FlightTimes

Caveat Lector

Step aside....

   Freddy Laker, Richard Branson and Stelios....

The new airline is gaining upon you. While everyone else is ruining their lives with PC correctness and nanny state bullshit, here we have a man that is taking the whole shooting match by the horns preaching the enjoyment of live, why? because it’s too damned short.. simple isn’t it?

Welcome aboard; Alexander Schoppmann.

Alex is used to adversity and exciting projects. When this chap walks through the door you feel that a presence has arrived before he even introduces himself you know that here is a character of special substance.

His father used to manage and finance large municipal projects, in many cases these were in fact airports! Alex’s time is so valuable that he charges by the minute. Proven by the fact that large financial institutions used to invite his advice by flying him over to New York for a day via Concorde.

Already a legend among his peers, he managed and made millions for his customers in Geneva, Switzerland with an office that overlooked Lake Geneva. Leaning back in his swivel chair chumping on his proverbial cigar he outlined the plans for an airline that at the moment is still just a business plan.

The idea here is to make the passenger feel important and welcome. The main theme will be an airline that does not forbid smoking, other than during takeoff and landing. You will be able to smoke as much as you like anywhere on the aircraft. In fact it is encouraged. There will be plenty of other diversions to make life a great pleasure flying this already controversial airline.

Sumptuous seats will allow you to finally relax, have a fine meal, drink fine plonk and listen to any kind of music you wish. First class? Yes the whole plane will be first class. This is not a plane full of screaming children and comedy class passengers, but rather a gathering of wealthy businessmen and wealthy individuals finally getting away to relax a few hours.

The route will be from Dusseldorf, Germany to Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese like the Germans love smoking. Finally they can do it without persecution. Yes there will be premium prices, still it will be cheaper than owning your own jet. Market research indicates that this line will immediately payoff. Other routes are planned as the airline grows. Marketing experts feel that the world is ready for the premium airline as the flying experience with present airlines has become a torture full of dangers and a totally degrading experience.

Schoppmann will definitely show the new direction as other airlines die out, his will be puffing along with his delighted passengers to fly repeatedly and actually look forward to it.

So what is taking him so long? Simple he hasn’t found a plane yet. Money has been allocated but the banks will not relinquish it till there are additional risk takers in the pie. All other details have been worked including permission from the German government and that of Japan. All I can say now is, whose got the balls eh? Let’s see if some airline will lease him a plane from their already parked fleet. The trend in retail and airlines is “premium” - the premium experience is what will sustain business into the future. Not the mundane shopping and flying experience we have had to date.

I challenge my readers to come up with an aircraft for this experienced entrepreneur.  Let me know if you want aboard....  LMP at talktalk.net -  Captain James van Etten