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Subscribe to RSS FeedFacts about our future.
As you may know, our first two aircraft—our beloved 757s—have come from British Airways’ distinguished fleet. And the merger with L’Avion now lands us at a total of four 757 aircraft.
With the economy as it is, we plan to hold steady right there—so no new additions to the fleet and no new routes for now. Not for a lack of wanting to add aircraft and destinations, but we believe it’s only the smart thing to do in this tough financial climate.
Recently, British Airways announced a sale of its remaining 757s. Since OpenSkies is built around the 757 configuration, it’s natural to think that British Airways has lost confidence in our viability. Cranky Flier poses this point very directly. We can’t blame him or others for the speculation, but it simply isn’t the case. BA’s decision to sell the 757s has nothing to do with OpenSkies’ strength as a business.
If the British Airways planes aren’t in the air generating revenue, now is the time to sell them to the highest bidder and get them off the balance sheets. And this is OK by us. We have assessed the market for 757s and believe that there are plenty available with the proper configuration when we decide to grow in the future.
I believe our little airline is ripe for opportunity, especially in this market. OpenSkies offers the kind of value that other airlines can’t: A premium flying experience without prohibitive costs.
I hope you agree. And even if you don’t, please tell us why by commenting on this post.
Dale
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Dale,
Let me tell you something, I dont know what you’re going to do with the Lavion entity (clearly you are going to “merge” it into your own and who knows what the consequences of that will be) but I can promise you we will remain very loyal customers until changes occur (and I dont anticipate any positives there, as you’re going to mess with a good product — such changes are never a good thing). But if you manage to not screw the Lavion up too badly, there is NO (repeat: ZERO) reasons why you cant make money with this gig — except maybe that no one knows about it?
Now your 757s wont do LAX-ORY but I garantee you if you have some combo with say, JetBlue or some other piece of crap like them into EWR (change planes) and then to ORY you could grad a nice chunk of CA market!
Best of luck to you all.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Dale,
First of all, thanks for the transparency and responding to the news and blog posts that you and your staff have been monitoring. While any news without a positive tone in this climate is a bit worrisome, I can’t dwell on what I can’t control.
That said, I’m still looking forward to my flight in May. I’m also somewhat confident that because OpenSkies is a subsidiary of British Airways (and has a code share arrangement with them)that I’d be in good hands should anything happen to OpenSkies before my trip. While they are no guarantees, that’s one of the main reasons why I took the chance. Plus there are tons of flights going out of JFK to Paris as well, in case of worst-case scenario situations.
Hang in there guys! We still need carries focused on service rather than Greyhound buses in the sky.
March 7th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Hello Dale,
To weeks ago had our first flight with Open Skies AMS-JFK, and I must say it was great! This was the first time we were looking forward to being on an airplane for the return flight. For us this is the only way of flying, your product is exceptional value! We will tell all our friends. Maybe advertise a bit more?
It’s a shame to hear you are not expanding your network. I think a route AMS – LAX (maybe with a stopover in JFK) would be perfect. Now the only choice you have is transfer in JFK to another airline (cheap or business, nothing in between…), or flying though London with BA or Virgin (for Premium Economy). I would love it and certainly fly it a couple of times a year.
Keep up the good work!
March 29th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
This is a tougher climate to operate the business model of OpenSkys. However, the price points of the products are very close to the demographic I believe is trying to be reached. The issue is whether OpenSkys can continue to reach the dynamic demographic that is going to fly the airline. I think as utilization goes down, OpenSkys should consider some similar loss-leaders like what the other airlines are doing to Europe lately. The loyalty will only be gained by getting someone on a “one-flight” experience, so they can understand it is worthwhile to pay the higher cost in the future to get the better experience. Right now, the $2600 round-trip fare is a bit high compared to the $450 round-trip fares that can be had in many super-discounts. As a non-wealthy traveler, I always have to weigh comfort against a sense of “opportunity cost” of travel. If it costs me $2200 extra to fly openskies x2 passengers, that is $4400 I could use for future travel. I have been seriously looking to fly on your planes, the concept is excellent. However, the net is too high right now. Bring the fair down to $1999 round trip (inclusive of fees), and I think you will have a lot of “on-the-fence” travelers like myself giving over the business.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Dont give up there! If you are running low on cash, ask your parent for help, this buisness model is way to great to let go. Also, you guys should fly to Dubai and destinations around there, slow and steady wins the race! Good luck Mate!! -Kane
April 8th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Dale,
Will you guys be allowing pets to travel in cargo? I noticed L’avion allowed that last time I flew them — am curious if OpenSkies will continue that program?
Thanks.
April 10th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Dear Dale,
I have recently flown on Openskies and was flying in the Biz cabin (now Biz bed) both on the outbound and inbound journeys.
I would like to emphasize your crew?s brilliant enthusiasm and dedication to their work, all that in a very professional way. I do think this is one of the most important assets of your all in all excellent inflight service (not forgetting the great value of your product).
Being used to flying British Airways, this direct flight from Paris-Orly to JFK is a great deal.
I will certainly fly with you again.
However, as others have pinpointed it earlier, I do find it strange that Openskies hasn’t been more “proactive” regarding it’s marketing campaign. I had never seen an ad for Openskies until I oppened a french magazine last week. Why is that? I really hope you’ll thrive to keep affloat in spite of the current world crisis, because your passengers, your company and your crews really deserve so!
Best luck to all the Openskies “family”,
orian
May 7th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I totally agree. We need more airlines like this connecting NYC and other key cities in Europe. I think a route with a lot of potential would be Berlin – JFK/EWR. Its about time a European carrier gives Berlin the importance it deserves, especially now in the early stages of the city´s economical and political boom.
And if you ever do, I´ll make sure I´ll be a regular.
Best regards.
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Dear Dale,
As an American living in Paris I travel to the USA a lot. Sometimes I use BA out of London, sometimes I use Air France. I have also used l’Avion a few times and was on one of the first to fly on Open Skies flights. I really enjoyed these flights, speak English with American crews and especially the BA brand behind it. Some of my friends and employees agree. It makes us feel safe because we know our money is safe, there is a large company to fall back on with a good route structure. Now it seems as if OS and L’avion have merged and the BA brand has completely disappeared, together with the high quality atmoshpere I liked so much in Open Skies. Having done some research on the internet I have found a few signs that BA might be washing their hands from this great little airline (BA selling their 757’s), and removal of the BA logo from your website only adds to that. I am a BA Executive member. I would really hate that. Can you please tell me what’s going on? Why mess with a good product? Without BA Open Skies/L’Avion is just another EOS or Silverjet.
Sincerely, Christopher