Virgin America Outlook
01-16-2012 | 05:57 PM
#11
Line Holder
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Hey guys, I'm addressing this question to any VX Pilots. I'm currently retired USAF and am now now sitting right seat at a regional looking at "career airline." I've done some research into the various LCC's out there including Virgin America and it's peaked my interest for many reasons.
The BIG concern of mine is obviously financial performance, and future profitability. An opportunity has just presented itself to possibly get on board and I can't not at least take a hard look at Virigin. I see alot of great things and some not so great, but it is a start up, and timing being what it is, the economy isn't helping.
I see alot of potential here, ie: Jet Blue, South West, West Jet.
Then there are those that didn't get there People's Express, Morris etc.
Again I see ALOT of potential here, I just don't have the longevity (Age) to jump into this without some kind of informed idea of where VX is going, and how it's going to get there. I'd really appreciate VX Pilot's/Employee opinion on what they see and how they feel about the future of the airline.
P.S. I am aware of the non Union, and the pay scales, I know this.
I'm exploring options, asking questions, trying to make an informed decision concerning my career.
Thanks in Advance for any thoughtful advice.
The BIG concern of mine is obviously financial performance, and future profitability. An opportunity has just presented itself to possibly get on board and I can't not at least take a hard look at Virigin. I see alot of great things and some not so great, but it is a start up, and timing being what it is, the economy isn't helping.
I see alot of potential here, ie: Jet Blue, South West, West Jet.
Then there are those that didn't get there People's Express, Morris etc.
Again I see ALOT of potential here, I just don't have the longevity (Age) to jump into this without some kind of informed idea of where VX is going, and how it's going to get there. I'd really appreciate VX Pilot's/Employee opinion on what they see and how they feel about the future of the airline.
P.S. I am aware of the non Union, and the pay scales, I know this.
I'm exploring options, asking questions, trying to make an informed decision concerning my career.
Thanks in Advance for any thoughtful advice.
01-16-2012 | 05:59 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: E-190/175/170
Such an ignorant thing to say. There are some individuals who give the industry a bad rap, but I have found the vast majority of employees to provide pretty good customer service. Several go above and beyond. Virgin is not some beacon of light in regards to customer service in this business.
So here's where my ignorance speaks for lack of personal experience.., I've read about airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, and now Virgin America where the status quo in terms of customer service is on a different, if not a higher level. Having never flown B6, VX, or WN I can't say. Although I'll say that I've seen good and bad (mostly good) from everyone else, but I'd still like to see what all the "JD Powers Awards" that JetBlue has been winning for about 8 years in a row is all about lol.
01-17-2012 | 05:00 AM
#15
Banned
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 0
Hopefully, VX will soon join Skybus on the trash heap of aviation history.
01-17-2012 | 05:07 AM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 0
Continuous high oil prices going forward will take care of things.
01-17-2012 | 06:05 AM
#17
Fore!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
From: 756 F/O
[QUOTE=Beechlover;1118144]Moose I think (for the most part) I agree in the sense that most people wanna do a good job. Our job is customer service and we want our customers/guest/passengers to be happy and give us their business again.
So here's where my ignorance speaks for lack of personal experience.., I've read about airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, and now Virgin America where the status quo in terms of customer service is on a different, if not a higher level. Having never flown B6, VX, or WN I can't say. Although I'll say that I've seen good and bad (mostly good) from everyone else, but I'd still like to see what all the "JD Powers Awards" that JetBlue has been winning for about 8 years in a row is all about lol.[/QUOTE]
They obviously don't take into account FAs that activate emergency slides because they are having a meltdown. Maybe he was just trying to get the pasengers off the plane faster.
So here's where my ignorance speaks for lack of personal experience.., I've read about airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, and now Virgin America where the status quo in terms of customer service is on a different, if not a higher level. Having never flown B6, VX, or WN I can't say. Although I'll say that I've seen good and bad (mostly good) from everyone else, but I'd still like to see what all the "JD Powers Awards" that JetBlue has been winning for about 8 years in a row is all about lol.[/QUOTE]
They obviously don't take into account FAs that activate emergency slides because they are having a meltdown. Maybe he was just trying to get the pasengers off the plane faster.
01-17-2012 | 06:41 AM
#18
Banned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Pilot
Such an ignorant thing to say. There are some individuals who give the industry a bad rap, but I have found the vast majority of employees to provide pretty good customer service. Several go above and beyond. Virgin is not some beacon of light in regards to customer service in this business.
01-17-2012 | 08:00 AM
#19
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: A320
Beech,
I have been at VX for about a year and a half. I would say my personnel experience here has been very positive. In three months I was off reserve, my hard lines since have never had less than 17-18 days off unless I wanted to pick something up, I received three weeks of vacation year two, I stay at good hotels and the flying is relaxed. Except for the obvious pay/benefit issues that we are fighting with, I really love my job. I couldn't recommend it enough.
From a long term business standpoint it's a bit foggy, but I will give you the best info I have right now. We currently have 46 aircraft and by about June of this year we will have 52. There, we will be pausing for just over a year before our new order of aircraft start to arrive. When that order of (60) sharklet equipped and then neo airbus start to arrive we will be receiving about one a month until we have about 113 total aircraft. That number might swing a little if we order more at some point or decide we don't need the 319's anymore. (neo solves the range issue of the regular a320) It has been stated many times that our business plan calls for 100-150 narrow body jets. So don't expect us to ever grow to the size of a legacy carrier.
As to profitability. It has been stated by our CEO and Branson that all routes that are over 12-13 months old are operationally profitable. It has also been told to us that 50 aircraft was the size we needed to be in order to sustain profits. (I assume through economy of scale) We just received in late Dec 2011 a large capital infusion that has made us very liquid. More than we ever have been. With this new $150m infusion our CEO says we are positioning ourselves for a public offering. I believe that current target is in 2013. Our top line revenue remains strong despite our lack of being able to achieve free and clear profits. But when you look at what it costs to turn an a320 into a virgin America a320 it's easy to see how growth for us is really expensive. I have heard the CEO state that the he believes we are on track for a 70m operating profit for 2012. That is a pretty dramatic number and I have no idea what that will net us in terms of a real black number. So take it for what it's worth. In the short term we have been told that another raise has been approved for this year beyond longevity raises. I have no idea how much it will be. But they usually announce them in jan so hopefully we will hear soon. I'm sure that someone will post them to apc soon after they are made public. We are also in the process of working with the company on a major work rules rewrite. I have heard the conversation has been very positive. Hopefully that produces positive movement for our compensation package and qol as well. Right now I believe they plan to hire around 40 guys between now and June. That may be inaccurate though it's my own number based on deliveries and how many I know we have in training.
What does this mean for you? Or anyone else considering coming here?
I have no idea man. In this industry we could be out of business tomorrow. You gotta do what's right for you. I have been happy here and although some guys are looking for greener pastures. (mostly FedEx from what I hear) a lot of us are really happy here and are proud of what we do. So make the choice on as much info as you can gather. I hope it works out for the best for you. Thank you for your service!
Regards,
4
I have been at VX for about a year and a half. I would say my personnel experience here has been very positive. In three months I was off reserve, my hard lines since have never had less than 17-18 days off unless I wanted to pick something up, I received three weeks of vacation year two, I stay at good hotels and the flying is relaxed. Except for the obvious pay/benefit issues that we are fighting with, I really love my job. I couldn't recommend it enough.
From a long term business standpoint it's a bit foggy, but I will give you the best info I have right now. We currently have 46 aircraft and by about June of this year we will have 52. There, we will be pausing for just over a year before our new order of aircraft start to arrive. When that order of (60) sharklet equipped and then neo airbus start to arrive we will be receiving about one a month until we have about 113 total aircraft. That number might swing a little if we order more at some point or decide we don't need the 319's anymore. (neo solves the range issue of the regular a320) It has been stated many times that our business plan calls for 100-150 narrow body jets. So don't expect us to ever grow to the size of a legacy carrier.
As to profitability. It has been stated by our CEO and Branson that all routes that are over 12-13 months old are operationally profitable. It has also been told to us that 50 aircraft was the size we needed to be in order to sustain profits. (I assume through economy of scale) We just received in late Dec 2011 a large capital infusion that has made us very liquid. More than we ever have been. With this new $150m infusion our CEO says we are positioning ourselves for a public offering. I believe that current target is in 2013. Our top line revenue remains strong despite our lack of being able to achieve free and clear profits. But when you look at what it costs to turn an a320 into a virgin America a320 it's easy to see how growth for us is really expensive. I have heard the CEO state that the he believes we are on track for a 70m operating profit for 2012. That is a pretty dramatic number and I have no idea what that will net us in terms of a real black number. So take it for what it's worth. In the short term we have been told that another raise has been approved for this year beyond longevity raises. I have no idea how much it will be. But they usually announce them in jan so hopefully we will hear soon. I'm sure that someone will post them to apc soon after they are made public. We are also in the process of working with the company on a major work rules rewrite. I have heard the conversation has been very positive. Hopefully that produces positive movement for our compensation package and qol as well. Right now I believe they plan to hire around 40 guys between now and June. That may be inaccurate though it's my own number based on deliveries and how many I know we have in training.
What does this mean for you? Or anyone else considering coming here?
I have no idea man. In this industry we could be out of business tomorrow. You gotta do what's right for you. I have been happy here and although some guys are looking for greener pastures. (mostly FedEx from what I hear) a lot of us are really happy here and are proud of what we do. So make the choice on as much info as you can gather. I hope it works out for the best for you. Thank you for your service!
Regards,
4
01-17-2012 | 08:09 AM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: A319, A320, A321
Beech,
I have been at VX for about a year and a half. I would say my personnel experience here has been very positive. In three months I was off reserve, my hard lines since have never had less than 17-18 days off unless I wanted to pick something up, I received three weeks of vacation year two, I stay at good hotels and the flying is relaxed. Except for the obvious pay/benefit issues that we are fighting with, I really love my job. I couldn't recommend it enough.
From a long term business standpoint it's a bit foggy, but I will give you the best info I have right now. We currently have 46 aircraft and by about June of this year we will have 52. There, we will be pausing for just over a year before our new order of aircraft start to arrive. When that order of (60) sharklet equipped and then neo airbus start to arrive we will be receiving about one a month until we have about 113 total aircraft. That number might swing a little if we order more at some point or decide we don't need the 319's anymore. (neo solves the range issue of the regular a320) It has been stated many times that our business plan calls for 100-150 narrow body jets. So don't expect us to ever grow to the size of a legacy carrier.
As to profitability. It has been stated by our CEO and Branson that all routes that are over 12-13 months old are operationally profitable. It has also been told to us that 50 aircraft was the size we needed to be in order to sustain profits. (I assume through economy of scale) We just received in late Dec 2011 a large capital infusion that has made us very liquid. More than we ever have been. With this new $150m infusion our CEO says we are positioning ourselves for a public offering. I believe that current target is in 2013. Our top line revenue remains strong despite our lack of being able to achieve free and clear profits. But when you look at what it costs to turn an a320 into a virgin America a320 it's easy to see how growth for us is really expensive. I have heard the CEO state that the he believes we are on track for a 70m operating profit for 2012. That is a pretty dramatic number and I have no idea what that will net us in terms of a real black number. So take it for what it's worth. In the short term we have been told that another raise has been approved for this year beyond longevity raises. I have no idea how much it will be. But they usually announce them in jan so hopefully we will hear soon. I'm sure that someone will post them to apc soon after they are made public. We are also in the process of working with the company on a major work rules rewrite. I have heard the conversation has been very positive. Hopefully that produces positive movement for our compensation package and qol as well. Right now I believe they plan to hire around 40 guys between now and June. That may be inaccurate though it's my own number based on deliveries and how many I know we have in training.
What does this mean for you? Or anyone else considering coming here?
I have no idea man. In this industry we could be out of business tomorrow. You gotta do what's right for you. I have been happy here and although some guys are looking for greener pastures. (mostly FedEx from what I hear) a lot of us are really happy here and are proud of what we do. So make the choice on as much info as you can gather. I hope it works out for the best for you. Thank you for your service!
Regards,
4
I have been at VX for about a year and a half. I would say my personnel experience here has been very positive. In three months I was off reserve, my hard lines since have never had less than 17-18 days off unless I wanted to pick something up, I received three weeks of vacation year two, I stay at good hotels and the flying is relaxed. Except for the obvious pay/benefit issues that we are fighting with, I really love my job. I couldn't recommend it enough.
From a long term business standpoint it's a bit foggy, but I will give you the best info I have right now. We currently have 46 aircraft and by about June of this year we will have 52. There, we will be pausing for just over a year before our new order of aircraft start to arrive. When that order of (60) sharklet equipped and then neo airbus start to arrive we will be receiving about one a month until we have about 113 total aircraft. That number might swing a little if we order more at some point or decide we don't need the 319's anymore. (neo solves the range issue of the regular a320) It has been stated many times that our business plan calls for 100-150 narrow body jets. So don't expect us to ever grow to the size of a legacy carrier.
As to profitability. It has been stated by our CEO and Branson that all routes that are over 12-13 months old are operationally profitable. It has also been told to us that 50 aircraft was the size we needed to be in order to sustain profits. (I assume through economy of scale) We just received in late Dec 2011 a large capital infusion that has made us very liquid. More than we ever have been. With this new $150m infusion our CEO says we are positioning ourselves for a public offering. I believe that current target is in 2013. Our top line revenue remains strong despite our lack of being able to achieve free and clear profits. But when you look at what it costs to turn an a320 into a virgin America a320 it's easy to see how growth for us is really expensive. I have heard the CEO state that the he believes we are on track for a 70m operating profit for 2012. That is a pretty dramatic number and I have no idea what that will net us in terms of a real black number. So take it for what it's worth. In the short term we have been told that another raise has been approved for this year beyond longevity raises. I have no idea how much it will be. But they usually announce them in jan so hopefully we will hear soon. I'm sure that someone will post them to apc soon after they are made public. We are also in the process of working with the company on a major work rules rewrite. I have heard the conversation has been very positive. Hopefully that produces positive movement for our compensation package and qol as well. Right now I believe they plan to hire around 40 guys between now and June. That may be inaccurate though it's my own number based on deliveries and how many I know we have in training.
What does this mean for you? Or anyone else considering coming here?
I have no idea man. In this industry we could be out of business tomorrow. You gotta do what's right for you. I have been happy here and although some guys are looking for greener pastures. (mostly FedEx from what I hear) a lot of us are really happy here and are proud of what we do. So make the choice on as much info as you can gather. I hope it works out for the best for you. Thank you for your service!
Regards,
4
Very nicely written!
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