Virgin Atlantic Pilots To Strike Over Pay Row

Virgin Atlantic pilots have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a row over pay.

Their union, Balpa, said a massive 97% wanted industrial action following a 94% turnout - a "clear message" for Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson.
No dates have been set for the action, but it raises the threat of summer walkouts which would cause havoc for thousands of travellers.
It is the first time Virgin pilots have agreed to strike and the first pilot strike in the UK for 32 years.
Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: "Pilots do not want to strike and are hugely disappointed by the company's approach... there comes a time when even moderate people say 'enough'."

Disruption as we head into the busy summer months is bad news for consumers.

Bob Atkinson, travelsupermarket.com

Mr McAuslan said: "If damage is to be avoided and passengers not inconvenienced then Sir Richard needs to act now."
Balpa said Virgin pilots had been subjected to a six-year "attack" on their living standards, having received no pay increase since 2008 and a below-inflation offer for 2011.
The union, which represents most of Virgin's 750 pilots, said it decided to ballot its members because it had expected a bigger pay deal this year.
Virgin Atlantic said in a statement: "We are naturally disappointed with the result of the ballot but remain committed to further talks with our pilots' representatives to find a solution.

Virgin Chief Executive Steve Ridgway's Response

"We have made an industry-leading offer to Balpa that is double the national average for a UK business.
"We value our pilots enormously and that is why we have offered three guaranteed pay rises in the next two and a half years and a share of company profits."
Bob Atkinson, of online comparison service travelsupermarket.com, urged the airline and union to secure a deal that would avoid disruption to passengers.
He said: "The last thing that any holidaymaker or business traveller needs is uncertainty over their travel plans and the threat of flight cancellations.
"Disruption as we head into the busy summer months is bad news for consumers."

IMI Team
+844 474 8393
info@imiparking.co.uk
www.imiparking.co.uk

Virgin Atlantic Mexico bound

Virgin Atlantic has announced it will commence flights to the Mexican resort of Cancun in June 2012.

The service will provide twice-weekly flights to Cancun from Gatwick and Virgin expects to carry 94,000 passengers over the first year on the new route. The carrier currently runs nine long-haul leisure routes out of Gatwick, covering holiday destinations in the US and Caribbean.

Charismatic Virgin Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson explained how Mexico was an important new destination for the company. "Many customers have asked us to fly direct to this exciting destination over the years," said Mr Branson. "With its superb beaches, great hotels and cultural sites, tourism in Cancun is thriving. We believe that we can drive demand even higher by providing great competition to our rivals with our award winning product and service."

Virgin Atlantic said it was expecting to generate around $25 million of revenue for the Cancun tourism market, and is aiming to create as many as 650 jobs across the tourism and aviation sectors. The routes will be services by a Boeing 747-400 aircraft offering economy, premium economy and first class seating.

The new routes have allowed the subsidiary Virgin Holidays to create a dedicated brochure for holidays in Mexico, offering packages for hotels in Cancun, Playacar, Riviera Maya and more. Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, said the new brochure was a unique addition to the company's holiday offerings.

"We're delighted to be increasing our Mexico product and are looking forward to supporting the new route by launching our first ever dedicated brochure to the country in July, featuring a wide range of hotels in Cancun and beyond," said Ms Wills.

IMI Team
+844 474 8393
info@imiparking.co.uk
www.imiparking.co.uk