Virgin Blue Eyeing B767s or ex-Emirates A330s

[Jayden Laing]

JB mentioned in one of his roadshows that he staged when getting to know everyone in the DJ that the E170 jets are useless, even on the SYD-CBR route & the E190, well they aren't much better but they could work on the thinner routes like HBA.
The E170's are just full of glitches & problems for example the other night at work, one of the E170's had to do a double engine start at the boarding gate just to fix a minor glitch in its electronic system.

[Michael Morrison]

Originally Posted by Jayden Laing

the E170 jets are useless,

Better not tell other carriers who seem to be able to make them work. FLYBE have just ordered 35 of the buggers!

[Skip Fulton]

I think the issue is more about matching aircraft capability with the type of flying you are doing.

Eg: using a B777 to do SYD-NAN-SYD isn't the best option. Similar using the E170/E190 for sectors under 1 hour isn't the best option either.

[Dave Dale]

Hi all

Reading an article from Aviation Week today, it claims that Virgin Blue is going to lease and purchase A330's for its expansion (personally looking forward to some new B767's in our skies).

Source: http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener...siness%20Class

[Sarah C]

Breaking News from Travel Daily:

V Australia to operate to Abu Dhabi - but out of Africa and Thailand

Virgin Blue has just announced a $21.3 million net profit for the year to 30 Jun, as well as revealing a "major new partnership" with Etihad Airways.

The deal will enable V Australia to launch non-stop services to Abu Dhabi in 2011, with the two airlines set to offer a joint network of more than 100 destinations from 01 Oct.

V Australia will operate three weekly Sydney-Abu DHabi services per week from Feb 2011, as well as three Brisbane-Abu Dhabi flights by February 2012, while the agreement will also see DJ customers able to access the EY network of 65 destinations.

Reciprocally, all Virgin Blue services will available to Etihad customers, with the agreement also integrating the Etihad Guest and Velocity frequent flyer programs.

Virgin Blue ceo John Borghetti said the alliance would allow the carrier to redefine its long haul operation and unlock a "genuine global network.

"This is a real game changer and positions us as a truly global player," he said.

Borghetti also announced the second phase of the Virgin Blue network review, which will see Virgin Blue add two wide-body A330-200 aircraft to its domestic fleet to provide "additional flexibility, capacity and product opportunities to better penetrate both the leisure, corporate and government markets".

V Australia will also suspend its flights to South Africa and Phuket, in addition to the previously announced withdrawal of its Fiji services. The Johannesburg and Phuket services will cease operation in Feb 2011, Borghetti said.

[Andrew M]

Yes I have heard A330's as well

[Andrew M]

HA - Yes it's official now

Two Airbus A330-200 aircraft in May 2011

[Bernie P]

AND please, DONT be all red!!!!!

[Kent Broadhead]

My reading is that the A330s will be for a Perth shuttle from the east coast?