Tag Archives: Virgin Australia Airlines

Virgin Australia to operate the Airbus A330 between Brisbane and Perth

Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) has announced it will commence flying its two-class wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft from Brisbane to Perth for the first time starting on May 15.

The daily Airbus A330 flights to Perth on weekdays will depart Brisbane at 8:45 am (0845) and 8:15 pm (2015), arriving at Perth at 12:25 pm (1225) and 11:55 pm (2355) respectively. The return A330 services from Perth will depart at 12:30 pm (1230) and 10:45 pm (2245), arriving in Brisbane at 6:50 pm (1850) and 5:05 am (0505) (+1 day) local time.

A third weekday return service, operated by a Boeing 737 aircraft, will depart Brisbane at 5:30 pm (1730) and Perth at 7:35 am (0735) arriving at 9:25 pm (2125) and 1:55 pm (1355) respectively.

The weekend A330 departure is on Sunday departing Brisbane at 8.15 pm (2015) and Perth 10:45 pm (2245) arriving at 11:55 pm (2355) and 5:05 am (0505) (+1 day) respectively. These are complemented on Saturdays and Sundays by the existing Boeing 737 schedule unless stated otherwise.

On the financial side, Virgin Australia Holdings reported a A$61 million half-year profit before taxes for the six months ending on December 31, 2012.

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Virgin Australia:

Virgin Australia wins clearance to acquire Skywest Airlines

Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) has received government clearance to continue its stock acquisition of regional carrier Skywest Airlines (Perth).

The airline issued the following statement:

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited welcomed the ACCC’s clearance of the proposed acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital in Skywest Airlines Ltd (Perth) pursuant to a scheme of arrangement which is subject to the laws of Singapore.

Under the agreement, Skywest would become part of the Virgin Australia brand but would continue to operate under its current Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) with its own management team, based in Western Australia. This would enable Virgin Australia to fast-track its growth in regional Australia and develop a more integrated network, service and frequent flyer program for the benefit of its customers.

Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti said: “The ACCC’s clearance represents an important step for Virgin Australia in completing the proposed acquisition of Skywest.

“This acquisition will enable us to accelerate our expansion in the high growth fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) and regional markets, increasing competition in these important segments and bringing new benefits to customers.

“It will also be very positive for business and tourism, particularly in Western Australia and regional Australia, as we will invest to support the growth of Skywest”, Mr Borghetti said.

The proposed transaction still remains subject to certain conditions and regulatory approvals, including Foreign Investment Review Board approval, Skywest shareholder approval and the approval of the Singapore High Court.

Top Copyright Photo: Peter Gates. Skywest Airlines currently operates 10 ATR 72-212As (ATR 72-500s) on feeder routes for Virgin Australia Airlines in their colors. VH-FVH (msn 954) prepares for the next flight at Brisbane.

Skywest Airlines (Australia):

Virgin Australia Airlines:

Virgin Australia Airlines-Skywest Airlines:

Skywest’s routes in western Australia:

Please click on the map for the full-size view.

Bottom Copyright Photo: Micheil Keegan. The in-house livery of Skywest Airlines and the Airbus A320 is now likely to be retired. Airbus A320-231 VH-FNP (msn 429) arrives back at the Perth, Western Australia base painted in the 2003 livery.

Virgin Australia makes three bold moves

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited (Virgin Australia Airlines) (Brisbane) is making three bold moves. The company issued the following statement:

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited today announced three transactions designed to accelerate the growth of the business, diversify its earnings and increase competition in Australia.

The transactions include:

making a placement of shares to Singapore Airlines (Singapore), which will see Singapore Airlines owning a 10% interest in Virgin Australia Holdings;
entering a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 60% of the existing shares in Tiger Airways Australia (Melbourne) from Tiger Airways; and
entering an in-principle agreement with Skywest Airlines (Perth) to acquire 100% of its business.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said: “The transactions announced today are in line with Virgin Australia’s strategy to become the airline of choice in all markets, in order to diversify our earnings and drive growth opportunities for the business.

“The acquisition of Tiger Australia and Skywest provides Virgin Australia with a strong presence in the budget, Fly-in Fly-Out (FIFO) and regional markets, enabling us to fast-track our expansion in these areas and become a stronger competitor”, Mr Borghetti said.

“These transactions will bring important benefits to Australia, driving growth in jobs, tourism and competition”, Mr Borghetti said.

If approved, following the completion of the transactions, the Virgin Australia Group will expand to 139 aircraft and over 9,000 employees .

Virgin Australia will keep the market updated regarding progress on these transactions.

Meanwhile partner Singapore Airlines (Singapore) has ordered 20 Airbus A350-900s and five A380s and will assign its 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to subsidiary Scoot (Singapore).

Top Copyright Photo: Lloyd Fox. If approved, Skywest Airlines (Perth) will become a 100% subsidiary of Virgin Australia. The regional carrier is already operating ATR 72-500s for Virgin Australia in their livery. The Skywest brand used for other Western Australia routes is now likely to disappear.

Virgin Australia:

Skywest Airlines:

Tiger Airways (Australia):

Bottom Copyright Photo: Micheil Keegan. Since Singapore Airlines and its Tiger Airways (Australia) subsidiary are now partners with Virgin Australia, it is unclear if Tiger Airways (Australia), a competitor of Virgin Australia, will continue to use the the Tiger Airways brand in Australia or operate now under the Virgin Australia name. Airbus A320-232 VH-VNO (msn 4053) climbs away from Sydney.