DESPITE a shrinking market and pressure on yields through aggressive airline discounting in SA, Virgin Atlantic Airways is holding its own despite being -- or because it is -- the smallest direct carrier on the Johannesburg-London route.
This emerged during a recent interview with the new country manager for SA.
He is Belgian, Wim Hoste, who joined the carrier after 10 years with Sabena and 13 years in the airline industry. Hoste is joined by sales manager, Sanitha Naidoo, who is new to Virgin Atlantic Airways and the travel industry after an 18-year career in the pharmaceutical industry.
They believe the carrier can match pricing without dipping into profits because it has less capacity to fill, is a good brand and has innovative products.
"We are either the first in or the last in depending on the impact on our clients," Hoste said. "For instance, Virgin Atlantic Airways plans to be the last to cut commission in this market but will pioneer a new seating concept in its Upper Class cabin next year and offer an enhanced frequent flyer programme: flying club. New seats will be fitted in two Boeing 747 aircraft in November and then gradually phased into the rest of the fleet."
Naidoo is conducting a skills-needs analysis for the sales team in preparation for more training and development.
(Mark Gray)
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