Varsity Express suspends operations
Published: 10/03/2010 - Filed under: News »
After only one week of service, financial problems have forced Varsity Express to cease flying.
The start-up carrier had inaugurated a daily service linking Oxford Airport with Edinburgh (see online news January 20 and February 10) and it is believed the flights had been well patronised.
A message on the airline’s website (flyvarsity.com) says that ticket sales are suspended until further notice. Passengers yet to travel are being alerted to the situation and are promised refunds.
Industry sources suggest that the carrier was underfunded right from the beginning. This ultimately led to a dispute between it (Varsity Express) and the operating carrier holding the AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate).
A spokeswoman for Oxford Airport claimed the “Flights were operating full and passenger acceptance was positive. Oxford airport is now in dialogue with a couple of established airlines who have shown interest in reinstating the link.”
For more information go to flyvarsity.com.
Report by Alex McWhirter
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COMMENTS »
Ricjackal - 12/03/2010 10:54
Looks like Martin Halstead "Baby Branson"has yet another Failure on his hands. Alpha one airways Failed 5 yrs ago after only six weeks and now Varsity Express after just 1 week , is me or is there a Patten forming.........
VintageKrug - 12/03/2010 11:59
Well, if a "Patten" is a new word for being put in charge of something which is about to be handed over to the Receivers, be they the Chinese or the Administrators, then yes, there is perhaps a pattern being established.
But I think it's great someone is trying to establish innovative, demand driven services, especially in such difficult economic circumstances.
He's got plenty of time to have a success. If at first you don't succeed.....Good luck to him on his next venture!
VintageKrug - 14/03/2010 09:31
Reports now suggest all was not as rosy with this budding entrepreneur as we might have initially believed.
Several people seem to have been conned out of thousands of pounds:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/entrepreneur/article7061160.ece
JJ51435 - 21/03/2010 03:57
Baby Branson, hey? More like Baby Madoff, lads!
Ricjackal - 24/03/2010 10:20
VintageKrug, As i stated he s failled again maybe i should have added that on both attempts he cost lot s of people not banks or Big corps, but People like you and me (hic) lots of money , and i trust he doesnt try run before he can walk or fly !!! Believe me he's a good Pilot in his own right....Maybe he should stick to that .....
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