Virgin Blue embarks on brand overhaul

[oz_mark]

Agreed, although they could have revealed a little more around planned enhancements to the domestic product, rather than just saying calling it a "new product", and maybe a little more to the revamping of Velocity.

Perhaps people at the presentation will get a bit more detail on that.

 

[moa999]

Three pics of the A330 seats.
Green fabric, around a shiny white shell
IFE in seat back

Recline looks to be about 45 degrees
seat pitch huge - maybe 60"

Definitely an improvement on the QF J product, and not surprising they are pushing skybed equipped 747 on route

--

Like the new direct lounge access from the roadway at SYD, but what about if its raining.

 

[oz_mark]

Lounge in Cooloongatta on the way too.

 

[TheInsider]

Lounge in Cooloongatta on the way too.

Most likely will be where JQ's lounge is.

Also not to fond of the new uniform. Looks very 'english' and for the female pilot looks very skimpy with the top button undone and that scarfe.

 

[antycbr]

People are definitely expecting too much today but there were lots of positives:

- Lounge in OOL (plus two more before end 11)
- SYD kerbside
- ATRs (have mixed feelings but when you see the comparison with the E170s you can see why)
- Uniform
- J seats

Also, announcing new names for the group and other big changes would get lost in the news coming from CHC today.

 

[Virgin Australia]

From this mornings ASX release:

“A major part of our Game Change Program is the product enhancements that we are driving in the air and on the ground. I’m pleased to report that these changes are on track, with full implementation by the end of the year.
“From May, you will see our first two new Airbus 330 aircraft providing a double daily business class and superior economy class service between Sydney and Perth. Transcontinental travellers can look forward to high comfort seating, ultra modern interior, seatback entertainment screens, a very high quality food range and convenient schedules. With our competitive pricing strategy, we believe this will be a compelling proposition for corporate travellers, whether they travel in business or economy class.
“Today I can also reveal that we will be launching a direct lounge entry and car valet for premium passengers at Sydney domestic airport, providing the only direct premium lounge access and kerbside valet in the market.
“We’re also well advanced with our rebranding which will represent the new direction in which the Virgin Blue Group is headed. One element of this, the stylish new uniforms for Virgin Blue ground, flight and cabin crew created by Australian designer and winner of Project Runway Julie Grbec, was revealed this morning,” Mr. Borghetti said

Lots of interesting things regarding brand & product, but at the same time lots held back - Who thought that we would give you the entire cake up front!!!

 

[oz_mark]

Can I ask a clarifying question:

Airbus 330 aircraft providing a double daily business class

Is that there will be two flights a day total (not much utilisation there), or two flights a day for each aircraft?

 

[samh004]

Most likely will be where JQ's lounge is.

Also not to fond of the new uniform. Looks very 'english' and for the female pilot looks very skimpy with the top button undone and that scarfe.

Did I miss something about JQ's sole lounge closing?

I had a screen grab of page 25 by the looks of things. Looking forward to phase 2, but will likely be a Silver member before anything substantial happens.

 

[TheInsider]

Did I miss something about JQ's sole lounge closing?

Possibly relocationg, just a rumour though.

 

[TheInsider]

More of the uniform pics here:
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/w...011/02/VB Uniforms-7-thumb-560x819-116747.jpg

Can't say i really like the cabin crew uniform. Probably a bit bright and needs something dark on there?

 

[concorde71]

So, whats the change for the customer??? We knew we were getting A330s for Syd-Per, we knew they had to add lounges, we knew they were getting new uniforms. No info at all on new product. Oh well, at least the FA's will still be easy on they eye in those new uniforms, I guess thats enough reason to fly DJ

 

[antycbr]

So, whats the change for the customer??? We knew we were getting A330s for Syd-Per, we knew they had to add lounges, we knew they were getting new uniforms. No info at all on new product. Oh well, at least the FA's will still be easy on they eye in those new uniforms, I guess thats enough reason to fly DJ

We knew - but we aren't the general public but people with a passion for travel and aviation. This will be picked up and pushed throughout the travel trade media. And confirming OOL lounge is definitely a change for the customer of the 20+ daily flights through that port.

 

[scibo10]

Great news regarding OOL lounge!!

Wonder what QF's reaction will be. It is hard to imagine that QF will not return to OOL soon. I'm a bit confused where the OOL lounge will go. There doesn't appear to be much free space at OOL airport. With upgraded DJ lounges underway, QF may have to rebrand the JQ lounge back into a Qantas Club.

 

[oz_mark]

With upgraded DJ lounges underway, QF may have to rebrand the JQ lounge back into a Qantas Club.

That would only make sense if QF were going to fly there, and not sure if they intend to do that.

 

[Major]

Lounge in Cooloongatta on the way too.

About bloody time

 

[Virgin Australia]

We knew - but we aren't the general public but people with a passion for travel and aviation.

Yes you lot are special, and that is well known in our company

 

[antycbr]

Great news regarding OOL lounge!!

Wonder what QF's reaction will be. It is hard to imagine that QF will not return to OOL soon. I'm a bit confused where the OOL lounge will go. There doesn't appear to be much free space at OOL airport. With upgraded DJ lounges underway, QF may have to rebrand the JQ lounge back into a Qantas Club.

Second that in terms of no free space at OOL. The Terminal Map (PDF) leaves me to wonder where it will be, there's no logical place to build an extension off to accommodate the lounge airside, as you're constrained at one end by the International zone and the other by baggage arrival facilities. The only potential is to change the layout of the baggage area so it's serviced from the side and realign departure gates 1 and 2, or reclaim some of the baggage servicing area itself.

Combined with an upgrade of CBR-OOL services to larger aircraft (737-700s 4x a week) I'm quite happy!

 

[samh004]

Can I ask a clarifying question:

Is that there will be two flights a day total (not much utilisation there), or two flights a day for each aircraft?

Their website, partway down on the right states:

Sydney to Perth, a three times daily service, starting May!

 

[MissBurrill]

I'm wondering what people think of the lack of pockets on the female cabin crew uniform. They have to wear a pouch on their belt.

 

[oz_mark]

Their website, partway down on the right states:

Sydney to Perth, a three times daily service, starting May!

I subsequently found that, but it is hardly consistent with the statement 'double daily business class'