Tag Archives: Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia to add nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, will require employee vaccinations

Virgin Australia will introduce nine additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft into its mainline fleet from October this year in preparation for an expected increase in domestic travel as vaccination rates rise and interstate borders open.

The aircraft are planned for operation over the peak summer season to accommodate expected holiday travel, with an aim for all nine to be in the air by mid-February 2022.

Virgin Australia has also commenced planning for the mid-2023 arrival of its first Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, which will deliver greater operational efficiencies and enhanced product and design features for customers and the environment.

  • The nine Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft have specifications that are compatible with Virgin Australia’s existing fleet.
CURRENT MAINLINE FLEET

As at August, 2021

 PLANNED MAINLINE FLEET

By March 2022
2 x Boeing 737-700

66 x Boeing 737-800

Total: 68

 2 x Boeing 737-700

75 x Boeing 737-800

Total: 77

In other news, the airline also made this announcement:

  • Virgin Australia has announced that it is commencing consultation with employees and unions over its proposal to require COVID-19 vaccination for all team members, on the basis that vaccination is necessary to keep their people, customers and the wider Australian community safe.
  • A consultation process will commence shortly with relevant unions, employees and safety committees. Under the proposed policy, frontline team members will be required to be vaccinated by 15 November 2021, and all office-based team members by 31 March 2022.
  • Following consultation, and after we have considered feedback from employees and unions, a final policy will be announced next month.
  • Virgin Australia understands some team members have concerns and questions and has established an education campaign to assure and inform as many employees as possible ahead of 15 November 2021.
  • Virgin Australia will launch its VA-X & WIN competition for staff and customers this week to encourage all Australians to get behind vaccination.

Virgin Australia has announced that it is commencing consultation with unions and employees to require COVID-19 vaccination for all team members. The company believes that requiring vaccination is the best way to protect the health and safety of our workforce, and in turn the wider Australian community and everyone’s way of life.

A consultation process will commence shortly with relevant unions, employees and safety committees before Virgin Australia decides a final policy next month.

It is currently proposed that all frontline team members be vaccinated by 15 November 2021, and all office-based team members by 31 March 2022. Those with medical issues that can be substantiated will be managed on a case-by-case basis.

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said that recent events have demonstrated that it only takes one person to create a knock-on effect which creates significant impacts for our employees and the community more broadly.

Virgin Australia will continue to assist employees with securing vaccination appointments and provide flexible working arrangements, so team members can receive their vaccinations.

A recent survey of Virgin Australia team members found that over 75 per cent of our frontline workforce have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with another 9 per cent registered for vaccination.  In relation to our office-based workforce, who do not get the same priority access to vaccines as our frontline team members, over 56 per cent have had at least one dose, with another 27 per cent registered to be vaccinated.

Virgin Australia converts ten orders for the 737 MAX 8 to the larger MAX 10

Boeing has made this announcement:

Boeing and the Virgin Australia Group announced the airline is adding the largest and most efficient member of the 737 MAX family to its growing single-aisle fleet. The carrier has converted ten orders for the 737 MAX 8 (above) for the larger MAX 10 variant (below).

Aerial view of Sydney, Australia

The airline, which has a number of 737 MAX 8s on order, said it saw the value of adding the MAX 10 to the mix as the aircraft will provide additional capacity and flexibility.

Virgin Australia Group Chief Financial Officer Geoff Smith said, “We are pleased to be welcoming the 737 MAX 10 aircraft into our expanding fleet in 2022. The addition of the 737 MAX 10 will provide us with additional flexibility and capability to support our network and operations. We are proud to become Australia’s first operator of the 737 MAX and we look forward to the opportunities that operating this type of aircraft will open up to us.”

With its headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, the Virgin Australia Group is the country’s second-largest airline with a fleet of more than 130 aircraft. The Next-Generation 737 has formed the backbone of the Group’s fleet with more than 80 currently in operation and the 737 MAX is expected to bolster the Group’s fleet.

The MAX 10 is the largest member of the 737 MAX aircraft family. The airplane will offer operators the lowest cost per seat mile of any commercial aircraft and fly 200 nautical miles (370.4 km) farther than today’s Next-Generation 737s. This extended range means that the 737 MAX 10 will be able to cover 99 percent of single-aisle routes around the world.

Virgin Australia joins more than 20 customers who have placed over 500 orders and commitments for the MAX 10. In all, the 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane family in Boeing history, having attracted more than 100 customers and nearly 4,700 orders.

Images: Boeing.

Virgin Australia makes history with a fashion “Runway in the Sky”

Virgin Australia Airlines made aviation and fashion history when the airline held its first-ever fashion runway in the sky during a flight from Sydney to Melbourne on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, headlined by international model Kelly Gale (above and below).

Flying in from Los Angeles, Gale, a Swedish- Australian model of Indian and Australian descent, best known for her role in the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, said the opportunity is a natural fit. “Aviation runs in the family – my mum is a pilot – so I jumped at the chance to be involved in the Virgin Australia Runway in the Sky and be part of a very unique catwalk!

The event, dubbed ‘Runway in the Sky’, is in celebration of Virgin Australia’s fifth consecutive year as Principal Partner of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF), and  featured Gale and 13 models parading down the aisles of the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft, wearing celebrated Australian designer label, Ginger and Smart.

Virgin Australia Group Executive Brand, Marketing and Public Affairs Danielle Keighery said Virgin Australia is known for doing things differently and this unique event is the perfect way to take their support for the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion.

All photos by Virgin Australia.

 

Virgin Australia unveils plans for a comprehensive redevelopment of its domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport

 

Virgin Australia on December 4, 2017 unveiled plans for a comprehensive redevelopment of its domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 3 (‘T3’) over the next three years.

As seen in concept designs released today, Virgin Australia guests travelling through Melbourne will enjoy a significantly enhanced and streamlined experience from arrival at the airport to taking off from the tarmac.

By mid-2019, the redeveloped domestic terminal will offer an automated check-in process in the T3 check-in hall for Virgin Australia guests, including:

  • Automated bag drop facilities;
  • Enhanced self-service kiosks, which will enable guests to check-in, print boarding passes, add bags and print baggage tags;
  • Service pods where Virgin Australia ground crew can assist guests with check-in; and
  • A service desk to assist with traditional check-in and general enquires.

The introduction of these automated check-in features will significantly reduce the time taken to check-in and check luggage.

 

Once construction has been completed, T3 will also feature:

  • A dedicated Premium Entry for Virgin Australia’s Business Class guests and Platinum and Gold Velocity Frequent Flyers, including dedicated check-in, bag drop and security screening features and direct access to the Virgin Australia Lounge;
  • Construction of a new internal ramp between Terminals 3 and 4 that will enable the repositioning of the general T3 security screening facilities. This will reduce passenger congestion in T3, create a more spacious area for T3 security screening and offer better access to the new retail offering in Terminal 4;
  • Virgin Australia Lounge guests will enjoy a seamless transition to their gates, with all of T3’s repositioned security screening facilities to be located before the Lounge entry; and
  • The addition of two baggage carousels in the T3 arrivals hall.

The unveiling of these concept designs follows the domestic terminal agreement that was signed in Junebetween Virgin Australia and Melbourne Airport, which included key commercial terms to support the redevelopment of T3.

Virgin Australia and Melbourne Airport are working together to finalise the design process, with the works anticipated to begin in 2018.

The Group Executive for Virgin Australia Airlines, Rob Sharp, said the proposed upgrades were a part of Virgin Australia’s commitment to creating the world’s most rewarding travel experience.

“The airport experience is an important part of our guest’s overall travel experience. Virgin Australia runs a major operation at Melbourne Airport, operating up to 100 return flights each day. The redeveloped terminal will see Virgin Australia provide guests with a world class experience on the ground, to match the unrivalled service we provide on-board” said Mr Sharp.

“We were the first airline in Australia to introduce the kerbside Premium Entry product at Sydney Airport and we are thrilled to be able to offer this to our customers travelling through Melbourne,” he said.

 

Melbourne Airport CEO, Lyell Strambi, has also welcomed the proposed redevelopment plans, saying it is a boost for the city of Melbourne.

“Around two thirds of all passengers travelling through Melbourne Airport are flying on a domestic service, so we welcome Virgin Australia’s vision for the traveller experience and commitment to Melbourne. We are excited to continue working closely with Virgin Australia to bring this wonderful vision to life,” he said.

The refurbished T3 Terminal will also be instrumental in supporting the city on the whole, with current projections predicting that Melbourne will overtake Sydney as Australia’s largest city as early as 2029.

In other news, Virgin Australia issued this statement concerning volcanic activity at Mount Agung in Bali:

We continue to closely monitor the volcanic activity at Mt Agung in Denpasar. As flying conditions have improved, our team of safety experts have declared it safe to continue operations. Therefore, Virgin Australia plans to operate today’s scheduled services from Denpasar.

For full details, please visit our Travel Alerts page: virg.in/travelalerts

Subject to conditions remaining favorable, Virgin Australia plans to resume normal operations between Australia and Denpasar from tomorrow, Tuesday December 5, 2017.

Today’s flights (Monday, December 4) from Australia to Denpasar remain cancelled, however guests booked to travel to Denpasar from Australia on Tuesday December 5, 2017 should proceed to the airport tomorrow, unless otherwise advised. As this situation remains unpredictable flights may be cancelled at short notice if conditions deteriorate.

Video:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjoltyhU1uM&w=560&h=315%5D

Images: Virgin Australia and Wood Bagot.

Virgin Australia launches its new Airbus A330 Business Class suites

Virgin Australia A330 Business Class suite 1 (VA)(LR)

Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) today (August 17) launched its new Airbus A330 Business Class suites (above), according to the airline, “setting a new standard in domestic business class around the world.”

Virgin Australia continued:

Virgin Australia logo-2

Virgin Australia’s new wide-body Business Class experience, ‘The Business’, will be available on its entire Airbus A330 fleet at the end of October.

Virgin Australia A330 Business Class suite 2 (VA)(LR)

Key features include:

  • The world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class (above);
  • Reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100 per cent direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration;
  • The latest in in-flight comfort, with ample space to multi-task, customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame and a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas;
  • High Definition 16″ touch screens featuring the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system with an enhanced graphical user interface;
  • Individualized, award-winning service from dedicated Virgin Australia cabin crew;
  • A restaurant-style, hand-delivered fine dining experience enabling guests to dine when they want, with new Luke Mangan-designed menus and premium Australian wines; and
  • A world-first collaboration with Nespresso which aims to deliver the finest coffee in the sky.
    Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said: “Today, Virgin Australia has once again changed the game in domestic business class travel.

 

“Later this year, Virgin Australia will change the game again with the launch of its new long-haul Business Class on our Boeing 777 flights to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi.

Virgin Australia A330 Business Class suite 5 (VA)(LR)

The new 1-2-1 seating configuration will ensure every guest has 100 per cent direct aisle access and ample privacy to work, rest and unwind. A new turndown service with memory foam mattress topper, large pillows and a doona has been designed to ensure guests arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and recharged. For guests travelling in pairs, the centre suites include a sliding privacy screen that can be opened or closed.

Virgin Australia A330 Business Class suite 3 (VA)(LR)

In addition to the physical transformation, an enhanced restaurant-style meal service (above) with new Luke Mangan menus has been designed, enabling guests to dine whenever they choose. For guests wishing to maximise the time to work and rest while on board, a new ‘Express Dining’ option is available.

The suites, originally inspired by the interiors of some of the world’s most premium automotive designs, were customised in conjunction with renowned design agency, Tangerine London, Virgin Australia Creative Director Hans Hulsbosch, of leading brand agency Hulsbosch, and manufactured by B/E Aerospace.

Virgin Australia A330 Business Class suite 4 (VA)(LR)

New long-haul Business Class suites, a redesigned Business Class bar and a new Premium Economy cabin will be progressively introduced on the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet of aircraft, which will commence reconfiguration in November and fly to Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles.

NEW AIRBUS A330 BUSINESS CLASS FEATURES

  • Individual suites in a 1-2-1 seat configuration which convert into the longest and widest domestic fully lie-flat bed (Length: 80” Width: 28”)
  • Reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100% direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration;
  • Retractable privacy screen dividing centre seats.
  • Simply tailored, hopsack seat upholstery with leather head and arm rests and customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame.
  • Unique tablet holder specifically designed for Virgin Australia as well as dedicated side console that expands your workspace with high power USB and universal power socket.
  • Three types of adjustable lighting including reading light, soft ambient lamp and brighter overhead light.
  • High Definition 16″ touch screens with an enhanced graphical user interface for the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system and 400 hours of entertainment.
  • Enhanced restaurant-style, hand-delivered fine dining service enabling guests to dine when they want with new Luke Mangan-designed menus, new table linen and Virgin Australia’s iconic Opera House salt and pepper shakers
  • Turndown service by Cabin Crew with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas, day blanket and pillow for daytime services.
  • Amenity kit featuring REN cosmetics.

All Photos: Virgin Australia. “Introducing the world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class. Today the first of our A330 aircraft with our new business class suites takes to the air. The new look features the world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class, restaurant style dining designed by Luke Mangan, and a world-first collaboration with Nespresso to deliver the finest coffee in the sky.”

Virgin Australia aircraft slide show: AG Airline Slide Show

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Virgin Australia upgrades its Boeing 777-300 Premium Economy cabin

Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) has unveiled a major redesign of the Premium Economy cabin featured on board its Boeing 777-300 fleet, which will launch in November 2015.

According to the airline, the new Premium Economy cabin will feature:

Virgin Australia logo-2

An exclusive and intimate cabin size of 24 seats;
A seat pitch of 41 inches, with more legroom than any other Australian airline;
A plated meal service inspired by business class, tailored to the guest and accompanied by a selection of wines from our Business Class cellar;
A Premium Larder for self-service food and beverages for the exclusive use of Premium Economy guests;
Crew trained in Premium service; and
Dedicated check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority baggage (up to 64kg of baggage), enabling guests to speed through airport formalities.

Virgin Australia 777-300 Premium Economy (Virgin Australia)(LR)

Photo above: Virgin Australia Airlines.

Guests will be able to choose different variations of their meals, with different garnishes, along with the time and speed of service.

The new Premium Larder exclusively for Premium Economy guests will be replenished throughout the flight, stocked with an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, light meal options and snacks.

Top Copyright Photo: Roy Lock/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-3ZG VH-VOZ (msn 35302) taxies to the gate at Los Angeles International Airport.

Virgin Australia aircraft slide show: AG Airline Slide Show

AG Ad - Captain's Log 5.2015 (LRW)

 

Virgin Australia to operate a new route from Sydney to Tamworth

Virgin Australia Airlines (Brisbane) has announced it will introduce flights between Tamworth, New South Wales and Sydney from May 2015.

The airline will introduce this new service on May 25, 2015, using its ATR 72 turboprop 68-seat aircraft to operate six return services between Tamworth and Sydney each week.

Virgin Australia will operate a return flight every day (excluding Saturday) departing Sydney at 1.55 pm (1355) arriving into Tamworth at 3.00 pm (1500). The flight will depart Tamworth at 3.30 pm (1530) arriving into Sydney at 4.35 pm (1635).

Copyright Photo: Peter Gates/AirlinersGallery.com. Skywest Airlines ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-500) VH-FVI (msn 955) prepares to depart from Brisbane.

Virgin Australia aircraft slide show: AG Airline Slide Show

Virgin Australia domestic route map:

Virgin Australia logo-2

Virgin Australia 3.2015 Domestic Route Map

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Virgin Australia introduces its new Boeing 737 Business Class to New Zealand, announces a half year financial turnaround

Virgin Australia Airlines’ (Brisbane) announced its Business Class began flying across the Tasman Sea on February 28, as part of a progressive rollout in the New Zealand and Pacific Island markets.

The inaugural return flight operated from Auckland to Sydney and signifies an enhancement to the airline’s premium service offering on trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes. All other services come into effect on March 31, 2015.

Virgin Australia 737-800 Business Class 1 (VA)(LRW)

A progressive refit on 10 of the airline’s Boeing 737 fleet is currently underway, reconfiguring the aircraft with the 2-2 business class configuration, which feature luxury leather seating and menus designed by resident head chef Luke Mangan, as well as the introduction of priority services including check-in and boarding.

Virgin Australia 737-800 Business Class 2 (VA)(LRW)

Virgin Australia Business Class features include:

Luxury leather seating with 38” seat pitch on the Boeing 737 (above)
Comfort packs with luxurious blankets, pillows, and International-style amenity kits including Australian organic cosmetics by GROWN for flights over three hours
Newspapers until noon daily
Exclusive Luke Mangan gourmet full service dining experience
Premium Australian wines, beers, and spirit selection
Gourmet tea selection from Madame Flavour
Priority baggage service where available

On the financial side, the company issued its half year results ending on December 31, 2014. CEO John Borghetti announced a significant improvement with an underlying profit before tax of A$10.2 million, an improvement on a loss of A$45.4 million in the first half of 2014.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Colin Hunter/AirlinersGallery.com. Virgin Australia Airlines Boeing 737-8FE ZK-PBB (msn 33797) taxies at Auckland, New Zealand.

Virgin Australia aircraft slide show: AG Airline Slide Show

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Virgin Australia to close out the Virgin Blue era

Virgin Australia Airlines (formerly Virgin Blue Airlines) (Brisbane) is getting ready to close out the Virgin Blue brand. The last aircraft to be repainted, the pictured Boeing 737-8FE VH-VUL (msn 36603), will enter the paint shop shortly to be repainted. Virgin Blue became the current Virgin Australia on May 3, 2011.

Why did Virgin Blue Airlines painted their aircraft mainly red? The Virgin Blue name was selected as a result of a naming contest. The selected name was an unique and clever play on the predominantly red livery and the Australian slang expression of calling a red-headed male “Blue” or “Bluey”. Today Virgin Australia continues to use the red color.

Top Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. VH-VUL departs from the Brisbane base.

Bottom Copyright Photo: John Adlard/AirlinersGallery.com. VH-VUL once wore the promotional Avatar livery.

Virgin Blue aircraft slide show:

Video: Virgin Blue Airlines.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L2xqINCClY&w=560&h=315%5D

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