Virgin Atlantic launches new TV Ad Campaign ©

Image: Google 

Virgin Atlantic has launched a new brand campaign entitled ‘Flying in the Face of Ordinary’ to celebrate the skills and talents of crew, designers, pilots and everyday pioneers in Virgin Atlantic. The campaign coincides with the launch of UK domestic routes between London Heathrow and Manchester, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, the airline signed an Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aer Lingus to operate the routes using Airbus A320 equipment from 31st March 2013.

The airline is seeking 150 new staff for its domestic network launch and the ad gives an insight into the kind of people that make Virgin Atlantic 'fly in the face of ordinary'.

Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson said "We're always on the lookout for gifted people to grow our business. Our staff hold the keys to the future of Virgin Atlantic; they work so hard, and we are delighted to dedicate this new advert to them.

Our advertisement is a powerful New Year message encouraging everyone to look again at young people and the talents they have to offer to businesses and industries all over the country. People are at the heart of Virgin Atlantic and this campaign celebrates them."

The ad based on the lives of real people was developed by creative agency RKCR/Y&R traces the lives of gifted youngsters born with special skills, and how they later use those talents to become outstanding employees at Virgin Atlantic. One child has an amazing love of flight, and goes on to become a leading pilot. Another has a keen interest in how things work, and later becomes one of the company's leading design engineers. Others with excellent people and intuition skills become outstanding cabin crew members and ground staff.

                                                   

 Irish Aviation Research Institute © 1st January 2013 All Rights Reserved.

Shannon Airport celebrates it's ‘Independence Day’ ©

Image: Shannon Airport 

Shannon Airport today celebrated the beginning of a new era for Ireland’s most historic airport as it officially became an independent entity overnight following separation from Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). The Separation officially took place at 2359 last night, with the first passengers to transit through the newly autonomous  airport arriving on board the Aer Lingus EIN110 from New York JFK 0508 this morning.

The theme of ‘Just Think How Far We Can Go’ has been chosen as the motif for the airport’s independence. This message is very evident across the terminal complex, with banners draped on the facade of the terminal building, signs along the approach road and banners & floor signs inside the terminal.

The airport will commence operations on a solid footing by way of a debt free balance sheet and a business plan with an immediate focus on growing passenger numbers and route development.

The airport will also work towards the development of the International Aviation Services Centre at Shannon, which is targeting the creation of a significant number of primarily aviation related jobs within a three to five year period, building on the existing cluster of 40 aviation related companies in Shannon currently.

The second of a two-phase process for the new Shannon Airport entity will see the merging of the Airport by 1st July, with activities of a restructured Shannon Development, including its considerable land-bank and associated rent-roll.

Shannon Airport Authority Chairman Rose Hynes said "Today is ‘Independence Day’ for Shannon - this is a historic day for us. We finally have our long awaited freedom to determine our own future. Independence is the single most important enabler of future success for Shannon. This is an opportunity for the airport to commence a new chapter in its proud history ".

Shannon Airport Director Mary Considine said "We are setting out today to create a vibrant and sustainable future for this airport, its staff, customers and the wider region".

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 1st January 2013 All Rights Reserved.

Belfast International Airport Welcomes End of Long-Haul APD Tax ©

Image: Google 

Belfast International Airport welcomed the introduction of the zero APD rate on long-haul routes which came into effect at midnight, which was abolished on 6th November in Air Passenger Duty Bill (Bands B, C and D) by the Northern Ireland Assembly ,enabling Belfast International to be competitive versus airports in the Republic of Ireland for new long-haul opportunities, where the Air Travel Tax is €3 per passenger.

The reduction of the tax to zero follows through on the Northern Ireland Executive’s policy commitment as laid out in the 2011-15 Programme for Government.

Belfast International Airport Managing Director John Doran said "Today marks a new beginning. At least on long-haul, Northern Ireland can now compete more effectively with the Republic of Ireland.

It is the removal of one impediment in our drive to attract new operators to the market, but it shouldn't be viewed as some sort of ‘silver bullet’ that will lead to a rapid expansion of long-haul services.

It is one very important component in the offer we make to international carriers, without it, we wouldn't feature on their radar. At least now we can get into Boardrooms to make our pitch.

There are real prospects out there, but this has got to be a joint effort by Northern Ireland plc.

The disappearance of Long Haul APD today from Northern Ireland opens new opportunities, and is clearly a step in the right direction. Now, we must capitalize on it and move with some speed to put together a practical, well resourced package to take to the market. In that respect, we look forward to working closely with Ministers to see that Northern Ireland fully exploits this very welcome development ".

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 1st January 2013 All Rights Reserved.