The return of Virgin to New Zealand?

[mrmerc500]

Was there any reports on how VA went on the Newcastle - AKL route?

I agree that it may not be viable for VA to restart other ports other than ZQN at this point sadly.

Although next year, I could see an opportunity with some clever Tourism marketing as P&O’s Pacific Explorer relocates to NZ for a 5 month sailing period covering 20 departures for July - November which I’m confident a lot of loyal P&O traveller’s would be interested in.

 

[snoophound]

Anybody heard ir/when Virgin will fly to Auckland again?

 

[odysseus]

No plans for the near future.

 

[jakeseven7]

No money in Trans Tasman too much competition, not enough planes anymore etc. Think this has been asked and answered in many threads

 

[Kiwi_Flyer]

No money in Trans Tasman too much competition, not enough planes anymore etc. Think this has been asked and answered in many threads

Not sure about no money. Flights are full and fares considerably higher than pre covid. Of course costs are also higher. Not just fuel but difficult to operate an efficient trans tasman schedule given all of the issues at airports both countries. The pre covid schedule was very efficient but not enough fat for delays typically experienced these days.

 

[jakeseven7]

Not sure about no money. Flights are full and fares considerably higher than pre covid. Of course costs are also higher. Not just fuel but difficult to operate an efficient trans tasman schedule given all of the issues at airports both countries. The pre covid schedule was very efficient but not enough fat for delays typically experienced these days.

No money for VA2 I meant, sorry should have been clearer. I’m pretty sure QF and NZ will be making money now as you say. It’s a tough market to make money without scale.

 

[QLDAviator]

There is a possibility of say BNE-WLG or DUD working (Maybe even CHC), as there are only Qantas and Air New Zealand operating. Some routes, like DUD have none, and Wellington is only served by NZ. I think (especially with the AAIF) Virgin could go for something like BNE-WLG. Just a thought though. I do miss their trans Tasman network, but it’s better them be alive than have flights to Nz

 

[HS-TQE]

As VA has now planned to utilise their VAi 737 fleet ex-SYD/BNE to APW/VLI and OOL-DPS from early next year (alongside the international 737s currently used on East Coast-Bali/Fiji) I'd assume that's almost all of their International Configured 737 fleet utilised.

 

[Ade]

Watching this thread with intent - might have to do a VA status run to NZ to hit Platinum in May 2023.

 

[HS-TQE]

Watching this thread with intent - might have to do a VA status run to NZ to hit Platinum in May 2023.

Out of curiousity, APW or VLI not good alternatives?

 

[Ade]

Out of curiousity, APW or VLI not good alternatives?

Honestly, haven't check those routes yet ... if they are economical then I'd definitely give it a shot. Pre-CoVID, I used to look at HBA-MEL-BNE-DUD-BNE-MEL-HBA in J for $1800, guaranteeing at least 720 SC (during DSC) or 360 in normal conditions. I'm not expecting the prices to be the same pre-CoVID though ...

 

[Alexandraadventuretime]

Hi all,
Just after the latest information for Virgin restarting flights to NZ. We travel a few times a year to NZ and are platinum velocity and Qantas Gold but I have no interest in maintaining Qantas FF.

I recall Queenstown starts November? We are Gold Coast based so that means Briabane to Queenstown then a domestic on to Auckland where we need fo go.

Does anyone know when Auckland routes start?

Thanks

 

[Saab34]

Auckland is currently axed and at this stage isn’t returning.

A NZ tie up is what is hopefully planned in the medium term to fix that issue.

 

[AIRwin]

I have no interest in maintaining Qantas FF.

Why not?

 

[AIRwin]

We are Gold Coast based so that means Briabane to Queenstown then a domestic on to Auckland where we need fo go.

Or OOL-ADL on Virgin then ADL-AKL on Qatar Airways?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Because ADL -> AKL and vv with QR is a a niche market, the fares for Dec/Jan with on the way there, and back, is very expensive, in their Q suites.
In Y/subclass of it, maybe ok if you can stand to sit squashed for the 7.50 hours flight, (of course its less with the time difference), but still, there is an ouchy factor for sure.
I had a look at their Q suites, for Dec/Jan, its $$$$.
On the days they are not flying, they put you through east coast Au -> HKG with CX -> then HKG -> AKL with NZ,