OpenSkies’ first birthday. Will it be orphaned by birthday #2?

Paris-based OpenSkies celebrated its first anniversary of the launch of services on 19-Jun-2009, but the day passed without much fanfare. It didn't help that its once eager parent, British Airways, was reported in the media the same week to be considering winding up or selling the subsidiary, as part of cost cutting moves. That BA is now spruiking its new all-Business class twice daily service from London City Airport to New York (launching on 29-Sep-2009 with specially configured 32-seat A318s) is a clear vote of no-confidence in OpenSkies. [1115 words]

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This report contains the following subheadings:

• Unfortunate timing
• Attempted evolution
• Gaining market share, but nine-months behind business plan targets
• Outlook: BA out, who next? And will the “other” Open Skies survive?

This report contains the following charts and tables:

• Paris (CGD and ORY)-New York JFK capacity (seats) and frequency share by carrier
• Paris (CGD and ORY)-Newark Liberty capacity (seats) and frequency share by carrier
• Amsterdam-Newark Liberty capacity (seats) and frequency share by carrier
• Amsterdam-New York JFK capacity (seats) and frequency share by carrier