What chance of getting VA back to LAX from MEL

[Scrimo]

Hi there,

I recently made the change from QF to VA/SQ. Extremely happy with my decision, however would be nice to get that 777 back from MEL to LAX at least 3 times per week.

Not sure how bad the loads were when it was flying but with QF having a daily A380 + 747-400 3 times a week and United with a daily 787 service, surely there are plenty of VA customers who would make use of this?

 

[Edge]

I agree. Strange there's no VA flights direct from MEL-LAX.

 

[ric_melb]

Given that Virgin axed the MEL/LAX services only a little over a year ago based on "extensive market analysis", and choose to fly to LAX from Brisbane and Sydney, I would think little chance of re establishing the MEL/LAX route. Lack of a crew base in Melbourne, also influenced the decision.

 

[docjames]

Wont happen with existing 777 fleet.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I thought it had something to do with a lack of 777s.

Agree with you though – I would love to see it back in MEL.

 

[777]

My best guess is that it has to wait for new wide bodies which won't happen soon OR i wouldn't be completely surprised if Delta picks it up at some point as part of the joint venture. Wouldn't hold your breath.

777.

 

[drewbles]

VA had no long haul crew based in MEL and apparently this was a driving factor for them cancelling MEL-LAX services.

It certainly wasn't load factors. Every time I flew them, Y and W were full (not sure about J, was usually in W).

The transit via BNE or SYD is a dealbreaker for me after my past few trips and problems with missed connections. I'm back to QF for my US traffic.

 

[rtyuiop]

Yeah - my guess is they tried starting up BNE and MEL at the same time, hoping they would be able to expand their long haul fleet before too long, and run daily services from both. They seem to have decided against that, so opted to try to compete more effectively in one market instead of having a half-hearted attempt at two.

 

[razors_girl23]

I flew in J on VA from LAX-SYD recently and was sat next to one of the higher ups in Tiger. He said the decision was based on the number of 777's available in the fleet.