So what routes will VA cut ?

[dajop]

VA are starting MEL-DPS in March

On the face of it would seem quite a strange decision, given that 4 carriers already fly 34x weekly between the two cities. I assume yields must be good for the route. I guess they most know the amount of connecting traffic they get already .

 

[jase05]

On the face of it would seem quite a strange decision, given that 4 carriers already fly 34x weekly between the two cities. I assume yields must be good for the route. I guess they most know the amount of connecting traffic they get already .

Yeah, I’d guess that they have done their research and can make it work but it’s still a little too long for me in a narrow body unless they move to a daytime flight. Think I’ll still stick to GA from MEL

 

[jakeseven7]

Some more commentary on the cuts:

Virgin cedes ground to Qantas in fight for domestic passengers

The newly minted chief of Virgin Australia Paul Scurrah has said the airline will reduce domestic capacity by 2 per cent when Qantas plans to hike domestic capacity.

www.afr.com

Virgin retires planes as Qantas firms on fleet renewal date

The national airline is looking at mid-to-late 2020 as the ideal time for its aircraft refreshment.

www.afr.com

 

[bcworld]

On the face of it would seem quite a strange decision, given that 4 carriers already fly 34x weekly between the two cities. I assume yields must be good for the route. I guess they most know the amount of connecting traffic they get already .

My recent experience is that fares on MEL<>DPS are stubbornly high. Prices for ADL<>DPS can be dramatically lower on the same dates / seasons.

 

[RB]

I see that my home airport, PQQ has gained flights where Tamworth has lost out. Article from Tamworth paper
Virgin reduces Tamworth-Sydney flights as it battles turbulent times | The Northern Daily Leader

 

[ozfflyer]

My recent experience is that fares on MEL<>DPS are stubbornly high. Prices for ADL<>DPS can be dramatically lower on the same dates / seasons.

would have thought all DPS fares were very low yield, especially when competing with Indo & Malaysian airlines ?

 

[dajop]

would have thought all DPS fares were very low yield, especially when competing with Indo & Malaysian airlines ?

Just at looked at some random mid week dates, off peak (ie. outside school holidays), and $530 return without luggage. Add in luggage, $620, buy a few drinks on board, you'd be up to $650 at least. These are not uncomparable to full service carriers off peak on longer route like MEL-SIN. Jump to school holidays and base fares (no luggage) you're looking at closer to $750 (September 2020) or $950 (July 2020).

 

[ozfflyer]

Just at looked at some random mid week dates, off peak (ie. outside school holidays), and $530 return without luggage. Add in luggage, $620, buy a few drinks on board, you'd be up to $650 at least. These are not uncomparable to full service carriers off peak on longer route like MEL-SIN. Jump to school holidays and base fares (no luggage) you're looking at closer to $750 (September 2020) or $950 (July 2020).

but surely in non peak, there are constant sales ?

 

[dajop]

but surely in non peak, there are constant sales ?

There are probably constant "sales" but not so sure about constant heavy discounting.

 

[ozfflyer]

There are probably constant "sales" but not so sure about constant heavy discounting.

looking at MEL/DPS/MEL there's a vast different in taxes & charges

GA $377
OD $159
JQ $129

differences must be fuel surcharges ?

 

[bcworld]

but surely in non peak, there are constant sales ?

Booking several months in advance, and avoiding school holidays in all states, JQ, GA, OD, QF....they were all in the $800+ range for MEL-DPS return. This is not unusual. As I said, often there is a significant saving in doing MEL-ADL-DPS...but MEL-DPS fares are high for what it is.

 

[cityloop]

Booking several months in advance, and avoiding school holidays in all states, JQ, GA, OD, QF....they were all in the $800+ range for MEL-DPS return. This is not unusual. As I said, often there is a significant saving in doing MEL-ADL-DPS...but MEL-DPS fares are high for what it is.

Agreed, especially when it is a 6 hour flight.

 

[bcworld]

Agreed, especially when it is a 6 hour flight.

We managed DPS-MEL in 4h 31m!

 

[adrenaln]

I see that my home airport, PQQ has gained flights where Tamworth has lost out. Article from Tamworth paper
Virgin reduces Tamworth-Sydney flights as it battles turbulent times | The Northern Daily Leader

About time, Having the aircraft parked overnight should improve ontime performance and most importantly, means I won't have to use QF when I need a same day trip!

 

[ozfflyer]

Heard on grape vine that Alliance or Nauru Airlines might be taking over some of Virgins thin routes.

Don’t know if this means F50s or jets, but a lot easier to fill an F70 or a 737-300 than a 737-700/800.

Apparently Alliances cost base is much lower as well.

Nauru could take over VAs BNE/HIR which has had a horrible LF. Think it was around 35%. 35% on a 738 must equate to closer to 50% on a 126 seat 733.

Nauru until very recently flew to HIR. I think some flights to INU went BNE/HIR/INU & back same way.

Surely Nauru air can produce a seat cheaper than Virgin.

The acquisition costs of those Air NZ 737s must have been very low, although their maintenance costs would probably be a bit higher than a newer 737.

 

[cqtiger]

We managed DPS-MEL in 4h 31m!

Must have been a fierce tail wind

 

[cityloop]

Does anyone know when VA will start selling fares on MEL-DPS direct flights? I know flights start March 2020.

 

[AIRwin]

Does anyone know when VA will start selling fares on MEL-DPS direct flights? I know flights start March 2020.

My guess is Boxing Day...

 

[TheInsider]

Does anyone know when VA will start selling fares on MEL-DPS direct flights? I know flights start March 2020.

Surprised they are doing this again, Yields are already not where Qantas wants them for this route. So more competition will yes make Qantas compete more, but VA won't get the yeilds they are wanting.

 

[Melburnian1]

I surmised TT would cut SYD - PPP; another AFFer said this was unlikely, but VA announced this.