Virgin Blue - Full Year Results

[Dave Dale]

Could the E190's suffer the same decision as the E170's and have an all Boeing narrow body fleet in the future?

Dave

[Oliver Gigacz]

I think Virgin will keep the E190s for a few more years.

But I do think it is a big mistake choosing the A330.

[Andrew M]

2 x A330's is not really going to help much!

http://www.virginblue.com.au/AboutUs...s/P_013367.htm

“The first A330-200s will operate services between Perth and the east coast of Australia enabling Virgin Blue to grow available capacity, especially at peak times, extending the airline’s appeal to business travellers,” he said.

Mr Borghetti said the wide body services would provide Guests with an enhanced in-flight experience and a convenient schedule, connecting seamlessly with the Group’s other domestic and international services.

“The Airbus A330-200 will truly be a game changer. This aircraft type is perfect for growing our fleet and network capabilities,” he added.

Three things:

1. The first A330's.... That indicates to me that more will follow down the track.

2. I wouldn't say the A330 is a game changer... It's not an A380 nor a B787, but I guess it's better than being stuck in the B737's.

3. How does an A330 give a more convenient schedule than an B737..

Okay - So 2 flights per day in each direction from say Melbourne and Sydney to Perth will be on the A330. Not really that good when there are another 3 flights per day that will be on the B737.

While these steps are a small step in the right direction, I feel that DJ has really lost the plot since the introduction of V Australia.

What the future holds I am not really sure to be honest anymore

[Damian N]

Originally Posted by Mick F

Does anyone else see some similarities between where Virgin is going (737, E190, 777, A330), and where Ansett was just before they folded (multiple different types)?

......apart from operating more than one type I can't see many similarities at all. Most airlines around the world operate more than one type.

In the final years of Ansett there was a 'Noah's Ark' of aircraft....

F-28s, F-50s, BAe-146s in -200; -300 and freighters;
Metros, SAABs, CRJs and Twin Otters in regional flying;
737, 747, A320, 767-200 and -300s;

So VBA would need to add a few more types yet to match Ansett's zoo of fleet types with all it's inherant costs.

[Michael Morrison]

Originally Posted by Andrew M

2 x A330's is not really going to help much!

2 is not all they will get.... there will be more in line further down the track and I would expect these to start thinner asian routes that dont need a 77W like HKG etc

Personally I think the 330 will be a good addition to the DJ fleet.

Originally Posted by Mick F

Does anyone else see some similarities between where Virgin is going (737, E190, 777, A330), and where Ansett was just before they folded (multiple different types)?

Mick

Not really....

Ansett had alot of similar frames meeting the same missions

737 &A320
BAE and F28 etc
3 man 767 copckpits...

QF operate more than 4 types... A380/747/767/A330/737NG/737Classic/717/Dash8 etc and they seem to be able to make it work.

Ansett also had a ridiculous cost base.....

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Garry Emanuel

Short-lived tie-up between QF and Etihad. Wonder how QF will fill that void - Qatar Airways ?

Why do they need to? Most of the traffic through the gulf is transit anyway.

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Mick F

Does anyone else see some similarities between where Virgin is going (737, E190, 777, A330), and where Ansett was just before they folded (multiple different types)?

Mick

There is no issue having multiple types so long as they are appropriately used.

There is an issue in having a fleet that was purchased at the whim of a flamboyant individual without any real idea of how and where they are to be used. Made worse by the simple fact that when this fleet needed to be replaced said airline was owned by someone else who had no or little intention of putting in the money to upgrade the fleet so he sold it, to an airline who also didn't have the money required.

[Dale C]

Does anyone know if these 2 are ex EK? I assume these are leased(5 yrs?). The initial requirement was supposedly 6 WBs, with availability from Feb 2011. I assume another few 330s will eventually be ordered/leased.
Where does this leave a potential 787 order?
Lots of questions, but I'm a bit underwhelmed with the announcement yesterday.

Dale.

[Andrew M]

Indeed - 2 x A330's doesn't really change much does it!

There was no mention in the ASX or media release if they are new or leased and when/if any more than 2 will be used.

This afternoon Virgin Blue are making their other big announcements, which should be business class etc etc

[Paul f.]

I think VB have more plans for the A330,s than just PER-east coast, i believe V Aus should have got A330-200,s rather than the 777-300.

Originally Posted by Andrew M

2 x A330's is not really going to help much!

.

3. How does an A330 give a more convenient schedule than an B737..

Okay - So 2 flights per day in each direction from say Melbourne and Sydney to Perth will be on the A330. Not really that good when there are another 3 flights per day that will be on the B737.

While these steps are a small step in the right direction, I feel that DJ has really lost the plot since the introduction of V Australia.

What the future holds I am not really sure to be honest anymore