Virgin Blue ditches NZ Domestic Services & VA Changes

[Dale C]

Hi Lloyd,

any idea which way VA/DJ are leaning re 763/330? I understand some new build 763s may be available by Feb 2011, but 330s will have to be leased, and ex EK 332s look to be 1 likely source.
Are they looking at these planes predominately for domestic or regional expansion? If regional, then the 330 would be the more likely choice IMO, but if their main use will be to up capacity on domestic trunk sectors, then I think the 763s could be favourite.
I have also actually heard that 333s could also be considered. From where, I don't know?

Dale.

[lloyd fox]

To be honest i dont know Dale, however JB did work with QF and there were problems turning 332's around quickly at domestic terminals-he would be aware of that .Secondly,i read on another site that he just made a brief trip to the States the week before last, so mayby new 763's .Time will tell i guess.

I believe both domestically and regionally, and yes 330's would be better suited to Asia.

[Jarden S]

Virgin Blue are increasing Perth to Phuket from 2 per week to 3 per week and MEL-DPS goes up to daily.

http://www.travelweekly.com.au/dirpl...16_08_2010.pdf

[Dale C]

Of course DJ have an easy answer if they want to incrementally increase aircraft size on trunk domestic routes................they can order some 739ERs.
These can be converted from existing 738 orders and may be the simplest approach to increasing capacity. Obviously, regional flying would require a plane with significantly more range. I wonder if DJ will enlighten us next week when they celebrate their 10th anniversary?

Dale.

[Andrew M]

Originally Posted by Jarden S

Yes it seems a waste to leave the 777 at LAX from 0800 to 2120 every day of the week.

Yet Qantas do this (well very similar hours) every single day with several 747's!

[Skip Fulton]

Yes, LAX is a key B747 maintenance base for QF, and the primary maintenance base for VA.