Virgin Blue announcements 26/08

[mannej]

If the rumour is true about the A330's being sourced from EK, you would hope that the interior does get fitted out in DJ style.

IIRC, it is the most dated interior of the EK fleet, and I would not call it ground breaking compared to what is being introduced currently.

Then again I could be totally be wrong about the source of the A330's

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Great way to build loyalty, adding routes and dumping them such a short time later.

All very 'tiger airways' like.

If the 77W wasn't designed for routes like HKT, then why start them in the first place!!

 

[bcworld]

If the 77W wasn't designed for routes like HKT, then why start them in the first place!!

Is the A330-200 really designed for routes like PER-SYD...isn't this the long range variant of the A330?

With the 77W and HKT I guess they also have the problem that the ratio of seats in different cabins suits LAX but not a bucket & spade destination like HKT. That much should've been obvious before they started the route mind you.

 

[NM]

Is the A330-200 really designed for routes like PER-SYD...isn't this the long range variant of the A330?

While it is capable of longer range due to it being shorter and hence lighter than the -300 variant, it can be better suited to domestic services since its smaller than the -300 making it quicker to turn around and consuming less fuel. Unless you need the extra seats, a -200 is cheaper to purchase and cheaper to operate.

 

[mannej]

Is the A330-200 really designed for routes like PER-SYD...isn't this the long range variant of the A330?

You could argue so using capacity and not range. The 767 has a similar range (give or take), and QF has used the 747 trans con as well.

 

[oz_mark]

Is the A330-200 really designed for routes like PER-SYD...isn't this the long range variant of the A330?

Qantas seem to use them quite successfully on the longer domestic routes, such as PER-SYD.

 

[crazydave98]

If the 77W wasn't designed for routes like HKT, then why start them in the first place!!

Because the aircraft were destined for the trans-Pac routes to the USA but a little something called the GFC killed business demand on that route at the same time as a new competitor entered (DL) while the Aussie dollar boomed and outbound markets such as HKT became the best alternative at the time.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Because the aircraft were destined for the trans-Pac routes to the USA but a little something called the GFC killed business demand on that route at the same time as a new competitor entered (DL) while the Aussie dollar boomed and outbound markets such as HKT became the best alternative at the time.

Well, to build loyalty you need consistency, and until VA has a solid, regular route structure that doesn't change on a regular basis then you can forget attracting anything other than the occasional flyer. VA has stuffed it's schedules around far too much thus far.

 

[straitman]

Well, to build loyalty you need consistency, and until VA has a solid, regular route structure that doesn't change on a regular basis then you can forget attracting anything other than the occasional flyer. VA has stuffed it's schedules around far too much thus far.

On the other hand a lot of people, myself included, would applaud them for thinking outside the box, so to speak, and actively working to settle on routes that will work for them. Which ever way changes are done there will always be a few who lose out.

Surely it is better to maximise the positives and get rid of the negatives as soon as possible and in doing so to have a quick roll over of the changes rather than settling in for a long period with a route structure that is bleeding them dry. I believe that with the new aircraft and structures being introduced the the group will settle down quite quickly.

 

[docjames]

And you're damned if you do, damned if you dont. They couldnt max out schedules and keep bleeding money, so although the coughet flights may have been marginal, and ideally yes there would be consistency, DJ decided better to try and keep the birds in the air and more profitable/less loss making by sending them to coughet.

Hoepfully the new arrangements will be both profitable and permanent.

 

[pauly7]

I thought Dj were in bed with Emirates to some extent? Is this ending?

 

[straitman]

I thought Dj were in bed with Emirates to some extent? Is this ending?

pauly7,

Emirates gets a mention a few times in the thread but as far as I can see it is quite unclear how that will all work as they move forward.

 

[kamchatsky]

I just wonder whether DJ would consider extending SYD-AUH to all the way to LHR, of course requiring 5th freedom rights between AUH and LHR.

No matter what it seems John Borghetti is working very hard to change DJ from inside and out. Maybe DJ would become like AS, ie code share with just about everybody.

 

[Ansettaddict123]

The rumour going around (See Flight Global) was that DJ were looking at leasing A330's off Emirates - these talks may not have come to fruition, but that was the rumour a few months back.

Seems likely, after all, from early 2011 Emirates is phasing out its A332s.

Cannot wait to see these A332s on domestic routes
A very smart choice for expansion if you ask me...

The DJ facebook page is alluding to a surprise to be revealed tomorrow...
seems to me like we could be back here tomorrow discussing a new livery and a product overhaul

 

[samh004]

The DJ facebook page is alluding to a surprise to be revealed tomorrow...
seems to me like we could be back here tomorrow discussing a new livery and a product overhaul

I really hope so, would be a good way to start the day…

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Great news.

Good on Mr John B for really making an effort!

As l have said previously (about 6 months ago), interesting times ahead for DJ! I certainly think that there will be lots more news coming soon.

 

[dajop]

Doesn't look like much in the announcements for MEL (losing HKT & JNB). I guess MEL doesn't need Australian airlines, the foreign carriers seem to do OK.

 

[oz_mark]

The DJ facebook page is alluding to a surprise to be revealed tomorrow...
seems to me like we could be back here tomorrow discussing a new livery and a product overhaul

I would have thought that hints on Facebook would point more to some sort of consumer market promotion. I am not sure the average Facebook punter is going to be interested in a new livery.

I do hope there is a new livery - not sure an all-red A330 would be that pleasant!

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Doesn't look like much in the announcements for MEL (losing HKT & JNB). I guess MEL doesn't need Australian airlines, the foreign carriers seem to do OK.

Indeed! Well, with 5 flights a day out of here to almost everywhere with TG and SQ, Ill probably stick with them too

 

[gilby08]

I think it's time for QF to finally announce some more of JQ's expansion plans to go into eastern europe and the americas. JQ/QF just seem to always take their time with their commercial agreements with no real push to get it out there in the media and market.

I reckon it would be a good time now to announce these new products and possibly overshadow DJ's plans.