Virgin Vents at Boeing

Slamming both Boeing's management and its Unions, Sir Richard Branson let them have it with both barrels yesterday at formal acceptance of the V Australia first 777.

Accompanied by a motley crew of V staff and senior management with Steven Udvar-Hazy in tow (V is leasing its first 2 777s from ILFC) Branson wasted no time in letting Boeing feel his vent of rage.

With the delay of the aircraft essentially about 5 months late - it is clear that the 58 day strike at Boeing did a heck of a lot more damage than Boeing has let on. This has affected customers down the line and Boeing has lost more than just 2 months of delivery capability.

Boeing needs to pull up its socks and get back to work much faster.

New Brazillian Airline - the Richard and David show?

Rampant rumours floating around concerning a possible new airline to start in Brazil with David Needleman and Richard Branson as investors.

While it would seem to make sense - this has to be a little on the outside of credibility. Why don't I think this will fly?

Well....

Brazil is a notorious pit of failed airlines. But $200 million is a nice round number.
The purported plan for Embraer E Jets flying all over the country would be rather nice.
But I think TAM and GoL might have something to say about this. With landing slots at both Sao Paolo airports pretty tight, anything else is going to be tough.

Anyway the rumour of adding Branson to the mix would create even greater mystique. But what would they call it? Virgin Blue is already taken. Jet Virgin seems to be somewhat prosaic how about Virgin Agogo. Yes - that will do nicely.

Cheers