Hope for Virgin Blue to USA?

[mcmbenjamin]

JetStar recent stated that they will flying to Honolulu from Sydney and Melbourne pimpin' the A330-200. Press Release on new JQ services (PDF)

Any case they offered a great intro fare of US$35 each way. Booked my parents for $756.05 (HNL-SYD,MEL-HNL) all in including food and drinks (pre-booked, $18) plus an amenity kit, pillow and blanket (pre-booked, $5).

Maybe Virgin Blue will start services to the USA soon. Hope is there.

Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey reportedly talking in the Australian media today about starting Australia-USA service in Q1 2008. Currently working through all the governmental applications. Aircraft type to be deployed not yet decided.

AF

Virgin Blue now has permission to begin flights to the United States from Australia, and it has said that it would like to start them by the end of 2008. It also seems that DJ will make a decision on long haul aircraft very soon.

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by VS-EWR
Virgin Blue now has permission to begin flights to the United States from Australia, and it has said that it would like to start them by the end of 2008. It also seems that DJ will make a decision on long haul aircraft very soon.

Yea. Hmmmm. So when are the VS codeshares going to be announced?

See SYD-LAX is the 'missing link' in the RTW or holy grail of an airline.

I shall play Nostradamus. VS will license VAmerica the UCS and current PE cabin concept. VBlue and VS will codeshare on the VAmerica flight. LRoM will buy a MacBook. [}:)]

I just read this new article from Melbourne's The Age.

Key points from the article:

"The Virgin Blue board has now approved plans to launch international operations provided it gains regulatory approval. Under the offshore strategy, the airline will initially introduce three wide-bodied jets to fly on the US route. Flights to Asia are expected to follow quickly. The airline is negotiating with major manufacturers to acquire three wide-bodied jets, either the Boeing 777 or Airbus A340."

"Virgin's mooted launch of offshore services in late 2008 depends on successful negotiations with the US. Under Australia's bilateral airline treaties with the US, Virgin has rights to four weekly flights to Los Angeles.

However, managing director Brett Godfrey has said there will be no service unless this is raised to at least seven. Negotiations are under way."

Cannot see VS adding to their Australian services now - If MEL was ever being considered, it surely will now only happen with a DJ link up via an Asian hub....

VS LHR-BKK and DJ BKK-MEL would put a tick in a box for me.......

Look forward to the DJ SYD-LAX services to complete the Virgin metal RTW, it will be interesting to see how closely they work with VS on inflight service and seating....[y]