Flyblu let us down

[daipp]

I notice that this message from Aden the CEO at Flyblu has appeared on the website.




We are very aware that a few Internet forums (consumer and industry) have recently carried postings expressing doubts about our ability to launch this venture this year. This has caused some people to worry about their plans and others to hoot with delight as they once again enjoy the thrill of being negative!

We are doing something here that has not been done in twenty years, and it isn’t easy! If it were easy there would be lots of airlines offering services to Florida, but there isn’t! However, it is easy to criticise and to find fault with those who are trying something new and unusual.

I want to assure anyone who has tried to become a customer in recent weeks, and anyone who is considering being a customer in the months and years ahead that this airline will be commencing operations in the shortest possible time, will be delivering the finest economy service across the Atlantic at the fairest price possible and will undoubtedly make some mistakes along the way.

In my experience, mistakes that improve are always valuable. They are not burdens but garlands, to be worn without embarrassment. flyblu will not be perfect because this CEO is not perfect, but we care about this venture, we care about how people are treated and we care about your experience when you do come to fly with us.

Our dealings with UK and US regulators continue unabated. As soon as we can give firm guarantees about the date of flight 1 we will advise you. In the meantime, ask yourself if you wouldn’t prefer to see us make this work than help to pull it down. Those 31” pitch seats are looking pretty tight to me!

Aden Murcutt
CEO
flyblu - thinking Florida for you

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

I think I must have missed the post from the FlyBlu CEO first time around, so I'm glad this has been bumped up. Good on him for taking the criticism on the chin, and explaining what the situation is. With the large number of people who post on baords like these rumours can get out of hand pretty quickly, so it's good to hear straight from the horse's mouth (proverbially speaking, of course!).

I really hope that FlyBlu does overcome whatever hurdles it has to as I'm certain there is a large number of people who are prepared to pay a bit more money than economy prices, but aren't prepared to take the jump to the premium prices charged by the scheduled airlines. The upgrades that TCD offer, for example, seem to be very popular which I guess proves my point. I wonder how FlyBlu's service will measure up in the In-Flight Entertainment and catering departments?

Reagrds

Rob

 

[Hilary]

Aden, welcome to the DIS UK boards! Thanks for posting and explaining FlyBlu's position.

Sue, I'm glad to hear that you now have flights successfully booked and can look forward to your trip.

 

[Bexx]

I didn't think that this board has been negative about flyblu - only the original topic of this paticular thread, which was an unfortunate incident for Sue

I know nothing about the ins and outs of the airline industy, but I've faith that flyblu will be up and running soon.

Aden did a good thing posting here and I think that most of us who have dealt with flyblu have found them to be a company who are definitely trying to do their very best.

 

[aden]

Hi,

First, I would like to thank dis board contributors for your broadly positive remarks and encouraging messages of support for our small, but we believe well formed project out of Birmingham.

We are encouraged that people are still hungry for us to get going. We have been blessed by the calls we take during the day, by the emails we see every day and by the reaction of people to our customer proposition. Thanks. At times we need to be reminded that the battle is still worth fighting!

We have been cheered this week by progress with the CAA and with investment too and have made great strides on the legal contentions in the USA (still a way to go yet though). We continue to recruit staff, hire premises and place contracts with equipment, food and service providers.

Which brings me to the questions now popping up about our catering and IFE plans.

I want to assure you all that our plan is to deliver the very best we can at a sensible price for our customers. Catering and IFE are included in this plan, though obviously personal tastes vary when considering what might be considered the best! Our caterers are NOT the usual airfood suppliers that serve every other airline in the world. We have found an outstanding supplier with menus designed to excite even the most discriminating of our customers! With wines selected for their reputation, not just their price and with possibly the best ice cream in the world on board as well, we have no doubts what so ever as to the reaction we will get to our menu!

IFE is currently still in discussion but we are planning to provide the very latest personal players for passengers to allow complete control over what you watch and when you watch it. With an initial ten movies (20 later) plus 5 other channels (including dis channel) and up to 100 CD’s to select, our play on demand system should serve (almost) every need.

One final thing, please be aware that we are NOT trying to rubbish any other airline when we suggest things need to be improved. I have had many very happy flights with almost every carrier in the sky, but I believe that the time has come for the people at the back to enjoy a little luxury too so we are doing everything we can to make that an economic reality this side of Christmas! Hang in there with us and we can ALL fly comfyjet to Florida at a price that wont break the bank!

I am still willing to take calls on +44 (121) 708 4585.

Aden Murcutt

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Thanks for the info Aden. It's good news that you are making progress with the regulatory side of things as well as getting staff, premises and equipment in place.

Just a point to clarify on the IFE, when you talk about play on demand do you have in mind something like Virgin's V.Port system or are you talkking about handheld players for each passenger?

Regards

Rob

 

[aden]

Rob,

The answer is yes to both - We are hoping to be UK launch customer for a fabulous hi-tech personal IFE system called dig-e-player which delivers a wide range of programmes and movies just like the v-port.

However, but there are still issues relating to the pace of certification for this device on UK based operators, plus the price is going up daily and is almost beyond reach now!

Either way, it is our intention to ensure that the IFE does make people smile, and we are sure you wont be dissappointed!

aden

see for yourself - http://www.digeplayer.com/

 

[Bexx]

Looks good - hope it works out. It's great that you've taken the time to answer such questions on this board - thank you. I've also just emailed customer service about car seats and got a reply within 15 minutes - I'm impressed.

 

[Astrid]

Aden - Thank you for your responses to all the queries on these Boards it is good to see a 'hands on' approach by the CEO of a new Company and I applaud you for your honesty and wish Flyblu all the very best for the future.

I shall certainly be looking at your flights when we come around to arranging our hoped for trip out to Orlando in August 2005.

Astrid

 

[CeeJay]

Aden

Can I just add my thanks and congratulations to you for having the courage to come onto the board to explain your situation.

In a totally selfish way, I am hoping that you do not make it for September as I was one of the original people to register for the maiden flight which, at that time, was to be in June. Now it would be just my luck for this to take place in September when we will already be enjoying the Magic!

Best wishes for every success with this venture.

Colin

 

[allie5]

Are Flyblu only operating out of Manchester to start with??

If so, I wondered what the chances of a London (Stansted seems the better option) flight starting up in the next few years??? I loathe being held to ransom by Virgin every year, and I think there is plenty of room for a good alternative on the Orlando route. Im pretty impressed the CEO has taken the time to explain the start up problems "one to one" that speaks volumes to me....I wish the company every success and look forward to travelling with them myself one day.

Quickie question, where do Flyblu intend to fly into, Sanford or MCO???

 

[lisag1]

I believe FlyBlu will be operating from Birmingham (hurray!) to MCO.

I had a quote based on August flights and they were, in fact, cheaper than Virgin's Economy fares. Mind you I then got lucky with seats on a Continental/Virgin codeshare for £320 inc tax otherwise I would've been very tempted to use them. Maybe next time...

Good luck in your venture

Lisa

 

[Pootle]

FlyBlu's website shows Sanford as being its Florida destination.

As I wouldn't want Virgin flights as a gift - or any 'regular' charter seats either - I welcome FlyBlu's entry into this market and wish them every success.

 

[bengunn]

I really like the sound of FlyBlu and wish them all the best.

We are thinking of going to Florida in either late 2005 or sometime in 2006 and I would definitely consider the extra hours drive to Birmingham for the extra legroom on the flight.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Originally posted by aden
Rob,

The answer is yes to both - We are hoping to be UK launch customer for a fabulous hi-tech personal IFE system called dig-e-player which delivers a wide range of programmes and movies just like the v-port.

However, but there are still issues relating to the pace of certification for this device on UK based operators, plus the price is going up daily and is almost beyond reach now!

Either way, it is our intention to ensure that the IFE does make people smile, and we are sure you wont be dissappointed!

aden

see for yourself - http://www.digeplayer.com/

Thanks very much Aden, this looks good.

Regards

Rob

 

[kazzie]

Aden,


Now can you fly from a London airport too please?

 

[Rain]

Hi Aden,

May I add my wishes for a very succesful future for Flyblu, thank you for taking the time to answer the questions here on this board.

Any chance that you may fly from Manchester???? ( very selfish I know but only live 20 minutes away)

Lynda

 

[KayleeUK]

Aden

Welcome to the Dis

 

[Sue F UK]

Good news from Aden that things are improving in their endeavours to get Flyblu in the air. Despite me being the one to initially 'slate' them in this thread for letting us down, I have personally spoken to Aden and Markus and have no doubts that they will achieve the seemingly impossible and get the new airline off the ground.

I, for one, would be very interested in re-booking with them for our next trip in February.

Let us know the second you get some confirmed dates Aden, and good luck with everything.

 

[daipp]

Aden

I've sent you a PM

David