MEDIA RELEASE PR37315
Ho Ho Ho! It's Off to Melbourne We Go!
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 27/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
V Australia Launches Third Aussie Destination From LA!
New Direct Flight to Melbourne, Victoria
V Australia will this weekend launch its third route from the USA to Australia with the beginning of new non-
stop services to Melbourne, Australia from Sunday 29 November. The new service follows hot on the heels of
the introduction of direct flights from Los Angeles to Sydney and Brisbane which began earlier this year.
The Sir Richard Branson-backed airline has been heralded for lowering fares on the previously highly
expensive trans-Pacific route and offering US based travelers an affordable and convenient flying option to
Australia, with many taking the opportunity to head down under and explore Australia for the first time.
V Australia has also prompted thousands of Australian's to venture to the USA for a holiday, providing an
economic stimulus at a critical time.
Virgin Blue Group, Chief Executive, Mr. Brett Godfrey, said, "We are especially pleased to be launching a
third direct service from Los Angeles to Australia to compliment our existing services. We've had some strong
lobbying from both the leisure and corporate markets here in the US to offer a non-stop service to Melbourne
so we are taking on board that message and launching a twice weekly flight to begin with to identify how
strong the demand will be."
He continued, "We recognize we launched V Australia during a very challenging period and despite the
timing, we have been buoyed by the excellent and growing support we have received, in particular from the
Entertainment and corporate sectors in the US."
The three-class V Australia product has been tailored to suit the needs and budgets of all travelers, from the
family travelling on a modest holiday budget to the top tier business flyer requiring a good night's sleep and a
refreshed arrival.
V Australia has already been recognized as having the best Business Class as well as the best in-flight
entertainment.
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "While V Australia is less than 12 months old, it has already
been recognized globally for its award winning service, friendly crew, exceptional and unique product offering
and has been credited for bringing down fares, in particular on the trans-Pacific route. We are especially proud
of the difference it has made to travel in one of the most turbulent times in aviation".
After only seven months in the air, V Australia's stellar in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and Business
Class product were voted BEST in their categories in two separate consumer driven awards surveys.
V Australia took out BEST OVERALL in the small airlines category from a line-up of 38 commercial airlines
from around the globe at the 21st Annual World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) Avion Awards in
Palm Springs California. The WAEA awards honor excellence in in-flight entertainment with categories voted
on by 60,000 travelers from around the world. Winners are ranked highest by airline passengers in opinion
polls administered online in 11 languages by Skytrax over a two month period. The airline was also awarded
"Best Business Class" in the e-Travel Blackboard 2009 Readers Choice Awards.
Brett Godfrey added, "As part of the Virgin brand, exceptional service and affordability is somewhat of a
mantra to our team and we remain committed to the US market, committed to making trans-Pacific travel more
comfortable and competitive and committed to ensuring we have the best team and product on the ground and
in the sky."
To celebrate the new route, V Australia has announced a $948* return "High Tail It To Hollywood" launch
fare on sale from now until midnight 1 December 2009, for travel on direct flights between Melbourne and Los
Angeles from 16 December 2009 - 30 April 2010.
Lead-in fares start from $1160* return on the net for International Economy, $3772* for Premium Economy
and $4389^ for all the bells and whistles in V Australia's award-winning International Business Class Cabin.
All fares are fully inclusive of taxes and surcharges with the direct flights departing Los Angeles to Melbourne
every Tuesday and Sunday.
* All fares are for flights booked on the internet or $50 more when booked by phone. Fares are inclusive of
all fees and surcharges but exclusive of taxes. Flights are subject to availability and may not be available on
all flights or peak times. A credit card surcharge of an additional $15 per person per booking is applicable.
^ Fare is a 50 day advance purchase fare and for flights departing Monday-Thursday only
About V Australia and Virgin Blue:
V Australia www.vaustralia.com.au is a three class boutique style airline offering the acclaimed service for
which the Virgin Blue Group is renowned and a unique Australian style. The airline has two in-flight bars,
mood lighting including twilight and sunset, bathrooms with piped music including a "ladies only" bathroom and
other touches of Australiana from salt and pepper shakers to hidden wallpaper murals. V Australia is a part of
the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines. The Australian-based airline group also includes Virgin Blue, second largest
NG's, Boeing 777 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 28 Australian and 13 international destinations in the
South Pacific and Southeast Asia.
For further information:
Amanda Bolger - Manager Public and Media Relations Virgin Blue Group.
Tel: +61 7 3295 3115
E: amanda.bolger@virginblue.com.au
SOURCE: V Australia
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