iscover
International news agency Reuters cited unnamed industry sources claiming that the Flying Kangaroo will purchase an as-yet-unspecified number of 787-10s, which would complement its existing fleet of 14 787-9s, and that the order could be announced as early as this month.
Under the scheme, Gold or higher status members of “other Australian airline loyalty programs” can apply for a fast-tracked “Discover Gold” trial Velocity membership, giving them three months of access to perks including lounges, priority boarding, preferential seating and extra baggage.
According to Virgin CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, international airfares are currently 50 per cent higher than they were pre-pandemic, and increasing aviation capacity between Australia and other key regions will help bring down cost of living pressures.
The airline dropped below even long-time worst performer Jetstar, with 58.9 per cent on-time departures and 59.2 per cent on-time arrivals, compared to Jetstar’s 66.3 per cent and 68.1 per cent respectively. Of Virgin’s flights, 5.3 per cent were cancelled, compared to Jetstar’s 3.3 per cent.
Speaking to a Senate inquiry in Adelaide on Monday, Christian Bennett, Virgin’s head of sustainability and corporate affairs, said the decision by Transport Minister Catherine King not to grant Qatar more direct flights is boosting the Flying Kangaroo at Virgin’s expense.
The Flying Kangaroo will use larger aircraft on several routes, including its three new 787 Dreamliners and its returned A380s, as well as increasing frequency on other routes. The carrier is currently at around 80 per cent of its pre-pandemic international traffic.
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