VA to HKG from Jul 5 2017, ex MEL

[Melburnian1]

...It does make one wonder about feasibility of an independent lounge for MEL, such as Plaza Premium, with long opening hours. Fingers are still crossed for AMEX though, we keep hearing whispers but nothing substantial nor of course confirmed.

These omissions are major deficiencies at some (most?) Australian international departure points. Very good points to raise.

MEL is notorious for high rents. That may be a disincentive for the Plaza Premium group.

The question as to where to put either may be a constraint, at least temporarily.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

2 sleeps to go! DavidFlynn or others, do you know if there's any fanfare planned for the HKG end? Or for the first HKG-MEL flight?

How many AFF'ers on the first flight?

Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge party in HKG?

 

[DavidFlynn]

2 sleeps to go! DavidFlynn or others, do you know if there's any fanfare planned for the HKG end? Or for the first HKG-MEL flight?

I'd expect there will be something at the HKG end, although we'll not be hanging around for much of that, we are heading straight to the hotel for a launch event.

 

[Saab34]

VH-XFD is operating the first flight. The A330 is not flying today either next flight is VA87

Richard Branson going along? In Melbourne today.

 

[777]

How many AFF'ers on the first flight?

Mrs 777 and I are both on the flight tomorrow. Not sure about the plaza premium party but looking forward to a pre-flight catch up in EY lounge and meeting a few AFFers en route.

 

[DavidFlynn]

First person to get to the EY lounge, head for the Residence room and whack up a 'Reserved for AFF members' sign!

 

[Saab34]

Affirm to SRB being onboard. Just talking about the flight on The Project.

 

[slinkyap]

VH-XFD is operating the first flight. The A330 is not flying today either next flight is VA87

Richard Branson going along? In Melbourne today.

Just watched The Project and Sir Richard was on the show. He also confirmed that he will be attending and be part of the inaugural flight to HKG.


EDIT: Oops just saw your post! Hahahaha my bad!

 

[DavidFlynn]

Yes, now that it's been announced, set smartphones to selfie-mode!

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Affirm to SRB being onboard. Just talking about the flight on The Project.

Sweet. I'll be at arrivals in HKG to catch a glimpse!

 

[Awesom Andy]

Bringing it back to MEL for the moment. I just noticed today that VA is advertising the route at the Flinders/Elizabeth St giant electrical billboard.

 

[Saab34]

Found this one in a quick Google Search....

http://journalists.medianet.com.au/DisplayAttachment.aspx?j=881649&s=2&k=3490162

 

[DavidFlynn]

Clever cloggs

 

[Cryptarcadian]

They've roped off the area next to check-in in front of N, but letting passengers through to check-in… bunch of us non-VIP are hanging around just outside to hopefully check it out anyway.The crew down on my SYD-MEL were possibly more excited that I was on the inaugural than I was, once they saw my connection on the manifest!

 

[DavidFlynn]

Here's a look at what's planned for today's inaugural flight...

 

[Cryptarcadian]

So any AFFers at the EY lounge or hanging out at the gate? I'm in 13A on the flight if anyone feels like saying hi!

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Well SRB and the contingent just walked in to the EY lounge!

 

[Bagpuss]

Out of curiosity I have had a look at pricing on VA between MEL and HKG and gone through a dummy booking (being a plat) .. I know it's not a true reflection ... But loads dont appear to be great... VA87 on 12th July only has 42 economy seats as taken.
Flights I looked at all had Getaway fares available.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Out of curiosity I have had a look at pricing on VA between MEL and HKG and gone through a dummy booking (being a plat) .. I know it's not a true reflection ... But loads dont appear to be great... VA87 on 12th July only has 42 economy seats as taken.
Flights I looked at all had Getaway fares available.

Seat maps are not an indication of passengers booked on a flight. Many won't pre allocate seats.

 

[Justchecking]

So where's the rest of the commentary on the inaugural? Or did it get lost in the Bermuda triangle?