New-look Virgin service eyes Qantas

Sir Richard Branson waves a West Australian flag from the cockpit on arrival at Perth Airport after Virgin Australia purchased Perth-based regional airline, Skywest. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

RURAL travellers will benefit from air fares up to 20 per cent cheaper, after Virgin today unveiled its new-look regional carrier.

Virgin Australia Regional Airline, launched today by high-flying founder Richard Branson marks the airline's next strategic move as it now prepares to take on Qantas in regional Australia.

It's the first time the Virgin boss has been to the country since 2011 when he came for the re-branding of Virgin Blue to Virgin Australia.

The purchase of Skywest, a regional airline in WA that has operated for nearly 50 years flying to 16 destinations, is said to firmly cement the airline's footprint in the regional market. It also adds another 32 planes to Virgin's fleet.

Rural customers have long bemoaned the exorbitant amount it cost to travel to major cities, with many routes serviced by only one carrier, either QantasLink or Rex.

Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti and Sir Richard Branson pose with flight crew after launching their expanded regional operations in Australia.Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Virgin Regional, which is being managed by group executive Merren McArthur, has made no secret of its plans to expand its regional network with work already starting on integrating the Skywest business.

Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti described the airline as a momentous day for the Australian travel industry.

"This country has one of the most geographically dispersed populations in the world and reliable, affordable air services are vital to the growth of regional Australia."

"In 2010, we articulated a strategy to become the airline of choir for all travellers in Australia. Since then, we have changed the competitive landscape in many ways and today marks our next major leap forward."

Skywest addied another 32 planes to it's fleet following the Virgin takeover. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The new airline will have over 800 services operating per week to 41 destinations.
 

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New-look Virgin service eyes Qantas

Sir Richard Branson waves a West Australian flag from the cockpit on arrival at Perth Airport after Virgin Australia purchased Perth-based regional airline, Skywest. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

RURAL travellers will benefit from air fares up to 20 per cent cheaper, after Virgin today unveiled its new-look regional carrier.

Virgin Australia Regional Airline, launched today by high-flying founder Richard Branson marks the airline's next strategic move as it now prepares to take on Qantas in regional Australia.

It's the first time the Virgin boss has been to the country since 2011 when he came for the re-branding of Virgin Blue to Virgin Australia.

The purchase of Skywest, a regional airline in WA that has operated for nearly 50 years flying to 16 destinations, is said to firmly cement the airline's footprint in the regional market. It also adds another 32 planes to Virgin's fleet.

Rural customers have long bemoaned the exorbitant amount it cost to travel to major cities, with many routes serviced by only one carrier, either QantasLink or Rex.

Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti and Sir Richard Branson pose with flight crew after launching their expanded regional operations in Australia.Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Virgin Regional, which is being managed by group executive Merren McArthur, has made no secret of its plans to expand its regional network with work already starting on integrating the Skywest business.

Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti described the airline as a momentous day for the Australian travel industry.

"This country has one of the most geographically dispersed populations in the world and reliable, affordable air services are vital to the growth of regional Australia."

"In 2010, we articulated a strategy to become the airline of choir for all travellers in Australia. Since then, we have changed the competitive landscape in many ways and today marks our next major leap forward."

Skywest addied another 32 planes to it's fleet following the Virgin takeover. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The new airline will have over 800 services operating per week to 41 destinations.
 

View the original article here

Virgin unveils new regional airline

Virgin boss Sir Richard branson, seen here with burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, is due to touch down in Perth to take a first-hand look at regional airline Skywest. Picture: AFP

• Virgin will look to expand the regional carrier's business
• Company wants to take on Qantas in regional Australia
• Fresh interiors, new uniforms and planes to be rebadged

HIGH-flying entrepreneur Richard Branson will touch down in Perth to take a first-hand look at his latest purchase WA regional airline Skywest.

It's the first time the Virgin boss has been to the country since 2011 when he came for the re-branding of Virgin Blue to Virgin Australia.

Sir Richard's visit highlights the importance of the Skywest acquisition to Virgin as it prepares to take on Qantas in regional Australia.

Today marks the official unveiling of the company's new-look planes, which are slowly being rebadged with some even getting new interiors, and the fresh uniforms for Skywest staff who have also been immersed in the Virgin "culture".

The purchase of Skywest, a regional airline in WA that has operated for nearly 50 years flying to 16 destinations, is said to firmly cement the airline's footprint in the regional market. It also adds another 32 planes to Virgin's fleet.

Sir Richard Branson shows us how to use the in flight service to better your chances

Sir Richard will be joined by Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti who has previously said the purchase would accelerate the company's expansion in regional markets.

The regional airline, which is being managed by group executive Merren McArthur, has made no secret of its plans to expand its regional network with work already starting on integrating the Skywest business.

Perth-based Ms McArthur previously said the company would leverage off Skywest's strong charter business and expand it across Australia.  

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New Virgin Australia lounge opens

Virgin Australia lounge Canberra Airport. Picture: Supplied

Virgin Australia lounge Canberra Airport. Picture: Supplied

VIRGIN Australia has opened the doors to a new 300-seater airport lounge it says has "transformed the Canberra travel experience".

The 1082 square metre lounge, designed by renowned architect Tim Greer of Tonkin Zulaikha Geer Architects, occupies the west wing of Canberra's domestic terminal.

The snazzy-looking lounge includes fancy Marblo bars, natural stone flooring and leather chairs, the airline said.

There's light refreshments on offer and a menu designed by Australian chef Luke Mangan for passengers to feast on while they soak up sweeping views across the tarmac.

And of course there's the free wi-fi, power PC, printer, newspapers and magazines, and of course a television that will show the latest from Foxtel.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti said the enhancements herald a new standard of travel in the nation’s capital.

"Canberra is an important hub for corporate, government and leisure travellers and we now offer a premium end-to-end travel experience that not only encapsulates Virgin Australia’s distinct look and feel but also our high standard of service," Mr Borghetti said.

"For the first time in over a decade Australians will have a choice when it comes to competition in business class travel in and out of the capital."

There will be more check-in counters, leather seating in departure lounges, additional passenger screening areas and baggage carousels within the new terminal space.

The airline also unveiled enhancements in the air including a new business class section on its refurbished Embraer fleet, which it claims flies between Sydney an Canberra in 23 minutes.

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Branson sorry for Virgin uniform removal

Sir Richard Branson stands outside a hotel in Sydney, Australia, holding a model Virgin Atlantic plane. Picture: Photo/Rob Griffith

RICHARD Branson has apologised to a British Royal Navy helicopter technician who was told she could not board a flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles unless she removed her uniform and changed into a sleep suit instead.

Virgin Atlantic staff and a security official allegedly told Petty Officer Nicky Howse her uniform may offend other passengers.

Mr Branson tweeted: "An airport security guard made a dreadful mistake in telling our staff a service woman could not wear her uniform on our flight.

"Our team made a mistake in following that advice. The @VirginAtlantic people involved are mortified and have apologised profusely."

Officer Howse, 32, was returning home to America after attending her grandfather's funeral in Ipswich.

In an email sent to a civilian friend, revealed by the Daily Mail, Petty Office Howse wrote: "It was horrific. I was made to feel uncomfortable in my own country for wearing the uniform I wear to defend the place. It made me ashamed of my country that a British serviceman can't travel in uniform. I was so distressed."

"I was basically told it was because 'We don't only fly British passengers' and told it was seen as a threat. They then said it was for my own safety to stop abuse."

View the original article here

Branson sorry for Virgin uniform removal

Sir Richard Branson stands outside a hotel in Sydney, Australia, holding a model Virgin Atlantic plane. Picture: Photo/Rob Griffith

RICHARD Branson has apologised to a British Royal Navy helicopter technician who was told she could not board a flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles unless she removed her uniform and changed into a sleep suit instead.

Virgin Atlantic staff and a security official allegedly told Petty Officer Nicky Howse her uniform may offend other passengers.

Mr Branson tweeted: "An airport security guard made a dreadful mistake in telling our staff a service woman could not wear her uniform on our flight.

"Our team made a mistake in following that advice. The @VirginAtlantic people involved are mortified and have apologised profusely."

Officer Howse, 32, was returning home to America after attending her grandfather's funeral in Ipswich.

In an email sent to a civilian friend, revealed by the Daily Mail, Petty Office Howse wrote: "It was horrific. I was made to feel uncomfortable in my own country for wearing the uniform I wear to defend the place. It made me ashamed of my country that a British serviceman can't travel in uniform. I was so distressed."

"I was basically told it was because 'We don't only fly British passengers' and told it was seen as a threat. They then said it was for my own safety to stop abuse."

View the original article here