Post by corsair67 on Jul 26, 2007 10:59:35 GMT 12
I'm a day behind the news - but better late than never! 
From The Australian.
Virgin unveils long haul carrier
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer | July 25, 2007
TOURISM authorities have welcomed the unveiling of Virgin Blue's new V. Australia international carrier as a much needed boost on the Pacific Route.
Virgin's long haul carrier will add to already tough competition on the US route.
The airline announced the new name this morning and unveiled a prototype of its livery, which includes a red tail with the Southern Cross on it.
V. Australia is seeking permission to operate 10 services a week from late next year across the Pacific using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and expects to account for about 12 per cent of the market. It already has permission to start the services from Australia’s International Air Services Commission but also needs approval from US authorities.
Some 456,000 Americans visited Australia in 2006 and the market, which is dominated by Qantas and United Airlines, is worth about $2 billion.
But tourism operators have complained that tight availability of seats on the route mean potential business is being turned away.
"V Australia will deliver a shot in the arm to aviation capacity across the Pacific route,’’ Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said today.
‘’Far too many Americans have missed out on a holiday to Australia due to a lack of capacity on the Pacific Route. These extra seats will be quickly filled by Americans looking for a great Australian holiday following successful initiatives such as G'Day USA and our 'So Where the Bloody Hell Are You?' tourism campaign.’’
Tourism lobby group TTF Australia said V. Australia would bring more tourists and result in more jobs for Australians.
”The entry of V. Australia on to the highly competitive US route, puts Australia in an even better position to lure Americans to Australia, with more flight choice and improved access to get here and road test our compelling tourism experiences,’’ TTF chief
From The Australian.
Virgin unveils long haul carrier
Steve Creedy, Aviation writer | July 25, 2007
TOURISM authorities have welcomed the unveiling of Virgin Blue's new V. Australia international carrier as a much needed boost on the Pacific Route.
Virgin's long haul carrier will add to already tough competition on the US route.
The airline announced the new name this morning and unveiled a prototype of its livery, which includes a red tail with the Southern Cross on it.
V. Australia is seeking permission to operate 10 services a week from late next year across the Pacific using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and expects to account for about 12 per cent of the market. It already has permission to start the services from Australia’s International Air Services Commission but also needs approval from US authorities.
Some 456,000 Americans visited Australia in 2006 and the market, which is dominated by Qantas and United Airlines, is worth about $2 billion.
But tourism operators have complained that tight availability of seats on the route mean potential business is being turned away.
"V Australia will deliver a shot in the arm to aviation capacity across the Pacific route,’’ Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said today.
‘’Far too many Americans have missed out on a holiday to Australia due to a lack of capacity on the Pacific Route. These extra seats will be quickly filled by Americans looking for a great Australian holiday following successful initiatives such as G'Day USA and our 'So Where the Bloody Hell Are You?' tourism campaign.’’
Tourism lobby group TTF Australia said V. Australia would bring more tourists and result in more jobs for Australians.
”The entry of V. Australia on to the highly competitive US route, puts Australia in an even better position to lure Americans to Australia, with more flight choice and improved access to get here and road test our compelling tourism experiences,’’ TTF chief
