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It’s been such an exciting, busy week I didn’t have time for a new posting until now. But I think the wait is worth it once you hear (and see) what we’ve been up to.
Like I said in the last post, we moved our plane into our hangar to start the process of making it our own. Well, I’m excited to say the “C” check is completed, the winglets have been added, and we’ve given the plane a fresh painting in the OpenSkies colors.
(click to enlarge)
I’m always surprised at the intensity of work that goes into the painting of a plane. It’s not a quick Sunday afternoon chore, like painting a small bedroom. To dress our plane, it took 24 people—working three shifts around the clock—a full seven days complete! So what exactly did it entail? First off, we stripped the plane of its old paint, taking it down to its metallic skin, before we primed and painted it with our look and logo. And in case you’re curious (because I definitely was), it took 282 liters of paint!
But there’s plenty more to do before we take flight. The next major step is earning our Air Operator Certificate (or AOC, for those of you up on your acronyms). Also, a Flight Operations Inspector from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) met with our Chief Pilot, who submitted our Operations Manuals. We’ve set dates for proving flights so our pilots and in-flight procedures can be certified.
Once we earn our AOC and other UK approvals, we’ll then need authority from US Department of Transportation as a European airline to fly to the US.
Whew! As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into launching a new airline—and we’re doing everything by the book to ensure everything is perfect for our first flight.
Many of you, like Mitchell and Wil, have asked about schedules, fares and other details. As I mentioned in an earlier post, once the necessary approvals are lined up, we’ll be able to solidify the details. And then share them with you!
Also, we’ve videoed the painting of the plane—so check back in a few days to see how the process works. Until then, I hope you like the photos.
Dale
April 4th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Just 282 litres of paint? I just painted a small bedroom and it took 5 litres. 282 doesn’t sound all that much when you think about it!
Looking forward to seeing the video!
April 4th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
that was a very interesting post. please do keep this up.
I have been involved with the launch of another airline that flies B757’s across the pond (I work for an advertising agency) and remember their chief pilot telling me about them having to get a special etops rating to do these trips that involved them doing test landings into island and flying on one engine… I wonder what kind of flight preparations you guys have to go through.
again, this not being the usual information that airlines share in brochures makes this really interesting. I’d love to read more.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Wow! I almost can’t believe that OpenSkies will be … well taking to the open skies.
Not to stir the pot, but since there is a certain Italian airline at its death bed (unless uncle Silvio does something about it), wouldn’t this be a grand opportunity to snap up some MXP or LIN slots (Wink-wink, nudge-nudge).
Yes, I know, as discussed before OpenSkies will start out slowly and build its based from the already chosen hubs of CDG or BRU, but I couldn’t resist throwing that in (and y’all can save your eye rollin’).
Nevertheless, great job and congratulations on setting up this airline so quickly.
April 5th, 2008 at 1:21 am
looking good i must say!
April 5th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Wow can’t believe how much paint it takes but cant wait till open skies well opens love toget some real pictures
April 9th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Will this aircraft have a US registration or will it remain as G-BPEK?
My sincere congratulations to you all and my best wishes for success in this erratic industry. Seeing this come to life brings hope for a better tomorrow.
April 11th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Thanks Dale, but when does it fly us passengers ? Is there any date for “the necessary approvals” you mentioned. What I can’t quite understand is why it needs a whole new airline with all the organisational palaver you described, to do “British Airways Open Skies.” Or is that the secret ingredient of success ? Can anyone explain please? Pete H
April 11th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Looking good!
Hope they keep the Rolls Royce Symbol on those RB211’s!
And i hope they keep the G-BPEK Reg plate!
Anyway! Keep up the great work!