DELTA BUYS 49% OF VIRGIN ATLANTIC 2013
THE VIRGIN ATLANTIC JV LAUNCHED 2014

When Delta purchased a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic in 2013 and launched the Virgin Atlantic JV in 2014 it was heralded as a strategic investment that would enhance Delta’s network with greatly improved access to London Heathrow.

Five years later, Delta’s block hours between the US and the UK are nearly flat while Virgin Atlantic’s block hours have grown 33%.

Unless otherwise noted, comparative figures are based on OAG data for 2018 and 2013 scheduled flying

Since the JV launched, Virgin has increased block hours between the US and the UK by 33%.

Delta’s US to UK block hours in 2018 were nearly flat when compared to block hours operated before the JV.

The Virgin US-UK block hour growth during the JV represents over half of total Delta US-UK block hours.

Delta flew 18% fewer LHR flights in 2018 compared to 2017 and is currently scheduled to fly even fewer flights in 2019*

*Source: scheduled 2019 frequencies as on OAG 2 June 2019 load date

VIRGIN US-UK BLOCK HOURS UP 33%

In 2018, Virgin Atlantic flew nearly 35,000 block hours more than it flew in 2013, the year prior to the JV.

Over the same period Delta flew just over 1,000 block hours more than it had in 2013, the year prior to the JV.

Looking ahead to year end 2019, Virgin Atlantic is scheduled to increase block hours by 42% over the levels flown prior to the JV.

Delta is scheduled to grow block hours by 6% over 2013, the year prior to the JV.

*Delta and Virgin Atlantic Rolling 12 Month Block Hours Between the U.S. and the UK Sources: OAG (data load date: 2 June 2019); ALPA E&FA Analysis

 

Flagship Route JFK-LHR 

BEFORE THE JV 2012: Delta flew an equal number of flights from JFK to LHR as Virgin Atlantic

AFTER 5 YEARS OF JV: Delta’s flying from JFK to LHR has shrunk while Virgin Atlantic’s has grown

Source: Company-presented slide at CAPA Americas Aviation Summit Denver 18/19-Mar-2019
BEFORE (2012) Delta three flights (DL 2, DL 4 & DL6,) 
Virgin Atlantic three flights (VS 3, VS 45 & VS 9)
AFTER (2018) Delta two flights (DL 1 & DL 2,) Virgin Atlantic six flights (VS 3, VS 137, VS 153, VS 45, VS 9 & VS 25)

 

 

 

FEWER DELTA FLIGHTS TO LONDON 

Delta flew 18% fewer LHR flights in 2018 compared to 2017 and is currently scheduled to fly even fewer flights in 2019.

Delta’s operations from the US to LHR peaked above 8000 in February 2018 and dipped to around 6000 in April 2019 a reduction in nearly 2000 operations on a rolling twelve-month basis.

Source: scheduled 2019 frequencies as on OAG 2 June 2019 load date

 

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