Virgin expresses interest in tie-up with bmi
Virgin Atlantic has outlined its interest in joining forces with bmi under its new ownership.
Virgin chief executive Steve Ridgway said after Lufthansa unveiled plans for a tie-up with bmi: “Everyone has speculated that it would make sense for Virgin Atlantic and bmi to combine their long-haul and short-haul networks.
“There is now a major opportunity to do that and create a new and even more effective competitor to British Airways.
“I am sure that Lufthansa realises the future opportunities and this could be a really good example of the right industry consolidation. It would be good for consumers, for UK plc and European avaiation’s competitiveness.”
Ridgway also praised bmi’s founder Sir Michael Bishop, calling him one of the icons of UK aviation.
“He has been a considerable force in championing the cause of the consumer and, along with Virgin Atlantic, has helped to provide much-needed competition to BA, and choice for consumers,” he said.
“Now we are about to enter the next phase of bmi’s future and a turning point in aviation.”
Lufthansa’s takeover of bmi was announced to analysts yesterday (see previous TravelMole story).
Some analysts believe Lufthansa agreed to take a majority stake in bmi to obtain its valuable 11% share of take off and landing slots at Heathrow in order to start transatlantic services from the London hub, while also strengthening the Star Alliance presence at the airport against British Airways and its oneworld alliance partners.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive