Tonight's VA 697 showing 777-300

[moa999]

That is due to aircraft now being moved to different AOCs. There are a number of 737s that are now listed under VAI instead of VAA.

Air Operators Certificate.

Remember that the ownership of the listed VAH which owns 100% of domestic is different to VAi which was grandfathered so Australian holdings are >50%.
I assume any aircraft that Virgin wants to fly internationally must be under the International AOC.

Practically for you it should make no difference, unless you get one of the International configured 737s (ie those without a true Business Class) - albeit I think this is changing

 

[Jordan94]

Air Operators Certificate.

Remember that the ownership of the listed VAH which owns 100% of domestic is different to VAi which was grandfathered so Australian holdings are >50%.
I assume any aircraft that Virgin wants to fly internationally must be under the International AOC.

Practically for you it should make no difference, unless you get one of the International configured 737s (ie those without a true Business Class) - albeit I think this is changing

I might have to have a look at the Business Class seat map and see if that gives any clues as to what is going on.

 

[Jordan94]

Air Operators Certificate.

Remember that the ownership of the listed VAH which owns 100% of domestic is different to VAi which was grandfathered so Australian holdings are >50%.
I assume any aircraft that Virgin wants to fly internationally must be under the International AOC.

Practically for you it should make no difference, unless you get one of the International configured 737s (ie those without a true Business Class) - albeit I think this is changing

That is due to aircraft now being moved to different AOCs. There are a number of 737s that are now listed under VAI instead of VAA.

Not too sure this is the case either guys.

I was looking at April flights and there weren't as many listed as VA International.

It is a bit strange nonetheless, I guess all will be revealed in time.

 

[bubblyguy]

The VAI 737s are no different to the VAA 737s. The VAI 737s are only a few aircraft that mostly fly to Denpasar. Of course you don't want these planes doing nothing while on the ground.

The VANZ 737s are on a different AOC again but that may change in the near future.

The business class are exactly the same. Only VANZ have the premium economy seats but these are changing going forward.

 

[Jordan94]

The VAI 737s are no different to the VAA 737s. The VAI 737s are only a few aircraft that mostly fly to Denpasar. Of course you don't want these planes doing nothing while on the ground.

The VANZ 737s are on a different AOC again but that may change in the near future.

The business class are exactly the same. Only VANZ have the premium economy seats but these are changing going forward.

Makes sense - does that mean it will be international crew on the flight?

 

[bubblyguy]

Flight crew legally can only do VAI 737 or VAA 737. Can't do both.

Cabin crew will be VAA crew (VAI cabin crew are only 777).

 

[AviatorPJ]

Not too sure this is the case either guys.

I was looking at April flights and there weren't as many listed as VA International.

It is a bit strange nonetheless, I guess all will be revealed in time.

I was looking at VA flights MEL HKT R/T and the return HKT-PER segment came up as operated by VA SE Asia. This on the "enhanced" VA website, cheers, PJ

 

[bullerdude]

Hmmm interesting... I wasn't aware they had an 'VA SE Asia' legal entity.

But a search of the VA Websites does reveal it:

Sales. This Agreement governs the way in which you are authorised to sell flights and associated services of Virgin Australia, Virgin Australia (NZ), Virgin Australia (SE Asia), Virgin Australia International or Virgin Samoa, and any other airline notified to you by Virgin Australia.

1. Application. This Agreement is entered into by you and Virgin Australia and applies to flights and associated services of

a. Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd (“Virgin Australia”)
b. Virgin Australia International Airlines Pty Ltd (“Virgin Australia International”)
c. Virgin Australia Airlines (NZ) Ltd (“Virgin Australia (NZ)”)
d. Virgin Australia Airlines (SE Asia) Pty Ltd (“Virgin Australia (SE Asia)”)
e. Virgin Samoa Limited (“Virgin Samoa”).

 

[AviatorPJ]

Hmmm interesting... I wasn't aware they had an 'VA SE Asia' legal entity.

But a search of the VA Websites does reveal it:

Could this be wiggle room for VA to re-brand "Tiger"?

 

[bubblyguy]

VASE has been around since the rebrand to VA. It was also used for flights to DPS at one time but regulatory requirements (for both Australia and Indonesia) are always changing and moving so currently it's VAI with the aircraft seperate on the VAI AOC.

Thailand is simple so any international configured 737 heads that way.