Virgin Blue A330 J class, ATR and new uniform details

[dk4]

...and probably indicates the answer...

Yes, but what's in a name? There are always other possibilities, including but not limited to - a small domestic First Class row(s)?

 

[oz_mark]

So, we all await the response from the Virgin reps on AFF, as to the final J configuration for the A330s, but without holding our breath.

Of course, I could be completely wrong!

My view is that it is likely that DJ were going to use a reupholstered 2-3-2 layout up until QF announced they were moving to 2-2-2. The 2-3-2 layout of DJ had a legroom advantage over the QF layout.

Right now, I think they have their calculators out

 

[spaceboi]

My view is that it is likely that DJ were going to use a reupholstered 2-3-2 layout up until QF announced they were moving to 2-2-2. The 2-3-2 layout of DJ had a legroom advantage over the QF layout.

Right now, I think they have their calculators out

I was surprised and somewhat disappointed that the PR pdf didn't include a one-shot of the WHOLE J cabin ... which would, of course, have never necessitated any need for our speculation... perhaps it was only ever their intention to focus on a single J 62" pitch seat for now .. or perhaps they did actually do a back pedal and removed a full cabin image view before going to press....after all, QF did their about face on 2-3-2 at the perfect moment .

Whatever the end result, it's great to see such a marked improvement to J for DOM travel, regardless of the airline. If DJ hadn't decided to shake things up, then I think it's safe to say that QF would have been more than content with continuing to offer the bare minimum DOM J experience.

spaceboi

 

[Virgin Australia]

I was surprised and somewhat disappointed that the PR pdf didn't include a one-shot of the WHOLE J cabin ... which would, of course, have never necessitated any need for our speculation...

But why give everything away before it's even on sale?
Better for us this way!

 

[Bundy Bear]

But why give everything away before it's even on sale?
Better for us this way!

By the remark this sounds that Virgin Blue will probably have 2-3-2.

If they really had it set in stone they would have just said 2-2-2 end of story. :-|

At least the Virgin Blue rep replied so thanks for that, we can keep on speculating and throw stones.

 

[NM]

By the remark this sounds that Virgin Blue will probably have 2-3-2.

If they really had it set in stone they would have just said 2-2-2 end of story. :-|

At least the Virgin Blue rep replied so thanks for that, we can keep on speculating and throw stones.

The first paragraph of the Australian Aviation article linked post #47 in this thread states 6-abreast.

Virgin Blue has revealed details of the cabin layout of the two A330-200s it will be introducing on domestic service from May. The airline will offer its first domestic business class on the aircraft, featuring six-abreast 62in pitch leather seats with seatback IFE and a range of what the airline describes as “high quality food options.”

That seems pretty specific and in my experience Australian Aviation is generally accurate in such reporting and would not have printed such details if they had not been revealed to them.

 

[docjames]

But why give everything away before it's even on sale?
Better for us this way!

Except foR turnig everyone here into cynics which doesn't seem to me a great way to build excitement over the new product.

Given QF are moving back to 2/2/2 if that was your layout, you'd announce so.
Unless youre planning 2/1/2 !!

 

[samiam]

But why give everything away before it's even on sale?
Better for us this way!

So we should just think of these teasers as foreplay....

... with Virgin

 

[777]

Seriously, what are the odds of DJ filling the middle seats with paying passengers any time soon?

If you're paying you'll surely get a window or an aisle. If you're not, you'll probably appreciate the extra leg room.

 

[dk4]

Right now, I think they have their calculators out

Yep... one thing for sure - 2011 will make and break reputations.

But the idea of working with 12.5% less seats in the A zone (assuming 24, down from 27 & continued pitch) is hard enough, without the (assumed) added competitive positioning pressure from not having time to increase seat width, merely expand aisles.

And if the originally conceived pricing strategy is followed in J, then that has to increase pricing pressure in Y (to ensure the same overall return as originally planned), which itself, has probably already been targeted with an increase in yield, given the likely improved product.

And all that with a potential competitor hovering below, with a nearly 60% comparative increase in A zone seats (as opposed to the original 40%), if it decides to enter the market (JQi A330) with a bidding war for price sensitive J customers. Not to mention that in Y, they have a cost advantage just waiting to pick up anything dropping from the traditional customer base.

And a competitor hovering above, rapidly deploying a better quality (than expected) product, designed to retain service sensitive customers.

Plus, launching without the backing of a re-jigged Loyalty Program, when the competition can rely on theirs solidly performing.

I think that the only certainty for domestic aviation this year - is that nothing is certain, and no plans will eventuate as originally conceived. (But if plans get kept too close to their chests, we consumers won’t know what’s going on, or worse, may become confused: And that is never a catalyst for churn.)

Certainly very exciting to watch unfold though.

 

[drron]

So you DID pick up on that!!

Wonder which lucky AFF will make it on that inaugural flight.....

Crazy dave.

 

[Reggie]

We all know that Qantas having made the decision to put the middle seat in J has not gone down well. Does any of really believe Qantas would have changed their mind if not for Virgin coming in with a J class? If so ......... I have this bridge in Sydney for sale, I really don't want to sell, but have to because I am short of cash, please PM me if interested

Come on does it really matter if there is a middle seat in Business. If the prices on DJ are cheaper than that on QF for J, alot of us using our own money, and those using our bosses money would have fun trying to tell them that we can justify paying extra $X just because Virgin has a middle seat IN BUSINESS, and Qantas doesn't. I guarantee that there is many a Y traveler that wished that their bosses were paying for J, and wouldn't care if they got a middle seat. I apologise in advance for the offense I am about to cause, so if easily offended read no further

HARDEN UP PRINCESSES

Lets wait and see what Virgin come up witgh in terms of price and product, lets then see what QF do. Competition is a good thing.

QF having been taking the piss (and taking, and taking, and taking) out of J passengers for a long time, and all of a sudden have realised the error of their ways. Dyou think this is out of the kindness of their hearts or due to competition?

 

[Virgin Australia]

Except foR turnig everyone here into cynics which doesn't seem to me a great way to build excitement over the new product.

Tough crowd!

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Tough crowd!

Yes, but you could pretty much shut everyone up with a number, 2 or 3.

 

[oz_mark]

Yes, but you could pretty much shut everyone up with a number, 2 or 3.

Where's the like button?

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Where's the like button?

Good point Mark.

Maybe someone should start a poll with a few options in regards to space vs 3 abreast vs price...?

 

[anat0l]

Maybe someone should start a poll with a few options in regards to space vs 3 abreast vs price...?

Either that or a 1, 2 or 3 sweepstakes.

 

[docjames]

Tough crowd!

You reach the point where the lack of answers, despite supposed "engagement" on AFF does more harm than good (IMHO). i dont know if it's a matter of "tough crowd", but more that it is (on frequent travel) an educated group, who dont like being misled / strung along.

Dont get me wrong, i'm excited that DJ is launching a J class (whether it's 2 or 3 in the middle), but i'm losing the excitement with the drawn out way all this is being released. This includes the rebranding, the aircraft without paint jobs, the flippant responses to our questions. By the time J calss and the branding is here, i'll be over it totally. Rather than looking forward to the product.

Respect is a two way street.


:-|

 

[notzac]

You reach the point where the lack of answers, despite supposed "engagement" on AFF does more harm than good (IMHO). i dont know if it's a matter of "tough crowd", but more that it is (on frequent travel) an educated group, who dont like being misled / strung along.

This. All of this.

To DJ staff: please, either (a) provide more specific answers to questions, or (b) say that you can't say and provide a timeline for when something is going to be announced.

 

[Virgin Australia]

Yes, but you could pretty much shut everyone up with a number, 2 or 3.

Ha! That call is out of my pay bracket!