VA to HKG from Jul 5 2017, ex MEL

[docjames]

Should help fill some pretty empty planes....
VA are apparently running the ruler over this route - hope they stick it out but need a strong uptick in PAX.

Got a source for that one? Seems early in the route's life and counter to all public statements (including implied expansion to include SYD-HKG).

Hope they stick it out until at least July?

 

[pauly7]

Got a source for that one? Seems early in the route's life and counter to all public statements (including implied expansion to include SYD-HKG).

Hope they stick it out until at least July?

Friend in VA Marketing. I doubt they will be exiting anytime soon after just inking a deal with Atlantic though. They are just bleeding on the route...

 

[pauly7]

That seems rather premature if you ask me.

Agreed. Just wish they would release more award J seats

 

[henleybeach]

Agreed. Just wish they would release more award J seats

Agree , tried to book a reward J seat anytime from now until November and cannot find one at all!

 

[Pleb Status]

I would be very surprised if VA management were NOT 'running the ruler' over this flight every single month and monitoring performance very closely...

This sector alone probably loses more money than all of their other loss making sectors combined. However, they will most likely be looking more at trends/forward bookings etc at this stage, now they have a stable daily schedule in place.

In a few more months (say mid year), if it does not look like MEL-HKG will be become profitable in the medium term, I would not be surprised if they axe it. It is better to make the call early then bleeding cash over the medium term for no real benefit.

 

[Pleb Status]

Agree , tried to book a reward J seat anytime from now until November and cannot find one at all!

There is J award availability on Friday this week and a few days next week on MEL-HKG if you want to go.

You can come back in J on 30 Jan HKG-MEL as well...

 

[andyhui01]

I would have thought they would be promoting more destinations in Asia. VA should have used HKG as a hub to join the destinations HX serves rather than marketing HKG as a destination (ie Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand... etc). It is hard when the VA flights arrive early evening but still workable.

 

[henrus]

I'm tempted to book VA from HKG via MEL to BNE on points or a paid ticket in December this year but I'm concerned that if that cut it I'll be left without a flight and forced to pay quite a lot more for Cathay or Qantas.

It would also nice to get some business class seats on points but that doesn't seem like it will happen as availability looks few and far between until a couple of weeks where they release it and hope that someone will book it.

 

[pauly7]

Agree , tried to book a reward J seat anytime from now until November and cannot find one at all!

Availability is extremely poor on VA - sometimes they pop up last minute but that’s a bit useless for most. Perhaps force via Singapore and fly Singapore Airlines instead and connect?

 

[henleybeach]

Availability is extremely poor on VA - sometimes they pop up last minute but that’s a bit useless for most. Perhaps force via Singapore and fly Singapore Airlines instead and connect?

Yer I have no issue going to Europe or Africa with reward seats , virtually been able to take my pick but HKG is another story! I ended up getting ADL-HKG return in J class for 1850aud so just paid cash

 

[kyle]

Currently in HKG having flown VA from MEL in J. Must say I'm very impressed with the crew compared to CX and QF. The VA crew look like they were really having a good time. J cabin was about half full so perhaps that added to their attentiveness. Paid about $3k return for each on business saver 3 weeks back. Thought it was rather good value as CX wanted $6k at the time.

Plus the return trip for two is enough to give me Gold for another year. Certainly hope VA is making enough money on the route.

 

[clipped_wings]

Paid about $3k return for each on business saver 3 weeks back. Thought it was rather good value as CX wanted $6k at the time.

Wow, was that $3k for both of you? We paid $2664 each SYD-HKG return in business and thought that was excellent. Especially as the 4 sectors are all J. Can't wait!

 

[lilkid28]

Wow, was that $3k for both of you? We paid $2664 each SYD-HKG return in business and thought that was excellent. Especially as the 4 sectors are all J. Can't wait!

I think he said $3k return for each person.

 

[kyle]

I think he said $3k return for each person.

Yes $3K each but it's a late booking as we had to attend a funeral.