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Subscribe to RSS FeedNavigating the ups and downs.
As a leader in these unpredictable times, it would be foolish not to take a close look at operations to make sure we are able to consistently deliver on our core promise: providing the best airline experience and value in the sky. Period.
We don’t want anything to compromise the integrity of this mission – not even a tough economy. We are in a fortunate position to have the strong support of an airline that has seen global economic dips and flips before: British Airways. But even though we fall under the umbrella of BA, we are still responsible for making careful and prudent decisions to ensure a superior experience.
We’ve been hard at work prioritizing our plans, putting first things first. And by “we”, I mean the OpenSkies team and the team at L’Avion. Both of us have been working together as one team expressing our mission in new and unique ways.
Here are a few of the specific items we’ve carefully considered and are acting on today:
- Reservations system integration: This is a top priority so OpenSkies customers will be able to book on L’Avion’s website and vice versa.
- Management decisions: Even though you may see two different logos, two different-looking aircraft, two different websites, we are making all decisions with one voice.
- French Operating Certificate: We fly 3 of every 4 flights out of Paris, so we are basing our operating certificate there. Plus, we have vast and numerous future route opportunities under a French AOC.
Here are a couple of planned items that will be put into action once the global economy steadies:
- Repainting the L’Avion aircraft with OpenSkies colors.
- Adding routes: We would like to stay focused on the routes we fly today. When economic conditions improve, we’ll dive back into expansion.
As we become one airline, we not only want to make sure the transition is smooth, we also want to make careful, prudent, sensible decisions moving forward, moving up the items we need now, and de-emphasizing the items that can wait.
Until then, you can expect what you always have: a delightful flight. If you have any questions, please ask.
Dale
November 10th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
I’d love to give your airlines a try. I live in Seattle, but can easily add a stop in NYC in order to fly to Paris in Premium+ so we can arrive rested and fresh the next day.
My main concern is purchasing so far in advance to take advantage your great rates since you’re such a new airline and because of the current financial climate.
I know it’s impossible to predict and you can’t make such promises, but I’m wondering if your business plans are going to give you at least a year before considering any sort of shut down or pullback of services. I plan on flying in early to mid May 2009.
December 13th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
It is sad to hear that Openskies will be slowing their expansion plans however it sounds like a decision that has been made by a team who are intent on making Openskies and L’avion work.
Although the L’avion aircraft are not yet to be sprayed in Openskies colours. Will the interior be changing to the 2 class interior as on Openskies.
It’s a shame you are halting expansion. I fly frequently between the UK and Milan and from Milan to our office in New York. I know there are alot of people in Milan who would embrace the Openskies service on offer.
Please think about adding Milan soon
Good Luck to you all
January 8th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Why is OPENSKIES (which such a much better product than KLM) not advertising on RTL4 Television or any other TV Channel (or even a newspaper) to get more guest to New York from Amsterdam? It seems nobody knows you are there. Some people who regularly fly to JFK didn’t know until I told them about it. They are happy to go on Openskies as well as there companies who pay for the fare!