Virgin Australia "Milestone Announcement" June 1, 2023

[Stewarto]

Velocity Means Fast

With Velocity Frequent Flyer, you get to wonderful rewards fast.

experience.velocityfrequentflyer.com

They are everyday Aussies who are literally and figuratively pooling, that’s the genius of it.

 

[oz_mark]

They are a separate company to Virgin are they not? Fully owned but seperate.

I remember during the bankruptcy they said Velcoity never went into administration, and they were pursuing Virgin for xx_ dollars and a creditor.

The Velocity means fast slogan still isn’t the right one IMHO.

Many of Velocity's communications don't say much about Virgin. There's a licensing issue with using the name, and as I understand it, there are basically permitted ways of using the name. So, much advertising doesn't directly call out Virgin by name.

 

[justinbrett]

Many of Velocity's communications don't say much about Virgin. There's a licensing issue with using the name, and as I understand it, there are basically permitted ways of using the name. So, much advertising doesn't directly call out Virgin by name.

Don’t they normally say “the frequent flyer program of Virgin Australia”? It didn’t on this ad though.

 

[AIRwin]

I find it odd that "Virgin Australia", or even flying, isn't mentioned once.

At least there was a closing shot of a VA aircraft taking off into the horizon...

 

[justinbrett]

At least there was a closing shot of a VA aircraft taking off into the horizon...

Tiny - I didn't even notice it

 

[HS-TQE]

Don’t they normally say “the frequent flyer program of Virgin Australia”? It didn’t on this ad though.

It's usually found on the footnote in small letters, though was a tad surprising to not see that usual tagline.

 

[justinbrett]

It's usually found on the footnote in small letters, though was a tad surprising to not see that usual tagline.

Bottom of their website - not that small:

 

[odysseus]

This seems to be more about a play for new members (in prep for their IPO) than actually anything substantive.

 

[RooFlyer]

from VAs perspective, they're probably thankful they still exist.

Lazarus with a triple bypass.....

i'm not persuaded that IPO is their best strategy for long term survival, but in terms of founders share-holders, there'd be some driving hope they can waltz away with a handsome capital gain to match their reason for buying the Phoenix from the ashes.

BTW QF shares IPO'd at $2.15 so all these 27 years later $6.68

private equity return usually targetted to be in excess of 30%

United get enough out of Virgin in the current deal, they don’t need to buy them.

Qatar is the one generally out buying everyone else.

i could live with that

Me too.

And we thought wonderful was bad

And yet we, or at least you, are still talking about it. Sounds Wonderfully effective to me.

Oscar again.

Sure - but it's Velocity Frequent Flyer. Surely there should be some focus on flying.

Like Points Club?

 

[justinbrett]

Like Points Club?

Huh?

 

[Saab34]

So they look set to reduce the points required for Classic Reward seats, hopefully in line with Jetstar (ie about 10-20% below QF metal points) because that is about the equivalent product offering Virgin 2.0 (more aligned with Jetstar) has in the market, and Jetstar also included luggage on Classic Rewards.

Virgin Australia to Reduce Prices of Reward Seats - FreePoints.com.au

Velocity Frequent Flyer, the loyalty programme of Virgin Australia, has announced on 5 June 2023 that it is introducing a new three-tier price structure for

freepoints.com.au

 

[oz_mark]

 

[Zanzaid]

Went quiet in here all of a sudden Sounds like a good change coming!

 

[drron]

"It depends, we'll see"

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

Rather than Qatar getting rid of first class this move by them should help VA more and hurt QF.

12ft

Maybe we should be all prodding our pollies to get the International Air Services Commission to make the right decision and if we can directly lobby that Commission.

United get enough out of Virgin in the current deal, they don’t need to buy them.

Qatar is the one generally out buying everyone else.

i could live with that

 

[HS-TQE]

Rather than Qatar getting rid of first class this move by them should help VA more and hurt QF.

12ft

Qatar has a strategic partnership with Virgin Australia, which would be a beneficiary of any move to boost Qatar’s international landing rights. The Qatari government has also been floated as a possible cornerstone investor in Virgin’s highly anticipated initial public offering speculated for later this year.

I wonder how long it'll be before the old suspect of 'Singapore Airlines group' comes into the discussion.

Especially considering the yearly annual "Singapore will taek ovah VA" fizzle out / fake news during the pre-administration and voluntary administration eras.

 

[dairyfloss]

Got this via e-mail from VFF a little earlier this morning:

​ Matt, exciting new initiatives from Velocity Frequent Flyer​ One of the favourite parts of my job is engaging with you, our members, and learning about how and why you engage with our program. We are moving into a new era for Velocity, and we have been hearing from thousands of members on what is important to them. Three key priorities are clear – a program that gets you to wonderful rewards fast, provides helpful service and is easy to use and earn Points. Today I am pleased to share some exciting new initiatives in line with this direction: Fly for fewer Points From today, you can now fly for fewer Velocity Points across Australia1. We’ve changed our Virgin Australia domestic Reward Seat proposition by introducing a new three-tiered structure, giving you access to domestic Reward Seat prices lower than any other Australian airline. This is across all domestic routes, starting from 6,200 Points (additional taxes, fees and carrier charges apply)2. Additional Reward Seats The release of more than one million additional Virgin Australia domestic Reward Seats, available to book from today until 18 June 2023, for selected travel dates3. Head to the Virgin Australia website to secure yours. 1 Point Rewards The launch of 1 Point Rewards promotion – a first of its kind initiative for Velocity, giving you the opportunity to redeem flights or household, fashion and technology items for just 1 Velocity Point4. Rewards will be available online at the Velocity Rewards Store at surprise times – once a week, from Sunday 11 June 2023 until 2 July 2023. Rewards are extremely limited, and will sell out, so get in fast when the Rewards become available. To be in the know, follow @VelocityFrequentFlyer on Instagram and download the Velocity app. Exclusive partnership with Luxury Escapes A brand-new exclusive partnership with Luxury Escapes – one of the world’s fastest growing travel companies. The proposed partnership is set to begin mid-year and will significantly expand the earn and redemption opportunities for Velocity and Luxury Escapes members. There is plenty more to come from us here at Velocity. We will continue to listen to your needs and innovate to provide more choice and value. We hope you get the chance to see our new brand campaign which underscores our commitment to fast rewards come to life on TV, social and out and about over the coming weeks. Yours sincerely,​ ​

​ Nick Rohrlach, CEO, Velocity Frequent Flyer

Terms and Conditions

1As of 5 June 2023, Velocity has reduced the minimum Velocity Points required for its Economy Class Reward Seats on all Virgin Australia domestic routes by introducing a new lower tier fare. As of 5 July 2023, Velocity will introduce a higher tier pricing for its Reward Seats on all Virgin Australia Domestic Economy flights. Taxes, fees and carrier charges are payable in addition to Velocity Points redeemed. Reward Seats and associated charges are not eligible for Points earn. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Payment surcharge may apply. You can change or get a refund for your booking by paying a fee and any fare difference, at least 24 hours before scheduled departure. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. View the Velocity Reward Seat fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full terms and conditions at velocityfrequentflyer.com. Velocity membership and Reward Seat Terms and Conditions apply.

2Based on the minimum Points amount required to redeem a Virgin Australia domestic Reward Seat fare compared to the equivalent domestic redemption fare on other Australian airlines, available as at 5 June 2023. In addition to the Points redeemed on the Reward Seats, Velocity members will have to pay additional taxes, fees and carrier charges. Subject to availability, and Velocity membership and Reward Seat Terms and Conditions.

3Additional Reward Seat Sale: Over one million additional Reward Seats will be available for redemption in Economy class on domestic flights operated by Virgin Australia (excluding Christmas Island and Cocos Island), for travel between 5 June 2023 – 23 June 2023, 17 July 2023 – 15 September 2023, 9 October 2023 – 15 December 2023, 8 January 2024 – 28 March 2024 and 27 April 2024 – 30 April 2024. (“Offer”). Offer is valid from 06:01am AEST 5 June 2023 until 05:59am AEST 19 June 2023 (“Offer Period”). Reward Seats are subject to availability. Offer does not include Business class, international travel, or codeshare services marketed or operated by partner airlines. There is no limit on the amount of times this Offer can be redeemed during the Offer Period. The Offer must be redeemed through the Virgin Australia website.

Velocity Points cannot be earned on Reward Seat bookings. A checked baggage allowance is included in your fare. Add $40 or 5,200 Points for bookings made on the phone. Taxes, fees and surcharges are payable for Economy Reward Seats. Payment surcharge may apply. Taxes, fees and surcharges can be paid for using Points and are not eligible for Points earn. See Virgin Australia’s domestic Fees page for Reward Seats. Changes, refunds and cancellations are permitted prior to travel and may incur a fee and any applicable fare difference. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Visit the Velocity Reward Seat fare rules for more information. Velocity membership Terms and Conditions apply. Full terms and conditions at www.virginaustralia.com.

4During selected periods between 5 June and 2 July 2023 (Promotion Period), Velocity members can obtain selected products through the Velocity Rewards Store for 1 Velocity Point (a 1 Point Reward). 1 Point Rewards will only be made available at a certain time each week during the Promotion Period, for a limited time or until sold out prior. 1 Point Rewards are extremely limited and subject to availability. Velocity members who choose to obtain a 1 Point Reward will have 1 Velocity Point deducted from their Velocity membership account. Velocity members are limited to redeeming only one 1 Point Reward redemption per Velocity member per week during the Promotion Period. Flight Certificates obtained as a 1 Point Reward are valid for 12 months from issue. Velocity members who are Virgin Australia Group employees or contractors, and their respective immediate families, are ineligible to obtain 1 Point Rewards. This offer and the 1 Point Rewards are subject to additional terms and conditions, including the Virgin Australia Conditions of Carriage and fare rules, the Velocity Rewards Store terms and conditions, the Velocity membership terms and conditions, and individual product terms and conditions.

The Velocity membership Terms and Conditions apply.

 

[AFF Editor]

I've started a new thread specifically for discussion about the new domestic points table for Velocity redemptions here:

New Velocity Points Table for Virgin Australia Domestic flights

Point Hacks has more details up. Revamped Velocity's first move: a new points table - Point Hacks Key details are that the points needed for domestic economy awards are being split into three tiers (one higher and one lower than current amounts - e.g. MEL-SYD awards will be 6200, 7800 and 9900...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[MEL_Traveller]

But where’s the beef??

There is more to come, right?

 

[Mattg]

But where’s the beef??

There is more to come, right?

Most likely, yes. But not for a few more weeks.

 

[RooFlyer]

But where’s the beef??

There is more to come, right?

Like a tie-up with a fashion designer ? I hope we wait forever for that.

Meanwhile I'll keep enjoying VA announcements that actually benefit me and not those where I may not be the target market