V Australia

[Debra Rettie]

Hi,

I've noticed that the V Australia website is indicate that flights will start in December 08 "Subject to Regulatory Approval". Have they been granted that yet.

We were going to book them to fly to the States back in April of this year but changed our minds and decided to book with Hawaiian Air.

[Radi K]

In short no.

Approval won't happen until the plane is in Oz (mid Nov) and a number of checks by CASA have been done prior to Dec 15.

[Marty H]

Originally Posted by Radi K

In short no.

Approval won't happen until the plane is in Oz (mid Nov) and a number of checks by CASA have been done prior to Dec 15.

Boeing machinists strike effecting delivery radi???

[Radi K]

Marty,

All that can really be said at this stage is that there are numerous things placing some stress on the delivery of the first 777. How serious these issues escalate too I'd rather not speculate as it's simply still too early to say.

[Shameel Kumar]

Originally Posted by Marty H

Boeing machinists strike effecting delivery radi???

It's actually not the machinist strike which has lead to a good number of 777s sitting idle on the ramp at PAE. It has more to do with a delay in the supply of cabin furnishments.

As Radi said, seems like a early-mid November delivery.


As for your question Debra, I wouldn't worry too much about VA getting their regulatory approval. I've booked a return flight with them within their first week of planned operation, so I'm confident that VA will get off the ground as planned.
But then again, there's nothing wrong with having a stop-over in Honolulu. A very nice way to break-up the long flight to the States!
Only downside is VA's inflight service and amenities look like they'll be better than HA's. Nonetheless, as I said, the stop in HNL makes up for that.

[Malcolm Parker]

Just announced the launch for them has been delayed until 28 FEB as per recent release.

V Australia delayed by Boeing strike

Virgin Blue has just announced that ongoing strike action at Boeing's Seattle plant will delay the launch of its long-haul international airline V Australia.

V Australia was meant to launch on 15 Dec, but has now issued a revised launch date of 28 Feb.

Alternative travel arrangements will be offered to all guests booked for travel in the Christmas/New Year period.

Full details in tomorrow's Travel Daily.

[Brian Wilkes]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm 787 has been pushed back to a 2020 launch now

[Rhys Xanthis]

This is something VAustralia do not need, if its true. One would've thought getting into the market ASAP is top priority.

[Michael Morrison]

Wow - 2 months delay - I wonder if Beoing will have to fork out any lost $$$$$

[Lukas M]

From the email..

In the first instance, from today we have commenced contacting all Guests booked in the period 15 December 2008 to 16 January 2009 to offer the following alternative arrangements:

1. If you wish to rebook on V Australia for flights that depart on or after 1 March 2009, we would be delighted to reaccommodate you at no additional cost. As a goodwill gesture we would also provide you with a $200 voucher for travel on Virgin Blue's Australian network;
2. If you prefer, we can provide you with a full refund; or
3. We will do our very best to secure an alternative flight on another airline, arranged at our expense."

Number 3 is attractive, here we come A380!