Browsing Tag

Virgin Australia

Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia launch partnership at ATM

Megha Paul May 12, 2022

Commencing mid-year, the partnership will give travellers greater access, unparalleled customer experience and unique benefits when travelling between Australia and Qatar Airways’ global…

TD Syndicated Partner

United Airlines: San Francisco to Melbourne flights resume now

Harry Johnson May 2, 2022

United Airlines: San Francisco to Melbourne flights resume now - United today announces the return of its nonstop service between San Francisco and Melbourne, beginning with…

Airlines and Aviation

Bain Plans IPO For Virgin Next Year

Joe Cusmano Feb 3, 2022

After buying Virgin Australia out of voluntary administration in November 2020, private equity firm Bain Capital is reportedly planning to list the company on Australia’s stock exchange in…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia Cuts Capacity And Stops International Flights

Joe Cusmano Jan 12, 2022

Given the current Omicron outbreak, Virgin Australia has announced that it will reduce its flight capacity by 25% in January and February and suspend its newly reinstated only international…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia Takes-Off With First International Flight

Joe Cusmano Dec 22, 2021

With its new daily Fiji service, Virgin Australia has restarted commercial international flights for the first time since the beginning of the COVID crisis.

Reopening updates

Virgin Australia Launches Celebration Sale As Queensland Reopens

Joe Cusmano Dec 16, 2021

As the Queensland border reopens, Virgin Australia has unveiled a major sale on flights to the state, with some fares as low as $59.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia Partners With Link To Re-start Sydney-Canberra

Joe Cusmano Dec 6, 2021

Virgin partnered with Link Airways to restart regular flights between Sydney and Canberra, which were suspended at the start of the pandemic.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia reports AUD3.7B profit

Joe Cusmano Dec 3, 2021

Virgin Australia has reported a $3.7 billion after-tax profit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, its first since 2012.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia to add seven aircraft to meet growing demand

Joe Cusmano Nov 23, 2021

Virgin Australia said on Thursday that it would add seven additional Boeing Co 737 NG aircraft to its fleet, practically returning it to pre-pandemic levels, to achieve a one-third share of…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia unveils new business & economy class seats

Joe Cusmano Nov 17, 2021

Next-generation business class and economy class seats are being trialled on Virgin Australia’s domestic Boeing 737 aircraft, with two planes being outfitted with the new seats to gather…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia launches 1.7M fares sale on the network

Joe Cusmano Oct 28, 2021

Virgin Australia has launched over one million new discount fares across dozens of domestic and international destinations in advance of easing border restrictions and the approaching summer…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia bookings surge after domestic border opening

Joe Cusmano Oct 25, 2021

Following the Victorian and Queensland governments' plan to reopen borders, Virgin Australia has seen a spike in website traffic and booking demand.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia bookings surge after domestic border opening

Joe Cusmano Oct 23, 2021

Following the Victorian and Queensland governments' plan to reopen borders, Virgin Australia has seen a spike in website traffic and booking demand.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia brings international flight schedule forward

Joe Cusmano Oct 21, 2021

Flights between Australia and Fiji will resume one week earlier than previously scheduled, thanks to an announcement from Fiji on their tourism reopening plan.

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas and Virgin’s bring forward flight schedules

Joe Cusmano Oct 19, 2021

Qantas has moved international flights to London and Los Angeles forwards by nearly three weeks, with flights to these locations now departing on November 1.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia adds three new Gold Coast services

Joe Cusmano Oct 15, 2021

Virgin Australia has launched three new flights between Cairns, Launceston and Hobart, and the Gold Coast as travel confidence improves.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia resumes flights to Fiji

Joe Cusmano Sep 30, 2021

There will be daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Fiji's Nadi Airport in late December, with Virgin Australia joining the list of airlines planning to restart foreign…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia puts one million seats on sale

Joe Cusmano Sep 7, 2021

Virgin Australia has launched a sale with booking availability for travel until June next year, sale fares can be booked to popular destinations from now until midnight this Friday, or until…

Vaccination Updates

Virgin hits 100K+ entries for VA-X & WIN competition

Joe Cusmano Sep 6, 2021

Virgin Australia has had its largest competition entry day on record last Thursday following the opening of the airline’s VA-X & Win COVID-19 vaccination jackpot on Wednesday.

Vaccination Updates

Virgin Australia launches vaccine incentive competition

Joe Cusmano Sep 2, 2021

Virgin Australia's COVID-19 vaccination incentive programme is ready to go, with "stacks of prizes up for grab."

Vaccination Updates

Virgin wants mandatory vaccination of frontline employees

Joe Cusmano Aug 31, 2021

Virgin Australia, like Qantas, wants all frontline workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by mid-November.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin expands its fleet and plans for the Boeing 737 Max

Joe Cusmano Aug 30, 2021

Virgin Australia will add nine additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its mainline fleet beginning in October of this year.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia to offer more value in economy 

Joe Cusmano Aug 20, 2021

Virgin Australia has launched three new economy fares today: Economy Choice, Economy Flex, and Economy Lite, each with its own set of booking options.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia joins the campaign to accelerate vaccinations

Joe Cusmano Jul 9, 2021

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka joined other business leaders at the Operation COVID Shield National Business Partnership Forum meeting.

Airlines and Aviation

Warning for five interstate Virgin flights

Joe Cusmano Jun 29, 2021

Passengers on five different flights between three states are being forced into isolation after a Virgin Australia cabin crew member tested positive to Covid-19.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Velocity and 7-Eleven announce loyalty partnership

Joe Cusmano May 28, 2021

More than 10 million Velocity Frequent Flyer members will now earn Velocity Points whenever they shop for fuel, food, coffee, and convenience items at 7-Eleven from today.

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas and Virgin cancel flights in and out of Melbourne

Joe Cusmano May 28, 2021

Dozens of flights to and from Melbourne today have been cancelled following a rise in COVID-19 case numbers.

Airlines and Aviation

“Some people may die,” Virgin Australia boss’ insensitive words

Joe Cusmano May 24, 2021

Virgin Australia is still battling a PR nightmare after Jayne Hrdlicka the airline CEO made a speech at the Queensland University of Technology using the controversial statement “some people…

Airlines and Aviation

After the Covid blow, Virgin expands its flight schedule

Joe Cusmano May 21, 2021

Virgin will be running 700 extra flights across Australia by October, including on five new routes focused on the country's north.

Vaccination Updates

Vaccinated travellers won’t be allowed to fly due to blood-clot

Joe Cusmano May 18, 2021

Last week rumours that vaccinated people will be barred from flying because of blood-clot fears were circulating on social media.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia updates short-haul international network

Joe Cusmano May 18, 2021

After the federal budget released last week and the shifting projection of the opening of the international border, Virgin Australia also announced changes to its short-haul international.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia reveals the 2020 appalling result

Joe Cusmano May 7, 2021

Virgin Australia lost AUD3.1 billion last year and remains saddled with AUD1.2 billion of debt it carried into administration, according to filings with the corporate regulator.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia launches unprecedented sales on Sydney-Melbourne

Joe Cusmano May 4, 2021

Virgin Australia has launched unprecedented low fare sales between Australia’s two largest cities.

Virgin Australia launches a sales blitz for airfares to Melbourne

Joe Cusmano Apr 27, 2021

Virgin Australia has just launched a sales blitz with fares to Melbourne only starting at $75 including baggage, seat selection and frequent flyer points.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia shapes growth strategies to aid tourism recovery

Joe Cusmano Apr 20, 2021

Virgin Australia Group has announced fast-tracked plans to acquire new aircraft, create more frontline jobs and grow its network to further support domestic tourism.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia brings back hundreds of cabin crew

Joe Cusmano Apr 19, 2021

Hundreds of cabin crew are needed after Virgin Australia negotiated the reintroduction of 10 Boeing 737-800 planes with aircraft lessors.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin and Alliance partnership gets the OK from the ACCC

Joe Cusmano Apr 15, 2021

Virgin Australia and Alliance Airlines have received the green light from the consumer watchdog to expand their partnership to cover 41 regional domestic routes and two short-range…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin launches new onboard menus, and more affordable fares

Joe Cusmano Apr 4, 2021

New onboard menus have been introduced on all Virgin Australia flights from today to give customers more choice and better value.

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin half-price flights

Joe Cusmano Apr 4, 2021

Australia’s big three airlines have released some really cheap fares as part of the federal government 1.2 Billion push to kick start the battered tourism industry.

Virgin scraps free food from its economy class

Joe Cusmano Mar 26, 2021

Virgin Australia has scrapped the free food offering in its economy class, with passengers only receiving complimentary water, tea, or coffee on flights.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia Cancel all Short Haul International Flights

Joe Cusmano Feb 4, 2021

Virgin announced yesterday all short-haul international services would be cancelled until June 19.

Virgin Australia Extends Free Booking Flexibility

Joe Cusmano Jan 19, 2021

Virgin Australia announced last week that is offering booking flexibility for travel until 30 June this year.

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin add additional flights

Joe Cusmano Nov 26, 2020

With the re-opening of the NSW borders for Victoria, Australian carriers have announced several additional flights between the two states. Qantas and Jetstar will operate a combined…

Airlines continue with cuts and changes to their business model

Joe Cusmano Nov 24, 2020

The continued unrest of the spread of Covid-19 around the world is continuing to force airlines to make cuts and implement changes to their business models in order to continue fighting the…

Special Reports

Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah to step down in November

Chris Head Oct 15, 2020

Paul Scurrah will stand down when Virgin is formally handed in early November and former Jetstar boss Jayne Hrdlicka will take over as CEO.

Its official! Brisbane Airport’s new runway is now open for business

Megha Paul Jul 15, 2020

Brisbane Airport’s (BNE) new runway opened with a celebration of Queensland’s rich aviation history. Virgin Australia, BNE’s home carrier, had the honour of the first historic departure,…

Airlines and Aviation

Brisbane airport’s home carrier Virgin Australia to launch first flight in new runway

Megha Paul Jul 8, 2020

Virgin Australia will be the first airline to depart on Brisbane’s new runway when it officially opens on 12 July 2020. After eight years of construction and five decades of planning,…

Virgin Australia 2.0 takes off! Bain makes a brave bet on the struggling airline industry

Megha Paul Jun 26, 2020

In one of the biggest single bets on the airline industry since it was completely devastated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Bain Capital has agreed to buy collapsed Virgin…

Airlines and Aviation

Are Chinese airlines planning to snap up Virgin Australia?

Kristin Mariano Apr 23, 2020

Vaughn Strawbridge, administrator in Deloitte Australia that is now handling the case of Virgin Australia, confirmed that there are over 10 parties interested in the troubled airline. But…

Virgin Australia set to go into voluntary administration after failing to secure government lifeline

Megha Paul Apr 20, 2020

Virgin Australia has reportedly filed for voluntary administration, overwhelmed by massive debt brought on by the coronavirus lockdowns. An airline spokesman wouldn’t comment today…

Virgin Australia signs codeshare deal with ANA

Megha Paul Jan 20, 2020

Virgin Australia and All Nippon Airways (ANA) will implement codeshare flights and launch reciprocal frequent flyer benefits for their members. ANA guests will be able to codeshare on…

TD’s Anthony Gallagher meets Richard Branson inviting Aussies to join the fun on Scarlet Lady maiden voyage

Kristin Mariano Nov 14, 2019

Richard Branson made sure that Australians will be able to join the maiden voyage of Scarlet Lady in April 2020 as his cruise line Virgin Voyages partnered with Virgin Australia that will…

The search is over: Paul Scurrah is named Virgin Australia CEO

Kristin Mariano Feb 6, 2019

Virgin Australia has announced that Paul Scurrah will be the group’s next chief executive after eight-month search.

Airlines and Aviation

Did Qantas blindside Alliance and Virgin with 20% takeover?

Kristin Mariano Feb 4, 2019

Qantas Group has announced on Friday that it had taken over 19.99% stake of Brisbane-based charter operator Alliance Airlines.

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia “go beyond basic fare rules” with Sabre

Alastair Newport Oct 18, 2017 10

Sabre Corporation has announced that Virgin Australia has recently implemented Sabre Branded Fares, joining a growing list of airlines globally.

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Air Astana and more

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2017

AirAsia launches Borneo's new intra-island route Where? Kuching (Malaysia) to Pontianak (Indonesia) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier expands…

Airlines and Aviation

Hong Kong Airlines spreads wings Down Under

Mark Elliott Jun 6, 2017

Hong Kong Airlines has enhanced its presence in Australia and New Zealand with the launch of a major new codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia. The new agreement will enable the…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia adds new Canadian connections

Mark Elliott May 30, 2017

Virgin Australia's passengers are now being offered connections to three major Canadian cities, via the airline's trans-Pacific flights to Los Angeles. A new codeshare agreement with…

Virgin Australia kicks off new trans-Pacific route

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2017

Virgin Australia launched a new trans-Pacific route this week, flying direct between Melbourne and Los Angeles. The inaugural service departed at 1130 on 4 April 2017 and landed at…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Virgin Australia, Thai Lion, Air India and more…

Mark Elliott Mar 20, 2017

Bangladesh gets low-cost Dubai link Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh) When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six per week in May 2017) Who? Flydubai Why? New…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia to fly to China in major HNA deal

Mark Elliott Feb 23, 2017

Virgin Australia will launch its first ever flights to China - including Hong Kong - as part of a major alliance with China's HNA Group. First announced in May 2016, the partnership…

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas retains World’s Safest Airline title for fourth year running

Aaron Greenwood Jan 8, 2017

AirlineRatings.com, the world's only safety and product rating website, has announced its top 20 safest airlines for 2017 from the 425 it monitors, with Australian airline Qantas topping the…

Air Canada codeshares across Australasia

Mark Elliott Dec 15, 2016

Air Canada has signed a new agreement with Virgin Australia that will allow it to codeshare on multiple flights across Australia and New Zealand. Scheduled to commence in early 2017,…

airberlin gets first connections to New Zealand

Mark Elliott Dec 1, 2016

airberlin is now offering passengers the chance to connect to New Zealand for the first time, following the expansion of its codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia. The two…

Virgin Australia spreads wings east and west

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2016

Virgin Australia has revealed plans to revise and expand its long-haul routes, both east across the Pacific and west across the Indian Ocean. Commencing in 2017, the airline will…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia to offer in-flight Wi-Fi

Mark Elliott Jul 28, 2016

Virgin Australia has confirmed that it will roll-out in-flight Wi-Fi across its domestic and international fleet next year. From mid-2017, the airline plans to start equipping its…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad Airways equity partners support prevention of illegal wildlife trade

Mark Elliott Jun 5, 2016

Five Etihad Airways equity ‎partner airlines recently signed up to the Buckingham Palace Declaration, committing to major steps to fight illegal wildlife trafficking and efforts to help…

Airlines and Aviation

China’s HNA Group takes stake in Virgin Australia

Mark Elliott May 31, 2016

HNA Group, the fast-expanding Chinese travel and tourism conglomerate, has agreed to purchase a stake in Virgin Australia. The company, which operates Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia upgrades long-haul cabins

Mark Elliott May 16, 2016

Virgin Australia has unveiled a series of new upgrades to its long-haul aircraft cabins, including a new business class seat and an extra legroom product in economy class. The airline's…

Airlines and Aviation

Revealed: the world’s greenest (and least green) airlines

Mark Elliott Apr 27, 2016

A new study has revealed the world's most and least polluting airlines. The research conducted by Warwick Business School, which monitored airlines' carbon emissions over a seven-year…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad-Virgin Australia tie-up approved for another five years

Mark Elliott Dec 4, 2015

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has approved the alliance between Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia for a further five years. The ruling will enable the…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin connects Christchurch with the Cook Islands

Mark Elliott Nov 26, 2015

Virgin Australia has revealed plans to launch a new service connecting Christchurch with the Cook Islands. Operating as a seasonal service between 25 June and 8 October 2016, the…

Airlines and Aviation

Bali airport reopens, but Australian flights remain grounded

Mark Elliott Nov 6, 2015

Bali's Ngurah Rain International Airport reopened on Thursday afternoon, after two days flights cancellations left the holiday plans of thousands of tourists in tatters. The eruption…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad-Virgin Australia tie-up approved for five more years

Mark Elliott Oct 30, 2015

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) has given its approval for the partnership between Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia to continue for a further five years.…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia deploys Amadeus flight management tools

Mark Elliott Oct 1, 2015

Virgin Australia has adopted Amadeus' automated flight management solution. The airline will now deploy the Amadeus Altéa Departure Control Flight Management tool, in a move that…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia cuts Phuket, Tigerair flies to Bali

Mark Elliott Aug 9, 2015

Virgin Australia will cease operating its Perth-Phuket route and will transfer three of its Bali routes to Tigerair as part of a major revision of its short-haul international network.…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia improves GDS displays with Travelport

Mark Elliott Aug 3, 2015

Virgin Australia has moved to improve the way its products are displayed to travel agents by signing up for Travelport's Rich Content and Branding solution. The airline has penned a…

Airlines and Aviation

Air NZ, Virgin add Sunshine Coast flights

Mark Elliott Apr 10, 2015

Trans-Tasman alliance partners Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia have unveiled plans for their second seasonal Sunshine Coast service. Running from December 2015 to February 2016,…

Airlines and Aviation

Inmarsat trials new aircraft tracking system in Australia

Mark Elliott Mar 2, 2015

The Australian aviation industry has teamed up with Inmarsat to trial a new system for tracking commercial aircraft. The move follows a resolution passed by the International Civil…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia flies business class to NZ

Mark Elliott Feb 28, 2015

Virgin Australia has started offering business class seats on flights to New Zealand. The new cabin was unveiled on 28 February 2015 on the airline's Sydney-Auckland route. All other…

Airlines and Aviation

Scoot adds eight Australian cities with Virgin

Mark Elliott Jan 12, 2015

Scoot's Australian expansion has gathered pace following the signing of a codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia. Recently, the Singapore-based low-cost carrier announced plans…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia brings business class to NZ, South Pacific

Mark Elliott Dec 10, 2014

Virgin Australia will start offering business class onboard its flights to New Zealand and the South Pacific next year. The airline's Sydney-Auckland route will be the first to…

Airlines and Aviation

SIA, Virgin Australia to convert FFP points

Mark Elliott Nov 19, 2014

Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines have launched a new frequent flyer initiative, enabling members of the two airlines' FFPs to convert their miles. Members of Virgin's Velocity…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin, Tourism Australia expand partnership

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2014

Tourism Australia and Virgin Australia have announced plans to increase the value of their three-year marketing partnership to AU$20 million (US$17.5m). The deal will see the two parties…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia expands international links

Mark Elliott Oct 3, 2014

Virgin Australia has expanded its network of international connections, following the launch of new codeshare routes. An expanded codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines will see the…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia unveils new business class

Mark Elliott Sep 24, 2014

Virgin Australia has unveiled a major redesign of the business class cabins onboard its twin-aisle fleet of aircraft. The redesign involves the introduction of "suite-style" seating…

Adelaide announced as Corroboree 2015 host

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2014

Tourism Australia has named Adelaide as the host city for Corroboree Europe next year. The trade show will be held in partnership with Singapore Airlines and South Australian Tourism…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia shifts LAX flights

Mark Elliott Jul 23, 2014

Virgin Australia will make changes to its Los Angeles routes later this year, with more Brisbane flights taking the place of the Melbourne services, which will be suspended. Effective…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia helps preserve Tasmania

Mark Elliott Jul 1, 2014

Virgin Australia has formed a new partnership with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, to help preserve the environment in Australia’s island state. Effective immediately, all Virgin…

Airlines and Aviation

Australia’s mallee trees “viable” for biofuel

Mark Elliott May 22, 2014

Mallee trees, which are native to Australia, have been found to offer a viable source of aviation biofuel. A two-year study commissioned by Airbus, in partnership with Virgin…

Airlines and Aviation

Air NZ, Virgin boost trans-Tasman capacity

Mark Elliott May 21, 2014

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia will increase capacity on routes between Australia and New Zealand for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere summer season. From November 2014 to March…

Virgin, Tourism Australia boost marketing partnership

Mark Elliott May 14, 2014

Virgin Australia and Tourism Australia have committed to a major expansion of their marketing partnership, which is aimed at boosting inbound tourism to Australia. Under the new…

Airlines and Aviation

Passenger arrested in Virgin Australia hijack scare

Mark Elliott Apr 25, 2014

A drunken passenger has been arrested following a hijacking scare onboard a Virgin Australia flight to Bali. The aircraft was en route from Brisbane to Bali when the man tried to…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia opens new Melbourne lounge

Mark Elliott Mar 4, 2014

Virgin Australia has unveiled its revamped lounge at Melbourne Airport. The old lounge has undergone a six-month renovation project, which saw the facility double in size to become…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad posts third straight annual profit

Mark Elliott Mar 3, 2014

Etihad Airways has posted its third straight profitable year. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier generated net profits of US$62 million in 2013, 48% higher than the US$42m profit it made in…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia spreads wings with codeshares

Mark Elliott Jan 29, 2014

Virgin Australia has expanded its international network through a series of new codeshare agreements. The airline has now started placing its 'VA' code on Delta Air Lines' flights…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia welcomes Adelaide cabin crew

Mark Elliott Jan 20, 2014

The first batch of new flight attendants has graduated at Virgin Australia’s new cabin crew base in Adelaide. The 24 new employees spent the past seven weeks undergoing training in…

Airlines and Aviation

Alliances key to Qantas future – OAG

Mark Elliott Jan 7, 2014

Qantas' recent alliances with Emirates and China Southern Airlines could provide the key to securing the airline’s future, according to aviation analysts OAG. The 'Flying Kangaroo'…

Travel Daily Asia’s Review of 2013

Mark Elliott Dec 23, 2013

So another year has passed; how was it for you? Asia’s travel industry began the year with high hopes, following record tourist arrivals in 2012. Despite the eurozone slump and…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad to fly daily to Perth

Mark Elliott Dec 13, 2013

Etihad Airways will launch flights to Perth next year. Commencing on 15 July 2014, the new service will operate daily, direct from Abu Dhabi, using a 262-seat, two-class Airbus…

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas to cut 1,000 jobs as losses mount

Mark Elliott Dec 5, 2013

Qantas has announced plans to slash 1,000 jobs, as it braces for a major loss in the second half of 2013. In its latest market update, the Australian carrier forecast a pre-tax loss…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia adds Bali flights

Mark Elliott Nov 8, 2013

Virgin Australia is adding six more weekly flights to Bali. From 19 December 2013, the airline will add an extra weekly service from Brisbane, two extra flights from Sydney and three…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia expands Indonesian codeshare

Mark Elliott Nov 6, 2013

Virgin Australia has added a further five destinations in Indonesia following the expansion of its codeshare agreement with SilkAir. The arrangement will enable Virgin Australia to…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad ups stake in Virgin Australia

Mark Elliott Oct 10, 2013

Etihad Airways has increased its equity stake in Virgin Australia to 19.9%. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier confirmed that it made a series of share purchases over recent weeks, and now…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation tidbits

Mark Elliott Oct 9, 2013

Spring Airlines to launch cross-Strait flights Spring Airlines has announced plans to launch direct flights to Kaohsiung. Commencing on 27 October 2013, the new service will mark the…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad would consider more investments – Hogan

Mark Elliott Sep 25, 2013

Etihad Airways will consider making more equity investments in other airlines, the company's president & CEO James Hogan has said. The airline recently currently engaged in three…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia to set up Adelaide crew base

Mark Elliott Sep 19, 2013

Virgin Australia will set up a new cabin crew base in Adelaide. The airline currently has approximately 180 employees based in South Australia, working at Adelaide airport in customer…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia launches wireless IFE system

Mark Elliott Sep 16, 2013

Virgin Australia has officially launched its new wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The platform, which the airline said is "the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia-Air New Zealand alliance given green light

Mark Elliott Sep 8, 2013

A potential alliance between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand has been given the green light by the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission. The decision, which…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad Airways outlines Australian expansion

Mark Elliott Aug 12, 2013

Etihad Airways outlined a range of major changes to its Australian operations, including new aircraft, new routes, additional flights and new airport facilities. James Hogan, president and…

Airlines and Aviation

Special flight marks arrival of Virgin Australia’s 100th B737

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2013

Virgin Australia has celebrated the arrival of its 100th Boeing 737. The landmark aircraft touched down in Sydney on Monday 5 August 2013 and will enter service on Tuesday, initially…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation tidbits

Mark Elliott Jul 11, 2013

China Eastern to launch Manila flights China Eastern Airlines has announced that it will launch a new service to Manila. From 18 October, the Shanghai-based airline will commence a…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia completes Tiger deal

Mark Elliott Jul 9, 2013

Virgin Australia has completed the acquisition of a 60% stake in Tiger Airways' Australian unit. The companies first announced the planned deal back in October 2012 and received…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia offers pet FFP scheme

Mark Elliott Jul 3, 2013

Virgin Australia has launched a new frequent flyer programme for pets. In a first for Australia, members of the airline's Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty programme can now earn 300…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia codeshares to Mexico

Mark Elliott Jul 2, 2013

Virgin Australia will soon be able to offer flights to Mexico, following the expansion of its codeshare with Delta Air Lines. The airline will now place its 'VA' code on Delta's…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin to upgrade Brisbane airport

Mark Elliott Jun 20, 2013

Virgin Australia has agreed to help develop new facilities at Brisbane Airport. A deal signed between the airline and the Queensland hub's operator, Brisbane Airport Corp (BAC), will…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin adds Melbourne-Hamilton Island flights

Mark Elliott Jun 19, 2013

Virgin Australia has announced plans to launch direct flights between Melbourne and Hamilton Island, in Queensland's Whitsunday Islands. From 15 August 2013, the airline will commence…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia to offer ‘Best Job’

Mark Elliott Jun 17, 2013

Virgin Australia has joined Tourism Australia's 'Best Jobs in the World' campaign, by offering its own new position. The airline, which was already a supporter of the campaign, will…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation tidbits

Mark Elliott Jun 12, 2013

Asiana to add Indonesia flights Asiana Airlines has announced plans to launch two new routes to Indonesia. From 19 July 2013, the South Korean carrier will commence daily flights…

Airlines and Aviation

Air NZ ups stake in Virgin Australia

Mark Elliott Jun 6, 2013

Air New Zealand has entered into an agreement to acquire a further 3% of Virgin Australia, taking its total interest to 22.99%. The agreement is still subject to approval by…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad, Virgin lure Germans to Australia

Mark Elliott May 30, 2013 0

Tourism Australia has launched a new promotion with Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia to promote travel from Germany to Australia. The new programme, which is an extension of the…

Airlines and Aviation

Air NZ agrees Sunshine Coast return

Nov 21, 2012 8

Air New Zealand has agreed to return to the Sunshine Coast for an extended season in 2013. The airline, along with its alliance partner Virgin Australia, launched direct seasonal flights…

Airlines and Aviation

SIA signs Virgin Australia, Aegean codeshares

Mark Elliott Nov 20, 2012 15

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has expanded its network with new codesharing deals with Virgin Australia and Aegean Airlines. The airline has enhanced its partnership with Virgin Australia to…

Airlines and Aviation

SIA expands codeshare deals

Nov 20, 2012 16

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has expanded its network with the signing of more codeshare deals. The airline has enhanced its partnership with Virgin Australia to cover more destinations in…

Airlines and Aviation

Tiger sells Australian unit to Virgin

Mark Elliott Oct 30, 2012 7

Virgin Australia has agreed to acquire a 60% stake in Tiger Airways Australia. The deal, which is worth AU$35 million (GBP22m) in cash, forms part of a new joint venture agreement signed…

Airlines and Aviation

SIA to buy 10% stake in Virgin Australia

Oct 30, 2012 15

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will purchase a 10% stake in Virgin Australia. The stake, which is worth AU$105.3 million (US$110m) will be acquired through a placement of new shares by Virgin…

Airlines and Aviation

Tiger sells Australian unit to Virgin

Oct 30, 2012 0

Virgin Australia has agreed to acquire a 60% stake in Tiger Airways Australia. The deal, which is worth AU$35 million (US$36m) in cash, forms part of a new joint venture agreement signed…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia codeshares with SIA to Europe

Oct 9, 2012 16

Virgin Australia will expand its codeshare arrangement with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to include services from Adelaide to Europe. Subject to regulatory approval, Virgin Australia will…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad ups stake in Virgin Australia

Sep 3, 2012 0

Etihad Airways today confirmed that it has increased its stake in Virgin Australia to 10%. Six weeks ago, Etihad received permission from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB)…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia returns to profit

Aug 28, 2012 7

Virgin Australia has upstaged its main rival Qantas by posting a net profit of AU$22.8 million (US$23.7m) for the full-year 2011-12. The result marks a major turnaround for the carrier,…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad strengthens Australia presence

Mark Elliott Aug 16, 2012 14

Etihad Airways has boosted its presence in Australia with a flight increase to Brisbane and a sponsorship extension for the Melbourne's sports stadium. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will…

Airlines and Aviation

ATR delivers first 72-600 to Asia Pacific

Aug 7, 2012 13

Turboprop planemaker ATR has delivered its first new ATR72-600 aircraft to the Asia Pacific region. The new regional aircraft was purchased by Singapore-based leasing company Avation Plc…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad approved 10% stake in Virgin Australia

Mark Elliott Jul 19, 2012 14

Etihad Airways has been given the green light to increase its stake in Virgin Australia to a maximum of 10%. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier currently holds a 4.99% stake in Virgin Australia,…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad to take 10% stake in Virgin Australia

Jul 19, 2012 6

Etihad Airways has been given the green light to increase its stake in Virgin Australia to a maximum of 10%. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier currently holds a 4.99% stake in Virgin Australia,…

Airlines and Aviation

23 new aircraft on Virgin Australia’s order list

Mark Elliott Jul 8, 2012 9

Boeing and Virgin Australia recently finalized a firm order for 23 fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes with options for four additional 737 MAX airplanes. With this order, Virgin Australia…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia orders 23 new aircraft

Jul 8, 2012 16

Virgin Australia has finalised a firm order for 23 of Boeing's new fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft - the B737 MAX. The deal, which is worth US$2.1 billion at list prices, also includes…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia offers mobile boarding passes

Jul 5, 2012 13

Virgin Australia has unveiled two online initiatives - a new 'Flight Specials' app and mobile boarding passes for domestic flights. Available now from the App Store, the ‘Virgin Australia…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin Australia launches American codeshare

Jul 4, 2012 16

Virgin Australia has begun selling tickets on Virgin America's flights from Los Angeles to Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, Portland, Seattle and Washington DC. This…

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas fears Etihad rise could see it ‘go under’: report

Mark Elliott Jun 23, 2012 12

Qantas has warned the government it could ‘go under’ if Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is allowed a greater stake in rival carrier Virgin Australia, a report stated. Its executives have been…

Airlines and Aviation

Virgin plans America-Australia codeshare

Jun 12, 2012 1

Virgin America and Virgin Australia are planning to commence codeshare operations. The airlines have applied to the US Department of Transport for permission to place the Virgin Australia…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad Airways buys 3.96% stake in Virgin Australia

Mark Elliott Jun 5, 2012 16

Etihad Airways announced that it has acquired a 3.96% stake in Virgin Australia Holdings. The stake has been built over recent weeks, through purchases on the open market. Etihad Airways…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia join forces on Kuala Lumpur route

Mark Elliott May 27, 2012 15

Etihad Airways has leased a Virgin Australia Boeing 777-300ER for use on its route between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur. The once a week wet lease service reflects the importance of the…

Airlines and Aviation

Tourism Australia, Virgin seal major marketing deal

May 27, 2012 0

Tourism Australia and Virgin Australia have signed major new marketing deal. Under the new arrangement, the two parties intend to collectively spend AU$6 million (US$5.9 million) over the…

Airlines and Aviation

Air NZ boosts ski season capacity

May 14, 2012 1

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia are boosting capacity between Australia and Queenstown to cater for the expected rise in demand during the upcoming ski season. The carriers will add a…