Artículo histórico recuperado desde la base de datos original. Los enlaces externos pueden estar desactualizados.
It had been a funny week at the Group Forum, as a buzz of activity and excitement had been sparked by a rumour that three new airlines would be joining their growing family.
After seemingly days of anticipation, word was finally out when the announcement came in that the Virgin Virtual Airways Group would be the next award-winning airline to enter the fold.That was over a week ago now and already dozens of pilots have signed up to be a part of this experience. Our reporter set out to dig a little deeper to see if he could uncover the mystery...
The Flying Tigers Group has launched a number of virtual airlines, representing a considerable and diverse opportunity to any pilot wishing to be a part of a truly international Group, with an airline and route to suit all tastes and requirements. Virgin Virtual Airways joins a stable already blessed with true thoroughbreds such as Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines & JAL. There are even two heavyweights from Europe in Air France and Lufthansa, so why Virgin?
The decision to launch Virgin Virtual Airways stems from the lack of any virtual counter-part to what is the second largest long-haul carrier based in the United Kingdom. Even though European carriers are represented in the Group, the interest in Virgin is apparently three fold, as Jonathan Turley, the CEO of Virgin Virtual Airways went on to explain. “Virgin Airways is somewhat unique in that the Airline is made up of three separate and distinct divisions, each with its own market sector and role to perform within the Airline. Virgin Virtual Airways like its real-life counter-part aims to mirror that special individuality”.
The three divisions in the group are:
Virgin Atlantic, which covers the long-haul market with numerous transcontinental routes, amply serviced by a fleet of Boeing 747’s and Airbus A340-600's / 300’s,
Virgin Express, catering for local Europe traffic with routes from Brussels to more than twenty major destinations, utilising a fleet of Boeing 737’s and
Virgin Blue, which is the Australian arm of the group and all parts of this great continent are covered, including Tasmania by an excellent fleet of Boeing 737's.
Mr. Turley added, “Suddenly an opportunity arises for pilots to fly long-haul and local traffic within the same airline but with different group liveries. Each of these has their own special flavour and appeal, which we hope will attract Flightsim enthusiasts from the United Kingdom, Europe and around the World". He went on to say, “I am especially pleased to note, that with the launch of Virgin Blue, Australia is now also represented in the Group, which is something that has been missing for a long time. Virgin Blue is rapidly becoming the favourite low cost travel carrier in Australia and we hope to capture the magic of this in the hearts minds of pilots, who have longed for an opportunity to fly locally over their homeland. Virgin Blue will also link very nicely with some of our other niche VA’s in the Asian/Pacific region". Mr. Turley also noted that none of the Flying Tigers virtual airlines infringe on trademarks or copyright laws.
The Flying Tigers group operates a huge number of different virtual airlines, each with their own website and local management. All VA’s have full automation features including PIREP, roster and an ACARS system.
It was becoming clearer that the word was certainly spreading. Add this to the fact that incredibly, all Flying Tigers members have full access to each airline within the Group, and we could begin to see why...
For more information, please visit http://virgin.virtualairline.org/ or http://www.virtualatp.org