“Now you’re flying”
Skytrax rating: 4 stars
No alliance membership
Operations
Globally
- International flights (2012)
- Australia domestic (29 cities)
South Africa
- Part of Virgin Atlantic
- Previously ex Johannesburg (contact us for more information)
General
Virgin Australia started out as a very small domestic airline (only two aircraft servicing one route) in Australia. It is part of the business empire of the tycoon Sir Richard Branson. It is owned by Virgin Blue, the same company which owns the international carrier V Australia. In 2012, V Australia will be re-branded under the name Virgin Australia.
Virgin Australia is exclusively a domestic/regional Australian airline, while V Australia has no alliance membership, and only one code-share agreement – with Etihad Airways. V Australia cooperates with V America to service flights to the USA. However, V Australia has a tiny fleet of only five aircraft and covers fewer than ten destinations.
Virgin Australia services a small number of destinations outside of Australia, such as places in New Zealand, Indonesia and the nearby island states. The airline is in direct competition with Qantas on the domestic Australian routes.
Virgin Australia offers two cabin classes:
- Business
- Economy
This is more than some low-cost domestic airlines provide, and is in keeping with Virgin Australia’s business model of providing a higher standard of service than low-cost carriers while still restricting ticket prices at the same time. Catering is more lavish than on other domestic airlines. Meals are served in Economy class, and Business class passengers may have a three-course meal. Electronic entertainment is provided.
The frequent flyer program is known as Velocity Frequent Flyer.
The airline operates a fleet of mostly Boeing 737 aircraft, which is suitable for its role as a domestic/regional carrier. It currently has more than 40 of this model on order, so the fleet management strategy seems to be to stay with Boeing as the preferred supplier.
If you are planning on traveling domestically within Australia, please get in touch with us so that we can make the necessary arrangements for you in a prompt and professional manner.
