Rumor - Virgin America to get two gates at DAL

[Greg]

Terry Maxon at the Dallas Morning News has a piece mentioning that he suspects the DOT will award the last two gates at Dallas Love to Virgin America, and the carrier has set up a press conference at the airport Friday morning.

Now it appears that VX8637 is set to fly to DAL tomorrow as well. So, it would indeed appear that Virgin America will get those last two gates at Love Field and move their operations from DFW to DAL. Of course, we will know for sure tomorrow, but it certainly seems obvious.

[airhog111]

Looks that way. This is obviously the federal government trying to pick winners and losers, but I am not sure that Virgin America really wants to go head-to-head with SWA at Love. The ironic issue is that with the Virgin Group's 25% interest in VA, Delta indirectly owns 12.25% of VA. Since Bronson finally let an airline (Delta) have a say in Virgin's operations the Group has started making money so could Delta back door some gate usage at Love?

[llory]

At first I thought that Virgin moving to DAL was a neat idea until Southwest announced their plans for the additional gates at DAL. Now I kinda feel as if DAL lost the opportunity to add service to more cities so that there's a limited amount of competition to 5 destinations. All in all, I feel this isn't great news to the area.

On a different note: I'm guessing VX8637 is not a revenue flight, but rather an empty aircraft for tomorrow's flight due to Wright Ammendment restrictions. Does anyone know for sure?

[llory]

Hahaha! Judging by this article this appears to be a brilliant move for AA. They're essentially getting rid of their main low-cost competitor in 2 premium markets putting the burden on WN. For some reason this feels a little like one agreeing to sell one's neighbors house to a stranger! lol

http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/04/25/5766374/virgin-america-love-field.html

[DFW4ever]

Wonder what is gonna happen to Virgin's Gates at DFW airport

[RicHicks]

Given the history between American and Southwest NO one should be surprised that Virgin is the beneficiary of American's gates at DAL. Regarding Virgin's gates at DFW: they belong to Virgin through the end of their lease and VX has made it clear to DFW that they will make good on their payments.

[DFW4ever]

I meant what airline will get their gates. Would it possibly this new domestic airline? I heard there's a new airline being start up called avatar airlines. They are going
To use 747s and Dallas is on their list of routes.
http://www.pr.com/press-release/553050


http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/ ... on-process

[RicHicks]

I am sure DFW Airport is not too concerned as it is one less airline that has to be shifted around during TRIP. While it appears that Virgin is moving it still is not a done deal. We will know more later today (April 28) if the Dallas City Council signs off on the deal. Southwest is still lobbying for them and Delta is still fighting to keep them.