VA's COVID-19 Minimal Network Schedule

[Melburnian1]

Things are really bad at the moment. I think after the initial surge in capacity when restrictions were lifting through November and December, they're taking a much more cautious approach this time.

Everyone got caught out by the trigger happy states. None more so exposed than the airlines.

I booked a flight 3 days ago from Melbourne to Perth on Friday, Feb 12. On booking I had the choice of 3 direct services on VA. Now there is one, and I've been punted to go via Adelaide.

Qantas group on the same day - one direct JQ flight MEL-PER.

Must...Fly!, the media's (and airlines') claims of 'thousands of extra seats' at various times on the normally more popular routes haven't transalted into reality from what I can see, although I haven't looked forward to say mid this coming week.

We can thank the State Premiers for putting the fear of God into Australians about short notice possible further border closures. Daniel Andrews even recently said he would re-impose a shut if advised by his CHO. Too often it's political and nothing to do with 'health'. How can you or anyone else have the confidence to travel by any means?

 

[AIRwin]

New routes between ADL/MCY and MEL/BNK + expanded frequencies:

Virgin Australia to introduce new routes and expanded frequencies this Easter

Virgin Australia today announced it will introduce two new routes and expand frequencies over the Easter holidays, strengthening its network and growing capacity in the leisure market.

newsroom.virginaustralia.com

 

[eastwest101]

New routes between ADL/MCY and MEL/BNK + expanded frequencies:

Virgin Australia to introduce new routes and expanded frequencies this Easter

Virgin Australia today announced it will introduce two new routes and expand frequencies over the Easter holidays, strengthening its network and growing capacity in the leisure market.

newsroom.virginaustralia.com

Lots of unique routes and routes with minimal JQ and QF competition, lots of leisure skewing winter sun destinations, not much increase in frequency in the golden triangle so I think this says that Jayne Hrdlicka is quite happy to let QF JQ and ZL cut each others throats on a SYD-MEL price war - she is taking VA aircraft where there is no competition.

At least we have a fixed date for the ADL lounge reopening.

 

[Melburnian1]

Lots of unique routes and routes with minimal JQ and QF competition, lots of leisure skewing winter sun destinations, not much increase in frequency in the golden triangle so I think this says that Jayne Hrdlicka is quite happy to let QF JQ and ZL cut each others throats on a SYD-MEL price war - she is taking VA aircraft where there is no competition.

At least we have a fixed date for the ADL lounge reopening.

I could see MEL - BNK being popular, despite OOL being close. Byron is super trendy: on so many wish lists.

ADL - MCY: small population in Adelaide (c.1.6 million) so to me that route is more marginal. MCY is also relatively close to BNE (with MCY not quite being flavour on the month like Byron is). But no doubt the analysts do their job and submit a detailed report to the CEO.

 

[AIRwin]

ADL - MCY: small population in Adelaide (c.1.6 million) so to me that route is more marginal. MCY is also relatively close to BNE (with MCY not quite being flavour on the month like Byron is). But no doubt the analysts do their job and submit a detailed report to the CEO.

JQ used to (and still?) operate this route...

 

[jakeseven7]

I could see MEL - BNK being popular, despite OOL being close. Byron is super trendy: on so many wish lists.

ADL - MCY: small population in Adelaide (c.1.6 million) so to me that route is more marginal. MCY is also relatively close to BNE (with MCY not quite being flavour on the month like Byron is). But no doubt the analysts do their job and submit a detailed report to the CEO.

Rats and mice in the scheme of things but they have to try something.... They won’t get much premium on those routes with JQ keeping them honest.

I’ve always picked QF to throw a 717 on Mel-Byron that would hoover up all the premium crowd from the Paris of the south seeking some sun!

 

[HS-TQE]

JQ used to (and still?) operate this route...

JQ still operates ADL-MCY 3 weekly.

 

[AIRwin]

New routes between ADL/MCY and MEL/BNK + expanded frequencies:

Virgin Australia to introduce new routes and expanded frequencies this Easter

Virgin Australia today announced it will introduce two new routes and expand frequencies over the Easter holidays, strengthening its network and growing capacity in the leisure market.

newsroom.virginaustralia.com

The new routes are included in today's Happy Hour sale:

Happy Hour Flights Sale - Virgin Australia fare deals

Find discounted flights with Virgin Australia's Happy Hour sale. Sign up to V-mail to know when flights go on sale.

specials.virginaustralia.com

 

[AIRwin]

New routes between ADL/MCY and MEL/BNK + expanded frequencies:

Virgin Australia to introduce new routes and expanded frequencies this Easter

Virgin Australia today announced it will introduce two new routes and expand frequencies over the Easter holidays, strengthening its network and growing capacity in the leisure market.

newsroom.virginaustralia.com

Inaugural seasonal service from MEL to BNK has just taken off...

 

[antycbr]

Inaugural seasonal service from MEL to BNK has just taken off...

And if you take the flight you will be in an orange zone if you go to Byron Shire upon your return to Melbourne.

Fantastic timing... so frustrating for VA

 

[jakeseven7]

Inaugural seasonal service from MEL to BNK has just taken off...

Watch them all be cancelled

 

[Melburnian1]

Watch them all be cancelled

Indeed, although there must always be travellers who live in (say) Ballina or Byron Bay and who are returning there for good. I always wonder what happens to them: do they wait it out, or just drive "if" they have access to a car, or hire one, or go by other surface transport?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Flights BNE - ADL are at hiccups again.
SA has hard border closure to people from greater BNE.
Looks like this Aust domestic border closure will be an ongoing thing.

 

[AIRwin]

New routes between ADL/MCY and MEL/BNK + expanded frequencies:

Virgin Australia to introduce new routes and expanded frequencies this Easter

Virgin Australia today announced it will introduce two new routes and expand frequencies over the Easter holidays, strengthening its network and growing capacity in the leisure market.

newsroom.virginaustralia.com

Inaugural seasonal service from ADL to MCY has just taken off...

 

[jakeseven7]

VA cancel 31 BNE services today...

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If this goes on till Jun, I will have to do 3 sets of phoning up, different airlines, and the hotel.
Not keen on self iso, so have to try and change flights and hotel, ...
Will try it online, no flight fee changes according to an Adelaide Advertiser news snippet.

 

[AIRwin]

Most short-haul international flying, including DPS and NAN, will be deferred until at least December 2021:

Virgin Australia Group updates short-haul international network

13 May 2021: Virgin Australia Group has announced changes to its short-haul international network in response to shifting international border projections.

newsroom.virginaustralia.com

 

[Melburnian1]

Most short-haul international flying, including DPS and NAN, will be deferred until at least December 2021:

Isn't ZQN a largely winter seasonal route?

What's the imperative to fly to it if there's insufficient demand from Oz to AKL, CHC and WLG? Less competition to ZQN?

 

[serfty]

Isn't ZQN a largely winter seasonal route?

Queenstown NZ, is generally a terrific place any time of year.

 

[jase05]

Queenstown NZ, is generally a terrific place any time of year.

Yep, October is our favourite time there