Virgin Blue - Full Year Results

[Andrew M]

Yeh no doubt they do but the only facts we know for now is that they are getting a massive 2 x A330's which may or may not be leased.

No news to further aircraft
No news of using 787's for domestic

If they think an A330's are going to be better than a 787.......

Not turning this into an Airbus vs Boeing war, but using an old design plane vs a 787 is enough.

We can only hope the A330's are a temporary measure until they get 787's!

[Damian N]

Phttt!!! I had this idea years ago!

[Ryan K]

I think that colour scheme looks great on the A330. They should drop the ".com.au" though. I think by now people know how to get to their website.

[Chris W]

From Travel Today;
http://www.travelweekly.com.au/dirpl...27_08_2010.pdf

330s for DJ will be leased from Emirates.

[Andrew M]

So 2 "old" Emirates A330's

Not exactly ground breaking

Sorry, just VERY underwhelmed by this!

[Nadia B-J]

Hi Andrew,

I feel the same, very underwhelmed.

[Ash W]

What were you underwhelmed people expecting? A complete fleet renewal and dancing girls?

In context though this is probably one of the most important annoucements by Virgin Blue ever as it clearly signals their intention to move away from their orginal forumla and in doing so moving in on Qantas's currently exclusive premium market. No doubt over time you will see some more exciting fleet annoucements and product changes, but you need to give it time.

[lloyd fox]

I just received a email from a aviation ctc who states today's Australian Financial Review states 5 more expected as well a total of 7.

[Nadia B-J]

Hi Ash,

Hooking up with EY & VA flying to AUH 3 x weekly, isn't that shipping coal to Newcastle so to speak?

Also, going A330 instead of 763 = mixing fleet commonality up/purchasing power is mixed over other suppliers, more training etc...
I understand A330's take longer to turn around on the ground than 763's??

Anyway, I am biased towards Boeing product, so would you expect

However, I agree holistically about competing head to head with QF on the exclusive premium market & fully support this move.

Yes, time will tell how it all pans out.

I am fully in support of transformation and very a loyal Virgin customer

Gotta love this forum, it's a great place to debate & exchange ideas.

Cheers.

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Nadia B-J

Hi Ash,

Also, going A330 instead of 763 = mixing fleet commonality up/purchasing power is mixed over other suppliers, more training etc...
I understand A330's take longer to turn around on the ground than 763's??

A330 or 767 makes no difference as there is no comminality between the 767 and any aircraft in the current Virgin Blue/V Aust fleet. As for turn around times, they like Qantas plan to use them on longer routes so it really isn't an issue if it takes 15 minutes more to turn after a 4+ hour flight to/from Perth.

Also you need to stop and think for a second what aircraft are available and on what terms they can be obtained/leased. Clearly these 7 (2 have been annouced and 7 are reported to be coming) A330's are available now and on good terms.

As for the whole annoucement as I said the real news item is the clear signal that they are going to take on Qantas's strangle hold on the premium end of the domestic market.