Last Sunday's papers carried an eyecatching full page ad announcing a tie-up between the rapidly growing Etihad and the three Australasia Virgin-related airlines,Virgin Blue, Virgin Pacific and V Australia. It showed graphically the extended reach into Australia and the western Pacific that the arrangement gives Etihad. A clear and useful message, but wait a moment, how does this read with Virgin Atlantic who operate a daily London-Sydney flight in direct competition with Etihad? Wouldn't one have expected strong promotion of all four Virgin branded airlines flying in formation rather than the three Australasian brands standing with their arms around a very effective and fast growing competitor?
On the subject of new generation Australasian airlines, a recent observation of Virgin Blue cabin crew pausing at an airside coffee stall en route to their first flights of the day was illuminating and cheering. Bright young people, pleased to see each other. Lots of chat and cheerful expressions. They were out to have a good day which meant a good day for the customers too. Not a mutter about " Managment, rosters, "imposition" and the like. They will fit well with the high standards of on board service provided by the Gulf airlines.Together they have an attractive and powerful customer proposition.Others beware!
