Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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There has been a lot of negative publicity about Velvet Sky recently, allegations of accounts not being paid with BP and various other problems. They have suspended flights and announced that they will be flying again on 5 March, and I certainly hope for the sake of those who bought tickets, that they will be.
It is never nice to see a company fail and I am the type who always gets sensitive when I see an empty restaurant, for example, because it so often represents not just the big corporate entities, but the savings of a family going down the drain. I must say however that I very much doubt in the airline business that you can survive all this negative publicity about your failure to pay your accounts and still stay in business because I don’t see who would continue to book tickets. The directors and spokespeople have been extremely confident on radio that the company will definitely start resuming all its flights again and will be back to business as usual on 5 March but one would imagine, if the company has any chance of success, they would have to say that. I don’t think however just saying it will make it happen and I would imagine the end is near for this company.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Monday 05-Mar-12
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Comments
Bergmaster said:
on Tuesday 13-Mar-12 03:26 PM
I will be flying into Johannesburg on Thursday evening from the UK, and was intending to fly Velvet Sky to Durban on Friday afternoon. I had made my booking on-line. I heard of Velvet Sky cancelling flights from a friend who telephoned me urgently from South Africa, but have so far failed to receive any communication whatsoever from VS. They haven't even had the courtesy to reply to an email sent the day they suspended all flights, requesting information as to the status of the airline. Until they learn that bums on seats earns the cash and begin communicating I will buy my air tickets elsewhere.
Nicolle said:
on Wednesday 07-Mar-12 02:22 PM
I completely and whole heartily agree with what Brenda has said.
The concept is amazing - really affordable flights and good customer care.
Alas concept and practically applying it is two different things.
This is why so many people will be disappointed to see Velvet Air fail.
Kaylene said:
on Tuesday 06-Mar-12 12:47 PM
It really does abreak a person's heart to see someone else invest who knows could be there entir savings into a business, and then the business fails. I do agree that maybe one of their bigest problems was to make the flights so extra cheap, where would the money come from to pay and pay all your creditors. I think they first wanted to get customers, then thereafter put up the prices, but then trouble came to quick for them
cherise said:
on Tuesday 06-Mar-12 12:11 PM
I would not feel comfortable booking any flights with this airline in the future.
It is really sad to see a company fail and one can only hope that with extra hard work -if they do come back into business. They will be able to maintain their standards and accounts.
Simone said:
on Tuesday 06-Mar-12 12:02 PM
I've flown with them before and their service was great. I'm dissapointed that this had to happen to them and I really do hope that they will get back on their feet.
Candice said:
on Monday 05-Mar-12 09:14 AM
I strongly believe when you do start a business it must be thought through and well organised. especially when it comes to transportation services. To be delayded is not good thing it affects your life in a big way. Honestly I dont believe Velvet Sky will recover from this from this.
Angelique said:
on Monday 05-Mar-12 08:51 AM
I cant imagine who would go and book now especially for today. I can only imagine that there will be lots of empty seats in todays flight. No one is entirely sure if they will be getting on that flight. They have alot of explaining and perhaps a new way to get clients back. I for one wouldnt fly with them.
Brenda said:
on Monday 05-Mar-12 08:44 AM
I dont think velvet sky thought it through as well as they should have when they made their flights so dead cheap and affordable to the public. Where you would pay approximately R1200 for a return flight to Durban on any other airline, Velvet Sky was charging at an affordable price of R450 for a return flight.
It was only a matter of time before they ran into trouble with paying their creditors, as it hardly seems like they can make a profit when their flights are so inexpensive.
I would not like to see them go under, but it may be inevitable.
Ting said:
on Monday 05-Mar-12 08:42 AM
I really feel terrible for the customers. If I were ever to be in this situation, especially having something to do with my money, I would really freak out and will never use that company ever again. I will also not book a flight with an airline that I have never heard of or not sure of in the first place or just because their tickets are much cheaper.
Catherine said:
on Monday 05-Mar-12 08:41 AM
After the bad publicity it's been having, i would be very very cautious if at all i have to book a ticket with them.
Bernadette said:
on Monday 05-Mar-12 08:33 AM
I agree that the company might be reaching its end. However at the end of the day if that is the only airline that you can book a ticket with because all the other ones are full you will. There is always going to be doubt in people’s minds that the fight will be cancelled.
Genevieve said:
on Monday 05-Mar-12 08:31 AM
I flew with Velvet sky once before, and I msut say that it was a pleasant flight. It is sad when an entrepreneur did not look at all the risks that they will be facing when starting their own business.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
