Hello. We’re OpenSkies.
And here’s what we’re up to.
OpenSkies is a unique, low fare, all business airline that offers guests superior service, competitive fares and an exceptional value. OpenSkies flies non-stop from New York (Newark) to Paris (Orly), carrying only 84 passengers per flight. Choose between two cabins with a 2x2 configuration. Biz Seat cabin has comfortable, wide seats that recline 140° and Biz Bed cabin has seats that convert into 180° fully flat beds. Innovative features onboard include personal entertainment systems, universal power outlets in every seat and freshly prepared meals served with fine wines.
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As new larger aircraft come into the market from our competition, it becomes more apparent how we differentiate ourselves from all the rest. Imagine flying with over 500 other passengers. Just think of boarding, disembarkation, customs, immigration, baggage claim and of course, the in-flight service when you need to accommodate that many passengers!
Good news for us, a piece of recent market research says our customers really love our cabin crew service. The combination of warmth and style and a sincere sense of caring to make the journey all the more enjoyable, truly distinguish them from among all the rest. Add this to our all-business class layout with only 84 passengers, and it’s easier to deliver a better experience day in and day out.
As I am sure you can imagine this is not an easy job. Our Cabin Crew truly makes us all very proud for the way they do – what they do, every day. It may just be one thing, but it’s mighty important. So let me take a moment to say “thank you” to a great group of colleagues for keeping our passengers happy.
When you wrap it all, it’s what we call the OpenSkies Experience. It’s not about one thing it is a whole cluster of meaningful items that add up to something very special.
Best,
Dale
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Small is Beautiful
Just this week I headed back home to the States for the holidays. However, getting home has not been so easy for many because of the rather bizarre weather most of Europe has been experiencing. So much for global warming!
It’s not that France has received meters of snow, but this December several inches of snowfall significantly impeded airline operations. But I always say, in the end, Mother Nature will have her way.
I am proud to say on that on December 20th OpenSkies flew a full schedule and we were the only airline in France to do so. This is a testament to our nimbleness as a small airline and the commitment of our people. At OpenSkies we are dedicated to always doing our best, especially when it matters most, like it did for all those who needed to get home for the Holidays.
In closing, I would like to thank our customers for their support over this past year and to extend my gratitude to the OpenSkies team for their efforts. I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and peace throughout the New Year.
Best,
Dale
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Extra cash in your pocket this holiday season
Today, a report was issued by the Consumer Travel Alliance, a non-profit organization promoting consumer interests on travel policy issues, that claims Americans will pay $167 million in hidden airline fees this holiday season.
I want to point out that at OpenSkies there are no extra charges for anything. In fact, as other airlines are cutting back, we are giving our passengers a unique experience as we are offering “more for less”– more amenities, both in-flight and on the ground, more cabin space and better service for a better value. The holiday season is always a busy time for airlines and unfortunately many of our competitors use this opportunity to take advantage of their customers to help their bottom line.
We value our customers very much and appreciate all you’ve done to help us continue to expand our airline and provide unparalleled service year-round.
So while you’re taking to the skies this next month to visit your family, friends and loved ones, rest assured that you can expect the same experience that we deliver 365 days a year with no hidden charges or “holiday taxes.” After all, who doesn’t need a little extra cash in their pockets this time of the year?
Happy Holidays!
Dale
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Good news travels fast…but never fast enough
Since our first flight I have always said our biggest obstacle was creating awareness and while we are miles ahead where we were when we began, we are still not there yet. However in a recent flight survey we have learned that a whopping 35% of our customers heard about OpenSkies from their friends. Thanks for helping us spread the word. With the power of today’s array of social media it is a powerful marketing multiplier. My sense is it is helping us now and will for a long time to come. As you know, we started Washington D.C. back in May and while we are progressing nicely, we are very grateful for you continuing to spread the good word about our service in the Nation’s Capital. It really is a standout product with most unique positioning that has customers swearing by us and competition swearing at us.
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A lot to be thankful for
Not sure about you but Thanksgiving is just about my favorite holiday in the year. No gifts to get nor fancy clothes to wear…just good food and wine, family and friends. We all have so much to be grateful for and all of us at OpenSkies are grateful for the tremendous support of our customers. In Early November we carried our 200,000th passenger. That’s pretty good considering we started the business in the depth of the great recession and we remain today the only all business airline in the world.
If in the next few weeks you’re travelling with us take note of the terrific wines we have on board. We take great care to find the best products in the market and bring them to you. So pick your favorite and raise a glass to whatever it is to be thankful for and enjoy the moment. And remember that we’re happy to have you aboard.
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LOVE EVERYTHING OR PAY NOTHING
Back in the swing of things and we have an exciting new venture just introduced to the market. Even during the height of the financial crisis I have always said our biggest opponent has been the lack of awareness, but once customers find out about us and fly us, they are invariably pleased.
Earlier this summer we conducted significant market research and found out that 96.85% of our customers (over 4,250 responded) would recommend OpenSkies to others. I almost didn’t believe it and asked the team to go back and check the results again. Same astounding results! I have been around this industry a while and not very often have I seen a number like that. We are both proud and humble, but most of all grateful to our customers, thank you!
From this, we decided it’s ‘go time’ to create an offer that mirrors the image of our company: innovative, exclusive and charting new courses for the industry. We proudly and confidently stand behind our new money back, Satisfaction Guarantee. An unprecedented offer in the aviation industry this distinct and bold is just what we need to stir some buzz and grow our community of passengers. I am hoping that many of you will help out as we enter the fall season, so please spread the good word.
Anyone who’s flown us knows that a personalized and unique experience while also offering the best value for money in business class is what we’re all about. OpenSkies is out to be your airline of choice.
Be sure to check out our survey results. I’d also love to hear what you think of our new Satisfaction Guarantee initiative.
Best,
Dale
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Summer update
Hi everyone, just checking in before a short family vacation next week. Hey, is it me or has this summer gone by quickly? Perhaps this is a function of keeping busy. I can promise that everyone in the company has been doing their best to deliver the promise for our customers.
This year got off to a challenging start with a few bumps along the way, as is normal in commercial aviation – but overall we have had a fine summer. Our business class load factors have been excellent with the New York – Paris route at 85% and Washington – Paris at 60%, both around target. Forward bookings for both cities are solid for the next two months as well. We have come a long way from last year and we are pleased with that, but there is still a long way to go.
Even during the height of the financial crisis, I have always said our biggest opponent has been the lack of customer awareness. But once customers find out about us, they are invariably pleased. I have been around a while and with load factors like these, I am both proud and humble but most of all grateful to our customers, thank you!
We must keep up the momentum. So seeing that, I am hoping that many of you will help out as we enter the fall season. Pass the good word along about OpenSkies being the best value for money in business class. Especially, for our Washington service. It’s our baby and we can always use a little help as we start up a new city.
We have some exciting things coming up this fall so stay tuned in for more after Labor Day.
Best,
Dale
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Go ahead, ask away part 7
Hope all of you are enjoying your summers so far. It’s been quite busy for us, and that’s a good thing. Reading your recent posts to my blog and our Facebook fan page , there are a few questions surfacing about our next possible route as well as our lounges and I’d like to address them.
I am proud to say our current routes Paris –New York, Paris – DC are performing really well. I’ve seen questions from Sean and Charles who are curious as well as Marie and Jerome who are asking for a West Coast option. The good news is we have sensible plans to expand and are giving our new route serious consideration. It’s a complicated process, a lot of work goes into making this decision; available slots, scheduling, market logistics and receptivity and ground handling to name a few. Important to note our current fleet of Boeing 757s has a flight range that limits us to only be active in Western Europe/East Coast US. Therefore, our planning always considers this factor. So while the West Coast is very interesting to us, we are very happy with our current aircraft performance and we’re not quite ready for that yet. Stay tuned. We’re hoping to make a decision on our new route before the end of the year.
Another hot topic that comes up is about our lounges. Recently Bill and John among others have been raising concerns. The Newark lounge in particular seems sub-par when compared with business class lounge expectations. I know this is a sensitive subject so let me be honest. We do our very best to put our investment where the customer will get the most value and still strive to offer this at a low cost. That said, I understand there’s room for improvement and your feedback is a matter we take quite seriously. I can tell you there’s a joint project currently underway with British Airways that will improve the EWR lounge experience. It will take some time though, perhaps a year – but will be well worth the wait. We already share the lounge at IAD with BA and it’s terrific. We know Orly needs some work too and are currently engaged with the Aeroport de Paris with to discuss a better facility.
Lastly, Christophe wanted to know whether we could consider a flight schedule that leaves Paris later in the day to allow for a more efficient working day. I am with Christophe here, although previous experience with later departure times from Paris have been less successful, I think perhaps it’s time for us to review this again.
I love to respond to your important questions, so keep them coming.
Best,
Dale
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Let’s check-in with Marketing…
Back again. A few of you have been asking, so I thought it’d be worth sharing what our Marketing Department has been up to lately. Now, I am a strong believer in the power of marketing, but being a small company means we have to be smart about how we invest, and do so, in a targeted manner.
Our mission is to set ourselves apart from the competition and engage our customers with a sophisticated wit that rewards intellect. We call our new Marketing campaign ‘Foosion’ which uses a series of Venn diagrams, (like the one you see above) to demonstrate the new OpenSkies relationship that is created as a result of conjoining two entities. Like business class travel and attractive prices, when you join them together, your result is OpenSkies.
We also aim to build our community and invite our fans to tell us what they think makes OpenSkies so unique. Why not take a hand at playing our Foosion Game on our Facebook fan page where you can create your own Foosion for a chance to win a round-trip on OpenSkies? And, be sure to tell your friends… they can vote for you or create their own. Happy 4th of July weekend all!
Best,
Dale
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We’re turning two!
Wow, our second anniversary! Seems like yesterday our little airline started all-business class service between Paris and New York (and in some ways… maybe not). They have been two tough years! But we are not only still standing, we’ve started to grow. Some say, the more difficult the task the greater the reward. This makes me hopeful.
To our 155,000+ passengers we’ve flown, I want to extend my personal heartfelt gratitude for your active support and encouragement. Recent market research has told us 97% of you would recommend OpenSkies to your friends and family. This is incredibly rewarding to hear.
To my teammates, my deepest respect for your never ending commitment to the company, what we can become and never giving up believing.
Lastly to my family, thanks for putting up with my crazy travel and time away. Without their love, I would be nowhere.
Our mission is not to just survive, but to continue offering a superior product at a better price and keep customers coming back for more. Looking forward to another successful year ahead!
Best,
Dale
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