Kiss Flight / Viking Airlines have nothing to do with failed XL Airways. The former CEO and a couple of directors are now involved in Viking Airlines, but there is no link to XL Airways. You'll find more information on the situation here.

I wouldn't exactly say Kiss have nothing to do with XL. Some pretty high up guys in XL leave a few months before the bankruptcy and set up Kiss Flights. Kiss Flights are a subsidiary of Meridian Aviation, which the Wyatts have been heavily involved in over the years. The Kiss Flights site went live for booking very shortly after the XL collapse and was just TOO similar to the XL one, with T&C's being carbon copies of those used on some XL/Freedom Flights sites.

Naturally the travel press latch on to this very quickly, and low and behold Meridian Aviation sell off Kiss Flights to a company called Flight Options, so they can now quash the connection to XL. However, through some Icelandic investent companies Wyatt and his associates (many that were heavily involved with XL) start buying up stakes in Viking Airlines, the very company contracted to undertake Kiss Flight's flying programme; using 737-800s, an aircraft type that has not previously been operated by Viking, but one the new management have a lot of experience with.

Nothing to do with XL? Really?

Phil Wyatt has form in this industry. He has been involved in a string of charter operations over the years, Goldcrest Aviation, Air Ops, Peach Air, XL. Thriving when the times are good, but wound up overnight when it goes wrong, onto the next project.

bagand96,

When I say they have nothing to do with each other, I meant the actual companies as legal entities have nothing to do with each other. They are not one in the same as some make out, ie XL under a different name. As I mentioned on the XL thread (link above), the former CEO and a couple of directors maybe involved, but they are no longer anything to do with XL. Their main interest is Viking Airlines. They now have a stake in the business but you have to remember Viking Airlines were formed in 2003 and have been running charters for UK and other european airlines since well before these guys got involved. Although Kiss Flight, as a direct selling arm of Viking (and agents for Pegasus) is similar to what XL was, the companies aren't linked from a legal perspective. They are totally seperate. Yes, some of the former employees of XL are running it, but it's not XL. They have leased the 737-800's from the same aircraft leasing firm that XL did, it's co-incidence they just so happen to be former registrations that XL used. If you're going to invest in an airline and expand it, you'd want to use something you are familiar with. I wish them every success.

Darren

Sorry Daz but I agree with Bagand96......dont forget Kiss flights was first mentioned about 2 weeks after Xl when to the wall.....It is the SAME lot from XL who have just walked away (as they did from Sabre and Peach Air et al) and once the cords had been cut with XL, they start again in yet another incarnation. You dont have to be Einstein to work out where this one is going ... As soon as the travel press and then belatedly the CAA (always last) latched on, they flogged Kiss flights (nowt to do wiv me guv) and concentrated on the airline side of it...

As for wishing them well, sorry, I save my concerns for the thousands of folk, many on here, who are still battling to get refunds from their previous failed enterprise...Also important to let people know , who may not otherwise be aware, so that they can make an informed choice of airline this summer...

They now have a stake in the business but you have to remember Viking Airlines were formed in 2003 and have been running charters for UK and other european airlines since well before these guys got involved. Although Kiss Flight, as a direct selling arm of Viking (and agents for Pegasus) is similar to what XL was, the companies aren't linked from a legal perspective. They are totally seperate

XL had been running for a few years as well before certain people got involved. And indeed they are not legally the same company, which is exactly why the management can get away with running one company into the ground, walk away completely unscathed (financially) and start up the same thing again. All this while thousands were left stranded abroad, thousands more are wondering where next months mortgage payment is coming from, the CAA ATOL scheme has been brought to its knees while thousands still don't have their money back. XL management do a bit of crying on the TV, but are already putting their fingers in the pies of the new operation.

Legally its above board, but does that make it ok? If nothing else, I personally don't think its morally correct, and a lot of people high up in the industry agree with me, the biggest being Co-Op who have publically stated they won't touch them with a bargepole. I've never worked for XL, and don't know ayone who did, I would normally wish any new operator well but unfortunately I don't think this lot deserve it.

sorry for those caught up in the XL failure, but what has happened here is no different to what happens in dozens of companies each year in the UK, and will continue to happen to many, until we have a government with enough gumption to formally ban any and all directors of failed companies to be directors/shareholders/owners of a "new" company rising like a Phoenix from the ashes of the old

I think we're getting a little now as this thread is regarding Viking Airlines rather than the demise of XL or Kiss Flights. I'm sure the former CEO and directors at XL didn't intentionally want the call the administrators in and as Wizard mentions, it's a sign of the times more than anything. I'm sure they'll be trying their best to develop Viking Airlines and provide a sound charter business. I was in Turkey when the proverbial hit the fan and saw it's effects first hand. 10 stranded passengers came back on our flight and you had to feel for the 1,000's left behind with little option. But the negativity surrounding Viking Airlines and Kiss Flight at the moment is hardly standing them in good stead. I can understand peoples thoughts and their anger at losing their hard earned holiday and the ongoing mess the CAA are trying to sort out. I'd hate to see that happen to Viking Airlines too. I wish them every success and hope they make a go of it so what happened to XL doesn't happen again.

Darren

In regards to what's been said.

Viking have started up a base at Gatwick and opening a new base at Manchester at the end of this month (March). Operating flights for Kiss Flights (a separate company to Viking) and various other tour operators.
There is currently one Boeing 737-800 (ex-XL Airways and Sunwing) with another 737-800 and 737-300 to be added to the fleet at the end of the month. Viking will have 6-8 aircraft by the summer season and the schedule is VERY busy.
All flights out of/to the UK are operated by UK based crew on the 737's, most are ex-XL crew (once again nothing to do with a "rebranded XL" it was easier as XL Airways crew were already trained on the 737-800).

As it has been said in other topics Viking Airlines is an independent company.

I booked a holiday to Greece flying into Chania.When confirmation came I was booked to fly Viking. Not being very happy with this and knowing what had gone before I changed my booking to another airline for an additional £6.00 return . Well worth it to be free of the uncertainty surrounding Viking and links to XL. I was caught up in XL last year and don't want to go through it again. I might add a travel agent friend has said they will not book anyone with Viking.

exrlref,

You didn't need to change to another airline. I am sure there will be nothing wrong with them. And if, as kvlcr said, the aircraft will be operated by ex-XL crew then you will definatley be fine onboard.

And can I please just say, before people post things like "Viking links to XL so it's bad news" can they read the full thread first? It's only 2 pages long and Darren (dazbo5), along with other members, have clearly explained why Viking aren't "connected" to XL. You have to give the Viking guys a chance!

Alasdair

I think people need to give Viking a chance. As we have lost a number of airlines over the years it is nice to see new airlines, therefore offering people more choice and competition within the industry which is what is needed for the comsumer as more secure airlines have taken advantage of situation. Also I beleive that as fuel prices have dropped it is giving airlines a more secure future.

I could be wrong in what I say but just voicing my opinion.

Steve

I have travelled a few times in the past with the old Excel airline and always found them perfectly okay for the short haul to Greece. Okay - they didn't have the flashiest planes, and they were a bit tatty inside sometimes - but my own house isn't always the tidiest place in the world, so I'm not picky about these things.

The staff were always friendly, the planes (737s) were comfy enough and the service was good - we didn't have too many delays in or out either.

I am now booked on a Viking flight to Skiathos in September, and must admit I was a little worried with all the doom and gloom about them on this and other review websites. However, its seems to be true that unhappy customers are more likely to go public than happy ones!

Due to the fact that it looks likely that I will be travelling on the old Excel planes with old Excel staff, I am now actually looking forward to my flight, and am reassured by the more moderate views on this forum, who seem to know what they are talking about.

That being said - I always pay by Visa and so am covered if I don't get what I paid for

We have just booked a holiday to Egypt in August 09 and have found that we are flying with Viking Airlines. I have read a few of the reports to find they appear to be generally lacklutre with ageing aircraft.
Is there anyone out there that has recently travelled with them. Would appreciate further comments. Thanks.

stu b,

They Are Now Also Using Newer Boeing 737-800 Aircraft

Gower

Just to clarify a few things regarding the service provision of Viking:

On the whole the staffing of the airline (those who deal directly with the customer) are a mix of Greek,Swedes and Brits.

The airline by May will operate 3 Boeing 737's (300 series) and 2 Boeing 737 (800).

3 aircraft shall be based at Gatwick. 1 aircraft at Manchester

One MD83 shall remain in service - NOT expected for UK operations.

The 737 (800) shall be configurated with 189 seats all economy.

Meals bar service shall be available on payment and it is understood that the 737's shall have drop down screens for movies etc.

An online seat map is being introduced (maybe available now?)

I also believe that Viking source B737's from Canadian operator SunWings during the summer and return these aircraft back to SunWings for the winter period.

Nivsy

nivsy wrote:

I also believe that Viking source B737's from Canadian operator SunWings during the summer and return these aircraft back to SunWings for the winter period.

The 737-800's used to fly for XL and are being leased from the same leasing company and therefore not Sunwings. I can't speak for the -300's.

Alasdair

Yeah the 800's are ex G-XLAE/ XLAJ . ILFC leasing company.

Nivsy

Would not touch viking with a barge pole.

Comments like that are of little value to discussion, unless you are able to substantiate them with constructive reasons for not wishing to use the airline.

David

one line comments of this nature do not help an already exacerbated problem, In the UK of high holiday/flight prices due to reduced competition, as long as the airframes are safe and the crews trained to the usual high standards required ,i would not have any problem flying with them. And until prov-on otherwise we must support all the competition availble to try and regulate prices by demarnd and supply

wiz