Virgin Group News
Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand seek alliance
Air New Zealand and Virgin Blue are seeking regulatory approval for an alliance, with the airlines hoping to challeng Qantas as the dominant force in the region. Regulators are expected to take around six months to review the applications prior to authorisation.
Boeing lands biggest order since downturn
Virgin Blue, Australia’s second largest airline, is to embark on a massive spending spree with the purchase of 105 Boeing 737 aircraft. The order represents the largest for Boeing in the past 18 months, as well as the Virgin Blue’s most significant fleet upgrade in its 10-year history.
John Borghetti appointed CEO at Virgin Blue
Former Qantas executive John Borghetti has been appointed chief executive officer at rival Australian airline Virgin Blue. The move has sparked a flurry of activity in the Australian aviation industry, with Colin Storrie also stepping down as finance director at Qantas.
V Australia, Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue sign up to support new Mardi Gras
New Mardi Gras today announced the signing of a new sponsorship agreement making Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Blue Airlines Group official airlines for the Sydney event.
Virgin Blue seeks US$190m to head off record losses
Virgin Blue is looking to raise AU$231 million (US$190 million) in a heavily-discounted share sale after warning today that it was likely to post a full-year loss. Australia’s second-largest airline said the funds would help boost its coffers after this year suffering the worst operating environment in its 10-year history.
Singapore Airlines launch first A380 from Singapore to Hong Kong
Delta Air Lines and Virgin Blu are planning a joint venture in a bid to expand the reach of both carriers between the US, Australia and the South Pacific.
Virgin Blue and Delta plot transpacific alliance
Delta Air Lines and Virgin Blu are planning a joint venture in a bid to expand the reach of both carriers between the US, Australia and the South Pacific.The airlines announced they are seeking regulatory approval for the alliance, and antitrust immunity in the meantime to implement code sharing, frequent-flyer programme reciprocity and lounge exchange rights.
Virgin and V Australia announce Frequent Flyer Partnership
Virgin Atlantic and V Australia have joined forces in a new loyalty programme agreement which allows travellers to earn miles when flying on the networks of both airlines.
Virgin chiefs receive 40% pay rise, despite job cuts
Virgin Atlantic has sparked outrage after awarding senior managers a 40 percent pay rise, despite announcing 600 possible job cuts on Wednesday due to week demand.Staff have accused chief executive, Steve Ridgway, of a lack of moral leadership after his salary rose from £500,000 to £700,000. Meanwhile the combined pay of the top three directors rose from £1.4 million to £2 million, according to company accounts.
Job under threat as Virgin cuts flights
Up to 600 jobs are under threat at Virgin Atlantic after the carrier announced it was cutting back on its winter services. The airline is reducing the number of flights by seven percent compared to last year in response to falling sales. These include cutting its Heathrow-Chicago daily service, and reducing its service between Heathrow and Hong Kong from two to one per day.
Virgin order 10 Airbus A330s worth $2.1bn
Virgin Atlantic, has announced a $36;2.1billion order for 10 new Airbus A330-300 aircraft which will be delivered from early 2011. Five of the aircraft will arrive in 2011 and five in 2012.
Virgin Blue adds new domestic service
Virgin Blue has launched daily flights between Perth and Darwin in Australia. Perth Airport CEO Brad Geatches said Virgin Blue’s decision to fly to the Northern Territory brings more competition to the route and more choice for Western Australian travellers.