Virgin Atlantic to resume London-Mumbai route...

[AA 1818]

The time is now right, with the Mumbai-London market growing by nine per cent since 2009, and we are looking forward to starting our flights next month and serving the people of Mumbai," Ridgway said in an email response to Business Standard.

http://www.rediff.com/business/repor...n/20121004.htm

Well, with the exit of BMI, and more recently, Kingfisher, 'twas only a matter of time.
The article, though, did not explicitly mention that the route would be LHR-BOM, but I assume so. Unless, they did start LGW-BOM which might offer them a great monopoly, and more options to some travelers.

Good news to Vishal, as it will be an A330. We all know that he wants more A340, but an Airbus is and Airbus, right?

[Foxtrot]

Kind of old news, but good to know this is still going to proceed. With LHR-BOM-LHR growing by 9% since '09, it shouldn't be too much of a stretch to say a 388's possible by BA if 1. the Indian Government stops acting childish to "protect" struggling AI, and 2. the current growth rate stays about the same or increases. Especially judging by the timeline on which BA will start receiving the 388s.

[SAMRPICS]

I am not the least bit supprised to see VS restart this route. I also wouldnt be supprised if they are to start a few more new ones in the near future. Is there any further news on their planned shorthaul operation. Where are they sourcing the aircraft from, how many routes will they serve etc.

[AA 1818]

Could LGW-India routes be profitable? Or, no due to the the Juggernaut that is LHR?

[Foxtrot]

^Well GOI does have seasonal nonstops to/from LGW by a few airlines like Monarch, ThomsonFly and Condor. But that's the nature of LGW, it's mostly handles loads of leisure travellers and is mostly for O&D traffic (a large chunk of flights to/from tourist destinations like those in the Mediterranean, Greek Islands, Azores, beach destinations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Egypt, and then the Far East and of course Goa), whereas LHR has all the connecting and business passengers.