Alaska will get rid of Virgin by end of 2019

[swamt]

I think a bad decision. But I do not know the amount Alaska is paying Branson for the royalty stake in the name. One thing I did like to hear from Branson was that if Alaska does release the name, Branson will in fact bring his airline back.

Virgin America will disappear into Alaska Airlines in 2019

 

[swamt]

Well, well, looks like the Name disappearing will happen sooner than later. In the article above it was mentioned by end of 2019 (I know, it still is) and in the one below they are now saying as of 4-24-18, Virgin will be gone. Wonder if Branson will hold to his word and get another airline or even his old airline (Virgin) back? Might be a lot harder to start an airline with all the mergers we've had. But I am sure Branson will do it as long as he is not too terribly busy with his other adventures and rebuilding his island.

Virgin America to take its final bow next spring

 

[jimntx]

If Virgin America was not making it and became purchase fodder before, what makes Branson think he can do the same thing all over again and make money this time? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is one of the first signs of insanity.

 

[eolesen]

Branson is a blowhard and a publicity hog. As long as ALK owns the web domains associated to VX, Branson won't have much of a way to promote a replacement brand.

I'm also pretty certain Alaska can keep the trademarks tied up in court for a decade or so.

 

[swamt]

An update on the Virgin brand going away. I am sure mr. Branson will chime in yet again soon, but, he should have never put his airline on the market since he is so passionate about it.

The Official Final Day For Virgin America Flights

 

[jimntx]

Requiescat in Pace, Virgin America.

 

[swamt]

Well now it will be before 2019 that Virgin will be gone...

Virgin America brand to be retired April 25

 

[Kev3188]

April 25th is next week.

 

[jimntx]

It will be interesting to see if Branson tries to re-create some sort of a Virgin Airline in the U.S. (After selling VA to Alaska he said that if they eliminated the Virgin Brand, he would start another Virgin Airline in the U.S.) If he does, he must have more money than Warren Buffett. If the product didn't sell the first time around, what makes him think it will sell on a second offering?

 

[swamt]

Yes Jim, Branson did say he would start up another airline in the US if the Virgin name went away. Not sure if the agreement between him and Alaska will prevent that from happening for a certain amount of time before he does it. Kinda like the agreement between JB's original creator and SWA when he left SWA to start up JB. But, I am sure Branson will do something.

 

[Kev3188]

Airways article about the last flight:

https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/full-report-live-from-virgin-america-farewell-flight/

 

[swamt]

Another rejected seniority integration at ALK/VX. Looking at the results Alaska rejects and Virgin passes. Any info on why from anyone?
Is it the company not getting it right?
What seems to be the big hold ups??

AMFA-ASA and Virgin America 2nd Transition and Seniority Integration Agreements Referendum Results

 

[swamt]

Now that the merger is completed a tad bit later than expected, will Alaska go with the all 737 family like SWA? It does make a lot of sense for saving millions. Also, by the time they put in an order to receiving their a/c the fix will be done with the Max's. The only thing left is, will the public have enough confidence to reboard the Max's? Maybe Trump is correct that Boeing should fix, add options, and rebrand the a/c...

Alaska Airlines May Order a Ton of Boeing 737 MAX Jets in 2019

 

[swamt]

No longer will we see the Virgin painted a/c at LF. Sad to see them go, it really was a good customer airline I thought. Not saying Alaska is not.

Alaska finishes paint jobs, marking end of Virgin planes at Love Field