bewildering,” he says “Heathrow is full – we are going backwards. The continental airports must be rubbing their hands in glee. Any major economy needs a major hub airport for connectivity and feed – we need a big efficient airport, and Heathrow is still a world hub – why would we squander that?” Despite this, Ridgeway admits that Boris Island could be a feasible concept “if we really had the vision and the money to do as they did in Hong Kong and build a whole new airport, and everything that goes with it, including the infrastructure”. However, he claims the costs of the necessary infrastructure would make the project unviable. For now, Ridgway says he is confident that the secretary of state for transport Justine Greening is committed to exploring all areas of airport expansion, and that there is a “real hope” that the issue will be debated fully.
He is also hopeful that the
government will tackle the border issues in time for the Olympics, but he has concerns that the solution must not be short term. “We’ve been talking to the Home
Office for months about immigration,” he says. “It shouldn’t just be about making things better for the Olympics – it needs to be about what happens before and after as well. I think the government authorities have now realised that enough is enough – the proof will be in the pudding, but we were heartened by what the home secretary has said,” he adds. The seatbelt sign lights up as we fly into turbulence, signalling the end of our interview, but after all this airport talk, I decide to quickly quiz Ridgway on his personal favourite. His choice is perhaps rather apt. “Beef Island airport, in the Virgin Islands,” he grins, “because it means you’ve finally arrived at a sailing destination.” And with that I return to my own oversized seat and drink – complete with Branson’s slowly melting face.
24.05.2012 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60