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Australia’s newest International Airline, V Australia, has announced daily direct Sydney-Los Angeles flights as its inaugural trans-Pacific route and a premium product offering when it takes to the skies from 15 December 2008.
The announcement was made in Sydney today by Virgin Blue co-founders Sir Richard Branson and Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, together with New South Wales Premier, The Hon. Morris Iemma.
Sir Richard Branson said, “In a delightful case of déjà vu, I was here eight years ago at Customs House with Brett in Sydney announcing our intention to launch a new airline for Australia. That airline was Virgin Blue.”
He continued, “I am excited to be back here today to join the Virgin Blue and V Australia teams in unveiling bold plans for our new international airline and we are hopeful our Australian friends will join us for the ride. The trans-Pacific route is in dire need of competition and a good shake-up and that’s a challenge we are always keen to take on.”
Sir Richard Branson added, “The launch of V Australia means the Virgin Group for the first time will offer a global network of airlines that allow travellers to fly worldwide on Virgin airlines’ that all share the same vision and commitment to safety, service, fun and flair.”
V Australia Airlines officially starts selling seats today, just in time for Christmas travellers to take advantage of the competitive fares.
To celebrate the “go live” sale date, V Australia Airlines is offering Australian travellers 1,000 International Economy seats between Sydney and Los Angeles for $999 return inclusive of all taxes and charges of approximately $415 (Internet sale fare).
Every day economy fares will start from $1899 return which is 16% lower than the current lowest available published fare on the route for the same travel period (as at noon Sunday 30 March 2008).
The launch of V Australia Airlines will be the first time ever there has been a second Australian airline competing on the trans-Pacific route. It comes just weeks after the Australia and US Governments signed an historic open skies agreement, allowing Australian or US owned airlines to fly freely between the two countries.
V Australia Airlines will offer the full suite of products expected of an international long haul airline but with its usual twist of innovation as part of its three class offering.
International Business will be a boutique style executive business product with an intimate dedicated cabin and crew. International Business will offer a fully flat horizontal bed (stretch out and sleep with 77 inches of space) and offers choice and individuality, including the freedom of an à la carte menu and on demand entertainment so Guests can watch and eat what they want, when they want, depending on personal preference.
International Premium Economy will be an all-inclusive dedicated cabin. It will offer 40 seats that are amongst the largest seats ever offered in a Premium Economy class of any airline, either flying today or declared to fly in the future. The seats boast a full 20 inches of width and a 9 inch recline and no seat will have less than 38 inches of leg room. The new premium style of travel is tailored to those who want more comfort, more space and the little things that make a difference including mood lighting and in-seat audio and video on demand.
International Economy will provide the most spacious economy seating option of any airline operating the trans-Pacific route, individual on-demand seat back entertainment and comfy seating (designed for the yet to fly Boeing 787) in a 3x3x3 configuration, with an unparalleled 18.8 inches of seat width and 32 inches of leg room. V Australia’s International Economy will offer more for less in terms of superior comfort for some 16% lower than existing fares on the route.
V Australia will unveil further details about its discount fares and its in-flight product in coming months. We will keep you updated.
For V Australia Airlines bookings, log on to www.vaustralia.com.au or via www.virginblue.com.au, call 138 287 or contact your local travel agent. (Note: Agent bookings to come on line shortly).